Air carrier reporting punctuality assessment : accounting and report directive : [1998

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1998-05-26

This report contains eight tables showing the timeliness factor for each air carrier's recurrent reporting. An average of days late per report is computed for all reports required to be filed during the specific six-month period. The computation cons...

Life Cycle Assessment of Diesel and Electric Public Transportation Buses

EPA Science Inventory

The Clean Air Act identifies diesel powered motor vehicles, including transit buses, as significant sources of several criteria pollutants which contribute to ground level ozone formation or smog. The effects of air pollution in urban areas are often more significant due to con...

76 FR 70423 - Procurement List Proposed Additions

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-11-14

..., Joint Base Andrews Naval Air Facility Washington, 1500 West Perimeter Road, Suite 2780, Joint Base Andrews, MD. NPA: Blind Industries & Services of Maryland, Baltimore, MD, Contracting Activity: Dept of the Air Force, FA2860 11 Cons Lgc, Andrews AFB, MD. Patricia Briscoe, Deputy Director, Business...

The Certification Program, Training, and Competencies--An Examination of the Air Force Contracting Work Force’s Response to the Sufficiency of Professional Training

DTIC Science & Technology

1994-09-01

Training Education I 1 year Contracting Fundamentals De-rce or Contract Pricing 24 hours of business II 2 years Government Contract Law Same as Level I...Contract Pricing I CON 201 Government Contract Law Il CON 221 Intermediate Contract Administration II CON 222 Operational Level Contract II Administration...4-13 Table 4-13. Top Five Courses Perceived as Most AdL.4uate Ranking* I Certification Training Course Title 1 Government Contract Law 2 MDAC - Basic

Monitoreo del Aire en Puerto Rico a través de la Ciencia Ciudadana

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

Comunidad de Tallaboa/Encarnación en Peñuelas, Puerto Rico es un ejemplo de una comunidad comprometida con mejorar la calidad de aire para sus residentes que han sufrido el impacto acumulativo de la contaminacion en su localidad.

Hypervelocity Air Flows With Finite Rate Chemistry

DTIC Science & Technology

1994-07-01

run over a range of freestream con- ditions in both air and nitrogen to obtain conditions to examine flows from frozen to fully equilibrium gas flow ... chemistry . Currently, electron-beam equipment and instrumentation are being prepared at USC, Imperial College, and CUBRC for these studies. Also, instru

Air Force Officer Specialty Structure. Reviewing the Fundamentals

DTIC Science & Technology

2009-01-01

Corporation, is the U.S. Air Force’s federally funded research and development center for studies and analyses. PAF pro - vides the Air Force with...Shirlene LeBleu for sharing their database and insights about job con - tent and specialty analyses. At the Air Force Manpower Agency, we thank Col...processes. Also, we thank Maj Ernest Wearren (AF/ A1MZ) and Gary Stockinger (AF/A1MX) for sharing their knowledge of the Manpower Pro - gramming Execution

Obstacles to the Termination of Air Force Activities.

DTIC Science & Technology

1986-04-01

sugsts how. it the Air Force leadership con- eludes that termination is necessary the Air Force can surmount the obstacles.’ The stud v was cMIduct ed...the Air Force leadership concludes that the termination of a major activity is a promising or necessary management option, the report suggests that it...complicated inter- nal political process; it takes time to work out. The top leadership should begin the process of corporate strategy building and priority

Understanding the Relationships between Air Pollution Levels and Human Health Outcomes

EPA Science Inventory

As mandated by the CAA, EPA established National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) for criteria pollutants and conducts periodic review of the NAAQS to assess if they need to be revised. The CAA then provides for implementation of the NAAQS based on a combination of local con...

Influence of Boundary Conditions on Regional Air Quality Simulations—Analysis of AQMEII Phase 3 Results

EPA Science Inventory

Chemical boundary conditions are a key input to regional-scale photochemical models. In this study, performed during the third phase of the Air Quality Model Evaluation International Initiative (AQMEII3), we perform annual simulations over North America with chemical boundary con...

Effects of simulated domestic and international air travel on sleep, performance, and recovery for team sports.

PubMed

Fowler, P; Duffield, R; Vaile, J

2015-06-01

The present study examined effects of simulated air travel on physical performance. In a randomized crossover design, 10 physically active males completed a simulated 5-h domestic flight (DOM), 24-h simulated international travel (INT), and a control trial (CON). The mild hypoxia, seating arrangements, and activity levels typically encountered during air travel were simulated in a normobaric, hypoxic altitude room. Physical performance was assessed in the afternoon of the day before (D - 1 PM) and in the morning (D + 1 AM) and afternoon (D + 1 PM) of the day following each trial. Mood states and physiological and perceptual responses to exercise were also examined at these time points, while sleep quantity and quality were monitored throughout each condition. Sleep quantity and quality were significantly reduced during INT compared with CON and DOM (P < 0.01). Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery level 1 test performance was significantly reduced at D + 1 PM following INT compared with CON and DOM (P < 0.01), where performance remained unchanged (P > 0.05). Compared with baseline, physiological and perceptual responses to exercise, and mood states were exacerbated following the INT trial (P < 0.05). Attenuated intermittent-sprint performance following simulated international air travel may be due to sleep disruption during travel and the subsequent exacerbated physiological and perceptual markers of fatigue. © 2014 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Publications on Aerospace Medicine of Dr. H. J. /Von Beckh (1941 - 1987)

DTIC Science & Technology

1986-12-31

Ciclo de Conferencias sobre Medicina A~ro-espacial coincidiendo con el XVII. Congreso Internacional Astronautico. Inspeccion General de Sanidad del...Astronautica (Medical Problems of Astronautics). Sexta Con- 14 NADC 86147 -60 ferencia del Ciclo 1952 de la Sociedad Argentina Interplanetaria...del ciclo 1953 de ia Sociedad Argentina Interplanetaria. Auditorium of the Department of Physiology, Medical School. University of Buenos Aires. 20 Aug

Proof-of-Concept of a Networked Validation Environment for Distributed Air/Ground NextGen Concepts

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Grisham, James; Larson, Natalie; Nelson, Justin; Reed, Joshua; Suggs, Marvin; Underwood, Matthew; Papelis, Yiannis; Ballin, Mark G.

2013-01-01

The National Airspace System (NAS) must be improved to increase capacity, reduce flight delays, and minimize environmental impacts of air travel. NASA has been tasked with aiding the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in NAS modernization. Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) is an enabling technology that is fundamental to realization of the Next Generation Air Transportation System (NextGen). Despite the 2020 FAA mandate requiring ADS-B Out equipage, airspace users are lacking incentives to equip with the requisite ADS-B avionics. A need exists to validate in flight tests advanced concepts of operation (ConOps) that rely on ADS-B and other data links without requiring costly equipage. A potential solution is presented in this paper. It is possible to emulate future data link capabilities using the existing in-flight Internet and reduced-cost test equipment. To establish proof-of-concept, a high-fidelity traffic operations simulation was modified to include a module that simulated Internet transmission of ADS-B messages. An advanced NASA ConOp, Flight Deck Interval Management (FIM), was used to evaluate technical feasibility. A preliminary assessment of the effects of latency and dropout rate on FIM was performed. Flight hardware that would be used by proposed test environment was connected to the simulation so that data transfer from aircraft systems to test equipment could be verified. The results indicate that the FIM ConOp, and therefore, many other advanced ConOps with equal or lesser response characteristics and data requirements, can be evaluated in flight using the proposed concept.

Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) in the atmosphere of three Chilean cities using passive air samplers.

PubMed

Pozo, Karla; Oyola, Germán; Estellano, Victor H; Harner, Tom; Rudolph, Anny; Prybilova, Petra; Kukucka, Petr; Audi, Ondrej; Klánová, Jana; Metzdorff, America; Focardi, Silvano

2017-05-15

In this study passive air samplers containing polyurethane foam (PUF) disks were deployed in three cities across Chile; Santiago (STG) (n=5, sampling sites), Concepciόn (CON) (n=6) and Temuco (TEM) (n=6) from 2008 to 2009. Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) (7 indicator congeners), chlorinated pesticides hexachlorocyclohexanes (HCHs), dichlorodiphenyl trichloroethanes (DDTs) and flame retardants such as polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) were determined by gas chromatography coupled mass spectrometry (GC/MS). A sampling rate (R) typical of urban sites (4m 3 /day) was used to estimate the atmospheric concentrations of individual compounds. PCB concentrations in the air (pg/m 3 ) ranged from ~1-10 (TEM), ~1-40 (STG) and 4-30 (CON). Higher molecular weight PCBs (PCB-153, -180) were detected at industrial sites (in Concepción). The HCHs showed a prevalence of γ-HCH across all sites, indicative of inputs from the use of lindane but a limited use of technical HCHs in Chile. DDTs were detected with a prevalence of p,p'-DDE accounting for ~50% of the total DDTs. PBDE concentrations in air (pg/m 3 ) ranged from 1 to 55 (STG), 0.5 to 20 (CON) and from 0.4 to 10 (TEM), and were generally similar to those reported for many other urban areas globally. The pattern of PBDEs was different among the three cities; however, PBDE-209 was dominant at most of the sites. These results represent one of the few assessments of air concentrations of POPs across different urban areas within the same country. These data will support Chilean commitments as a signatory to the Stockholm Convention on POPs and for reporting as a member country of the Group of Latin America and Caribbean Countries (GRULAC) region. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Evaluation of the Effectiveness of Wet Blast Cleaning Methods of Surface Preparation

DTIC Science & Technology

1985-06-01

for Air Abrasive Wet Blast: Complete System Water Abrasive Mixing Chamber in Slurry Blast Unit Schematic of unit Control Unit Slurry Blast — Air/Water...this discussion we present some general. user guidelines regarding what to look for in con- sidering the use or purchase of wet blasting equipment...These units use compressed air as the medium to propel the eroding material. They differ from air abrasive wet blast units in that the abrasive is mixed

Presentación del estudio "Links" de hombres que tienes sexo con hombres en Buenos Aires, Argentina.

PubMed

Carballo-Diéguez, Alex; Avila, María M; Balán, Iván C; Marone, Rubén; Pando, María A; Barreda, Victoria

2011-03-01

Estudios previos en Buenos Aires reportaron altas prevalencias de HIV entre HSH, con valores que oscilan entre 9 y 14% durante casi 10 años de continuo testeo. El objetivo principal de este estudio fue la evaluación de factores relacionados al comportamiento de alto riesgo para transmisión del HIV entre HSH entre los que se incluyen el conocimiento y factores emocionales, socioculturales y ambientales. Por otro lado se realizó la estimación de prevalencia e incidencia de HIV utilizando RDS (Respondent Driven Sampling), así como la presencia de otras infecciones de transmisión sexual. Por último se evaluaron los hábitos de testeo para HIV indagando que factores facilitan o impiden su realización. El estudio constó de dos fases, en primer lugar una fase cualitativa y posteriormente una fase cuantitativa con una duración total de 4 años y medio. Durante la fase cualitativa se realizaron 44 entrevistas individuales en profundidad, 8 grupos focales y 10 observaciones etnográficas (hoteles, baños públicos ("teteras"), cines pornográficos, fiestas privadas, dark rooms y discotecas). Durante la fase cuantitativa del estudio se realizó el reclutamiento de 500 participantes que provinieron de la Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, así como del Gran Buenos Aires. El reclutamiento se comenzó con 16 participantes llamados semillas. Se realizó el diagnóstico de infección por HIV, hepatitis B y C (HBV y HCV), Treponema pallidum, Virus Papiloma Humano (HPV) y Chlamidias. La colaboración establecida entre los grupos de trabajo enfocados en áreas diversas posibilitó el abordaje conjunto de nuevas estrategias de investigación antes no exploradas en nuestro país. Los resultados más relevantes de esta investigación serán progresivamente publicados en sucesivos números de Actualizaciones en SIDA.

Feasibility of a Networked Air Traffic Infrastructure Validation Environment for Advanced NextGen Concepts

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

McCormack, Michael J.; Gibson, Alec K.; Dennis, Noah E.; Underwood, Matthew C.; Miller,Lana B.; Ballin, Mark G.

2013-01-01

Abstract-Next Generation Air Transportation System (NextGen) applications reliant upon aircraft data links such as Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) offer a sweeping modernization of the National Airspace System (NAS), but the aviation stakeholder community has not yet established a positive business case for equipage and message content standards remain in flux. It is necessary to transition promising Air Traffic Management (ATM) Concepts of Operations (ConOps) from simulation environments to full-scale flight tests in order to validate user benefits and solidify message standards. However, flight tests are prohibitively expensive and message standards for Commercial-off-the-Shelf (COTS) systems cannot support many advanced ConOps. It is therefore proposed to simulate future aircraft surveillance and communications equipage and employ an existing commercial data link to exchange data during dedicated flight tests. This capability, referred to as the Networked Air Traffic Infrastructure Validation Environment (NATIVE), would emulate aircraft data links such as ADS-B using in-flight Internet and easily-installed test equipment. By utilizing low-cost equipment that is easy to install and certify for testing, advanced ATM ConOps can be validated, message content standards can be solidified, and new standards can be established through full-scale flight trials without necessary or expensive equipage or extensive flight test preparation. This paper presents results of a feasibility study of the NATIVE concept. To determine requirements, six NATIVE design configurations were developed for two NASA ConOps that rely on ADS-B. The performance characteristics of three existing in-flight Internet services were investigated to determine whether performance is adequate to support the concept. Next, a study of requisite hardware and software was conducted to examine whether and how the NATIVE concept might be realized. Finally, to determine a business case, economic factors were evaluated and a preliminary cost-benefit analysis was performed.

A Reduced Form Model for Ozone Based on Two Decades of CMAQ Simulations for the Continental United States

EPA Science Inventory

A Reduced Form Model (RFM) is a mathematical relationship between the inputs and outputs of an air quality model, permitting estimation of additional modeling without costly new regional-scale simulations. A 21-year Community Multiscale Air Quality (CMAQ) simulation for the con...

The Effects of Tenure and Task Orientation on Air Force Program Manager’s Role Stress

DTIC Science & Technology

1976-06-16

Force Systems Command (AFSC) Manuals called the 虇 series’- that, in detail, pre- scribed the Air Force form of project management—program...related jobs. These jobs are con- ducive to low tenure policies because organizacional dis- ruption is minimal when individuals rotate. Other jobs

Achieving the Air Force’s Energy Vision

DTIC Science & Technology

2011-01-01

sor of logistics and supply chain management at AFIT. The US Air Force is the largest con -sumer of energy in the federal gov-ernment, spending $9...technology, motors , advanced bat- teries, and ultracapacitors. AFIT is playing a critical role in meeting Air Force and industry demand for more...Flight Design displayed a parallel hybrid-electric propul- sion system with an ICE and electric motor (fig. 2) for a general aviation aircraft. A

Air Warfare

DTIC Science & Technology

2002-03-01

genus as its predecessor of pre-war days. It would, however, be erroneous to conclude from this that the military value of each new development was...the paucity of communications, its conduct, when acting alone, has of necessity to be somewhat stereotyped in nature, and to con- form to a pre...the air, the attack commander, provided his command be equipped with defensive air power, has a rôle to perform which is simple and stereotyped in

Development of a nonlocal convective mixing scheme with varying upward mixing rates for use in air quality and chemical transport models.

PubMed

Mihailović, Dragutin T; Alapaty, Kiran; Sakradzija, Mirjana

2008-06-01

Asymmetrical convective non-local scheme (CON) with varying upward mixing rates is developed for simulation of vertical turbulent mixing in the convective boundary layer in air quality and chemical transport models. The upward mixing rate form the surface layer is parameterized using the sensible heat flux and the friction and convective velocities. Upward mixing rates varying with height are scaled with an amount of turbulent kinetic energy in layer, while the downward mixing rates are derived from mass conservation. This scheme provides a less rapid mass transport out of surface layer into other layers than other asymmetrical convective mixing schemes. In this paper, we studied the performance of a nonlocal convective mixing scheme with varying upward mixing in the atmospheric boundary layer and its impact on the concentration of pollutants calculated with chemical and air-quality models. This scheme was additionally compared versus a local eddy-diffusivity scheme (KSC). Simulated concentrations of NO(2) and the nitrate wet deposition by the CON scheme are closer to the observations when compared to those obtained from using the KSC scheme. Concentrations calculated with the CON scheme are in general higher and closer to the observations than those obtained by the KSC scheme (of the order of 15-20%). Nitrate wet deposition calculated with the CON scheme are in general higher and closer to the observations than those obtained by the KSC scheme. To examine the performance of the scheme, simulated and measured concentrations of a pollutant (NO(2)) and nitrate wet deposition was compared for the year 2002. The comparison was made for the whole domain used in simulations performed by the chemical European Monitoring and Evaluation Programme Unified model (version UNI-ACID, rv2.0) where schemes were incorporated.

Air-To-Air Visual Target Acquisition Pilot Interview Survey.

DTIC Science & Technology

1979-01-01

8217top’ 5 p~lots in air-tu-air visual target acqui- sition in your squadron," would/could you do it? yes no Comment : 2. Is the term "acquisition" as...meaningful as "spotting" and "seeing" in 1he con- text of visually detecting a "bogey" or another aircraft? yes no Comment : 3. Would/could you rank all...squadron pilots on the basis of their visual target acquisition capability? yes no Comment : 4. Is there a minimum number of observations requi.red for

Air & Space Power Journal. Volume 26, Number 3, May-June 2012

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-06-01

strategic interest worldwide, mak- ing air and space power all the more relevant. The ability to reach any point in the world through the air and outer...States and many militaries around the world divide warfare into three levels: strategic, operational, and tactical. Most people con- ceive of the...at- tacks, strikes against the center of gravity, and the element of surprise. The operational level of war has evolved significantly since World War

Estudio de la influencia de la refrigeracion con aire de forma natural e inducida en el comportamiento de instalaciones fotovoltaicas

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mazon Hernandez, Rocio

The aim is to analyse the negative influence of high panel temperatures on electrical production when they are placed on steel roofs of industrial buildings and greenhouse roofs. Different configurations have been tested in order to allow cooling of photovoltaic panels to decrease panel temperature and improve electrical performance. To research this problem two experimental facilities have been built. The first facility includes two panels fixed on a structure. A panel is integrated on a parallel steel plate which does not allow sufficient cooling. Between both surfaces, there is an open air channel in which an air flow is created by the chimney effect thus cooling the panel by natural convection or inducing air, using a fan, by forced convection. The other panel has not any plate underneath it and is used as a referent. The electrical behaviour of the integrated panel has been studied for different air gaps and induced velocities, being also compared with the reference panel. An experimental model was developed to establish correlations which allow determine the panel temperature depending on the influential variables on the cooling ability. This research also analyses the data of a working solar plant, with the same panel model, obtaining the correlations between electrical variables and panel temperature. A comparison with the electrical behaviour in the experimental facility and the solar plant is also presented. The second experimental facility is a replica of a photovoltaic greenhouse. It consists of four photovoltaic panels placed on the plastic roof, providing an open and divergent channel between both surfaces thus creating an air flow by natural convection. This research studies the effect of high temperatures within the greenhouse which is transferred by the roof and thus affects the electrical production. In addition, two air gaps were used and the effect of adding insulating material to the plastic roof was studied. The electrical variables of the panels are analysed to compare and select the best configuration. The presented research provides a deep knowledge of how they work as well as information and results for an improvement in future designs of building integrated photovoltaic systems. Este estudio se centra en analizar la influencia negativa de la temperatura en la produccion electrica de paneles fotovoltaicos al estar emplazados sobre cubierta de acero, como sucede en naves industriales y sobre un invernadero. Se estudian diferentes configuraciones que permitan refrigerar los paneles, reduciendo su temperatura y mejorar su rendimiento. Para abordar este problema, se han construido dos instalaciones experimentales, fieles a plantas solares en funcionamiento. Una instalacion engloba dos paneles fotovoltaicos sobre estructura fija al suelo. Uno de los paneles esta integrado sobre una superficie paralela y metalica. Entre ambas superficies existe un espacio que posibilita circular aire, permitiendo refrigerar el panel por conveccion natural, o conveccion forzada impulsando el aire con un ventilador. El otro panel, libre por su cara posterior y se ha considerado de referencia. Se ha estudiado el comportamiento del panel integrado sobre cubierta para diferentes secciones de aire y velocidades inducidas, comparandolo con el panel de referencia. Se ha desarrollado un modelo experimental que nos permite determinar la temperatura del panel en funcion de las variables que influyen en su refrigeracion. Adicionalmente, se han analizado los datos de una planta solar en funcionamiento, con paneles de igual caracteristicas, obteniendo correlaciones entre la temperatura del panel y las variables electricas y comparandolos con las obtenidas en la instalacion experimental. La segunda instalacion experimental reproduce parte de una instalacion solar sobre un invernadero, formada por cuatro paneles fotovoltaicos colocados sobre el plastico del invernadero, existiendo un canal divergente entre ambas superficies. Se estudia la influencia de las altas temperaturas en el interior del invernadero sobre la produccion electrica de los paneles, decido a la transferencia de calor del interior del invernadero. Ademas, se han ensayado dos separaciones diferentes y para cada una se ha comparado con la misma, utilizando un aislante sobre la cubierta. El estudio realizado sobre ambas instalaciones ha proporcionado un conocimiento profundo del funcionamiento de cada una de ellas, asi como informacion valida para una mejora de futuros disenos de instalaciones fotovoltaicas sobre cubiertas.

Hyper-Spectral Networking Concept of Operations and Future Air Traffic Management Simulations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Davis, Paul; Boisvert, Benjamin

2017-01-01

The NASA sponsored Hyper-Spectral Communications and Networking for Air Traffic Management (ATM) (HSCNA) project is conducting research to improve the operational efficiency of the future National Airspace System (NAS) through diverse and secure multi-band, multi-mode, and millimeter-wave (mmWave) wireless links. Worldwide growth of air transportation and the coming of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) will increase air traffic density and complexity. Safe coordination of aircraft will require more capable technologies for communications, navigation, and surveillance (CNS). The HSCNA project will provide a foundation for technology and operational concepts to accommodate a significantly greater number of networked aircraft. This paper describes two of the HSCNA projects technical challenges. The first technical challenge is to develop a multi-band networking concept of operations (ConOps) for use in multiple phases of flight and all communication link types. This ConOps will integrate the advanced technologies explored by the HSCNA project and future operational concepts into a harmonized vision of future NAS communications and networking. The second technical challenge discussed is to conduct simulations of future ATM operations using multi-bandmulti-mode networking and technologies. Large-scale simulations will assess the impact, compared to todays system, of the new and integrated networks and technologies under future air traffic demand.

Large Eddy Simulations of Supercritical Mixing Layers for Air Force Applications

DTIC Science & Technology

2010-05-01

Taskinoglu and J. Bellan Species m( gmo \\-]) 7). (K) P,(MPa) N2 28.013 126.3 3.399 C7H16 100.205...equation is that its source term, called the irreversible en- tropy production, which is by definition is the dissipation [3|, con - tains the full extent...with sim- ilar or even larger gradient magnitudes under fully turbulent con - ditions (the experimental data was for Re = O(104) - O(105)). Thus

User Delay Cost Model and Facilities Maintenance Cost Model for a Terminal Control Area : Volume 2. User's Manual and Program Documentation for the User Delay Cost Model

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1978-05-01

The User Delay Cost Model (UDCM) is a Monte Carlo simulation of certain classes of movement of air traffic in the Boston Terminal Control Area (TCA). It incorporates a weather module, an aircraft generation module, a facilities module, and an air con...

The Air Campaign: Planning for Combat

DTIC Science & Technology

1988-01-01

Outcomes of this kind have been common in land war, but so far only a few exam - ples exist of the same thing in air war. TWO EXAMPLES OF AIR DEFENSE...the com- poser decides how best to reach that objective. Should it be a piano concerto, a violin concerto, or a flute con- certo? Only one will get...him to the objective he has chosen; clearly, a piano cannot say what a violin can say, and vice versa. That he has chosen an instrument to be his kev

Air Force Health Study. An Epidemiologic Investigation of Health Effects in Air Force Personnel Following Exposure to Herbicides. Introduction, Background and Conclusions (Chapters 1-5, 18, 19)

DTIC Science & Technology

1991-03-01

SAIC Editors: Cynthia A. Marut Ellsabeth M. Smoda SCIENCE APPLICATIONS EPIDEMIOLOGY RESEARCH DIVISION INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION ARMSTRONG LABORATORY...8400 Westpark Drive HUMAN SYSTEMS DIVISION (AFSC) McLean, VA 22102 Brooks Air Force Base, TX 78235 in con/unction WithS~DTIC SCRIPPS CLINIC & RESEARCH ...FOUNDATION, LET LA JOLLA. CA ELECTEJ•UL 011991, NATIONAL OPINION RESEARCH CENTER. CHICAGO. IL Marchl 1tO1 Introduction. Backgroend and Conclusions

Installation Restoration Program. Phase 2. Confirmation/Quantification. Stage 1. Air Force Plant 6, Cobb County, Georgia. Volume 3.

DTIC Science & Technology

1986-08-09

WATER ASSESSMENT PROGRAM AIR FOsEa PLANT 6, L0CKED-GEOCIA CONPANY MARIETTA, GMO IA PROJECT NO. 611059 WELL 4W-22 WELL 4W-23 WELL MW-24 WELL 4W-25 Dace...PROGRAMo PHASE II--CONFIRMATION/QUANTIFICATION 0STAGE I Final Report for AIR FORCE PLANT 6, COBB COUNTY, GA. U.S. AIR FORCE OCCUPATIONAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL...Con uet on reverse 4 necessary arc .entir’y ay )lcx "UrCer) I;;EL_0 GROUP I SUB-GROuP Air Force Plant , Hazardous materialsI oilS’ DeB Ground water, S

Design, Analysis, and Interpretation of Screening Studies for Human Factors Engineering Research. Revision.

DTIC Science & Technology

1978-06-01

FNO GlX GJP GMO HIP HJ( 11MN ILO JLN KLb: B ABCD AC? ADO AE1 AHL A J t’ Ar*N AD? CDL CEM CON CiJ ChP CN 0 DEN DFH D1K DJ? DMO EFJ ECK EHI’ EiD FUL FIN...Westlake Village, CA 91361 II.- CoN TIro I ING OFF 1C- NAME., AN C) AP"tOFF 12 R.. POFRT o AT " Air Force Office of Scientific Research September 1977...explains the techniques devel- oped by Box and Hunter (1961) and Daniel (1962) for con - structing Resolution IV screening designs from two Resolution

Air Traffic Management Technology Demonstration-1 Concept of Operations (ATD-1 ConOps)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Baxley, Brian T.; Johnson, William C.; Swenson, Harry; Robinson, John E.; Prevot, Thomas; Callantine, Todd; Scardina, John; Greene, Michael

2012-01-01

The operational goal of the ATD-1 ConOps is to enable aircraft, using their onboard FMS capabilities, to fly Optimized Profile Descents (OPDs) from cruise to the runway threshold at a high-density airport, at a high throughput rate, using primarily speed control to maintain in-trail separation and the arrival schedule. The three technologies in the ATD-1 ConOps achieve this by calculating a precise arrival schedule, using controller decision support tools to provide terminal controllers with speeds for aircraft to fly to meet times at a particular meter points, and onboard software providing flight crews with speeds for the aircraft to fly to achieve a particular spacing behind preceding aircraft.

Presentación del estudio “Links” de hombres que tienes sexo con hombres en Buenos Aires, Argentina

PubMed Central

Carballo-Diéguez, Alex; Ávila, María M; Balán, Iván C.; Marone, Rubén; Pando, María A.; Barreda, Victoria

2011-01-01

Resumen Estudios previos en Buenos Aires reportaron altas prevalencias de HIV entre HSH, con valores que oscilan entre 9 y 14% durante casi 10 años de continuo testeo. El objetivo principal de este estudio fue la evaluación de factores relacionados al comportamiento de alto riesgo para transmisión del HIV entre HSH entre los que se incluyen el conocimiento y factores emocionales, socioculturales y ambientales. Por otro lado se realizó la estimación de prevalencia e incidencia de HIV utilizando RDS (Respondent Driven Sampling), así como la presencia de otras infecciones de transmisión sexual. Por último se evaluaron los hábitos de testeo para HIV indagando que factores facilitan o impiden su realización. El estudio constó de dos fases, en primer lugar una fase cualitativa y posteriormente una fase cuantitativa con una duración total de 4 años y medio. Durante la fase cualitativa se realizaron 44 entrevistas individuales en profundidad, 8 grupos focales y 10 observaciones etnográficas (hoteles, baños públicos (“teteras”), cines pornográficos, fiestas privadas, dark rooms y discotecas). Durante la fase cuantitativa del estudio se realizó el reclutamiento de 500 participantes que provinieron de la Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, así como del Gran Buenos Aires. El reclutamiento se comenzó con 16 participantes llamados semillas. Se realizó el diagnóstico de infección por HIV, hepatitis B y C (HBV y HCV), Treponema pallidum, Virus Papiloma Humano (HPV) y Chlamidias. La colaboración establecida entre los grupos de trabajo enfocados en áreas diversas posibilitó el abordaje conjunto de nuevas estrategias de investigación antes no exploradas en nuestro país. Los resultados más relevantes de esta investigación serán progresivamente publicados en sucesivos números de Actualizaciones en SIDA. PMID:25264397

In-Plume Emission Test Stand 2: Emission Factors for 10- to 100-kW U.S. Military Generators

DTIC Science & Technology

2009-12-01

dards, local communities near military bases must con - form to the National Ambient Air Quality Standards. Mil- itary diesel generators are widely used...Strategic En- vironmental Research and Development Program ( con - tract CP-1336). The USMC provided extraordinary coop- eration and assistance in providing...Aerosol. Sci. 2006, 37, 63-87. 37. Maricq, M.M.; Xu, N. The Effective Density and Fractal Dimension of Soot Particles from Premixed Flames and Motor

76 FR 5142 - Procurement List; Additions and Deletion

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-01-28

... W6EC PEO STRI Orlando, FL. Service Type/Location: Base Supply Center, 2000 Wyoming Boulevard, Kirtland... Air Force, FA9401 377 CONS CC, Kirtland AFB, NM. Service Type/Location: Landscaping & Groundskeeping...

Operationalizing Air-Sea Battle in the Pacific

DTIC Science & Technology

2015-02-01

Joumall 25 \\/ FEATURE Ballard, Harysch, Cole, & Hall Operationalizing Ait’-Sea Battle in the Pacific tribes and nomadic marauders such as the...communications in general, the former focuses on the digital data links between different platforms. The original CSBA operational con- cept touches on this...very capable fourth-generation fighters; and it has fielded layers of upgraded and double- digit surface-to-air missile systems and antiaircraft

Energy, Power & Interconnect Technologies Division Overview

DTIC Science & Technology

2010-02-26

Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, February 26, 2010 14. ABSTRACT 15. SUBJECT TERMS 16. SECURITY CLASSIFICATION OF: 17. LIMITATION OF...Battery Expertise Alkaline (Sealed/Vented) Lithium (Reserve/Active) Thermal Aluminum-Oxygen (Air) Cadmium -Oxygen (Air) Carbon-Zinc Mercury- Cadmium M Zi...Iron Nickel- Cadmium Nickel-Hydrogen Oxyhalide Polymer Sulfur Dioxide Sulfuryl Chloride Thionyl Chloride V di P t id um con o a su e Magnesium/Vanadium

Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction (SIGAR). Supplement

DTIC Science & Technology

2015-01-30

Some information concerning corps-level ANSF personnel strength data, future requirements for Afghan Air Force (AAF) equipment, the number of trained...to press. SIGAR has published an unclassified Quarterly Report to Congress since 2008, as required by our authorizing statute. On January 30, 2015...based on the declassified materials provided. Some information con- cerning corps level ANSF personnel strength data, future requirements for Afghan Air

PubMed

Abrutzky, Rosana; Torres, Fernando Adrián; Ossorio, María Fabiana; Ferrero, Fernando

2018-04-11

Objetivo: evaluar el impacto de los contaminantes atmosféricos y el clima en el número de consultas al departamento de emergencias de un hospital pediátrico en Buenos Aires, Argentina. Material y métodos: estudio ecológico utilizando análisis de series temporales con modelos aditivos generalizados (GAM) para el período 2012-2014, analizando cantidad diaria de consultas en función de tres contaminantes del aire: monóxido de carbono (CO), dióxido de nitrógeno (NO2) y material particulado de diámetro menor a 10 micrones (PM10), temperatura diaria, humedad relativa, dirección y velocidad del viento y lluvia, controlando por día de la semana y tendencia de largo plazo. Resultados: las consultas en invierno (286 diarias) fueron significativamente mayores que en las demás estaciones (p<0.0001). La variación en el nivel de contaminación del aire no mostró correlación significativa y consistente con las consultas. La temperatura, humedad relativa, lluvia y viento no resultaron significativas en ninguno de los rezagos analizados. Conclusiones: en esta población y considerando las consultas de emergencia, la contaminación del aire no afecta significativamente el resultado en salud, pero sí lo hacen las epidemias estacionales. Estudios sobre otras variables de salud son necesarios para establecer el impacto de la contaminación del aire sobre la salud infantil en Buenos Aires.

75 FR 75461 - Procurement List; Proposed Additions and Deletion

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-12-03

... Service Type/Location: Base Supply Center, Kirtland AFB, NM. NPA: San Antonio Lighthouse for the Blind, San Antonio, TX. Contracting Activity: Dept of the Air Force, FA9401 377 CONS CC, Kirtland AFB, NM...

Analysis of WakeVAS Benefits Using ACES Build 3.2.1

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Smith, Jeremy C.

2005-01-01

The FAA and NASA are currently engaged in a Wake Turbulence Research Program to revise wake turbulence separation standards, procedures, and criteria to increase airport capacity while maintaining or increasing safety. The research program is divided into three phases: Phase I near term procedural enhancements; Phase II wind dependent Wake Vortex Advisory System (WakeVAS) Concepts of Operations (ConOps); and Phase III farther term ConOps based on wake prediction and sensing. This report contains an analysis that evaluates the benefits of a closely spaced parallel runway (CSPR) Phase I ConOps, a single runway and CSPR Phase II ConOps and a single runway Phase III ConOps. A series of simulation runs were performed using the Airspace Concepts Evaluation System (ACES) Build 3.21 air traffic simulator to provide an initial assessment of the reduction in delay and cost savings obtained by the use of a WakeVAS at selected U.S. airports. The ACES simulator is being developed by NASA Ames Research Center as part of the Virtual Airspace Modelling and Simulation (VAMS) program.

Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Ensembles: Biophysical Characteristics and Predicted Work Times With and Without Chemical Protection and Active Cooling Systems

DTIC Science & Technology

2015-04-29

socks), white cotton glove liners , butyl rubber overboots, and self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) with air tank. Configuration 3: EOD suit...0073492 SCBA, CBRN, HP 60 Min Carbon DB, ZST, Case, VAS CON - CF Harness and Tank N/A 4240-20-A0F4879 Cylinder , Air Carbon HP 60 Minute - CF N/A 8120-20-007-3487 19

A Study of the Fluid-Dynamic Pressure Fields on Compressor Reed Valves.

DTIC Science & Technology

1985-12-01

AIR FORCE INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY ": Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio . . .. " . _ .01 1...mixture containing white pigment, the test rig was painted black to insure better contrast for photography. The oil was dotted on the base plate of...test rig black roughened the Eurtace and slightly reduced the sharpness ox the shock line. For con.iiuration ., three test pressures were chosen. Fhe

The United States Air Force Basic Documents on Roles and Missions

DTIC Science & Technology

1987-01-01

that may be established from time to time. (16) Quartermaster market centers. (17) Technical service repair shops. (18) Other installations that...development and strategy , and to advise the Joint Chiefs of Staff in con- nection therewith; and (6) to perform such other duties as the Secretary of...regard to recreational athletics and other recreational activities. d. The United States Air Force will establish their own pro- cedures pertaining

High Frontier, The Journal for Space & Missile Professionals. Volume 5, Number 3

DTIC Science & Technology

2009-05-01

assume cyberspace responsibilities as directed by CORONA Fall. General Kehler has commanded at the squadron, group, and twice at the wing level, and has...October 2008 CORONA conference, the Air Force Space Command (AFSPC), in con- cert with Air Force Cyberspace Command (Provisional), is working diligently...which include electronic jamming equipment, computer viruses , directed-energy weapons, laser beam weapons, and non-directed-energy weapons

Modeling Terrorism Risk to the Air Transportation System: An Independent Assessment of TSA’s Risk Management Analysis Tool and Associated Methods

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-01-01

our own work for this discussion. DoD Instruction 5000.61 defines model validation as “the pro - cess of determining the degree to which a model and its... determined that RMAT is highly con - crete code, potentially leading to redundancies in the code itself and making RMAT more difficult to maintain...system con - ceptual models valid, and are the data used to support them adequate? (Chapters Two and Three) 2. Are the sources and methods for populating

Key Issues for Seamless Integrated Chemistry–Meteorology Modeling

EPA Science Inventory

Online coupled meteorology–atmospheric chemistry models have greatly evolved in recent years. Although mainly developed by the air quality modeling community, these integrated models are also of interest for numerical weather prediction and climate modeling, as they can con...

Environmental Technology Verification Program - ETV - Case Studies: Demonstrating Program Outcomes

EPA Science Inventory

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Environmental Technology Verification (ETV) Program evaluates the performance of innovative air, water, pollution prevention and monitoring technologies that have the potential to improve human health and the environment. This cd con...

Enhanced Traffic Management System (ETMS) : functional description, version 5.0

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1995-06-30

This document is a functional description of Version 5.0 of the Enhanced Traffic : Management System (ETMS). The ETMSis an automation system for supporting the : strategic management of air traffic. The ETMS is being developed and maintained in : con...

Development of 3 and 5kW Fuel Cell Power Plants

DTIC Science & Technology

1985-12-12

automotive type air -cooled (cross-flow) copper heat exchanger (Figure 7.7) was used for water reclamation. A 48V, 0.5A brushless DC blower was used to...and the balance is combusted in ’a burner to supply heat required for the endothermic reforming process. The phosphoric acid fuel cell stack is air ...the use of inter- changeable power conditioners . A microprocessor based con- troller provides event sequencing and system. control during startup

SAFETEA-LU 1808 : CMAQ, evaluation and assessment, phase I, final report.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2008-10-01

In SAFETEA-LU Section 1808, Congress required the U.S. Department of Transportation, in consultation with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), to evaluate and assess the direct and indirect impacts of CMAQ-funded projects on air quality and con...

SAFETEA-LU 1808 : CMAQ, evaluation and assessment, phase II, final report.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2009-07-01

In SAFETEA-LU Section 1808, Congress required the U.S. Department of Transportation, in consultation with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), to evaluate and assess the direct and indirect impacts of CMAQ-funded projects on air quality and con...

Opportunities and challenges for high-speed rail corridors in Texas.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2011-09-01

Texas features a growing economy and population. The state boasts a large and well-developed : network of roads, freight railroads, and air facilities, which make the state a vital link in the movement of : people and goods. However, as the state con...

SUMMARY OF THE 1994 EPA/AWMA INTERNATIONAL SYMPOSIUM

EPA Science Inventory

A joint conference cosponsored for the ninth year by the Atmospheric Research & Exposure Assessment Laboratory of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Air & Waste Management Association was held in Durham, North Carolina, May 3-6, 1994. he 4-day technical program cons...

UNDERSTANDING POLLUTANT DISPERSION IN AN URBAN NEIGHBORHOOD

EPA Science Inventory

Work has been focused on urban air quality and homeland security issues, modeling the complex airflow patterns in cities and around buildings (e.g. the World Trade Center site in Lower Manhattan, and the Pentagon building in Washington, D.C.). These experimental studies have con...

Consumer Evaluation of Cash Food Systems: Shaw Air Force Base

DTIC Science & Technology

1974-12-01

consumer attitudes of a food system at Shaw Air Force Base in which all customers received a monetary food allowance and paid for food in the dining...AEPORT NUMBER r GOVT ACCESSION NO. ’· RECIPIENT’S CATALOG NUMBER 75-77-FSL •• TITLE (and Subtitle) S. TYPE OF REPORT & PERIOO COVERED CONSUMER ...KEY WORDS (ConHnuo on reveree side lf neceseary and Identify by block nwnber) Feeding Feeding Systems Consumer Acceptance BAS/A LA CARTE Food

A 20-KW Wind Energy Conversion System (WECS) at the Marine Corps Air Station, Kaneohe, Hawaii.

DTIC Science & Technology

1983-01-01

of propellers and that vertical-axis wind turbines would be more efficient. Several turbines such as the Darrieus and gyro-mill, of this type are... wind turbines , wind systems siting, alternate energy systems, remote site power generation. 20 ABSTRACT (Con!,,u,. - r r... .. do I(3 lI - d #,d e...Corps Air Station (MCAS) Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii. The wind turbine generator chosen for the evaluation was a horizontal-axis-propeller- downwind rotor

Monte Carlo Determination of Gamma Ray Exposure from a Homogeneous Ground Plane

DTIC Science & Technology

1990-03-01

A HOMOGENEOUS GROUND PLANE SOURCE THESIS Presented to the Faculty of the School of Engineering of the Air Force Institute of Technology Air University...come from a standard ANISN format library called FEWG1-85. This state-of-the- art cross section library which contains 37 neutron energy groups and 21...purpose. The FEWGl library, a state-of-the- art cross section library developed for the Defense Nuclear Agency con- sisting of 21 gamma-ray enerQj

Discussion Paper for CASAC Diesel Health Assessment Issues

EPA Science Inventory

In October 1998, the U.S. EPA's Clean Air Scientific Advisory Committee (CASAC) provided peer review comments on a draft Health Assessment Document for Diesel Emissions (EPA/600/8-90/057C, February 1998). The U.S. EPA's National Center for Environmental Assessment requested a con...

The Shock and Vibration Digest. Volume 4. Number 7, July 1972.

DTIC Science & Technology

1972-07-01

who are con- structural analysis program cerned with maximum reliability NASTRAN will be discussed, of missiles, aircraft, submarines, Contact...within a designated epsilon at the interface between air and the first fluid. Trial solutions are made until the desired solution is bracketed and then

Linking Different Exposure Patterns to Internal Lung Dose for Heterogeneous Ambient Aerosols

EPA Science Inventory

Particulate matter (PM) in the ambient air is a complex mixture of particles with different sizes and chemical compositions. Because potential health effects are known to be different for different size particles, specific dose of size-fractionated PM under realistic exposure con...

Evaluation of non-destructive technologies for construction quality control of HMA and PCC pavements in Louisiana : [research project capsule].

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2009-07-01

Current roadway quality control and quality acceptance (QC/QA) procedures : for Louisiana include coring for thickness, density, and air void checks in hot : mix asphalt (HMA) pavements and thickness and compressive strength for : Portland cement con...

WHAT DO EXPOSURE AND DOSIMETRY STUDIES TELL US ABOUT THE DOSE TO SUSCEPTIBLE POPULATIONS?

EPA Science Inventory

Particulate matter (PM) in the air is known to cause adverse health effects, particularly in elderly subjects with respiratory and cardiopulmonary disease. Although observed health effects are likely caused by multiple factors, the respiratory dose is one factor of particular con...

Respiratory dose of inhaled particulate matter and its health implications in susceptible populations.

EPA Science Inventory

Particulate matter (PM) in the air is known to cause adverse health effects, particularly in elderly subjects with respiratory and cardiopulmonary disease. Although observed health effects are likely caused by multiple factors, the respiratory dose is one factor of particular con...

Installation Restoration Program. Phase 2. Confirmation/Quantification. Stage 2. Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska.

DTIC Science & Technology

1988-03-01

50 BLM - - - in use Oil Well Road 51 63-501 - - - in use 6981st Rec Area Six Mile Lake 52 23-100 166. A 36 in use Golf Course Pro Shop 53 62-145 125...q K, -- p *K. % K.. K.,., ~* K,. .~ A , A .U .AAA.J A A J~...K A. ..A ,.A - . OKIRACoks con 55 ORDER FOR SUPPL) ES OR SERVICES 1 .2 2. PROC...SYC/AGENCY tt.SURV 20. TOTAL AMOUNT~CeNT USE CRIT A. PST a CONRACTADMIN A. ASTU CNTRCT C. ARSTNAC? RECIP 0. SPL CON ? FuEC PAT It KNDN 421 TYPE ASP

WRF/CMAQ AQMEII3 Simulations of U.S. Regional-Scale Ozone: Sensitivity to Processes and Inputs

EPA Science Inventory

Chemical boundary conditions are a key input to regional-scale photochemical models. In this study, performed during the third phase of the Air Quality Model Evaluation International Initiative (AQMEII3), we perform annual simulations over North America with chemical boundary con...

COMPARISONS OF PESTICIDE LEVELS AND EXPOSURES IN NHEXAS ARIZONA AND ARIZONA-MEXICO BORDER POPULATIONS

EPA Science Inventory

The distributions of organophosphate (OP) insecticides chlorpyrifos and diazinon in exposure matrices such as indoor air, house dust, food, and water have been determined for 416 homes in the general Arizona population, and for 87 homes along the Arizona-Mexico border. The con...

The Use of Geometric Diversity for Spectral Dominance in Underground Imaging

DTIC Science & Technology

2009-01-01

Ferrara , Air Force Research Laboratory, Dr. F. Soldovieri, Consiglio Nazionale Ricerche, Italy , Prof. M. Cheney, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, for...Receiver Design for RF Geotomography,” IEEE Proc. RadarCon 2008, Rome, Italy , May 26-30, 2008. [11] L. Lo Monte, A. M. Bagci, D. Erricolo, and R. Ansari

Meteorology, Emissions, and Grid Resolution: Effects on Discrete and Probabilistic Model Performance

EPA Science Inventory

In this study, we analyze the impacts of perturbations in meteorology and emissions and variations in grid resolution on air quality forecast simulations. The meteorological perturbations con-sidered in this study introduce a typical variability of ~1°C, 250 - 500 m, 1 m/s, and 1...

Ambient Air Pollution and Increases in Blood Pressure: Role for biological constituents of particulate matter

EPA Science Inventory

Particulate matter (PM) is a complex mixture of extremely small particles and liquid droplets made up of a number of components including elemental carbon, organic chemicals, metals, acids (such as nitrates and sulfates), and soil and dust particles. Epidemiological studies con...

[Stimulation of maturing and terminal differentiation by concanavalin A in rabbit permanent chondrocyte cultures].

PubMed

Yan, W Q; Yang, T S; Hou, L Z; Susuki, F; Kato, Y

1994-12-01

The effect of concanavalin A (Con A) on maturing and terminal differentiation in permanent chondrocyte cultures were examined. Chondrocytes isolated from permanent cartilage were seeded at low density and grown in MEM medium containing 10% fetal bovine serum, 50 micrograms/ml of ascorbic acid and antibiotics, at 37 degrees C under 50% CO2 in air. At 0.3% of low serum concentration, addition of Con A to the culture medium increased by 3- to 4-fold the incorporation of [35S] sulfate into large chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan that characteristically found in cartilage. Chemical analysis showed a 4-fold increase in the accumulation of macromolecular containing hexuronic acid in Con A-maintained cultures. The effect of Con A on [35S]sulfate incorporation into proteoglycan was greater than that of various growth factor or hormones. Brief exposure of the permanent chondrocytes to Con A (5 micrograms/ml) for 24 hours and subsequent incubation in its absence for 5-10 days resulted in 10- to 100-fold increase in alkaline phosphatase and binding of 1.25 (OH)2 vitamin D3 to cells. Treatment with Con A also resulted in 10- to 20-fold increase in calcium content and 45Ca incorporation into insoluble material. Methyl-D-mannopyranoside reversed the effect of Con A on [35S]sulfate incorporation into proteoglycan and alkaline phosphatase activity. Since other lectins, such as wheat germ agglutinin, lentil lectin, phytohemagglutinin, Ulex europeasu agglutinin and garden pea lectin had been tested to have little effect on [35S]sulfate incorporation into proteoglycans and induction of alkaline phosphatase activity, the Con A action on chondrocytes seems specific. These results indicate that Con A is a potent modulator of differentiation of chondrocytes, which induces the onset on a maturing and a terminal differentiation in chondrocytes, leading to extensive calcification of the extracellular matrix.

SeleCon: Scalable IoT Device Selection and Control Using Hand Gestures.

PubMed

Alanwar, Amr; Alzantot, Moustafa; Ho, Bo-Jhang; Martin, Paul; Srivastava, Mani

2017-04-01

Although different interaction modalities have been proposed in the field of human-computer interface (HCI), only a few of these techniques could reach the end users because of scalability and usability issues. Given the popularity and the growing number of IoT devices, selecting one out of many devices becomes a hurdle in a typical smarthome environment. Therefore, an easy-to-learn, scalable, and non-intrusive interaction modality has to be explored. In this paper, we propose a pointing approach to interact with devices, as pointing is arguably a natural way for device selection. We introduce SeleCon for device selection and control which uses an ultra-wideband (UWB) equipped smartwatch. To interact with a device in our system, people can point to the device to select it then draw a hand gesture in the air to specify a control action. To this end, SeleCon employs inertial sensors for pointing gesture detection and a UWB transceiver for identifying the selected device from ranging measurements. Furthermore, SeleCon supports an alphabet of gestures that can be used for controlling the selected devices. We performed our experiment in a 9 m -by-10 m lab space with eight deployed devices. The results demonstrate that SeleCon can achieve 84.5% accuracy for device selection and 97% accuracy for hand gesture recognition. We also show that SeleCon is power efficient to sustain daily use by turning off the UWB transceiver, when a user's wrist is stationary.

SeleCon: Scalable IoT Device Selection and Control Using Hand Gestures

PubMed Central

Alanwar, Amr; Alzantot, Moustafa; Ho, Bo-Jhang; Martin, Paul; Srivastava, Mani

2018-01-01

Although different interaction modalities have been proposed in the field of human-computer interface (HCI), only a few of these techniques could reach the end users because of scalability and usability issues. Given the popularity and the growing number of IoT devices, selecting one out of many devices becomes a hurdle in a typical smarthome environment. Therefore, an easy-to-learn, scalable, and non-intrusive interaction modality has to be explored. In this paper, we propose a pointing approach to interact with devices, as pointing is arguably a natural way for device selection. We introduce SeleCon for device selection and control which uses an ultra-wideband (UWB) equipped smartwatch. To interact with a device in our system, people can point to the device to select it then draw a hand gesture in the air to specify a control action. To this end, SeleCon employs inertial sensors for pointing gesture detection and a UWB transceiver for identifying the selected device from ranging measurements. Furthermore, SeleCon supports an alphabet of gestures that can be used for controlling the selected devices. We performed our experiment in a 9m-by-10m lab space with eight deployed devices. The results demonstrate that SeleCon can achieve 84.5% accuracy for device selection and 97% accuracy for hand gesture recognition. We also show that SeleCon is power efficient to sustain daily use by turning off the UWB transceiver, when a user’s wrist is stationary. PMID:29683151

James Parton Air Force Spoken Here General Ira Eaker and the Command of the Air

DTIC Science & Technology

2000-03-01

caught squirrels, coursed for wild bees and fended off such varmints as coyotes, rattlesnakes and, once, a rabid dog . On Sunday morning there was...But this about face, graceful and cogent though it was, came too late to change the PM’S dogged point of view, as all the airmen would discover two...con- tinued to function though "the towns of St. Nazaire and Lorient have been rubbed out as main submarine bases. No dog or cat is left in these

CFD Validation for Hypersonic Flight: Real Gas Flows

DTIC Science & Technology

2006-01-01

Calculations Two research groups contributed results to this test case. The group of Drs. Marco Marini and Salvatore Borelli from the Italian Aerospace...and Borelli ran calculations at four test con- ditions, and we simulated Run 46, which is the high- enthalpy air case. The test section conditions were...N2 at ρ∞ = 3.31 g/cm3, T∞ = 556 K, u∞ = 4450 m/s. Run 46: Air at ρ∞ = 3.28 g/cm3, T∞ = 672 K, u∞ = 4480 m/s. Marini and Borelli used grids of 144× 40

Installation Restoration Program. Preliminary Assessment: Record Search for the 110th Tactical Air Support Group, Michigan Air National Guard, W. K. Kellogg Regional Airport, Battle Creek, Michigan.

DTIC Science & Technology

1987-09-01

these wetlands. Because of the generally low relief at the Base, several manmade drainage ditches have been constructed to improve surface water ...northerly boundary (Hickock, 1985). Within the Marshall Formation, the water table or piezometric surface con- forms somewhat to the land surface. The...34hills" in the water table underlie hills seen on land. The " lows " in the water table coincide with low areas on land (Vanlier, 1966). Thus, the

The Coast Artillery Journal. Volume 77, Number 2, March-April 1934

DTIC Science & Technology

1934-04-01

Practices 125 By Major Le R. Lutes New Type Testing for Gunners’ Examinations 127 By aaptain WaIter F. Parker and Lieut. Pewr E. DunnelIy, 243d a.A...c~peration with Air Corps units assigned defensive miSSIOns. l To test and develop tactics, technique and equip- ment of the Air Corps. 4. To test ...order to intercept airplanes reported by different posts as "High" and "Very High." . The experience gained by the British aft~r long con- tInued tests

Aceptabilidad del diagnóstico rápido casero para HIV entre hombres gay y otros hombres que tienen sexo con hombres (G&HSH) de la Ciudad de Buenos Aires

PubMed Central

Balán, Iván C.; Carballo-Diéguez, Alex; Marone, Rubén O.; Pando, María A.; Barreda, Victoria; Ávila, María M.

2011-01-01

Resumen El uso del diagnóstico rápido para HIV en Argentina, así como otros países de Latinoamérica, ha sido limitado hasta el momento. Este trabajo reporta los resultados provenientes de un estudio cualitativo realizado entre hombres gays y otros hombres que tienen sexo con hombres (G&HSH) de la Ciudad de Buenos Aires, Argentina. El objetivo principal del mismo fue conocer las ventajas y desventajas que los hombres G&HSH perciben en relación al diagnóstico rápido casero para HIV. Se realizaron ocho grupos focales con 73 participantes en los cuales se discutió acerca de las ventajas y desventajas del uso de los diagnósticos rápidos. Las respuestas fueron codificadas utilizando un programa para análisis de datos cualitativos (NVivo) y analizadas temáticamente. Los participantes describieron numerosas ventajas sobre el uso del diagnóstico rápido casero, aunque algunos reportaron importantes preocupaciones dentro de las cuales se destaca la posibilidad de impulsos suicidas si alguien recibe un resultado positivo estando solo. En términos generales se observó una gran aceptabilidad para el uso del diagnóstico rápido si el mismo es realizado por personal de salud en lugares acondicionados para este fin. PMID:25284951

Aceptabilidad del diagnóstico rápido casero para HIV entre hombres gay y otros hombres que tienen sexo con hombres (G&HSH) de la Ciudad de Buenos Aires.

PubMed

Balán, Iván C; Carballo-Diéguez, Alex; Marone, Rubén O; Pando, María A; Barreda, Victoria; Avila, María M

2011-03-01

El uso del diagnóstico rápido para HIV en Argentina, así como otros países de Latinoamérica, ha sido limitado hasta el momento. Este trabajo reporta los resultados provenientes de un estudio cualitativo realizado entre hombres gays y otros hombres que tienen sexo con hombres (G&HSH) de la Ciudad de Buenos Aires, Argentina. El objetivo principal del mismo fue conocer las ventajas y desventajas que los hombres G&HSH perciben en relación al diagnóstico rápido casero para HIV. Se realizaron ocho grupos focales con 73 participantes en los cuales se discutió acerca de las ventajas y desventajas del uso de los diagnósticos rápidos. Las respuestas fueron codificadas utilizando un programa para análisis de datos cualitativos (NVivo) y analizadas temáticamente. Los participantes describieron numerosas ventajas sobre el uso del diagnóstico rápido casero, aunque algunos reportaron importantes preocupaciones dentro de las cuales se destaca la posibilidad de impulsos suicidas si alguien recibe un resultado positivo estando solo. En términos generales se observó una gran aceptabilidad para el uso del diagnóstico rápido si el mismo es realizado por personal de salud en lugares acondicionados para este fin.

Evaluation of improved land use and canopy representation in BEIS v3.61 with biogenic VOC measurements in California

EPA Science Inventory

Biogenic volatile organic compounds (BVOC) participate in reactions that can lead to secondarily formed ozone and particulate matter (PM) impacting air quality and climate. BVOC emissions are important inputs to chemical transport models applied on local to global scales but cons...

BUILDING FEATURES THAT INFLUENCE THE PENETRATION OF TOXIC GASES FROM THE AMBIENT TO THE INDOOR ENVIRONMENT

EPA Science Inventory

Strategies to reduce indoor exposures to certain toxic air contaminants suggested a study of the penetration of these toxics from the external atmosphere into an unoccupied research house. The mass balance method is applied to measure rates of sorption and re-emission of the con...

Proyecto Energético Palmdale; Decisión del Permiso Final

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

Proyecto Energético Palmdale: EPA Región 9 por el presente emite aviso de su decisión final, el cumplimiento con la Ley Federal de Aire Limpio, para la construcción de una planta generadora de electricidad de ciclo combinado y alimentada por gas natural

Remedial Investigation/Feasibility Study (RI/FS) Report, Davis Global Communications Site. Volume 3

DTIC Science & Technology

1994-02-23

ESCP! PrO ~f, Hard, light Olive brown to Oliv Drown (2 a~ , t, sil dry. grosses and rootlets presert r ~Hard. dark bofwn (lOYR 4/3) cjoyey SiT, cry F... CON ,1NUOUS CORING PROJECT NO.: 409717 CUENT: HAZWRAP LOCATION: McCLELLAN AIR FORCE BASE L!J - DAVIS, CA | BORING NO. SBB-23 ’• F/ • j- - - o L Fm G...FFT§,77.,...".. . ...P ?E. ATIE :bEt; IT,ý IR1L_’T < • nOR CONS !STENCY. SO)L STRUtCTURE. i-" ..LL 6" -6" -6" ’ -T S S = ; ’•: .. . . Cl- X - L- N

Dietary tyrosine benefits cognitive and psychomotor performance during body cooling.

PubMed

O'Brien, Catherine; Mahoney, Caroline; Tharion, William J; Sils, Ingrid V; Castellani, John W

2007-02-28

Supplemental tyrosine is effective at limiting cold-induced decreases in working memory, presumably by augmenting brain catecholamine levels, since tyrosine is a precursor for catecholamine synthesis. The effectiveness of tyrosine for preventing cold-induced decreases in physical performance has not been examined. This study evaluated the effect of tyrosine supplementation on cognitive, psychomotor, and physical performance following a cold water immersion protocol that lowered body core temperature. Fifteen subjects completed a control trial (CON) in warm (35 degrees C) water and two cold water trials, each spaced a week apart. Subjects ingested an energy bar during each trial; on one cold trial (TYR) the bar contained tyrosine (300 mg/kg body weight), and on the other cold trial (PLB) and on CON the bar contained no tyrosine. Following each water immersion, subjects completed a battery of performance tasks in a cold air (10 degrees C) chamber. Core temperature was lower (p=0.0001) on PLB and TYR (both 35.5+/-0.6 degrees C) than CON (37.1+/-0.3 degrees C). On PLB, performance on a Match-to-Sample task decreased 18% (p=0.02) and marksmanship performance decreased 14% (p=0.002), compared to CON, but there was no difference between TYR and CON. Step test performance decreased by 11% (p=0.0001) on both cold trials, compared to CON. These data support previous findings that dietary tyrosine supplementation is effective for mitigating cold-induced cognitive performance such as working memory, even with reduced core temperature, and extends those findings to include the psychomotor task of marksmanship.

Helicopter Icing Spray System (HISS) Evaluation and Improvement

DTIC Science & Technology

1986-04-01

the Small , inteligient Icing D)ata System (SIIDiS) puckage obtained HISS spray cloud measurements on fltights intended for clr-ud calibration and in con...HISS flew at aI constanlt airsl.Led~ between 80 and 120 knots true. air- speed (KTAS) throughout thle immersion, and attempted to maintain constant air...0 C -- 1 0) ’IL 1-4 WC .4w4 0 44 9i Photo 18. Natural Ice. F~orma~tion on• Riv.ct. Aoug Side of F useta),c (1111-60). ,P ho to 11) . A r ti l ic i aI

Fuel Tests on an I-16 Jet-Propulsion Engine at Static Sea-Level Conditions

DTIC Science & Technology

1947-04-29

All fuel lines and manometer leads were Joined to tbs engine by r.;bber-hoee con::&-:tions to prov-.de flexi- bility. The test cell Itself wa3 a...The air leakage into t:.e cell was measured i:id laolntefl’ In the calculations of the air flow to the er.jine. Figure 1 also shirks tbfl...t t - ’ > / J / i / 4» / / / >•• —* / - - iw r—’ 860 <•— 4 f < Hot-« el4 oct.nt t> Unil rucl . - -Theoretical lln«i / 0 ; I T

The Development of Spanish Airpower Doctrine (1910-1936)

DTIC Science & Technology

2002-04-01

in Spain, including civil and commercial airlines, social air mindedness, national industry, and military aviation. “Reorganización y nuevos ... Proyecto de Reorganización de la Sección y Dirección de Aeronáutica en un Centro único con el nombre de Dirección. Signed by Gen Francisco Echague, as

Logistics Support for U.S. Perimeter and Portal Monitoring Sites in the Soviet Union

DTIC Science & Technology

1990-09-01

Interaction of Components. .................. 40 The U.S. National Defense Transportation System.......................52 DTS Description...53 Pros and Cons of Air, Motor Transport 54 Military Airlift Command ............ 56 iii Page Cost/Service Tradeoffs ... .......... . 59 Military...Traffic Management Command . . 59 The Soviet National Transportation System . 61 Transportation and the Economy ....... .. 63 Intermodal Comparison

COMPARISON OF THE SPECIATED VOC COMPOSITION AT SELECTED HOUSTON, TEXAS AREA SITES FOR THE YEARS 1978 AND 2000

EPA Science Inventory

Comparisons are presented for the C2-C12 volatile organic compounds (VOCs) observed at Houston area sites used for ambient air monitoring during special ozone field study programs conducted in 1978 and 2000. In 1978 the special study called the Houston Ozone Modeling Study cons...

A Review of Research on Problematic Internet Use and Well-Being: With Recommendations for the U.S. Air Force

DTIC Science & Technology

2015-01-01

monitoring; educational, prevention, and treatment services; and self-monitoring support. They should carefully weigh the pros and cons of more onerous...triggers related to thoughts (“I cannot make it through the day without a drink”), feelings (feeling anxious in public and using marijuana to numb out

The influence of whole-body vs. torso pre-cooling on physiological strain and performance of high-intensity exercise in the heat.

PubMed

Sleivert, G G; Cotter, J D; Roberts, W S; Febbraio, M A

2001-04-01

Little research has been reported examining the effects of pre-cooling on high-intensity exercise performance, particularly when combined with strategies to keep the working muscle warm. This study used nine active males to determine the effects of pre-cooling the torso and thighs (LC), pre-cooling the torso (ice-vest in 3 degrees C air) while keeping the thighs warm (LW), or no cooling (CON: 31 degrees C air), on physiological strain and high-intensity (45-s) exercise performance (33 degrees C, 60% rh). Furthermore, we sought to determine whether performance after pre-cooling was influenced by a short exercise warm-up. The 45-s test was performed at different (P<0.05) mean core temperature [(rectal+oesophageal)/2] [CON: 37.3+/-0.3 (S.D.), LW: 37.1+/-0.3, LC: 36.8+/-0.4 degrees C] and mean skin temperature (CON: 34.6+/-0.6, LW: 29.0+/-1.0, LC: 27.2+/-1.2 degrees C) between all conditions. Forearm blood flow prior to exercise was also lower in LC (3.1+/-2.0 ml 100 ml tissue(-1) x min(-1)) than CON (8.2+/-2.5, P=0.01) but not LW (4.3+/-2.6, P=0.46). After an exercise warm-up, muscle temperature (Tm) was not significantly different between conditions (CON: 37.3+/-1.5, LW: 37.3+/-1.2, LC: 36.6+/-0.7 degrees C, P=0.16) but when warm-up was excluded, T(m) was lower in LC (34.5+/-1.9 degrees C, P=0.02) than in CON (37.3+/-1.0) and LW (37.1+/-0.9). Even when a warm-up was performed, torso+thigh pre-cooling decreased both peak (-3.4+/-3.8%, P=0.04) and mean power output (-4.1+/-3.8%, P=0.01) relative to the control, but this effect was markedly larger when warm-up was excluded (peak power -7.7+/-2.5%, P=0.01; mean power -7.6+/-1.2%, P=0.01). Torso-only pre-cooling did not reduce peak or mean power, either with or without warm-up. These data indicate that pre-cooling does not improve 45-s high-intensity exercise performance, and can impair performance if the working muscles are cooled. A short exercise warm-up largely removes any detrimental effects of a cold muscle on performance by increasing Tm.

Performance and economic enhancement of cogeneration gas turbines through compressor inlet air cooling

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Delucia, M.; Bronconi, R.; Carnevale, E.

1994-04-01

Gas turbine air cooling systems serve to raise performance to peak power levels during the hot months when high atmospheric temperatures cause reductions in net power output. This work describes the technical and economic advantages of providing a compressor inlet air cooling system to increase the gas turbine's power rating and reduce its heat rate. The pros and cons of state-of-the-art cooling technologies, i.e., absorption and compression refrigeration, with and without thermal energy storage, were examined in order to select the most suitable cooling solution. Heavy-duty gas turbine cogeneration systems with and without absorption units were modeled, as well as various industrial sectors, i.e., paper and pulp, pharmaceuticals, food processing, textiles, tanning, and building materials. The ambient temperature variations were modeled so the effects of climate could be accounted for in the simulation. The results validated the advantages of gas turbine cogeneration with absorption air cooling as compared to other systems without air cooling.

Precisión de las velocidades radiales obtenidas con el REOSC

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

González, J. F.; Lapasset, E.

Complementando una línea de trabajo iniciada con anterioridad discutimos la estabilidad del espectrógrafo REOSC de CASLEO en DC para la medición de velocidades radiales en base al análisis de observaciones realizadas en enero y abril de 1997. En esas oportunidades obtuvimos 26 espectros de estrellas patrones y 27 espectros de 3 estrellas usadas como estrellas de referencia en nuestro programa de cúmulos abiertos. Además tomamos 26 espectros de crepúsculo con el telescopio en posiciones cubriendo el rango H=-4,+4 y δ =-90,+30. Mediante correlaciones cruzadas derivamos la velocidad de 19 órdenes en cada uno de estos espectros. En base a un análisis estadístico de los datos obtenidos discutimos la contribución de los distintos factores que afectan a la dispersión de lectura observada. En particular, la flexión del instrumento no introduciría errores significativos cuando se observa con masas de aire menores que 2.0. La dispersión de los valores de velocidad medidos para espectros de alta relación S/N de una misma estrella resultó del orden de 0.5 km/s. La comparación con los valores de velocidad publicados por distintos autores para las estrellas patrones no permite distinguir ninguna diferencia sistemática apreciable de las velocidades de CASLEO, siendo la media cuadrática de los residuos del orden de 1.0 km/s.

Examining adherence among challenging patients in public and private HIV care in Argentina

PubMed Central

Jones, Deborah; Cook, Ryan; Cecchini, Diego; Sued, Omar; Bofill, Lina; Weiss, Stephen; Waldrop-Valverde, Drenna; Lopez, Maria R; Spence, Andrew

2015-01-01

Treatment engagement, retention and adherence to care are required for optimal HIV outcomes. Yet, patients may fall below the treatment recommendations for achieving undetectable viral load or not be retained in care. This study examined the most challenging patients in Buenos Aires, Argentina, those non-adherent to HIV care. Men (n = 61) and women (n = 59) prescribed antiretrovirals (ARVs) and non-adherent to treatment in the prior 3 to 6 months were enrolled and assessed regarding adherence, knowledge, motivation and attitudes regarding treatment. Private clinic patients had lower viral load and higher self-reported adherence than public clinic patients. Motivations to be adherent and positive beliefs regarding ARVs were associated with increased adherence in public clinic participants. Increased self-efficacy was associated with increased adherence among participants from both clinics. Results support patient and provider interventions that strengthen the characteristics supporting adherence, engagement and retention in public and private clinic settings. Resumen El compromiso, la retención en el cuidado y adherencia al tratamiento son esenciales para el manejo óptimo del paciente con VIH. Sin embargo, muchos pacientes con VIH no siguen las el tratamiento para lograr tener una carga viral indetectable, o no permanecen bajo cuidado médico. Este estudio examina los pacientes más difíciles de retener en el cuidado médico en Buenos Aires, Argentina. Hombres (n = 61) y mujeres (n = 59) a los que se les habían recetado antiretrovirales pero seguían el tratamiento en los últimos 3 - 6 meses participaron en el estudio. Adherencia, conocimiento, motivación y actitudes frente al tratamiento fueron evaluados. Los pacientes en la clínica privada tenían menor carga viral y mejor adherencia que los de la clínica pública. Motivación y pensamientos positivos con respecto a antiretrovirales estaban asociados con mejor adherencia en los pacientes de la clínica pública. La autoeficacia estaba asociada con mejor adherencia en los pacientes en las dos clínicas. Los resultados indican que son necesarias intervenciones en pacientes y médicos para mejorar adherencia, compromiso y retención en el cuidado tanto en clínicas públicas como privadas. PMID:25777507

Simulation of regional-scale groundwater flow in the Azul River basin, Buenos Aires Province, Argentina

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Varni, Marcelo R.; Usunoff, Eduardo J.

A three-dimensional modular model (MODFLOW) was used to simulate groundwater flow in the Azul River basin, Buenos Aires Province, Argentina, in order to assess the correctness of the conceptual model of the hydrogeological system. Simulated heads satisfactorily match observed heads in the regional water-table aquifer. Model results indicate that: (1) groundwater recharge is not uniform throughout the region but is best represented by three recharge rates, decreasing downgradient, similar to the distribution of soils and geomorphological characteristics; and (2) evapotranspiration rates are larger than previous estimates, which were made by using the Thornthwaite-Mather method. Evapotranspiration rates estimated by MODFLOW agree with results of independent studies of the region. Model results closely match historical surface-flow records, thereby suggesting that the model description of the aquifer-river relationship is correct. Résumé Un modèle modulaire tridimensionnel (MODFLOW) a été utilisé pour simuler les écoulements souterrains dans le bassin de la rivière Azul (Province de Buenos Aires, Argentine), dans le but d'évaluer la justesse du modèle conceptuel du système hydrogéologique. La piézométrie simulée s'ajuste de façon satisfaisante à celle observée pour l'ensemble de la nappe. Les résultats du modèle indiquent que: (1) la recharge de la nappe n'est pas uniforme sur toute la région, mais qu'elle est mieux approchée par trois valeurs différentes, décroissant vers l'aval-gradient, en suivant la même distribution que les sols et les caractéristiques géomorphologiques et (2) l'évapotranspiration est nettement plus importante que prévu initialement à partir de la méthode de Thornthwaite-Mather. Les valeurs d'évapotranspiration fournies par MODFLOW concordent bien avec les résultats d'autres études portant sur la région. Les résultats du modèle reproduisent convenablement les chroniques de débit des écoulements de surface, suggérant ainsi que la description par le modèle des relations rivière-nappe est correcte. Resumen Se ha utilizado el modelo MODFLOW, del Servicio Geológico de los Estados Unidos, para simular el flujo de agua subterránea en la cuenca del arroyo del Azul, Provincia de Buenos Aires, Argentina, con el objeto de evaluar el modelo hidrogeológico conceptual. Los niveles hidráulicos simulados ajustan satisfactoriamente con los niveles observados. Los resultados de la simulación indican que: (1) la recarga no es uniforme, sino que puede caracterizarse con tres zonas en las que sus valores decrecen en la medida en que decrece la pendiente, que guarda similitud con la distribución de suelos y características geomorfológicas y (2) la evapotranspiración sería mayor que la estimada en estudios previos, en los que se utilizó el método de Thornthwaite-Mather. La evapotranspiración estimada mediante la presente simulación concuerda con resultados de varios estudios independientes en la región. Respecto de la relación acuífero-río, existe un muy buen ajuste entre los aportes del acuífero al río simulados y los valores históricos de caudal base.

Job Attitudes of USAF Officers.

DTIC Science & Technology

1986-01-01

employees --is predicted For the iSSOs. Second, movement toward greater tr-.:hnological Job content has led to greater training and development...air, water, etc., (2) Safety needs, such as freedom from harm, (3) Social needs, such as love, belongingness , (4) Esteem needs, need For mastery and... Employee attitudes and employee performance. Psucholooical Dachler, H. P., & Schneider, E. (1978). Some general con- siderations about Factors

La EPA ayuda a restaurar el laboratorio de ciencias de Puerto Rico y las capacidades de monitorear la calidad del aire

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

La EPA continúa ayudando a Puerto Rico a responder tras los daños causados por los huracanes Irma y María. La EPA, conforme a una misión asignada por FEMA, y en estrecha cooperación con el gobierno de Puerto Rico, se encuentra apoya

Draft Environmental Impact Statement. Proposed Actions at U.S. Army Kwajalein Atoll

DTIC Science & Technology

1989-06-01

Proposed Con- struction 2-49 2.3.3.1 Desalination Plant , Kwaja- lein 2-50 2.3.3.2 Sewage Treatment Plant , Roi-Namur 2-50 2.3.3.3 Document Control Facility...Regulations 3-47 3.4.1.2 Climate 3-47 3.4.1.3 Existing Air Pollution Sources 3-49 3.4.1.4 Ambient Air Quality 3-50 3.4.2 Noise 3-53 3.5 ISLAND PLANTS AND...4-24 4.4.2.5 Irreversible or Irretriev- able Commitment of Resources 4-24 PD435.010.6 viii CONTENTS (continued) Page 4.5 ISLAND PLANTS AND ANIMALS 4

Volk FLD. Camp Douglas, Wisconsin. Revised Uniform Summary of Surface Weather Observations (RUSSWO). Parts A-F

DTIC Science & Technology

1970-08-03

A .......... .. 7.-.. (J ATA TRUCES5U46 OV1sp0N4 u Ar ETA q U UWj F CEILING VERSUS VISIBILITY4 AI WATHER TYtEM TI930 CAMP 00 GLAS W$CONS MlVItK FLU...CESSINC, DIVISIOIN IJNAI ETAC4 AIR WATHER W CEILING VERSUS VISIBILITY , i 94t30 CAMP DOUGLAS W CJN5IN/V/LK FLO 64-_67 _____ " STATION STATION AME YEAS...TA c O PSYCHROMETRIC SUMMARY AIR WATHER SERV~q6MAC 94930__ CA)YIP 0fUGLAS WISCONStI4/VLK FLO 65-68 ______________ f , STATION STATION NAME YEARS

Radio Frequency Tomography for Tunnel Detection

DTIC Science & Technology

2010-03-01

F. Soldovieri is with the Istituto per il Rilevamento Elettromagnetico dell’Ambiente, Italian National Research Council (CNR), 80124 Naples, Italy ...both directions. ACKNOWLEDGMENT The authors would like to thank J. Parker and Dr. M. Ferrara , Air Force Research Laboratory, Prof. R. Ansari...Monte, D. Erricolo, and M. C. Wicks, “Propagation model, optimal geometry and receiver design for RF geotomography,” in Proc. IEEE RadarCon, Rome, Italy

Building Space Power for the Nation: Air Force Achievements Challenges and Opportunities

DTIC Science & Technology

2006-01-01

since space capabilities play in planning and con- that time , they have advanced from simply ducting.joint military operations. Space forces proving...collect critical this is a relatively short period of time . Addi- itelligence over dtenied areas, primarily the tionally nnmerous changes in military...novative program management ; cutting-edge grams. Shifts in responsibilities, organization, technical and engineering expertise; rapid, and culture created

Cigarette Smoke-induced Left Ventricular Remodelling is Associated with Activation of Mitogen-activated Protein Kinases

PubMed Central

Gu, Lianzhi; Pandey, Vikas; Geenen, David L.; Chowdhury, Shamim A. K.; Piano, Mariann R.

2008-01-01

Aim To determine the effects of cigarette smoke (CS) exposure on the expression/activation of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) (extracellular signal-regulated kinase [ERK1/2], p38-kinase [p38] and c-Jun NH2–terminal protein kinase [JNK]), norepinephrine (NE) levels and myocardial structure and function. Methods Rats were randomised to two groups: CS–exposed (n = 10) or room air (CON) (n = 12). After 5 weeks, the animals underwent echocardiography with pulse-wave Doppler flow measurements. Hearts were removed for microscopy and Western blot analysis. Results CS exposure was associated with significant increases in NE urinary levels and larger ventricular dimensions (mm) (CON = left ventricular end diastolic dimension [LVEDD] 7.99 ± 0.10, LV end systolic dimension [LVESD] 4.55 ± 0.20, CS = LVEDD 8.3 ± 0.10, LVESD 5.3 ± 0.09, p = 0.026, p = 0.003). There was also evidence of systolic dysfunction in the CS-exposed group compared to the CON group (fractional shortening %, CON = 43 ± 2, CS = 36 ± .09, p = 0.010). In CS-exposed hearts, significant increases in phosphorylated p38/total p38 (0.975 ± 0.05) and phosphorylated ERK1/2/totalERK1/2 (1.919 ± 0.050) were found compared to CON hearts (0.464 ± 0.008, 0.459 ± 0.050, respectively). No significant differences were found in JNK levels between the groups. Conclusions Increased NE levels and MAPK activation are associated with CS-related left ventricular remodelling. PMID:18815071

TENDENCIA DE LA TUBERCULOSIS EN LA REGIÓN SANITARIA V DE LA PROVINCIA DE BUENOS AIRES, AÑOS 2000–2011

PubMed Central

CHIRICO, CRISTINA; SANJURJO, MYRIAM; IRIBARREN, SARAH; APPENDINO, ANDREA; ZERBINI, ELSA; ETCHEVARRIA, MIRTA

2016-01-01

El objetivo del presente trabajo fue analizar la situación epidemiológica de la tuberculosis (TB) en la Región Sanitaria V (RSV), provincia de Buenos Aires. El estudio de tendencia permitió conocer un valor promedio de las variaciones de la tasa de incidencia (TI), calculadas por regresión lineal simple y expresadas como variación anual promedio (VAP). Se analizaron el número de casos notificados y TI por 100 000 habitantes de todas las formas de TB, los casos de TB pulmonar (TBP) y TBP confirmados por bacteriología, total casos por grupos de edad: 0 – 14; 15 – 29 y mayores de 64 años, entre el 1° de enero de 2000 al 31 de diciembre de 2011. La declinación de la TI fue menor al 5% para todas las formas de TB e inferior en las TBP confirmadas bacteriológicamente. Los casos de TBP y TI más elevadas, se concentraron en el grupo de 15 a 29 años, con tendencia estable o ligeramente ascendente de la TI en la TBP bacilífera. El mismo comportamiento presentaron los casos de TBP infantil con confirmación bacteriológica. La mayor velocidad de descenso en la TI de la TBP se produjo en este grupo de edad, mientras que en mayores de 64 años, el descenso fue sostenido en el tiempo. La TB persiste como un riesgo de salud en la RSV, con casos en edades jóvenes, por lo que sigue siendo necesario fortalecer el control de la TB en esta región. PMID:26117604

Ultrathin Cobalt Oxide Overlayer Promotes Catalytic Activity of Cobalt Nitride for the Oxygen Reduction Reaction

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

Abroshan, Hadi; Bothra, Pallavi; Back, Seoin

Here, the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) plays a crucial role in various energy devices such as proton-exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) and metal–air batteries. Owing to the scarcity of the current state-of-the-art Pt-based catalysts, cost-effective Pt-free materials such as transition metal nitrides and their derivatives have gained overwhelming interest as alternatives. In particular, cobalt nitride (CoN) has demonstrated a reasonably high ORR activity. However, the nature of its active phase still remains elusive. Here, we employ density functional theory calculations to study the surface reactivity of rocksalt (RS) and zincblend (ZB) cobalt nitride. The performances of the catalysts terminated bymore » the facets of (100), (110), and (111) are studied for the ORR. We demonstrate that the cobalt nitride surface is highly susceptible to oxidation under ORR conditions. The as-formed oxide overlayer on the facets of CoN RS(100) and CoN ZB(110) presents a significant promotional effect in reducing the ORR overpotential, thereby increasing the activity in comparison with those of the pure CoNs. The results of this work rationalize a number of experimental reports in the literature and disclose the nature of the active phase of cobalt nitrides for the ORR. Moreover, they offer guidelines for understanding the activity of other transition metal nitrides and designing efficient catalysts for future generation of PEMFCs.« less

Ultrathin Cobalt Oxide Overlayer Promotes Catalytic Activity of Cobalt Nitride for the Oxygen Reduction Reaction

DOE PAGES

Abroshan, Hadi; Bothra, Pallavi; Back, Seoin; ...

2018-02-12

Here, the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) plays a crucial role in various energy devices such as proton-exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) and metal–air batteries. Owing to the scarcity of the current state-of-the-art Pt-based catalysts, cost-effective Pt-free materials such as transition metal nitrides and their derivatives have gained overwhelming interest as alternatives. In particular, cobalt nitride (CoN) has demonstrated a reasonably high ORR activity. However, the nature of its active phase still remains elusive. Here, we employ density functional theory calculations to study the surface reactivity of rocksalt (RS) and zincblend (ZB) cobalt nitride. The performances of the catalysts terminated bymore » the facets of (100), (110), and (111) are studied for the ORR. We demonstrate that the cobalt nitride surface is highly susceptible to oxidation under ORR conditions. The as-formed oxide overlayer on the facets of CoN RS(100) and CoN ZB(110) presents a significant promotional effect in reducing the ORR overpotential, thereby increasing the activity in comparison with those of the pure CoNs. The results of this work rationalize a number of experimental reports in the literature and disclose the nature of the active phase of cobalt nitrides for the ORR. Moreover, they offer guidelines for understanding the activity of other transition metal nitrides and designing efficient catalysts for future generation of PEMFCs.« less

Experiences of a Rail Yard Community: Life Is Hard

PubMed Central

Spencer-Hwang, Rhonda; Montgomery, Susanne; Dougherty, Molly; Valladares, Johanny; Rangel, Sany; Gleason, Peter; Soret, Sam

2015-01-01

Community groups and local air pollution control agencies have identified the San Bernardino Railyard (SBR) as a significant public health and environmental justice issue. In response, the authors conducted a comprehensive study with community members living in close proximity to the rail yard. The purpose of this article is to share the community's perceptions about the rail yard and ideas on sustainable change. A qualitative study using key informant interviews and focus group discussions was conducted and resulted in four emerging themes. Themes emerged as follows: “health as an unattainable value,” “air quality challenges,” “rail yard pros and cons,” and “violence and unemployment ripple effect.” Community participants expressed concern for poor air quality, but other challenges took priority. The authors' findings suggest that future mitigation work to reduce air pollution exposure should not only focus on reducing risk from air pollution but address significant cooccurring community challenges. A “Health in All Policies” approach is warranted in addressing impacted communities in close proximity to the goods movement industry. PMID:25226779

Toward Improved Maintenance Training Programs: The Potentials for Training and Aiding the Technician.

DTIC Science & Technology

1981-07-01

conditional, fault-isolation approach of the con- Data Base Requirements tent expert, photographs of normal and abnormal symp- The content-expert may...59 THE AUTOMATED INTERGRATION OF TRAINING AND AIDING INFORMATION FOR THE OPERATOR/TECHNICIAN Dr. Douglas Towne...Subsystem approach devel- until this Third Biennial Conference oped by the Air Force in the 1960’s for us to call a meeting devoted to integrate Human

Analysis of Explosives in Soil Using Solid Phase Microextraction and Gas Chromatography: Environmental Analysis

DTIC Science & Technology

2006-01-01

ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS Analysis of Explosives in Soil Using Solid Phase Microextraction and Gas Chromatography Howard T. Mayfield Air Force Research...Abstract: Current methods for the analysis of explosives in soils utilize time consuming sample preparation workups and extractions. The method detection...chromatography/mass spectrometry to provide a con- venient and sensitive analysis method for explosives in soil. Keywords: Explosives, TNT, solid phase

Research Apprenticeships for Disadvantaged High Schoolers (RADHS)

DTIC Science & Technology

1982-07-09

DISADVANTAGED hIGH SCHOOLER (RADHS) 61102-FCD AUTI4ORM$ 2313/D3N% Roy B. Cowin t PWOFiIMG OGANZATbON NAME(S) AND ADORE SS(1S) L PIRFOMMG OlIGANUZATMO CN ABET...that the Air Force Research Apprenticeships for Disadvantaged High Schoolers (RADHS) should augment its Uninitiates Introduction To Engineering (UNITE...mechanical engineering. Numerous projects deal with energy con - servation and alternative energy sources, protective clothing, and electrical safey

JPRS Report, China

DTIC Science & Technology

1989-10-31

technology of deep and inclined well drilling on land and sea, and the popularization of break spinning and air-jet weaving. Apart from this, 70 percent of...husked sorghum; millet and millet con- verted to husked millet , and other raw grains and raw grains converted to grain products. Tubers included sweet...threshed, but that had not yet been milled, and that could be directly eaten without being processed. Wheat, paddy, soybeans, sorghum, millet , corn, broad

Automatic Mass Balancing of Air-Bearing-Based Three-Axis Rotational Spacecraft Simulator

DTIC Science & Technology

2009-06-01

required at all possible combinations of spacecraft attitude, angular/linear position of rotating/translating parts, maneuver rates, etc., which is...solution is to generate a desired spacecraft momentum trajectory that can provide persistent maneuvering of the spacecraft simulator. We define the...disturbance torque becomes zero. Because the spacecraft is con- stantly maneuvering , the center of gravity also converges to zero to have a zero

Military Strategy,

DTIC Science & Technology

1968-01-01

whenever necessary, there is round-the-clock air patrolling by heavy barbers , carrying nu- clear bombs, along the northern coasts of Greenland, Canada...aa well as highly developed machine building industries. In them Is con- centrated 75 percent o* all coal, SO percent of the oil , about 70 percent...the import of many types of alloy metals and code oil from the de- 120 Military Strategy veloping countries in the Near East, Far East, Africa, and

The Use of Land Power to Counter the Iranian Nuclear Proliferation Challenge

DTIC Science & Technology

2007-06-15

US actions by regional and global opponents (al Qaeda, Russia, etc) to an invasion. Specifically, I will not address the potential for the con spread...facilities will not neutralize the facilities in the long-term, and air attacks will inspire Iranian nationalism against pro -US change. It may not be...thesis committee. Other evaluation methods considered included the strengths-weaknesses-opportunities-threats ( SWOT ) method, and the diplomacy

A Theoretical Manpower Optimization Model for the Air Force Installation Contracting Agency (AFICA)

DTIC Science & Technology

2017-12-01

development and enterprise-wide market intelligence. The theoretical manpower model proposed by this project optimizes manpower in respect to contracting...procurement needs and/or more effectively leverage spend, market position, market knowledge (e.g., price benchmarks), and capabilities (e.g., IT...CONS level because the process savings are not clearly traceable to a contract action. For example, to augment the market intelligence of category

Command and Control of Joint Air Operations through Mission Command

DTIC Science & Technology

2016-06-01

and outlines the C2 architecture systems, processes, and philosophy of com- mand required to enable mission command effectively. Mission Command...General Dempsey highlights the fact that “trust is the moral sinew that binds the distributed Joint Force 2020 together” and observes that “unless...con- fident about how their subordinates will make decisions and adapt to the dynamic battlespace environment. Processes, Systems, and Philosophy of

The Evolution of NATO with Four Plausible Threat Scenarios

DTIC Science & Technology

1987-08-01

were political changes as well. The evolution of British political institutions, and especially the widening of the franchise by electoral reform, had...countries. King Edward, in particular, excited the French imagination. In his con- tact with French statesmen, Edward made clear his desire for an...such as the Mitteland Kanal, British lines of communication and the Teuto- burger Wald before making contact. With Soviet air forces alert against

Medical Surveillance Monthly Report. Volume 21, Number 3

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-03-01

PERFORMING ORGANIZATION NAME(S) AND ADDRESS(ES) Medical Surveillance Monthly Report (MSMR),Armed Forces Health Surveillance Center,11800 Tech Road, Suite 220...MCAF-CS),Silver Spring,MD,20904 8. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION REPORT NUMBER 9. SPONSORING/MONITORING AGENCY NAME(S) AND ADDRESS(ES) 10. SPONSOR...travel, use of air con- ditioning, and other recreational activities that increase risk of exposure to Legionella bacteria (e.g., use of hot tubs

Scanned Laser Illuminator/Receiver

DTIC Science & Technology

1976-11-01

0.21/cm | | Optical Power 20 Watts i input I Optical Power 100 Watts | output ! Input Power 10 kW The oscillator ...8217.rectional due to the oscillating mirror. Again, con- siderable optical magnification is provided between object space and the scan mirror to minimize the...for a 100W (14) R. A. McClatchey, et al, " Optical Properties of the Atmosphere (Third Edition)," Air Force Cambridge Research Laboratories, Tech

Acquisition Review Quarterly: Vol. 4, No. 2, Spring 1997

DTIC Science & Technology

1997-01-01

universities including the University of Southern California, the University of Chicago, George Mason Uni- versity, and the George Washington University...of competition in its were master’s theses from the Air Force analysis. Institute of Technology. Greer and Liao (1983) investigated con- Brost (1982...Postgradu- The Quarterly Journal of Economics, ate School, Monterey, CA, September. 681-707. Brost , E. J. (1982, September). A compara- Beltramo. M. N

Operational Alternatives for Air Assault Forces in the 1990s.

DTIC Science & Technology

1982-06-01

combined arms fashion. The study stipulates that the helicopter, as an entity, is an accepted system in the arsenal and operational doctrines of...modern armies. Generally accepted roles include tactical and administrative transport, and weapons system platform. At issue is the Optimtm con... system also requires a concomitant adjustment in tactics and extant force structures to acccmodate the missions and doctrines that emerge. 11. U.S

24-HOUR DIFFUSIVE SAMPLING OF 1,3-BUTADIENE IN AIR ONTO CARBOPACK X SOLID ADSORBENT FOLLOWED BY THERMAL DESORPTION/GC/MS ANALYSIS - FEASIBILITY STUDY

EPA Science Inventory

Diffusive sampling of 1,3-butadiene for 24 hr onto the graphitic adsorbent Carbopack X packed in a stainless steel tube badge (6.3 mm o.d., 5 mm i.d., and 90 mm in length) with analysis by thermal desorption/gas chromatography (GC)/mass spectrometry (MS) has been evaluated in con...

Computational Modeling of Cultural Dimensions in Adversary Organizations

DTIC Science & Technology

2010-01-01

Nodes”, In the Proceedings of the 9th Conference on Uncertainty in Artificial Intelli - gence, 1993. [8] Pearl, J. Probabilistic Reasoning in...the artificial life simulations; in con- trast, models with only a few agents typically employ quite sophisticated cognitive agents capa- ble of...Model Construction 45 cisions as to how to allocate scarce ISR assets (two Unmanned Air Systems, UAS ) among the two Red activities while at the same

Air Traffic Management Technology Demonstration-1 Concept of Operations (ATD-1 ConOps), Version 2.0

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Baxley, Brian T.; Johnson, William C.; Swenson, Harry N.; Robinson, John E.; Prevot, Tom; Callantine, Todd J.; Scardina, John; Greene, Michael

2013-01-01

This document is an update to the operations and procedures envisioned for NASA s Air Traffic Management (ATM) Technology Demonstration #1 (ATD-1). The ATD-1 Concept of Operations (ConOps) integrates three NASA technologies to achieve high throughput, fuel-efficient arrival operations into busy terminal airspace. They are Traffic Management Advisor with Terminal Metering (TMA-TM) for precise time-based schedules to the runway and points within the terminal area, Controller-Managed Spacing (CMS) decision support tools for terminal controllers to better manage aircraft delay using speed control, and Flight deck Interval Management (FIM) avionics and flight crew procedures to conduct airborne spacing operations. The ATD-1 concept provides de-conflicted and efficient operations of multiple arrival streams of aircraft, passing through multiple merge points, from top-of-descent (TOD) to the Final Approach Fix. These arrival streams are Optimized Profile Descents (OPDs) from en route altitude to the runway, using primarily speed control to maintain separation and schedule. The ATD-1 project is currently addressing the challenges of integrating the three technologies, and their implantation into an operational environment. The ATD-1 goals include increasing the throughput of high-density airports, reducing controller workload, increasing efficiency of arrival operations and the frequency of trajectory-based operations, and promoting aircraft ADS-B equipage.

DARPA Workshop on Geothermal Energy for Military Operations

DTIC Science & Technology

2010-05-01

is administered by its Geothermal Program Office (GPO) at the Navy Air Weapons Station, China Lake, CA. GPO manages the Coso Geo- thermal Field at...advanced geothermal technologies might reduce the risk and cost to the point where the U.S. military would be able to take advantage. Supplying geothermal...was con- vened to explore whether investment in advanced geothermal technologies might reduce the risk and cost to the point where the U.S. military

Explosives Detection in a Lasing Plasmon Nanocavity

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-08-01

plasmonic sensors7,13–18 with 2,4-dinitrotoluene and ammonium nitrate . The selectivity between 2,4-dinitrotoluene, ammonium nitrate and nitrobenzene is on a...ammonium nitrate . The selectivity between 2,4-dinitrotoluene, ammoniumnitrate and nitrobenzene is on a par with other state-of-the-art explosives... nitrate (AN) and nitrobenzene (NB). Air was used both to dilute them and as the background reference. Figure 4a–c presents con- tinuous traces of lasing

Occupational Attitude Inventory: Use in Predictions of Job Satisfaction, Reenlistment Intent, and Reenlistment Behavior.

DTIC Science & Technology

1982-10-01

business and industry for these entry level manpower resources. For this reason tie services must make all even more concentrated effort to keep...listmnent betweetn eligible- inteligible and eligible ony leerlier reported pattern con tiinued. namtely that prediction appeared to bei better aniong...numiber of extra (lit ies individunals have to perform. are coiitlinuously rem oved by organizatiois Ii thle normal course of their business .Air * Force

From War to Deterrence? Israel-Hezbollah Conflict Since 2006

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-05-01

Israeli Air Force (IAF) strike on a Syrian reactor in September 2007, the issue of the Lebanese front, although unsettled, was moved to the...widespread con- fusion over the exact level of readiness and coverage of its missile defense architecture. Given the current passion of Israeli...Variations on a Theme: The Conceptual - ization of Deterrence in Israeli Strategic Thinking,” Security Stud- ies, Vol. 7, No. 3, Spring 1998, pp. 145-181

Air-Supported Anti-Infiltration Barrier.

DTIC Science & Technology

1966-08-01

Gov’t. agencies and their contractors; Administrative/Operational Use; AUG 1966. Other requests shall be referred to Defense Advanced Research Projects...entitled Report, Study, and Research Paper. A Report em’bodies the results of a major research pro ject undertaken by IDA and is intended to be an...authoritative con- tribution on its subject. A Stuy is a less formal document and less comprehensive in scope than a Report. It may be the result of a

SU-F-T-33: Air-Kerma Strength and Dose Rate Constant by the Full Monte Carlo Simulations

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

Tsuji, S; Oita, M; Narihiro, N

2016-06-15

Purpose: In general, the air-kerma strength (Sk) has been determined by the energy weighting the photon energy fluence and the corresponding mass-energy absorption coefficient or mass-energy transfer coefficient. Kerma is an acronym for kinetic energy released per unit mass, defined as the sum of the initial kinetic energies of all the charged particles. Monte Carlo (MC) simulations can investigate the kinetic energy of the charged particles after photo interactions and sum the energy. The Sk of {sup 192}Ir source is obtained in the full MC simulation and finally the dose rate constant Λ is determine. Methods: MC simulations were performedmore » using EGS5 with the microSelectron HDR v2 type of {sup 192}Ir source. The air-kerma rate obtained to sum the electron kinetic energy after photoelectric absorption or Compton scattering for transverse-axis distance from 1 to 120 cm with a 10 m diameter air phantom. Absorbed dose in water is simulated with a 30 cm diameter water phantom. The transport cut-off energy is 10 keV and primary photons from the source need two hundred and forty billion in the air-kerma rate and thirty billion in absorbed dose in water. Results: Sk is multiplied by the square of the distance in air-kerma rate and determined by fitting a linear function. The result of Sk is (2.7039±0.0085)*10-{sup −11} µGy m{sup 2} Bq{sup −1} s{sup −1}. Absorbed dose rate in water at 1 cm transverse-axis distance D(r{sub 0}, θ{sub 0}) is (3.0114±0.0015)*10{sup −11} cGy Bq{sup −1} s{sup −1}. Conclusion: From the results, dose rate constant Λ of the microSelectron HDR v2 type of {sup 192}Ir source is (1.1137±0.0035) cGy h{sup −1} U{sup −1} by the full MC simulations. The consensus value conΛ is (1.109±0.012) cGy h{sup −1} U{sup −1}. The result value is consistent with the consensus data conΛ.« less

Chest trauma of Alexander the Great, a pneumology approach.

PubMed

Sandoval-Gutiérrez, José Luis

2017-01-01

Delgado-García, et al. presentan una disertación amplia, con revisión histórica profunda, de la lesión torácica que sufrió Alejandro Magno por el disparo de una saeta de dos codos de largo (88 cm) en la batalla contra los malios, donde a través de diversas narraciones se ha considerado que sufrió un neumotórax y que debido a la gravedad de la lesión sus médicos decidieron retirar el objeto punzocortante, obteniéndose aire y sangre posextracción; el emperador perdió el estado de alerta, recuperándose posteriormente la herida y permitiéndole montar a caballo a los pocos días. Los autores finalizan con la frase «Lo sucedido después del flechazo torna inverosímil la posibilidad de un neumotórax».

Meta-analysis of the effects of microclimate cooling systems on human performance under thermal stressful environments: potential applications to occupational workers.

PubMed

Chan, Albert P C; Song, Wenfang; Yang, Yang

2015-01-01

This study aims to determine the appropriate microclimate cooling systems (MCSs) to reduce heat stress and improve human performance of occupational workers and their practicality in the occupational field. Meta-analysis was employed to summarize, analyze, and compare the effects of various MCSs on human performance with corresponding physiological and psychological responses, thereby providing solid suggestions for selecting suitable MCSs for occupational workers. Wearing MCSs significantly attenuated the increases in core temperature (-0.34 °C/h) and sweating rate (-0.30 L/h), and significantly improved human performance (+29.9%, effect size [EFS] = 1.1) compared with no cooling condition (CON). Cold air-cooled garments (ACG-Cs; +106.2%, EFS = 2.32) exhibited greater effects on improving human performance among various microclimate cooling garments (MCGs), followed by liquid cooling garments (LCGs; +68.1%, EFS = 1.86) and hybrid cooling garment combining air and liquid cooling (HBCG-AL; +59.1%, EFS=3.38), natural air-cooled garments (ACG-Ns; +39.9%, EFS = 1.12), and phase change material cooling garments (PCMCGs; +19.5%, EFS = 1.2). Performance improvement was observed to be positively and linearly correlated to the differences of core temperature increase rate (r = 0.65, p < 0.01) and sweating rate (r = 0.80, p < 0.001) between MCSs and CON. Considering their application in industrial settings, ACG-Cs, LCGs, and HBCG-AL are practical for work, in which workers do not move frequently, whereas ACG-Ns and PCMCGs are more applicable for the majority of occupational workers. Further enhancement of the cooling efficiency of these two cooling strategies should be initiated. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Air National Guard Women’s Sleep Health Study

DTIC Science & Technology

2017-04-23

presented at/publi shed to TSNRP Military Women’s Health RIG (Research Interest Group) April meeting via Teleconference in accordance with MDWI 41-1...Graduate Health Sciences Education student and your depa11ment has told you they cannot fund your publication, the 59th C linical Research Divis ion...sleep (number of hours and adequacy of those hours) con be considered port of overall health and well-being. . • Sleep disruptions hove been linked

Users Guide to Direct Digital Control of Heating, Ventilating, and Air Conditioning Equipment,

DTIC Science & Technology

1985-01-01

cycles, reset, load shedding, chiller optimization , VAV fan synchronization, and optimum start/stop. The prospective buyer of a DDC system should...in Fig- ure 4. Data on setpoints , reset schedules, and event timing, such as that presented in Figure 6, are often even more difficult to find. In con...control logic, setpoint and other data are readily available. Program logic, setpoint and schedule data, and other information stored in a DDC unit

The Republic of Korea: Intercultural Education and the Nevada Air National Guard (Team Spirit 󈨖).

DTIC Science & Technology

1982-07-01

GOVERNMENT STRUCTURE written de-.rep whi, li bans the dissemi- pendents, many of whom had con- nation of false rumors , criticism of tended...medicine. - Hanvak system of treatment -- herbs and acupuncture - Tuberculosis - No. I disease. Also cholera , typhoid and VD. 80% of 119 A population has...ated and the false foisted as truth, especially when reforms because they brought with them American their effect was to fan anti-Americanism and nat

Environmental Assessment for the Power Plant Upgrade, Construct Fuel Farm, Cavalier Air Force Station, North Dakota

DTIC Science & Technology

2013-06-01

cooling water, fire water, domestic water, sanitary systems, con- trol room, and other requirements which would be utilized in place. Constructing a new...communica- tions requirements, sanitary sewer, and electrical connections back to the PAR building are expected to be routed through the new...Pembina Delta Aquifer is underlain by shale bedrock and by glacial till and thick deposits of lake clay and silt. Small aquifers within the

Camouflage and Deception Techniques for Urban Warfare

DTIC Science & Technology

1980-10-01

ý 1 97418W / 7. AU"Olil’a) . CONTRACT GA GRANT NUMBER~o) 06. 01911TRMUINORGANIATIOENT NAME AND ADRSS1. RGRMELM ROETTS Cappoulagad forpubl apic ...of air to achieve rigidity as well as~ flotation . lii’ dco br g wohll le iul~lvel iiear real rilbbonl bridlges in order to con1fuse ellicini...A.. (PT. Spain. "~Attackingr and Defending, Populated Places?" Military Review, (October 19414). Felts. Robert. "Urban Warfare. Emerging Material

An Analysis of Water-to-Air Heat Pump Systems for Use in Government Facilities.

DTIC Science & Technology

1980-09-01

factories , businesses, and homes could have a significant impact on total energy con- sumption. Various methods to reduce energy consumption include...MODEL GROUND WATER HEAT PUMP 95 ECOsOioIC: EVALUATION OF 4E i Il/C 0"C". 5InULATI -’ (S 4.’V;F, TEAx3 EC3OO, tC ANALISIS -ARlE7ERS E’NNtNG Yf. OF S:h

Complexity Reduction of Collisional-Radiative Kinetics for Atomic Plasma

DTIC Science & Technology

2013-12-23

through collisional and radiative interactions .4–6 The most accurate treatment for these non- equilibrium plasmas requires a state-to-state approach,7–13...CR system versus time, during con- stant-Te plasma evolution from a low -temperature ASDF and low electron number density; as excitation and...Collisional-radiative model in air for earth re-entry problems,” Phys. Plasmas 13, 043502 (2006). 9C. O. Laux, L. Pierrot, and R. J. Gessman, “State-to

Army Logistician. Volume 38, Issue 3, May-June 2006

DTIC Science & Technology

2006-06-01

that are deployed or preparing to deploy and those in the process of transforming to a modular design find it difficult to keep abreast of emerging...The Air Force and the Marine Corps have well-defined and -established career fields in con- tracting for their NCOs. Now the Army is developing ...How will field -grade officers in a BCT be developed as logistics officers? How will CSS company commanders be developed ? Will there be a female

Post-exercise cooling techniques in hot, humid conditions.

PubMed

Barwood, Martin James; Davey, Sarah; House, James R; Tipton, Michael J

2009-11-01

Major sporting events are often held in hot and humid environmental conditions. Cooling techniques have been used to reduce the risk of heat illness following exercise. This study compared the efficacy of five cooling techniques, hand immersion (HI), whole body fanning (WBF), an air cooled garment (ACG), a liquid cooled garment (LCG) and a phase change garment (PCG), against a natural cooling control condition (CON) over two periods between and following exercise bouts in 31 degrees C, 70%RH air. Nine males [age 22 (3) years; height 1.80 (0.04) m; mass 69.80 (7.10) kg] exercised on a treadmill at a maximal sustainable work intensity until rectal temperature (T (re)) reached 38.5 degrees C following which they underwent a resting recovery (0-15 min; COOL 1). They then recommenced exercise until T (re) again reached 38.5 degrees C and then undertook 30 min of cooling with (0-15 min; COOL 2A), and without face fanning (15-30 min; COOL 2B). Based on mean body temperature changes (COOL 1), WBF was most effective in extracting heat: CON 99 W; WBF: 235 W; PCG: 141 W; HI: 162 W; ACG: 101 W; LCG: 49 W) as a consequence of evaporating more sweat. Therefore, WBF represents a cheap and practical means of post-exercise cooling in hot, humid conditions in a sporting setting.

Functional Analysis for an Integrated Capability of Arrival/Departure/Surface Management with Tactical Runway Management

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Phojanamongkolkij, Nipa; Okuniek, Nikolai; Lohr, Gary W.; Schaper, Meilin; Christoffels, Lothar; Latorella, Kara A.

2014-01-01

The runway is a critical resource of any air transport system. It is used for arrivals, departures, and for taxiing aircraft and is universally acknowledged as a constraining factor to capacity for both surface and airspace operations. It follows that investigation of the effective use of runways, both in terms of selection and assignment as well as the timing and sequencing of the traffic is paramount to the efficient traffic flows. Both the German Aerospace Center (DLR) and NASA have developed concepts and tools to improve atomic aspects of coordinated arrival/departure/surface management operations and runway configuration management. In December 2012, NASA entered into a Collaborative Agreement with DLR. Four collaborative work areas were identified, one of which is called "Runway Management." As part of collaborative research in the "Runway Management" area, which is conducted with the DLR Institute of Flight Guidance, located in Braunschweig, the goal is to develop an integrated system comprised of the three DLR tools - arrival, departure, and surface management (collectively referred to as A/D/S-MAN) - and NASA's tactical runway configuration management (TRCM) tool. To achieve this goal, it is critical to prepare a concept of operations (ConOps) detailing how the NASA runway management and DLR arrival, departure, and surface management tools will function together to the benefit of each. To assist with the preparation of the ConOps, the integrated NASA and DLR tools are assessed through a functional analysis method described in this report. The report first provides the highlevel operational environments for air traffic management (ATM) in Germany and in the U.S., and the descriptions of the DLR's A/D/S-MAN and NASA's TRCM tools at the level of details necessary to compliment the purpose of the study. Functional analyses of each tool and a completed functional analysis of an integrated system design are presented next in the report. Future efforts to fully develop the ConOps will include: developing scenarios to fully test environmental, procedural, and data availability assumptions; executing the analysis by a walk-through of the integrated system using these scenarios; defining the appropriate role of operators in terms of their monitoring requirements and decision authority; executing the analysis by a walk-through of the integrated system with operator involvement; characterizing the environmental, system data requirements, and operator role assumptions for the ConOps.

Effects of rain on energy metabolism while running in a cold environment.

PubMed

Ito, R; Nakano, M; Yamane, M; Amano, M; Matsumoto, T

2013-08-01

Environmental factors tend to influence the performance of individuals who exercise for extended periods. The present study aimed to determine energy metabolism while running in cold, wet conditions using a climatic chamber that can precisely simulate rainy conditions. 7 healthy men (age, 23.3±2.9 (SD) y; height, 168.6±7.5 cm; weight, 65.9±8.1 kg; V. O2max, 52.0±5.7 mL·kg - 1·min - 1) ran on a treadmill at 70% ˙VO2max intensity for 30 min in a climatic chamber at an ambient temperature of 5°C in the presence (RAIN) or absence (CON) of 40 mm/h of precipitation. Expired air, esophageal temperature, heart rate, mean skin temperature, rating of perceived exertion and blood samples were measured. Esophageal temperature and mean skin temperature were significantly lower (P<0.05) in RAIN than in CON all. Minute ventilation, oxygen consumption and levels of plasma lactate and norepinephrine were significantly higher (P<0.05) in RAIN than in CON. In conclusion, the higher oxygen consumption and plasma lactate in RAIN indicated that energy demand increases when running in cold conditions. © Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York.

Rain influences the physiological and metabolic responses to exercise in hot conditions.

PubMed

Ito, Ryo; Yamashita, Naoyuki; Suzuki, Eiko; Matsumoto, Takaaki

2015-01-01

Outdoor exercise often proceeds in rainy conditions. However, the cooling effects of rain on human physiological responses have not been systematically studied in hot conditions. The present study determined physiological and metabolic responses using a climatic chamber that can precisely simulate hot, rainy conditions. Eleven healthy men ran on a treadmill at an intensity of 70% VO2max for 30 min in the climatic chamber at an ambient temperature of 33°C in the presence (RAIN) or absence (CON) of 30 mm · h(-1) of precipitation and a headwind equal to the running velocity of 3.15 ± 0.19 m · s(-1). Oesophageal temperature, mean skin temperature, heart rate, rating of perceived exertion, blood parameters, volume of expired air and sweat loss were measured. Oesophageal and mean skin temperatures were significantly lower from 5 to 30 min, and heart rate was significantly lower from 20 to 30 min in RAIN than in CON (P < 0.05 for all). Plasma lactate and epinephrine concentrations (30 min) and sweat loss were significantly lower (P < 0.05) in RAIN compared with CON. Rain appears to influence physiological and metabolic responses to exercise in heat such that heat-induced strain might be reduced.

Energy Star program benefits Con Edison

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

NONE

Impressed with savings in energy costs achieved after upgrading the lighting and air conditioning systems at its Manhattan headquarters, Home Box Office (HBO) wanted to do more, James Flock, vice president for computer and office systems, contacted Con Edison Co. of New York in March 1991 to determine what the company could do to save money by reducing energy consumed by personal computers. Arthur Kressner, Con Edison Research and Development manager contacted industry organizations and manufacturers for advice, but was told only to shut off computers at night and on weekends. Kressner arranged a series of meetings with IBM andmore » the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) to discuss the issue, then approached the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), which was designing a program to promote the introduction and use of energy-efficient office equipment. In 1992, the EPA announced the Energy Star program for PCs, enabling manufacturers to display the Energy Star logo on machines meeting program criteria, including the ability to enter a sleep mode in which neither the computer nor monitor consume more than 30 W or electricity. Industry experts estimate national energy consumption by office equipment could double by the year 2000, but Energy Star equipment is expected to improve efficiency and help maintain electric loads.« less

Analysis of Air Force Junior Aircraft Maintenance Officer Leadership Development

DTIC Science & Technology

1985-09-01

research. ii I owe a lasting debt of gratitude to my parents . I thank my father, Lt Col Arthur C. Morabito, for his con- stant example of leadership...Conversely, second lieutenants are frequently overprotected by their superiors and thus are not allowed to learn through experience. (Wellins and others...Executive Committee 2 3.4 Chamber of Commerce Member 1 1.7 PTA Member 1 1.7 Career Day Representative 1 1.7 Amateur Theater Director 1 1.7 Single Parent

Defense Environmental Restoration Program Annual Report to Congress for Fiscal Year 1989

DTIC Science & Technology

1990-02-01

Sioux Falls 8 Air Force Ellsworth AFB 17 4 11 1 2 Joe Foss 6 2 2 South Dakota Totals 39 0 4 11 3 0 0) 4 Army AEDC Tullahoma 1 AFRC Johnson City 6...industrial applications. an Sl ** *. aion The Army has made several important advances in combat- Mobile Dioxin ing ground water and soil con...when operational. will treat ground water from all area drinking u ecovery water production wells and will meet all current health-baseda AFB

United States Air Force Summary, Seventh Edition

DTIC Science & Technology

1981-01-01

Thomas F. (MO) Chiles, Lawton (FL) Democrats Andrews, Mark (~D) Abdnor, James (SD) Kasten, Robert W. Jr. (WI) D’Amato, Alfonse M. (~) Mattingly, Mack (r... Lawton (FL) Johnston, J. Bennett, Jr. (LA) Huddleston, Walter D. (KY) MillT AIY CON S T R U C II 0 N SUB COM MITT EE Republicans Laxalt, Paul (NV...Democrats REF 3 Whitten, Jamie L. (MS) Chairman Boland, Edward P. (MA) Na t cher, William H. (KY) Smith, Neal (IA) Addabbo, Joseph P. (NY) Long, Clarence D

Functional Design for Air Intercept Controller Prototype Training System.

DTIC Science & Technology

1981-12-01

DEC 81 E REGELSON. 0 SLENON, R VERSTEE6 N61339-?-C-OIG* UNCLASSIFIED G61I-A009 NAVTRAEUIPC-70-C-0182-B 14. . !EEEEEEEEEEElIEEIIIEEIIEEI IEIIEIIIEIIII...INTERCEPT CON4TROLLER PROTOTYPE TRAINING SYSTEK E . Regelson, G. Slemon, R. VerSteeg, R. Halley Logicon, Inc. Tactical & Training Systems Division Post...Final epr 7. AUTWOaN( L CONTRACT OR GONI’?MUMBILN(s) E . Regelson, G. Slemon, R. VerSteeg, R. Halley N61339-78-C-0182 9. P6141ORMING ORGANIZATION

Preconstruction Review and Cons

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

This document may be of assistance in applying the New Source Review (NSR) air permitting regulations including the Prevention of Significant Deterioration (PSD) requirements. This document is part of the NSR Policy and Guidance Database. Some documents in the database are a scanned or retyped version of a paper photocopy of the original. Although we have taken considerable effort to quality assure the documents, some may contain typographical errors. Contact the office that issued the document if you need a copy of the original.

The Sinusoidal Response of the Oculoverstibular System of Normal and Otolith Deficient Mice.

DTIC Science & Technology

1979-01-01

Report) APPROVEJD FOt PU8.JZ RE L~ 1F~90-17.23SP1 0 aieto0 bic Affairs 18. SUPPLEMENTARY NOTES Approved fr public release; IAW AFR 190-17 Air Frce...m! las! was greatc:SL at Icu freque~ncies. r J It v~n:. con tlwlA’v tho rWU’ lOvStibl1,a:! 5svstCMr in mfr :( Carl he ə’eluntel cor.n :rcd to 0’ i

Research and Development of Human and Primate Antibodies for Immunotherapy of Viral Hemorrhagic Fever Infections

DTIC Science & Technology

1989-06-01

mecanismos immunologicos en la infeccion experimental de la rata con virus Junin. Resumen II congreso argentino microbiologia. Buenos Aires: Asociacion...other authorized documents. 89 I> I. ECURITY ICLASSIFICATION OF THIS PAGE REPORT DOCUMENTATION PAGE FmB ov0d0IOMB No. 0704-01" la REPORT SECURITY CASS,F...replication in culture macrophages with West Nile virus (9), and in dengue virus infection in children (10). Clinically, dengue virus normally produces a non

Exhaust-Stack Nozzle Area and Shape for Individual Cylinder Exhaust-Gas Jet-Propulsion System

DTIC Science & Technology

1943-01-01

ty and con- siderable loss in the availabfity of the energy occurs because of acoustic shock and because the kinetic energy is trans- formed into heat ...plate in the air-intake duct. A tank was installed between the engine and the oriiice plata to damp out pulsations . The fuel flow was measured by a...with a length of flexible tubing. A tap for measuring static pres- sure was locxded in the tank. Tank pressures were main- tained by operation of an

Lorenz on Leadership: Lessons on Effectively Leading People, Teams, and Organizations

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-08-01

Using a combination of theory , his- tory, and field research, instructors at the school wrote the plan em- ployed by the United States in World War II...air, space, and cyber- space theory and history is small compared to the percentage of land-power experts at Army or Marine schools. At times this...that was the day I fell in love with the Academy. Con- struction on Cadet Chapel had yet to begin, and Sijan Hall was still years in the future. I

Development of Facility Type Information Packages for Design of Air Force Facilities.

DTIC Science & Technology

1983-03-01

solution. For example, the optimum size and loca- 19 tion of windows for the incorporation of a passive solar *l . heating system varies with location, time...conditioning load estimate M. Energy impact statement N. Majcom review comments 0. Solar energy systems 61 4 Information which could help in the development...and Passive solar systems. All facilities should have Scme aspects of passive solar incor- por3ted into the iesign. Active sclar systems should ze con

The United States Air Force Academy’s First Twenty-Five Years, Some Perceptions.

DTIC Science & Technology

1979-01-01

few professions, if any, can match the success of the service academies in inspiring their members to high standards of integrity and ethical conduct...Academic year 1964-1965 was a truly pivotal one and established a standard of excellence, internally demanded and externally required, which con- tinues to...accommodate a varied faculty and student body as well as adjust curricula and teaching methods to the demands of an ever-changing world. The Math Faculty The

Turning Maneuver Limitations Imposed by Sudden Strut Side Ventilation on a 200-Ton 80-Knot Hydrofoil Craft

DTIC Science & Technology

1975-05-01

ventilated, but never supercavitating , for speeds up to 80 knots. In particular, choking of the air flow to the foil vent was not con- sidered. If this...4Conolly, A.C., "Experimental Investigations of Supercavitating Hydrofoils with Flaps," General Dynamics/Convair Report GD/C-63-210 (Dec 1963). 10 THE SIX...Dec 1966). 4. Conolly, A.C., "Experimenta, Investigations of Supercavitating Hydro- foils with Flaps," General Dynamics/Convair Report GD/C-63-210 (Dec

Practical Applications of Math and Science in Junior High Schools

DTIC Science & Technology

1984-04-01

APPLICATIONS OF MATH AND SCIENCE IN JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOLS AUTHOR(S) MAJOR LAWRENCE N. HYLAND, USAF FACULTY ADVISOR mAJoR JAMM WILSON, ACSC/EDDP SPONSOR LT COL...JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOLS 6 PERFORMING O1G. REPORT NUMBER "ś, Au THORrs) 8. CON’RACT OR GRANT NUMBER(.,) Lawrence N. Hyland, Major, USAF 9. PERFORMING...materials aimed at the jumior high school level. Material exposes target group to the mathematical and scientific skills required of Air Force

A Possible Link Between Macroscopic Wear and Temperature Dependent Friction Behaviors of MoS2 Coatings

DTIC Science & Technology

2008-09-01

In situ analysis of third body contributions to sliding friction of a pb-mo-s coating in dry and humid air. Tribol. Lett. 28, 263–274 (2007). doi...activated behavior in macroscopic tribology is reserved for systems with stable interfaces and ultra-low wear, and athermal behavior is characteristic to...efforts to measure and under- stand tribological behavior at cryogenic temperatures; to date, results of these efforts show either no trend or con- flicting

Fingerprints in the Great Basin: The Nellis Air Force Base Regional Obsidian Sourcing Study

DTIC Science & Technology

2005-01-01

obsidian-bearing alluvial deposits de - parts of the magma chamber are tapped, con- rived from the regionally extensive rhyolite centrations of Ba increase...gfold wing de scripti ons of Osi u ott hneVolcanic nou st Kawic rakinge the Be Ceuntern, Oak Spring Butte, South Kawich RangeGopwr rpedbten1. n Devil...2004 field season. These de - NTTR-NTS boundary in Nye County, Nevada. scriptions provide information about geologic age The Grouse Canyon Caldera lies

RASTREO DEL CANCER COLORRECTAL CONOCIMIENTO Y ACTITUD DE LA POBLACION

PubMed Central

CASAL, ENRIQUE R.; VELAZQUEZ, ELIZABETH N.; MEJIA, RAUL M.; CUNEO, ALDO; PEREZ-STABLE, ELISEO J.

2014-01-01

Resumen El rastreo de cáncer colorrectal (CCR) cuenta con fuertes evidencias en su favor. Datos preliminares indican que a pesar de ello no se lleva a cabo con la frecuencia adecuada. Se intenta aquí determinar, dentro de un Sistema de Salud que cuenta con los recursos necesarios, los elementos que facilitan o generan barreras para concretar esta práctica preventiva, cuántos individuos lo ponen en práctica y qué predice esta conducta. Se realizó una encuesta telefónica a los afiliados de una Obra Social de empleados de la Universidad de Buenos Aires, de los que 132 completaron el cuestionario (tasa de respuesta 70%). Los elementos considerados facilitadores del rastreo obtuvieron respuestas afirmativas en el 64 a 97%, mientras que los que definían barreras un 11 a 27%. En este último grupo, una categoría diferenciada la constituía el miedo a los efectos adversos: 39%, y el sentimiento de vergüenza relacionado con los procedimientos: 30%. Un 33% de los encuestados tenían hecho un método de rastreo, mayoritariamente de sangre oculta (27), sigmoideoscopía (11) y colonoscopía (20). Una mayoría afirmó que “se haría el procedimiento si el médico se lo recomendara” (95%), o “no se lo haría excepto que su médico se lo aconseje” (87%). Contestar afirmativamente que “los médicos hacen lo mejor para los pacientes” se asoció con haberse hecho un método de rastreo de CCR, OR 1.55 (IC 95%: 1.02-2.37) p: 0.04. El grupo de individuos estudiado parece bien predispuesto para el rastreo del CCR, la recomendación médica sería aquí un determinante prominente para ponerlo en práctica. PMID:19414294

Effects of liquid cooling garments on recovery and performance time in individuals performing strenuous work wearing a firefighter ensemble.

PubMed

Kim, Jung-Hyun; Coca, Aitor; Williams, W Jon; Roberge, Raymond J

2011-07-01

This study investigated the effects of body cooling using liquid cooling garments (LCG) on performance time (PT) and recovery in individuals wearing a fully equipped prototype firefighter ensemble (PFE) incorporating a self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA). Six healthy male participants (three firefighters and three non-firefighters) completed six experimental sessions in an environmental chamber (35°C, 50% relative humidity), consisting of three stages of 15 min exercise at 75% VO2max, and 10 min rest following each exercise stage. During each session, one of the following six conditions was administered in a randomized order: control (no cooling, CON); air ventilation of exhaust SCBA gases rerouted into the PFE (AV); top cooling garment (TCG); TCG combined with AV (TCG+AV); a shortened whole body cooling garment (SCG), and SCG combined with AV (SCG+AV). Results showed that total PT completed was longer under SCG and SCG+AV compared with CON, AV, TCG, and TCG+AV (p<0.01). Magnitude of core temperature (Tc) elevation was significantly decreased when SCG was utilized (p<0.01), and heart rate recovery rate (10 min) was enhanced under SCG, SCG+AV, TCG, and TCG+AV compared with CON (p<0.05). Estimated Esw rate (kg·h(-1)) was the greatest in CON, 1.62 (0.37), and the least in SCG+AV 0.98 (0.44): (descending order: CON>AV>TCG=TCG+AV>SCG>SCG+AV) without a statistical difference between the conditions (p<0.05). Results of the present study suggest that the application of LCG underneath the PFE significantly improves the recovery during a short period of rest and prolongs performance time in subsequent bouts of exercise. LCG also appears to be an effective method for body cooling that promotes heat dissipation during uncompensable heat stress.

Reduction of physiological strain under a hot and humid environment by a hybrid cooling vest.

PubMed

Chan, Albert P C; Yang, Y; Wong, Francis K W; Yam, Michael C H; Wong, Del P; Song, W F

2017-02-08

Cooling treatment is regarded as one of good practices to provide safe training conditions to athletic trainers in the hot environment. The present study aimed to investigate whether wearing a commercial lightweight and portable hybrid cooling vest that combines air ventilation fans with frozen gel packs was an effective means to reduce participants' body heat strain. In this within-subject repeated measures study, 10 male volunteers participated in two heat-stress trials (one with the cooling vest - COOL condition, and another without - CON condition, in a randomized order) inside a climatic chamber with a controlled ambient temperature 33 °C and relative humidity (RH) 75% on an experimental day. Each trial included a progressively incremental running test, followed by a 40 min post-exercise recovery. Core temperature (Tc), heart rate (HR), sweat rate, rating of perceived exertion (RPE), exercise duration, running distance, power output, and sweat rate were measured. When comparing the two conditions, a non-statistically significant moderate cooling effect in rate of increase in Tc (0.03±0.02 °C/min for COOL vs. 0.04±0.02 °C/min for CON, p=0.054, d=0.57), HR (3±1 bpm/min for COOL vs. 4±1 bpm/min for CON, p=0.229, d=0.40), and physiological strain index (PSI) (0.20±0.06 unit/min for COOL vs. 0.23±0.06 unit/min for CON, p=0.072, d=0.50) was found in the COOL condition during exercise. A non-statistically significant (p>0.05) trivial cooling effect (d<0.2) was observed between the COOL and CON conditions for measures of exercise duration, running distance, power output, sweat rate and RPE. It is concluded that the use of the hybrid cooling vest achieved a moderate cooling effect in lowering the rate of increase in physiological strain without impeding the performance of progressively incremental exercise in the heat.

Conceptual Design Optimization of an Augmented Stability Aircraft Incorporating Dynamic Response Performance Constraints

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Welstead, Jason

2014-01-01

This research focused on incorporating stability and control into a multidisciplinary de- sign optimization on a Boeing 737-class advanced concept called the D8.2b. A new method of evaluating the aircraft handling performance using quantitative evaluation of the sys- tem to disturbances, including perturbations, continuous turbulence, and discrete gusts, is presented. A multidisciplinary design optimization was performed using the D8.2b transport air- craft concept. The con guration was optimized for minimum fuel burn using a design range of 3,000 nautical miles. Optimization cases were run using xed tail volume coecients, static trim constraints, and static trim and dynamic response constraints. A Cessna 182T model was used to test the various dynamic analysis components, ensuring the analysis was behaving as expected. Results of the optimizations show that including stability and con- trol in the design process drastically alters the optimal design, indicating that stability and control should be included in conceptual design to avoid system level penalties later in the design process.

Mobile based Appliances switching using Bluetooth

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gupta, Sureshchandra J., Dr; Desai, Kalp; Gaikawad, Deepak; Pawar, Vijay N.; Gangal, Devendranath R.

2008-04-01

How many times do you have to get up from your desk to switch on your Air conditioner or fan when you are completely into your table work? How many times do you feel lazy to get off your comfort to switch on/off your home appliances in different rooms? How much energy do you lose in a day for operating your appliances? The solution is either a large amount of manual work—or the idea that is presented over here: APP-CON (APP-CON stands for appliances control). Here the ordinary cell phone with bluetooth capability acts as remote designed in such a manner that it acts as a helping hand to human by reducing its manual work and therefore saving human energy. The cell phone control of APP-CON units lets you access many of your home appliances situated in different rooms by using just a single remote from distance. Electronics hobbyists would love to make such a remote control themselves. But they find it difficult due to complex circuitry rather than the high cost because of using a number of frequency counting techniques and decade counters. The APP-CON system given here overcomes the aforesaid problems by using a single microcontroller and moreover a simple program or software for bluetooth enabled cell phone and employing simple coding and decoding of remote signals. Here the mobile based remote control is used to operate a number of home appliances basically consists of Bluetooth technology. The unit consists of a transmitter and a receiver consisting of a microcontroller. The importance of bluetooth technology is that the signal to be transmitted from transmitter to the receiver is done without requiring line of sight.

L-Band Digital Aeronautical Communications System Engineering - Concepts of Use, Systems Performance, Requirements, and Architectures

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Zelkin, Natalie; Henriksen, Stephen

2010-01-01

This NASA Contractor Report summarizes and documents the work performed to develop concepts of use (ConUse) and high-level system requirements and architecture for the proposed L-band (960 to 1164 MHz) terrestrial en route communications system. This work was completed as a follow-on to the technology assessment conducted by NASA Glenn Research Center and ITT for the Future Communications Study (FCS). ITT assessed air-to-ground (A/G) communications concepts of use and operations presented in relevant NAS-level, international, and NAS-system-level documents to derive the appropriate ConUse relevant to potential A/G communications applications and services for domestic continental airspace. ITT also leveraged prior concepts of use developed during the earlier phases of the FCS. A middle-out functional architecture was adopted by merging the functional system requirements identified in the bottom-up assessment of existing requirements with those derived as a result of the top-down analysis of ConUse and higher level functional requirements. Initial end-to-end system performance requirements were derived to define system capabilities based on the functional requirements and on NAS-SR-1000 and the Operational Performance Assessment conducted as part of the COCR. A high-level notional architecture of the L-DACS supporting A/G communication was derived from the functional architecture and requirements.

Pulmonary vascular responsiveness in rats following neonatal exposure to high altitude or carbon monoxide

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

Tucker, A.; Penney, D.G.

1993-01-01

Exposure of adult and neonatal rats to high altitude increases pulmonary vascular responsiveness during the exposure. A study was undertaken to determine if a short exposure of neonatal rats to either high-altitude or carbon monoxide (CO) hypoxia would cause persistent alterations in pulmonary vascular responsiveness postexposure. One-day-old male Sprague-Dawley rats were obtained as 16 litters of 10-12 pups each. At 2 days of age, 4 litters were exposed to CO (500 ppm) for 32 days, and 4 litters were exposed to ambient air (AIR) in Detroit (200 m). Another 4 litters were exposed to 3500 m altitude (ALT) in amore » chamber for 32 days, and 3 litters were exposed to ambient conditions in Fort Collins (CON, 1524 m). After the exposures, all rats were maintained at 1524 m. At 2, 40, 76 and 112 days postexposure, lungs were isolated and perfused with Earle's salt solution (+Ficoll, 4 g%). Pulmonary vascular responsiveness was assessed by dose responses to angiotensin II (AII, 0.025-0.40 [mu]g) and acute hypoxia (3% O[sub 2] for 3 min). AII responses were higher in ALT vs CON rats at 2 and 40 days postexposure, but no differences were noted between CO and AIR rats. Baseline pulmonary vascular resistance and pulmonary arterial pressure (in isolated lungs) were higher in ALT rats at all four ages compared to the other three groups. Both the ALT and CO rats displayed hypertrophy of the right ventricle (RV) and the left ventricle (LV) at the termination of treatment and elevated hematocrit. LV hypertrophy and polycythemia regressed with time, but RV hypertrophy remained significant in the ALT rats through 112 days postexposure. The results indicate that neonatal exposure to ALT, but no CO, causes a persistent increase in pulmonary vascular responsiveness and RV hypertrophy for at least 112 days after termination of the exposure. 40 refs., 3 figs., 2 tabs.« less

The Mexican Expeditionary Air Force in World War II: The Organization, Training, and Operations of the 201st Squadron

DTIC Science & Technology

1997-03-01

artículos de reemplazo y mantenimiento para la unidad, se proporcionarán por medio de los conductos de abastecimiento normales de los Estados Unidos. El... mantenimiento abarca artículos de ministración standard, incluyendo subsistencias y servicios proporcionados normalmente a la unidades de las Fuerzas...Aéreas de los Estados Unidos. Todos los artículos de ministración inicial, los de reemplazo y mantenimiento , se cargarán de acuerdo con los

Chemical Degradation and Stress Cracking of Polycarbonate in DS2.

DTIC Science & Technology

1987-09-01

materials are used. For instance, polycarbonate, used widely for air- craft windows, helicopter canopies and transparent armor because of its good impact ...predicting environmental stress cracking of the polymer from solubility con- siderations. The concept has been extended to include a hydrogen bonding...IML Authors . 04 * ! 9 00 9 A S . - . . . q w * . - .* *,.*A CC AX -4-’-~~~~ U--’- ; IO i- A - -C4 = tO -~’ 1 .’ . M0 C , W V E WE1 C ~ 0.0.’un WEC

Investigation of Accelerated Methods for the Determination of Available Alkali in Pozzolans

DTIC Science & Technology

1974-02-01

181 p PC$9.50/MFS3.O0 Guidelines for Documentation of Computer Pro - Evaluation of Home Solar Heating System grams and Automated Data Systems UCL5...GrANT NO. 90, ORIGINATOR S REPORT NUMVIEEISI .PROJECT NO. Miscellaneous Pdper C-74-1 C. S. OTHER REPORT NOISP (AIr .dborms"M .0# Gmo Meol o SOl reo") tO...specification limit of 1.5 percent wifll not be exceeded when the pozzolan is evaluated by the present Standard Con - dition, 28 days at 38 C. In order to

Testing of Fire Fighting Foam.

DTIC Science & Technology

1980-11-01

for Fresh and Sea Water ( MIL - F - 24385 ); -(C) Underwriters Laboratories Inc. S andard for Air Foam Equipment and Liquid Con- centrates (UL162);4D...C. Test Facilities 6 D. Test Procedures 7 III. Results of Tests A. FRN-1007 33 B. MIL - F - 24385 34 C. UL 162 34 D. O- F -555C 35 E. Foam Quality 35 IV...1 gpm) H N-heptane in. inch (25.4 mm = 1 in.) ipm liters per minute M Motor Octane Rating MIL MIL - F - 24385 Test Method NFPA National Fire Protection

Scoping Summary Report, Los Angeles AFB, California. Air Force Base Closure and Realignment Environmental Impact Analysis Process Support

DTIC Science & Technology

1990-07-01

Mexico 87123 Dayton, Ohio 45402 * Richard A. Lampson Butch Maki Hydro Conduit Corp. Congressman Bill Richardson - 4801 Yucatan N.E. 548 Agua Fria...some chile con queso; however, that would be too much, and I think that might be considered a bribe. The Mayor asked me to convey his regrets. He’s tied...that God sends you here. Also, the small momento that Loretta is giving you, which is our state symbol, has a chile on it; and that’s to remind you

Program and Portfolio Tradeoffs Under Uncertainty Using Epoch-Era Analysis: A Case Application to Carrier Strike Group Design

DTIC Science & Technology

2015-05-01

Warn in_&_ Weapon system detection Electromagnetic ~stem Sea superiority Air Superiority undersea Su_e_erior~ Combat Search and Rescue Anti-Ship...izatian 5. Sy.ste m-Level Capability Assessment ~----------------------------- A tte rn ative s. Evaluat ion 6. De sign-Epoch-Era Trade space...I A tte r n ative s. An a lysis. : 10. Single-Er a 9 . Er a Con.stru ct ion Analysis 11. M utti-Era Analysis I I I I I I I I I I I

Survey of Foreign Systems for Incineration and Energy Recovery.

DTIC Science & Technology

1983-04-01

grab * Carga del incinerador con cuchara de mandibulas A* Capacite 1 000 kg/h, implants. en ploins nature e Capacity 1 000 kg/h erected in the country...North Valley Road Xenia, Ohio N62583-82-MT- 150 L Approved for public release; distribution unlimited 88 04 29 042 1966 .I a .r I Air ~~ Y In~ 77- 7 77...selected for field visits DD ,’ 0,, 1473 LOIko oe uoecUnclass ifi ed SICuRITY CLAS~riCAtION OF Y .41S PAQL (*%.A Per& E01,e,.E . . ,.- -. CONTENTS

Defect Engineering toward Atomic Co-Nx -C in Hierarchical Graphene for Rechargeable Flexible Solid Zn-Air Batteries.

PubMed

Tang, Cheng; Wang, Bin; Wang, Hao-Fan; Zhang, Qiang

2017-10-01

Rechargeable flexible solid Zn-air battery, with a high theoretical energy density of 1086 Wh kg -1 , is among the most attractive energy technologies for future flexible and wearable electronics; nevertheless, the practical application is greatly hindered by the sluggish oxygen reduction reaction/oxygen evolution reaction (ORR/OER) kinetics on the air electrode. Precious metal-free functionalized carbon materials are widely demonstrated as the most promising candidates, while it still lacks effective synthetic methodology to controllably synthesize carbocatalysts with targeted active sites. This work demonstrates the direct utilization of the intrinsic structural defects in nanocarbon to generate atomically dispersed Co-N x -C active sites via defect engineering. As-fabricated Co/N/O tri-doped graphene catalysts with highly active sites and hierarchical porous scaffolds exhibit superior ORR/OER bifunctional activities and impressive applications in rechargeable Zn-air batteries. Specifically, when integrated into a rechargeable and flexible solid Zn-air battery, a high open-circuit voltage of 1.44 V, a stable discharge voltage of 1.19 V, and a high energy efficiency of 63% at 1.0 mA cm -2 are achieved even under bending. The defect engineering strategy provides a new concept and effective methodology for the full utilization of nanocarbon materials with various structural features and further development of advanced energy materials. © 2017 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Two F/A-18B aircraft involved in the AFF program return to base in close formation with the autonomo

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

2001-01-01

After completing a milestone autonomous station-keeping formation, two F/A-18B aircraft from the NASA Dryden Flight Research Center, Edwards, California, return to base in close formation with the autonomous function disengaged. For the milestone, the aircraft were spaced approximately 200 feet nose-to-tail and 50 feet apart laterally and vertically. Autonomous formation control was maintained by the trailing aircraft, the Systems Research Aircraft (SRA), in the lateral and vertical axes to within five feet of the commanded position. Nose-to-tail separation of the aircraft was controlled by manual throttle inputs by the trailing aircraft's pilot. The milestone was accomplished on the seventh flight of a 12 flight phase. The AFF flights were a first for a project under NASA's Revolutionary (RevCon) in Aeronautics Project. Dryden was the lead NASA center for RevCon, an endeavor to accelerate the exploration of high-risk, revolutionary technologies in atmospheric flight. Automated formation flight could lead to formation fuel efficiencies and higher air traffic capacity. In the background is the U. S. Borax mine, Boron, California, near the Dryden/Edwards Air Force Base complex. Autonomous Formation Flight (AFF) is intended to allow an aircraft to fly in close formation over long distances using advanced positioning and controls technology. It utilizes Global Positioning System satellites and inertial navigation systems to position two or more aircraft in formation, with an accuracy of a few inches. This capability is expected to yield fuel efficiency improvements.

Effects of replacing wild rye, corn silage, or corn grain with CaO-treated corn stover and dried distillers grains with solubles in lactating cow diets on performance, digestibility, and profitability.

PubMed

Shi, H T; Li, S L; Cao, Z J; Wang, Y J; Alugongo, G M; Doane, P H

2015-10-01

The objective of this study was to measure the effects of partially replacing wild rye (Leymus chinensis; WR), corn silage (CS), or corn grain (CG) in dairy cow diets with CaO-treated corn stover (T-CS) and corn dried distillers grains with soluble (DDGS) on performance, digestibility, blood metabolites, and income over feed cost. Thirty tonnes of air-dried corn stover was collected, ground, and mixed with 5% CaO. Sixty-four Holstein dairy cows were blocked based on days in milk, milk yield, and parity and were randomly assigned to 1 of 4 treatments. The treatments were (1) a diet containing 50% concentrate, 15% WR, 25% CS, and 10% alfalfa hay (CON); (2) 15% WR, 5% CG, and 6% soybean meal were replaced by 15% T-CS and 12% DDGS (RWR); (3) 12.5% CS, 6% CG, and 5% soybean meal were replaced by 12.5% T-CS and 12%DDGS (RCS); (4) 13% CG and 6% soybean meal were replaced by 7% T-CS and 13% DDGS (RCG). Compared with CON treatment, cows fed RCS and RCG diets had similar dry matter intake (CON: 18.2 ± 0.31 kg, RCS: 18.6 ± 0.31 kg, and RCG: 18.4 ± 0.40 kg). The RWR treatment tended to have lower dry matter intake than other treatments. The inclusion of T-CS and DDGS in treatment diets as a substitute for WR, CS, or CG had no effects on lactose percentage (CON: 4.96 ± 0.02%, RWR: 4.97 ± 0.02%, RCS: 4.96 ± 0.02%, and RCG: 4.94 ± 0.02%), 4% fat-corrected milk yield (CON: 22.7 ± 0.60 kg, RWR: 22.1 ± 0.60 kg, RCS: 22.7 ± 0.60 kg, and RCG: 22.7 ± 0.60 kg), milk fat yield (CON: 0.90 ± 0.03 kg, RWR: 0.86 ± 0.03 kg, RCS: 0.87 ± 0.03 kg, and RCG: 0.89 ± 0.03 kg), and milk protein yield (CON: 0.74 ± 0.02 kg, RWR: 0.72 ± 0.02 kg, RCS: 0.73 ± 0.02 kg, and RCG: 0.71 ± 0.02 kg). Cows fed the RWR diet had higher apparent dry matter digestibility (73.7 ± 1.30 vs. 70.2 ± 1.15, 69.9 ± 1.15, and 69.9 ± 1.15% for RWR vs. CON, RCS, and RCG, respectively) and lower serum urea N (3.55 ± 0.11 vs. 4.03 ± 0.11, 3.95 ± 0.11, and 3.99 ± 0.11 mmol/L for RWR vs. CON, RCS, and RCG, respectively) than cows fed other diets. No significant differences were noted in apparent neutral detergent fiber digestibility among the treatments. Compared with CON treatment, the RWR, RCS, and RCG treatments generated an additional $0.77, $0.70, and $0.81 income over feed cost per cow per day, respectively. In conclusion, feeding diets containing a portion of T-CS and DDGS can improve profitability of the treatment groups without negatively affecting the lactation performance of mid- to late-lactation cows. Copyright © 2015 American Dairy Science Association. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sampath, S.; Wayne, S. F.

1994-09-01

Thermally sprayed molybdenum coatings are used in a variety of industrial applications, such as auto-motive piston rings, aeroturbine engines, and paper and plastics processing machinery. Molybdenum ex-hibits excellent scuffing resistance under sliding contact conditions. However, plasma-sprayed molybde-num coatings are relatively soft and require dispersion strengthening (e.g., Mo2C) or addition of a second phase (e.g., NiCrBSi) to improve hardness, wear resistance, and thus coating performance. In this study, Mo-Mo2C composite powders were plasma sprayed onto mild steel substrates. Considerable decarburi-zation was observed during air plasma spraying—a beneficial condition because carbon acts as a sacrifi-cial getter for the oxygen, thereby reducing the oxide content in the coating. Finer powders showed a greater degree of decarburization due to the increased surface area; however, the starting carbide con-tent in the powder exerted very little influence on the extent of decarburization. The friction properties of Mo-Mo2C coatings were significantly improved compared to those of pure molybdenum under con-tinuous sliding contact conditions. It also was found that the abrasion resistance of the coatings improved with increasing carbide addition.

Representaciones sociales sobre la problemática de Chagas en un servicio de salud comunitaria del Gran La Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina.

PubMed

Sanmartino, Mariana; Amieva, Carolina; Medone, Y Paula

2017-03-01

Hablar de Chagas es hablar de una problemática compleja, definida por elementos de carácter biomédico, epidemiológico, sociocultural y político, que se conjugan dinámicamente. En este trabajo buscamos identificar y analizar las representaciones sobre Chagas de los integrantes del equipo de salud de un centro de atención periurbano de la ciudad de La Plata, Argentina. Mediante un abordaje cualitativo, se realizaron entrevistas semiestructuradas y se analizaron las respuestas con la técnica del análisis de contenido. Los resultados mostraron que la mayor parte de las personas entrevistadas no contempla al Chagas como una problemática en su contexto laboral cotidiano y manifiestan un fuerte sesgo biologicista en su formación profesional. Con este trabajo señalamos la urgente necesidad de reflexionar críticamente en torno a la formación de los profesionales de la salud en relación a problemáticas socioambientales complejas de importancia regional, como lo es el Chagas.

Detection of airborne Stachybotrys chartarum macrocyclic trichothecene mycotoxins in the indoor environment.

PubMed

Brasel, T L; Martin, J M; Carriker, C G; Wilson, S C; Straus, D C

2005-11-01

The existence of airborne mycotoxins in mold-contaminated buildings has long been hypothesized to be a potential occupant health risk. However, little work has been done to demonstrate the presence of these compounds in such environments. The presence of airborne macrocyclic trichothecene mycotoxins in indoor environments with known Stachybotrys chartarum contamination was therefore investigated. In seven buildings, air was collected using a high-volume liquid impaction bioaerosol sampler (SpinCon PAS 450-10) under static or disturbed conditions. An additional building was sampled using an Andersen GPS-1 PUF sampler modified to separate and collect particulates smaller than conidia. Four control buildings (i.e., no detectable S. chartarum growth or history of water damage) and outdoor air were also tested. Samples were analyzed using a macrocyclic trichothecene-specific enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). ELISA specificity was tested using phosphate-buffered saline extracts of the fungal genera Aspergillus, Chaetomium, Cladosporium, Fusarium, Memnoniella, Penicillium, Rhizopus, and Trichoderma, five Stachybotrys strains, and the indoor air allergens Can f 1, Der p 1, and Fel d 1. For test buildings, the results showed that detectable toxin concentrations increased with the sampling time and short periods of air disturbance. Trichothecene values ranged from <10 to >1,300 pg/m3 of sampled air. The control environments demonstrated statistically significantly (P < 0.001) lower levels of airborne trichothecenes. ELISA specificity experiments demonstrated a high specificity for the trichothecene-producing strain of S. chartarum. Our data indicate that airborne macrocyclic trichothecenes can exist in Stachybotrys-contaminated buildings, and this should be taken into consideration in future indoor air quality investigations.

East Coast Air Combat Maneuvering Range (EC/ACMR) Ocean Tower Construction Completion Report.

DTIC Science & Technology

1978-03-01

c)D Sa con itionS.r n lectricaldes St rm oactlvtto ~Utost 311fa :... ea rjn d~ ,Rjon,&gj B. ADMIN a m . cu a C. OPERATIONS: O;erations at Tower F3 ...nections. D. EQUIP STATUS - NONE E. LOGISTICS - NONE F. TRAINING NONE C. SAFETY - NO ACCIDENTS H. t,.EDICAL- NO INJURIES 1. ,ORALE- Nigh ad Tower f3 ...74. .-- Y .~lile B-. driven 59 ftv/5 6 0, 060, and 040 haieers; AV B,"F - e driven 57 ft w/5 6 0 and 040 hammers; AV BPP 82 v/540. Total weather time

Installation Restoration Program Phase 1. Records Search. Air Force Plant Number 36, Ohio

DTIC Science & Technology

1985-07-01

n >:: FVJl «■^h’-. Kn>»p»y!< fc » wi are exposed on the ground surface. On either side of this valley con- solidated rocks of shale and limestone are...Electric Well No. 3A ( 183 feet deep) completed also in 1951 displayed a water mmmmmmmmi m w\\!wü wUWinntnW VW^^^ft ÄW^F^^’Sr...FIGURE 3.8 3-18 ENGINEERING-SCIENCE IM^N^^C^ xmmmmtttK*KWimmx& ■sm^m^ fc ^^^ level of 56 feet. "Hie differences in water levels indicate the

International Workshop on Advances in Inorganic Fibre Technology Held in Melbourne, Australia on August 13 - 14, 1992

DTIC Science & Technology

1992-08-14

o Air -cured 0 1-Octyne-cured,/ S1-Hexyne I -cured 1 10- E C 5 011 0 L I I I 1200...1825 °C o TWS-400, 2h * TWS-400, 4h 52 INORGANIC FIBRES FOR CDMPOSITE MATERIALS A.R. BUNSELL Ecole Nationale Sup6rieure des Mines de Paris Centre des ...7stalblishm~ent in U.K. It was soon estab.li sheia -t1at .uazlit; of ?M precursor ani o temperatUra ther.:-A3_ stubilisation con iition3 are - tw.. o

A Benchmark Study of the Air Force Program Executive Office for Combat and Mission Support

DTIC Science & Technology

2011-10-05

Capt. Finkenstadt graduated from Mt. Olive College in Mt. Olive, NC, with a degree in business management and earned the Laura W. and Maurice H. King ...POC: See king SILVER S1a1u s Protest His tory • .so..n• Sekelon a ProtHI: • Con.eenAdon • S:UIItllln-.d ~d ~ ffi I • I -FYO& I’YQe 0 ll$ ... 2...more consecutive years at a Green Rating - Incentive/Award Fee decisions c lear ly t ied to perfonnance - No violations of bona fide need rule

Environmental Assessment for Force Protection and Traffic Improvement Measures at the West Gate, Langley Air Force Base, Virginia

DTIC Science & Technology

2004-09-01

DGIF); Virginia Code §29.1-100 to §29.1-570. The State Tributyltin ( TBT ) Regulato.ry Program has been added to the Fisheries Management program...rtoC’i;I~Jabing tbt Stlbsprt~I(IO» It! (o,~ r.u~tt :a~ dK AWtlric: C:out ~ ptOCtttmg 1C \\llicbin tbt (,l!t:sapnkc Uay. What You Con Do To Ht-Jp...containing TBT . The use ofTBT in boat paint constitutes a serious threat to important marine animal species. The TBT program monitors boating 8

Decreasing carbon monoxide in the diving air of artisanal fishermen in the Yucatán peninsula by separation of engine exhaust from compressor intake.

PubMed

Chin, Walter; Huchim-Lara, Oswaldo; Salas, Silvia

2016-01-01

Artisanal fishermen in the Yucatán Peninsula utilize hookah dive systems (HDS). The air compressors in these HDS are not filtered, and the intake is near the engine exhaust. This proximity allows carbon monoxide (CO) from the exhaust to directly enter the HDS volume tank and contaminate the fishermen diver's air supply. Conservative safety standards permit a diver's air supply to contain 10 parts per million (ppm) of CO. This study quantified the levels of CO in the diver's air supply both before and after physical separation of the engine exhaust from the compressor intake. CO levels in seven volume tanks were analyzed before and after a 1-inch hose was attached to the compressor intake and elevated 5 feet above the engine exhaust. The tanks were drained and refilled before collecting each set of pre- and post-intervention gas samples. Four CO measurements were collected before and after the intervention from each volume tank. A C-Squared© CO Analyzer (± 1 ppm), calibrated with a Praxair 70 ppm CON2 gas (± 5%), was used to analyze the gas samples. A paired samples t-test shows a statistically significant difference in average CO values before and after the intervention (t = 6.8674, df: 27; p⟨0.0001). The physical separation of the engine exhaust from the compressor intake reduced the CO contamination of the diver air supply by 72%. This intervention could be applied to the hookah systems in the rest of the fishing cooperative to reduce the divers' risk of CO poisoning. Copyright© Undersea and Hyperbaric Medical Society.

Reliability of BOD POD Measurements Remains High After a Short-Duration Low-Carbohydrate Diet.

PubMed

Greer, Beau Kjerulf; Edsall, Kathleen M; Greer, Anna E

2016-04-01

The purpose of the current study was to determine whether expected changes in body weight via a 3-day low-carbohydrate (LC) diet will disrupt the reliability of air displacement plethysmography measurements via BOD POD. Twenty-four subjects recorded their typical diets for 3 days before BOD POD and 7-site skinfold analyses. Subjects were matched for lean body mass and divided into low-CHO (LC) and control (CON) groups. The LC group was given instruction intended to prevent more than 50 grams/day of carbohydrate consumption for 3 consecutive days, and the CON group replicated their previously recorded diet. Body composition measurements were repeated after dietary intervention. Test-retest reliability measures were significant (p < .01) and high for body fat percentage in both the LC and the CON groups (rs = .993 and .965, respectively). Likewise, skinfold analysis for body fat percentage reliability was high in both groups (rs = .996 and .997, respectively). There were significant differences between 1st and 2nd BOD POD measurements for body mass (72.9 ± 13.3 vs. 72.1 ± 13.0 kg [M ± SD]) and body volume (69.0 ± 12.7-68.1 ± 12.2 L) in the LC group (p < .05). However, there were no differences (p > .05) in BOD POD-determined body fat percentage, lean body mass, or fat mass between the 1st and 2nd trial in either group. Body composition measures via BOD POD and 7-site skinfolds remain reliable after 3 days of an LC diet despite significant decreases in body mass.

Impact of Feed Delivery Pattern on Aerial Particulate Matter and Behavior of Feedlot Cattle.

PubMed

Mitloehner, Frank M; Dailey, Jeff W; Morrow, Julie L; McGlone, John J

2017-03-01

Fine particulate matter with less than 2.5 microns diameter (PM 2.5 ) generated by cattle in feedlots is an environmental pollutant and a potential human and animal health issue. The objective of this study was to determine if a feeding schedule affects cattle behaviors that promote PM 2.5 in a commercial feedlot. The study used 2813 crossbred steers housed in 14 adjacent pens at a large-scale commercial West Texas feedlot. Treatments were conventional feeding at 0700, 1000, and 1200 (CON) or feeding at 0700, 1000, and 1830 (ALT), the latter feeding time coincided with dusk. A mobile behavior lab was used to quantify behaviors of steers that were associated with generation of PM 2.5 (e.g., fighting, mounting of peers, and increased locomotion). PM 2.5 samplers measured respirable particles with a mass median diameter ≤2.5 μm (PM 2.5 ) every 15 min over a period of 7 d in April and May. Simultaneously, the ambient temperature, humidity, wind speed and direction, precipitation, air pressure, and solar radiation were measured with a weather station. Elevated downwind PM 2.5 concentrations were measured at dusk, when cattle that were fed according to the ALT vs. the CON feeding schedule, demonstrated less PM 2.5 -generating behaviors ( p < 0.05). At dusk, steers on ALT vs. CON feeding schedules ate or were waiting to eat (standing in second row behind feeding cattle) at much greater rates ( p < 0.05). Upwind PM 2.5 concentrations were similar between the treatments. Downwind PM 2.5 concentrations averaged over 24 h were lower from ALT compared with CON pens (0.072 vs. 0.115 mg/m³, p < 0.01). However, dry matter intake (DMI) was less ( p < 0.05), and average daily gain (ADG) tended to be less ( p < 0.1) in cattle that were fed according to the ALT vs. the CON feeding schedules, whereas feed efficiency (aka gain to feed, G:F) was not affected. Although ALT feeding may pose a challenge in feed delivery and labor scheduling, cattle exhibited fewer PM 2.5 -generating behaviors and reduced generation of PM 2.5 when feed delivery times matched the natural desires of cattle to eat in a crepuscular pattern.

Lidar Measurements for Desert Dust Characterization: An Overview

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mona, L.; Liu, Z.; Mueller, D.; Omar, A.; Papayannis, A.; Pappalardo, G.; Sugimoto, N.; Vaughan, M.

2012-01-01

We provide an overview of light detection and ranging (lidar) capability for describing and characterizing desert dust. This paper summarizes lidar techniques, observations, and fallouts of desert dust lidar measurements. The main objective is to provide the scientific community, including non-practitioners of lidar observations with a reference paper on dust lidar measurements. In particular, it will fill the current gap of communication between research-oriented lidar community and potential desert dust data users, such as air quality monitoring agencies and aviation advisory centers. The current capability of the different lidar techniques for the characterization of aerosol in general and desert dust in particular is presented. Technical aspects and required assumptions of these techniques are discussed, providing readers with the pros and cons of each technique. Information about desert dust collected up to date using lidar techniques is reviewed. Lidar techniques for aerosol characterization have a maturity level appropriate for addressing air quality and transportation issues, as demonstrated by some first results reported in this paper

An Assessment of Civil Tiltrotor Concept of Operations in the Next Generation Air Transportation System

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Chung, William W.; Salvano, Dan; Rinehart, David; Young, Ray; Cheng, Victor; Lindsey, James

2012-01-01

Based on a previous Civil Tiltrotor (CTR) National Airspace System (NAS) performance analysis study, CTR operations were evaluated over selected routes and terminal airspace configurations assuming noninterference operations (NIO) and runway-independent operations (RIO). This assessment aims to further identify issues associated with these concepts of operations (ConOps), and their dependency on the airspace configuration and interaction with conventional fixed-wing traffic. Safety analysis following a traditional Safety Management System (SMS) methodology was applied to CTR-unique departure and arrival failures in the selected airspace to identify any operational and certification issues. Additional CTR operational cases were then developed to get a broader understanding of issues and gaps that will need to be addressed in future CTR operational studies. Finally, needed enhancements to National Airspace System performance analysis tools were reviewed, and recommendations were made on improvements in these tools that are likely to be required to support future progress toward CTR fleet operations in the Next Generation Air Transportation System (NextGen).

Modeling Human Exposure to Indoor Contaminants: External Source to Body Tissues.

PubMed

Webster, Eva M; Qian, Hua; Mackay, Donald; Christensen, Rebecca D; Tietjen, Britta; Zaleski, Rosemary

2016-08-16

Information on human indoor exposure is necessary to assess the potential risk to individuals from many chemicals of interest. Dynamic indoor and human physicologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) models of the distribution of nonionizing, organic chemical concentrations in indoor environments resulting in delivered tissue doses are developed, described and tested. The Indoor model successfully reproduced independently measured, reported time-dependent air concentrations of chloroform released during showering and of 2-butyoxyethanol following use of a volatile surface cleaner. The Indoor model predictions were also comparable to those from a higher tier consumer model (ConsExpo 4.1) for the surface cleaner scenario. The PBPK model successful reproduced observed chloroform exhaled air concentrations resulting from an inhalation exposure. Fugacity based modeling provided a seamless description of the partitioning, fluxes, accumulation and release of the chemical in indoor media and tissues of the exposed subject. This has the potential to assist in health risk assessments, provided that appropriate physical/chemical property, usage characteristics, and toxicological information are available.

Installation Restoration Program. Phase 2. Confirmation/Quantification. Stage 1 for Mather AFB, Sacramento, California. Volume 2. Appendices.

DTIC Science & Technology

1986-06-01

SAC Strategic Air Command sedimentary Describes rocks resulting from aepo- sition of transported material that has accumulated in layers semi-confined...provided in a separately bound appendix to the draft final report. L. Meetings The contractor’s project leader shall attend two meetings, to be he_...I ’~’UO’’ I. - P P I--D Q P22PPP~b ~QPZ _’P- bPP ?Pf tnN -7-p (1)N Ir-J -1 0 (D u-iU v u AD-A184 581 INSI~A LLATION HISTORATI ON PRO ~AM PHASE 2 7CON

FAA Air Traffic Control Operations Concepts. Volume 2. ACF/ACCC (Area Control Facility/Area Control Computer Complex) Terminal and En Route Controllers. Change 1

DTIC Science & Technology

1988-07-29

VOLff2) 6 July 19837 A-74 A1.5.6 MONITORING NON-CONTROLLED OBJECTS AIM, 7 OIHERS REPORT AIRSPACEJ FIRST 10 DETECT INTRUSION IradR’SIoN BY NON-CON’TROLLED 1...1988 Volume II: ACF/ACCC Terminal and En Route Controllers (ClIG 1) 6 . Porliming Organization Code 7 . Author(s) 8. Performing Organization Report No...MANEUVER SYSTEM GENERATES ABSORPT ION PREVIOUSLY PREPARED RECEIVED MANEUVER FOR A FLIGHT CLEAPANCEI D0T/FAA/AP-47-01 (VOLt2) 6 July 1987 A- 7 A,1.O

The Effects of Engine Speed and Mixture Temperature on the Knocking Characteristics of Several Fuels

DTIC Science & Technology

1940-07-01

only. NACA list dtd 28 Sep 1945; NASA TR Server website ‘ ,f. ; :,““’? ,. .--:- .— #..- “W!+ ‘ ‘:u:i’w W9SlFlCAT10#CAME1lEO~ . TilCH131CAL NOTES...A photograph of the engine ’”used.is shown in figure 1. The electric air heater is above the engine and the cathod.e- ray oscill”ograph used as a...indicated that increasing the con- “press,ion ratio fro@ 6 to 11 results in.’a decie~se in the ‘dbzisity correction fact-or of shout . “0.030 at 1,500

Status and Progress of a Fault Current Limiting Hts Cable to BE Installed in the con EDISON Grid

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Maguire, J.; Folts, D.; Yuan, J.; Henderson, N.; Lindsay, D.; Knoll, D.; Rey, C.; Duckworth, R.; Gouge, M.; Wolff, Z.; Kurtz, S.

2010-04-01

In the last decade, significant advances in the performance of second generation (2G) high temperature superconducting wire have made it suitable for commercially viable applications such as electric power cables and fault current limiters. Currently, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security is co-funding the design, development and demonstration of an inherently fault current limiting HTS cable under the Hydra project with American Superconductor and Consolidated Edison. The cable will be approximately 300 m long and is being designed to carry 96 MVA at a distribution level voltage of 13.8 kV. The underground cable will be installed and energized in New York City. The project is led by American Superconductor teamed with Con Edison, Ultera (Southwire and nkt cables joint venture), and Air Liquide. This paper describes the general goals, design criteria, status and progress of the project. Fault current limiting has already been demonstrated in 3 m prototype cables, and test results on a 25 m three-phase cable will be presented. An overview of the concept of a fault current limiting cable and the system advantages of this unique type of cable will be described.

Efficiency of three different polishing methods on enamel and cementum: A scanning electron microscope study.

PubMed

Chowdhary, Zoya; Mohan, Ranjana

2018-01-01

Tooth polishing is an integral part of clinical dentistry. The main purpose of polishing is to smoothen the surface of the tooth and minimize the deposition of plaque to allow a healthy periodontal maintenance postscaling. Today, polishing by different methods is available to a clinician. Traditional bristle brush and rubber-cup polishing are being widely practiced and gradually getting replaced by novel air polisher. Pros and cons of each method should be weighed before its clinical applications. To evaluate and compare the efficiency of three different polishing systems on enamel as well as on cementum surfaces by scanning electron microscope (SEM). A total of 120 samples were divided into three groups randomly - Group 1 (bristle brush), Group 2 (rubber cup), and Group 3 (air polisher) - with 20 samples each of enamel and cementum, which were subdivided into 10 control and 10 test group (subjected to polishing). The samples were analyzed by SEM at ×1000 magnification, and the data obtained were compiled and subjected to statistical analysis. Polishing with bristle brush demonstrated less surface roughness and debris when compared to air polisher at P = 0.58, P = 0.03 for enamel surface and P = 0.003, P = 0.21 for cementum, respectively. The surface roughness was reduced considerably by rubber cup at P = 0.03 for enamel and P = 0.003 for cementum, compared to air polisher at P = 0.99 and P = 0.21 for enamel and cementum, respectively. The results indicate that polishing with rubber cup was more effective and statistically significant when compared to bristle brush polishing and air polisher for the crown and root surface smoothening and debris removal.

History of Circuit Breakers and Expectations of Japanese Original Development

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yoshioka, Yoshio; Yoshinaga, Kiyoshi; Yanabu, Satoru

This paper studies the history of high voltage circuit breaker engineering. Methods of analysis are (1) to collect facts in regard to its development, (2) to review the history in order to find essential factors and (3) to identify its pros and cons from engineering point of view. The amount of electric power consumption has increased and gradually the circuit breaker concept was developed. At first the oil circuit breakers were developed in Europe and the air circuit breaker and vacuum circuit breaker were developed. Finally the SF6gas circuit breakers are developed together with the gas insulated switchgear and what is next? The future research and development policy is also discussed.

Surfaces and Air Bacteriology of Selected Wards at a Referral Hospital, Northwest Ethiopia: A Cross-Sectional Study.

PubMed

Getachew, Hailu; Derbie, Awoke; Mekonnen, Daniel

2018-01-01

The hospital environment is a source of medically important pathogens that are mostly multidrug resistant (MDR) and posing a major therapeutic challenge. The aim of this study was to assess the surface and air bacteriology of selected wards at Felege Hiwot Referral Hospital (FHRH), Northwest Ethiopia. A cross-sectional study was carried out from 15th February to 30th April 2017. A total of 356 surface and air samples were collected from selected wards using 5% sheep blood agar (Oxoid, UK) and processed at FHRH microbiology laboratory following the standard bacteriological procedures. Pure isolates were tested against the recommended antibiotics using Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion methods, and the susceptibility profile was determined based on Clinical Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI). Data were entered and analyzed using SPSS version 23 for Windows. Of the total 356 samples processed, 274 were from surfaces and 82 were from air. Among these, 141 (39.6%) showed bacterial growth, yielding a total of 190 isolates. Gram-positive isolates were predominant at 81.6% ( n =155), while the gram negatives were at 18.4% ( n =35). The main isolates were coagulase negative staphylococci ( CoNs ), 44%, followed by S. aureus , 37.4%, and Klebsiella species at 11.6%. The bacterial load on surfaces and air was found beyond the standard limits. Besides, the antimicrobial susceptibility profile of the isolates showed that about 75% of the identified isolates were found resistant for two and more antimicrobial agents tested. This study showed high degree of bacterial load that is beyond the standard limits on both surfaces and air samples of the hospital. Furthermore, some 75% of the isolates were found multidrug resistant. Therefore, it is important to evaluate and strengthen the infection prevention practice of the hospital. Moreover, stakeholders should also reinforce actions to decrease the pressure of antimicrobial resistance in the studied area.

Design of a high altitude long endurance flying-wing solar-powered unmanned air vehicle

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Alsahlani, A. A.; Johnston, L. J.; Atcliffe, P. A.

2017-06-01

The low-Reynolds number environment of high-altitude §ight places severe demands on the aerodynamic design and stability and control of a high altitude, long endurance (HALE) unmanned air vehicle (UAV). The aerodynamic efficiency of a §ying-wing configuration makes it an attractive design option for such an application and is investigated in the present work. The proposed configuration has a high-aspect ratio, swept-wing planform, the wing sweep being necessary to provide an adequate moment arm for outboard longitudinal and lateral control surfaces. A design optimization framework is developed under a MATLAB environment, combining aerodynamic, structural, and stability analysis. Low-order analysis tools are employed to facilitate efficient computations, which is important when there are multiple optimization loops for the various engineering analyses. In particular, a vortex-lattice method is used to compute the wing planform aerodynamics, coupled to a twodimensional (2D) panel method to derive aerofoil sectional characteristics. Integral boundary-layer methods are coupled to the panel method in order to predict §ow separation boundaries during the design iterations. A quasi-analytical method is adapted for application to flyingwing con¦gurations to predict the wing weight and a linear finite-beam element approach is used for structural analysis of the wing-box. Stability is a particular concern in the low-density environment of high-altitude flight for flying-wing aircraft and so provision of adequate directional stability and control power forms part of the optimization process. At present, a modified Genetic Algorithm is used in all of the optimization loops. Each of the low-order engineering analysis tools is validated using higher-order methods to provide con¦dence in the use of these computationally-efficient tools in the present design-optimization framework. This paper includes the results of employing the present optimization tools in the design of a HALE, flying-wing UAV to indicate that this is a viable design configuration option.

Effects of dietary fat and crude protein on feedlot performance, carcass characteristics, and meat quality in finishing steers fed differing levels of dried distillers grains with solubles.

PubMed

Gunn, P J; Weaver, A D; Lemenager, R P; Gerrard, D E; Claeys, M C; Lake, S L

2009-09-01

The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of dietary protein and fat from distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS) on feedlot performance, carcass characteristics, and meat quality in finishing steers. Angus-cross steers (n = 105; 443 +/- 20 kg of BW) were blocked by BW and randomly assigned to 1 of 5 dietary treatments: 1) corn-based diet with DDGS included at 25% of DM (CON), 2) CON with DDGS included at twice the amount of CON (50% of DM; 50DDGS), 3) CON with added corn protein to equal the CP in the 50DDGS diet (CON+CP), 4) CON with added vegetable oil to equal the fat in the 50DDGS diet (CON+VO), and 5) CON with protein and fat added to equal the CP and fat in the 50DDGS diet (CON+CPVO). Steers were fed to a common 12th-rib fat depth endpoint (1.3 +/- 0.2 cm; 68 to 125 d on trial). Loins and rounds were collected from 44 carcasses for Warner-Bratzler shear force (WBSF), ether extract, and case-life analyses. Data were analyzed using the MIXED procedure of SAS. Contrasts between 1) CON vs. elevated CP diets (50DDGS, CON+CP, and CON+CPVO; EP), 2) CON vs. elevated fat diets (50DDGS, CON+VO, and CON+CPVO; EF) and 3) CON vs. diets with elevated CP and fat (50DDGS and CON+CPVO; EPF) were analyzed. There were no differences in days on feed or DMI among treatments. Steers fed CON had greater ADG (P or= 0.06). Steers fed the CON diet had greater marbling scores (P or= 0.44). However, CON steers had greater (P = 0.02) L* values than EF-fed steers and greater b* values than EP, EF, and EPF steers (P

Installation Restoration Program. Phase 2. Confirmation/Quantification. Stage 1. Air Force Plant 6, Cobb County, Georgia. Volume 2.

DTIC Science & Technology

1986-08-09

aquifer analysis, and sampling of ground water monitor wells to determine effectiveness of wastewater treatment process. Ida- Con Corporation...The Pro ect )A Spervisor i dc :7ri J, I, ontrollin hvde co n ... nsr 44 a Fie Ld note books, Iogsheets , be nch sheets, t rac in.r r-l, and report...NON .ocp 4a 0 .0... .. - a o 00--.--- ( N NN N .4N .)mm o m mM 3 2 4.2 3 3 3 3 33 3 3 3 m w r3 GmO 23 U, 3 33 3 2 3 3 3 30O13 CŘ oa nL nV) 0U n ( A 0L

Stability of Low Embankments on Soft Clay. Part 3. Centrifuge Tests and Numerical Analysis.

DTIC Science & Technology

1984-11-01

radiographs taken after the test. . Miniature pore pressure transducers used were the PDCR81 transducers manufactured by Druck Ltd. They are 6.35 mm...transducers at any time. The pressure was applied by a remote air/water interface and recorded in a Druck DPI 100 digital pressure meter. For the...I.. " 7 .P 1.. - l wil (dJ ) 3WS3 1 ’ X (dJ41 3NS3 ci ’ IN. 7V~ AUN I7 cu V N z V N Ncu N L coN IX ( 4 ’Hr^ 3d IX e d] f9p X W~]~lSd* X 3 L L J 0 0 00

Impact of Feed Delivery Pattern on Aerial Particulate Matter and Behavior of Feedlot Cattle †

PubMed Central

Mitloehner, Frank M.; Dailey, Jeff W.; Morrow, Julie L.; McGlone, John J.

2017-01-01

Simple Summary Fine particulate matter (with less than 2.5 microns diameter; aka PM2.5) are a human and animal health concern because they can carry microbes and chemicals into the lungs. Particulate matter (PM) in general emitted from cattle feedlots can reach high concentrations. When feedlot cattle were given an altered feeding schedule (ALT) that more closely reflected their biological feeding times compared with conventional morning feeding (CON), PM2.5 generation at peak times was substantially lowered. Average daily generation of PM2.5 was decreased by 37% when cattle behavior was redirected away from PM-generating behaviors and toward evening feeding behaviors. Behavioral problems such as agonistic (i.e., aggressive) and bulling (i.e., mounting each other) behaviors also were reduced several fold among ALT compared with CON cattle. Intake of feed was less and daily body weight gain tended to be less with the altered feeding schedule while efficiency of feed utilization was not affected. Although ALT may pose a challenge in feed delivery and labor scheduling, cattle had fewer behavioral problems and reduced PM2.5 generation when feed delivery times matched with the natural drive to eat in a crepuscular pattern. Abstract Fine particulate matter with less than 2.5 microns diameter (PM2.5) generated by cattle in feedlots is an environmental pollutant and a potential human and animal health issue. The objective of this study was to determine if a feeding schedule affects cattle behaviors that promote PM2.5 in a commercial feedlot. The study used 2813 crossbred steers housed in 14 adjacent pens at a large-scale commercial West Texas feedlot. Treatments were conventional feeding at 0700, 1000, and 1200 (CON) or feeding at 0700, 1000, and 1830 (ALT), the latter feeding time coincided with dusk. A mobile behavior lab was used to quantify behaviors of steers that were associated with generation of PM2.5 (e.g., fighting, mounting of peers, and increased locomotion). PM2.5 samplers measured respirable particles with a mass median diameter ≤2.5 μm (PM2.5) every 15 min over a period of 7 d in April and May. Simultaneously, the ambient temperature, humidity, wind speed and direction, precipitation, air pressure, and solar radiation were measured with a weather station. Elevated downwind PM2.5 concentrations were measured at dusk, when cattle that were fed according to the ALT vs. the CON feeding schedule, demonstrated less PM2.5-generating behaviors (p < 0.05). At dusk, steers on ALT vs. CON feeding schedules ate or were waiting to eat (standing in second row behind feeding cattle) at much greater rates (p < 0.05). Upwind PM2.5 concentrations were similar between the treatments. Downwind PM2.5 concentrations averaged over 24 h were lower from ALT compared with CON pens (0.072 vs. 0.115 mg/m3, p < 0.01). However, dry matter intake (DMI) was less (p < 0.05), and average daily gain (ADG) tended to be less (p < 0.1) in cattle that were fed according to the ALT vs. the CON feeding schedules, whereas feed efficiency (aka gain to feed, G:F) was not affected. Although ALT feeding may pose a challenge in feed delivery and labor scheduling, cattle exhibited fewer PM2.5-generating behaviors and reduced generation of PM2.5 when feed delivery times matched the natural desires of cattle to eat in a crepuscular pattern. PMID:28257061

Covalent organic nanosheets for effective charge transport layers in planar-type perovskite solar cells.

PubMed

Park, Soyun; Kim, Min-Sung; Jang, Woongsik; Park, Jin Kuen; Wang, Dong Hwan

2018-03-08

Herein, solvent-treated bandgap-tunable covalent organic nanosheets (CONs) were prepared via the Stille cross-coupling reaction. These materials are considered useful as interlayers in photovoltaic devices upon the alignment of energy levels between other components. Among various types of solar cells, according to the organic-interlayer study, inverted planar perovskite solar cells (PSCs) are mostly demanded to effectively transport and collect charge carriers due to their high performance. At first, the C-V analysis proved the energy levels of the frontier orbitals for CON-10 and CON-16 nanosheets; this verified the suitability of these nanosheets as hole transport layers (HTLs) with the PEDOT:PSS upon casting both films from DMSO. It became evident, however, that the hole transport property of the PEDOT:PSS on the CON-16 layer was unfavorable with the increasing UPS-proven hole injection barrier. In addition, both CONs induced a rough surface morphology; however, CON-10 showed a relatively smooth surface as compared to CON-16 based on the Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Atomic force microscopy (AFM) profiles; furthermore, their surface properties influenced both the PEDOT:PSS layers and the perovskite layers. Especially, the XRD profiles presented an enhanced crystallinity of the perovskite layers with CON-10. All these aspects indicate that CON-10 is a more effective HTL material, and several versions of perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have been fabricated with/without CON-10 and CON-16 together with the PEDOT:PSS to determine the more-HTL-suitable CON. As a result, the power conversion efficiencies (PCEs) of the optimized devices with CON-10 exhibited a value of 10.2%, which represented a 1% increase over those of the reference devices without the CONs and was 4% higher than that of the CON-16 devices. Moreover, the devices with CON-10 were further optimized with TiO x using Al electrodes, leading to a PCE increase of these devices that became slightly higher than the PCEs of the device with CON-10 and without TiO x . This tendency was supported by photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy, photocurrent density (J ph ), and space-charge-limited current (SCLC) mobility results.

Greater Proptosis Is Not Associated With Improved Compressive Optic Neuropathy in Thyroid Eye Disease.

PubMed

Nanda, Tavish; Dunbar, Kristen E; Campbell, Ashley A; Bathras, Ryan M; Kazim, Michael

2018-05-18

Despite the paucity of supporting data, it has generally been held that proptosis in thyroid eye disease (TED) may provide relative protection from compressive optic neuropathy (CON) by producing spontaneous decompression. The objective of this study was to investigate this phenomenon in patients with bilateral TED-CON. We retrospectively reviewed the charts of 67 patients (134 orbits) with bilateral TED-CON at Columbia-Presbyterian Medical Center. Significant asymmetric proptosis (Hertel) was defined as ≥ 2 mm. Significant asymmetric CON was defined first, as the presence of an relative afferent pupillary defect. Those without an relative afferent pupillary defect were evaluated according to the TED-CON formula y = -0.69 - 0.31 × (motility) - 0.2 × (mean deviation) - 0.02 × (color vision) as previously established for the diagnosis of TED-CON. A difference in the formula result ≥ 1.0 between eyes was considered significant. Patients were then divided into 4 groups. Forty-one of 67 patients demonstrated asymmetric CON (29 by relative afferent pupillary defect, 12 by formula). Twenty-one of 67 patients demonstrated asymmetric proptosis. Only 5 of 12 (41.6%) of the patients who had both asymmetric proptosis and asymmetric CON (group 1) showed greater proptosis in the eye with less CON. Twenty-nine patients (group 2) showed that asymmetric CON occurred despite symmetrical proptosis. Seventeen patients (group 3), showed the inverse, that asymmetric differences in proptosis occurred with symmetrical CON. Despite commonly held assumptions, our results suggest that greater proptosis is not associated with improved TED-CON. Combining groups 1 to 3-all of which demonstrated asymmetry of either proptosis, CON, or both-91.4% of patients did not show a relationship between greater proptosis and improved CON.

The Pros and Cons of Army Automation

DTIC Science & Technology

2007-11-13

The Pros and Cons of Army Automation 1 Running Head: THE PROS AND CONS OF ARMY AUTOMATION The Pros and Cons of Army Automation SGM...TITLE AND SUBTITLE The Pros and Cons of Army Automation 5a. CONTRACT NUMBER 5b. GRANT NUMBER 5c. PROGRAM ELEMENT NUMBER 6. AUTHOR(S) 5d. PROJECT...Prescribed by ANSI Std Z39-18 The Pros and Cons of Army Automation 2 Outline I. Introduction (MSG (P) Dostie) II. Manual skills (MSG (P

Importance of eccentric actions in performance adaptations to resistance training

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Dudley, Gary A.; Miller, Bruce J.; Buchanan, Paul; Tesch, Per A.

1991-01-01

The importance of eccentric (ecc) muscle actions in resistance training for the maintenance of muscle strength and mass in hypogravity was investigated in experiments in which human subjects, divided into three groups, were asked to perform four-five sets of 6 to 12 repetitions (rep) per set of three leg press and leg extension exercises, 2 days each weeks for 19 weeks. One group, labeled 'con', performed each rep with only concentric (con) actions, while group con/ecc with performed each rep with only ecc actions; the third group, con/con, performed twice as many sets with only con actions. Control subjects did not train. It was found that resistance training wih both con and ecc actions induced greater increases in muscle strength than did training with only con actions.

Phase Zero Operations for Contingency and Expeditionary Contracting-Keys to Fully Integrating Contracting into Operational Planning and Execution

DTIC Science & Technology

2010-08-02

Cost and Price Analysis & Negotiations (5-2)—DAU CON 217 & CON 218 Certified; MN3318 Contingency Contracting (3-0)—DAU CON 234 Certified; and...MN3315 Advanced Contract Management (4-0)—DAU CON 214 & CON 215 Certified. CDR (Ret) Yoder has recently been published or cited in the following works...certified as the primary guide for all DAU CON 234 course deliveries. Contracting Out Government Procurement Functions: An Analysis (NPS-CM-07-105), E

Impact of Organic and Conventional Systems of Coffee Farming on Soil Properties and Culturable Microbial Diversity

PubMed Central

2016-01-01

A study was undertaken with an objective of evaluating the long-term impacts of organic (ORG) and conventional (CON) methods of coffee farming on soil physical, chemical, biological, and microbial diversity. Electrical conductivity and bulk density were found to increase by 34% and 21%, respectively, in CON compared to ORG system, while water holding capacity was found decreased in both the systems. Significant increase in organic carbon was observed in ORG system. Major nutrients, nitrogen and potassium, levels showed inclination in both ORG and CON system, but the trend was much more pronounced in CON system. Phosphorus was found to increase in both ORG and CON system, but its availability was found to be more with CON system. In biological attributes, higher soil respiration and fluorescein diacetate activity were recorded in ORG system compared to CON system. Higher soil urease activity was observed in CON system, while dehydrogenase activity does not show significant differences between ORG and CON systems. ORG system was found to have higher macrofauna (31.4%), microbial population (34%), and microbial diversity indices compared to CON system. From the present study, it is accomplished that coffee soil under long-term ORG system has better soil properties compared to CON system. PMID:27042378

Impact of Organic and Conventional Systems of Coffee Farming on Soil Properties and Culturable Microbial Diversity.

PubMed

Velmourougane, Kulandaivelu

2016-01-01

A study was undertaken with an objective of evaluating the long-term impacts of organic (ORG) and conventional (CON) methods of coffee farming on soil physical, chemical, biological, and microbial diversity. Electrical conductivity and bulk density were found to increase by 34% and 21%, respectively, in CON compared to ORG system, while water holding capacity was found decreased in both the systems. Significant increase in organic carbon was observed in ORG system. Major nutrients, nitrogen and potassium, levels showed inclination in both ORG and CON system, but the trend was much more pronounced in CON system. Phosphorus was found to increase in both ORG and CON system, but its availability was found to be more with CON system. In biological attributes, higher soil respiration and fluorescein diacetate activity were recorded in ORG system compared to CON system. Higher soil urease activity was observed in CON system, while dehydrogenase activity does not show significant differences between ORG and CON systems. ORG system was found to have higher macrofauna (31.4%), microbial population (34%), and microbial diversity indices compared to CON system. From the present study, it is accomplished that coffee soil under long-term ORG system has better soil properties compared to CON system.

Evaluation of glycerol, a biodiesel coproduct, in grow-finish pig diets to support growth and pork quality.

PubMed

Schieck, S J; Shurson, G C; Kerr, B J; Johnston, L J

2010-12-01

Crossbred pigs (n = 216; BW = 31.3 ± 1.8 kg) were used to determine the effects of long- and short-term feeding of crude glycerol on growth performance, carcass traits, and pork quality of grow-finish pigs. Pigs were blocked by initial BW, and pens within blocks were assigned randomly to 1 of 3 dietary treatments (24 pens; 9 pigs/pen). Dietary treatments were control, a corn-soybean meal-based diet (CON); long-term, CON + 8% glycerol fed throughout the experiment (LT); and short-term, pigs fed CON for the first 6 wk followed by CON + 8% glycerol fed during the last 8 wk of the experiment (ShT). Pigs fed LT had greater (P < 0.05) ADG, whereas pigs fed ShT tended (P < 0.10) to grow faster than CON (CON = 0.962 kg/d, LT = 0.996 kg/d, and ShT = 0.992 kg/d; SE = 0.01). Pigs assigned to LT had greater (P < 0.05) ADFI compared with CON, whereas ShT-fed pigs had similar ADFI to CON (CON = 2.78 kg/d, LT = 2.93 kg/d, and ShT = 2.86 kg/d; SE = 0.03). Gain:feed tended (P < 0.10) to be greater for CON- and ShT-fed pigs compared with LT-fed pigs (CON = 0.346, LT = 0.339, and ShT = 0.346; SE = 0.002). Hot carcass weight was greater (P < 0.05) for LT-fed pigs compared with CON, whereas ShT-fed pigs had HCW similar to both LT- and CON-fed pigs (CON = 94.8 kg, LT = 97.5 kg, and ShT = 96.3 kg; SE = 0.90). Dressing percentage of CON-fed pigs was similar to both LT- and ShT-fed pigs, but LT-fed pigs tended to have greater (P = 0.06) dressing percentage than ShT-fed pigs (CON = 74.5%, LT = 74.9%, and ShT = 74.3%; SE = 0.16). Tenth-rib backfat (P = 0.26) and LM area (P = 0.17) were not affected by dietary treatment. There was a trend (P < 0.10) for LT-fed pigs to have a smaller fat-free lean percentage than CON-fed pigs (CON = 53.1%, LT = 52.26%, and ShT = 52.67%; SE = 0.25). Short-term glycerol feeding increased (P < 0.05) belly firmness compared with CON and had similar belly firmness compared with LT-fed pigs (CON = 29.46°, LT = 35.16°, and ST = 42.08°; SE = 3.07). Dietary treatment had no effect (P > 0.60) on pork quality of loins based on taste panel assessments. Feeding pigs 8% crude glycerol throughout the grow-finish period resulted in a 3% improvement in growth rate and a 2% depression in BW gain efficiency compared with CON diets. Grow-finish pigs fed diets containing 8% crude glycerol during the last 8 wk before slaughter achieved growth performance similar to pigs fed CON diets. Effects of crude glycerol on carcass traits seem to be limited to improvements in belly firmness with short-term feeding of glycerol.

The soil-water balance simulations of a grassland in response to CO2, rainfall, and biodiversity manipulations at BioCON

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Flinker, R. H.; Cardenas, M.; Caldwell, T. G.; Rich, R.; Reich, P.

2013-12-01

The BioCON (Biodiversity, CO2 and N) experiment has been continuously running since 1997. Operated by the University of Minnesota and located within the Cedar Creek Ecosystem Science Reserve in Minnesota, USA, BioCON is a Free-Air CO2 Enrichment (FACE) experiment that investigates plant community response to three key environmental variables: nitrogen, atmospheric CO2 and biodiversity. More recently rainfall exclusion and temperature manipulation were added to the experiment which amounts to 371 plots. The site attempts to replicate predicted average temperature increases and a northern shift of plant species and any associated consequences. FACE experiments have been conducted for a number of years in different countries, but the focus has generally been on how plant communities, soil respiration and microbes respond. Minimal work has been focused on the hydrologic aspects of these experiments which are potentially valuable for investigating global warming effects on local and plot-scale ecohydrology. Thus, the objective of this work is to characterize and model unsaturated flow for different CO2 and rainfall treatments in order to see how they affect soil moisture dynamics and groundwater recharge on grasslands of central Minnesota. Our study focuses on simulating soil moisture dynamics in eighteen of the BioCON plots: six bare plots with regular rainfall regimes (zero plant species, three plots with elevated atmospheric CO2 levels), six regular rainfall regimes (nine plant species, three plots with elevated atmospheric CO2 levels) and six reduced rainfall regimes (nine plant species, three plots with elevated atmospheric CO2 levels). The Simultaneous Heat and Water (SHAW) model, which solves the Richards equation for unsaturated zone water flow coupled to a comprehensive energy balance model, was parameterized with a combination of field and lab estimates of soil properties. Field estimates of saturated hydraulic conductivity using tension infiltrometers ranged from 9.8 x 10-4 to 6.7 x 10-3 cm/s. Soil cores were collected and analyzed for soil hydraulic properties (texture, unsaturated hydraulic conductivity and moisture retention). From the grain size analyzes of soil samples collected every 10 cm until 1m depth, the soil is homogenous and on average 87% sand, 11% silt and 2% clay. We will be presenting results from the simulations and statistical comparisons to observations of soil moisture at four depths in each plot.

LIGNITE FUEL ENHANCEMENT

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

Charles Bullinger

2005-02-07

The Design Team continued to conference this quarter. Their primary task during this timeframe was to finalize the dryer design based on information learned from the NDIC Pilot work and detailed design discussions at Barr offices in August. Heyl-Patterson was tasked with incorporating all comments and drafting drawings. They submitted a preliminary proposal which spawned detailed discussions about tube bundle, air locks, and fire suppression systems. The type of fire protection specified dictated the final structural arrangement. Three meetings were spent discussing the pro's and con's of suppression vs. ventilation systems. In the end, the dryer and bucket elevator willmore » have suppression systems and the remaining equipment will be explosion vented. This is in agreement with GRE's current insurer, FM Global. Three inlet airlocks were reduced to two and four outlets were reduced to three. The inlet plenum was subdivided for greater flexibility and sparging air added in the outlet plenum. It was also decided to use bundles with varied material, diameter, and tube & fin spacing. This will be completed in an effort to identify for us which configuration has the best heat transfer characteristics using coal as the fluidizing medium. The dryer will also be delivered in four pieces. This will allow for installation through the current access door on the Air Heater deck. The Input/Output list and functional description was completed and forwarded to Honeywell to finalize controls. Major pieces of equipment received this quarter were the Bucket Elevator, Liewell Screen, conveyors, and Motor Control Center. ICI completed removal of the wall separating Silo 28 from the dryer area; handrail and grating between the two areas has also been removed. They relocated a blowdown line. They moved an Air Heater basket access hatch.« less

Coagulase-negative staphylococcal bacteraemia in cancer patients. Time to positive culture can distinguish bacteraemia from contamination.

PubMed

Morioka, Shinichiro; Ichikawa, Mika; Mori, Keita; Kurai, Hanako

2018-03-16

Coagulase-negative staphylococci (CoNS) are the most common contaminants of blood cultures, however, we sometimes have difficulties in determining their clinical significance. It is still controversial that there is a significant difference between the contamination group and the true bacteraemia group in the time to positivity (TTP) of blood cultures. We validated the relationship between a TTP and the presence of CoNS bacteraemia in cancer patients by using an objective, non-judgmental definition for CoNS contamination. We retrospectively reviewed 175 sets of blood cultures drawn from 95 patients that yielded CoNS from October 2011 to March 2013. We considered as contamination if an isolate of CoNS was identified in one out of multiple sets of blood cultures. We investigated the TTP, the threshold values and corresponding likelihood ratios to distinguish CoNS bacteraemia from contamination. The median TTP in CoNS bacteraemia group was significantly shorter than that in contamination group (14 h 45 min and 20 h 31 min, respectively, p = .0157). A TTP of ≤16 h had a specificity of 83% for predicting CoNS bacteraemia, and that of >20 h had a sensitivity of 86% for predicting CoNS contamination. We validated that the median TTP in CoNS bacteraemia group was significantly shorter than that in their contamination group, and that a TTP of ≤16 h was associated with CoNS bacteraemia, while that of >20 h was associated with CoNS contamination, if evaluated with an objective, non-judgmental definition for CoNS contamination.

Hullborne Hydrofoil Six-Degree of Freedom Motion Prediction Computer Program

DTIC Science & Technology

1976-07-01

UAVEI (7.7) , WAVE2 (797) .!NUEX(1493) .DtIM3(4034) KRN 21 NOE=2 *NO%1 KRN 22 no0 12IzlNON KPZN 23 NIxN0N- I KPN 24 FR(I.1)xEM1 CK,1) KRN 25 FR(192)2-SNE...CON7(J,1)* WAVE2 (1,J)-CON2(NJ,1 )*SOUR2(1,J) KRN III PRA(1,3)=PRA(T,3)+CON1(J,2)*WAVEi CIJ)-CON1(NJ,2)*SOUR1(I.J) KRN 112 PRA(1,4)zPRA(194) .CON2(J,2...8217 WAVE2 (lj)-CON2(NJ,2)*SOUR2(IJJ KRN 113 PPV(1.2)=PRV(192) *CON2(J,1)*SOUR2(I.J) *CON2(NJt1)* WAVE2 (1.J) KRN 115 PRV(193;=PRV(193),CONI(Jt?)4SOUR1(1,J

Physiological responses during graded treadmill exercise in chemical-resistant personal protective equipment.

PubMed

Northington, William E; Suyama, Joe; Goss, Fredric L; Randall, Colby; Gallagher, Michael; Hostler, David

2007-01-01

As the likelihood of terrorist acts increases, prehospital personnel have been forced to train in the proper use of chemical-resistant personal protective equipment (PPE). This protective ensemble has been reported to be physiologically taxing for the wearer, imposing an additional thermal load resulting in hypohydration, hyperthermia, and reduced work time. Victim extrication, the rescue-the-rescuer role of the rapid intervention team and rapid self-extrication, typically requires high-intensity work that can be maintained only for short time intervals. The additional physiological burden imparted by the level C PPE during high-intensity work is unknown. We hypothesized that the added thermal burden resulting from work in PPE would shorten work time and result in a higher core temperature during incremental treadmill exercise. In this prospective, crossover, laboratory study, EMS providers (n = 8, 5 male) completed a Bruce treadmill test on two occasions: once in a chemical-resistant coverall and air-purifying respirator (PPE) and once in shorts and t-shirt (CON). Oxygen consumption, vital signs, core and skin temperature, and perceptual measures of exertion, thermal sensation, and comfort were monitored throughout the test. Subjects achieved maximal oxygen consumption and more than 90% of age-predicted maximum heart rate in both conditions. Heart rate, skin temperature, and measures of perceived exertion, comfort, and thermal sensation increased during the treadmill exercise but did not differ between the PPE and CON conditions. Core temperature increased in both the CON and PPE conditions (0.8 +/- 0.5 vs. 0.7 +/- 0.3, p = 0.40). High-intensity work in level C PPE is primarily limited by cardiovascular capacity. The thermal burden associated with this short bout of work in PPE (approximately 10 minutes) is not different than high-intensity work in short pants and cotton t-shirt. Consideration should be given to cardiorespiratory fitness when assigning providers to work in chemical-resistant PPE, especially on tasks that require high-intensity work.

Interagency Rebuilding Efforts in Iraq: A Case Study of the Rusafa Political District

DTIC Science & Technology

2013-02-26

Cart Seller 18-Aug-2010 $950.00 PRIVSEC NON-CON Cart Seller 18-Aug-2010 $500.00 PRIVSEC NON-CON Embroidery 18-Aug-2010 $22,900.00 PRIVSEC NON-CON...Kindergarten 18-Aug-2010 $11,300.00 PRIVSEC 50 NON-CON Embroidery & Sewing Factory 18-Aug-2010 $21,000.00 PRIVSEC NON-CON Book Shop 18-Aug-2010 $3,204.00

New generation of naval IRST: example of EOMS NG

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Maltese, Dominique; Deyla, Olivier; Vernet, Guillaume; Preux, Carole; Hilt, Gisèle; Nougues, Pierre-Olivier, II

2010-04-01

Modern warships ranging from Air Warfare Destroyers to Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPV) and Fast Patrol Boats have to deal with an ever increasing variety of threats, both symmetric and asymmetric, for self-protection. This last category has introduced new requirements for combat systems sensors and effectors: situation awareness in proximity of the own ship has become a priority, as well as the need for new, lethal or non-lethal effectors for timely and proportional response. Naval Combat Systems (CS) architects are then faced with an alternative: they can either use existing CS sensors, C2 and weapons, or else rely on new, specialized equipments. Both approaches have their pros and cons, with the cost issue not necessarily trivial to assess. In this paper, we present a multifunction system that is both a passive IRST (InfraRed Search and Track) sensor, designed to automatically detect and track air and surface threats, and an Electro Optical Director (EOD), capable of providing identification of objects as well as accurate 3D tracks. Following an introduction reviewing the design goals for the equipment, the EOMS NG processing architecture is described (Image & Tracking Processes). Then, system performances are presented for different scenarios provided from Field Tests.

Installation Restoration Program. Site Investigation Report. 147th Fighter Interceptor Group, Texas Air National Guard, Ellington, Field, Houston, Texas

DTIC Science & Technology

1991-01-01

LOCATIONS DRAWN BY J. WELL LOCATIONS DATE: 5-31. DATE -31-MGM= . ENCE CORNER (O’S. & O’W) ...........x xC.O.E. MONUIM:NT NO. 324 NORTH COOR. - 670.555.7 x...RUDWTREEVTO OTU M ~ HYRAULC GRDENTLIN A% A W0 78W.M. 3 B1 - ENCE CORNER tos & o’U) -x x -x .O. E. MIONUMENT NO. 324 x-x-NORTH COOR. -. 670;;55;.7 x...ROUNwATE ELEATIO CON4UR3 ~~~~W xRJJ t ZRQ N IN tW 9 . AILA~E 261~ W-03- 26.6W~~ 0 B’ ENCE CORNER (O’S. & O’W) -K XMx X - .O.E. MONUMENT NO. 324

Effect of certificate of need law on emergency department length of stay.

PubMed

Paul, Jomon Aliyas; Ni, Huan; Bagchi, Aniruddha

2014-10-01

The impact of the Certificate of Need (CON) law on Emergency Department (ED) care remains elusive in the academic literature. We study the impact of CON law on ED Length of Stay (LOS). We examine ED LOS to detect any statistically significant difference between CON and non-CON states. We then estimate the effects of CON law on ED LOS by treating CON as an exogenous (endogenous) variable. We find that the CON legislation positively impacts ED care by reducing ED LOS (95% confidence interval [CI] -61.3 to -10.3), and we can't reject the hypothesis that the CON legislation can be treated as an exogenous variable in our model. An increase in the stringency of the CON law (measured by the threshold on equipment expenditure that is subject to a CON review) tends to diminish this positive impact on ED LOS (95% CI 9.9-68.0). The party affiliation of the Governor (95% CI 10.3-37.5), the political environment as a function of the agreement on voting between state senators (95% CI-64.8 to -12.9), proportion of young population (0-17 years) when compared with the elderly (>65 years) (95% CI-2299.7 to -184.1), proportion of population covered by privately purchased insurance (95% CI-819.3 to -59.9), etc., are found to significantly impact ED LOS in a state. This study provides a better understanding of the impact of CON law on ED care, which extends the previous literature that has mainly focused on CON effects on inpatient care. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Increased blood pressure later in life may be associated with perinatal n-3 fatty acid deficiency.

PubMed

Armitage, James A; Pearce, Adrian D; Sinclair, Andrew J; Vingrys, Algis J; Weisinger, Richard S; Weisinger, Harrison S

2003-04-01

Hypertension is a major risk factor for cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disease. Previous work in both animals and humans with high blood pressure has demonstrated the antihypertensive effects of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), although it is not known whether these nutrients are effective in preventing hypertension. The predominant n-3 PUFA in the mammalian nervous system, docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), is deposited into synaptic membranes at a high rate during the perinatal period, and recent observations indicate that the perinatal environment is important for the normal development of blood pressure control. This study investigated the importance of perinatal n-3 PUFA supply in the control of blood pressure in adult Sprague-Dawley rats. Pregnant rat dams were fed semisynthetic diets that were either deficient in (DEF) or supplemented with (CON) n-3 PUFA. Offspring were fed the same diets as their mothers until 9 wk; then, half of the rats from each group were crossed over to the opposite diet creating four groups, i.e., CON-CON; CON-DEF; DEF-DEF, DEF-CON. Mean arterial blood pressures (MAP) were measured directly, at 33 wk of age, by cannulation of the femoral artery. The phospholipid fatty acid profile of the hypothalamic region was determined by capillary gas-liquid chromatography. The tissue phospholipid fatty acid profile reflected the diet that the rats were consuming at the time of testing. Both groups receiving DEF after 9 wk of age (i.e., DEF-DEF and CON-DEF) had similar profiles with a reduction in DHA levels of 30%, compared with rats receiving CON (i.e., CON-CON and DEF-CON). DEF-DEF rats had significantly raised MAP compared with all other groups, with differences as great as 17 mm Hg. DEF-CON rats had raised MAP compared with CON-CON rats, and DEF-DEF rats had higher MAP than CON-DEF rats, despite the fact that their respective fatty acid profiles were not different. These findings indicate that inadequate levels of DHA in the perinatal period are associated with altered blood pressure control in later life. The way in which these long-term effects are produced remains to be elucidated.

Optimization of mooseer (A. hirtifolium Boiss.) dehydration under infrared conditions.

PubMed

Chayjan, Reza Amiri; Fealekari, Mosayeb

2017-01-01

In recent years, infrared drying has gained popularity as an alternative drying method for a va- riety of agricultural products. The use of infrared radiation technology in drying agricultural products has several advantages. These may include decreased drying time, high energy efficiency, high-quality finished products and uniform temperature in the product. With intermittent infrared and convection heating of a thick porous material, the drying time can be reduced compared to convection alone, while keeping good food quality and high energy efficiency. Response surface methodology (RSM) was employed to optimize the drying con- ditions of mooseer under infrared-convective drying. Experiments were performed at air temperatures of  40, 55 and 70°C, infrared powers of 500, 1000 and 1500 W, air velocities of 0.5, 1.5 and 2.5 m/s and slice thicknesses of 2, 4, and 6 mm. In this study, effective moisture diffusivity (Deff), shrinkage, color changes and specific energy consumption (SEC) were investigated. The central composite design (CCD) was selected for the design and optimization of the process. Deff was obtained between 1.4×10 and 3.57×10    m /s. With increasing air temperature and slice –10                                  –9       2 thickness, Deff also increased. The level of shrinkage rose as slice thickness increased. The highest and lowest values of color changes were calculated at air temperatures of 70°C (52.3%) and 40°C (5.65%), respectively. Increasing air velocity led to an increase in SEC. Optimum conditions for mooseer drying were achieved at air temperature of 70°C, infrared power of 867.46, air velocity of 0.59 m/s and slice thickness of 2 mm. At this point, Deff, shrinkage, color changes and SEC was obtained as 1.32×10–9 m2/s, 29.58%, 17.62% and 4.64 MJ/kg, respectively. The desir- ability value of 0.689 was achieved for the drying process.  .

State deregulation and Medicare costs for acute cardiac care.

PubMed

Ho, Vivian; Ku-Goto, Meei-Hsiang

2013-04-01

Past literature suggests that Certificate of Need (CON) regulations for cardiac care were ineffective in improving quality, but less is known about the effect of CON on patient costs. We analyzed Medicare data for 1991-2002 to test whether states that dropped CON experienced changes in costs or reimbursements for coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery or percutaneous coronary interventions. We found that states that dropped CON experienced lower costs per patient for CABG but not for percutaneous coronary intervention. Average Medicare reimbursement was lower for both procedures in states that dropped CON. The cost savings from removing CON regulations slightly exceed the total fixed costs of new CABG facilities that entered after deregulation. Assuming continued cost savings past 2002, the savings from deregulating CABG surgery outweigh the fixed costs of new entry. Thus, CON regulations for CABG may not be justified in terms of either improving quality or controlling cost growth.

9 CFR 319.301 - Chili con carne with beans.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-01-01

... 9 Animals and Animal Products 2 2013-01-01 2013-01-01 false Chili con carne with beans. 319.301 Section 319.301 Animals and Animal Products FOOD SAFETY AND INSPECTION SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE... Dehydrated Meat Food Products § 319.301 Chili con carne with beans. Chili con carne with beans shall contain...

9 CFR 319.301 - Chili con carne with beans.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-01-01

... 9 Animals and Animal Products 2 2014-01-01 2014-01-01 false Chili con carne with beans. 319.301 Section 319.301 Animals and Animal Products FOOD SAFETY AND INSPECTION SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE... Dehydrated Meat Food Products § 319.301 Chili con carne with beans. Chili con carne with beans shall contain...

9 CFR 319.301 - Chili con carne with beans.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... 9 Animals and Animal Products 2 2011-01-01 2011-01-01 false Chili con carne with beans. 319.301 Section 319.301 Animals and Animal Products FOOD SAFETY AND INSPECTION SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE... Dehydrated Meat Food Products § 319.301 Chili con carne with beans. Chili con carne with beans shall contain...

9 CFR 319.301 - Chili con carne with beans.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-01-01

... 9 Animals and Animal Products 2 2012-01-01 2012-01-01 false Chili con carne with beans. 319.301 Section 319.301 Animals and Animal Products FOOD SAFETY AND INSPECTION SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE... Dehydrated Meat Food Products § 319.301 Chili con carne with beans. Chili con carne with beans shall contain...

9 CFR 319.300 - Chili con carne.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-01-01

... 9 Animals and Animal Products 2 2012-01-01 2012-01-01 false Chili con carne. 319.300 Section 319.300 Animals and Animal Products FOOD SAFETY AND INSPECTION SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AGENCY... Products § 319.300 Chili con carne. “Chili con carne” shall contain not less than 40 percent of meat...

9 CFR 319.301 - Chili con carne with beans.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... 9 Animals and Animal Products 2 2010-01-01 2010-01-01 false Chili con carne with beans. 319.301 Section 319.301 Animals and Animal Products FOOD SAFETY AND INSPECTION SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE... Dehydrated Meat Food Products § 319.301 Chili con carne with beans. Chili con carne with beans shall contain...

Concanavalin A: A potential anti-neoplastic agent targeting apoptosis, autophagy and anti-angiogenesis for cancer therapeutics

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

Li, Wen-wen; Yu, Jia-ying; Xu, Huai-long

2011-10-22

Highlights: {yields} ConA induces cancer cell death targeting apoptosis and autophagy. {yields} ConA inhibits cancer cell angiogenesis. {yields} ConA is utilized in pre-clinical and clinical trials. -- Abstract: Concanavalin A (ConA), a Ca{sup 2+}/Mn{sup 2+}-dependent and mannose/glucose-binding legume lectin, has drawn a rising attention for its remarkable anti-proliferative and anti-tumor activities to a variety of cancer cells. ConA induces programmed cell death via mitochondria-mediated, P73-Foxo1a-Bim apoptosis and BNIP3-mediated mitochondrial autophagy. Through IKK-NF-{kappa}B-COX-2, SHP-2-MEK-1-ERK, and SHP-2-Ras-ERK anti-angiogenic pathways, ConA would inhibit cancer cell survival. In addition, ConA stimulates cell immunity and generates an immune memory, resisting to the same genotypic tumor.more » These biological findings shed light on new perspectives of ConA as a potential anti-neoplastic agent targeting apoptosis, autophagy and anti-angiogenesis in pre-clinical or clinical trials for cancer therapeutics.« less

Low-frequency electrotherapy for female patients with detrusor underactivity due to neuromuscular deficiency.

PubMed

Xu, Dan-Feng; Zhang, Shen; Wang, Cun-Zhou; Li, Jun; Qu, Chuang-Yu; Cui, Xin-Gang; Zhao, Sheng-Jia

2012-08-01

The aim of the study was to assess the efficacy of low-frequency electrotherapy (LFE) for female patients with early-stage detrusor underactivity (DUA) due to neuromuscular deficiency. A total of 102 female patients were divided randomly into four groups: LFE-NC (normal compliance), LFE-LC (low compliance), CON (control)-NC and CON-LC. Patients in the LFE-NC and LFE-LC groups received LFE, and those in the CON-NC and CON-LC groups received conservative treatment. Urodynamic evaluation was performed before and after treatment. After treatment, 82 % of the LFE-NC regained detrusor contractility, whereas only 2 (8 %) of the CON-NC had normal detrusor contraction. None of LFE-LC or CON-LC regained detrusor contractility (p < 0.01). The per cent of LFE-NC who relied on catheterization for bladder emptying decreased by 43 % (p < 0.01). Those in the LFE-LC, CON-NC and CON-LC groups decreased by only 4, 12 or 0 % (p > 0.05). LFE was more effective for DUA patients with normal compliance; these patients benefited from LFE, but DUA patients with low compliance did not.

[Not Available].

PubMed

Rojo-Trejo, María Elena; Rangel Peniche, Diana Beatriz; Arellano Jiménez, María Del Rocío; Sabath Silva, Ernesto Francisco

2016-06-30

Introducción: el bajo peso al nacer (BPN) es un factor de riesgo para desarrollar obesidad en la vida adulta.Objetivo: evaluar diferencias en la composición corporal de niños de entre 8 y 10 años de edad con y sin antecedente de BPN.Métodos: fue un estudio observacional, transversal comparativo. Participaron 112 niños (95 con adecuado peso al nacer [APN] y 17 con BPN). Se realizó antropometría (peso, talla, circunferencias de cintura y cadera, pliegue cutáneo de tríceps [PCT] y subescapular [PCSE]).Resultados: se encontró una prevalencia combinada del 41% para sobrepeso y obesidad en ambos grupos de estudio. El porcentaje de grasa corporal total fue menor en las niñas con BPN (no significativo); sin embargo, el indicador PCT-PCSE fue significativamente más alto (p = 0,04) que el de las niñas con APN. En contra de lo esperado, al estratificar según porcentaje de grasa y peso al nacer, se encontró que el grupo con BPN presentó un porcentaje de grasa bajo (p < 0,05) en comparación con el grupo de APN, siendo 6 veces mayor la posibilidad de que un niño con BPN presente porcentaje de grasa total bajo a esta edad.Conclusiones: a estas edades no se encontró mayor porcentaje de grasa en el grupo con BPN en comparación con el de APN; sin embargo, las niñas con BPN presentaron mayor deposición de grasa troncal que las de APN. La deposición de grasa es un indicador que hay que considerar, y no únicamente el índice de masa corporal, en la evaluación nutricia infantil.

Salecan protected against concanavalin A-induced acute liver injury by modulating T cell immune responses and NMR-based metabolic profiles

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

Sun, Qi; Xu, Xi, E-mail: xuxi@njust.edu.cn; Yang,

Salecan, a water-soluble extracellular β-glucan produced by Agrobacterium sp. ZX09, has been reported to exhibit a wide range of biological effects. The aims of the present study were to investigate the protective effect of salecan against Concanavalin A (ConA)-induced hepatitis, a well-established animal model of immune-mediated liver injury, and to search for possible mechanisms. C57BL/6 mice were pretreated with salecan followed by ConA injection. Salecan treatment significantly reduced ConA-induced acute liver injury, and suppressed the expression and secretion of inflammatory cytokines including interferon (IFN)-γ, interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-1β in ConA-induced liver injury model. The high expression levels of chemokines andmore » adhesion molecules such as MIP-1α, MIP-1β, ICAM-1, MCP-1 and RANTES in the liver induced by ConA were also down-regulated after salecan treatment. Salecan inhibited the infiltration and activation of inflammatory cells, especially T cells, in the liver induced by ConA. Moreover, salecan reversed the metabolic profiles of ConA-treated mice towards the control group by partly recovering the metabolic perturbations induced by ConA. Our results suggest the preventive and therapeutic potential of salecan in immune-mediated hepatitis. - Highlights: • Salecan treatment significantly reduced ConA-induced liver injury. • Salecan suppressed the expression and secretion of inflammatory cytokines. • Salecan decreased the expression of chemokines and adhesion molecules in liver. • Salecan inhibited the infiltration and activation of T cells induced by ConA. • Salecan partly recovered the metabolic perturbations induced by ConA.« less

Effect of Maternal Obesity on Fetal Growth and Expression of Placental Fatty Acid Transporters.

PubMed

Ye, Kui; Li, Li; Zhang, Dan; Li, Yi; Wang, Hai Qing; Lai, Han Lin; Hu, Chuan Lai

2017-12-15

To explore the effects of maternal high-fat (HF) diet-induced obesity on fetal growth and the expression of placental nutrient transporters. Maternal obesity was established in rats by 8 weeks of pre-pregnancy fed HF diet, while rats in the control group were fed normal (CON) diet. Diet-induced obesity (DIO) rats and diet-induced obesity-resistant (DIR) rats were selected according to body weight gain over this period. After copulation, the CON rats were divided into two groups: switched to HF diet (CON-HF group) or maintained on the CON diet (CON-CON group). The DIO rats and DIR rats were maintained on the HF diet throughout pregnancy. Pregnant rats were euthanized at day 21 gestation, fetal and placental weights were recorded, and placental tissue was collected. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction was used to determine mRNA expression of placental nutrient transporters. Protein expression was determined by Western blot. Average fetal weight of DIO dams was reduced by 6.9%, and the placentas of CON-HF and DIO dams were significantly heavier than the placentas of CON-CON and DIR dams at day 21 of gestation (p<0.05). The fetal/placental weight ratio of DIO dams was significantly reduced compared with the fetal/placental weight ratio of CON-CON dams (p<0.05). The mRNA expression of GLUT-1 and SNAT-2 were not significantly different between groups. The mRNA and protein expression levels of CD36, FATP-1, and FATP-4 in DIO dams were decreased significantly (p<0.05). Maternal obesity induced by a HF diet led to intrauterine growth retardation and down-regulated the expression of placental fatty acid transporters.

The Columbia Thyroid Eye Disease-Compressive Optic Neuropathy Formula.

PubMed

Callahan, Alison B; Campbell, Ashley A; Oropesa, Susel; Baraban, Aryeh; Kazim, Michael

2018-06-13

Diagnosing thyroid eye disease-compressive optic neuropathy (TED-CON) is challenging, particularly in cases lacking a relative afferent pupillary defect. Large case series of TED-CON patients and accessible diagnostic tools are lacking in the current literature. This study aims to create a mathematical formula that accurately predicts the presence or absence of CON based on the most salient clinical measures of optic neuropathy. A retrospective case series compares 108 patients (216 orbits) with either unilateral or bilateral TED-CON and 41 age-matched patients (82 orbits) with noncompressive TED. Utilizing clinical variables assessing optic nerve function and/or risk of compressive disease, and with the aid of generalized linear regression modeling, the authors create a mathematical formula that weighs the relative contribution of each clinical variable in the overall prediction of CON. Data from 213 orbits in 110 patients derived the formula: y = -0.69 + 2.58 × (afferent pupillary defect) - 0.31 × (summed limitation of ductions) - 0.2 × (mean deviation on Humphrey visual field testing) - 0.02 × (% color plates). This accurately predicted the presence of CON (y > 0) versus non-CON (y < 0) in 82% of cases with 83% sensitivity and 81% specificity. When there was no relative afferent pupillary defect, which was the case in 63% of CON orbits, the formula correctly predicted CON in 78% of orbits with 73% sensitivity and 83% specificity. The authors developed a mathematical formula, the Columbia TED-CON Formula (CTD Formula), that can help guide clinicians in accurately diagnosing TED-CON, particularly in the presence of bilateral disease and when no relative afferent pupillary defect is present.

PubMed

Alvarez Padilla, Facundo Nicolás; Schiavoni, Emiliano Nestor; Bustos, Mario Eduardo Francisco

2018-04-20

INTRODUCCIONEl derrame pleural neoplásico (DPN) implica una enfermedad oncológica avanzada. La biopsia pleural por cirugía torácica endoscópica permite el diagnóstico en más del 90% de los casos y la instrumentación del espacio pleural complicado, mejorando los resultados de la técnica.MATERIAL Y METODOSe realizó un análisis retrospectivo de pacientes con DPN operados para la realización de una pleurodesis química con talco. Se formaron dos grupos, uno con derrame pleural neoplásico complicado (DPNC) y otro con derrame pleural neoplásico no complicado (DPNNC). En el grupo con DPNC se realizó "maniobras de liberación - expansión". Se compararon las variables entre ambos grupos para el análisis pertinente.RESULTADOSSe analizaron 28 pacientes con DPN tratados con pleurodesis química por cirugía torácica endoscópica. La edad promedio fue de 62,64 años. El compromiso pleural por patología mamaria fue la forma más frecuente (46,4%). No se hubo diferencia en cuanto a complicaciones (p= 0,31) y riesgo de defunción a los 30 días (p=1,09) con el manejo agresivo del espacio pleural. La demora en la indicación de pleurodesis se relacionó con un mayor índice de complicaciones (p=0,002) y mayor probabilidad de defunción dentro de los 30 días (p=0,008). La mayoría de pacientes se reinsertó a sus tareas diarias, con buena tolerancia a la disnea luego del procedimiento.  CONCLUSIONEn los pacientes con DPNC, las "maniobras de liberación - expansión pulmonar" descriptas, aumentarían las chances de mejorar los resultados con bajo riesgo. La pleurodesis química temprana mejora la calidad de vida de los pacientes portadores de un DPN.

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

Fullerton, Aaron M., E-mail: fuller22@msu.edu; Roth, Robert A., E-mail: rothr@msu.edu; Ganey, Patricia E., E-mail: ganey@msu.edu

Inflammation plays a major role in immune-mediated liver injury, and exposure to environmental pollutants such as 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) has been reported to alter the inflammatory response as well as affect immune cell activity. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that TCDD pretreatment exacerbates hepatotoxicity in a murine model of immune-mediated liver injury induced by concanavalin A (Con A) administration. Mice were pretreated with 30 μg/kg TCDD or vehicle control on day zero and then given either Con A or saline intravenously on day four. Mice treated with TCDD did not develop liver injury; however, TCDD pretreatment increased liver injurymore » resulting from moderate doses of Con A (4–10 mg/kg). TCDD-pretreated mice had altered plasma concentrations of inflammatory cytokines, including interferon gamma (IFNγ), and TCDD/Con A-induced hepatotoxicity was attenuated in IFNγ knockout mice. At various times after treatment, intrahepatic immune cells were isolated, and expression of cell activation markers as well as cytolytic proteins was determined. TCDD pretreatment increased the proportion of activated natural killer T (NKT) cells and the percent of cells expressing Fas ligand (FasL) after Con A administration. In addition FasL knockout mice and mice treated with CD18 antiserum were both protected from TCDD/Con A-induced hepatotoxicity, suggesting a requirement for direct cell–cell interaction between effector immune cells and parenchymal cell targets in the development of liver injury from TCDD/Con A treatment. In summary, exposure to TCDD increased NKT cell activation and exacerbated immune-mediated liver injury induced by Con A through a mechanism involving IFNγ and FasL expression. -- Highlights: ► TCDD pretreatment sensitizes mice to Con A-induced hepatotoxicity. ► TCDD pretreatment increased concentration of IFNγ in plasma after Con A. ► Con A-induced activation of NKT cells was increased by TCDD pretreatment. ► FasL-positive NKT cells increased with TCDD pretreatment versus Con A alone. ► IFNγ and FasL are critical to the development of liver injury from TCDD/Con A.« less

Dietary Methionine Restriction Alleviates Hyperglycemia in Pigs with Intrauterine Growth Restriction by Enhancing Hepatic Protein Kinase B Signaling and Glycogen Synthesis.

PubMed

Ying, Zhixiong; Zhang, Hao; Su, Weipeng; Zhou, Le; Wang, Fei; Li, Yue; Zhang, Lili; Wang, Tian

2017-10-01

Background: Individuals with intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) are prone to developing type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Dietary methionine restriction (MR) improves insulin sensitivity and glucose homeostasis in individuals with normal birth weight (NBW). Objective: This study investigated the effects of MR on plasma glucose concentration and hepatic and muscle glucose metabolism in pigs with IUGR. Methods: Thirty female NBW and 60 same-sex spontaneous IUGR piglets (Landrace × Yorkshire) were selected. After weaning (day 21), the piglets were fed diets with adequate methionine (NBW-CON and IUGR-CON) or 30% less methionine (IUGR-MR) ( n = 6). At day 180, 1 pig with a body weight near the mean of each replication was selected for biochemical analysis. Results: The IUGR-CON group showed 41.6%, 68.6%, and 67.1% higher plasma glucose concentration, hepatic phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase activity, and glucose-6-phosphatase activity, respectively, than the NBW-CON group ( P < 0.05). Muscle glycogen content and glycogen synthase activity were 36.9% and 38.8% lower, respectively, in the IUGR-CON than the NBW-CON group ( P < 0.05), respectively, and there was decreased hepatic and muscle protein kinase B phosphorylation in the IUGR-CON group ( P < 0.05). Compared with the IUGR-CON pigs, the IUGR-MR pigs had 28.7% lower plasma glucose concentrations ( P < 0.05), which were similar to those of the NBW-CON pigs ( P ≥ 0.05). The hepatic glycogen content and glycogen synthase activity of the IUGR-MR pigs were 62.9% and 50.8% higher than those of the IUGR-CON pigs ( P < 0.05) and 53.5% and 84.3% higher than the NBW-CON pigs ( P < 0.05), respectively. The IUGR-MR pigs' hepatic and muscle protein kinase B phosphorylation was higher than that of the IUGR-CON pigs ( P < 0.05) and similar to that of the NBW-CON pigs ( P ≥ 0.05). Conclusion: MR attenuates hyperglycemia in IUGR pigs by enhancing hepatic protein kinase B signaling and glycogen synthesis, implying a potential nutritional strategy to prevent type 2 diabetes mellitus in IUGR offspring. © 2017 American Society for Nutrition.

Propiedades biomecánicas de la membrana limitante interna tras recibir tratamiento intravítreo con ocriplasmina.

PubMed

Vielmuth, Franziska; Schumann, Ricarda G; Spindler, Volker; Wolf, Armin; Scheler, Renate; Mayer, Wolfgang J; Henrich, Paul B; Haritoglou, Christos

2017-01-01

Objetivo: Evaluar la rigidez de la membrana limitante interna (MLI) humana y evaluar los posibles cambios de las propiedades mecánicas tras administrar una inyección intravítrea de ocriplasmina para tratar la tracción vitreomacular. Métodos: Este estudio se compone de una serie de casos intervencionales y comparativos de 12 muestras de MLI extraídas mediante cirugía y obtenidas de forma consecutiva de 9 ojos de 9 pacientes después de someterse sin éxito a vitreólisis farmacológica con ocriplasmina. Durante el mismo periodo de tiempo, 16 muestras de otros 13 ojos sin tratamiento con ocriplasmina se obtuvieron mediante vitrectomía y sirvieron como controles. Todos los pacientes presentaron agujeros maculares o tracción vitreomacular y se sometieron a vitrectomía con disección de la MLI tanto con tinción con azul brillante (AB) como sin ella. Todas las muestras se analizaron con un microscopio de fuerza atómica con imágenes de las regiones de 25 × 25 μm. En todas las muestras, se analizaron tanto la parte de la retina como la del vítreo de la MLI. Resultados: La microscopia de fuerza atómica no reveló diferencias significativas en cuanto a elasticidad de las muestras de MLI extraídas de ojos con o sin tratamiento con ocriplasmina. Las áreas onduladas de la parte de la retina presentaron una mayor rigidez que la parte del vítreo de la MLI. La cartografía topográfica tanto de la parte del vítreo como de la retina de la MLI no mostró ninguna alteración aparente de la morfología en ojos tratados con ocriplasmina en comparación con los ojos no tratados. La tinción con azul brillante conllevó un aumento de la rigidez tisular. Conclusiones: Las inyecciones intravítreas de ocriplasmina no varían las propiedades biomecánicas de la MLI humana. No existen pruebas de un posible efecto enzimático que interfiera con la rigidez de esta membrana basal. © 2017 S. Karger AG, Basel.

48 CFR 301.608 - Training requirements for purchase cardholders, Approving Officials, and Agency/Organization...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... REGULATION SYSTEM Career Development, Contracting Authority, and Responsibilities 301.608 Training... new DPA. b CON 237, CON 100, and CON 110 are available at the DAU Web site at http://www.dau.mil/registrar/enroll.asp. CON 100 is also offered through HHS University (see Web site at: http://learning.hhs...

Quantitative comparison of disc rim color in optic nerve atrophy of compressive optic neuropathy and glaucomatous optic neuropathy.

PubMed

Nakano, Eri; Hata, Masayuki; Oishi, Akio; Miyamoto, Kazuaki; Uji, Akihito; Fujimoto, Masahiro; Miyata, Manabu; Yoshimura, Nagahisa

2016-08-01

The purpose was to investigate an objective and quantitative method to estimate the redness of the optic disc neuroretinal rim, and to determine the usefulness of this method to differentiate compressive optic neuropathy (CON) from glaucomatous optic neuropathy (GON). In our study there were 126 eyes: 40 with CON, 40 with normal tension glaucoma (NTG), and 46 normal eyes (NOR). Digital color fundus photographs were assessed for the redness of disc rim color using ImageJ software. We separately measured the intensity of red, green, and blue pixels from RGB images. Three disc color indices (DCIs), which indicate the redness intensity, were calculated through existing formulas. All three DCIs of CON were significantly smaller than those of NOR (P < 0.001). In addition, when compared with NTG, DCIs were also significantly smaller in CON (P < 0.05). A comparison of mild CON and mild NTG (mean deviation (MD) > -6 dB), in which the extent of retinal nerve fiber layer thinning is comparable, the DCIs of mild CON were significantly smaller than those of mild NTG (P < 0.05). In contrast, DCIs did not differ between moderate-to-severe stages of CON and NTG (MD ≤ -6 dB), though the retinal nerve fibers of CON were more severely damaged than those of NTG. To differentiate between mild CON and mild NTG, all AUROCs for the three DCIs were above 0.700. A quantitative and objective assessment of optic disc color was useful in differentiating early-stage CON from GON and NOR.

Human-in-the-Loop Assessment of Alternative Clearances in Interval Management Arrival Operations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Baxley, Brian T.; Wilson, Sara R.; Swieringa, Kurt A.; Johnson, William C.; Roper, Roy D.; Hubbs, Clay E.; Goess, Paul A.; Shay, Richard F.

2016-01-01

Interval Management Alternative Clearances (IMAC) was a human-in-the-loop simulation experiment conducted to explore the Air Traffic Management (ATM) Technology Demonstration (ATD-1) Concept of Operations (ConOps), which combines advanced arrival scheduling, controller decision support tools, and aircraft avionics to enable multiple time deconflicted, efficient arrival streams into a high-density terminal airspace. Interval Management (IM) is designed to support the ATD-1 concept by having an "Ownship" (IM-capable) aircraft achieve or maintain a specific time or distance behind a "Target" (preceding) aircraft. The IM software uses IM clearance information and the Ownship data (route of flight, current location, and wind) entered by the flight crew, and the Target aircraft's Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast state data, to calculate the airspeed necessary for the IM-equipped aircraft to achieve or maintain the assigned spacing goal.

A Modified Carbon Monoxide Breath Test for Measuring Erythrocyte Lifespan in Small Animals

PubMed Central

Ma, Yong-Jian; Zhang, Hou-De; Ji, Yong-Qiang; Zhu, Guo-Liang; Huang, Jia-Liang; Du, Li-Tao; Cao, Ping; Zang, De-Yue; Du, Ji-Hui; Li, Rong; Wang, Lei

2016-01-01

This study was to develop a CO breath test for RBC lifespan estimation of small animals. The ribavirin induced hemolysis rabbit models were placed individually in a closed rebreath cage and air samples were collected for measurement of CO concentration. RBC lifespan was calculated from accumulated CO, blood volume, and hemoglobin concentration data. RBC lifespan was determined in the same animals with the standard biotin-labeling method. RBC lifespan data obtained by the CO breath test method for control (CON, 49.0 ± 5.9 d) rabbits, rabbits given 10 mg/kg·d−1 of ribavirin (RIB10, 31.0 ± 4.0 d), and rabbits given 20 mg/kg·d−1 of ribavirin (RIB20, 25.0 ± 2.9 d) were statistically similar (all p > 0.05) to and linearly correlated (r = 0.96, p < 0.01) with the RBC lifespan data obtained for the same rabbits by the standard biotin-labeling method (CON, 51.0 ± 2.7 d; RIB10, 33.0 ± 1.3 d; and RIB20, 27.0 ± 0.8 d). The CO breath test method takes less than 3 h to complete, whereas the standard method requires at least several weeks. In conclusion, the CO breath test method provides a simple and rapid means of estimating RBC lifespan and is feasible for use with small animal models. PMID:27294128

Working Conditions in Carpet Weaving Workshops and Muscu-loskeletal Complaints among Workers in Tabriz - Iran

PubMed Central

Nazari, Jalil; Mahmoudi, Nader; Dianat, Iman; Graveling, Richard

2012-01-01

Background: Carpet weaving operations usualy involve poor working conditions that can lead to the development of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). This study investigated MSDs among car¬pet weavers in relation to working conditions from workers' view in Tabriz City, Northwest Iran. Methods: This cross-sectional and descriptive study was conducted in city of Tabriz, Iran. Data were col¬lected using interviews and questionnaires. The study population consisted of 200 randomly selected healthy weavers from twenty five active carpet weaving workshops. Results: The results showed a high prevalence of musculoskeletal problems among the study population. The most commonly affected body areas were neck, lower back, ankles/feet, hands/wrists, upper back, shoulders and knees, respectively. More than half of the weavers were not satisfied with the thermal con¬dition, noise level and cleanliness of the air in the workshops. The result indicated a significant relation¬ship between upper back symptoms and daily working time and between lower back symptoms and the numbers of rows of knots woven in a day. Weavers' satisfaction with hand tools shape and thermal condi¬tion of the workshops were associated with lower back symptoms, whereas satisfaction with weaving looms were associated with upper back complaints. Conclusion: The poor working condition of hand-woven carpet workshops such as environmental con¬ditions and work station design and tools should be the subject of ergonomics interventions. PMID:24688943

40 CFR 180.1213 - Coniothyrium minitans strain CON/M/91-08; exemption from the requirement of a tolerance.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... 40 Protection of Environment 23 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 false Coniothyrium minitans strain CON/M/91... PESTICIDE CHEMICAL RESIDUES IN FOOD Exemptions From Tolerances § 180.1213 Coniothyrium minitans strain CON/M... tolerance is established for residues of the microbial pesticide Coniothyrium minitans strain CON/M/91-08...

40 CFR 180.1213 - Coniothyrium minitans strain CON/M/91-08; exemption from the requirement of a tolerance.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... 40 Protection of Environment 24 2011-07-01 2011-07-01 false Coniothyrium minitans strain CON/M/91... PESTICIDE CHEMICAL RESIDUES IN FOOD Exemptions From Tolerances § 180.1213 Coniothyrium minitans strain CON/M... tolerance is established for residues of the microbial pesticide Coniothyrium minitans strain CON/M/91-08...

Effects of abrupt introduction and removal of high and low digestibility corn distillers dried grains with solubles from the diet on growth performance and carcass characteristics of growing-finishing pigs.

PubMed

Hilbrands, A M; Johnston, L J; McClelland, K M; Cox, R B; Baidoo, S K; Souza, L W O; Shurson, G C

2013-01-01

Two experiments were conducted to evaluate the effects of feeding continuously a diet containing 40% dried distillers grains with solubles (DDGS) or intermittently diets containing 20 or 40% DDGS on growth performance and carcass quality of pigs. Responses of the pigs to abrupt introduction and removal of dietary DDGS with differing concentrations of standardized ileal digestible (SID) AA were also evaluated. In Exp. 1, crossbred pigs (n=216; initial BW=51.3±3.1 kg) were assigned randomly to 1 of 4 treatments, which included a corn-soybean meal control (CON), a 20% DDGS diet (D20), a switch between D20 and CON (D20-CON), and a switch between a 40% DDGS diet and CON (D40-CON) with 6 pens per treatment. Pigs abruptly introduced and removed from a 20% DDGS diet (D20-CON) exhibited no differences in growth performance or carcass quality compared with CON pigs. However, intermittently feeding a 40% DDGS diet (D40-CON) resulted in lighter HCW (P<0.05) compared with all other treatments. In Exp. 2, crossbred pigs (n=324; initial BW=33.2±3.0 kg) were assigned randomly to 1 of 6 treatments, including a corn-soybean meal control (CON), a 40% low SID AA DDGS diet (LD), a 40% high SID AA DDGS diet (HD), LD and CON diets alternated (LD-CON), HD and CON diets alternated (HD-CON), or HD and LD diets alternated (HD-LD) with 6 pens per treatment. Final BW and ADG were less (P<0.05) for LD and HD-LD pigs compared with CON pigs, but HD pigs tended to have reduced (P<0.10) final BW and ADG. Loin muscle area was smaller for LD and HD-LD pigs compared with CON pigs (P<0.05). Percentage carcass lean was not affected by dietary treatment. Backfat of DDGS-fed pigs was more unsaturated than CON pigs, but AA digestibility of DDGS did not affect this response. Digestibility of AA in DDGS can influence pig performance and carcass quality when fed at high concentrations (40% or more). The use of a high SID AA DDGS source may diminish some of the negative responses observed for growth performance and carcass characteristics when feeding high concentrations of DDGS if accurate values of SID AA are used in diet formulation. Periodic inclusion and removal of 40% DDGS from diets did not adversely affect growth performance or carcass quality regardless of the SID AA digestibility of the DDGS used. These results indicate that it is possible to abruptly incorporate and remove DDGS from grower-finisher swine diets without meaningful detrimental effects on growth performance or carcass quality.

Pros and Cons of International Weapons Procurement Collaboration.

DTIC Science & Technology

1995-01-01

ad- vanced U.S. industry. Greater risk of cost growth and schedule slippage. Pro: U.S. and partners share common equip- ment. Con : U.S. require...Mark A., 1947- Pros and cons of international weapons procurement collaboration / Mark Lorell, Julia Lowell, p. cm "Prepared for the Office...one/ Cons of International Weapons Procurement Collaboration Mark Lorell Julia Lowell National Defense Research Institute Prepared for the

Quantitative (31)P NMR spectroscopy and (1)H MRI measurements of bone mineral and matrix density differentiate metabolic bone diseases in rat models.

PubMed

Cao, Haihui; Nazarian, Ara; Ackerman, Jerome L; Snyder, Brian D; Rosenberg, Andrew E; Nazarian, Rosalynn M; Hrovat, Mirko I; Dai, Guangping; Mintzopoulos, Dionyssios; Wu, Yaotang

2010-06-01

In this study, bone mineral density (BMD) of normal (CON), ovariectomized (OVX), and partially nephrectomized (NFR) rats was measured by (31)P NMR spectroscopy; bone matrix density was measured by (1)H water- and fat-suppressed projection imaging (WASPI); and the extent of bone mineralization (EBM) was obtained by the ratio of BMD/bone matrix density. The capability of these MR methods to distinguish the bone composition of the CON, OVX, and NFR groups was evaluated against chemical analysis (gravimetry). For cortical bone specimens, BMD of the CON and OVX groups was not significantly different; BMD of the NFR group was 22.1% (by (31)P NMR) and 17.5% (by gravimetry) lower than CON. For trabecular bone specimens, BMD of the OVX group was 40.5% (by (31)P NMR) and 24.6% (by gravimetry) lower than CON; BMD of the NFR group was 26.8% (by (31)P NMR) and 21.5% (by gravimetry) lower than CON. No significant change of cortical bone matrix density between CON and OVX was observed by WASPI or gravimetry; NFR cortical bone matrix density was 10.3% (by WASPI) and 13.9% (by gravimetry) lower than CON. OVX trabecular bone matrix density was 38.0% (by WASPI) and 30.8% (by gravimetry) lower than CON, while no significant change in NFR trabecular bone matrix density was observed by either method. The EBMs of OVX cortical and trabecular specimens were slightly higher than CON but not significantly different from CON. Importantly, EBMs of NFR cortical and trabecular specimens were 12.4% and 26.3% lower than CON by (31)P NMR/WASPI, respectively, and 4.0% and 11.9% lower by gravimetry. Histopathology showed evidence of osteoporosis in the OVX group and severe secondary hyperparathyroidism (renal osteodystrophy) in the NFR group. These results demonstrate that the combined (31)P NMR/WASPI method is capable of discerning the difference in EBM between animals with osteoporosis and those with impaired bone mineralization. Copyright 2010 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Oligomer formation in the troposphere: from experimental knowledge to 3-D modeling

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lemaire, V.; Coll, I.; Couvidat, F.; Mouchel-Vallon, C.; Seigneur, C.; Siour, G.

2015-10-01

The organic fraction of atmospheric aerosols has proven to be a critical element of air quality and climate issues. However, its composition and the aging processes it undergoes remain insufficiently understood. This work builds on laboratory knowledge to simulate the formation of oligomers from biogenic secondary organic aerosol (BSOA) in the troposphere at the continental scale. We compare the results of two different modeling approaches, a 1st-order kinetic process and a pH-dependent parameterization, both implemented in the CHIMERE air quality model (AQM), to simulate the spatial and temporal distribution of oligomerized SOA over western Europe. Our results show that there is a strong dependence of the results on the selected modeling approach: while the irreversible kinetic process leads to the oligomerization of about 50 % of the total BSOA mass, the pH-dependent approach shows a broader range of impacts, with a strong dependency on environmental parameters (pH and nature of aerosol) and the possibility for the process to be reversible. In parallel, we investigated the sensitivity of each modeling approach to the representation of SOA precursor solubility (Henry's law constant values). Finally, the pros and cons of each approach for the representation of SOA aging are discussed and recommendations are provided to improve current representations of oligomer formation in AQMs.

Frequent nasopharyngeal suctioning as a risk factor associated with neonatal coagulase-negative staphylococcal colonisation and sepsis

PubMed Central

Boo, Nem Yun; Suhaida, Abdul Rahman; Rohana, Jaafar

2015-01-01

INTRODUCTION This case-control study aimed to determine whether catheter use was significantly associated with coagulase-negative staphylococci (CoNS) colonisation and/or sepsis in neonates. METHODS Weekly swabs of the nose, umbilicus, rectum, wounds, eye discharge and intravenous catheter tips (after removal) of infants admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit of Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre, Malaysia, were cultured. CoNS sepsis was diagnosed if pure growth of CoNS was cultured from the peripheral blood specimen of symptomatic infants. For each infant with CoNS colonisation or sepsis, a control infant was retrospectively and randomly selected from unaffected infants in the ward. Multivariate analyses were performed to determine whether catheter use was a significant risk factor. RESULTS CoNS colonisation was detected in 113 (8.7%) infants. CoNS sepsis was found in 12 (10.6%) infants with CoNS colonisation and 7 (0.6%) infants without CoNS colonisation. Multivariate analysis showed that the following were significantly associated with CoNS colonisation: conjunctivitis (adjusted odds ratio [OR] 8.2, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.9–34.8, p = 0.005); central venous catheters (adjusted OR 5.8, 95% CI 1.9–17.8, p = 0.002); and nasopharyngeal and/or oral suctioning more than twice in the 48 hours before positive culture (adjusted OR 7.3, 95% CI 3.3–16.2, p < 0.001). Exposure to frequent nasopharyngeal and/or oral suctioning (adjusted OR 20.8, 95% CI 3.5–125.3, p = 0.001) was the only significant factor associated with CoNS sepsis. CONCLUSION Infants requiring more than two nasopharyngeal and/or oral suctions in the previous 48 hours were found to have a higher risk of developing CoNS colonisation and sepsis. PMID:25532513

Role of insulin on exercise-induced GLUT-4 protein expression and glycogen supercompensation in rat skeletal muscle.

PubMed

Kuo, Chia-Hua; Hwang, Hyonson; Lee, Man-Cheong; Castle, Arthur L; Ivy, John L

2004-02-01

The purpose of this study was to investigate the role of insulin on skeletal muscle GLUT-4 protein expression and glycogen storage after postexercise carbohydrate supplementation. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly assigned to one of six treatment groups: sedentary control (Con), Con with streptozocin (Stz/C), immediately postexercise (Ex0), Ex0 with Stz (Stz/Ex0), 5-h postexercise (Ex5), and Ex5 with Stz (Stz/Ex5). Rats were exercised by swimming (2 bouts of 3 h) and carbohydrate supplemented immediately after each exercise session by glucose intubation (1 ml of a 50% wt/vol). Stz was administered 72-h before exercise, which resulted in hyperglycemia and elimination of the insulin response to the carbohydrate supplement. GLUT-4 protein of Ex0 rats was 30% above Con in fast-twitch (FT) red and 21% above Con in FT white muscle. In Ex5, GLUT-4 protein was 52% above Con in FT red and 47% above Con in FT white muscle. Muscle glycogen in FT red and white muscle was also increased above Con in Ex5 rats. Neither GLUT-4 protein nor muscle glycogen was increased above Con in Stz/Ex0 or Stz/Ex5 rats. GLUT-4 mRNA in FT red muscle of Ex0 rats was 61% above Con but only 33% above Con in Ex5 rats. GLUT-4 mRNA in FT red muscle of Stz/C and Stz/Ex0 rats was similar but significantly elevated in Ex5/Stz rats. These results suggest that insulin is essential for the increase in GLUT-4 protein expression following postexercise carbohydrate supplementation.

A Randomized Phase 2 Study of Long-Acting TransCon GH vs Daily GH in Childhood GH Deficiency.

PubMed

Chatelain, Pierre; Malievskiy, Oleg; Radziuk, Klaudziya; Senatorova, Ganna; Abdou, Magdy O; Vlachopapadopoulou, Elpis; Skorodok, Yulia; Peterkova, Valentina; Leff, Jonathan A; Beckert, Michael

2017-05-01

TransCon Growth Hormone (GH) (Ascendis Pharma) is a long-acting recombinant sustained-release human GH prodrug in development for children with GH deficiency (GHD). To compare the pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, safety, and efficacy of weekly TransCon GH to that of daily GH in prepubertal children with GHD. Randomized, open-label, active-controlled study of three doses of weekly TransCon GH versus daily Genotropin (Pfizer). Thirty-eight centers in 14 European countries and Egypt. Prepubertal male and female treatment-naïve children with GHD (n = 53). Subjects received one of three TransCon GH doses (0.14, 0.21, or 0.30 mg GH/kg/wk) or Genotropin 0.03 mg GH/kg/d for 26 weeks. GH and insulinlike growth factor-1 (IGF-1) levels, growth, adverse events, and immunogenicity. Both GH maximum concentration and area under the curve were similar following TransCon GH or Genotropin administration at comparable doses. A dose response was observed, with IGF-1 standard deviation scores increasing into the normal range for all three TransCon GH doses. Annualized mean height velocity for the three TransCon GH doses ranged from 11.9 cm to 13.9 cm, which was not statistically different from 11.6 cm for Genotropin. Adverse events were mild to moderate, and most were unrelated to the study drug. Injection site tolerance was good. One TransCon GH subject developed a low-titer, nonneutralizing antibody response to GH. The results suggest that long-acting TransCon GH is comparable to daily Genotropin for GH (pharmacokinetics) and IGF-1 (pharmacodynamics) levels, safety, and efficacy and support advancement into phase 3 development. Copyright © 2017 Endocrine Society

Immunocontraception for Managing Feral Cattle in Hong Kong

PubMed Central

Massei, Giovanna; Koon, Ka-Kei; Benton, Steven; Brown, Richard; Gomm, Matt; Orahood, Darcy S.; Pietravalle, Stéphane; Eckery, Douglas C.

2015-01-01

Conflicts between human interests and feral cattle in Hong Kong derive from growing numbers of free-roaming cattle. Public antipathy towards lethal population control led the local authorities to consider fertility control to reduce cattle numbers. This study assessed the potential side effects of the immunocontraceptive GonaCon on individual female cattle and established the effectiveness of GonaCon to induce infertility. We evaluated GonaCon in 34 captive cattle assigned to four groups: Control administered a sham solution; Webbed (surgically sterilized through removal of the oviducts), administered one dose of GonaCon; Webbed, administered one dose of GonaCon and a booster dose three months later, and Treated, administered one dose of GonaCon. The side effects of GonaCon were assessed by monitoring injection site, body weight, body condition, size of lymph nodes, body temperature, and feeding behaviour 1 week and 1, 3, 6, 9 and 12 months after vaccination and by haematological and biochemical variables at vaccination and three months post-vaccination. The effectiveness of GonaCon to cause infertility was monitored by quantifying anti-GnRH antibody titres and by using kits to detect cycling and pregnancy. GonaCon-treated cattle showed no injection site reaction, limping, or abnormal behaviour. No differences were observed in all physiological and welfare indicators between control and vaccinated cattle. All control cattle and 4 of the 12 cattle in the Treated group became pregnant. Cattle administered a booster dose had higher anti-GnRH antibody titres than cattle that received one dose. We concluded that GonaCon does not compromise the animals’ welfare and is effective in reducing fertility in cattle. A booster dose is likely to increase the duration of infertility. Further studies are required to assess the feasibility and costs of immunocontraception for controlling free-roaming cattle populations. PMID:25856283

Immunocontraception for managing feral cattle in Hong Kong.

PubMed

Massei, Giovanna; Koon, Ka-Kei; Benton, Steven; Brown, Richard; Gomm, Matt; Orahood, Darcy S; Pietravalle, Stéphane; Eckery, Douglas C

2015-01-01

Conflicts between human interests and feral cattle in Hong Kong derive from growing numbers of free-roaming cattle. Public antipathy towards lethal population control led the local authorities to consider fertility control to reduce cattle numbers. This study assessed the potential side effects of the immunocontraceptive GonaCon on individual female cattle and established the effectiveness of GonaCon to induce infertility. We evaluated GonaCon in 34 captive cattle assigned to four groups: Control administered a sham solution; Webbed (surgically sterilized through removal of the oviducts), administered one dose of GonaCon; Webbed, administered one dose of GonaCon and a booster dose three months later, and Treated, administered one dose of GonaCon. The side effects of GonaCon were assessed by monitoring injection site, body weight, body condition, size of lymph nodes, body temperature, and feeding behaviour 1 week and 1, 3, 6, 9 and 12 months after vaccination and by haematological and biochemical variables at vaccination and three months post-vaccination. The effectiveness of GonaCon to cause infertility was monitored by quantifying anti-GnRH antibody titres and by using kits to detect cycling and pregnancy. GonaCon-treated cattle showed no injection site reaction, limping, or abnormal behaviour. No differences were observed in all physiological and welfare indicators between control and vaccinated cattle. All control cattle and 4 of the 12 cattle in the Treated group became pregnant. Cattle administered a booster dose had higher anti-GnRH antibody titres than cattle that received one dose. We concluded that GonaCon does not compromise the animals' welfare and is effective in reducing fertility in cattle. A booster dose is likely to increase the duration of infertility. Further studies are required to assess the feasibility and costs of immunocontraception for controlling free-roaming cattle populations.

El efecto de la panfotocoagulación con láser en edema macular diabético con el fotocoagulador Pascal® versus el láser de argón convencional.

PubMed

Mahgoub, Mohamed M; Macky, Tamer A

2017-07-11

Objetivo: El objetivo de este estudio fue comparar el efecto de la panfotocoagulación (PFC) en el edema macular diabético (EMD) en pacientes con retinopatía diabética proliferativa (RDP) con el fotocoagulador Pascal® (FP) vs. un fotocoagulador con láser de argón convencional (FLAC). Métodos: Se aleatorizó el uso de FP o FLAC en ochenta ojos con RDP y EMD con afectación central de la mácula. Ambos grupos tuvieron una evaluación de base de mejor agudeza visual corregida y fueron examinados con tomografía de coherencia óptica y angiografía con fluoresceína. Resultados: El número medio de disparos de láser en los grupos de FP y FLAC fue 1.726,10 y 752,00 en la sesión 1 y 1.589,00 y 830,00 (p < 0,001) en la sesión 2, respectivamente. El grosor foveal central (GFC) medio antes de comenzar el estudio fue 306 ± 100 y 314 ± 98 en los grupos de FP y FLAC, respectivamente. A las 8 semanas, el GFC medio fue 332 ± 116 y 347 ± 111 en los grupos de FP y FLAC, respectivamente (p > 0,05). La MAVC media fue similar durante el periodo de estudio y no hubo ninguna diferencia significativa entre los grupos (p > 0,05). Conclusiones: El FP y el FLAC mostraron efectos similares en el EMD en ojos con RDP y fueron igualmente seguros sin un aumento significativo del GFC. © 2017 S. Karger AG, Basel.

Muscle fiber characteristics and performance correlates of male Olympic-style weightlifters.

PubMed

Fry, Andrew C; Schilling, Brian K; Staron, Robert S; Hagerman, Fredrick C; Hikida, Robert S; Thrush, John T

2003-11-01

Biopsies fro the vastus lateralis muscle of male weightlifters (WL; n=6; X +/- SE, age=27.0 +/- 2.1 years), and non-weight-trained men (CON; n=7; age=27.0 +/- 2.0 years) were compared for fiber types, myosin heavy chain (MHC) and titin content, and fiber type-specific capillary density. Differences (p<0.05) were observed for percent fiber types IIC (WL=0.4 +/- 0.2, CON=2.4 +/- 0.8); IIA (WL=50.5 +/- 3.2, CON=26.9 +/- 3.7); and IIB (WL=1.7 +/- 1.4, CON=21.0 +/- 5.3), as well as percent MHC IIa (WL=65.3 +/- 2.4, CON=52.1 +/- 4.2) and percent MHC IIB (WL=0.9 +/- 0.9; CON=18.2 +/- 6.1). All WL exhibited only the titin-1 isoform. Capillary density (caps.mm(-2)) for all fiber types combined was greater for the CON subjects (WL=192.7 +/- 17.3; CON=262.9 +/- 26.3), due primarily to a greater capillary density in the IIA fibers. Weightlifting performances and vertical jump power were correlated with type II fiber characteristics. These results suggest that successful weightlifting performance is not dependent on IIB fibers, and that weightlifters exhibit large percentages of type IIA muscle fibers and MHC IIa isoform content.

ComSciCon: The Communicating Science Workshop for Graduate Students

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sanders, Nathan; Drout, Maria; Kohler, Susanna; Cook, Ben; ComSciCon Leadership Team

2018-01-01

ComSciCon (comscicon.com) is a national workshop series organized by graduate students, for graduate students, focused on leadership and training in science communication. Our goal is to empower young scientists to become leaders in their field, propagating appreciation and understanding of research results to broad and diverse audiences. ComSciCon attendees meet and interact with professional communicators, build lasting networks with graduate students in all fields of science and engineering from around the country, and write and publish original works. ComSciCon consists of both a flagship national conference series run annually for future leaders in science communication, and a series of regional and specialized workshops organized by ComSciCon alumni nationwide. We routinely receive over 1000 applications for 50 spots in our national workshop. Since its founding in 2012, over 300 STEM graduate students have participated in the national workshop, and 23 local spin-off workshops have been organized in 10 different locations throughout the country. This year, ComSciCon is working to grow as a self-sustaining organization by launching as an independent 501(c)(3) non-profit. In this poster we will discuss the ComSciCon program and methods, our results to date, potential future collaborations between ComSciCon and AAS, and how you can become involved.

ConSpeciFix: Classifying prokaryotic species based on gene flow.

PubMed

Bobay, Louis-Marie; Ellis, Brian Shin-Hua; Ochman, Howard

2018-05-16

Classification of prokaryotic species is usually based on sequence similarity thresholds, which are easy to apply but lack a biologically-relevant foundation. Here, we present ConSpeciFix, a program that classifies prokaryotes into species using criteria set forth by the Biological Species Concept, thereby unifying species definition in all domains of life. ConSpeciFix's webserver is freely available at www.conspecifix.com. The local version of the program can be freely downloaded from https://github.com/Bobay-Ochman/ConSpeciFix. ConSpeciFix is written in Python 2.7 and requires the following dependencies: Usearch, MCL, MAFFT and RAxML. ljbobay@uncg.edu.

Self-efficacy, pros, and cons as variables associated with adjacent stages of change for regular exercise in Japanese college students.

PubMed

Horiuchi, Satoshi; Tsuda, Akira; Kobayashi, Hisanori; Fallon, Elizabeth A; Sakano, Yuji

2017-07-01

This study examined self-efficacy (confidence to exercise), pros (exercise's advantages), and cons (exercise's disadvantages) as variables associated across the transtheoretical model's six stages of change in 403 Japanese college students. A series of logistic regression analyses were conducted. Results showed that higher pros and lower cons were associated with being in contemplation compared to precontemplation. Lower cons were associated with being in preparation compared to contemplation. Higher self-efficacy was associated with being in action compared to preparation as well as being in maintenance compared to action. Lower cons were associated with being in termination compared to maintenance.

Mejoras en la exactitud del reloj de ángulo horario del telescopio de 2,15 mts de CASLEO

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Aballay, J. L.; Pereyra, P. F.; Marún, A. H.

Para aumentar la exactitud en el control del ángulo horario del telescopio, se está implementando el uso de un reloj con una precisión de 1/100 seg. En conjunto con el encoder que otorga la posición con un acierto de 0,012 seg. de arco, se podrá implementar otro dígito en el reloj de ángulo horario con la posibilidad de ver las décimas. Esto, sumado a la precisión ya lograda en declinación, permitirá realizar offsets con mayor exactitud.

Do hospital chief executive officers extract rents from Certificate of Need laws?

PubMed

Eichmann, Traci L; Santerre, Rexford E

2011-01-01

Prior research suggests that Certificate of Need (CON) laws reduce competition in the hospital services industry. As a result, this study empirically investigates if not-for-profit hospital chief executive officers (CEOs) are able to extract rents from CON laws in the form of higher compensation. A sample of 256 not-for-profit hospital CEOs in states with and without CON laws and data for 2007 are used in the empirical analysis. The study considers the endogenous nature of a CON law and allows such a law to indirectly affect CEO compensation through its impact on the number of hospitals and beds. The multiple regression results indicate that special and public interests both motivate the decision of a state to maintain a CON law. CON laws are shown to reduce the number of beds at the typical hospital by 12 percent, on average, and the number of hospitals per 100,000 persons by 48 percent. These reductions ultimately lead urban hospital CEOs in states with CON laws to extract economic rents of $91,000 annually.

Single step purification of concanavalin A (Con A) and bio-sugar production from jack bean using glucosylated magnetic nano matrix.

PubMed

Kim, Ho Myeong; Cho, Eun Jin; Bae, Hyeun-Jong

2016-08-01

Jack bean (JB, Canavalia ensiformis) is the source of bio-based products, such as proteins and bio-sugars that contribute to modern molecular biology and biomedical research. In this study, the use of jack bean was evaluated as a source for concanavalin A (Con A) and bio-sugar production. A novel method for purifying Con A from JBs was successfully developed using a glucosylated magnetic nano matrix (GMNM) as a physical support, which facilitated easy separation and purification of Con A. In addition, the enzymatic conversion rate of 2% (w/v) Con A extracted residue to bio-sugar was 98.4%. Therefore, this new approach for the production of Con A and bio-sugar is potentially useful for obtaining bio-based products from jack bean. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

A Review of Staphylococcal Cassette Chromosome mec (SCCmec) Types in Coagulase-Negative Staphylococci (CoNS) Species.

PubMed

Saber, Huda; Jasni, Azmiza Syawani; Jamaluddin, Tengku Zetty Maztura Tengku; Ibrahim, Rosni

2017-10-01

Coagulase-negative staphylococci (CoNS) are considered low pathogenic organisms. However, they are progressively causing more serious infections with time because they have adapted well to various antibiotics owing to their ability to form biofilms. Few studies have been conducted on CoNS in both, hospital and community-acquired settings, especially in Malaysia. Thus, it is important to study their species and gene distributions. A mobile genetic element, staphylococcal cassette chromosome mec (SCC mec ), plays an important role in staphylococci pathogenesis. Among CoNS, SCC mec has been studied less frequently than Staphylococcus aureus (coagulase-positive staphylococci). A recent study (8) conducted in Malaysia successfully detected SCC mec type I to VIII as well as several new combination patterns in CoNS species, particularly Staphylococcus epidermidis . However, data are still limited, and further research is warranted. This paper provides a review on SCC mec types among CoNS species.

Influence of eccentric actions on the metabolic cost of resistance exercise

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Dudley, Gary A.; Golden, Catherine L.; Tesch, Per A.; Harris, Robert T.; Buchanan, Paul

1991-01-01

The contributions of concentric (con) and eccentric (ecc) muscle actions are evaluated with respect to increasing the metabolic cost of resistance exercise. Male subjects perform leg exercise with either con and ecc actions or only con actions while the net energy cost of the exercise is measured by oxygen consumption data. In both groups, the con actions require 290 J/kg body weight of total work, with an energy cost of 0.003 cal/J. The energy costs for the con/ecc actions of the second group is increased by 14 percent. The metabolic cost of leg exercise is concluded to be primarily generated by the con leg actions, and ecc leg actions increase the resistance with only a slight increase in required energy. The findings are significant for practical applications that emphasize the conservation of energy expenditure during exercise in spacecraft environments.

The effects of different flooring types on the behavior, health, and welfare of finishing beef steers.

PubMed

Elmore, M R P; Elischer, M F; Claeys, M C; Pajor, E A

2015-03-01

Raising beef cattle on concrete floors can negatively impact their welfare by increasing joint swelling and body lesions, as well as abnormalities in resting behavior and postural changes. We hypothesized that the addition of rubber mats to concrete pens would improve beef cattle welfare by improving performance, health, hygiene, and resting behavior. Forty-eight crossbred Angus steers were housed in pens of 4 and randomly assigned to a single flooring treatment: (1) fully slatted concrete (CON), (2) fully slatted rubber mat (SLAT), or (3) solid rubber mat (SOLID; 60% of pen floor) from 36 to 48 wk of age. Weight, ADG, lesions, gait score, joint swelling, and animal and pen cleanliness were collected every 2 wk. Behavioral time budgets and frequency of postural changes (an indicator of floor traction and comfort) were collected at 0, 6, and 12 wk. No differences in weight gain or ADG were observed. Steers on SOLID flooring (0.80 ± 0.08) showed increased lesions compared to SLAT (0.38 ± 0.08) and CON (0.37 ± 0.08; both, = 0.05); however, there was no difference between SLAT and CON. SLAT steers (1.69 ± 0.04) showed a reduced gait score compared to SOLID (1.95 ± 0.04) and CON (1.98 ± 0.04; both, < 0.05), but SOLID and CON did not differ. Steers on SLAT flooring had less joint swelling (both knees and hocks) compared to SOLID and CON (all comparisons, < 0.05), but SOLID and CON did not differ. Steers on SOLID (3.64 ± 0.05) flooring were dirtier than those on SLAT (2.27 ± 0.05) and CON (2.19 ± 0.05; both, < 0.001), whereas SLAT and CON were similar. Additionally, SOLID and SLAT pens were less clean than CON pens ( < 0.001 and = 0.094, respectively), and SOLID was less clean than SLAT ( < 0.001). Time budget behavior was affected by treatment ( = 0.043), where SOLID differed from CON and SLAT (both, < 0.05). Steers on SOLID flooring preferred to rest on the rubber mat vs. slatted concrete ( = 0.001). Steers on SLAT flooring changed their posture more frequently than those on SOLID and CON flooring (both, < 0.05), but SOLID and CON did not differ. Compared to CON steers, SOLID steers showed an increase in lesions and a reduction in cleanliness, whereas SLAT steers showed a decrease in gait score and joint swelling and an increase in postural changes. Combined, these data suggest that the addition of slatted rubber mats to concrete pens may improve beef cattle welfare.

Autonomous Formation Flying from Ground to Flight

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Chapman, Keith B.; Dell, Gregory T.; Rosenberg, Duane L.; Bristow, John

1999-01-01

The cost of on-orbit operations remains a significant and increasingly visible concern in the support of satellite missions. Headway has been made in automating some ground operations; however, increased mission complexity and more precise orbital constraints have compelled continuing human involvement in mission design and maneuver planning operations. AI Solutions, Inc. in cooperation with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration's (NASA) Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC) has tackled these more complex problems through the development of AutoCon as a tool for an automated solution. NASA is using AutoCon to automate the maneuver planning for the Earth Orbiter-1 (EO-1) mission. AutoCon was developed originally as a ground system tool. The EO-1 mission will be using a scaled version of AutoCon on-board the EO-1 satellite to command orbit adjustment maneuvers. The flight version of AutoCon plans maneuvers based on formation flying algorithms developed by GSFC, JPL, and other industry partners. In its fully autonomous mode, an AutoCon planned maneuver will be executed on-board the satellite without intervention from the ground. This paper describes how AutoCon automates maneuver planning for the formation flying constraints of the EO-1 mission. AutoCon was modified in a number of ways to automate the maneuver planning on-board the satellite. This paper describes how the interface and functionality of AutoCon were modified to support the on-board system. A significant component of this modification was the implementation of a data smoother, based on a Kalman filter, that ensures that the spacecraft states estimated by an on-board GPS receiver are as accurate as possible for maneuver planning. This paper also presents the methodology use to scale the AutoCon functionality to fit and execute on the flight hardware. This paper also presents the modes built that allow the incremental phasing in of autonomy. New technologies for autonomous operations are usually received with significant, and probably appropriate trepidation. A number of safeguards have been designed in both AutoCon and the interfacing systems to alleviate the potential of mission-impacting anomalies from the on-board autonomous system. This paper describes the error checking, input data integrity validation and limits set on maneuvers in AutoCon and the on-board system.

Autonomous Formation Flying from the Ground to Flight

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Chapman, Keith B.; Dell, Gregory T.; Rosenberg, Duane L.; Bristow, John

1999-01-01

The cost of on-orbit operations remains a significant and increasingly visible concern in the support of satellite missions. Headway has been made in automating some ground operations; however, increased mission complexity and more precise orbital constraints have compelled continuing human involvement in mission design and maneuver planning operations. AI Solutions, Inc. in cooperation with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration's (NASA) Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC) has tackled these more complex problems through the development of AutoCon(TM) as a tool for an automated solution. NASA is using AutoCon(TM) to automate the maneuver planning for the Earth Orbiter-1 (EO-1) mission. AutoCon(TM) was developed originally as a ground system tool. The EO-1 mission will be using a scaled version of AutoCon(TM) on-board the EO-1 satellite to command orbit adjustment maneuvers. The flight version of AutoCon(TM) plans maneuvers based on formation flying algorithms developed by GSFC, JPL, and other industry partners. In its fully autonomous mode, an AutoCon(TM) planned maneuver will be executed on-board the satellite without intervention from the ground. This paper describes how AutoCon(TM) automates maneuver planning for the formation flying constraints of the EO-1 mission. AutoCon(TM) was modified in a number of ways to automate the maneuver planning on-board the satellite. This paper describes how the interface and functionality of AutoCon(TM) were modified to support the on-board system. A significant component of this modification was the implementation of a data smoother, based on a Kalman filter, that ensures that the spacecraft states estimated by an on-board GPS receiver are as accurate as possible for maneuver planning. This paper also presents the methodology used to scale the AutoCon(TM) functionality to fit and execute on the flight hardware. This paper also presents the modes built into the system that allow the incremental phasing in of autonomy. New technologies for autonomous operations are usually received with significant, and probably appropriate, trepidation. A number of safeguards have been designed in both AutoCon(TM) and the interfacing systems to alleviate the potential of mission-impacting anomalies from the on-board autonomous system. This paper describes the error checking, input data integrity validation, and limits set on maneuvers in AutoCon(TM) and the on-board system.

Comparison of Immunogenicity in Rhesus Macaques of Transmitted-Founder, HIV-1 Group M Consensus, and Trivalent Mosaic Envelope Vaccines Formulated as a DNA Prime, NYVAC, and Envelope Protein Boost

PubMed Central

Hulot, Sandrine L.; Korber, Bette; Giorgi, Elena E.; Vandergrift, Nathan; Saunders, Kevin O.; Balachandran, Harikrishnan; Mach, Linh V.; Lifton, Michelle A.; Pantaleo, Giuseppe; Tartaglia, Jim; Phogat, Sanjay; Jacobs, Bertram; Kibler, Karen; Perdiguero, Beatriz; Gomez, Carmen E.; Esteban, Mariano; Rosati, Margherita; Felber, Barbara K.; Pavlakis, George N.; Parks, Robert; Lloyd, Krissey; Sutherland, Laura; Scearce, Richard; Letvin, Norman L.; Seaman, Michael S.; Alam, S. Munir; Montefiori, David; Liao, Hua-Xin; Haynes, Barton F.

2015-01-01

ABSTRACT An effective human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) vaccine must induce protective antibody responses, as well as CD4+ and CD8+ T cell responses, that can be effective despite extraordinary diversity of HIV-1. The consensus and mosaic immunogens are complete but artificial proteins, computationally designed to elicit immune responses with improved cross-reactive breadth, to attempt to overcome the challenge of global HIV diversity. In this study, we have compared the immunogenicity of a transmitted-founder (T/F) B clade Env (B.1059), a global group M consensus Env (Con-S), and a global trivalent mosaic Env protein in rhesus macaques. These antigens were delivered using a DNA prime-recombinant NYVAC (rNYVAC) vector and Env protein boost vaccination strategy. While Con-S Env was a single sequence, mosaic immunogens were a set of three Envs optimized to include the most common forms of potential T cell epitopes. Both Con-S and mosaic sequences retained common amino acids encompassed by both antibody and T cell epitopes and were central to globally circulating strains. Mosaics and Con-S Envs expressed as full-length proteins bound well to a number of neutralizing antibodies with discontinuous epitopes. Also, both consensus and mosaic immunogens induced significantly higher gamma interferon (IFN-γ) enzyme-linked immunosorbent spot assay (ELISpot) responses than B.1059 immunogen. Immunization with these proteins, particularly Con-S, also induced significantly higher neutralizing antibodies to viruses than B.1059 Env, primarily to tier 1 viruses. Both Con-S and mosaics stimulated more potent CD8-T cell responses against heterologous Envs than did B.1059. Both antibody and cellular data from this study strengthen the concept of using in silico-designed centralized immunogens for global HIV-1 vaccine development strategies. IMPORTANCE There is an increasing appreciation for the importance of vaccine-induced anti-Env antibody responses for preventing HIV-1 acquisition. This nonhuman primate study demonstrates that in silico-designed global HIV-1 immunogens, designed for a human clinical trial, are capable of eliciting not only T lymphocyte responses but also potent anti-Env antibody responses. PMID:25855741

Status of Major Acquisitions As of September 30, 1981: Better Reporting Essential to Controlling Cost Growth

DTIC Science & Technology

1982-04-22

acquisition would be an obligation made by the Environmental Protection Agency to a State to aid in the construction of a sewage treatment plant ...DE 1 PINELLAS COUNTY-TREASURE IS. CON FT... 3 FIRE IS. INLET TO JONES BEACH CON NY 2 TOTAL ESTIMATED COST CURRENT BASELINE...HELLFIRE MISSILE SYSTEM EQP OH 418 :I:ND WASTE TREATMENT PLANT CON TN 345 HOSPITAL IMPROVEMENTS FT HOOD CON TX 339 MLRS

Inhibition of the mobility of mouse lymphocyte surface immunoglobulins by locally bound concanavalin A.

PubMed Central

Henis, Y I; Elson, E L

1981-01-01

Fluorescence photobleaching recovery was used to study directly and quantitatively the inhibition of the lateral mobility of surface immunoglobulins (sIg) on mouse lymphocytes by localized binding of concanavalin A (Con A) coupled to platelets. Up to a threshold occupancy of about 10% of the upper cell surface by Con A-platelets, the diffusion coefficient and mobile fraction of sIg remained as in untreated cells (5.3 X 10(-10) cm2/sec and 0.65, respectively). At higher surface occupancy, these values decreased to 8 X 10(-11) cm2/sec and 0.11. The magnitude of the effect was independent of the percentage occupancy above the threshold and of the distance from the bound Con A-platelets, indicating a cooperative and propagated phenomenon. Treatment with colchicine or cytochalasin B separately induced only partial reversal of the Con A-induced modulation. Treatment with both reversal of the Con A-induced modulation. Treatment with both drugs together was synergistic and fully reversed the mobility inhibition. The modulation was unaffected by NaN3 and 2-deoxyglucose, suggesting no dependence on metabolic energy. Con A-platelets did not affect the mobility of a lipid probe. Models for the Con A-induced modulation and the relationship between the effects of Con A on sIg mobility and patch formation are discussed. PMID:6940124

Pretreatment with propylene glycol alginate sodium sulfate ameliorated concanavalin A-induced liver injury by regulating the PI3K/Akt pathway in mice.

PubMed

Xu, Shizan; Wu, Liwei; Zhang, Qinghui; Feng, Jiao; Li, Sainan; Li, Jingjing; Liu, Tong; Mo, Wenhui; Wang, Wenwen; Lu, Xiya; Yu, Qiang; Chen, Kan; Xia, Yujing; Lu, Jie; Xu, Ling; Zhou, Yingqun; Fan, Xiaoming; Guo, Chuanyong

2017-09-15

Propylene glycol alginate sodium sulfate (PSS), a sulfated polysaccharide possesses anti-inflammatory effects. Here, we investigated the effect of PSS on concanavalin A (Con A)-induced liver injury in mice and examined the underlying mechanisms. Balb/C mice were injected intravenously with Con A (25mg/kg) to generate a model of acute liver injury. PSS (25 or 50mg/kg) was injected intraperitoneally 1h before the Con A administration. The levels of serum liver enzymes, inflammatory cytokines, and other marker proteins were determined, and liver injury was assessed histopathologically 2, 8, and 24h after Con A injection. Pretreatment with PSS reduced the levels of serum liver enzymes, inflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and interleukin (IL)-1β, and attenuated histopathological damage in Con A-induced liver injury in mice. The effects of Con A were mediated by apoptosis and autophagy, as indicated by changes in protein and gene expression of related factors after Con A injection. PSS activated the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt) pathway and showed a protective function against apoptosis and autophagy. PSS ameliorated Con A-induced liver injury by downregulating inflammatory cytokines including TNF-α and IL-1β and regulating apoptosis and autophagy via the PI3K/Akt pathway. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Anabaena sp. strain PCC 7120 conR contains a LytR-CpsA-Psr domain, is developmentally regulated, and is essential for diazotrophic growth and heterocyst morphogenesis.

PubMed

Mella-Herrera, Rodrigo A; Neunuebel, M Ramona; Golden, James W

2011-03-01

The conR (all0187) gene of the filamentous cyanobacterium Anabaena (Nostoc) sp. strain PCC 7120 is predicted to be part of a family of proteins that contain the LytR-CpsA-Psr domain associated with septum formation and cell wall maintenance. The conR gene was originally misannotated as a transcription regulator. Northern RNA blot analysis showed that conR expression was upregulated 8 h after nitrogen step-down. Fluorescence microscopy of a P(conR)-gfp reporter strain revealed increased GFP fluorescence in proheterocysts and heterocysts beginning 9 h after nitrogen step-down. Insertional inactivation of conR caused a septum-formation defect of vegetative cells grown in nitrate-containing medium. In nitrate-free medium, mutant filaments formed abnormally long heterocysts and were defective for diazotrophic growth. Septum formation between heterocysts and adjacent vegetative cells was abnormal, often with one or both poles of the heterocysts appearing partially open. In a conR mutant, expression of nifH was delayed after nitrogen step-down and nitrogenase activity was approximately 70 % of wild-type activity, indicating that heterocysts of the conR mutant strain are partially functional. We hypothesize that the diazotrophic growth defect is caused by an inability of the heterocysts to transport fixed nitrogen to the neighbouring vegetative cells.

Salidroside mediates apoptosis and autophagy inhibition in concanavalin A-induced liver injury

PubMed Central

Feng, Jiao; Niu, Peiqin; Chen, Kan; Wu, Liwei; Liu, Tong; Xu, Shizan; Li, Jingjing; Li, Sainan; Wang, Wenwen; Lu, Xiya; Yu, Qiang; Liu, Ning; Xu, Ling; Wang, Fan; Dai, Weiqi; Xia, Yujing; Fan, Xiaoming; Guo, Chuanyong

2018-01-01

Salidroside (Sal) is a glycoside extract from Rhodiola rosea L. with anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anticancer and cardioprotective properties. The present study explored the protective effects and the possible mechanisms of Sal on concanavalin A (ConA)-induced liver injury in mice. Balb/C mice were divided into five groups: Normal control (injected with normal saline), ConA (25 mg/kg), Sal (10 mg/kg) +ConA, Sal (20 mg/kg) + ConA (Sal injected 2 h prior to ConA injection) and Sal (20 mg/kg) only. The serum levels of liver enzymes, pro-inflammatory cytokines, and apoptosis- and autophagy-associated marker proteins were determined at 2, 8 and 24 h after ConA injection. LY294002 was further used to verify whether the phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt pathway was activated. Primary hepatocytes were isolated to verify the effect of Sal in vitro. The results indicated that Sal was a safe agent to reduce pathological damage and serum liver enzymes in ConA-induced liver injury. Sal suppressed inflammatory reactions in serum and liver tissues, and activated the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway to inhibit apoptosis and autophagy in vivo and in vitro, which could be reversed by LY294002. In conclusion, Sal attenuated ConA-induced liver injury by modulating PI3K/Akt pathway-mediated apoptosis and autophagy in mice.

Experimental and Computational Studies of Carbonyl Diazide (CON6) as a Precursor to Diazirinone (CON2)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Esselman, Brian J.; Amberger, Brent K.; Nolan, Alex M.; Woods, R. Claude; McMahon, R. J.

2011-10-01

Intrigued by the reported 2005 synthesis of diazirinone (1), we carried out further experimental and theoretical studies aimed at the detailed matrix-isolation and millimeter-wave spectroscopic characterizations of 1. Diazirinone (1) is a peculiar isoconjugate of two very stable molecules and may be of astrochemical interest. Unfortunately, the original reported methods of diazirinone (1) generation did not yield this species, rather its decomposition products. Inspired by a more recent gas phase pyrolysis of CON6 (2) to yield CON2 (1), we proposed a new method of generating CON6 (2) in solution as a precursor of diazirinone (1). This new synthesis may allow us to generate larger quantities of both CON6 and CON2 for investigation by millimeter-wave spectroscopy. We are able to safely generate carbonyl diazide (2) in sufficient yield from the reaction of triphosgene (3) and tetrabutylammonium azide in diethyl ether. This has allowed us to obtain both matrix-isolation and gas phase IR spectra of carbonyl diazide (2). After purification, it has a gas-phase lifetime that allows samples to be useable for up to several weeks. However, it is a shock-sensitive material that must be handled with care to prevent violent decomposition. In order to provide better mechanistic insight into the decomposition of carbonyl diazide (2) to diazirinone (1), we have engaged in a DFT and ab initio computational study. We have found a pathway between the two species via the triplet acylnitrene, CON4, and an oxaziridine CON2 species, but not at sufficiently low energies to allow for the trapping and detection of diazirinone (1). Preliminary millimeter-wave spectra have been obtained from several synthesized and purified samples of CON6 (2). However, the assignment of the spectra lines has been unexpectedly problematic. We have placed several CON6 (2) samples, confirmed by IR spectroscopy at the time of sample loading, into our instrument and obtained two different sets of rotational lines. This rotational puzzle will be investigated further with a significantly upgraded millimeter-wave spectrometer.

Heat acclimation attenuates physiological strain and the HSP72, but not HSP90α, mRNA response to acute normobaric hypoxia.

PubMed

Gibson, Oliver R; Turner, Gareth; Tuttle, James A; Taylor, Lee; Watt, Peter W; Maxwell, Neil S

2015-10-15

Heat acclimation (HA) attenuates physiological strain in hot conditions via phenotypic and cellular adaptation. The aim of this study was to determine whether HA reduced physiological strain, and heat shock protein (HSP) 72 and HSP90α mRNA responses in acute normobaric hypoxia. Sixteen male participants completed ten 90-min sessions of isothermic HA (40°C/40% relative humidity) or exercise training [control (CON); 20°C/40% relative humidity]. HA or CON were preceded (HYP1) and proceeded (HYP2) by a 30-min normobaric hypoxic exposure [inspired O2 fraction = 0.12; 10-min rest, 10-min cycling at 40% peak O2 uptake (V̇O2 peak), 10-min cycling at 65% V̇O2 peak]. HA induced greater rectal temperatures, sweat rate, and heart rates (HR) than CON during the training sessions. HA, but not CON, reduced resting rectal temperatures and resting HR and increased sweat rate and plasma volume. Hemoglobin mass did not change following HA nor CON. HSP72 and HSP90α mRNA increased in response to each HA session, but did not change with CON. HR during HYP2 was lower and O2 saturation higher at 65% V̇O2 peak following HA, but not CON. O2 uptake/HR was greater at rest and 65% V̇O2 peak in HYP2 following HA, but was unchanged after CON. At rest, the respiratory exchange ratio was reduced during HYP2 following HA, but not CON. The increase in HSP72 mRNA during HYP1 did not occur in HYP2 following HA. In CON, HSP72 mRNA expression was unchanged during HYP1 and HYP2. In HA and CON, increases in HSP90α mRNA during HYP1 were maintained in HYP2. HA reduces physiological strain, and the transcription of HSP72, but not HSP90α mRNA in acute normobaric hypoxia. Copyright © 2015 the American Physiological Society.

Planificación Neuroquirúrgica con Software Osirix

PubMed Central

Jaimovich, Sebastián Gastón; Guevara, Martin; Pampin, Sergio; Jaimovich, Roberto; Gardella, Javier Luis

2014-01-01

Introducción: La individualidad anatómica es clave para reducir el trauma quirúrgico y obtener un mejor resultado. Actualmente, el avance en las neuroimágenes ha permitido objetivar esa individualidad anatómica, permitiendo planificar la intervención quirúrgica. Con este objetivo, presentamos nuestra experiencia con el software Osirix. Descripción de la técnica: Se presentan 3 casos ejemplificadores de 40 realizados. Caso 1: Paciente con meningioma de la convexidad parasagital izquierda en área premotora; Caso 2: Paciente con macroadenoma hipofisario, operada previamente por vía transeptoesfenoidal en otra institución con una resección parcial; Caso 3: Paciente con lesiones en pedúnculo cerebeloso medio bilateral. Se realizó la planificación prequirúrgica con el software OsiriX, fusionando y reconstruyendo en 3D las imágenes de TC e IRM, para analizar relaciones anatómicas, medir distancias, coordenadas y trayectorias, entre otras funciones. Discusión: El software OsiriX de acceso libre y gratuito permite al cirujano, mediante la fusión y reconstrucción en 3D de imágenes, analizar la anatomía individual del paciente y planificar de forma rápida, simple, segura y económica cirugías de alta complejidad. En el Caso 1 se pudo analizar las relaciones del tumor con las estructuras adyacentes para minimizar el abordaje. En el Caso 2 permitió comprender la anatomía post-operatoria previa del paciente, para determinar la trayectoria del abordaje transnasal endoscópico y la necesidad de ampliar su exposición, logrando la resección tumoral completa. En el Caso 3 permitió obtener las coordenadas estereotáxicas y trayectoria de una lesión sin representación tomográfica. Conclusión: En casos de no contar con costosos sistemas de neuronavegación o estereotáxia el software OsiriX es una alternativa a la hora de planificar la cirugía, con el objetivo de disminuir el trauma y la morbilidad operatoria. PMID:25165617

Biomagnetic Monitoring of Atmospheric Pollution: A Review of Magnetic Signatures from Biological Sensors.

PubMed

Hofman, Jelle; Maher, Barbara A; Muxworthy, Adrian R; Wuyts, Karen; Castanheiro, Ana; Samson, Roeland

2017-06-20

Biomagnetic monitoring of atmospheric pollution is a growing application in the field of environmental magnetism. Particulate matter (PM) in atmospheric pollution contains readily measurable concentrations of magnetic minerals. Biological surfaces, exposed to atmospheric pollution, accumulate magnetic particles over time, providing a record of location-specific, time-integrated air quality information. This review summarizes current knowledge of biological material ("sensors") used for biomagnetic monitoring purposes. Our work addresses the following: the range of magnetic properties reported for lichens, mosses, leaves, bark, trunk wood, insects, crustaceans, mammal and human tissues; their associations with atmospheric pollutant species (PM, NO x , trace elements, PAHs); the pros and cons of biomagnetic monitoring of atmospheric pollution; current challenges for large-scale implementation of biomagnetic monitoring; and future perspectives. A summary table is presented, with the aim of aiding researchers and policy makers in selecting the most suitable biological sensor for their intended biomagnetic monitoring purpose.

Researching on the process of remote sensing video imagery

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, He-rao; Zheng, Xin-qi; Sun, Yi-bo; Jia, Zong-ren; Wang, He-zhan

Unmanned air vehicle remotely-sensed imagery on the low-altitude has the advantages of higher revolution, easy-shooting, real-time accessing, etc. It's been widely used in mapping , target identification, and other fields in recent years. However, because of conditional limitation, the video images are unstable, the targets move fast, and the shooting background is complex, etc., thus it is difficult to process the video images in this situation. In other fields, especially in the field of computer vision, the researches on video images are more extensive., which is very helpful for processing the remotely-sensed imagery on the low-altitude. Based on this, this paper analyzes and summarizes amounts of video image processing achievement in different fields, including research purposes, data sources, and the pros and cons of technology. Meantime, this paper explores the technology methods more suitable for low-altitude video image processing of remote sensing.

An experimental study of reactive turbulent mixing

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Cooper, L. P.; Marek, C. J.; Strehlow, R. A.

1977-01-01

An experimental study of two coaxial gas streams, which react very rapidly, was performed to investigate the mixing characteristics of turbulent flow fields. The center stream consisted of a CO-N2 mixture and the outer annular stream consisted of air vitiated by H2 combustion. The streams were at equal velocity (50 m/sec) and temperature (1280 K). Turbulence measurements were obtained using hot film anemometry. A sampling probe was used to obtain time averaged gas compositions. Six different turbulence generators were placed in the annular passage to alter the flow field mixing characteristics. The turbulence generators affected the bulk mixing of the streams and the extent of CO conversion to different degrees. The effects can be related to the average eddy size (integral scale) and the bulk mixing. Higher extents of conversion of CO to CO2 were found be increasing the bulk mixing and decreasing the average eddy size.

VapeCons: E-cigarette user conventions.

PubMed

Williams, Rebecca S

2015-11-01

E-cigarette 'vaping conventions' provide a venue for user social networking, parties, and 'try before you buy' access to a wide range of e-cigarette products. This study identifies and describes vaping conventions, raising awareness of this potentially problematic practice. Conventions were identified via Google searches in April and May 2014 and August 2015. Details captured included location, sponsors, admission cost, event features, and promotions. 41 distinct organizations have planned 90 vaping conventions in 37 different locations since 2010. Conventions promoted access to a wide range of product vendors, seminars, social interactions with other users, parties, gifts, vaping contests, and other events. E-cigarette use at conventions was encouraged. Vaping conventions promote e-cigarette use and social norms without public health having a voice to educate attendees about negative consequences of use. Future research should focus on the effects of attending these conventions on attendees and on indoor air quality in vapor-filled convention rooms.

Efficient Killing of Planktonic and Biofilm-Embedded Coagulase-Negative Staphylococci by Bactericidal Protein P128

PubMed Central

Poonacha, Nethravathi; Nair, Sandhya; Desai, Srividya; Tuppad, Darshan; Hiremath, Deepika; Mohan, Thulasi; Vipra, Aradhana

2017-01-01

ABSTRACT Coagulase-negative staphylococci (CoNS) are the major causative agents of foreign-body-related infections, including catheter-related bloodstream infections. Because of the involvement of biofilms, foreign-body-related infections are difficult to treat. P128, a chimeric recombinant phage-derived ectolysin, has been shown to possess bactericidal activity on strains of Staphylococcus aureus, including methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA). We tested the killing potential of P128 on three clinically significant species of CoNS, S. epidermidis, S. haemolyticus, and S. lugdunensis, under a variety of physiological conditions representing growing and nongrowing states. The MIC90 and minimum bactericidal concentration at which 90% of strains tested are killed (MBC90) of P128 on 62 clinical strains of CoNS were found to be 16 and 32 μg/ml (0.58 and 1.16 μM), respectively, demonstrating the bactericidal nature of P128 on CoNS strains. Serum showed a potentiating effect on P128 inhibition, as indicated by 4- to 32-fold lower MIC values observed in serum. P128 caused a rapid loss of viability in all CoNS strains tested. Persisters of CoNS that were enriched in the presence of vancomycin or daptomycin were killed by P128 at 1× the MIC in a rapid manner. Low concentrations of P128 caused a 2- to 5-log reduction in CFU in stationary-phase or poorly metabolizing CoNS cultures. P128 at low concentrations eliminated CoNS biofilms in microtiter plates and on the surface of catheters. Combinations of P128 and standard-of-care (SoC) antibiotics were highly synergistic in inhibiting growth in preformed biofilms. Potent activity on planktonic cells, persisters, and biofilms of CoNS suggests that P128 is a promising candidate for the clinical development of treatments for foreign-body-related and other CoNS infections. PMID:28559263

The role of the 2H4 molecule in the generation of suppressor function in Con A-activated T cells.

PubMed

Morimoto, C; Letvin, N L; Rudd, C E; Hagan, M; Takeuchi, T; Schlossman, S F

1986-11-15

The molecular basis for the suppression generated in a concanavalin A (Con A)-activated T cell culture remains unknown. In this study, we have attempted to determine whether the 2H4 and 4B4 molecules on Con A-activated T cells play some role in the generation of suppression by such cells. We have shown that Con A-activated suppressor cells belong to the 2H4+ subset of T cells but not the 4B4+ (2H4-) subset. Con A-activated T cells exerted their optimal suppressor function on day 2 in culture, a time at which the expression of 2H4 on such cells was maximal and 4B4 was minimal. Furthermore, the stimulation of T cells with the higher concentration of Con A generated the stronger suppressor function. At the same time, both 2H4 expression and density were increased and 4B4 expression and density were decreased on such Con A-activated T cells. More importantly, the treatment of Con A-activated T cells with anti-2H4 antibody but not with anti-4B4, anti-TQ1, or anti-T4 antibodies can block the suppressor function of such cells. Taken together, the above results strongly suggest that the 2H4 molecule itself may be involved in the generation of suppressor function in Con A-activated T cells. The 2H4 antigen on such cells was shown to be comprised of 220,000 and 200,000 m.w. glycoproteins. Thus this study indicates that the 220,000 and 200,000 m.w. structure of the 2H4 molecule may itself play a crucial role in the generation of suppressor signals of Con A-activated cells.

Crushed Ice Ingestion Does Not Improve Female Cycling Time Trial Performance in the Heat.

PubMed

Zimmermann, Matthew; Landers, Grant Justin; Wallman, Karen Elizabeth

2017-02-01

This study examined the effects of precooling via ice ingestion on female cycling performance in hot, humid conditions. Ten female endurance athletes, mean age (28 ± 6 y), height (167.6 ± 6.5 cm) and body-mass (68.0 ± 11.5 kg) participated in the study. Participants completed an 800 kJ cycle time-trial in hot, humid conditions (34.9 ± 0.3 °C, 49.8 ± 3.5% RH). This was preceded by the consumption of 7 g∙kg -1 of crushed ice (ICE) or water (CON). There was no difference in performance time (CON 3851 ± 449 s; ICE 3767 ± 465 s), oxygen consumption (CON 41.6 ± 7.0 ml∙kg∙min -1 ; ICE 42.4 ± 6.0 ml∙kg∙min -1 ) or respiratory exchange ratio (CON 0.88 ± 0.05; ICE 0.90 ± 0.06) between conditions (p > .05, d < 0.5). Core and skin temperature following the precooling period were lower in ICE (T c 36.4 ± 0.4 °C; T sk 31.6 ± 1.2 °C) compared with CON (T c 37.1 ± 0.4 °C; T sk 32.4 ± 0.7 °C) and remained lower until the 100 kJ mark of the cycle time-trial (p < .05, d > 1.0). Sweat onset occurred earlier in CON (228 ± 113 s) compared with ICE (411 ± 156 s) (p < .05, d = 1.63). Mean thermal sensation (CON 1.8 ± 2.0; ICE 1.2 ± 2.5, p < .05, d = 2.51), perceived exertion (CON 15.3 ± 2.9; ICE 14.9 ± 3.0, p < .05, d = 0.38) and perceived thirst (CON 5.6 ± 2.2; ICE 4.6 ± 2.4, p < .05, d = 0.98) were lower in ICE compared with CON. Crushed ice ingestion did not improve cycling performance in females, although perceptual responses were reduced.

Evaluation of Houttuynia cordata and Taraxacum officinale on Growth Performance, Nutrient Digestibility, Blood Characteristics, and Fecal Microbial Shedding in Diet for Weaning Pigs.

PubMed

Yan, L; Zhang, Z F; Park, J C; Kim, I H

2012-10-01

A total of 144 pigs ((Landrace×Yorkshire)×Duroc] with an average initial BW of 8.45±0.57 kg were used in a 5-wk growth trial. Pigs were randomly allocated to 4 treatments with 9 replications per pen in a randomized complex block design. Dietary treatments included: i) CON (basal diet), ii) ANT (CON+tylosin 1 g/kg), iii) H1 (CON+H. cordata 1 g/kg) and iv) T1 (CON+T. officinale 1 g/kg). In this study, pigs fed the ANT and T1 treatment had a higher (p<0.05) average daily gain (ADG) and gain:feed (G:F) ratio than those fed CON and H1 treatment. Dietary ANT and T1 treatment led to a higher energy digestibility than the CON group. No difference (p>0.05) was observed on the growth performance and apparent total tract digestibility with H1 supplementation compared with the CON treatment. The inclusion of ANT treatment led to a higher (p<0.05) lymphocyte concentration compared with the CON treatment. Dietary supplementation of herbs did not affect (p>0.05) the blood characteristics (white blood cell (WBC), red blood cell (RBC), IgG, lymphocyte). No difference was observed on (p<0.05) fecal microbial shedding (E. coli and lactobacillus) between ANT and CON groups. Treatments H1 and T1 reduced the fecal E. coli concentration compared with the CON treatment, whereas the fecal lactobacillus concentration was not affected by the herb supplementation (p>0.05). In conclusion, the inclusion of T. officinale (1 g/kg) increased growth performance, feed efficiency, energy digestibility similarly to the antibiotic treatment. Dietary supplementation of T. officinale and H. cordata (1 g/kg) reduced the fecal E. coli concentration in weaning pigs.

Evaluation of Houttuynia cordata and Taraxacum officinale on Growth Performance, Nutrient Digestibility, Blood Characteristics, and Fecal Microbial Shedding in Diet for Weaning Pigs

PubMed Central

Yan, L.; Zhang, Z. F.; Park, J. C.; Kim, I. H.

2012-01-01

A total of 144 pigs ((Landrace×Yorkshire)×Duroc] with an average initial BW of 8.45±0.57 kg were used in a 5-wk growth trial. Pigs were randomly allocated to 4 treatments with 9 replications per pen in a randomized complex block design. Dietary treatments included: i) CON (basal diet), ii) ANT (CON+tylosin 1 g/kg), iii) H1 (CON+H. cordata 1 g/kg) and iv) T1 (CON+T. officinale 1 g/kg). In this study, pigs fed the ANT and T1 treatment had a higher (p<0.05) average daily gain (ADG) and gain:feed (G:F) ratio than those fed CON and H1 treatment. Dietary ANT and T1 treatment led to a higher energy digestibility than the CON group. No difference (p>0.05) was observed on the growth performance and apparent total tract digestibility with H1 supplementation compared with the CON treatment. The inclusion of ANT treatment led to a higher (p<0.05) lymphocyte concentration compared with the CON treatment. Dietary supplementation of herbs did not affect (p>0.05) the blood characteristics (white blood cell (WBC), red blood cell (RBC), IgG, lymphocyte). No difference was observed on (p<0.05) fecal microbial shedding (E. coli and lactobacillus) between ANT and CON groups. Treatments H1 and T1 reduced the fecal E. coli concentration compared with the CON treatment, whereas the fecal lactobacillus concentration was not affected by the herb supplementation (p>0.05). In conclusion, the inclusion of T. officinale (1 g/kg) increased growth performance, feed efficiency, energy digestibility similarly to the antibiotic treatment. Dietary supplementation of T. officinale and H. cordata (1 g/kg) reduced the fecal E. coli concentration in weaning pigs. PMID:25049500

Generation and Characterization of HIV-1 Transmitted and Founder Virus Consensus Sequence from Intravenous Drug Users in Xinjiang, China.

PubMed

Li, Fan; Ma, Liying; Feng, Yi; Hu, Jing; Ni, Na; Ruan, Yuhua; Shao, Yiming

2017-06-01

HIV-1 transmission in intravenous drug users (IDUs) has been characterized by high genetic multiplicity and suggests a greater challenge for HIV-1 infection blocking. We investigated a total of 749 sequences of full-length gp160 gene obtained by single genome sequencing (SGS) from 22 HIV-1 early infected IDUs in Xinjiang province, northwest China, and generated a transmitted and founder virus (T/F virus) consensus sequence (IDU.CON). The T/F virus was classified as subtype CRF07_BC and predicted to be CCR5-tropic virus. The variable region (V1, V2, and V4 loop) of IDU.CON showed length variation compared with the heterosexual T/F virus consensus sequence (HSX.CON) and homosexual T/F virus consensus sequence (MSM.CON). A total of 26 N-linked glycosylation sites were discovered in the IDU.CON sequence, which is less than that of MSM.CON and HSX.CON. Characterization of T/F virus from IDUs highlights the genetic make-up and complexity of virus near the moment of transmission or in early infection preceding systemic dissemination and is important toward the development of an effective HIV-1 preventive methods, including vaccines.

Comparison of slime-producing coagulase-negative Staphylococcus colonization rates on vinyl and ceramic tile flooring materials.

PubMed

Yazgi, H; Uyanik, M H; Ayyildiz, A

2009-01-01

This study investigated the colonization of slime-producing coagulase-negative Staphylococcus (CoNS) in 80 patient wards in Turkey (40 vinyl and 40 ceramic tile floors). A total of 480 samples that included 557 CoNS isolates were obtained. Slime production was investigated with the Christensen method and methicillin-susceptibility was tested by the disk-diffusion method. There was a significant difference in the percentage of slime-producing CoNS isolates on vinyl (12.4%) versus ceramic tile flooring (4.4%). From vinyl flooring, the percentage of slime producing methicillin-resistant CoNS (MRCoNS) (8.9%) was significantly higher than for methicillin-sensitive CoNS (MSCoNS) (3.6%), whereas there was no difference from ceramic tile flooring (2.5% MRCoNS versus 1.8% MSCoNS). The most commonly isolated slime-producing CoNS species was S. epidermidis on both types of flooring. It is concluded that vinyl flooring seems to be a more suitable colonization surface for slime-producing CoNS than ceramic tile floors. Further studies are needed to investigate bacterial strains colonized on flooring materials, which are potential pathogens for nosocomial infections.

B cells as accessory cells in a Con A response of a T cell clone.

PubMed

Takeuchi, M; Kakiuchi, T; Taira, S; Nariuchi, H

1987-12-01

Accessory cell (AC) function of B cells was examined in Con A response of a cloned T cell line, 22-9D, which is Thy 1+,L3T4+,Lyt2-,H-2KbDb+ and I-Ab-.22-9D cells produced IL 2 in the presence of Con A without participation of AC. For the initiation of a proliferative response to Con A, the addition of spleen cells or spleen adherent cells was required. B cells as AC were unable to induce the proliferative response. In the presence of culture supernatant of spleen cells stimulated with Con A (CAS), 22-9D cells showed proliferative response to Con A with B cell AC. The response was inhibited by a relevant monoclonal anti-I-A antibody. Although irradiated spleen cells as AC induced IL 2 receptor expression of 22-9D cells in the presence of Con A, B cells were shown to require the addition of unknown factor(s) in CAS, which was suggested to be different from IL 1, IL 2, IL 3, or IFN-gamma, for the induction of the receptor expression on 22-9D cells.

Games Con Men Play: The Semiosis of Deceptive Interaction.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hankiss, Agnes

1980-01-01

Analyzes some of the most frequent deceptive interactions as rendered through case histories of male con artists and their victims taken from police records. Discusses the recurrent elements in both the con-games strategies and victims' way of interpreting those strategies. (JMF)

Connected vehicle pilot deployment program phase 1, concept of operations (ConOps) – Tampa (THEA).

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2016-02-01

This document describes the Concept of Operations (ConOps) for the Tampa Hillsborough Expressway Authority (THEA) Connected Vehicle (CV) Pilot Deployment. This ConOps describes the current state of operations, establishes the reasons for change, and ...

An Application of Con-Resistant Trust to Improve the Reliability of Special Protection Systems within the Smart Grid

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-06-01

in an effort to be more reliable and efficient. However, with the benefits of this new technology comes added risk . This research utilizes a con ...AN APPLICATION OF CON -RESISTANT TRUST TO IMPROVE THE RELIABILITY OF SPECIAL PROTECTION SYSTEMS WITHIN THE SMART GRID THESIS Crystal M. Shipman...Government and is not subject to copyright protection in the United States AFIT/GCO/ENG/12-22 AN APPLICATION OF CON -RESISTANT TRUST TO IMPROVE THE

Piping Connector

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1994-01-01

In Stennis Space Center's Component Test Facility, piping lines carry rocket propellants and high pressure cryogenic fuels. When the lines are chilled to a pretest temperature of 400 degrees below zero, ordinary piping connectors can leak. Under contract to Stennis, Reflange, Inc. developed the T-Con connector, which included a secondary seal that tolerates severe temperature change. Because of the limited need for the large and expensive T-Con product, Reflange also developed the less costly E-Con, a smaller more compact design with the same technical advantages as the T-Con.

PubMed

Bueno Vargas, Pilar; Manzano Martín, Manuel; López-Aliaga, Inmaculada; López Pedrosa, José M ª

2016-09-20

Introducción: la gestación y lactancia están relacionadas con pérdidas temporales en la densidad mineral ósea (DMO) materna. Una suplementación con calcio podría resultar beneficiosa para evitar la pérdida de masa ósea del esqueleto materno. Otros nutrientes como los prebióticos han sido identificados como responsables de un incremento en la absorción de minerales, pudiendo condicionar la mineralización ósea.Objetivo: estudiar el efecto de la suplementación de la dieta materna con el prebiótico inulina enriquecida con oligofructosa, durante la gestación y la lactancia sobre el contenido mineral óseo (CMO) y la DMO al final del periodo de lactancia.Métodos: las ratas gestantes fueron alimentadas con dieta estándar (grupo CC), dieta fortificada en calcio (grupo Ca) o enriquecida con el prebiótico inulina enriquecida con oligofructosa (grupo Pre) hasta el final del periodo de lactancia. Posteriormente se evaluó el CMO y DMO por absorciometría de rayos X (DEXA) y el pH del contenido cecal.Resultados:en términos generales, el grupo Pre presenta los mayores valores absolutos de CMO y DMO de entre los tres grupos, siendo en la tibia significativamente diferentes en los grupos CC y Pre frente al grupo Ca. El pH del contenido cecal del grupo Pre es significativamente inferior al de los grupos CC y Ca.Conclusión:la suplementación con inulina enriquecida con oligofructosa, en condiciones nutricionales no deficientes en calcio, durante la gestación y la lactancia, ejerce una protección del esqueleto materno en las ratas y puede ser considerada como una estrategia nutricional para proteger la masa ósea materna en el periodo perinatal.

Participation of interleukins in synergistic effect of Bu-WSA on concanavalin A-induced DNA synthesis in mouse splenic lymphocytes.

PubMed

Nitta, T; Konno-Ejiri, H; Nemoto, K; Okumura, S; Ozawa, A; Nakano, M

1986-09-01

Butanol-extracted water-soluble adjuvant (Bu-WSA) obtained from Bacterionema matruchotii was mitogenic to murine splenic B lymphocytes, but not T lymphocytes. When murine splenic cells were cultured in the presence of Bu-WSA and concanavalin A (Con A) together, [3H]thymidine uptake of the culture cells synergically increased. The mechanism of the synergy of Con A and Bu-WSA and the participation of interleukin (IL) 1 and 2 in the synergy were studied. The proliferation cells in the synergy were Lyt-1+23- lymphocytes. Ia-positive accessory cells were required for the response. When separated cell populations and Marbrook-type culture vessels were used, a mixed cell population of T lymphocytes and B lymphocytes or macrophages (M phi) produced some active factor(s) after co-stimulation by Con A and Bu-WSA, and the factors enhanced DNA synthesis of another Con A-activated T lymphocyte population. Supernatants obtained from the spleen cell cultures or the mixed cell cultures with T lymphocytes and M phi in the presence of Con A and Bu-WSA contained greater amounts of IL-1 and IL-2 than those from cultures containing Con A or Bu-WSA alone. An addition of exogenous IL-1 or IL-2 to spleen cell cultures with Con A resulted in a proliferative response like that obtained through co-stimulation by Con A and Bu-WSA. These results suggest that the synergistic effect of Con A and Bu-WSA on the proliferative response in murine splenic cells is sustained by the enhancement of production of these T-lymphocyte growth factors.

Hacia el consumo informado de tabaco en México: efecto de las advertencias con pictogramas en población fumadora

PubMed Central

Thrasher, James F; Pérez-Hernández, Rosaura; Arillo-Santillán, Edna; Barrientos-Gutiérrez, Inti

2015-01-01

Resumen Objetivo Evaluar el efecto de las advertencias sanitarias (AS) con pictogramas en las cajetillas de tabaco en adultos fumadores. Material y métodos Cohorte de fumadores con representatividad poblacional de siete ciudades mexi canas, antes (2010) y después (2011) de la implementación de AS con pictogramas (ASP). Para determinar el cambio en las variables sobre el impacto cognitivo y conductual de las advertencias, se estimaron modelos bivariados y ajustados de ecuaciones de estimación generalizada. En el Segundo levantamiento (2011), se estimaron modelos para determiner los factores que se asocian con el reporte de recordar cada advertencia que había entrado al mercado, además de los factores asociados con el autorreporte del impacto de cada advertencia vigente. Resultados Se observaron incrementos importantes de 2010 a 2011 en los conocimientos sobre los riesgos de fumar, los componentes tóxicos del tabaco y el número telefónico para recibir consejos sobre dejar de fumar. La recordación e impacto de las primeras advertencias con pictogramas parecen ser amplios y equitativos a través de la población fumadora. En comparación con 2010, un mayor nivel de ex fumadores entrevistados en 2011 reportaron que las advertencias habían influido mucho en dejar de fumar (RM=2.44, 95% IC 1.27–4.72). Conclusiones Las AS con pictogramas han logrado un impacto importante en el conocimiento y conducta, información relevante para la población y en tomadores de decisiones. PMID:22689162

Nonlinear control of rotating stall and surge with axisymmetric bleed and air injection on axial flow compressors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yeung, Chung-Hei (Simon)

The study of compressor instabilities in gas turbine engines has received much attention in recent years. In particular, rotating stall and surge are major causes of problems ranging from component stress and lifespan reduction to engine explosion. In this thesis, modeling and control of rotating stall and surge using bleed valve and air injection is studied and validated on a low speed, single stage, axial compressor at Caltech. Bleed valve control of stall is achieved only when the compressor characteristic is actuated, due to the fast growth rate of the stall cell compared to the rate limit of the valve. Furthermore, experimental results show that the actuator rate requirement for stall control is reduced by a factor of fourteen via compressor characteristic actuation. Analytical expressions based on low order models (2--3 states) and a high fidelity simulation (37 states) tool are developed to estimate the minimum rate requirement of a bleed valve for control of stall. A comparison of the tools to experiments show a good qualitative agreement, with increasing quantitative accuracy as the complexity of the underlying model increases. Air injection control of stall and surge is also investigated. Simultaneous control of stall and surge is achieved using axisymmetric air injection. Three cases with different injector back pressure are studied. Surge control via binary air injection is achieved in all three cases. Simultaneous stall and surge control is achieved for two of the cases, but is not achieved for the lowest authority case. This is consistent with previous results for control of stall with axisymmetric air injection without a plenum attached. Non-axisymmetric air injection control of stall and surge is also studied. Three existing control algorithms found in literature are modeled and analyzed. A three-state model is obtained for each algorithm. For two cases, conditions for linear stability and bifurcation criticality on control of rotating stall are derived and expressed in terms of implementation-oriented variables such as number of injectors. For the third case, bifurcation criticality conditions are not obtained due to complexity, though linear stability property is derived. A theoretical comparison between the three algorithms is made, via the use of low-order models, to investigate pros and cons of the algorithms in the context of operability. The effects of static distortion on the compressor facility at Caltech is characterized experimentally. Results consistent with literature are obtained. Simulations via a high fidelity model (34 states) are also performed and show good qualitative as well as quantitative agreement to experiments. A non-axisymmetric pulsed air injection controller for stall is shown to be robust to static distortion.

77 FR 3030 - Twenty-Eighth Meeting: RTCA Special Committee 206: Aeronautical Information and Meteorological...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-01-20

... and normal definitions Review proposed TOR changes ConUse Review February 7, 2012 ConUse Review... proposed TOR changes and new or modified Sub-groups' roles and responsibilities Decision to release ConUse...] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P ...

Connected vehicle pilot deployment program phase 1, concept of operations (ConOps) - New York City.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2016-04-08

This document describes the Concept of Operations (ConOps) for the New York City Department of Transportation (NYC) Connected Vehicle Pilot Deployment (CVPD) Project. This ConOps describes the current state of operations, establishes the reasons for ...

Design of protein-responsive micro-sized hydrogels for self-regulating microfluidic systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hirayama, Mayu; Tsuruta, Kazuhiro; Kawamura, Akifumi; Ohara, Masayuki; Shoji, Kan; Kawano, Ryuji; Miyata, Takashi

2018-03-01

Diagnosis sensors using micro-total analysis systems (µ-TAS) have been developed for detecting target biomolecules such as proteins and saccharides because they are signal biomolecules for monitoring body conditions and diseases. In this study, biomolecularly stimuli-responsive micro-sized hydrogels that exhibited quick shrinkage in response to lectin concanavalinA (ConA) were prepared in a microchannel by photopolymerization using a fluorescence microscope. In preparing the micro-size hydrogels, glycosyloxyethyl methacrylate (GEMA) as a ligand monomer was copolymerized with a crosslinker in the presence of template ConA in molecular imprinting. The ConA-imprinted micro-hydrogel showed greater shrinkage in response to target ConA than nonimprinted micro-hydrogel. When a buffer solution was switched to an aqueous ConA solution in the Y-shaped microchannel, the flow rates changed quickly because of the responsive shrinkage of the micro-hydrogel prepared in the microchannel. These results suggest that the ConA-imprinted micro-hydrogel acted as a self-regulated microvalve in microfluidic systems.

The SubCons webserver: A user friendly web interface for state-of-the-art subcellular localization prediction.

PubMed

Salvatore, M; Shu, N; Elofsson, A

2018-01-01

SubCons is a recently developed method that predicts the subcellular localization of a protein. It combines predictions from four predictors using a Random Forest classifier. Here, we present the user-friendly web-interface implementation of SubCons. Starting from a protein sequence, the server rapidly predicts the subcellular localizations of an individual protein. In addition, the server accepts the submission of sets of proteins either by uploading the files or programmatically by using command line WSDL API scripts. This makes SubCons ideal for proteome wide analyses allowing the user to scan a whole proteome in few days. From the web page, it is also possible to download precalculated predictions for several eukaryotic organisms. To evaluate the performance of SubCons we present a benchmark of LocTree3 and SubCons using two recent mass-spectrometry based datasets of mouse and drosophila proteins. The server is available at http://subcons.bioinfo.se/. © 2017 The Protein Society.

Positive effects on bone mineralisation and muscular fitness after 10 months of intense school-based physical training for children aged 8–10 years: the FIT FIRST randomised controlled trial

PubMed Central

Larsen, Malte Nejst; Nielsen, Claus Malta; Helge, Eva Wulff; Madsen, Mads; Manniche, Vibeke; Hansen, Lone; Hansen, Peter Riis; Bangsbo, Jens

2018-01-01

Objectives We investigated whether musculoskeletal fitness of school children aged 8–10 years was affected by frequent intense PE sessions. Design and participants 295 Danish school children aged 8–10 years were cluster randomised to a small-sided ball game group (SSG) (n=96, four schools, five classes), a circuit strength training group (CST) (n=83, four schools, four classes) or a control group (CON, n=116, two schools, five classes). Intervention SSG or CST was performed 3×40 min/week over 10 months. Whole-body dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scans were used to determine areal bone mineral density (aBMD), bone mineral content (BMC) and lean body mass (LBM). Flamingo balance, standing long jump and 20-m sprint tests were used to determine muscular fitness. Results Analysis of baseline-to-10 months change scores showed between-group differences in favour of the interventions in whole-body aBMD (SSG vs CON: 8 mg/cm2, 95% CI 3 to 13; CST vs CON: 7 mg/cm2, 95% CI 2 to 13, p<0.05) and leg BMC (SSG vs CON: 11 g, 95% CI 4 to 18; CST vs CON: 11 g, 95% CI 3 to 18, p<0.05). SSG had higher change scores in leg aBMD compared with CON and CST (SSG vs CON: 19 mg/cm2, 95% CI 11 to 39, p<0.05; SSG vs CST: 12 mg/cm2, 95% CI 3 to 21, p<0.05), and CST had higher change scores in whole-body BMC compared with CON (CST vs CON: 25 g, 95% CI 10 to 39, p<0.05). Both training types resulted in higher change scores in postural balance (SSG vs CON: 2.4 fewer falls/min, 95% CI 0.3 to 4.5, CST vs CON: 3.6 fewer falls/min, 95% CI 1.3 to 5.9, p<0.05) and jump length (SSG vs CON: 10%, 95% CI 5 to 16%; CST vs CON: 9%, 95% CI 3 to 15%, p<0.05). No between-group differences were observed for sprint performance or LBM (p>0.05). Conclusions In conclusion, 3×40 min/week with SSG or CST over a full school year improves bone mineralisation and several aspects of muscular fitness of children aged 8–10 years, suggesting that well-organised intense physical education classes can contribute positively to develop musculoskeletal health in young children. Trial registration number NCT02000492, post results. PMID:27297443

Breaking Barriers to Low-Cost Modular Inverter Production & Use

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

Bogdan Borowy; Leo Casey; Jerry Foshage

2005-05-31

The goal of this cost share contract is to advance key technologies to reduce size, weight and cost while enhancing performance and reliability of Modular Inverter Product for Distributed Energy Resources (DER). Efforts address technology development to meet technical needs of DER market protection, isolation, reliability, and quality. Program activities build on SatCon Technology Corporation inverter experience (e.g., AIPM, Starsine, PowerGate) for Photovoltaic, Fuel Cell, Energy Storage applications. Efforts focused four technical areas, Capacitors, Cooling, Voltage Sensing and Control of Parallel Inverters. Capacitor efforts developed a hybrid capacitor approach for conditioning SatCon's AIPM unit supply voltages by incorporating several typesmore » and sizes to store energy and filter at high, medium and low frequencies while minimizing parasitics (ESR and ESL). Cooling efforts converted the liquid cooled AIPM module to an air-cooled unit using augmented fin, impingement flow cooling. Voltage sensing efforts successfully modified the existing AIPM sensor board to allow several, application dependent configurations and enabling voltage sensor galvanic isolation. Parallel inverter control efforts realized a reliable technique to control individual inverters, connected in a parallel configuration, without a communication link. Individual inverter currents, AC and DC, were balanced in the paralleled modules by introducing a delay to the individual PWM gate pulses. The load current sharing is robust and independent of load types (i.e., linear and nonlinear, resistive and/or inductive). It is a simple yet powerful method for paralleling both individual devices dramatically improves reliability and fault tolerance of parallel inverter power systems. A patent application has been made based on this control technology.« less

Evaluating the Physiological and Perceptual Responses of Wearing a Newly Designed Cooling Vest for Construction Workers.

PubMed

Zhao, Yijie; Yi, Wen; Chan, Albert P C; Wong, Francis K W; Yam, Michael C H

2017-08-01

Construction workers are subjected to heat stress because of the hot environment, physically demanding tasks, and/or personal protective equipment. A tailor-made cooling vest that protects construction workers from heat-related injuries was developed. The purpose of the study is to examine a newly designed cooling vest's effectiveness in alleviating physiological and perceptual strain in a hot and humid environment. Twelve male participants performed two trials, i.e., cooling vest (VEST) and control (CON) in a climatic chamber controlled at 37°C temperature, 60% relative humidity, 0.3 m/s air velocity, and 450 W/m2 solar radiation to simulate the summer working environment of construction sites. Two bouts of treadmill exercise intermitted with 30-minute passive recovery were designed to simulate the practical work-rest schedule of the construction industry. The cooling vest was used during the passive recovery period in the VEST condition, and the results were compared with that of no cooling vest in the CON condition. The results revealed that the newly designed cooling vest can significantly alleviate heat strain and improve thermal comfort, based on the decrease in body temperature, heart rate, and subjective perceptions (including perceived exertion, thermal, wetness, and comfort sensation) of the participants. It can also prolong work duration in the subsequent exercise. The cooling countermeasures proposed in this study will be able to provide an effective solution in situations that involve repeated bouts of outdoor construction work. © The Author 2017. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the British Occupational Hygiene Society.

Meeting Report: Breath Biomarkers Networking Sessions at PittCon 2010, Orlando, Florida

EPA Science Inventory

The Pittsburgh Conference and Exposition, or "PittCon" (www.pittcon.org/), is one of the largest international conferences for analytical chemistry and instrumentation typically attracting about 25,000 attendees and 1,000 commercial exhibitors. PittCon began in 1950 as a small sp...

Breath Analysis Science at PittCon 2012, Orlando, Florida

EPA Science Inventory

Breath analysis science was featured in three organized sessions at this year’s Pittsburgh Conference and Exposition, or ‘PittCon 2012’ (http://www.pittcon.org/). As described in previous meeting reports, PittCon is one of the largest international conferences for analytical chem...

48 CFR 301.608 - Training requirements for purchase cardholders, Approving Officials, and Agency/Organization...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-10-01

... REGULATION SYSTEM Career Development, Contracting Authority, and Responsibilities 301.608 Training... Arrangements). • CON 110 (Mission Support Planning). Purchase cardholders and Approving Officials Yearly... appropriations law. • CON 100 (Shaping Smart Business Arrangements). • CON 110 (Mission Support Planning). Agency...

48 CFR 301.608 - Training requirements for purchase cardholders, Approving Officials, and Agency/Organization...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-10-01

... REGULATION SYSTEM Career Development, Contracting Authority, and Responsibilities 301.608 Training... Arrangements). • CON 110 (Mission Support Planning). Purchase cardholders and Approving Officials Yearly... appropriations law. • CON 100 (Shaping Smart Business Arrangements). • CON 110 (Mission Support Planning). Agency...

Alterations in Hepatic FGF21, Co-Regulated Genes, and Upstream Metabolic Genes in Response to Nutrition, Ketosis and Inflammation in Peripartal Holstein Cows

PubMed Central

Akbar, Haji; Batistel, Fernanda; Drackley, James K.; Loor, Juan J.

2015-01-01

In rodents, fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) has emerged as a key metabolic regulator produced by liver. To gather preliminary data on the potential importance of FGF1, co-regulated genes, and upstream metabolic genes, we examined the hepatic mRNA expression in response to nutrition and inflammation in dairy cows. In experiment 1, induction of ketosis through feed restriction on d 5 postpartum upregulated FGF21, its co-receptor KLB, and PPARA but only elicited a numerical increase in serum FGF21 concentration. In experiment 2, cows in control (CON) or receiving 50 g/d of L-carnitine (C50) from -14 through 21 d had increased FGF21, PPARA, and NFIL3 on d 10 compared with d 2 postpartum. In contrast, compared with CON and C50, 100 g/d L-carnitine (C100) resulted in lower FGF21, KLB, ANGPTL4, and ARNTL expression on d 10. In experiment 3, cows were fed during the dry period either a higher-energy (OVE; 1.62 Mcal/kg DM) or lower-energy (CON; 1.34 Mcal/kg DM) diet and received 0 (OVE:N, CON:N) or 200 μg of LPS (OVE:Y, CON:Y) into the mammary gland at d 7 postpartum. For FGF21 mRNA expression in CON, the LPS challenge (CON:Y) prevented a decrease in expression between d 7 and 14 postpartum such that cows in CON:N had a 4-fold lower expression on d 14 compared with d 7. The inflammatory stimulus induced by LPS in CON:Y resulted in upregulation of PPARA on d 14 to a similar level as cows in OVE:N. In OVE:Y, expression of PPARA was lower than CON:N on d 7 and remained unchanged on d 14. On d 7, LPS led to a 4-fold greater serum FGF21 only in OVE but not in CON cows. In fact, OVE:Y reached the same serum FGF21 concentration as CON:N, suggesting a carryover effect of dietary energy level on signaling mechanisms within liver. Overall, results indicate that nutrition, ketosis, and inflammation during the peripartal period can alter hepatic FGF21, co-regulated genes, and upstream metabolic genes to various extents. The functional outcome of these changes merits further study, and in particular the mechanisms regulating transcription in response to changes in energy balance and feed intake. PMID:26451842

Alterations in Hepatic FGF21, Co-Regulated Genes, and Upstream Metabolic Genes in Response to Nutrition, Ketosis and Inflammation in Peripartal Holstein Cows.

PubMed

Akbar, Haji; Batistel, Fernanda; Drackley, James K; Loor, Juan J

2015-01-01

In rodents, fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) has emerged as a key metabolic regulator produced by liver. To gather preliminary data on the potential importance of FGF1, co-regulated genes, and upstream metabolic genes, we examined the hepatic mRNA expression in response to nutrition and inflammation in dairy cows. In experiment 1, induction of ketosis through feed restriction on d 5 postpartum upregulated FGF21, its co-receptor KLB, and PPARA but only elicited a numerical increase in serum FGF21 concentration. In experiment 2, cows in control (CON) or receiving 50 g/d of L-carnitine (C50) from -14 through 21 d had increased FGF21, PPARA, and NFIL3 on d 10 compared with d 2 postpartum. In contrast, compared with CON and C50, 100 g/d L-carnitine (C100) resulted in lower FGF21, KLB, ANGPTL4, and ARNTL expression on d 10. In experiment 3, cows were fed during the dry period either a higher-energy (OVE; 1.62 Mcal/kg DM) or lower-energy (CON; 1.34 Mcal/kg DM) diet and received 0 (OVE:N, CON:N) or 200 μg of LPS (OVE:Y, CON:Y) into the mammary gland at d 7 postpartum. For FGF21 mRNA expression in CON, the LPS challenge (CON:Y) prevented a decrease in expression between d 7 and 14 postpartum such that cows in CON:N had a 4-fold lower expression on d 14 compared with d 7. The inflammatory stimulus induced by LPS in CON:Y resulted in upregulation of PPARA on d 14 to a similar level as cows in OVE:N. In OVE:Y, expression of PPARA was lower than CON:N on d 7 and remained unchanged on d 14. On d 7, LPS led to a 4-fold greater serum FGF21 only in OVE but not in CON cows. In fact, OVE:Y reached the same serum FGF21 concentration as CON:N, suggesting a carryover effect of dietary energy level on signaling mechanisms within liver. Overall, results indicate that nutrition, ketosis, and inflammation during the peripartal period can alter hepatic FGF21, co-regulated genes, and upstream metabolic genes to various extents. The functional outcome of these changes merits further study, and in particular the mechanisms regulating transcription in response to changes in energy balance and feed intake.

Airspace Technology Demonstration 2 (ATD-2) Phase 1 Concept of Use (ConUse)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Jung, Yoon; Engelland, Shawn; Capps, Richard; Coppenbarger, Rich; Hooey, Becky; Sharma, Shivanjli; Stevens, Lindsay; Verma, Savita; Lohr, Gary; Chevalley, Eric;

Abundancias químicas de ψ Octantis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Medina, M. C.; Pintado, O. I.

Se determinan las abundancias químicas de ψ Oct usando espectros obtenidos con EBASIM en CASLEO. Los valores iniciales de temperatura efectiva y gravedad superficial se calculan con la fotometría uvbyβ. Esta estrella fue estudiada por Pintado y Adelman (1996) usando espectros REOSC y Adelman y otros (1993), este último basado en espectros echelle obtenidos con el Telescopio Anglo Australiano. Comparamos nuestros resultados con los de los trabajos anteriormente mencionados, pudiéndose realizar una evaluación de la calidad de los espectros EBASIM.

Separation of concanavalin A-induced human suppressor and helper T cells by the autologous erythrocyte rosette technique.

PubMed

Sakane, T; Honda, M; Taniguchi, Y; Kotani, H

1981-08-01

Very few normal human peripheral blood T cells are capable of binding autologous erythrocytes to form rosettes, whereas in the T cell population activated by concanavalin A (Con A) the autorosette levels are markedly enhanced. Fractionation of the Con A-activated T cells with autologous erythrocytes into autorosetting and nonrosetting cells demonstrates that suppressor, but not helper, activity resides in the autorosetting population, whereas the reverse is true of the nonrosetting population. Both these activities are found to be Con A dependent. The Con A-induced human suppressor cells can be identified and separated from the Con A-induced human helper cells by the autorosette technique. Studies on the surface properties of autorosetting and nonrosetting T cells indicate that there is little correlation between the activated suppressor and helper T cell subsets defined by autorosette technique and either those defined by monoclonal antibodies (which are able to distinguish these subsets in the resting but not activated T cells) or those defined by Fc receptors. Since the autorosetting T cell population (which acts as suppressor cells) bears receptors for peanut agglutinin, the nature of Con A-induced human suppressor cells appears to be analogous to that of Con A-induced murine suppressor cells.

Optic neuropathy in thyroid eye disease: results of the balanced decompression technique.

PubMed

Baril, Catherine; Pouliot, Denis; Molgat, Yvonne

2014-04-01

To determine the efficacy of combined endoscopic medial and external lateral orbital decompression for the treatment of compressive optic neuropathy (CON) in thyroid eye disease (TED). A retrospective review of all patients undergoing combined surgical orbital decompression for CON between 2000 and 2010 was conducted. Fifty-nine eyes of 34 patients undergoing combined surgical orbital decompression for CON. Clinical outcome measures included visual acuity, Hardy-Rand-Rittler (HRR) colour plate testing, relative afferent pupillary defect, intraocular pressure measurement, and Hertel exophthalmometry. A CON score was calculated preoperatively and postoperatively based on the visual acuity and the missed HRR plates. A higher CON score correlates with more severe visual dysfunction. All patients had improvement of their optic neuropathy after surgical decompression. CON score was calculated for 54 eyes and decreased significantly from a mean of 13.2 ± 10.35 preoperatively to a mean of 8.51 ± 10.24 postoperatively (p < 0.0001). Optic neuropathy was completely resolved in 93.22% (55/59 eyes). Eighteen of 34 patients (52.94%) experienced development of new-onset postoperative strabismus that required subsequent surgical intervention. Endoscopic medial combined with external lateral orbital decompression is an effective technique for the treatment of TED-associated CON. © 2013 Canadian Ophthalmological Society Published by Canadian Ophthalmological Society All rights reserved.

Changes to perceptions of the pros and cons of genetic susceptibility testing after APOE genotyping for Alzheimer disease risk

PubMed Central

Christensen, Kurt D.; Roberts, J. Scott; Uhlmann, Wendy R.; Green, Robert C.

2011-01-01

Purpose Perceptions about the pros and cons of genetic susceptibility testing are among the best predictors of test utilization. How actual testing changes such perceptions has yet to be examined. Methods In a clinical trial, first-degree relatives of patients with Alzheimer disease received genetic risk assessments for Alzheimer disease including APOE disclosure. Participants rated 11 possible benefits associated with genetic testing (pros) and 10 risks or limitations (cons) before genetic risk disclosure and again 12 months afterward. Results Pros were rated higher than cons at baseline (3.53 vs. 1.83, P < 0.001) and at 12 months after risk disclosure (3.33 vs. 1.88, P < 0.001). Ratings of pros decreased during the 12-month period (3.33 vs. 3.53, P < 0.001). Ratings of cons did not change (1.88 vs. 1.83, P = 0.199) except for a three-item discrimination subscale which increased (2.07 vs. 1.92, P = 0.012). Among specific pros and cons, three items related to prevention and treatment changed the most. Conclusion The process of APOE genetic risk assessment for Alzheimer disease sensitizes some to its limitations and the risks of discrimination; however, 1-year after disclosure, test recipients still consider the pros to strongly outweigh the cons. PMID:21270636

Altered thermoregulatory responses in heart failure patients exercising in the heat.

PubMed

Balmain, Bryce N; Jay, Ollie; Sabapathy, Surendran; Royston, Danielle; Stewart, Glenn M; Jayasinghe, Rohan; Morris, Norman R

2016-11-01

Heart failure (HF) patients appear to exhibit impaired thermoregulatory capacity during passive heating, as evidenced by diminished vascular conductance. Although some preliminary studies have described the thermoregulatory response to passive heating in HF, responses during exercise in the heat remain to be described. Therefore, the aim of this study was to compare thermoregulatory responses in HF and controls (CON) during exercise in the heat. Ten HF (NYHA classes I-II) and eight CON were included. Core temperature (T c ), skin temperature (T sk ), and cutaneous vascular conductance (CVC) were assessed at rest and during 1 h of exercise at 60% of maximal oxygen uptake. Metabolic heat production (H prod ) and the evaporative requirements for heat balance (E req ) were also calculated. Whole-body sweat rate was determined from pre-post nude body mass corrected for fluid intake. While H prod (HF: 3.9 ± 0.9; CON: 6.4 ± 1.5 W/kg) and E req (HF: 3.3 ± 0.9; CON: 5.6 ± 1.4 W/kg) were lower (P < 0.01) for HF compared to CON, both groups demonstrated a similar rise in T c (HF: 0.9 ± 0.4; CON: 1.0 ± 0.3°C). Despite this similar rise in T c , T sk (HF: 1.6 ± 0.7; CON: 2.7 ± 1.2°C), and the elevation in CVC (HF: 1.4 ± 1.0; CON: 3.0 ± 1.2 au/mmHg) was lower (P < 0.05) in HF compared to CON Additionally, whole-body sweat rate (HF: 0.36 ± 0.15; CON: 0.81 ± 0.39 L/h) was lower (P = 0.02) in HF compared to CON Patients with HF appear to be limited in their ability to manage a thermal load and distribute heat content to the body surface (i.e., skin), secondary to impaired circulation to the periphery. © 2016 The Authors. Physiological Reports published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of The Physiological Society and the American Physiological Society.

Urine Stasis Predisposes to Urinary Tract Infection by an Opportunistic Uropathogen in the Megabladder (Mgb) Mouse.

PubMed

Becknell, Brian; Mohamed, Ahmad Z; Li, Birong; Wilhide, Michael E; Ingraham, Susan E

2015-01-01

Urinary stasis is a risk factor for recurrent urinary tract infection (UTI). Homozygous mutant Megabladder (Mgb-/-) mice exhibit incomplete bladder emptying as a consequence of congenital detrusor aplasia. We hypothesize that this predisposes Mgb-/- mice to spontaneous and experimental UTI. Mgb-/-, Mgb+/-, and wild-type female mice underwent serial ultrasound and urine cultures at 4, 6, and 8 weeks to detect spontaneous UTI. Urine bacterial isolates were analyzed by Gram stain and speciated. Bladder stones were analyzed by x-ray diffractometry. Bladders and kidneys were subject to histologic analysis. The pathogenicity of coagulase-negative Staphylococcus (CONS) isolated from Mgb-/- urine was tested by transurethral administration to culture-negative Mgb-/- or wild-type animals. The contribution of urinary stasis to CONS susceptibility was evaluated by cutaneous vesicostomy in Mgb-/- mice. Mgb-/- mice develop spontaneous bacteriuria (42%) and struvite bladder stones (31%) by 8 weeks, findings absent in Mgb+/- and wild-type controls. CONS was cultured as a solitary isolate from Mgb-/- bladder stones. Bladders and kidneys from mice with struvite stones exhibit mucosal injury, inflammation, and fibrosis. These pathologic features of cystitis and pyelonephritis are replicated by transurethral inoculation of CONS in culture-negative Mgb-/- females, whereas wild-type animals are less susceptible to CONS colonization and organ injury. Cutaneous vesicostomy prior to CONS inoculation significantly reduces the quantity of CONS recovered from Mgb-/- urine, bladders, and kidneys. CONS is an opportunistic uropathogen in the setting of urinary stasis, leading to enhanced UTI incidence and severity in Mgb-/- mice.

Urine Stasis Predisposes to Urinary Tract Infection by an Opportunistic Uropathogen in the Megabladder (Mgb) Mouse

PubMed Central

Becknell, Brian; Mohamed, Ahmad Z.; Li, Birong; Wilhide, Michael E.; Ingraham, Susan E.

2015-01-01

Purpose Urinary stasis is a risk factor for recurrent urinary tract infection (UTI). Homozygous mutant Megabladder (Mgb-/-) mice exhibit incomplete bladder emptying as a consequence of congenital detrusor aplasia. We hypothesize that this predisposes Mgb-/- mice to spontaneous and experimental UTI. Methods Mgb-/-, Mgb+/-, and wild-type female mice underwent serial ultrasound and urine cultures at 4, 6, and 8 weeks to detect spontaneous UTI. Urine bacterial isolates were analyzed by Gram stain and speciated. Bladder stones were analyzed by x-ray diffractometry. Bladders and kidneys were subject to histologic analysis. The pathogenicity of coagulase-negative Staphylococcus (CONS) isolated from Mgb-/- urine was tested by transurethral administration to culture-negative Mgb-/- or wild-type animals. The contribution of urinary stasis to CONS susceptibility was evaluated by cutaneous vesicostomy in Mgb-/- mice. Results Mgb-/- mice develop spontaneous bacteriuria (42%) and struvite bladder stones (31%) by 8 weeks, findings absent in Mgb+/- and wild-type controls. CONS was cultured as a solitary isolate from Mgb-/- bladder stones. Bladders and kidneys from mice with struvite stones exhibit mucosal injury, inflammation, and fibrosis. These pathologic features of cystitis and pyelonephritis are replicated by transurethral inoculation of CONS in culture-negative Mgb-/- females, whereas wild-type animals are less susceptible to CONS colonization and organ injury. Cutaneous vesicostomy prior to CONS inoculation significantly reduces the quantity of CONS recovered from Mgb-/- urine, bladders, and kidneys. Conclusions CONS is an opportunistic uropathogen in the setting of urinary stasis, leading to enhanced UTI incidence and severity in Mgb-/- mice. PMID:26401845

Young women's perspective of the pros and cons to seeking screening for chlamydia and gonorrhea: an exploratory study.

PubMed

Chacko, Mariam R; von Sternberg, Kirk; Velasquez, Mary M; Wiemann, Constance M; Smith, Peggy B; DiClemente, Ralph

2008-08-01

To identify young women's pros and cons (decisional balance) to seeking chlamydia (CT) and gonorrhea (NGC) screening. Prospective, cross sectional study Community-based reproductive health clinic 192 young women (66% African American; mean age 18.9 years). Content analysis of responses obtained during a decisional balance exercise (pros and cons) promoting CT and NGC screening was conducted. Thematic categories were developed through a coding process, and each response was assigned to one thematic category. The frequency of pros and cons responses for each category and the frequency of participants endorsing each category were calculated. Ten thematic categories in relation to pros and cons of seeking CT and NGC screening were: being healthy; awareness of the body; systemic factors around the clinic visit and testing procedures; benefits and aversions around treatment; partner trust issues; confidentiality; prevention of long term adverse effects, protection of the body; concern for others; fear of results/aversion to testing; and logistical barriers. The three most often cited pros were awareness of the body, being healthy and treatment issues; and the three most often cited cons were logistical barriers (time/transportation), fear/aversion to testing, and systemic factors. A variety of pros and cons to seeking CT and NGC screening were identified at a community-based clinic. Providers in clinical settings can utilize this information when encouraging patients to seek regular STI screening by elucidating and emphasizing those pros and cons that have the most influence on a young woman's decision-making to seek screening.

YOUNG WOMEN’S PERSPECTIVE OF THE PROS AND CONS TO SEEKING SCREENING FOR CHLAMYDIA AND GONORRHEA: AN EXPLORATORY STUDY

PubMed Central

Chacko, Mariam R.; von Sternberg, Kirk; Velasquez, Mary M.; Wiemann, Constance M.; Smith, Peggy B.; DiClemente, Ralph

2008-01-01

Study Objective To identify young women’s pros and cons (decisional balance) to seeking chlamydia (CT) and gonorrhea (NGC) screening. Design Prospective, cross sectional study Setting Community-based reproductive health clinic Participants 192 young women (66% African American; mean age 18.9 years). Main Outcome Measure(s) Content analysis of responses obtained during a decisional balance exercise (pros and cons) promoting CT and NGC screening was conducted. Thematic categories were developed through a coding process, and each response was assigned to one thematic category. The frequency of pros and cons responses for each category and the frequency of participants endorsing each category were calculated. Results Ten thematic categories in relation to pros and cons of seeking CT and NGC screening were: being healthy; awareness of knowing the body; systemic factors around the clinic visit and testing procedures; benefits and aversions around treatment; partner relationship issues; confidentiality; prevention of long term adverse effects, protection of the body; concern for others; fear of results/aversion to testing; and logistical barriers. The three most often cited pros were awareness, healthy and treatment issues; and the three most often cited cons were logistical barriers (time/transportation), fear/aversion to testing, and systemic issues. Conclusions A variety of pros and cons to seeking CT and NGC screening were identified at a community-based clinic. Providers in clinical settings can utilize this information when encouraging patients to seek regular STI screening by elucidating and emphasizing those pros and cons that have the most influence on a young woman’s decision-making to seek screening. PMID:18656072

The global regulator of pathogenesis PnCon7 positively regulates Tox3 effector gene expression through direct interaction in the wheat pathogen Parastagonospora nodorum.

PubMed

Lin, Shao-Yu; Chooi, Yit-Heng; Solomon, Peter S

2018-05-03

To investigate effector gene regulation in the wheat pathogenic fungus Parastagonospora nodorum, the promoter and expression of Tox3 was characterised through a series of complementary approaches. Promoter deletion and DNase I footprinting experiments identified a 25 bp region in the Tox3 promoter as being required for transcription. Subsequent yeast one-hybrid analysis using the DNA sequence as bait identified that interacting partner as the C2H2 zinc finger transcription factor PnCon7, a putative master regulator of pathogenesis. Silencing of PnCon7 resulted in the down-regulation of Tox3 demonstrating that the transcription factor has a positive regulatory role on gene expression. Analysis of Tox3 expression in the PnCon7 silenced strains revealed a strong correlation with PnCon7 transcript levels, supportive of a direct regulatory role. Subsequent pathogenicity assays using PnCon7-silenced isolates revealed that the transcription factor was required for Tox3-mediated disease. The expression of two other necrotrophic effectors (ToxA and Tox1) was also affected but in a non-dose dependent manner suggesting that the regulatory role of PnCon7 on these genes was indirect. Collectively, these data have advanced our fundamental understanding of the Con7 master regulator of pathogenesis by demonstrating its positive regulatory role on the Tox3 effector in P. nodorum through direct interaction. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved. © 2018 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Trazando la materia oscura con cúmulos globulares

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Forte, J. C.

Se describe la estrategia adoptada para mapear la distribución de materia oscura y bariónica en galaxias elípticas cuyos cúmulos globulares están siendo observados con los telescopios VLT y Gemini. Se ejemplifican los resultados con los datos obtenidos en el cúmulo de Fornax.

Estudio de eventos dinámicos en ondas milimétricas

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cristiani, G.; Martínez, G.; Raulin, J. P.; Giménez de Castro, G.; Rovira, M.

El estudio de la actividad solar con el telescopio para ondas submilimétricas (SST), nos permite, por vez primera, trabajar con una resolución temporal de milisegundos. Este hecho ha permitido observar emisión nunca antes comprobada, pulsos o flashes extremadamente rápidos provenientes de las regiones activas, los cuales parecen preanunciar fulguraciones en dichas regiones. Se muestra, como ejemplo, una fulguración observada con el telescopio HASTA en Hα, y los pulsos rápidos que la preceden observados con el SST. Para cuantificar la influencia de la atmósfera terrestre en los datos registrados, se está estudiando la variabilidad temporal de las opacidades a las frecuecias de trabajo (212 y 405 Ghz), es decir los rangos de tiempo para los cuales la opacidad puede variar apreciablemente. Con este fin se calcula la eficiencia de cada canal multiplicada por la temperatura del Sol a estas frecuencias (estas son conocidas con una incerteza del 20 %). Se muestran los resultados obtenidos para cada canal, en donde se grafica este producto como función de la opacidad.

Mutants of Neurospora crassa that alter gene expression and conidia development.

PubMed Central

Madi, L; Ebbole, D J; White, B T; Yanofsky, C

1994-01-01

Several genes have been identified that are highly expressed during conidiation. Inactivation of these genes has no observable phenotypic effect. Transcripts of two such genes, con-6 and con-10, are normally absent from vegetative mycelia. To identify regulatory genes that affect con-6 and/or con-10 expression, strains were prepared in which the regulatory regions for these genes were fused to a gene conferring hygromycin resistance. Mutants were then selected that were resistant to the drug during mycelial growth. Mutations in several of the isolates had trans effects; they activated transcription of the corresponding intact gene and, in most isolates, one or more of the other con genes. Most interestingly, resistant mutants were obtained that were defective at different stages of conidiation. One mutant conidiated under conditions that do not permit conidiation in wild type. Images PMID:8016143

La salud en personas con discapacidad intelectual en España: estudio europeo POMONA-II

PubMed Central

Martínez-Leal, Rafael; Salvador-Carulla, Luis; Gutiérrez-Colosía, Mencía Ruiz; Nadal, Margarida; Novell-Alsina, Ramón; Martorell, Almudena; González-Gordón, Rodrigo G.; Mérida-Gutiérrez, M. Reyes; Ángel, Silvia; Milagrosa-Tejonero, Luisa; Rodríguez, Alicia; García-Gutiérrez, Juan C.; Pérez-Vicente, Amado; García-Ibáñez, José; Aguilera-Inés, Francisco

2011-01-01

Introducción Estudios internacionales demuestran que existe un patrón diferenciado de salud y una disparidad en la atención sanitaria entre personas con discapacidad intelectual (DI) y población general. Objetivo Obtener datos sobre el estado de salud de las personas con DI y compararlos con datos de población general. Pacientes y métodos Se utilizó el conjunto de indicadores de salud P15 en una muestra de 111 sujetos con DI. Los datos de salud encontrados se compararon según el tipo de residencia de los sujetos y se utilizó la Encuesta Nacional de Salud 2006 para comparar estos datos con los de la población general. Resultados La muestra con DI presentó 25 veces más casos de epilepsia y el doble de obesidad. Un 20% presentó dolor bucal, y existió una alta presencia de problemas sensoriales, de movilidad y psicosis. Sin embargo, encontramos una baja presencia de patologías como la diabetes, la hipertensión, la osteoartritis y la osteoporosis. También presentaron una menor participación en programas de prevención y promoción de la salud, un mayor número de ingresos hospitalarios y un uso menor de los servicios de urgencia. Conclusiones El patrón de salud de las personas con DI difiere del de la población general, y éstas realizan un uso distinto de los servicios sanitarios. Es importante el desarrollo de programas de promoción de salud y de formación profesional específicamente diseñados para la atención de personas con DI, así como la implementación de encuestas de salud que incluyan datos sobre esta población. PMID:21948011

Exploration of the metal coordination region of concanavalin A for its interaction with human norovirus.

PubMed

Kim, Duwoon; Lee, Hee-Min; Oh, Kyung-Seo; Ki, Ah Young; Protzman, Rachael A; Kim, Dongkyun; Choi, Jong-Soon; Kim, Min Ji; Kim, Sung Hyun; Vaidya, Bipin; Lee, Seung Jae; Kwon, Joseph

2017-06-01

Rapid methods for the detection and clinical treatment of human norovirus (HuNoV) are needed to control foodborne disease outbreaks, but reliable techniques that are fast and sensitive enough to detect small amounts of HuNoV in food and aquatic environments are not yet available. We explore the interactions between HuNoV and concanavalin A (Con A), which could facilitate the development of a sensitive detection tool for HuNoV. Biophysical studies including hydrogen/deuterium exchange (HDX) mass spectrometry and surface plasmon resonance (SPR) revealed that when the metal coordinated region of Con A, which spans Asp16 to His24, is converted to nine alanine residues (mCon A MCR ), the affinity for HuNoV (GII.4) diminishes, demonstrating that this Ca 2+ and Mn 2+ coordinated region is responsible for the observed virus-protein interaction. The mutated carbohydrate binding region of Con A (mCon A CBR ) does not affect binding affinity significantly, indicating that MCR of Con A is a major region of interaction to HuNoV (GII.4). The results further contribute to the development of a HuNoV concentration tool, Con A-immobilized polyacrylate beads (Con A-PAB), for rapid detection of genotypes from genogroups I and II (GI and GII). This method offers many advantages over currently available methods, including a short concentration time. HuNov (GI and GII) can be detected in just 15 min with 90% recovery through Con A-PAB application. In addition, this method can be used over a wide range of pH values (pH 3.0 - 10.0). Overall, this rapid and sensitive detection of HuNoV (GI and GII) will aid in the prevention of virus transmission pathways, and the method developed here may have applicability for other foodborne viral infections. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Observación espectroscópica de NGC 2442

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Agüero, E.; Bajaja, E.; Paolantonio, S.

La galaxia NGC 2442 (SAB(s)bc pec) fue observada con el telescopio de 2,15 m y el espectrógrafo REOSC del CASLEO utilizando el detector CCD Tektronix de 1024 × 1024 pixels de 24 μ m (0,26"). Las exposiciones fueron realizadas con la ranura de 3,3'' × 348'', en el plano focal, ubicadas en seis posiciones, cinco a 40o de áng. de pos. y una a 79o. La mayor parte de las exposiciones se efectuó con la red de 1200 líneas mm-1, a un ángulo de 25,53o cubriendo el rango de λλ 6200 a 6900 con dispersión de 32Å mm-1 y resolución de 2,5 Å. Las relaciones entre las intensidades de las líneas de emisión en el núcleo de NGC 2442 indican que es un LINER lo cual es compatible con la sugerencia de Shobrook de que se trataría de una galaxia Seyfert u otro tipo de galaxia activa. La temperatura y densidad electrónicas nucleares son Te ~14.000 K y Ne ~ 530 cm-3, respectivamente. Una región a 87'' al NE en cambio, donde las intensidades son también altas, presenta características espectrales típicas de una Región HII con Te ~6500 K y Ne ~10 cm-3. La correlación de las intensidades con el CO en 115 GHz y con el continuo en 843 MHz y de las velocidades ópticas con las del CO, a lo largo del eje mayor, son muy buenas. La mayor resolución angular de las observaciones, sin embargo, permite apreciar la existencia de dos componentes de velocidad en el núcleo que pueden corresponder a un anillo en rotación o a un fenómeno de expansión.

Superoxide produced by Kupffer cells is an essential effector in concanavalin A-induced hepatitis in mice.

PubMed

Nakashima, Hiroyuki; Kinoshita, Manabu; Nakashima, Masahiro; Habu, Yoshiko; Shono, Satoshi; Uchida, Takefumi; Shinomiya, Nariyoshi; Seki, Shuhji

2008-12-01

Although concanavalin A (Con-A)-induced experimental hepatitis is thought to be induced by activated T cells, natural killer T (NKT) cells, and cytokines, precise mechanisms are still unknown. In the current study, we investigated the roles of Kupffer cells, NKT cells, FasL, tumor necrosis factor (TNF), and superoxide in Con-A hepatitis in C57BL/6 mice. Removal of Kupffer cells using gadolinium chloride (GdCl(3)) from the liver completely inhibited Con-A hepatitis, whereas increased serum TNF and IFN-gamma levels were not inhibited at all. Unexpectedly, anti-FasL antibody pretreatment did not inhibit Con-A hepatitis, whereas it inhibited hepatic injury induced by a synthetic ligand of NKT cells, alpha-galactosylceramide. Furthermore, GdCl(3) pretreatment changed neither the activation-induced down-regulation of NK1.1 antigens as well as T cell receptors of NKT cells nor the increased expression of the CD69 activation antigen of hepatic T cells. CD68(+) Kupffer cells greatly increased in proportion in the early phase after Con-A injection; this increase was abrogated by GdCl(3) pretreatment. Anti-TNF antibody (Ab) pretreatment did not inhibit the increase of Kupffer cells, but it effectively suppressed superoxide/reactive oxygen production from Kupffer cells and the resulting hepatic injury. Conversely, depletion of NKT cells in mice by NK1.1 Ab pretreatment did suppress both the increase of CD68(+) Kupffer cells and Con-A hepatitis. Consistently, the diminution of oxygen radicals produced by Kupffer cells by use of free radical scavengers greatly inhibited Con-A hepatitis without suppressing cytokine production. However, adoptive transfer experiments also indicate that a close interaction/cooperation of Kupffer cells with NKT cells is essential for Con-A hepatitis. Superoxide produced by Kupffer cells may be the essential effector in Con-A hepatitis, and TNF and NKT cells support their activation and superoxide production.

Assigning ecological roles to the populations belonging to a phenanthrene-degrading bacterial consortium using omic approaches

PubMed Central

Coppotelli, Bibiana Marina; Madueño, Laura; Loviso, Claudia Lorena; Macchi, Marianela; Neme Tauil, Ricardo Martin; Valacco, María Pía; Morelli, Irma Susana

2017-01-01

The present study describes the behavior of a natural phenanthrene-degrading consortium (CON), a synthetic consortium (constructed with isolated strains from CON) and an isolated strain form CON (Sphingobium sp. AM) in phenanthrene cultures to understand the interactions among the microorganisms present in the natural consortium during phenanthrene degradation as a sole carbon and energy source in liquid cultures. In the contaminant degradation assay, the defined consortium not only achieved a major phenanthrene degradation percentage (> 95%) but also showed a more efficient elimination of the intermediate metabolite. The opposite behavior occurred in the CON culture where the lowest phenanthrene degradation and the highest HNA accumulation were observed, which suggests the presence of positive and also negative interaction in CON. To consider the uncultured bacteria present in CON, a metagenomic library was constructed with total CON DNA. One of the resulting scaffolds (S1P3) was affiliated with the Betaproteobacteria class and resulted in a significant similarity with a genome fragment from Burkholderia sp. HB1 chromosome 1. A complete gene cluster, which is related to one of the lower pathways (meta-cleavage of catechol) involved in PAH degradation (ORF 31–43), mobile genetic elements and associated proteins, was found. These results suggest the presence of at least one other microorganism in CON besides Sphingobium sp. AM, which is capable of degrading PAH through the meta-cleavage pathway. Burkholderiales order was further found, along with Sphingomonadales order, by a metaproteomic approach, which indicated that both orders were metabolically active in CON. Our results show the presence of negative interactions between bacterial populations found in a natural consortium selected by enrichment techniques; moreover, the synthetic syntrophic processing chain with only one microorganism with the capability of degrading phenanthrene was more efficient in contaminant and intermediate metabolite degradation than a generalist strain (Sphingobium sp. AM). PMID:28886166

Human endogenous retrovirus K Gag coassembles with HIV-1 Gag and reduces the release efficiency and infectivity of HIV-1.

PubMed

Monde, Kazuaki; Contreras-Galindo, Rafael; Kaplan, Mark H; Markovitz, David M; Ono, Akira

2012-10-01

Human endogenous retroviruses (HERVs), which are remnants of ancestral retroviruses integrated into the human genome, are defective in viral replication. Because activation of HERV-K and coexpression of this virus with HIV-1 have been observed during HIV-1 infection, it is conceivable that HERV-K could affect HIV-1 replication, either by competition or by cooperation, in cells expressing both viruses. In this study, we found that the release efficiency of HIV-1 Gag was 3-fold reduced upon overexpression of HERV-K(CON) Gag. In addition, we observed that in cells expressing Gag proteins of both viruses, HERV-K(CON) Gag colocalized with HIV-1 Gag at the plasma membrane. Furthermore, HERV-K(CON) Gag was found to coassemble with HIV-1 Gag, as demonstrated by (i) processing of HERV-K(CON) Gag by HIV-1 protease in virions, (ii) coimmunoprecipitation of virion-associated HERV-K(CON) Gag with HIV-1 Gag, and (iii) rescue of a late-domain-defective HERV-K(CON) Gag by wild-type (WT) HIV-1 Gag. Myristylation-deficient HERV-K(CON) Gag localized to nuclei, suggesting cryptic nuclear trafficking of HERV-K Gag. Notably, unlike WT HERV-K(CON) Gag, HIV-1 Gag failed to rescue myristylation-deficient HERV-K(CON) Gag to the plasma membrane. Efficient colocalization and coassembly of HIV-1 Gag and HERV-K Gag also required nucleocapsid (NC). These results provide evidence that HIV-1 Gag heteromultimerizes with HERV-K Gag at the plasma membrane, presumably through NC-RNA interaction. Intriguingly, HERV-K Gag overexpression reduced not only HIV-1 release efficiency but also HIV-1 infectivity in a myristylation- and NC-dependent manner. Altogether, these results indicate that Gag proteins of endogenous retroviruses can coassemble with HIV-1 Gag and modulate the late phase of HIV-1 replication.

Hemangioblastomas de fosa posterior: Reporte de 16 casos y revisión de la literatura

PubMed Central

Campero, Alvaro; Ajler, Pablo; Fernandez, Julio; Isolan, Gustavo; Paiz, Martin; Rivadeneira, Conrado

2016-01-01

Resumen Objetivo: El propósito del presente trabajo es presentar los resultados de 16 pacientes con diagnóstico de hemangioblastoma de fosa posterior (HBFP), operados con técnicas microquirúrgicas. Método: Desde junio de 2005 a diciembre de 2015, 16 pacientes con diagnóstico de HBFP fueron intervenidos quirúrgicamente. Se evaluó: sexo, edad, tipo de lesión (quística con nódulo, quística sin nódulo, sólida y sólida-quística), sintomatología y resultados postoperatorios. Resultados: De los 16 pacientes intervenidos, 11 fueron varones y 5 mujeres. La edad promedio fue de 44 años. La forma más frecuente fue quística con nódulo (57%), seguida por forma sólida (31%). Un solo caso presentó la forma quística sin nódulo (6%), y uno solo la forma sólido-quística (6%). La sintomatología más frecuente fue cefalea acompañada de síndrome cerebeloso (43%), seguido de síndrome de hipertensión endocraneana (25%). En todos los casos la resección fue completa, siendo necesario en un caso una embolización previa. Como complicaciones postoperatorias, 2 pacientes presentaron ataxia (mejoró al cabo de 3 meses), y 1 paciente presentó una fístula de LCR (se solucionó con un drenaje espinal externo). Se registró un óbito por complicaciones postoperatorias. Conclusión: Lo más frecuente de ver en pacientes con HBFP es la forma quística con nódulo, siendo su sintomatología predominante la cefalea acompañada de síndrome cerebeloso. La resección quirúrgica completa es posible, con una baja tasa de morbimortalidad. PMID:27999708

Dietary Chromium Restriction of Pregnant Mice Changes the Methylation Status of Hepatic Genes Involved with Insulin Signaling in Adult Male Offspring

PubMed Central

Zhang, Qian; Sun, Xiaofang; Xiao, Xinhua; Zheng, Jia; Li, Ming; Yu, Miao; Ping, Fan; Wang, Zhixin; Qi, Cuijuan; Wang, Tong; Wang, Xiaojing

2017-01-01

Maternal undernutrition is linked with an elevated risk of diabetes mellitus in offspring regardless of the postnatal dietary status. This is also found in maternal micro-nutrition deficiency, especial chromium which is a key glucose regulator. We investigated whether maternal chromium restriction contributes to the development of diabetes in offspring by affecting DNA methylation status in liver tissue. After being mated with control males, female weanling 8-week-old C57BL mice were fed a control diet (CON, 1.19 mg chromium/kg diet) or a low chromium diet (LC, 0.14 mg chromium/kg diet) during pregnancy and lactation. After weaning, some offspring were shifted to the other diet (CON-LC, or LC-CON), while others remained on the same diet (CON-CON, or LC-LC) for 29 weeks. Fasting blood glucose, serum insulin, and oral glucose tolerance test was performed to evaluate the glucose metabolism condition. Methylation differences in liver from the LC-CON group and CON-CON groups were studied by using a DNA methylation array. Bisulfite sequencing was carried out to validate the results of the methylation array. Maternal chromium limitation diet increased the body weight, blood glucose, and serum insulin levels. Even when switched to the control diet after weaning, the offspring also showed impaired glucose tolerance and insulin resistance. DNA methylation profiling of the offspring livers revealed 935 differentially methylated genes in livers of the maternal chromium restriction diet group. Pathway analysis identified the insulin signaling pathway was the main process affected by hypermethylated genes. Bisulfite sequencing confirmed that some genes in insulin signaling pathway were hypermethylated in livers of the LC-CON and LC-LC group. Accordingly, the expression of genes in insulin signaling pathway was downregulated. There findings suggest that maternal chromium restriction diet results in glucose intolerance in male offspring through alterations in DNA methylation which is associated with the insulin signaling pathway in the mice livers. PMID:28072825

Dietary Chromium Restriction of Pregnant Mice Changes the Methylation Status of Hepatic Genes Involved with Insulin Signaling in Adult Male Offspring.

PubMed

Zhang, Qian; Sun, Xiaofang; Xiao, Xinhua; Zheng, Jia; Li, Ming; Yu, Miao; Ping, Fan; Wang, Zhixin; Qi, Cuijuan; Wang, Tong; Wang, Xiaojing

2017-01-01

Maternal undernutrition is linked with an elevated risk of diabetes mellitus in offspring regardless of the postnatal dietary status. This is also found in maternal micro-nutrition deficiency, especial chromium which is a key glucose regulator. We investigated whether maternal chromium restriction contributes to the development of diabetes in offspring by affecting DNA methylation status in liver tissue. After being mated with control males, female weanling 8-week-old C57BL mice were fed a control diet (CON, 1.19 mg chromium/kg diet) or a low chromium diet (LC, 0.14 mg chromium/kg diet) during pregnancy and lactation. After weaning, some offspring were shifted to the other diet (CON-LC, or LC-CON), while others remained on the same diet (CON-CON, or LC-LC) for 29 weeks. Fasting blood glucose, serum insulin, and oral glucose tolerance test was performed to evaluate the glucose metabolism condition. Methylation differences in liver from the LC-CON group and CON-CON groups were studied by using a DNA methylation array. Bisulfite sequencing was carried out to validate the results of the methylation array. Maternal chromium limitation diet increased the body weight, blood glucose, and serum insulin levels. Even when switched to the control diet after weaning, the offspring also showed impaired glucose tolerance and insulin resistance. DNA methylation profiling of the offspring livers revealed 935 differentially methylated genes in livers of the maternal chromium restriction diet group. Pathway analysis identified the insulin signaling pathway was the main process affected by hypermethylated genes. Bisulfite sequencing confirmed that some genes in insulin signaling pathway were hypermethylated in livers of the LC-CON and LC-LC group. Accordingly, the expression of genes in insulin signaling pathway was downregulated. There findings suggest that maternal chromium restriction diet results in glucose intolerance in male offspring through alterations in DNA methylation which is associated with the insulin signaling pathway in the mice livers.

Peripheral Arterial and Venous Response to Tilt Test after a 60-Day Bedrest with and without Countermeasures (ES-IBREP)

PubMed Central

Coupé, Mickael; Bai, Yanqiang; Gauquelin-Koch, Guillemette; Jiang, Shizhong; Aubry, Patrick; Wan, Yumin; Custaud, Marc-Antoine; Li, Yinghui

2012-01-01

We quantified the impact of 60-day head-down bed rest (HDBR) with countermeasures on arterial and venous response to tilt. Methods: Twenty-one males: 7 control (Con), 7 resistive vibration exercise (RVE) and 7 Chinese herb (Herb) were assessed. Subjects were identified as finisher (F) or non-finishers (NF) at the post-HDBR 20-min tilt test. The cerebral (MCA), femoral (FEM) arterial flow velocity and leg vascular resistance (FRI), the portal vein section (PV), the flow redistribution ratios (MCA/FEM; MCA/PV), the tibial (Tib), gastrocnemius (Gast), and saphenous (Saph) vein sections were measured by echography and Doppler ultrasonography. Arterial and venous parameters were measured at 3-min pre-tilt in the supine position, and at 1 min before the end of the tilt. Results: At post-HDBR tilt, MCA decreased more compared with pre-HDBR tilt in the Con, RVE, and Herb groups, the MCA/FEM tended to decrease in the Con and Herb groups (not significant) but remained stable in the RVE gr. FRI dropped in the Con gr, but remained stable in the Herb gr and increased in the RVE gr. PV decreased less in the Con and Herb groups but remained unchanged in the RVE gr. MCA/PV decreased in the Con and Herb groups, but increased to a similar extent in the RVE gr. Gast section significantly increased more in the Con gr only, whereas Tib section increased more in the Con and Herb groups but not in the RVE gr. The percent change in Saph section was similar at pre- and post-HDBR tilt. Conclusion: In the Con gr, vasoconstriction was reduced in leg and splanchnic areas. RVE and Herb contributed to prevent the loss of vasoconstriction in both areas, but the effect of RVE was higher. RVE and Herb contributed to limit Gast distension whereas only RVE had a protective effect on the Tib. PMID:22412933

Metabolic markers in Ossabaw pigs fed high fat diets enriched in regular or low α-linolenic acid soy oil

PubMed Central

2013-01-01

Background Soy oil is a major vegetable oil consumed in the US. A recently developed soybean variety produces oil with a lower concentration of α-linolenic acid, hence a higher (n-6)/(n-3) ratio, than regular soy oil. The study was conducted to determine the metabolic impact of the low α-linolenic acid containing soy oil. Methods Ossabaw pigs were fed diets supplemented with either 13% regular soybean oil (SBO), or 13% of the low α-linolenic soybean oil (LLO) or a control diet (CON) without extra oil supplementation, for 8 weeks. Results Serum and adipose tissue α-linolenic acid concentration was higher in pigs fed the SBO diet than those on the CON and LLO diets. In the serum, the concentration of saturated fatty acids (SFA) was lower in the LLO group than in CON and SBO groups polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) concentration was higher in the LLO group compared to CON and SBO groups. Glucose, insulin, triglycerides and LDL-cholesterol were higher in pigs fed the SBO diet than those fed the CON and LLO diets. HDL-cholesterol was lower in pigs on the SBO diet than those on the CON and LLO diets. Pigs fed SBO and LLO diets had lower CRP concentration than those on the CON diet. Adipose tissue expression of Interleukin 6 (IL-6) was higher in the SBO and LLO diets than the CON. Expression of ECM genes, COLVIA and fibronectin, was significantly reduced in the SBO diet relative to the CON and LLO diets whereas expression of inflammation-related genes, cluster of differentiation 68 (CD68) and monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 (MCP-1), was not different across treatments. Conclusions Results suggest that lowering the content of α-linolenic acid in the context of a high fat diet could lead to mitigation of development of hyperinsulinemia and dyslipidemia without significant effects on adipose tissue inflammation. PMID:23497195

Comparison between maximal lengthening and shortening contractions for biceps brachii muscle oxygenation and hemodynamics.

PubMed

Muthalib, Makii; Lee, Hoseong; Millet, Guillaume Y; Ferrari, Marco; Nosaka, Kazunori

2010-09-01

Eccentric contractions (ECC) require lower systemic oxygen (O2) and induce greater symptoms of muscle damage than concentric contractions (CON); however, it is not known if local muscle oxygenation is lower in ECC than CON during and following exercise. This study compared between ECC and CON for changes in biceps brachii muscle oxygenation [tissue oxygenation index (TOI)] and hemodynamics [total hemoglobin volume (tHb)=oxygenated-Hb+deoxygenated-Hb], determined by near-infrared spectroscopy over 10 sets of 6 maximal contractions of the elbow flexors of 10 healthy subjects. This study also compared between ECC and CON for changes in TOI and tHb during a 10-s sustained and 30-repeated maximal isometric contraction (MVC) task measured immediately before and after and 1-3 days following exercise. The torque integral during ECC was greater (P<0.05) than that during CON by approximately 30%, and the decrease in TOI was smaller (P<0.05) by approximately 50% during ECC than CON. Increases in tHb during the relaxation phases were smaller (P<0.05) by approximately 100% for ECC than CON; however, the decreases in tHb during the contraction phases were not significantly different between sessions. These results suggest that ECC utilizes a lower muscle O2 relative to O2 supply compared with CON. Following exercise, greater (P<0.05) decreases in MVC strength and increases in plasma creatine kinase activity and muscle soreness were evident 1-3 days after ECC than CON. Torque integral, TOI, and tHb during the sustained and repeated MVC tasks decreased (P<0.01) only after ECC, suggesting that muscle O2 demand relative to O2 supply during the isometric tasks was decreased after ECC. This could mainly be due to a lower maximal muscle mass activated as a consequence of muscle damage; however, an increase in O2 supply due to microcirculation dysfunction and/or inflammatory vasodilatory responses after ECC is recognized.

Women in Combat Pros and Cons

DTIC Science & Technology

1988-04-01

and Cons . Major Thomas H. Cecil 88-0490 "--"insights into tomorrou,"’ ..v- A A 0 PtY-i f(.> i’I,-:::x:’~ --pcr~ j.~ ~~* --. -- iiV • DISCLAIMER The...k. r- r,’ I’. REPORT NUMBER 88-0490 TITLE WOMEN IN COMBAT-PROS AND CONS AUTHOR(S) MAJOR THOMAS H. CEC-IL, USAF -% FACULTY ADVISOR CH, LT COL DAVID W...NUMBERS 11 TITLE (include Security Classification) WOMEN IN COMBAT--PROS AND CONS 12. PERSON4AL AUTHOR(S) Cecil, Thomas H1., Major, USAF 9a YýOF REPORT

Intake of specific fatty acids and fat alters growth, health, and titers following vaccination in dairy calves.

PubMed

Esselburn, K M; O'Diam, K M; Hill, T M; Bateman, H G; Aldrich, J M; Schlotterbeck, R L; Daniels, K M

2013-09-01

Typical fatty acid profiles of milk and milk replacer (MR) differ. Calf MR in the United States are made from animal fat, which are low in short- and medium-chain fatty acids and linolenic acid. Two 56-d trials compared a control MR containing 27% crude protein and formulated with 3 fat and fatty acid compositions. The 3 MR treatments were (1) only animal fat totaling 17% fat (CON), (2) animal fat supplemented with butyrate, medium-chain fatty acids, and linolenic acid using a commercial product (1.25% NeoTec4 MR; Provimi North America, Brookville, OH) totaling 17% fat (fatty acid-supplemented; FA-S), and (3) milk fat totaling 33% fat (MF). The MR were fed at 660 g of dry matter from d 0 to 42 and weaned. Starter (20% crude protein) and water were fed ad libitum for 56 d. Trial 1 utilized Holstein calves (24 female, 24 male) during summer months and trial 2 utilized Holstein calves (48 male) during fall months. Calves (41±1 kg of initial body weight; 2 to 3d of age) were sourced from a single farm and housed in a naturally ventilated nursery without added heat. Calves were in individual pens with straw bedding. Calf was the experimental unit. Data for each trial were analyzed as a completely randomized design with a 3 (MR treatment) × 2 (sex) factorial arrangement of treatments in trial 1 with repeated measures and as a completely randomized design with 3 MR treatments in trial 2 with repeated measures. Preplanned contrast statements of treatments CON versus FA-S and CON versus MF were used to separate means. We found no interactions of MR treatment by sex. Calf average daily gain, hip width change, and feed efficiency differed (CONFA-S). Titers to bovine respiratory parainfluenza-3 and bovine virus diarrhea type 1 (vaccinations to these pathogens were on d 7 and 28) in serum samples taken on d 49 and 56 differed (CONFA-S; CONFA-S; CON>MF). Calves fed FA-S and MF had improved growth and feed efficiency compared with calves fed CON, whereas calves fed FA-S also had improved measurements related to health and immunity. Copyright © 2013 American Dairy Science Association. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Effects of Different Surface Treatments on Composite Repairs.

PubMed

Batista, Graziela Ribeiro; Kamozaki, Maria Beatriz Beber; Gutierrez, Natália Cortez; Caneppele, Taciana Marco Ferraz; Rocha Gomes Torres, Carlos

2015-08-01

To evaluate the influence of different surface treatments on roughness and bond strength of composite repairs. 120 truncated conical specimens were prepared with composite Grandio SO (VOCO) and submitted to 5000 thermal cycles. Specimens were divided into 12 groups (n = 10) regarding the surface treatments: negative control (NC), without treatment; medium-grit diamond bur (MGD); coarse-grit diamond bur (CGD); conventional carbide bur (ConC); crosscut carbide bur (CutC); chemical vapor deposition diamond bur (CVD); sandblasting with aluminum oxide (AlO); Er:YAG laser 200 mJ/10 Hz (Er200); Er:YAG laser 60 mJ/10 Hz (Er50); Nd:YAG laser 120 mJ/15 Hz (Nd120); Nd:YAG laser 60 mJ/ 15Hz (Nd60); air abrasion with 110-μm silica modified aluminum oxide (Rocatec Plus-3M) (SIL). After the surface treatments, the surface roughness (Ra) was measured using a profilometer, and then the adhesive system Admira Bond (VOCO) was applied. Another truncated conical restoration was built up with the same composite over the bonded area of each specimen. In order to evaluate the cohesive strength, double-cone specimens were made and considered as a control group (CoheC). The specimens were submitted to tensile bond strength testing and the obtained data (MPa) were evaluated by one-way ANOVA, Tukey's and correlation tests. ANOVA showed significant differences among experimental groups for roughness and adhesive strength (p < 0.00). The roughness values (Ra) were: NC (0.21 ± 0.19)(c); ConC (0.30 ± 0.08)(c); CutC (0.50 ± 0.22)(cd); CVD (0.74 ± 0.14)(bd); MGD (0.89 ± 0.39)(ab); Er50 (0.89 ± 0.14)(ab); AlO (0.90 ± 0.07)(ab); Nd60 (0.94 ± 0.33ab; SIL (0.98 ± 0.07)(ab); Nd120 (1.10 ± 0.19)(a); CGD (1.10 ± 0.32)(a); Er200 (1.12 ± 0.21)(a). The results of the tensile bond strength test in MPa were: CGD (11.58 ± 3.03)(a); MGD (12.66 ± 3.82)(ab); NC (13.51 ± 3.95(ab); Nd120 (14.11 ± 5.95)(ab); ConC (14.73 ± 6.12)(ab); Er200 (15.51 ± 1.45)(abc); CVD (15.61 ± 5.00(abc); Er50 (16.44 ± 2.75) (abc); CutC (16.79 ± 2.98)(abc); Nd60 (17.72 ± 2.45)(abcd); AlO (18.33 ± 3.19)(bcd); SIL (21.13 ± 4.48(cd); CoheC (23.50 ± 5.81)(d). The groups followed by the same letters were not statistically significantly different (Tukey's test). No correlation was found between bond strength and roughness (r = 0.007). Air abrasion with silica coating (Rocatec) was the only method which resulted in significantly higher bond strength in relation to the negative control group. The increase in laser energy produced a rougher surface, but reduced the bond strength.

Improving the Current DHS Capabilities Framework

DTIC Science & Technology

2008-09-01

80 4. Pros and Cons .....................................................................................80 5. Performance Measurement... pros and cons . The chapter also provides a graphic of the proposed framework. • Chapter V – “The Road Ahead.” This chapter discovers and suggests...wheels, tires, tire pattern, tire width, and height to complement achieving the outcome. Finally, Jim considered the pros and cons of his new

PubMed

Gómez, Luis Alberto; Montoya, Gladis; Rivera, Hernán Mauricio; Hernández, Juan Carlos

2017-04-01

Introducción. El virus del Zika (ZIKV) es un flavivirus con envoltura, transmitido a los seres humanos principalmente por el vector Aedes aegypti. La infección por ZIKV se ha asociado con un gran neurotropismo y con efectos neuropáticos, como el síndrome de Guillain-Barré en el adulto y la microcefalia fetal y posnatal, así como con un síndrome de infección congénita similar al producido por el virus de la rubéola (RV).Objetivo. Comparar las estructuras moleculares de la proteína de envoltura E del virus del Zika (E-ZIKV) y de la E1 del virus de la rubéola (E1-RV), y plantear posibles implicaciones en el neurotropismo y en las alteraciones del sistema nervioso asociadas con el ZIKV.Materiales y métodos. La secuencia de aminoácidos de la proteína E-ZIKV (PDB: 5iZ7) se alineó con la de la glucopreteína E1 del virus de la rubéola (PDB: 4ADG). Los elementos de la estructura secundaria se determinaron usando los programas Vector NTI Advance®, DSSP y POSA, así como herramientas de gestión de datos (AlignX®). Uno de los criterios principales de comparación y alineación fue la asignación de residuos estructuralmente equivalentes, con más de 70 % de identidad.Resultados. La organización estructural de la proteína E-ZIKV (PDB: 5iZ7) fue similar a la de E1-RV (PDB: 4ADG) (70 a 80 % de identidad), y se observó una correspondencia con la estructura definida para las glucoproteínas de fusión de membrana de clase II de los virus con envoltura. E-ZIKV y E1-RV exhibieron elementos estructurales de fusión muy conservados en la región distal del dominio II, asociados con la unión a los receptores celulares de entrada del virus de la rubéola (glucoproteína de mielina del oligodendrocito, Myelin Oligodendrocyte Glycoprotein, MOG), y con los receptores celulares Axl del ZIKV y de otros flavivirus.Conclusión. La comparación de las proteínas E-ZIKV y E1-RV es un paso necesario hacia la definición de otros factores moleculares determinantes del neurotropismo y la patogenia del ZIKV, el cual puede contribuir a generar estrategias de diagnóstico, prevención y tratamiento de las complicaciones neurológicas inducidas por el ZIKV.

Local corticosteroid injection in iliotibial band friction syndrome in runners: a randomised controlled trial

PubMed Central

Gunter, P; Schwellnus, M; Fuller, P

2004-01-01

Objective: To establish whether a local injection of methylprednisolone acetate (40 mg) is effective in decreasing pain during running in runners with recent onset (less than two weeks) iliotibial band friction syndrome (ITBFS). Methods: Eighteen runners with at least grade 2 ITBFS underwent baseline investigations including a treadmill running test during which pain was recorded on a visual analogue scale every minute. The runners were then randomly assigned to either the experimental (EXP; nine) or a placebo control (CON; nine) group. The EXP group was infiltrated in the area where the iliotibial band crosses the lateral femoral condyle with 40 mg methylprednisolone acetate mixed with a short acting local anaesthetic, and the CON group with short acting local anaesthetic only. The same laboratory based running test was repeated after seven and 14 days. The main measure of outcome was total pain during running (calculated as the area under the pain versus time graph for each running test). Results: There was a tendency (p = 0.07) for a greater decrease in total pain (mean (SEM)) during the treadmill running in the EXP group than the CON group tests from day 0 (EXP = 222 (71), CON = 197 (31)) to day 7 (EXP = 140 (87), CON = 178 (76)), but there was a significant decrease in total pain during running (p = 0.01) from day 7 (EXP = 140 (87), CON = 178 (76)) to day 14 (EXP = 103 (89), CON = 157 (109)) in the EXP group compared with the CON group. Conclusion: Local corticosteroid infiltration effectively decreases pain during running in the first two weeks of treatment in patients with recent onset ITBFS. PMID:15155424

Cue-based assertion classification for Swedish clinical text – developing a lexicon for pyConTextSwe

PubMed Central

Velupillai, Sumithra; Skeppstedt, Maria; Kvist, Maria; Mowery, Danielle; Chapman, Brian E.; Dalianis, Hercules; Chapman, Wendy W.

2014-01-01

Objective The ability of a cue-based system to accurately assert whether a disorder is affirmed, negated, or uncertain is dependent, in part, on its cue lexicon. In this paper, we continue our study of porting an assertion system (pyConTextNLP) from English to Swedish (pyConTextSwe) by creating an optimized assertion lexicon for clinical Swedish. Methods and material We integrated cues from four external lexicons, along with generated inflections and combinations. We used subsets of a clinical corpus in Swedish. We applied four assertion classes (definite existence, probable existence, probable negated existence and definite negated existence) and two binary classes (existence yes/no and uncertainty yes/no) to pyConTextSwe. We compared pyConTextSwe’s performance with and without the added cues on a development set, and improved the lexicon further after an error analysis. On a separate evaluation set, we calculated the system’s final performance. Results Following integration steps, we added 454 cues to pyConTextSwe. The optimized lexicon developed after an error analysis resulted in statistically significant improvements on the development set (83% F-score, overall). The system’s final F-scores on an evaluation set were 81% (overall). For the individual assertion classes, F-score results were 88% (definite existence), 81% (probable existence), 55% (probable negated existence), and 63% (definite negated existence). For the binary classifications existence yes/no and uncertainty yes/no, final system performance was 97%/87% and 78%/86% F-score, respectively. Conclusions We have successfully ported pyConTextNLP to Swedish (pyConTextSwe). We have created an extensive and useful assertion lexicon for Swedish clinical text, which could form a valuable resource for similar studies, and which is publicly available. PMID:24556644

Desarrollo de la Escala sobre el Estigma Relacionado con el VIH/SIDA para Profesionales de la Salud mediante el uso de métodos mixtos123

PubMed Central

Varas-Díaz, Nelson; Neilands, Torsten B.; Guilamo-Ramos, Vincent; Cintrón Bou, Francheska N.

2009-01-01

El estigma relacionado con el VIH/SIDA continúa siendo un obstáculo para la prevención primaria y secundaria del VIH. Las consecuencias para las personas que viven con la enfermedad han sido muy documentadas y continúan siendo una gran preocupación para las personas que proveen servicios de salud y para aquellas que investigan el tema. Estas consecuencias son preocupantes cuando el estigma emana de profesionales de la salud porque se puede limitar el acceso a los servicios. Uno de los principales obstáculos para la investigación del estigma relacionado con el VIH en Puerto Rico es la falta de instrumentos cuantitativos para evaluar las manifestaciones del estigma entre profesionales de la salud. El objetivo principal de este estudio fue desarrollar y probar las propiedades psicométricas de una escala sobre el estigma relacionado con el VIH/SIDA culturalmente apropiada para personas que proveen servicios de salud puertorriqueñas y desarrollar una versión corta de la escala que pudiera usarse en escenarios clínicos con tiempo limitado. El instrumento desarrollado estuvo basado en evidencia cualitativa recopilada entre profesionales y estudiantes de profesiones de la salud puertorriqueños/as (n=80) y administrado a una muestra de 421 profesionales de la salud en adiestramiento. La escala contenía 12 dimensiones del estigma relacionado con el VIH/SIDA. El análisis cuantitativo corroboró 11 de ellas, teniendo como resultado un instrumento con validez y confiabilidad satisfactoria. Estas dimensiones, a su vez, fueron subcomponentes de un factor de estigma general superior. PMID:20333258

Identifying Subgroups among Hardcore Smokers: a Latent Profile Approach

PubMed Central

Bommelé, Jeroen; Kleinjan, Marloes; Schoenmakers, Tim M.; Burk, William J.; van den Eijnden, Regina; van de Mheen, Dike

2015-01-01

Introduction Hardcore smokers are smokers who have little to no intention to quit. Previous research suggests that there are distinct subgroups among hardcore smokers and that these subgroups vary in the perceived pros and cons of smoking and quitting. Identifying these subgroups could help to develop individualized messages for the group of hardcore smokers. In this study we therefore used the perceived pros and cons of smoking and quitting to identify profiles among hardcore smokers. Methods A sample of 510 hardcore smokers completed an online survey on the perceived pros and cons of smoking and quitting. We used these perceived pros and cons in a latent profile analysis to identify possible subgroups among hardcore smokers. To validate the profiles identified among hardcore smokers, we analysed data from a sample of 338 non-hardcore smokers in a similar way. Results We found three profiles among hardcore smokers. ‘Receptive’ hardcore smokers (36%) perceived many cons of smoking and many pros of quitting. ‘Ambivalent’ hardcore smokers (59%) were rather undecided towards quitting. ‘Resistant’ hardcore smokers (5%) saw few cons of smoking and few pros of quitting. Among non-hardcore smokers, we found similar groups of ‘receptive’ smokers (30%) and ‘ambivalent’ smokers (54%). However, a third group consisted of ‘disengaged’ smokers (16%), who saw few pros and cons of both smoking and quitting. Discussion Among hardcore smokers, we found three distinct profiles based on perceived pros and cons of smoking. This indicates that hardcore smokers are not a homogenous group. Each profile might require a different tobacco control approach. Our findings may help to develop individualized tobacco control messages for the particularly hard-to-reach group of hardcore smokers. PMID:26207829

The effect of additional carbohydrate supplements for 7 days after prolonged interval exercise on exercise performance and energy metabolism during submaximal exercise in team-sports athletes

PubMed Central

Park, Hun-Young; Kim, Jisu; Park, Miyoung; Chung, Nana; Lim, Kiwon

2018-01-01

[Purpose] The purpose of our study was to determine the effectiveness of carbohydrate loading by additional carbohydrate supplements for 7 days after prolonged interval exercise on exercise performance and energy metabolism during submaximal exercise in team-sports athletes. [Methods] Twenty male team-sports athletes (14 soccer and 6 rugby players) volunteered to participate in the study and were equally divided into the experimental group (EXP, n=10) performing additional carbohydrate supplementation for 7 days after prolonged interval exercise until blood glucose level reaches 50 mg/dL or less and the control group (CON, n=10). Then, maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max) and minute ventilation (VE), oxygen consumption (VO2), carbon dioxide excretion (VCO2), respiratory exchange ratio (RER), blood glucose level, and blood lactate level were measured in all team-sports players during submaximal exercise corresponding to 70% VO2max before and after intervention. [Results] There was no significant interaction in all parameters, but team-sports players in the EXP presented more improved VO2max (CON vs EXP = vs 5.3% vs 6.3%), VE (CON vs EXP = vs 3.8% vs 6.6%), VO2 (CON vs EXP = vs 8.5% vs 9.9%), VCO2 (CON vs EXP = vs 2.8% vs 4.0%), blood glucose level (CON vs EXP = vs -12.9% vs -7.6%), and blood lactate level (CON vs EXP = -18.2% vs -25%) compared to those in the CON. [Conclusion] These findings showed that additional carbohydrate supplementation conducted in our study is not effective in exercise performance and energy metabolism during submaximal exercise. PMID:29673243

Mincle Signaling Promotes Con-A Hepatitis

PubMed Central

Greco, Stephanie H.; Torres-Hernandez, Alejandro; Kalabin, Aleksandr; Whiteman, Clint; Rokosh, Rae; Ravirala, Sushma; Ochi, Atsuo; Gutierrez, Johana; Salyana, Muhammad Atif; Mani, Vishnu R.; Nagaraj, Savitha V.; Deutsch, Michael; Seifert, Lena; Daley, Donnele; Barilla, Rocky; Hundeyin, Mautin; Nikifrov, Yuriy; Tejada, Karla; Gelb, Bruce E.; Katz, Steven C.; Miller, George

2016-01-01

Concanavalin-A (Con-A) hepatitis is regarded as a T cell-mediated model of acute liver injury. Mincle is a C-type lectin receptor (CLR) that is critical in the immune response to mycobacteria and fungi, but does not have a well-defined role in pre-clinical models of non-pathogen mediated inflammation. Since Mincle can ligate the cell death ligand SAP130, we postulated that Mincle signaling drives intrahepatic inflammation and liver injury in Con-A hepatitis. Acute liver injury was assessed in the murine Con-A hepatitis model using C57BL/6, Mincle−/−, and Dectin-1−/− mice. The role of C/EBPβ and HIF-1α signaling was assessed using selective inhibitors. We found that Mincle was highly expressed in hepatic innate inflammatory cells and endothelial cells in both mice and humans. Furthermore, sterile Mincle ligands and Mincle signaling intermediates were increased in the murine liver in Con-A hepatitis. Most significantly, Mincle deletion or blockade protected against Con-A hepatitis whereas Mincle ligation exacerbated disease. Bone marrow chimeric and adoptive transfer experiments suggested that Mincle signaling in infiltrating myeloid cells dictates disease phenotype. Conversely, signaling via other CLRs did not alter disease course. Mechanistically, we found that Mincle blockade decreased the NF-κβ related signaling intermediates, C/EBPβ and HIF-1α, both of which are necessary in macrophage-mediated inflammatory responses. Accordingly, Mincle deletion lowered production of nitrites in Con-A hepatitis and inhibition of both C/EBPβ and HIF1-α reduced the severity of liver disease. Our work implicates a novel innate immune driver of Con-A hepatitis and, more broadly, suggests a potential role for Mincle in diseases governed by sterile inflammation. PMID:27559045

Mincle Signaling Promotes Con A Hepatitis.

PubMed

Greco, Stephanie H; Torres-Hernandez, Alejandro; Kalabin, Aleksandr; Whiteman, Clint; Rokosh, Rae; Ravirala, Sushma; Ochi, Atsuo; Gutierrez, Johana; Salyana, Muhammad Atif; Mani, Vishnu R; Nagaraj, Savitha V; Deutsch, Michael; Seifert, Lena; Daley, Donnele; Barilla, Rocky; Hundeyin, Mautin; Nikifrov, Yuriy; Tejada, Karla; Gelb, Bruce E; Katz, Steven C; Miller, George

2016-10-01

Con A hepatitis is regarded as a T cell-mediated model of acute liver injury. Mincle is a C-type lectin receptor that is critical in the immune response to mycobacteria and fungi but does not have a well-defined role in preclinical models of non-pathogen-mediated inflammation. Because Mincle can ligate the cell death ligand SAP130, we postulated that Mincle signaling drives intrahepatic inflammation and liver injury in Con A hepatitis. Acute liver injury was assessed in the murine Con A hepatitis model using C57BL/6, Mincle(-/-), and Dectin-1(-/-) mice. The role of C/EBPβ and hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) signaling was assessed using selective inhibitors. We found that Mincle was highly expressed in hepatic innate inflammatory cells and endothelial cells in both mice and humans. Furthermore, sterile Mincle ligands and Mincle signaling intermediates were increased in the murine liver in Con A hepatitis. Most significantly, Mincle deletion or blockade protected against Con A hepatitis, whereas Mincle ligation exacerbated disease. Bone marrow chimeric and adoptive transfer experiments suggested that Mincle signaling in infiltrating myeloid cells dictates disease phenotype. Conversely, signaling via other C-type lectin receptors did not alter disease course. Mechanistically, we found that Mincle blockade decreased the NF-κβ-related signaling intermediates C/EBPβ and HIF-1α, both of which are necessary in macrophage-mediated inflammatory responses. Accordingly, Mincle deletion lowered production of nitrites in Con A hepatitis and inhibition of both C/EBPβ and HIF-1α reduced the severity of liver disease. Our work implicates a novel innate immune driver of Con A hepatitis and, more broadly, suggests a potential role for Mincle in diseases governed by sterile inflammation. Copyright © 2016 by The American Association of Immunologists, Inc.

The Effects of Crushed Ice Ingestion Prior to Steady State Exercise in the Heat.

PubMed

Zimmermann, Matthew; Landers, Grant; Wallman, Karen E; Saldaris, Jacinta

2017-06-01

This study examined the physiological effects of crushed ice ingestion before steady state exercise in the heat. Ten healthy males with age (23 ± 3 y), height (176.9 ± 8.7 cm), body-mass (73.5 ± 8.0 kg), VO 2peak (48.5 ± 3.6 mL∙kg∙min -1 ) participated in the study. Participants completed 60 min of cycling at 55% of their VO 2peak preceded by 30 min of precooling whereby 7 g∙kg -1 of thermoneutral water (CON) or crushed ice (ICE) was ingested. The reduction in T c at the conclusion of precooling was greater in ICE (-0.9 ± 0.3 °C) compared with CON (-0.2 ± 0.2 °C) (p ≤ .05). Heat storage capacity was greater in ICE compared with CON after precooling (ICE -29.3 ± 4.8 W∙m -2 ; CON -11.1 ± 7.3 W∙m -2 , p < .05). Total heat storage was greater in ICE compared with CON at the end of the steady state cycle (ICE 62.0 ± 12.5 W∙m-2; CON 49.9 ± 13.4 W∙m -2 , p < .05). Gross efficiency was higher in ICE compared with CON throughout the steady state cycle (ICE 21.4 ± 1.8%; CON 20.4 ± 1.9%, p < .05). Ice ingestion resulted in a lower thermal sensation at the end of precooling and a lower sweat rate during the initial stages of cycling (p < .05). Sweat loss, respiratory exchange ratio, heart rate and ratings of perceived exertion and thirst were similar between conditions (p > .05). Precooling with crushed ice led to improved gross efficiency while cycling due to an increased heat storage capacity, which was the result of a lower core temperature.

Selective Capture of Glycoproteins Using Lectin-modified Nanoporous Gold Monolith

PubMed Central

Alla, Allan J.; d’Andrea, Felipe B.; Bhattarai, Jay K.; Cooper, Jared A.; Tan, Yih Horng; Demchenko, Alexei V.; Stine, Keith J.

2015-01-01

The surface of nanoporous gold (np-Au) monoliths was modified via a flow method with the lectin Concanavalin A (Con A) to develop a substrate for separation and extraction of glycoproteins. Self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) of lipoic acid (LA) on the np-Au monoliths were prepared followed by activation of the terminal carboxyl groups to create amine reactive esters that were utilized in the immobilization of Con A. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) was used to determine the surface coverages of LA and Con A on np-Au monoliths which were found to be 1.31 × 1018 molecules m−2 and 1.85 × 1015 molecules m−2, respectively. An in situ solution depletion method was developed that enabled surface coverage characterization without damaging the substrate and suggesting the possibility of regeneration. Using this method, the surface coverages of LA and Con A were found to be 0.989 ×1018 molecules m−2 and 1.32 × 1015 molecules m−2, respectively. The selectivity of the Con A-modified np-Au monolith for the high mannose-containing glycoprotein ovalbumin (OVA) versus negative control non-glycosylated bovine serum albumin (BSA) was demonstrated by the difference in the ratio of the captured molecules to the immobilized Con A molecules, with OVA:Con A = 2.3 and BSA:Con A = 0.33. Extraction of OVA from a 1:3 mole ratio mixture with BSA was demonstrated by the greater amount of depletion of OVA concentration during the circulation with the developed substrate. A significant amount of captured OVA was eluted using α-methyl mannopyranoside as a competitive ligand. This work is motivated by the need to develop new materials for chromatographic separation and extraction substrates for use in preparative and analytical procedures in glycomics. PMID:26554297

Effects of Bacteriophage Supplementation on Egg Performance, Egg Quality, Excreta Microflora, and Moisture Content in Laying Hens

PubMed Central

Zhao, P. Y.; Baek, H. Y.; Kim, I. H.

2012-01-01

An experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of bacteriophage supplementation on egg performance, egg quality, excreta microflora, and moisture content in laying hens. A total of 288 Hy-line brown commercial laying hens (36-wk-old) were randomly allotted to 4 treatments in this 6-wk trial and dietary treatments included: i) CON, basal diet; ii) T1, CON+0.020% bacteriophage; iii) T2, CON+0.035% bacteriophage; iv) T3, CON+0.050% bacteriophage. There were 6 replicates for each treatment with 6 adjacent cages (2 hens/cage). Laying hens in T2 and T3 treatments had higher (p<0.05) egg production than those in CON and T1 treatments during wk 0 to 3. In addition, egg production in T1, T2, and T3 treatments was increased (p<0.05) compared with that in CON treatment during wk 4 to 6. At wk 4 and 5, birds in T2 group had higher (p<0.05) HU than those in CON. In addition, at wk 5 and 6, HU in birds fed T1 and T3 diets was greater (p<0.05) than those fed CON diet. E. coli and Salmonella spp. concentrations in excreta were decreased (p<0.05) by T1, T2, and T3 treatments. However, egg weight, egg shell color, yolk height, yolk color unit, egg shell strength, egg shell thickness, egg gravity, and excreta moisture content were not influenced by dietary treatments during the entire experimental period. In conclusion, bacteriophage supplementation has beneficial effects on egg production, egg albumen, and excreta microflora concentration in laying hens. PMID:25049658

Emergence of linezolid-resistant coagulase-negative staphylococci in an intensive care unit.

PubMed

Balandin, Bárbara; Lobo, Beatriz; Orden, Beatriz; Román, Federico; García, Elena; Martínez, Rocío; Valdivia, Miguel; Ortega, Alfonso; Fernández, Inmaculada; Galdos, Pedro

2016-01-01

The aim of this study was to report the emergence of linezolid-resistant coagulase-negative staphylococci (CoNS) in an intensive care unit. An observational study was conducted in critically ill patients with colonization or infection by linezolid-resistant CoNS between January 2010 and December 2014. We analyzed the epidemiological and clinical features, and the mechanism of resistance to linezolid. We also evaluated the association between the incidence of linezolid-resistant CoNS strains and the consumption of linezolid in the study period. During the study period 49 patients had a linezolid-resistant CoNS strain isolated from clinical samples (blood in 42 cases, urine in 6, peritoneal fluid in 1). Molecular study showed a combination of mechanisms of resistance. Most patients were critically ill (APACHE II score = 21.9 ± 8.3) and nearly all had undergone surgery and invasive procedures, and had prior exposure to antibiotics. Linezolid-resistant CoNS were considered to be contaminants in 42 patients and associated with infection in 7 patients, comprising bacteremia and septic shock in most of them. They were successfully treated with glycopeptides or daptomycin. A modest significant correlation was observed between the decrease in linezolid consumption and the lower incidence of resistant isolates. Linezolid-resistant CoNS had emerged in critically ill patients with severe underlying diseases and prior antibiotic exposure. Most isolates represented colonization; however, linezolid-resistant CoNS can produce serious infections in critically ill patients. Glycopeptides and daptomycin seem to provide useful alternatives for therapy of these infections. A relationship was found between linezolid consumption and the incidence of linezolid-resistant CoNS strains.

Muscle oxygenation and glycolysis in females with trapezius myalgia during stress and repetitive work using microdialysis and NIRS.

PubMed

Sjøgaard, Gisela; Rosendal, Lars; Kristiansen, Jesper; Blangsted, Anne K; Skotte, Jørgen; Larsson, Britt; Gerdle, Björn; Saltin, Bengt; Søgaard, Karen

2010-03-01

The aim of this investigation was to study female workers active in the labour market for differences between those with trapezius myalgia (MYA) and without (CON) during repetitive pegboard (PEG) and stress (STR) tasks regarding (1) relative muscle load, (2) trapezius muscle blood flow, (3) metabolite accumulation, (4) oxygenation, and (5) pain development. Among 812 female employees (age 30-60 years) at 7 companies with high prevalence of neck/shoulder complaints, clinical examination identified 43 MYA and 19 CON. At rest, during PEG, and STR the trapezius muscle was measured using (1) EMG and MMG, (2) microdialysis, and (3) NIRS. Further, subjective pain ratings were scored (VAS). EMGrms in %MVE (Maximal Voluntary EMG-activity), was significantly higher among MYA than CON during PEG (11.74 +/- 9.09 vs. 7.42 +/- 5.56%MVE) and STR (5.47 +/- 5.00 vs. 3.28 +/- 1.94%MVE). MANOVA showed a group and time effect regarding data from the microdialysis: for MYA versus CON group differences demonstrated lower muscle blood flow and higher lactate and pyruvate concentrations. Potassium and glucose only showed time effects. NIRS showed similar initial decreases in oxygenation with PEG in both groups, but only in CON a significant increase back to baseline during PEG. VAS score at rest was highest among MYA and increased during PEG, but not for CON. The results showed significant differences between CON and MYA regarding muscle metabolism at rest and with PEG and STR. Higher relative muscle load during PEG and STR, insufficient muscle blood flow and oxygenation may account for the higher lactate, pyruvate and pain responses among MYA versus CON.

The effect of additional carbohydrate supplements for 7 days after prolonged interval exercise on exercise performance and energy metabolism during submaximal exercise in team-sports athletes.

PubMed

Park, Hun-Young; Kim, Jisu; Park, Miyoung; Chung, Nana; Lim, Kiwon

2018-03-30

The purpose of our study was to determine the effectiveness of carbohydrate loading by additional carbohydrate supplements for 7 days after prolonged interval exercise on exercise performance and energy metabolism during submaximal exercise in team-sports athletes. Twenty male team-sports athletes (14 soccer and 6 rugby players) volunteered to participate in the study and were equally divided into the experimental group (EXP, n=10) performing additional carbohydrate supplementation for 7 days after prolonged interval exercise until blood glucose level reaches 50 mg/dL or less and the control group (CON, n=10). Then, maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max) and minute ventilation (VE), oxygen consumption (VO2), carbon dioxide excretion (VCO2), respiratory exchange ratio (RER), blood glucose level, and blood lactate level were measured in all team-sports players during submaximal exercise corresponding to 70% VO2max before and after intervention. There was no significant interaction in all parameters, but team-sports players in the EXP presented more improved VO2max (CON vs EXP = vs 5.3% vs 6.3%), VE (CON vs EXP = vs 3.8% vs 6.6%), VO2 (CON vs EXP = vs 8.5% vs 9.9%), VCO2 (CON vs EXP = vs 2.8% vs 4.0%), blood glucose level (CON vs EXP = vs -12.9% vs -7.6%), and blood lactate level (CON vs EXP = -18.2% vs -25%) compared to those in the CON. These findings showed that additional carbohydrate supplementation conducted in our study is not effective in exercise performance and energy metabolism during submaximal exercise. ©2018 The Korean Society for Exercise Nutrition.

Deinococcus mumbaiensis sp. nov., a radiation-resistant pleomorphic bacterium isolated from Mumbai, India.

PubMed

Shashidhar, Ravindranath; Bandekar, Jayant R

2006-01-01

A radiation-resistant, Gram-negative and pleomorphic bacterium (CON-1) was isolated from a contaminated tryptone glucose yeast extract agar plate in the laboratory. It was red pigmented, nonmotile, nonsporulating, and aerobic, and contained MK-8 as respiratory quinone. The cell wall of this bacterium contained ornithine. The major fatty acids were C16:0, C16:1, C17:0, C18:1 and iso C18:0. The DNA of CON-1 had a G+C content of 70 mol%. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that CON-1 exhibited a maximum similarity (94.72%) with Deinococcus grandis. Based on the genotypic, phenotypic and chemotaxonomic characteristics, the bacterium CON-1 was identified as a new species of the genus Deinococcus, for which the name Deinococcus mumbaiensis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain of D. mumbaiensis is CON-1 (MTCC 7297(T)=DSM 17424(T)).

Determinación de temperatura efectiva y gravedad superficial de estrellas B y A de secuencia principal

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nieva, M. F.; Pintado, O. I.; Adelman, S.; Rayle, K. E.; Sanders, S. E., Jr.

Las temperaturas efectivas (Teff) y gravedades superficiales (log g) de un grupo de estrellas de tipo B y A de Secuencia Principal se determinaron en varias etapas. En una primera aproximación se usaron los índices fotométricos de Strömgren para realizar el cálculo con el programa de Napiwotski et al.(1993). Luego se hizo un ajuste comparando datos espectrofotométricos con flujos obtenidos con el modelo ATLAS9 en la región visible. Y a continuación se hizo un mejor ajuste comparando los perfiles de la línea Hγ con espectros sintéticos calculados con SYNTHE. Además, se analizó el efecto de usar el modelo de Canuto y Mazzitelli (1991), donde se considera The Mixing Length Theory, en modelos de atmósferas de estrellas.

Creating an Effective Multi-Domain Wide-Area Surveillance Platform to Enhance Border Security

DTIC Science & Technology

2008-03-01

SWOT ANALYSIS ........................................................................................43 I. ANALYSIS OF PROS AND CONS ...weaknesses and opportunities and SWOT analysis was also used to build pros and cons for the platform. All the interviewees liked unmanned platforms...because of the reduced night hour’s operations and SWOT analysis was also used to build pros and cons for the platform. All the interviewees really

ConKit: a python interface to contact predictions.

PubMed

Simkovic, Felix; Thomas, Jens M H; Rigden, Daniel J

2017-07-15

Recent advances in protein residue contact prediction algorithms have led to the emergence of many new methods and a variety of file formats. We present ConKit , an open source, modular and extensible Python interface which allows facile conversion between formats and provides an interface to analyses of sequence alignments and sets of contact predictions. ConKit is available via the Python Package Index. The documentation can be found at http://www.conkit.org . ConKit is licensed under the BSD 3-Clause. hlfsimko@liverpool.ac.uk or drigden@liverpool.ac.uk. Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online. © The Author(s) 2017. Published by Oxford University Press.

PEGylation of Concanavalin A to decrease nonspecific interactions in a fluorescent glucose sensor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Abraham, Alexander A.; Cummins, Brian M.; Locke, Andrea K.; Grunlan, Melissa A.; Coté, Gerard L.

2014-02-01

The ability of people with diabetes to both monitor and regulate blood sugar levels is limited by the conventional "finger-prick" test that provides intermittent, single point measurements. Toward the development of a continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) system, the lectin, Concanavalin A (ConA), has been utilized as a component in a Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET), competitive glucose binding assay. Recently, to avoid reversibility problems associated with ConA aggregation, a suitable competing ligand labeled with 8-aminopyrene-1,3,6-trisulfonic acid trisodium salt (APTS) has been engineered. However, its ability to function as part of a glucose sensing assay is compromised due to the negative charge (at physiological pH) of native ConA that gives rise to non-specific binding with other ConA groups as well as with electrostatically charged assay-delivery carriers. To minimize these undesirable interactions, we have conjugated ConA with monomethoxy-poly(ethylene glycol) (mPEG) (i.e. "PEGylation"). In this preliminary research, fluorescently-labeled ConA was successfully PEGylated with mPEG-Nhydroxylsuccinimide( succinimidyl carbonate) (mPEG-NHS(SC)). The FRET response of APTS-labeled competing ligand (donor) conveyed an increase in the fluorescence intensity with increasing glucose concentrations.

Epigallocatechin-3-gallate attenuates apoptosis and autophagy in concanavalin A-induced hepatitis by inhibiting BNIP3

PubMed Central

Li, Sainan; Xia, Yujing; Chen, Kan; Li, Jingjing; Liu, Tong; Wang, Fan; Lu, Jie; Zhou, Yingqun; Guo, Chuanyong

2016-01-01

Background Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) is the most effective compound in green tea, and possesses a wide range of beneficial effects, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antiobesity, and anticancer effects. In this study, we investigated the protective effects of EGCG in concanavalin A (ConA)-induced hepatitis in mice and explored the possible mechanisms involved in these effects. Methods Balb/C mice were injected with ConA (25 mg/kg) to induce acute autoimmune hepatitis, and EGCG (10 or 30 mg/kg) was administered orally twice daily for 10 days before ConA injection. Serum liver enzymes, proinflammatory cytokines, and other marker proteins were determined 2, 8, and 24 hours after the ConA administration. Results BNIP3 mediated cell apoptosis and autophagy in ConA-induced hepatitis. EGCG decreased the immunoreaction and pathological damage by reducing inflammatory factors, such as TNF-α, IL-6, IFN-γ, and IL-1β. EGCG also exhibited an antiapoptotic and antiautophagic effect by inhibiting BNIP3 via the IL-6/JAKs/STAT3 pathway. Conclusion EGCG attenuated liver injury in ConA-induced hepatitis by downregulating IL-6/JAKs/STAT3/BNIP3-mediated apoptosis and autophagy. PMID:26929598

Influence of protic ionic liquids on the structure and stability of succinylated Con A.

PubMed

Attri, Pankaj; Venkatesu, Pannuru

2012-01-01

We report the synthesis of a series of ionic liquids (ILs) from various ions having different kosmotropicity including dihydrogen phosphate (H(2)PO(4)(-)), hydrogen sulfate (HSO(4)(-)) and acetate (CH(3)COO(-)) as anions and chaotropic cation such as trialkylammonium cation. To characterize the biomolecular interactions of ILs with protein, we have explored the stability of succinylated Con A (S Con A) in the presence of these aqueous ILs, which are varied combinations of kosmotropic anion with chaotropic cation such as triethylammonium dihydrogen phosphate [(CH(3)CH(2))(3)NH][H(2)PO(4)] (TEAP), trimethylammonium acetate [(CH(3))(3)NH][CH(3)COO] (TMAA), trimethylammonium dihydrogen phosphate [(CH(3))(3)NH][H(2)PO(4)] (TMAP) and trimethylammonium hydrogen sulfate [(CH(3))(3)NH][HSO(4)] (TMAS). Circular dichroism (CD) and fluorescence experiments have been used to characterize the stability of S Con A by ILs. Our data distinctly demonstrate that the long alkyl chain IL TEAP is a strong stabilizer for S Con A. Further, our experimental results reveal that TEAP is an effective refolding enhancer for S Con A from a thermally denatured protein structure. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Comportamiento del Helio en estrellas químicamente peculiares

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Malaroda, S. M.; López García, Z.; Leone, F.; Catalano, F.

Las estrellas químicamente peculiares (CP) se caracterizan por tener deficiencias y sobreabundancias de algunos elementos químicos de hasta 106 veces la abundancia solar. Además presentan variaciones en las líneas espectrales. Se piensa que ello se debe a que los campos magnéticos presentes en este tipo de estrellas son principalmente dipolares, con un eje de simetría diferente del eje de rotación. La distribución de los elementos sobreabundantes y deficientes no es homogénea sobre la superficie estelar y las variaciones observadas serían una consecuencia directa de la rotación estelar. Entre los elementos con abundancia anómala se encuentra el Helio, cuyas líneas tienen intensidades que no son consistentes con una abundancia normal, que no puede ser determinada del modo usual, o sea, considerando una atmósfera con composición solar. Con el fin de determinar la abundancia de este elemento, se inició un estudio de estrellas anómalas de Helio, Hew y He strong. Además se determinarán las abundancias de otros elementos anómalos como ser el Si, Cr, Mg, Mn y Fe. Las mismas se determinan del modo tradicional, o sea: a) medida de los anchos equivalentes de las líneas de los distintos elementos analizados; b) adopción de la temperatura efectiva, gravedad y abundancia del Helio; c) cálculo del modelo de atmósfera d) comparación con las observaciones y reinicio de un proceso iterativo hasta lograr un acuerdo entre todos los parámetros analizados. Las observaciones se llevaron a cabo en el Complejo Astronómico El Leoncito. Se observaron setenta y ocho estrellas anómalas de Helio. En este momento se está procediendo a calcular las abundancias correspondientes a los distintos elementos químicos. Para ello se hace uso de los modelos de Kurucz, ATLAS9. Los cálculos NLTE de las líneas de Helio se llevan a cabo con el programa MULTI y se compararán con los realizados con el programa WIDTH9 de Kurucz (LTE), con el objeto de resaltar la importancia de los efectos NLTE.

The effects of cranial cooling during recovery on subsequent uncompensable heat stress tolerance.

PubMed

Wallace, Phillip J; Masbou, Anaïs T; Petersen, Stewart R; Cheung, Stephen S

2015-08-01

This study compared cranial (CC) with passive (CON) cooling during recovery on tolerance to subsequent exercise while wearing firefighting protective ensemble and self-contained breathing apparatus in a hot-humid environment. Eleven males (mean ± SD; age, 30.9 ± 9.2 years; peak oxygen consumption, 49.5 ± 5.1 mL · kg(-1) · min(-1)) performed 2 × 20 min treadmill walks (5.6 km · h(-1), 4% incline) in 35 °C and 60% relative humidity. During a 20-min recovery (rest), participants sat and removed gloves, helmets, and flash hoods but otherwise remained encapsulated. A close-fitting liquid-perfused hood pumped 13 °C water at ∼ 500 mL · min(-1) through the head and neck (CC) or no cooling hood was worn (CON). During rest, neck temperature was lower in CC compared with CON from 4 min (CC: 35.73 ± 3.28 °C, CON: 37.66 ± 1.35 °C, p = 0.025) until the end (CC: 33.06 ± 4.70 °C, CON: 36.85 ± 1.63 °C, p = 0.014). Rectal temperature rose in both CC (0.11 ± 0.19 °C) and CON (0.26 ± 0.15 °C) during rest, with nonsignificant interaction between conditions (p = 0.076). Perceived thermal stress was lower (p = 0.006) from 5 min of CC (median: 3 (quartile 1: 3, quartile 3: 4)) until the end of rest compared with CON (median: 4 (quartile 1: 4, quartile 3: 4)). However, there were no significant differences (p = 0.906) in tolerance times during the second exercise between CC (16.55 ± 1.14 min) and CON (16.60 ± 1.31 min), nor were there any difference in rectal temperature at the start (CC: 38.30 ± 0.40 °C, CON: 38.40 ± 0.16 °C, p = 0.496) or at the end (CC: 38.82 ± 0.23 °C, CON: 39.07 ± 0.22 °C, p = 0.173). With high ambient heat and encapsulation, cranial and neck cooling during recovery decreases physiological strain and perceived thermal stress, but is ineffective in improving subsequent uncompensable heat stress tolerance.

Lipopolysaccharide and Concanavalin A Differentially Induce the Expression of Immune Response Genes in Caprine Monocyte Derived Macrophages.

PubMed

Walia, Vishakh; Kumar, Rohit; Mitra, Abhijit

2015-01-01

Monocyte derived macrophages (MDMs), as an in vitro model in pathogen challenge studies, are generally induced with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and concanavalin A (ConA) to assay cellular immunity. General immune responses to LPS and ConA have been studied in a wide range of species, but similar studies are limited to goats. In the present study, caprine MDMs were induced with LPS and ConA and the expression profile of immune response (IR) genes, namely, Tumor Necrosis Factor Alpha (TNFA), Interferon Gamma (IFNG), Interleukin 2 (IL2), Granulocyte Macrophage Colony Stimulating Factor (GMCSF), Interleukin 10 (IL10), Transforming Growth Factor Beta (TGFB), Natural Resistance-Associated Macrophage Protein-1 (NRAMP1), inducible nitric oxide synthase (NOS2), and caspase1 (CASP1) were studied to compare the potential of LPS and ConA in initiating immune responses in goat macrophages. Real Time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) analysis revealed that both LPS and ConA caused an upregulation (p < 0.05) of GMCSF, TGFB1, IL10, and IFNG and down-regulation of NRAMP1. TNFA and IL2, and NOS2 were upregulated (p < 0.05) by ConA and LPS, respectively. Whereas, the expression of CASP1 remain unaltered. Comparatively, the effect of ConA was more pronounced (p < 0.05) in regulating the expression of IR genes suggesting its suitability for studying the general immune responses in caprine MDM.

Sport Concussion Management Using Facebook: A Feasibility Study of an Innovative Adjunct "iCon".

PubMed

Ahmed, Osman Hassan; Schneiders, Anthony G; McCrory, Paul R; Sullivan, S John

2017-04-01

  Sport concussion is currently the focus of much international attention. Innovative methods to assist athletic trainers in facilitating management after this injury need to be investigated.   To investigate the feasibility of using a Facebook concussion-management program termed iCon (interactive concussion management) to facilitate the safe return to play (RTP) of young persons after sport concussion.   Observational study.   Facebook group containing interactive elements, with moderation and support from trained health care professionals.   Eleven participants (n = 9 men, n = 2 women; range, 18 to 28 years old) completed the study.   The study was conducted over a 3-month period, with participant questionnaires administered preintervention and postintervention. The primary focus was on the qualitative experiences of the participants and the effect of iCon on their RTP. Usage data were also collected.   At the completion of the study, all participants (100%) stated that they would recommend an intervention such as iCon to others. Their supporting quotes all indicated that iCon has the potential to improve the management of concussion among this cohort. Most participants (n = 9, 82%) stated they were better informed with regard to their RTP due to participating in iCon.   This interactive adjunct to traditional concussion management was appreciated among this participant group, which indicates the feasibility of a future, larger study of iCon. Athletic trainers should consider the role that multimedia technologies may play in assisting with the management of sport concussion.

Bull influences on conception percentage and calving date in Angus Hereford, Brahman and Senepol single-sire herds.

PubMed

Larsen, R E; Littell, R; Rooks, E; Adams, E L; Falcon, C; Warnick, A C

1990-09-01

Bull breeding soundness parameters, semen characteristics and sexual behavior were evaluated for effects on reproductive performance in single-sire beef herds. A total of 155 cow herds (Angus, 50 herds; Hereford, 40 herds; Brahman, 46 herds; and Senepol, 19 herds) bred to bulls of the same breed were observed for 8 yr. All bulls produced adequate quality semen and had scrotal circumference (SC)>or=30 cm. Reproductive performance was evaluated by the conception rate (CON), conception rate during the first 21 d of the breeding season (21dCON), mean calving date (MCD), and mean calving date of the first half of the herd to calve (HHCD). Correlations were determined between breeding soundness parameters and reproductive performance for all bulls combined, by breed, and by age. The Cp statistic was used to select models for the effects of parameters on CON, 21dCON, MCD and HHCD. Breeding season length and breed had significant effects. The percentages of normal cells, proximal droplets, detached heads and the semen score (motility plus percentage of normal cells) had a significant effect on CON when all bulls were considered. After the effect of season was deleted, the most significant parameter affecting CON in the Brahman was the percentage of detached sperm heads. In the Angus, motility was significantly correlated with all reproductive performance indices. In the Hereford, breeding soundness examination score (BSE) was positively correlated with 21dCON.

Differential Effects of Continuous Versus Discontinuous Aerobic Training on Blood Pressure and Hemodynamics.

PubMed

Landram, Michael J; Utter, Alan C; Baldari, Carlo; Guidetti, Laura; McAnulty, Steven R; Collier, Scott R

2018-01-01

Landram, MJ, Utter, AC, Baldari, C, Guidetti, L, McAnulty, SR, and Collier, SR. Differential effects of continuous versus discontinuous aerobic training on blood pressure and hemodynamics. J Strength Cond Res 32(1): 97-104, 2018-The purpose of this study was to compare the hemodynamic, arterial stiffness, and blood flow changes after 4 weeks of either continuous or discontinuous aerobic exercise in adults. Forty-seven subjects between the ages of 18 and 57 were recruited for 1 month of either continuous aerobic treadmill work for 30 minutes at 70% max heart rate or 3 bouts of 10 minutes of exercise at 70% of max heart rate with two 10 minutes break periods in between, totaling 30 minutes of aerobic work. After exercise, both continuous (CON) and discontinuous (DIS) groups demonstrated a significant improvement in maximal oxygen uptake (V[Combining Dot Above]O2max, CON 35.39 ± 1.99 to 38.19 ± 2.03; DIS 36.18 ± 1.82 to 39.33 ± 1.75), heart rate maximum (CON 183.5 ± 3.11 to 187.17 ± 3.06; DIS 179.06 ± 2.75 to 182 ± 2.61), decreases in systolic blood pressure (CON 119 ± 1.82 to 115.11 ± 1.50; DIS 117.44 ± 1.90 to 112.67 ± 1.66), diastolic blood pressure (CON 72.56 ± 1.65 to 70.56 ± 1.06; DIS 71.56 ± 1.59 to 69.56 ± 1.43), augmentation index (CON 17.17 ± 2.17 to 14.9 ± 1.92; DIS 19.71 ± 2.66 to 13.91 ± 2.46), central pulse wave velocity (CON 8.29 ± 0.32 to 6.92 ± 0.21; DIS 7.85 ± 0.30 to 6.83 ± 0.29), peripheral pulse wave velocity (CON 9.49 ± 0.35 to 7.72 ± 0.38; DIS 9.11 ± 0.37 to 7.58 ± 0.47), and significant increases in average forearm blood flow (CON 4.06 ± 0.12 to 4.34 ± 0.136; DIS 4.26 ± 0.18 to 4.53 ± 0.15), peak forearm blood flow (FBF) after reactive hyperemia (CON 28.45 ± 0.094 to 29.96 ± 0.45; DIS 29.29 ± 0.46 to 30.6 ± 0.38), area under the curve (AUC) of FBF (CON 28.65 ± 1.77 to 30.4 ± 1.08; DIS 30.52 ± 1.9 to 31.67 ± 1.44), and AUC peak FBF after reactive hyperemia (CON 222.3 ± 5.68 to 231.95 ± 4.42; DIS 230.81 ± 6.91 to 237.19 ± 5.39). These data suggest that for healthy people either 4 weeks of continuous or discontinuous aerobic training is effective in improving measures of fitness and vascular health.

Impaired cardiorespiratory responses when wearing an upper body compression garment during recovery in a hot environment (40 ºC).

PubMed

Leoz-Abaurrea, Iker; Tam, Nicholas; Aguado-JIMéNEZ, Roberto

2016-06-01

Previous studies have not investigated the effects of a heat dissipating upper body compression garment (UBCG) during cycling in a hot environment. The present study examined the effects of a heat dissipating UBCG on thermoregulatory, cardiorespiratory and perceptual responses (thermal sensation and exertion scales), during cycling at a fixed workload (~50% VO2peak) and during active recovery (~25% VO2peak). Thirteen untrained males (mean±SD; age 21±6 years, VO2peak 53.7±5.0 ml·kg-1·min-1) completed two randomized cycling trials consisting of a 5 min rest on a cycling ergometer, followed by 4 bouts of 14 min at a fixed load + 1 min active recovery. Followed further by 10 min of active recovery. Testing occurred in a hot environment (~40±0.4 ºC, 35±2 % relative humidity, ~2.5 m·s-1 air velocity) and volunteers wore either a UBCG or non-UBCG (CON). Wearing UBCG resulted in significantly smaller reduction in heart rate (31±11 bpm vs. 46±15 bpm) and higher VO2 and VCO2 values (P<0.05) during 10 min recovery period. No differences in rectal, skin and body temperature were observed during the trial between garment conditions. Clothing wetness sensation remained significantly higher wearing CON (P<0.05) during exercise although no significant differences in weight loss or in sweat rate were observed. These results suggest that wearing heat dissipating UBCG had no thermoregulatory benefits during exercise and it had impaired cardiorespiratory responses during active recovery when exercising in a hot environment.

Two nights of sleep deprivation with or without energy restriction does not impair the thermal response to cold.

PubMed

Oliver, Samuel J; Harper Smith, Adam D; Costa, Ricardo J S; Maassen, Norbert; Bilzon, James L J; Walsh, Neil P

2015-10-01

In persons completing exhaustive daily exercise, sleep and energy restriction have been highlighted as risk factors for hypothermia in cold environments. The present study therefore sought to determine the effect of sleep deprivation (SDEP), with and without energy restriction, on the thermal response to cold. In a random order, ten recreationally active men (mean ± SD: age 25 ± 6 years, body fat 17 ± 5 %) completed three 53 h trials: a control (CON: 436 min/night sleep), SDEP (0 min sleep), and sleep deprivation and energy restriction (SDEP + ER: 0 min sleep and 10% daily energy requirements). Exhaustive exercise was completed after 5 and 29 h. After 53 h participants completed a semi-nude seated cold air test (CAT, 0 °C), for 4 h or until rectal core temperature (T re) reached 36 °C. Two nights of sleep and energy restriction did not impair the thermal response to cold (T re, CON 36.15 ± 0.20 °C, SDEP 36.30 ± 0.15 °C, SDEP + ER 36.25 ± 0.20 °C, P = 0.25). Rewarming was also similar as indicated by 1 h post-CAT T re (P = 0.78). In contrast, perceived thermal discomfort during the initial hour of the CAT tended to be greater after SDEP and SDEP + ER (P ≤ 0.1). Sleep and energy restriction, at least as evaluated within this experiment, should be considered minimal risk factors for hypothermia. The greater perception of cold discomfort at the same body temperature suggests that sleep and energy restriction may actually reduce cold injury risk, as people are likely to engage earlier in normal behavioral cold adaptation.

Sevoflurane therapy for life-threatening acute severe asthma: a case report.

PubMed

Ruszkai, Zoltán; Bokrétás, Gergely Péter; Bartha, Péter Töhötöm

2014-10-01

Acute severe asthma is a life-threatening form of bronchial constriction in which the progressively worsening airway obstruction is unresponsive to the usual appropriate bronchodilator therapy. Pathophysiological changes restrict airflow, which leads to premature closure of the airway on expiration, impaired gas exchange, and dynamic hyperinflation ("air-trapping"). Additionally, patients suffering from asthma for a prolonged period of time usually have serious comorbidities. These conditions constitute a challenge during the treatment of this disease. Therapeutic interventions are designed to reduce airway resistance and improve respiratory status. To achieve therapeutic goals, appropriate bronchodilator treatment is indispensable, and mechanical ventilation under adequate sedation may also be required. The volatile anesthetic agent, sevoflurane, meets both criteria; therefore, its use can be beneficial and should be considered. A 67-yr-old Caucasian male presented with acute life-threatening asthma provoked by an assumed upper airway infection and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug antipyretics, complicated by chronic atrial fibrillation and hemodynamic instability. Due to frequent premature ventricular contractions, conventional treatment was considered unsafe and discontinued, and sevoflurane inhalation was initiated via the AnaConDa (Anaesthetic Conserving Device). Symptoms of life-threatening bronchospasm resolved, and the patient's respiratory status improved within hours. Adequate sedation was also achieved without any hemodynamic adverse effects. The volatile anesthetic agent, sevoflurane, is used widely in anesthesia practice. Its utility for treatment of refractory bronchospasm has been appreciated for years; however, its administration was difficult within the environment of the intensive care unit due to the need for an anesthesia machine and a scavenging system. The introduction of the AnaConDa eliminates these obstacles and makes the use of sevoflurane safe and simple. Our case report reveals the potential of sevoflurane as a "two-in-one" (bronchodilator and sedative) drug to treat a severe acute asthma attack.

A Comparison of Mixed-Method Cooling Interventions on Preloaded Running Performance in the Heat.

PubMed

Stevens, Christopher J; Bennett, Kyle J M; Sculley, Dean V; Callister, Robin; Taylor, Lee; Dascombe, Ben J

2017-03-01

Stevens, CJ, Bennett, KJM, Sculley, DV, Callister, R, Taylor, L, and Dascombe, BJ. A comparison of mixed-method cooling interventions on preloaded running performance in the heat. J Strength Cond Res 31(3): 620-629, 2017-The purpose of this investigation was to assess the effect of combining practical methods to cool the body on endurance running performance and physiology in the heat. Eleven trained male runners completed 4 randomized, preloaded running time trials (20 minutes at 70% V[Combining Dot Above]O2max and a 3 km time trial) on a nonmotorized treadmill in the heat (33° C). Trials consisted of precooling by combined cold-water immersion and ice slurry ingestion (PRE), midcooling by combined facial water spray and menthol mouth rinse (MID), a combination of all methods (ALL), and control (CON). Performance time was significantly faster in MID (13.7 ± 1.2 minutes; p < 0.01) and ALL (13.7 ± 1.4 minutes; p = 0.04) but not PRE (13.9 ± 1.4 minutes; p = 0.24) when compared with CON (14.2 ± 1.2 minutes). Precooling significantly reduced rectal temperature (initially by 0.5 ± 0.2° C), mean skin temperature, heart rate and sweat rate, and increased iEMG activity, whereas midcooling significantly increased expired air volume and respiratory exchange ratio compared with control. Significant decreases in forehead temperature, thermal sensation, and postexercise blood prolactin concentration were observed in all conditions compared with control. Performance was improved with midcooling, whereas precooling had little or no influence. Midcooling may have improved performance through an attenuated inhibitory psychophysiological and endocrine response to the heat.

Assessing simulated summer 10-m wind speed over China: influencing processes and sensitivities to land surface schemes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zeng, Xin-Min; Wang, Ming; Wang, Ning; Yi, Xiang; Chen, Chaohui; Zhou, Zugang; Wang, Guiling; Zheng, Yiqun

2018-06-01

We assessed the sensitivity of 10-m wind speed to land surface schemes (LSSs) and the processes affecting wind speed in China during the summer of 2003 using the ARWv3 mesoscale model. The derived hydrodynamic equation, which directly reflects the effects of the processes that drive changes in the full wind speed, shows that the convection term CON (the advection effect) plays the smallest role; thus, the summer 10-m wind speed is largely dominated by the pressure gradient (PRE) and the diffusion (DFN) terms, and the equation shows that both terms are highly sensitive to the choice of LSS within the studied subareas (i.e., Northwest China, East China, and the Tibetan Plateau). For example, Northwest China had the largest DFN, with a PRE four times that of CON and the highest sensitivity of PRE to the choice of LSS, as indicated by a difference index value of 63%. Moreover, we suggest that two types of mechanisms, direct and indirect effects, affect the 10-m wind speed. Through their simulated surface fluxes (mainly the sensible heat flux), the different LSSs directly provide different amounts of heat to the surface air at local scales, which influences atmospheric stratification and the characteristics of downward momentum transport. Meanwhile, through the indirect effect, the LSS-induced changes in surface fluxes can significantly modify the distributions of the temperature and pressure fields in the lower atmosphere over larger scales. These changes alter the thermal and geostrophic winds, respectively, as well as the 10-m wind speed. Due to the differences in land properties and climates, the indirect effect (e.g., PRE) can be greater than the direct effect (e.g., DFN).

Soviet Military Power

DTIC Science & Technology

1984-04-01

The Soviet build-up is made possible by a national policy that has con - sistently made military materiel production its highest economic priority...classes of consumable supplies and war reserve equipment available in the USSR, as well as transport, repair and con - struction units. It includes a...the Soviet military establishment r and to the continuing growth and moderniza-tion of Soviet military power. The CPSU con .-..•_"" trols military

Value Engineering Synergies with Lean Six Sigma

DTIC Science & Technology

2010-09-01

understanding the problem, developing solutions, and evalu- ating pros and cons of the solutions. The paramount considerations are getting enough facts and...parts or labor operations. Functions are defined for every element of the product or process that con - sumes resources. The functions are typically...shoot bullets, detect movement, and so forth). A work function establishes quantitative statements. Functional definitions con - taining a verb and a

Effects of Blood-Flow Restriction Combined With Postactivation Potentiation Stimuli on Jump Performance in Recreationally Active Men.

PubMed

Miller, Ryan M; Keeter, Victoria M; Freitas, Eduardo D S; Heishman, Aaron D; Knehans, Allen W; Bemben, Debra A; Bemben, Michael G

2018-07-01

Miller, RM, Keeter, VM, Freitas, EDS, Heishman, AD, Knehans, AW, Bemben, DA, and Bemben, MG. Effects of blood-flow restriction combined with postactivation potentiation stimuli on jump performance in recreationally active men. J Strength Cond Res 32(7): 1869-1874, 2018-Whole-body vibration (WBV) and maximum voluntary contractions (MVCs) combined with blood-flow restriction (BFR) to augment postactivation potentiation have yet to be examined. Therefore, the purpose of this investigation was to examine the augmented effects of postactivation potentiation when WBV and MVC are combined with BFR. Twenty men (21.8 ± 2.6 years, 180.5 ± 6.2 cm and 84.5 ± 12.1 kg) completed the study. Participants completed 3 testing sessions in a randomized design that included one of the following: (a) control (CON), (b) WBV and WBV combined with BFR (WBV + BFR), or (c) MVC and MVC combined with BFR (MVC + BFR). Jump height and power were recorded for 3 trials, PRE and POST jump height (cm) mean ± SD for each were as follows: CON 58.9 ± 8.6 and 57.9 ± 8.6, WBV 58.2 ± 8.1 and 59.9 ± 8.1, WBV + BFR 58.7 ± 7.6 and 60.2 ± 8.1, MVC 59.7 ± 7.4 and 60.2 ± 8.6, and MVC + BFR 57.7 ± 7.9 and 59.4 ± 8.1. PRE and POST jump power (W) mean ± SD for each were as follows: CON 1,224.3 ± 221.5 and 1,234.3 ± 189.2, WBV 1,251.1 ± 230.4 and 1,266.1 ± 215.7, WBV + BFR 1,265.8 ± 207.9 and 1,259 ± 223.3, MVC 1,264.7 ± 211.9 and 1,263.5 ± 236.5, and MVC + BFR 1,252.3 ± 222.0 and 1,294.6 ± 256.6. Significant differences were revealed in jump height between the 5 interventions (p < 0.01), WBV (p < 0.01), WBV + BFR (p < 0.01), and MVC + BFR (p < 0.01) revealed significant differences in time but no differences in jump power. In conclusion, the results of this study indicate that WBV, WBV + BFR, and MVC + BFR significantly improve jump height and time in air but not jump power.

Genes del receptor variable beta de células T en células circulantes de pacientes con lupus eritematoso generalizado y sus familiares sanos.

PubMed

Jakez-Ocampo, Juan; Paulín-Vera, Carmen María; Rivadeneyra-Espinoza, Liliana; Gómez-Martín, Diana; Carrillo-Maravilla, Eduardo; Lima, Guadalupe; Vargas-Rojas, María Inés; Pérez-Romano, Beatriz; Calva-Cevenini, Gabriella; García-Carrasco, Mario; Ruiz-Argüelles, Alejandro; Llorente, Luis

Se investigó la proporción de la expresión génica del receptor variable beta de células T (Vβ TCR) en linfocitos periféricos CD3+ en pacientes con lupus eritematoso generalizado (LEG) familiar y no familiar. El repertorio de Vβ TCR se estudió en 14 familias que presentaban más de un miembro con LEG. El uso de Vβ TCR en pacientes con LEG (n = 27) se comparó con el de los miembros sanos de estas familias (n = 47), con 37 pacientes con LEG esporádico y con 15 controles sanos. La expresión del repertorio de Vβ TCR se estudió por citometría de flujo multiparamétrica utilizando un arreglo de 24 diferentes anticuerpos monoclonales específicos de genes familiares para Vβ TCR. Se encontró el mismo perfil de expresión en las comparaciones entre los casos de LEG esporádico y familiar, así como en los consanguíneos sanos de las familias multicasos, que incluía una expresión incrementada de Vβ 5.2, Vβ 11 y Vβ 16, y una menor expresión de Vβ 3, Vβ4, Vβ 7.1 y Vβ 7. De manera interesante, solo Vβ 17 se expresó de modo diferente entre casos familiares y esporádicos de LEG. Igualmente, la expresión incrementada de Vβ 9 fue el distintivo entre los casos de LEG familiar (casos y consanguíneos sanos) y los controles sanos. Estos resultados refuerzan la noción de que el perfil final del repertorio Vβ TCR observado en LEG familiar y no familiar parece surgir de la interacción de factores genéticos, ambientales e inmunorreguladores, además de que pueden explicar las alteraciones inmunitarias que se observan en los consanguíneos sanos de pacientes con LEG. Copyright: © 2018 SecretarÍa de Salud

Cellular assessment of muscle in COPD: case studies of two males.

PubMed

Green, Howard J; Bombardier, Eric; Burnett, Margaret E; D'Arsigny, Christine L; Iqbal, Sobia; Webb, Katherine A; Ouyang, Jing; O'Donnell, Denis E

2009-12-29

The objective of this paper is to provide an overview of the recent developments in muscle physiology and biochemistry in general, and with respect to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) specifically. As a way of illustration, we have presented data on the remodeling that occurs in vastus lateralis in two patients with COPD (COPD #1, forced expiratory volume in one second/forced vital capacity [FEV(1)/FVC] = 63%; COPD #2, FEV(1)/FVC = 41%) exhibiting differences in muscle wasting as compared to healthy controls (CON; FEV(1)/FVC = 111 +/- 2.2%, n = 4). Type I fibers percentages were lower in both COPD #1 (16.7) and COPD #2 (24.9) compared to CON (57.3 +/- 5.2). Cross sectional area of the type I fibers of the patients ranged between 65%-68% of CON and for the type II subtypes (IIA, IIAX, IIX) between 74% and 89% (COPD #1) and 17%-32% (COPD #2). A lower number of capillary contacts were observed for all fiber types in COPD #1 but not COPD #2. Lower concentrations of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) (24%-26%) and phosphocreatine (18%-20%), but not lactate occurred in COPD. In contrast to COPD #1, who displayed normal glucose transporter content, GLUT1 and GLUT4 were only 71% and 54%, respectively of CON in COPD #2. Lower monocarboxylate contents were found for MCT1 in both COPD #1 (63%) and COPD #2 (41%) and for MCT4 (78%) in COPD #1. Maximal oxidative enzyme activities (V(max)) for COPD #2 ranged between 37% (succinic dehydrogenase) and 70% (cytochrome C oxidase) of CON. For the cytosolic enzymes, V(max) ranged between 89% (hexokinase) to 31% (pyruvate kinase) of CON. Depressions were also observed in V(max) of the Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase for COPD #1 (66% of CON) but not COPD #2 (92% of CON) while V(max) of the Ca(2+)-ATPase was near normal in COPD #1 (84% CON). It is concluded that disturbances can occur in muscle to a wide range of excitation, contraction and metabolic processes in COPD.

Comparison of the effectiveness of orthotic intervention, kinesiotaping, and paraffin treatments in patients with carpal tunnel syndrome: A single-blind and randomized controlled study.

PubMed

Mansiz Kaplan, Basak; Akyuz, Gulseren; Kokar, Serdar; Yagci, Ilker

2018-02-17

The aim of the study was to compare different conservative treatments in patients with carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). A single-blind randomized controlled study. Patients (n = 169) diagnosed with mild or moderate CTS were screened; 110 met study requirements. The patients were randomized into 3 groups. The control (CON) comparison provided to all patients was a fabricated night orthotic which held the wrist in a neutral position. The second group received adjunctive kinesiotaping (KIN) and the third group received paraffin (PARA). All patients were evaluated clinically, electrophysiologically, and ultrasonographically before treatment and at 3 weeks, 3 months, and 6 months. There were 36 patients in CON, 37 in KIN, and 37 in PARA. Pain reduction in KIN was better than the other groups at 3 weeks (mean difference [MD] in CON 2.4 ± 2.5, KIN 3.7 ± 2.0, PARA 2.7 ± 2.3; P < .01) and 6 months (MD in CON 3.4 ± 3.0, KIN 4.9 ± 3.1, PARA 3.7 ± 2.9; P < .05). KIN pain reduction was better than CON at 3 months (MD in CON 3.8 ± 2.8, KIN 5.0 ± 2.5; P < .05). Reduction of the cross-sectional area of median nerve at the level of radioulnar joint was greater for KIN than CON at 3 weeks (MD in CON 0.0 ± 0.5, KIN 0.3 ± 0.7; P < .01) than PARA at 3 months (MD in KIN 0.3 ± 0.8, PARA 0.0 ± 0.8; P < .05) and both groups at 6 months (MD in CON 0.1 ± 0.8, KIN 0.5 ± 0.9, PARA 0.0 ± 1.0 P < .05). Adding KIN to night use of an orthotic was more effective in achieving symptomatic and structural improvements than either the orthotic alone or adjunctive use of paraffin in patients with mild and moderate CTS. Copyright © 2018 Hanley & Belfus. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

[Not Available].

PubMed

MIján de la Torre, Alberto

2016-06-03

El síndrome de caquexia cancerosa es responsable de la muerte de un número significativo de pacientes con cáncer. Se caracteriza por la presencia de una ingesta reducida, con inflamación sistémica y un metabolismo alterado. Los enfermos presentan característicamente una progresiva pérdida de peso y de masa muscular, junto a deterioro funcional. La pérdida muscular se debe a la combinación de reducción de la síntesis proteica con aumento de su degradación. Ello conduce tanto a un acortamiento como a una reducción en el área de la fibra muscular. Asimismo, existen datos que apoyan que selectivamente algunos de los tipos de fibra muscular se ven más afectados. Es necesario definir bien los valores de corte de sarcopenia para diagnosticar la pérdida muscular y existen diferentes métodos. El sistema de la ubiquitina-proteasoma parece desempeñar un papel predominante en la degradación de la proteína miofibrilar. La tendencia a perder masa muscular en los pacientes con caquexia cancerosa parece estar asociada a la activación de señales catabólicas por citoquinas proinflamatorias, así como por productos tumorales del tipo factor inductor de proteólisis. En referencia a los factores pronósticos, el riesgo de muerte está bien documentado en pacientes con sarcopenia y, especialmente, en aquellos con obesidad asociada a la sarcopenia. Asimismo, se ha establecido una relación directa entre la pérdida intensa de masa muscular y la supervivencia en pacientes con diferentes tipos de tumores del tipo de cáncer de páncreas, pulmón, tracto biliar o cáncer colorrectal. Respecto de la terapia en el síndrome de caquexia cancerosa, es factible que requiera tratamiento con varios grupos combinados que incluyan, junto al soporte nutricional, fármacos orexígenos, con efecto anabólico y antinflamatorio, asociados a intervenciones que estimulen el ejercicio físico.

[Open-field behavioral study in rat hyperlipidemia combined with chronic unpredictable mild stress model].

PubMed

Hu, Hua; Zhang, Yingchun; Xu, Yeqing; Liu, Chunfeng; Wang, Liwei

2015-06-16

To investigate behavioral changes in a rat hyperlipidemia model induced by high lipid feed combined with depression by Chronic Unpredictable Mild Stress (CUMS). A total of 40 rats were randomly divided into control (CON), control feed for 9 weeks followed by CUMS for 4 weeks (CON + CUMS), high fat diet (HFD) and high lipid feed for 9 weeks followed by CUMS for 4 weeks (HFD + CUMS) (n = 10 each). Open-field test was individually measured at baseline, week 9 and week 13. (1) Serum lipids: total cholesterol [(2.67 ± 0.04) mmol/L, (2.68 ± 0.02) mmol/L] and low density lipoprotein [(1.08 ± 0.03) mmol/L, (1.06 ± 0.01) mmol/L] of HFD and HFD + CUMS were both significantly higher than those of CON and CON + CUMS [(1.78 ± 0.12) mmol/L, (0.79 ± 0.04) mmol/L; (1.76 ± 0.09) mmol/L, (0.76 ± 0.06) mmol/L, all P < 0.01]. (2) Open-field test: at week 13, compared to CON rats, CON + CUMS rats exhibited enhanced locomotor activity during the first minute, reduced activity in the center squares and rearing, and increased the number of grooming and defecation (all P < 0.05). In comparison to the CON rats, a decrease in total squares in 5 min, central squares and peripheral squares was observed in HFD rats at week 13 (all P < 0.05). However, compared with HFD, CON, CON + CUMS rats, when high lipid feed for 9 weeks combined with depression, significant decrease activities in total squares in 5 min, central squares and peripheral squares were observed in HFD + CUMS rats at week 13. Besides these, the number of rearing was reduced, however, locomotor activity during the first minute and the number of grooming and defecation was significantly increased (all P < 0.001). Under uncontrolled hyperlipidemia, severe depressive symptoms will present more early once exposure to a series of chronic stressors followed by significant autonomic nervous dysfunctional symptoms.

Antitumor effects of concanavalin A and Sophora flavescens lectin in vitro and in vivo.

PubMed

Shi, Zheng; Chen, Jie; Li, Chun-yang; An, Na; Wang, Zi-jie; Yang, Shu-lin; Huang, Kai-feng; Bao, Jin-ku

2014-02-01

Proteins with legume lectin domains are known to possess a wide range of biological functions. Here, the antitumor effects of two representative legume lectins, concanavalin A (ConA) and Sophora flavescens lectin (SFL), on human breast carcinoma cells were investigated in vitro and in vivo. Human breast carcinoma MCF-7 cells and human normal mammary epithelial MCF-10A cells were examined. Cell viability was detected using WST-1 and CCK-8 assays. Cell apoptosis was analyzed with Hoechst 33258 staining. Cell cycle was investigated using flow cytometry. The expression of relevant proteins was measured using Western blotting. Breast carcinoma MCF-7 bearing nude mice were used to study the antitumor effects in vivo. The mice were injected with ConA (40 mg/kg, ip) and SFL (55 mg/kg, ip) daily for 14 d. ConA and SFL inhibited the growth of MCF-7 cells in dose- and time-dependent manners (IC50 values were 15 and 20 μg/mL, respectively). Both ConA and SFL induced apoptotic morphology in MCF-7 cells without affecting MCF-10A cells. ConA and SFL dose-dependently increased the sub-G1 proportion in MCF-7 cells, while SFL also triggered the G2/M phase cell cycle arrest. Both ConA and SFL dose-dependently increased the activities of caspase-3 and caspase-9 and release of cytochrome C from mitochondria into cytoplasm, up-regulated Bax and Bid, and down-regulated Bcl-2 and Bcl-XL in MCF-7 cells. ConA reduced NF-κB, ERK, and JNK levels, and increased p53 and p21 levels, while SFL caused similar changes in NF-κB, ERK, p53, and p21 levels, but did not affect JNK expression. Administration of ConA and SFL significantly decreased the subcutaneous tumor mass volume and weight in MCF-7 bearing nude mice. ConA and SFL exert anti-tumor actions against human breast carcinoma MCF-7 cells both in vitro and in vivo.

Antitumor effects of concanavalin A and Sophora flavescens lectin in vitro and in vivo

PubMed Central

Shi, Zheng; Chen, Jie; Li, Chun-yang; An, Na; Wang, Zi-jie; Yang, Shu-lin; Huang, Kai-feng; Bao, Jin-ku

2014-01-01

Aim: Proteins with legume lectin domains are known to possess a wide range of biological functions. Here, the antitumor effects of two representative legume lectins, concanavalin A (ConA) and Sophora flavescens lectin (SFL), on human breast carcinoma cells were investigated in vitro and in vivo. Methods: Human breast carcinoma MCF-7 cells and human normal mammary epithelial MCF-10A cells were examined. Cell viability was detected using WST-1 and CCK-8 assays. Cell apoptosis was analyzed with Hoechst 33258 staining. Cell cycle was investigated using flow cytometry. The expression of relevant proteins was measured using Western blotting. Breast carcinoma MCF-7 bearing nude mice were used to study the antitumor effects in vivo. The mice were injected with ConA (40 mg/kg, ip) and SFL (55 mg/kg, ip) daily for 14 d. Results: ConA and SFL inhibited the growth of MCF-7 cells in dose- and time-dependent manners (IC50 values were 15 and 20 μg/mL, respectively). Both ConA and SFL induced apoptotic morphology in MCF-7 cells without affecting MCF-10A cells. ConA and SFL dose-dependently increased the sub-G1 proportion in MCF-7 cells, while SFL also triggered the G2/M phase cell cycle arrest. Both ConA and SFL dose-dependently increased the activities of caspase-3 and caspase-9 and release of cytochrome C from mitochondria into cytoplasm, up-regulated Bax and Bid, and down-regulated Bcl-2 and Bcl-XL in MCF-7 cells. ConA reduced NF-κB, ERK, and JNK levels, and increased p53 and p21 levels, while SFL caused similar changes in NF-κB, ERK, p53, and p21 levels, but did not affect JNK expression. Administration of ConA and SFL significantly decreased the subcutaneous tumor mass volume and weight in MCF-7 bearing nude mice. Conclusion: ConA and SFL exert anti-tumor actions against human breast carcinoma MCF-7 cells both in vitro and in vivo. PMID:24362332

Synchronized ovulation for first insemination improves reproductive performance and reduces cost per pregnancy in dairy heifers.

PubMed

Silva, T V; Lima, F S; Thatcher, W W; Santos, J E P

2015-11-01

The objectives were to evaluate the effects of synchronizing estrus and ovulation to implement a timed artificial insemination (AI) at first insemination on reproductive performance and cost per pregnancy in dairy heifers. Six hundred eleven Holsteins heifers at approximately 400 d of age from 3 farms were enrolled in the study. Six days before moving to the breeding pens, heifers were allocated randomly to AI after detected estrus from study d 0 to 84 (CON, n=306), or to timed AI for first AI followed by detected estrus for the remainder of the 84-d study (TAI, n=305). Heifers receiving TAI were enrolled in the 5-d timed AI protocol on study d -6 (d -6, GnRH and a progesterone insert; d -1, PGF2α and insert removal; d 0, PGF2α; d 2, GnRH + AI), and they were allowed to be bred the day before scheduled timed AI if detected in estrus. Starting on study d 0, estrus was detected daily. Heifers in estrus were inseminated on the same morning as detected estrus. Control heifers not inseminated by study d 7 received PGF2α and this treatment was repeated every 2 wk until AI. The study lasted 84 d to allow a period of breeding equivalent to four 21-d estrous cycles. A herd budget accounting for inputs for both treatments was created to determine the cost per pregnancy. Sensitivity analysis compared economic differences between the 2 treatments under different input scenarios when detection of estrus after the first AI varied from 50 to 80%. Interval to first AI was 8 d shorter for TAI than for CON. Pregnancy at first AI did not differ between treatments (CON=58.3 vs. TAI=62.8%). In contrast, TAI increased pregnancy per AI (P/AI) compared with CON in heifers inseminated with sex-sorted semen (CON=31.6 vs. TAI=54.8%). The 21-d cycle insemination rate was greater for TAI (91.4%) than for CON (82.4%), even when evaluated after the first 21 d in the study (CON=68.2 vs. TAI=77.1%). The increased insemination rate improved the 21-d cycle pregnancy rate from 47.9% in CON to 57.2% in TAI heifers. In fact, the hazard of pregnancy was 60% greater for TAI than CON. The increased pregnancy rate in TAI reduced the median days to pregnancy by 12 d (CON=2.0 vs. TAI=14.0) and increased the proportion of pregnant heifers by 6.3 percentage points by study d 84 (CON=85.2 vs. TAI=91.5%). The cost per pregnancy was $17.00 less for TAI than CON. The sensitivity analysis indicated that TAI was economically more advantageous to produce a pregnancy compared with CON. Only when insemination rate after the first 21 d of breeding was very high and P/AI was relatively low did the cost per pregnancy become similar for the 2 treatments. Collectively, inseminating all heifers within 2 d of breeding with the 5-d timed AI protocol maintains P/AI, improves pregnancy rate, and reduces cost per pregnancy compared with insemination after detected estrus. Copyright © 2015 American Dairy Science Association. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Número de ganglios linfáticos metastásicos como determinante de los resultados después de prostatectomía radical de rescate para el cáncer de próstata de radiación recurrente

PubMed Central

Gugliemetti, G; Sukhu, R; Conca Baenas, M A.; Meeks, J; Sjoberg, D D.; Eastham, J A.; Scardino, P T.; Touijer, K

2017-01-01

Resumen Antecedentes La presencia de metástasis en los ganglios linfáticos (MGL) en la prostatectomía radical de rescate (PRs) se asocia con un mal pronóstico. Los factores predictivos de resultados en este contexto siguen siendo indeterminados. El objetivo fue evaluar el papel de número de ganglios linfáticos positivos sobre el resultado de los pacientes con MGL después de PRs y para el cáncer de próstata de radio-recurrente. Material y métodos Se analizaron los datos de una cohorte consecutiva de 215 hombres tratados con PRr en una sola institución. Se utilizaron los modelos de regresión de riesgos proporcionales de Cox univariante para la recurrencia bioquímica (RBQ) y los resultados metastásicos, con el antígeno prostático específico, la puntuación de Gleason, la extensión extraprostática, la invasión de vesículas seminales, el tiempo entre la terapia de radiación y PRr y el número de ganglios positivos como factores predictivos. Resultados De los 47 pacientes con MGL, 37 desarrollaron RBQ, 11 desarrollaron metástasis a distancia y 4 fallecieron con una mediana de seguimiento de 2,3 años para los supervivientes. El riesgo de metástasis aumentó con mayores niveles preoperatorios de PSA (HR 1,19 por 1 ng/ml; IC del 95%: 1,06, 1,34; p = 0,003). Los factores predictivos restantes no alcanzaron niveles convencionales de significación. Sin embargo, la eliminación de 3 o más ganglios linfáticos positivos demostró una asociación positiva, como se esperaba, con enfermedad metastásica (HR 3,44, IC: 0,91, 13,05; p = 0,069) en comparación con uno o dos ganglios positivos. Del mismo modo, la presencia de extensión extraprostática, invasión de vesículas seminales y grado de Gleason superior a 7 también demostraron una asociación positiva con un mayor riesgo de metástasis, con índices de riesgo de 3,97 (IC del 95% 0,50; 31,4; p = 0,2), 3,72 (IC 95% 0,80, 17,26; p = 0,1) y 1,45 (IC del 95% 0,44, 4,76; p = 0,5), respectivamente. Conclusiones En los pacientes con MGL después de PRr para el cáncer de próstata radiorecurrente, es probable que el riesgo de metástasis a distancia esté influenciado por el número de ganglios positivos (3 o más), alto PSA preoperatorio, grado de Gleason y estadio patológico avanzado. Estos resultados son consistentes con los hallazgos del número de ganglios (de 1 a 2 frente a 3 o más ganglios positivos) como un indicador pronóstico después de la prostatectomía radical primaria y fortalecen la petición de una revisión de la estadificación ganglionar del cáncer de próstata. PMID:27184342

The Impact of Certificate-of-Need Laws on Nursing Home and Home Health Care Expenditures.

PubMed

Rahman, Momotazur; Galarraga, Omar; Zinn, Jacqueline S; Grabowski, David C; Mor, Vincent

2016-02-01

Over the past two decades, nursing homes and home health care agencies have been influenced by several Medicare and Medicaid policy changes including the adoption of prospective payment for Medicare-paid postacute care and Medicaid-paid long-term home and community-based care reforms. This article examines how spending growth in these sectors was affected by state certificate-of-need (CON) laws, which were designed to limit the growth of providers and have remained unchanged for several decades. Compared with states without CON laws, Medicare and Medicaid spending in states with CON laws grew faster for nursing home care and more slowly for home health care. In particular, we observed the slowest growth in community-based care in states with CON for both the nursing home and home health industries. Thus, controlling for other factors, public postacute and long-term care expenditures in CON states have become dominated by nursing homes. © The Author(s) 2015.

The Impact of Certificate-of-Need Laws on Nursing Home and Home Health Care Expenditures

PubMed Central

Rahman, Momotazur; Galarraga, Omar; Zinn, Jacqueline S.; Grabowski, David C.; Mor, Vincent

2016-01-01

Over the past two decades, nursing homes and home health care agencies have been influenced by several Medicare and Medicaid policy changes including the adoption of prospective payment for Medicare-paid postacute care and Medicaid-paid long-term home and community-based care reforms. This article examines how spending growth in these sectors was affected by state certificate-of-need (CON) laws, which were designed to limit the growth of providers and have remained unchanged for several decades. Compared with states without CON laws, Medicare and Medicaid spending in states with CON laws grew faster for nursing home care and more slowly for home health care. In particular, we observed the slowest growth in community-based care in states with CON for both the nursing home and home health industries. Thus, controlling for other factors, public postacute and long-term care expenditures in CON states have become dominated by nursing homes. PMID:26223431

Gestational surrogacy: could be a way to be a way to reproduction? Pros and cons.

PubMed

Clementina, Peris

2011-06-01

The aim of this article was to address pros and cons of gestational surrogacy, the social and psychological issues involved in surrogate motherhood triads. Pros and cons of surrogacy, the possible insurgence of a hematologic disease in the fetus, hemolytic disease of the newborn, naturally acquired microchimerism in surrogacy cases, ethical, medical, psychologic, legal and religious issues of a problem are discussed.

Technologies for Metabolic Monitoring Military Section Editorials in Diabetes Technologies and Therapeutics

DTIC Science & Technology

2004-12-01

monitoring, diabetes, IGF-I, patient decision assist, hyperspectral imaging, actigraphy, accelerometry, foot contact time, Con A-glucose sensing, lactate...was reduced in both con - mottling, and rebound of a skin fold could all ditions. contribute to a diagnosis. Current technologies Hyperspectral imaging...information such as ambient con - responses in the context of various external ditions, meals and recent activity, and specific challenges ("green light

Dual Nozzle Aerodynamic and Cooling Analysis Study.

DTIC Science & Technology

1981-02-27

program and to the aerodynamic model computer program. This pro - cedure was used to define two secondary nozzle contours for the baseline con - figuration...both the dual-throat and dual-expander con - cepts. Advanced analytical techniques were utilized to provide quantitative estimates of the bleed flow...preliminary heat transfer analysis of both con - cepts, and (5) engineering analysis of data from the NASA/MSFC hot-fire testing of a dual-throat

Operational Resiliency Management: An Introduction to the Resiliency Engineering Framework

DTIC Science & Technology

2006-09-20

Maturity Model Integration (CMMI) . 5 © 2006 Carnegie Mellon University y FRB Bus Con Conference 2006 Managing Today’s Operational Risk Challenges ...Bus Con Conference 2006 A model is needed to. . . Identify and prioritize risk exposures Define a process improvement roadmap Measure and facilitate...University y FRB Bus Con Conference 2006 Why use a “model” approach? Provides an operational risk roadmap Vendor-neutral, standardized, unbiased

The impact of a College of Nursing Retention Program on the graduation rates of nursing students.

PubMed

Tatem, E; Payne, J L

2000-01-01

This study was designed to measure the impact of a College of Nursing's (CON) Retention Program on students enrolled in a baccalaureate degree nursing program. Within the last ten years, undergraduate nurses increasingly have utilized the CON retention program. These students traditionally face a number of barriers to their academic endeavors. This study was designed to assess the effect of the CON program on the barriers to academic success of students who entered the CON in the Fall classes of 1991, 1992 and 1993. The sample size was 320 students. The control group consisted of 137 students who received no intervention and the experimental group was comprised of 183 students who attended intervention sessions with the Retention Coordinator in the CON. It was hypothesized that the most successful students during this period (1991-1993) were the most frequent attendees of the CON retention program intervention sessions. The alternative hypothesis was that those persons who did not attend the sessions, but were still highly persistent and successful, were enrollees who had entered with high entrance credentials as demonstrated by the transfer grade point averages (GPA). The results of this study indicated the need, use and value of this systematic approach to retention.

The isokinetic rotator cuff strength ratios in overhead athletes: Assessment and exercise effect.

PubMed

Berckmans, Kelly; Maenhout, Annelies G; Matthijs, Lien; Pieters, Louise; Castelein, Birgit; Cools, Ann M

2017-09-01

Muscle strength imbalance in the shoulder region can be considered as a predisposing factor in the development of movement dysfunctions, possibly leading to overuse injuries. Repetitive overhead throwing, performed in sports, may result in muscle imbalance between the external (ER) and internal (IR) rotators. Muscle strength measured with an isokinetic device, is reported as a concentric (CON) or eccentric (ECC) force. The balance between an agonist and an antagonist is mentioned as a ratio (CON/CON or ECC/CON). The aim of this systematic literature review is to provide an overview of the existing evidence considering the isokinetic muscle strength ratios of ER and IR of the shoulder in healthy overhead athletes. In addition, the effect of exercise programs on these ratios was investigated. Two online databases (Web of Science and PubMed) were consulted using different search strategies. Articles were selected based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. All included articles were assessed on their methodological quality. There is moderate evidence for a lower functional deceleration ratio (ECC ER/CON IR) at the dominant side. This lower ratio is due to a large overweight of CON IR strength on that side. There is no consensus about which exercise program is the most effective in altering the shoulder isokinetic strength ratios. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

A Genetic Selection For Neurospora crassa Mutants Altered in Their Light Regulation of Transcription

PubMed Central

Navarro-Sampedro, Laura; Yanofsky, Charles; Corrochano, Luis M.

2008-01-01

Transcription of the Neurospora crassa gene con-10 is induced during conidiation and following exposure of vegetative mycelia to light, but light activation is transient due to photoadaptation. We describe mutational analyses of photoadaptation using a N. crassa strain bearing a translational fusion of con-10, including its regulatory region, to a selectable bacterial gene conferring hygromycin resistance (hph). Growth of this strain was sensitive to hygromycin, upon continuous culture in the light. Five mutants were isolated that were resistant to hygromycin when cultured under constant light. Three mutant strains displayed elevated, sustained accumulation of con-10∷hph mRNA during continued light exposure, suggesting that they bear mutations that reduce or eliminate the presumed light-dependent repression mechanism that blocks con-10 transcription upon prolonged illumination. These mutations altered photoadaptation for only a specific group of genes (con-10 and con-6), suggesting that regulation of photoadaptation is relatively gene specific. The mutations increased light-dependent mRNA accumulation for genes al-1, al-2, and al-3, each required for carotenoid biosynthesis, resulting in a threefold increase in carotenoid accumulation following continuous light exposure. Identification of the altered gene or genes in these mutants may reveal novel proteins that participate in light regulation of gene transcription in fungi. PMID:18202366

Stable Isotopes, Quantum Computing and Consciousness

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Berezin, Alexander A.

2000-10-01

Recent proposals of quantum computing/computers (QC) based on nuclear spins suggest that consciousness (CON) activity may be related (assisted) to subset of C13 atoms incorporated randomly, or quasirandomly, in neural structures. Consider two DNA chains. Even if they are completely identical chemically (same sequence of codons), patterns of 12C and 13C isotopes in them are different (possible origin of personal individuality). Perhaps it is subsystem of nuclear spins of 13C "sublattice" which forms dynamical system capable of QC and on which CON is "spanned". Some issues related to this hypothesis are: (1) existence of CON-driven positional correlations among C13 atoms, (2) motion (hopping) of C13 via enhanced neutron tunneling, cf. quantum "anti Zeno-effect", (3) possible optimization of concentration of QC-active C13 atoms above their standard isotopic abundance, (4) characteristic time-scales for operation of C13-based QC (perrhaps, broad range of scales), (5) reflection of QC dynamics of C13 on CON, (6) possibility that C13-based QC operates "above" level of "regular" CON (perhaps, Jungian sub/super-CON), (7) isotopicity as connector to universal Library of Patterns ("Platonic World"), (8) self-stabilization of coherence in C13 (sub)system. Some of this questions are, in principle, experimentally addressable through shifting of isotopic abundances.

Neurobiología de la impulsividad y los trastornos de la conducta alimentaria*

PubMed Central

Orozco-Cabal, Luis Felipe; Herin, David

2009-01-01

Resumen Introducción La impulsividad es un rasgo de personalidad multidimensional relacionado con el control del comportamiento y las emociones. Está presente de manera diversa en los trastornos de la conducta alimentaria, particularmente, en la bulimia nerviosa (BN). Aunque la relación entre la impulsividad y BN ha sido objeto de numerosas investigaciones, en la actualidad se desconocen los sustratos neurobiológicos de esta relación. Objetivos Discutir críticamente la evidencia que sugiere que las alteraciones en los sistemas neuronales relacio-nados con las funciones ejecutivas, con la formación de preferencias y con la regulación de los estados emocionales sirven como base para el rasgo de personalidad impulsiva, así como su estado en subgrupos de pacientes con BN. Métodos Búsqueda selectiva de la literatura relevante. Resultados y conclusiones Esta discusión ilustra la complejidad de la relación entre la impulsividad y BN, donde la impulsividad actúa como un factor de vulnerabilidad que puede sensibilizar al sujeto con BN a estados emocionales negativos, durante los cuales modifica el impacto de estímulos internos y externos sobre el comportamiento y su regulación, favoreciendo así patrones de comportamiento maladaptativos e inflexibles. PMID:19838321

Coagulase-Negative Staphylococci

PubMed Central

Heilmann, Christine; Peters, Georg

2014-01-01

SUMMARY The definition of the heterogeneous group of coagulase-negative staphylococci (CoNS) is still based on diagnostic procedures that fulfill the clinical need to differentiate between Staphylococcus aureus and those staphylococci classified historically as being less or nonpathogenic. Due to patient- and procedure-related changes, CoNS now represent one of the major nosocomial pathogens, with S. epidermidis and S. haemolyticus being the most significant species. They account substantially for foreign body-related infections and infections in preterm newborns. While S. saprophyticus has been associated with acute urethritis, S. lugdunensis has a unique status, in some aspects resembling S. aureus in causing infectious endocarditis. In addition to CoNS found as food-associated saprophytes, many other CoNS species colonize the skin and mucous membranes of humans and animals and are less frequently involved in clinically manifested infections. This blurred gradation in terms of pathogenicity is reflected by species- and strain-specific virulence factors and the development of different host-defending strategies. Clearly, CoNS possess fewer virulence properties than S. aureus, with a respectively different disease spectrum. In this regard, host susceptibility is much more important. Therapeutically, CoNS are challenging due to the large proportion of methicillin-resistant strains and increasing numbers of isolates with less susceptibility to glycopeptides. PMID:25278577

Clinical significance of the summating potential-action potential ratio and the action potential latency difference for condensation and rarefaction clicks in Meniere's disease.

PubMed

Ohashi, Toru; Nishino, Hirohito; Arai, Yoko; Hyodo, Makoto; Takatsu, Mitsuharu

2009-04-01

This study was aimed to elucidate the diagnostic significance of the summating potential (SP)-action potential (AP) ratio and the AP latency difference between condensation and rarefaction clicks (AP con-rar difference) in Meniere's disease. The AP and SP were recorded transtympanically in 67 patients with definite Meniere's disease. The SP/AP ratio and the AP con-rar difference were assessed in terms of 1) their interrelationship, 2) their relationship to hearing level, and 3) the rate of occurrence of abnormal values according to the stages of Meniere's disease. No correlation was found between the SP/AP ratio and the AP con-rar difference. Neither the SP/AP ratio in general nor the AP con-rar difference was correlated with the hearing level. However, enhanced values of the SP/AP ratio (0.35 or higher) were moderately correlated with the hearing level (r = 0.51), and their occurrence rate was 55.2%. An increased AP con-rar difference (0.13 ms or longer) was not correlated with the hearing level, and its occurrence rate was 50.2%; it appeared most frequently at stage 3 (p <0.05). An enhanced SP/AP ratio might not always indicate the presence of endolymphatic hydrops associated with an increase in endolymphatic pressure. An increased AP con-rar difference might reflect the presence of a biased basilar membrane resulting from an increased endolymphatic pressure, and hence it is diagnostically essential to simultaneously evaluate the SP/AP ratio and the AP con-rar difference.

Caffeine impact on working memory-related network activation patterns in early stages of cognitive decline.

PubMed

Haller, Sven; Montandon, Marie-Louise; Rodriguez, Cristelle; Moser, Dominik; Toma, Simona; Hofmeister, Jeremy; Giannakopoulos, Panteleimon

2017-04-01

Recent evidence indicates that caffeine may have a beneficial effect on cognitive decline and dementia. The current investigation assessed the effect of acute caffeine administration on working memory during the earliest stage of cognitive decline in elderly participants. The study includes consecutive 45 elderly controls and 18 individuals with mild cognitive impairment (MCI, 71.6 ± 4.7 years, 7 females). During neuropsychological follow-up at 18 months, 24 controls remained stable (sCON, 70.0 ± 4.3 years, 11 women), while the remaining 21 showed subtle cognitive deterioration (dCON, 73.4 ± 5.9 years, 14 women). All participants underwent an established 2-back working task in a crossover design of 200 mg caffeine versus placebo. Data analysis included task-related general linear model and functional connectivity tensorial independent component analysis. Working memory behavioral performances did not differ between sCON and dCON, while MCI was slower and less accurate than both control groups (p < 0.05). The dCON group had a less pronounced effect of acute caffeine administration essentially restricted to the right hemisphere (p < 0.05 corrected) and reduced default mode network (DMN) deactivation compared to sCON (p < 0.01 corrected). dCON cases are characterized by decreased sensitivity to caffeine effects on brain activation and DMN deactivation. These complex fMRI patterns possibly reflect the instable status of these cases with intact behavioral performances despite already existing functional alterations in neocortical circuits.

ConTour: Data-Driven Exploration of Multi-Relational Datasets for Drug Discovery.

PubMed

Partl, Christian; Lex, Alexander; Streit, Marc; Strobelt, Hendrik; Wassermann, Anne-Mai; Pfister, Hanspeter; Schmalstieg, Dieter

2014-12-01

Large scale data analysis is nowadays a crucial part of drug discovery. Biologists and chemists need to quickly explore and evaluate potentially effective yet safe compounds based on many datasets that are in relationship with each other. However, there is a lack of tools that support them in these processes. To remedy this, we developed ConTour, an interactive visual analytics technique that enables the exploration of these complex, multi-relational datasets. At its core ConTour lists all items of each dataset in a column. Relationships between the columns are revealed through interaction: selecting one or multiple items in one column highlights and re-sorts the items in other columns. Filters based on relationships enable drilling down into the large data space. To identify interesting items in the first place, ConTour employs advanced sorting strategies, including strategies based on connectivity strength and uniqueness, as well as sorting based on item attributes. ConTour also introduces interactive nesting of columns, a powerful method to show the related items of a child column for each item in the parent column. Within the columns, ConTour shows rich attribute data about the items as well as information about the connection strengths to other datasets. Finally, ConTour provides a number of detail views, which can show items from multiple datasets and their associated data at the same time. We demonstrate the utility of our system in case studies conducted with a team of chemical biologists, who investigate the effects of chemical compounds on cells and need to understand the underlying mechanisms.

Identification of nucleotides in the 5'UTR and amino acids substitutions that are essential for the infectivity of 5'UTR-NS5A recombinant of hepatitis C virus genotype 1b (strain Con1).

PubMed

Li, Jinqian; Feng, Shengjun; Liu, Xi; Guo, Mingzhe; Chen, Mingxiao; Chen, Yiyi; Rong, Liang; Xia, Jinyu; Zhou, Yuanping; Zhong, Jin; Li, Yi-Ping

2018-05-01

Genotype 1b strain Con1 represents an important reference in the study of hepatitis C virus (HCV). Here, we aimed to develop an advanced infectious Con1 recombinant. We found that previously identified mutations A1226G/F1464L/A1672S/Q1773H permitted culture adaption of Con1 Core-NS5A (C-5A) recombinant containing 5'UTR and NS5B-3'UTR from JFH1 (genotype 2a), thus acquired additional mutations L725H/F886L/D2415G. C-5A containing all seven mutations (C-5A_7m) replicated efficiently in Huh7.5 and Huh7.5.1 cells and had an increased infectivity in SEC14L2-expressing Huh7.5.1 cells. Incorporation of Con1 NS5B was deleterious to C-5A_7m, however Con1 5'UTR was permissive but attenuated the virus. Nucleotides G1, A4, and G35 primarily accounted for the viral attenuation without affecting RNA translation. C-5A_7m was inhibited dose-dependently by simeprevir and daclatasvir, and substitutions at A4, A29, A34, and G35 conferred resistance to miR-122 antagonism. The novel Con1 5'UTR-NS5A recombinant, adaptive mutations, and critical nucleotides described here will facilitate future studies of HCV culture systems and virus-host interaction. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

B cell helper factors. II. Synergy among three helper factors in the response of T cell- and macrophage-depleted B cells.

PubMed

Liebson, H J; Marrack, P; Kappler, J

1982-10-01

The concanavalin A- (Con A) stimulated supernatant of normal spleen cells (normal Con A SN) was shown to contain a set of helper factors sufficient to allow T cell- and macrophage- (M phi) depleted murine splenic B cells to produce a plaque-forming cell response to the antigen sheep red blood cells (SRBC). The activity of normal Con A SN could be reconstituted by a mixture of three helper factor preparations. The first was the interleukin 2- (IL 2) containing Con A SN of the T cell hybridoma, FS6-14.13. The second was a normal Con A SN depleted of IL 2 by extended culture with T cell blasts from which the 30,000 to 50,000 m.w. factors were isolated (interleukin X, IL X). The third was a SN either from the M phi tumor cell line P388D1 or from normal M phi taken from Corynebacterium parvum-immune mice. The combination of all three helper factor preparations was required to equal the activity of normal Con A SN; however, the M phi SN had the least overall effect. The M phi SN and IL 2 had to be added at the initiation of the culture period for a maximal effect, but the IL X preparation was most effective when added 24 hr after the initiation of culture. These results indicate that at least three nonspecific helper factors contribute to the helper activity in normal Con A SN.

Prefrontal blood flow and oxygenation measured by NIRS during long-term memory tasks are impaired by acute hyperglycemia (Conference Presentation)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Harris, R. Luke; Bell, Lindsay; Reimer, Andrea; Pettersen, Jacqueline A.; Siakaluk, Paul; Duffels, Brian

2017-02-01

Our goal was to use 2-channel frequency domain near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) to investigate the hemodynamic and metabolic mechanisms underlying hyperglycemia-associated long-term memory impairment. We hypothesized that prefrontal cortex (PFC) oxygen saturation (%Sat) and perfusion (tHb, i.e. total hemoglobin) would decrease due to hyperglycemia during learning, and then increase during recall. During learning, participants' blood glucose was manipulated with beverages containing either 47.4 mg saccharine control (CON, n = 10), or 50 g dextrose + 23.7 mg saccharine (GLC, n = 10). In the Symbol-Digit Modalities Test (SMDT) participants matched nine symbols to corresponding digits (1-9 inclusive), completing 105 learning and 15 testing trials on day 1 and 15 testing trials on day 2. From learning to recall, CON SMDT performance was unchanged, but GLC SMDT performance was decreased 11% (P = 0.0173). There were significant interactions (2-way ANOVA) between the CON-GLC treatment effects and the learning-recall effects for both PFC perfusion and oxygen saturation. Specifically, comparing learning to recall, CON exhibited no tHb differences but for GLC there was a large tHb decrease during learning with a partial recovery toward CON values during recall (P = 0.0012); and, comparing learning to recall, CON exhibited a large %Sat decrease but GLC exhibited a large %Sat increase (P = 0.021). We speculate that, during learning, after overnight fasting (CON) the PFC demands more hemodynamic and metabolic resources and "works" harder, but with readily available sugar (GLC) the PFC exhibits decreased "effort."

SLUDGE PARTICLE SEPAPATION EFFICIENCIES DURING SETTLER TANK RETRIEVAL INTO SCS-CON-230

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

DEARING JI; EPSTEIN M; PLYS MG

2009-07-16

The purpose of this document is to release, into the Hanford Document Control System, FA1/0991, Sludge Particle Separation Efficiencies for the Rectangular SCS-CON-230 Container, by M. Epstein and M. G. Plys, Fauske & Associates, LLC, June 2009. The Sludge Treatment Project (STP) will retrieve sludge from the 105-K West Integrated Water Treatment System (IWTS) Settler Tanks and transfer it to container SCS-CON-230 using the Settler Tank Retrieval System (STRS). The sludge will enter the container through two distributors. The container will have a filtration system that is designed to minimize the overflow of sludge fines from the container to themore » basin. FAI/09-91 was performed to quantify the effect of the STRS on sludge distribution inside of and overflow out of SCS-CON-230. Selected results of the analysis and a system description are discussed. The principal result of the analysis is that the STRS filtration system reduces the overflow of sludge from SCS-CON-230 to the basin by roughly a factor of 10. Some turbidity can be expected in the center bay where the container is located. The exact amount of overflow and subsequent turbidity is dependent on the density of the sludge (which will vary with location in the Settler Tanks) and the thermal gradient between the SCS-CON-230 and the basin. Attachment A presents the full analytical results. These results are applicable specifically to SCS-CON-230 and the STRS filtration system's expected operating duty cycles.« less

VapeCons: E-cigarette user conventions

PubMed Central

Williams, Rebecca S.

2015-01-01

Introduction E-cigarette ‘vaping conventions’ provide a venue for user social networking, parties, and ‘try before you buy’ access to a wide range of e-cigarette products. This study identifies and describes vaping conventions, raising awareness of this potentially problematic practice. Methods Conventions were identified via Google searches in April and May 2014 and August 2015. Details captured included location, sponsors, admission cost, event features, and promotions. Results 41 distinct organizations have planned 90 vaping conventions in 37 different locations since 2010. Conventions promoted access to a wide range of product vendors, seminars, social interactions with other users, parties, gifts, vaping contests, and other events. E-cigarette use at conventions was encouraged. Conclusions Vaping conventions promote e-cigarette use and social norms without public health having a voice to educate attendees about negative consequences of use. Future research should focus on the effects of attending these conventions on attendees and on indoor air quality in vapor-filled convention rooms. PMID:26424201

PubMed

Contreras, Kateir; Vargas, María José; García, Paola; González, Camilo A; Rodríguez, Patricia; Castañeda-Cardona, Camilo; Otálora-Esteban, Margarita; Rosselli, Diego

2018-03-15

Introducción. El citomegalovirus es la causa más frecuente de infección en pacientes con trasplante renal. Existen dos estrategias de similar efectividad para prevenirlo: la profilaxis universal con valganciclovir durante 90 días o el tratamiento anticipado verificando la carga viral semanal y aplicándolo solo si esta es positiva.Objetivo. Determinar cuál de estas dos estrategias sería más costo-efectiva en pacientes de riesgo intermedio en Colombia.Materiales y métodos. Se diseñó un árbol de decisiones bajo la perspectiva del tercer pagador considerando únicamente los costos médicos directos en pesos colombianos (COP) del 2014 durante un periodo de un año en una población de pacientes con riesgo intermedio para citomegalovirus (donante positivo y receptor positivo, o donante negativo y receptor positivo). Las probabilidades de transición se extrajeron de los estudios clínicos y se validaron con expertos mediante el método Delphi.Los costos de los procedimientos se basaron en el manual tarifario ISS 2001, con un incremento del 33 % a partir del índice de precios al consumidor (IPC) en salud de 2014, en tanto que los de los medicamentos se extrajeron de las circulares del Ministerio de Salud y del Sistema de Información de Medicamentos (Sismed).Resultados. La profilaxis universal con valganciclovir resultó ser menos costosa y se asoció con una menor probabilidad de infección. El costo promedio del primer año de tratamiento anticipado sería de COP$ 30'961.290, mientras que el universal sería de COP$ 29'967.834, es decir, un costo 'incremental' de COP$ 993.456.Conclusiones. Para los pacientes de riesgo intermedio con trasplante renal en Colombia, la profilaxis universal es la mejor estrategia por ser menos costosa y reducir el riesgo de infección.

[Not Available].

PubMed

Pérez-Flores, Juan Emmanuel; Chávez-Tostado, Mariana; Larios-Del-Toro, Youné Elizabeth; García-Rentería, Jesús; Rendrón-Félix, Jorge; Salazar-Parra, Marcela; Irusteta-Jiménez, Leire; Michel-Espinoza, Luis Rodrigo; Márquez-Valdez, Aída Rebeca; Cuesta-Márquez, Lisbeth; Álvarez-Villaseñor, Andrea Socorro; Fuentes-Orozco, Clotilde; González Ojeda, Alejandro

2016-07-19

Introducción: la desnutrición intrahospitalaria se ha descrito hace más de 70 años como un problema frecuente. En México se reportan cifras de entre el 20% al 50%; sin embargo no se ha estudiado su prevalencia ni su asociación con la morbilidad y mortalidad hospitalaria.Objetivos: evaluar el estado nutricional y su relación con la morbimortalidad hospitalaria en pacientes mexicanos.Métodos: cohorte prospectiva de pacientes que ingresaron en un hospital de referencia para una estancia hospitalaria mayor de 5 días. Se capturó peso, talla, índice de masa corporal (IMC), estado nutricional de acuerdo con la valoración global subjetiva (VGS) a su ingreso y egreso hospitalario, así como diagnóstico médico, complicaciones y mortalidad. Los datos fueron analizados mediante la prueba T de Student, prueba Chi-cuadrado y prueba Exacta de Fisher.Resultados: se incluyeron 610 pacientes en total, con un promedio de edad de 50,8 ± 17,32 años, 267 mujeres (43,8%) y 343 hombres (56,2%). Del total, 154 fueron catalogados con sospecha de desnutrición o desnutrición (pacientes expuestos, 25,2%) y 456 bien nutridos (pacientes no expuestos, 74,8%), con una relación de 1 a 3. La morbilidad total de la cohorte tuvo un RR = 2,70, IC 95 % (2,06-3,55) y la mortalidad con un RR = 2,64, IC 95% (1,74-4,0), siendo ambas estadísticamente significativas (p = 0,001).Conclusiones: el diagnóstico de desnutrición al ingreso hospitalario constituye un factor de riesgo para el desarrollo de complicaciones y mortalidad. Este padecimiento al ingreso en comparación con el paciente que no presenta desnutrición incrementó el riesgo de mortalidad hasta en 2.64 veces.

Papiloma invertido sinunasal con invasión intracraneal: Reporte de caso y revisión bibliográfica

PubMed Central

Di Pietrantonio, Andrés; Asmus, Humberto; Ingratta, Christian; Brennan, Walter; Schulz, Javier; Carballo, Leandro

2018-01-01

Resumen IntroducciÓn: El papiloma invertido es una neoplasia benigna de los senos paranasales localmente agresiva con alto potencial de recurrencia y de malignización. La extensión intracraneal es infrecuente y más aún, la penetración dural, asociándose a menudo a la recurrencia de la enfermedad o a su degeneración en carcinoma de células escamosas. Caso clínico: Presentamos el caso de una paciente de 32 años que consultó por lesión exofítica en fosa nasal derecha y exoftalmos, asociada a cefalea, anosmia y disgeusia. Se estudió con TC cerebro, macizo facial y RM de encéfalo que evidencian lesión en fosa nasal derecha con ocupación de senos aéreos, osteólisis de pared medial orbitaria y base de cráneo anterior e invasión intracraneal frontal derecha, con efecto de masa y compresión del parénquima encefálico adyacente. Intervención: Se realizó una nasofibroscopía en primer tiempo con diagnóstico anatomopatológico de papiloma invertido y posteriormente resección de la lesión mediante doble abordaje más reconstrucción de la fosa craneal anterior. Se obtuvo diagnóstico definitivo de papiloma invertido de tipo Schneideriano con áreas de transformación atípica in situ. La paciente evolucionó de forma favorable y sin complicaciones, con permeabilidad de vía aérea superior, sin signos de recidiva lesional luego de 4 años de seguimiento. Conclusión: La invasión intracraneal de esta patología es sumamente infrecuente. Cuando existe, es indicador de agresividad y potencial recidiva, por lo que la exéresis completa de la misma define el pronóstico de la enfermedad. PMID:29430328

Neuromuscular blockade of slow twitch muscle fibres elevates muscle oxygen uptake and energy turnover during submaximal exercise in humans.

PubMed

Krustrup, Peter; Secher, Niels H; Relu, Mihai U; Hellsten, Ylva; Söderlund, Karin; Bangsbo, Jens

2008-12-15

We tested the hypothesis that a greater activation of fast-twitch (FT) fibres during dynamic exercise leads to a higher muscle oxygen uptake (VO2 ) and energy turnover as well as a slower muscle on-kinetics. Subjects performed one-legged knee-extensor exercise for 10 min at an intensity of 30 W without (CON) and with (CUR) arterial injections of the non-depolarizing neuromuscular blocking agent cisatracurium. In CUR, creatine phosphate (CP) was unaltered in slow twitch (ST) fibres and decreased (P < 0.05) by 28% in FT fibres, whereas in CON, CP decreased (P < 0.05) by 33% and 23% in ST and FT fibres, respectively. From 127 s of exercise, muscle VO2 was higher (P < 0.05) in CUR compared to CON (425 +/- 25 (+/- S.E.M.) versus 332 +/- 30 ml min(-1)) and remained higher (P < 0.05) throughout exercise. Using monoexponential fitting, the time constant of the exercise-induced muscle VO2 response was slower (P < 0.05) in CUR than in CON (55 +/- 6 versus 33 +/- 5 s). During CUR and CON, muscle homogenate CP was lowered (P < 0.05) by 32 and 35%, respectively, and also muscle lactate production was similar in CUR and CON (37.8 +/- 4.1 versus 35.2 +/- 6.2 mmol). Estimated total muscle ATP turnover was 19% higher (P < 0.05) in CUR than in CON (1196 +/- 90 versus 1011 +/- 59 mmol) and true mechanical efficiency was lower (P < 0.05) in CUR than in CON (26.2 +/- 2.0 versus 30.9 +/- 1.5%). In conclusion, the present findings provide evidence that FT fibres are less efficient than ST fibres in vivo at a contraction frequency of 1 Hz, and that the muscle VO2 kinetics is slowed by FT fibre activation.

Aspergilosis cervical con diseminación al sistema nervioso central. Presentación de un caso y revisión de bibliografía

PubMed Central

Vergara, Guillermo Enrique; Roura, Natalia; del Castillo, Marcelo; Mora, Andrea; Alcorta, Santiago Condomi; Mormandi, Rubén; Cervio, Andrés; Salvat, Jorge

2015-01-01

Introducción: la Aspergilosis Invasiva (AI) del Sistema Nervioso Central (SNC) es infrecuente y ocurre generalmente en pacientes inmunocomprometidos. Puede presentarse con cuadros de meningitis, aneurismas micóticos, infartos o abscesos. Es una infección con pronóstico reservado y puede afectar el SNC de forma primaria o secundaria a partir de un foco que se disemina por vía hematógena. Presentamos el caso de un paciente con AI con invasión primaria a nivel óseo y diseminación posterior al cerebro. Caso clínico: Paciente masculino de 25 años con diagnóstico de leucemia linfática aguda en tratamiento quimioterápico que presentó neumonitis por metotrexate por lo que inicia tratamiento con corticoides. Posteriormente agregó cervicalgia y con el diagnóstico de osteomielitis cervical se realiza punción bajo tomografía computada (TC) sin aislarse gérmenes. Se colocó Halo Vest e inició tratamiento antibiótico empírico. Posteriormente presentó afasia de expresión secundaria a lesión frontal izquierda. Se realizó evacuación de absceso cerebral aislando A. fumigatus. El tratamiento antibiótico específico posterior permitió una buena respuesta clínica y radiológica. Conclusión: La presencia de lesiones en el SNC de pacientes inmunocomprometidos debe incluir a las micosis como diagnóstico diferencial. La evacuación quirúrgica permite llegar rápidamente al diagnóstico mejorando la respuesta posterior al tratamiento antibiótico. Para evaluar la respuesta terapéutica y posibles recaídas se debe realizar un seguimiento periódico clínico radiológico. Palabras clave: Aspergilosis cerebral; Aspergilosis cervical; Aspergilosis invasiva; Voriconazol. PMID:26600985

[Not Available].

PubMed

Arellano Ortiz, Ana Lidia; Jiménez Vega, Florinda; Díaz Hernández, Cecilia; Salcedo Vargas, Muricio; De la Mora Covarrubias, Antonio; López Díaz, José Alberto; Vargas Requena, Claudia Lucía; Cassís Nosthas, María Lorena

2016-07-19

Introducción: las lesiones intraepiteliales escamosas (LIE) son un estado de transición hacia el cáncer cervicouterino (CaCu) y un déficit de micronutrientes puede acelerar este proceso. Por ello, determinar la existencia de este déficit y conocer qué factores se asocian permitiría una posible prevención en esta población de riesgo.Objetivo: determinar la presencia de alguna deficiencia de micronutrientes involucrados en el proceso anticancerígeno y asociar este déficit con hábitos y factores demográficos en pacientes con LIE de Ciudad Juárez, Chihuahua, México.Métodos:en un estudio transversal analítico fueron seleccionadas 102 pacientes con LIE. Se realizó una encuesta dietaría (recordatorio de 24 horas) para estimar la ingesta de micronutrientes. La deficiencia fue determinada con un consumo < 75% de la ingesta diaria recomendada o sugerida (IDR o IDS) en México. Algunos hábitos y factores demográficos fueron obtenidos mediante la entrevista con la paciente. Se realizó un modelo de regresión logística para asociar la presencia de deficiencia con factores que afectan a la ingesta o incrementan el requerimiento de micronutrientes.Resultados:el retinol, ácido fólico, zinc, vitaminas C y E, considerados como micronutrientes en el proceso anticancerígeno del CaCu, se encontraron por debajo del 75% de la IDR. Aquellas mujeres con sobrepeso, obesidad y amas de casa se asociaron significativamente con la deficiencia de micronutrientes.Conclusión: el sobrepeso, la obesidad y la ocupación han sido asociados para presentar deficiencias de micronutrientes en este estudio. Estas variables convergen en una posible inseguridad alimentaria, la cual podría asociarse al incremento de incidencia de CaCu en México.

Effect of moderate- versus high-intensity exercise on vascular function, biomarkers and quality of life in heart transplant recipients: A randomized, crossover trial.

PubMed

Dall, Christian H; Gustafsson, Finn; Christensen, Stefan B; Dela, Flemming; Langberg, Henning; Prescott, Eva

2015-08-01

Growing evidence in long-term treatment of heart transplant (HTx) recipients indicates effects of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) on several parameters, including oxygen uptake, vascular function and psychological distress. In this study we compare the effect of HIIT vs continued moderate training (CON) on vascular function, biomarkers and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in HTx recipients. A randomized, controlled crossover trial of stable HTx recipients >12 months after transplantation was done on patients with 12 weeks of HIIT or 12 weeks of CON, followed by a 5-month washout and crossover. Outcomes included endothelial function, arterial stiffness, biomarkers, HRQoL and markers of anxiety and depression. Sixteen HTx recipients (mean age 52 years, 75% male) completed the study. HIIT increased VO(2peak) more than CON (between-group difference, p < 0.001). The physical component score of the 36-item Short Form (SF-36) was increased significantly in HIIT patients (p = 0.02) and borderline increased in CON patients (p = 0.07), whereas there was no significant effect of exercise on the mental component. Depression score decreased significantly in HIIT patients (p = 0.04) with no change in CON patients (p = 0.75), whereas anxiety score decreased significantly in both HIIT (p < 0.01) and CON (p < 0.05) patients. There were no between-group differences in any of the measures (all p > 0.05). Arterial stiffness and biomarkers were not changed, nor did endothelial function change after HIIT (p = 0.08) or CON (p = 0.68). HIIT and CON are both well tolerated and induce similar improvements in physical components of HRQoL and in markers of anxiety. Effects of either training modality on vascular function and biomarkers could not be confirmed. Copyright © 2015 International Society for Heart and Lung Transplantation. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Lyt-2+ cells. Requirements for concanavalin A-induced proliferation and interleukin 2 production.

PubMed

Kern, D E; Lachmann, L B; Greenberg, P D

1987-11-01

The requirements for inducing Lyt-2+ T cell proliferation in response to concanavalin A (Con A) were examined. Purified Lyt-2+ or L3T4+ spleen cells of C57BL/6 origin were stimulated with Con A and syngeneic macrophages (MO) in the presence of monoclonal antibodies to T cell markers or to polymorphic determinants on major histocompatibility complex molecules, and assessed for the ability to proliferate and to produce interleukin (IL) 2. alpha I-Ab failed to inhibit the Con A response of Lyt-2+ cells at dilutions that significantly inhibited the response of L3T4+ cells. In contrast, alphaKb/Db or alpha Lyt-2.2 specifically inhibited the response of Lyt-2+ cells, but not L3T4+ cells. The ability of alpha Kb/Db and of alpha Lyt-2.2 to inhibit the response of Lyt-2+ cells was dependent upon the concentration of Con A. These data demonstrate that optimal triggering of T cell subsets to proliferate and to produce IL-2 in response to Con A requires interactions with the appropriate restricting major histocompatibility complex molecule. The role of accessory cells in Lyt-2+ Con A-induced proliferation and IL-2 production was also investigated. Purified Lyt-2+ cells and purified L3T4+ cells failed to respond to Con A in the absence of MO. IL-1 reconstituted the response when MO were limiting, but failed to restore the response of either Lyt-2+ or L3T4+ cells when T cells were rigorously purified to remove all MO. These results demonstrate that triggering Lyt-2+ T cells, like L3T4+ T cells, requires accessory cells, and that this does not merely reflect a requirement for IL-1 production. Thus, Con A-induced proliferation and IL-2 production by Lyt-2+ T cells requires intimate contact with accessory cells and interactions dependent upon the class I-restricting element.

Cardio-pulmonary responses to incremental eccentric and concentric cycling tests to task failure.

PubMed

Lipski, Marcin; Abbiss, Chris R; Nosaka, Kazunori

2018-05-01

This study compared cardio-pulmonary responses between incremental concentric and eccentric cycling tests, and examined factors affecting the maximal eccentric cycling capacity. On separate days, nine men and two women (32.6 ± 9.4 years) performed an upright seated concentric (CON) and an eccentric (ECC) cycling test, which started at 75 W and increased 25 W min -1 until task failure. Gas exchange, heart rate (HR) and power output were continuously recorded during the tests. Participants also performed maximal voluntary contractions of the quadriceps (MVC), squat and countermovement jumps. Peak power output was 53% greater (P < 0.001, g = 1.77) for ECC (449 ± 115 W) than CON (294 ± 61 W), but peak oxygen consumption was 43% lower (P < 0.001, g = 2.18) for ECC (30.6 ± 5.6 ml kg min -1 ) than CON (43.9 ± 6.9 ml kg min -1 ). Maximal HR was not different between ECC (175 ± 20 bpm) and CON (182 ± 13 bpm), but the increase in HR relative to oxygen consumption was 33% greater (P = 0.01) during ECC than CON. Moderate to strong correlations (P < 0.05) were observed between ECC peak power output and CON peak power (r = 0.84), peak oxygen consumption (r = 0.54) and MVC (r = 0.53), while no significant relationships were observed between ECC peak power output and squat as well as countermovement jump heights. Unexpectedly, maximal HR was similar between CON and ECC. Although ECC power output can be predicted from CON peak power output, an incremental eccentric cycling test performed after 3-6 familiarisation sessions may be useful in programming ECC training with healthy and accustomed individuals.

[Not Available].

PubMed

Vila Nova, Larissa Pessoa; Araújo Tavares de Sá, Cristiane Maria; Freire Clementino da Silva, Maria Cleide; Lustosa, Marinaldo Freire; Batista de Medeiros, Rafael Augusto; Calado Brito, Daniel; De Araújo Burgos, Maria Goretti Pessoa

2016-07-19

Introducción: en los últimos años la importancia de identificar la resistencia a la insulina (RI) en pacientes con enfermedades cardiovasculares isquémicas viene siendo debatida. Métodos alternativos, como los indicadores antropométricos y de composición corporal, han sido señalados como una buena opción y contribuyen para identificar anomalías metabólicas y prevenir complicaciones.Objetivo: asociar indicadores antropométricos y de composición corporal como predictores de la resistencia a la insulina (RI) en pacientes con enfermedad de las arterias coronarias.Métodos: estudio transversal realizado en el hospital de referencia cardiológica de Pernambuco, en el periodo de junio a septiembre de 2014, con pacientes adultos y ancianos hospitalizados, de ambos sexos. Se verificaron los siguientes parámetros: estilo de vida, la presencia del síndrome metabólico (SM) y otras comorbilidades. Se analizó la RI por el cálculo del HOMA-IR. Los pacientes se sometieron a la impedancia bioeléctrica (BIA) y a las verificaciones antropométricas.Resultados: la muestra fue constituida por 75 pacientes con edad media de 63,75 ± 12,43 años, con un 64% de ancianos. Se encontró el diagnóstico de SM en el 65,3% de los pacientes, el 81,3% de sedentarios y el 37,4% con exceso de peso. Se diagnosticó la RI en el 28% de los pacientes. Se observó correlación entre el HOMA-IR y el diámetro abdominal sagital (DAS) (r = 0,476; p = 0,016), el índice de masa corporal (r = 0,233; p = 0,040) y el porcentual de grasa corporal (r = 0,276; p = 0,016).Conclusión: el DAS fue el indicador antropométrico que presentó mejor correlación con la RI en pacientes con enfermedad de las arterias coronarias hospitalizados.

Characterisation of glycoconjugate sugar residues in the vomeronasal organ of the armadillo Chaetophractus villosus (Mammalia, xenarthra)

PubMed Central

CARMANCHAHI, P. D.; FERRARI, C. C.; ALDANA MARCOS, H. J.; AFFANNI, J. M.; SONEZ, C. A.; PAZ, D. A.

2000-01-01

Conventional carbohydrate histochemistry and the binding patterns of 21 lectins were analysed to characterise the glycoconjugate content in the components of the vomeronasal organ of the armadillo Chaetophractus villosus. The mucomicrovillous complex of the sensory epithelium bound most of the lectins studied. No reaction was observed with Con A, PSA, S-Con A and SBA, and the sustentacular cells were stained with UEA-I, DSL, LEL, STL and Con A. The vomeronasal receptor neurons were labelled with S-WGA, WGA, PNA, UEA-I, STL, Con A, S-Con A, ECL and RCA120. The basal cell layer reacted with S-WGA, WGA, LCA, UEA-I, DSL, LEL, STL, Con A, JAC and VVA. The nonsensory epithelium exhibited a differential staining in relation to the different components. The mucociliary complex stained with ECL, DBA, JAC, RCA120, STL, LCA, PHA-E, PHA-L, LEL, BSL-I and VVA. However, SJA and UEA-I stained the mucus complex lining a subpopulation of columnar cells. The cytoplasm and cell membranes of columnar cells was labelled with DBA, DSL and LCA. The apical region of these cells exhibited moderate reactivity with LEL and SJA. None of the lectins bound specifically to secretory granules of the nonsecretory cells. Basal cells of the nonsensory epithelium were labelled with DSL, LEL, LCA, BSL-I and STL. The vomeronasal glands showed a positive reaction with WGA, DSL, LEL, LCA, DBA, PNA, RCA120 and SBA. Subpopulations of acinar cells were observed with ECL, S-WGA, Con A, S-Con A and DBA. PNA and RCA120 stained the cells lining the glandular ducts. In comparison with previous results obtained in the olfactory mucosa of the same group of armadillos, the carbohydrate composition of the vomeronasal organ sensory epithelium differed from the olfactory sensory epithelium. This is probably related to the different nature of molecules involved in the perireceptor processes. PMID:10853958

Core Muscle Activation During Unstable Bicep Curl Using a Water-Filled Instability Training Tube.

PubMed

Glass, Stephen C; Blanchette, Taylor W; Karwan, Lauren A; Pearson, Spencer S; OʼNeil, Allison P; Karlik, Dustin A

2016-11-01

Glass, SC, Blanchette, TW, Karwan, LA, Pearson, SS, O'Neil, AP, and Karlik, DA. Core muscle activation during unstable bicep curl using a water-filled instability training tube. J Strength Cond Res 30(11): 3212-3219, 2016-The purpose of this study was to assess compensatory muscle activation created during a bicep curl using a water-filled, unstable lifting tube. Ten men (age = 21 ± 1.6 years, height = 180.0 ± 3.3 cm, mass = 87.4 ± 15.0 kg) and 10 women (age = 19.6 ± 1.3 years, height = 161.4 ± 12.0 cm, mass = 61.2 ± 7.4 kg) completed bicep curls using an 11.4-kg tube partially filled with water during a 50% open-valve, 100% open, and control setting. Subjects completed 8 repetitions within each condition with integrated electromyographic signal (converted to percent maximal voluntary contraction) of the bicep, deltoid, rectus abdominus, and paraspinal muscles measured. Compensatory activation was determined using the natural log of coefficient of variation across concentric (CON) and eccentric (ECC) contractions. There were no differences between gender for any condition. Significant variability was seen across treatments for paraspinal muscles for CON and ECC at 50% (CON LnCV = 3.13 ± 0.56%, ECC LnCV = 3.34 ± 0.58%) and 100% (CON = 3.24 ± 0.34%, ECC = 3.46 ± 0.35%) compared with control (CON = 2.59 ± 0.47%, ECC = 2.80 ± 0.61%). Deltoid variability was greater at the 100% open setting (CON = 3.51 ± 0.53%, ECC = 3.56 ± 0.36%) compared with control (CON = 2.98 ± 0.35%, ECC = 2.97 ± 0.45%). The abdominal CON 100% showed variability (3.02 ± 0.47%) compared with control (2.65 ± 0.43%). Bicep activation remained unvaried. Compensatory activation of postural muscles contribute to postural stability. This device may be a useful tool for neuromuscular training leading to improved stability and control.

Leukoproliferative response of splenocytes from English sole (Pleuronectes vetulus) exposed to chemical contaminants

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

Arkoosh, M.R.; Clemons, E.; Huffman, P.

The leukoproliferative (LP) response of splenic leukocytes from the marine benthic fish English sole (Pleuronectes vetulus) stimulated with the mitogens lipopolysaccharide (LPS), convanavalin A (Con A), and pokeweed mitogen (PWM) was examined as a biomarker of immunotoxic effects. English sole were exposed to contaminants, either by injection of an organic-solvent extract of a sediment containing polycyclic aromatic compounds (PACs) or placed for up to 5 weeks on a reference sediment containing 0.15 to 1.5% (v/v) of the PAC-contaminated sediment. English sole either injected with the contaminated extract or held on PAC-contaminated sediment had an augmented response to Con A. Themore » LP response to LPS showed no relationship to PAC exposure in laboratory-exposed fish, while PWM showed no consistent relationship to exposure to PACs. In a field study, English sole captured from an urban area in Puget Sound, Washington, USA, contaminated with PACs and other chemical contaminants had a significantly augmented LP response to Con A and PWM in comparison to the LP response in fish from a nonurban reference site. Fish from another nonurban site also had an augmented LP response to Con A, indicating that the elevation of the Con A LP response can also result from factors other than chemical contaminant exposure. In addition, English sole from this site also had an augmented LP response to LPS, whereas fish from urban sites did not exhibit an augmented LP response to LPS. Overall, the results demonstrated that although the LP response in splenic leukocytes of English sole to Con A was linked to contaminant exposure, the LP response to Con A did not exhibit high specificity as an indicator of chemical contaminant exposure. However, the concerted use of Con A, LPS, and PWM allowed for identification of apparent chemical contaminant-induced alterations of the LP response in English sole from an urban area of Puget Sound.« less

Enhanced Endurance Performance by Periodization of Carbohydrate Intake: "Sleep Low" Strategy.

PubMed

Marquet, Laurie-Anne; Brisswalter, Jeanick; Louis, Julien; Tiollier, Eve; Burke, Louise M; Hawley, John A; Hausswirth, Christophe

2016-04-01

We investigated the effect of a chronic dietary periodization strategy on endurance performance in trained athletes. Twenty-one triathletes (V˙O2max: 58.7 ± 5.7 mL·min(-1)·kg(-1)) were divided into two groups: a "sleep-low" (SL) (n = 11) and a control (CON) group (n = 10) consumed the same daily carbohydrate (CHO) intake (6 g·kg(-1)·d(-1)) but with different timing over the day to manipulate CHO availability before and after training sessions. The SL strategy consisted of a 3-wk training-diet intervention comprising three blocks of diet-exercise manipulations: 1) "train-high" interval training sessions in the evening with high-CHO availability, 2) overnight CHO restriction ("sleeping-low"), and 3) "train-low" sessions with low endogenous and exogenous CHO availability. The CON group followed the same training program but with high CHO availability throughout training sessions (no CHO restriction overnight, training sessions with exogenous CHO provision). There was a significant improvement in delta efficiency during submaximal cycling for SL versus CON (CON, +1.4% ± 9.3%; SL, +11% ± 15%, P < 0.05). SL also improved supramaximal cycling to exhaustion at 150% of peak aerobic power (CON, +1.63% ± 12.4%; SL, +12.5% ± 19.0%; P = 0.06) and 10-km running performance (CON, -0.10% ± 2.03%; SL, -2.9% ± 2.15%; P < 0.05). Fat mass was decreased in SL (CON, -2.6 ± 7.4; SL, -8.5% ± 7.4% before; P < 0.01), but not lean mass (CON, -0.22 ± 1.0; SL, -0.16% ± 1.7% PRE). Short-term periodization of dietary CHO availability around selected training sessions promoted significant improvements in submaximal cycling economy, as well as supramaximal cycling capacity and 10-km running time in trained endurance athletes.

Virulence, Speciation and Antibiotic Susceptibility of Ocular Coagualase Negative Staphylococci (CoNS)

PubMed Central

Priya, Ravindran; Mythili, Arumugam; Singh, Yendremban Randhir Babu; Sreekumar, Haridas; Manikandan, Palanisamy; Panneerselvam, Kanesan

2014-01-01

Background: Coagulase negative Staphylococci (CoNS) are common inhabitants of human skin and mucous membranes. With the emergence of these organisms as prominent pathogens in patients with ocular infections, investigation has intensified in an effort to identify important virulence factors and to inform new approaches to treatment and prevention. Aim: To isolate CoNS from ocular specimens; to study the possible virulence factors; speciation of coagulase negative staphylococci (CoNS) which were isolated from ocular complications; antibiotic susceptibility testing of ocular CoNS. Materials and Methods: The specimens were collected from the target patients who attended the Microbiology Laboratory of a tertiary care eye hospital in Coimbatore, Tamilnadu state, India. The isolates were subjected to tube and slide coagulase tests for the identification of CoNS. All the isolates were subjected to screening for lipase and protease activities. Screening for other virulence factors viz., slime production on Congo red agar medium and haemagglutination assay with use of 96-well microtitre plates. These isolates were identified upto species level by performing biochemical tests such as phosphatase test, arginine test, maltose and trehalose fermentation tests and novobiocin sensitivity test. The isolates were subjected to antibiotic susceptibility studies, based on the revised standards of Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institutes (CLSI). Results: During the one year of study, among the total 260 individuals who were screened, 100 isolates of CoNS were obtained. Lipolytic activity was seen in all the isolates, whereas 38 isolates showed a positive result for protease. A total of 63 isolates showed slime production. Of 100 isolates, 30 isolates were analyzed for haemagglutination, where 4 isolates showed the capacity to agglutinate the erythrocytes. The results of the biochemical analysis revealed that of the 100 isolates of CoNS, 43% were Staphylococcus epidermidis. The other isolates were identified as S. xylosus (n=8), S. captis (n=16), S. haemolyticus (n=10), S. saccharolyticus (n=2), S. hominis (n=5), S. saprophyticus (n=6) and S. intermedius (n=1). On the other hand, 9 isolates were not identified. In the antibiotic susceptibility analysis, it was found that most of the isolates were sensitive to vancomycin, amikacin and linczolid and resistant to cefatoxime, oxacillin, bacitracin and nalidixic acid. Conclusion: S. epidermidis was found to be predominant in causing the ocular complications. Slime production, heamagglutination, protease and lipase activities could be the putative virulence factors of CoNS. Antibiotic susceptibility patterns of CoNS against antibacterial agents revealed maximum resistance to beta lactam groups, and the resistance was found to be higher to oxacillin, and lowest to vancomycin. PMID:24995181

Recent Rainfall and Aerosol Chemistry From Bermuda

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Landing, W. M.; Shelley, R.; Kadko, D. C.

2014-12-01

This project was devoted to testing the use of Be-7 as a tracer for quantifying trace element fluxes from the atmosphere to the oceans. Rainfall and aerosol samples were collected between June 15, 2011 and July 27, 2013 at the Bermuda Institute of Ocean Sciences (BIOS) located near the eastern end of the island of Bermuda. Collectors were situated near ground level, clear of surrounding vegetation, at a meteorological monitoring station in front of the BIOS laboratory, about 10 m above sea level. This is a Bermuda Air Quality Program site used for ambient air quality monitoring. To quantify the atmospheric deposition of Be-7, plastic buckets were deployed for collection of fallout over ~3 week periods. Wet deposition was collected for trace element analysis using a specially modified "GEOTRACES" N-CON automated wet deposition collector. Aerosol samples were collected with a Tisch TE-5170V-BL high volume aerosol sampler, modified to collect 12 replicate samples on acid-washed 47mm diameter Whatman-41 filters, using procedures identical to those used for the US GEOTRACES aerosol program (Morton et al., 2013). Aerosol and rainfall samples were analyzed for total Na, Mg, Al, P, Sc, Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Rb, Sr, Zr, Cd, Sb, Ba, La, Ce, Nd, Pb, Th, and U using ICPMS. Confirming earlier data from Bermuda, strong seasonality in rainfall and aerosol loading and chemistry was observed, particularly for aerosol and rainfall Fe concentrations when Saharan dust arrives in July/August with SE trajectories.

Confirmation Tests of Hot and Cold Artillery Shell Drawing Operations

DTIC Science & Technology

1979-05-01

internally, to increase the production rate. The flow stress of the deforming materials under hot drawing con - ditions is a function of strain rate...of the press, and its cable was hooked to the slider of the press ram. The amplified output of the displacement transducer was con - cected to the...present investigation, tests were conducted with both con - ventional conical and streamlined die designs to evaluate the mathematical models of the

Monolithic Gallium Arsenide Superheterodyne Front End.

DTIC Science & Technology

1982-06-01

which also provides a con - venient heat sink (not of primary importance in this application due to the low power dissipation of the monolithic...components utilized in the receiver front end). The thickness of the GaAs is then selected as a compromise between con - flicting requirements. A thick...International ERC41014.2FR 2.4 Analysis and Design for Low Noise The design of monolithic amplifiers for low noise must take into con - sideration active

Artiss Symposium 2014: Psychiatry and Pain Management

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-01-01

1983 to spur military psychiatry residents to con - duct high quality research. This award still exists today and was presented at the conclusion of...important to understand, in con - text, what it means to take care of severe trauma over great distances with the team of people that impact on the...perception and how it affects the psyche are extremely important. There is a post- con - cussive syndrome called chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE

Existing con el Lobo, Traversing la Frontera con Mis Nepantla Coyotes, y Buscando la Vida del Zorro: An Autoethnographic Exploration of a Chicano in Academia

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ramirez, Ernesto Fidel

2017-01-01

This dissertation is the experience of my life, an evolution of platicas I have had con mis coyotes, my Nepantlero guides. I am one Chicano navigating through the mechanisms of a coercive and hegemonic system which limits our advancement in the academy. My ontology, epistemology, and axiology stem from my cultural and family foundations which I…

DESAFÍOS ÉTICOS DE LA INVESTIGACIÓN CON ANIMALES, MANIPULACIÓN GENÉTICA

PubMed Central

Yunta, Eduardo Rodríguez

2012-01-01

En la investigación con animales existen cuestionamientos éticos tanto en el uso como modelos de enfermedades humanas y requisito previo para ensayos en humanos como en la introducción de modificaciones genéticas. Algunos de estos cuestionamientos son: no representar exactamente la condición humana como modelos, realizar pruebas de toxicidad con grave daño para los animales, alterar su naturaleza mediante modificaciones genéticas, riesgos de la introducción de organismos genéticamente modificados. El uso de animales en investigación para beneficio humano, impone al ser humano la responsabilidad moral de respetarlo, no haciéndoles sufrir innecesariamente, al estar trabajando con seres vivientes y sentientes. PMID:23338641

T cells which proliferate in response to concanavalin A include cells which proliferate in mixed leucocyte reactions.

PubMed

Watanabe, T; Fathman, C G; Coutinho, A

1977-09-01

Selection in long-term culture of alloreactive T cells, by successive in vitro restimulation with semi-allogeneic cells, results in primed responder cell populations which maintain full proliferative reactivity to allogeneic cells as well as to the T cell mitogens concanavalin A (Con A) and phytohemagglutinin (PHA) but are depleted of cells which can effect target cell destruction in either a specific or nonspecific manner. Con A-induced T cell blasts (selected by velocity sedimentation) can revert to small resting lymphocytes in the presence of inert "filler" cells. Con A blasts which have reverted, readily proliferate in response to Con A or allogeneic stimulator cells but are largely depleted of effector killer cells and PHA-responsive cells.

[Not Available].

PubMed

Germán Díaz, Marta; Moreno Villares, José Manuel; Gomis Muñoz, Pilar

2016-07-19

Introducción: la nutrición parenteral domiciliaria se ha convertido en un punto clave en el tratamiento de pacientes con fracaso intestinal crónico. A pesar de los importantes avances que se han producido en las últimas décadas, tanto en los accesos vasculares, como en las soluciones empleadas, las infecciones asociadas a catéter venoso central siguen constituyendo una de las complicaciones más importantes. Dentro de las estrategias para la prevención o el tratamiento de estas infecciones se encuentra el empleo de sellados con antisépticos, como el etanol o la taurolidina, o de antibióticos.Objetivo: el objetivo de este artículo es revisar la evidencia disponible sobre el empleo de sellados con antisépticos o antibióticos en el manejo de pacientes pediátricos con nutrición parenteral domiciliaria.Material y métodos: el uso de sellados con etanol o taurolidina para prevenir el desarrollo de infecciones asociadas a catéter central estaría indicado en pacientes con nutrición parenteral domiciliaria que hayan tenido más de una infección en el año anterior o que se consideren pacientes de riesgo. Los sellados con antibióticos están indicados en el tratamiento de bacteriemias asociadas a catéter central producidas por S. coagulasa-negativo o gramnegativos, asociados a un tratamiento sistémico, siempre que sea posible, con el fin de salvar el catéter. Se debería llevar a cabo la retirada del mismo cuando existan signos de infección del punto de entrada o del trayecto subcutáneo, o cuando el germen responsable de la infección sea S. aureus o Cándida.Conclusión: a pesar de que la fuerza de la evidencia sobre la eficacia del sellado en la prevención o el tratamiento de infecciones asociadas al catéter es limitada, tanto en el niño como en el adulto, cada vez existen más datos a usar esta alternativa en pacientes con nutrición parenteral domiciliaria en los que la atención y salvaguarda de los catéteres es primordial.

Conversion of Conservation Tillage to Rotational Tillage to Reduce Phosphorus Losses during Snowmelt Runoff in the Canadian Prairies.

PubMed

Liu, Kui; Elliott, Jane A; Lobb, David A; Flaten, Don N; Yarotski, Jim

2014-09-01

In a preceding study, converting conventional tillage (ConvT) to conservation tillage (ConsT) was reported to decrease nitrogen (N) but to increase phosphorus (P) losses during snowmelt runoff. A field-scale study was conducted from 2004 to 2012 to determine if conversion of ConsT to rotational tillage (RotaT), where conservation tillage was interrupted by a fall tillage pass every other year, could effectively reduce P losses compared with ConsT. The RotaT study was conducted on long-term paired watersheds established in 1993. The ConvT field in the pair has remained under ConvT practice since 1993, whereas tillage was minimized on the ConsT field from 1997 until 2007. In fall 2007, RotaT was introduced to the ConsT field, and heavy-duty cultivator passes were conducted in the late fall of years 2007, 2009, and 2011. Runoff volume and nutrient content were monitored at the edge of the two fields, and soil and crop residue samples were taken in each field. Greater soil Olsen P and more P released from crop residue are likely the reasons for the increased P losses in the ConsT treatment (2004-2007) relative to the ConvT treatment (2004-2007). Analysis of covariance indicated that, compared with ConsT (2004-2007), RotaT (2008-2012) increased the concentrations of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) by 62%, total dissolved N (TDN) by 190%, and total N (TN) by 272% and increased the loads of DOC by 34%, TDN by 34%, and TN by 60%. However, RotaT (2008-2012) decreased soil test P in surface soil, P released from crop residue, and duration of runoff compared with ConsT (2004-2007) and thus decreased the concentrations of total dissolved P (TDP) by 46% and total P (TP) by 38% and decreased the loads of TDP by 56% and TP by 42%. In the Canadian Prairies, where P is a major environmental concern compared with N, RotaT was demonstrated to be an effective practice to reduce P losses compared with ConsT. Copyright © by the American Society of Agronomy, Crop Science Society of America, and Soil Science Society of America, Inc.

Nutritional compensation to exercise- vs. diet-induced acute energy deficit in adolescents with obesity.

PubMed

Thivel, David; Doucet, Eric; Julian, Valérie; Cardenoux, Charlotte; Boirie, Yves; Duclos, Martine

2017-07-01

To compare the energy and macronutrient intake responses to equivalent energy deficits induced by diet (food restriction) and exercise in adolescents with obesity. Fourteen 12-15years old obese adolescents completed three experimental conditions (08:00am to 07:30pm) in a randomized crossover design: i) control session (CON); ii) diet-induced 25% energy depletion (Def-EI), iii) and an exercise-induced 25% energy depletion (Def-EX). The sessions order was either CON/Def-EI/Def-EX or CON/Def-EX/Def-EI as the deficit corresponded to 25% of the energy ingested at lunch on the control day (CON) and was imposed either by exercise (Def-EX) or diet (Def-EI). Ad libitum EI and macronutrients preferences were assessed at dinner and appetite sensations assessed using visual analogue scales. Mean BMI was 36.6±5.0kg/m 2 (z-BMI: 2.40±0.29). The individually calibrated 25% energy deficit represented 254±92kcal. Ad libitum EI was significantly higher during both Def-EX (971±225kcal) and Def-EI (949±246kcal) compared with CON (742±297) (p<0.05). The relative energy ingested derived from fat was significantly higher on both Def-EX (36.6±10.9%) and Def-EI (36.9±13.1%) compared with CON (21.6±7.8%) (p<0.05). The energy derived from carbohydrates was significantly lower on both Def-EX (48.3±9.0%) and Def-EI (44.4±17.3%) compare with CON (61.1±10.1%) (p<0.05). Appetite sensations were not different between conditions. The induced energy deficit was negatively correlated with the ad libitum EI difference between the exercise and the control session (EI Def-EX - EI CON) (r=-0,643 p<0.05) and positively correlated with the EI difference between the dietary restriction and the control session (EI Def-EI - EI CON) (r=0,569 p<0.05). Equicaloric exercise- or diet-induced energy deficits could lead to similar EI compensation in obese adolescents but this EI compensation might be influenced by the magnitude of the deficit. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Effect of dietary lactulose supplementation on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, meat quality, relative organ weight, and excreta microflora in broilers.

PubMed

Zhao, P Y; Li, H L; Mohammadi, M; Kim, I H

2016-01-01

A 35 d trial was conducted to evaluate the effects of dietary lactulose on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, meat quality, relative organ weight, and excreta microflora in broilers. A total of 816 1-day-old male Ross broilers (40.2 ± 0.4 g) were allotted to 4 dietary treatments using 12 cages with 17 chicks per cage. Treatments were: 1) CON, basal diet; 2) L05, CON + 0.05% lactulose; 3) L10, CON + 0.10% lactulose; and 4) L15, CON + 0.15% lactulose. Higher (P < 0.05) body weight gain (BWG) and lower (P < 0.05) feed conversion ratio (FCR) were observed in broilers fed the L15 diet compared with those fed the CON diet during d 22 to 35. During d 0 to 35, BWG was higher (P < 0.05) and FCR was lower (P < 0.05) in broilers fed lactulose diets than those fed the CON diet. Additionally, broilers fed L15 diets had the highest BWG (P < 0.05) and lowest FCR (P < 0.05). The apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of DM and nitrogen (N) was increased (P < 0.05) in broilers fed the L15 diet compared with those fed the CON diet. Drip loss was decreased (P < 0.05) in L10 and L15 treatments compared with CON treatment on d 1, d 3, and d 5. On d 3, lowest (P < 0.05) drip loss was observed in the L15 treatment. Excreta E. coli counts in the L15 treatment were decreased (P < 0.05) on d 14, but Lactobacillus counts in the L15 treatment were increased (P < 0.05) on d 14 and d 35 compared with the CON diet. A linear effect (P < 0.05) was observed on BWG (d 22 to 35), FCR (d 0 to 35), the ATTD of DM and N, drip loss, E. coli (d 14), and Lactobacillus (d 14 and d 35) counts. In conclusion, dietary supplementation of 0.15% lactulose can improve growth performance and nutrient digestibility; as well as increase the proliferation of Lactobacillus and decrease E. coli counts in excreta. © 2015 Poultry Science Association Inc.

Site- and compartment-specific changes in bone with hindlimb unloading in mature adult rats

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bloomfield, S. A.; Allen, M. R.; Hogan, H. A.; Delp, M. D.

2002-01-01

The purpose of this study was to examine site- and compartment-specific changes in bone induced by hindlimb unloading (HU) in the mature adult male rat (6 months old). Tibiae, femora, and humeri were removed after 14, 21, and 28 days of HU for determination of bone mineral density (BMD) and geometry by peripheral quantitative computed tomography (pQCT), mechanical properties, and bone formation rate (BFR), and compared with baseline (0 day) and aging (28 day) controls. HU resulted in 20%-21% declines in cancellous BMD at the proximal tibia and femoral neck after 28 day HU vs. 0 day controls (CON). Cortical shell BMD at these sites was greater (by 4%-6%) in both 28 day HU and 28 day CON vs. 0 day CON animals, and nearly identical to that gain seen in the weight-bearing humerus. Mechanical properties at the proximal tibia exhibited a nonsignificant decline after HU vs. those of 0 day CON rats. At the femoral neck, a 10% decrement was noted in ultimate load in 28 day HU rats vs. 28 day CON animals. Middiaphyseal tibial bone increased slightly in density and area during HU; no differences in structural and material properties between 28 day HU and 28 day CON rats were noted. BFR at the tibial midshaft was significantly lower (by 90%) after 21 day HU vs. 0 day CON; this decline was maintained throughout 28 day HU. These results suggest there are compartment-specific differences in the mature adult skeletal response to hindlimb unloading, and that the major impact over 28 days of unloading is on cancellous bone sites. Given the sharp decline in BFR for midshaft cortical bone, it appears likely that deficits in BMD, area, or mechanical properties would develop with longer duration unloading.

Renal transplantation induces mitochondrial uncoupling, increased kidney oxygen consumption, and decreased kidney oxygen tension.

PubMed

Papazova, Diana A; Friederich-Persson, Malou; Joles, Jaap A; Verhaar, Marianne C

2015-01-01

Hypoxia is an acknowledged pathway to renal injury and ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) and is known to reduce renal oxygen tension (Po2). We hypothesized that renal I/R increases oxidative damage and induces mitochondrial uncoupling, resulting in increased oxygen consumption and hence kidney hypoxia. Lewis rats underwent syngenic renal transplantation (TX) and contralateral nephrectomy. Controls were uninephrectomized (1K-CON) or left untreated (2K-CON). After 7 days, urinary excretion of protein and thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances were measured, and after 14 days glomerular filtration rate (GFR), renal blood flow, whole kidney Qo2, cortical Po2, kidney cortex mitochondrial uncoupling, renal oxidative damage, and tubulointerstitial injury were assessed. TX, compared with 1K-CON, resulted in mitochondrial uncoupling mediated via uncoupling protein-2 (16 ± 3.3 vs. 0.9 ± 0.4 pmol O2 · s(-1)· mg protein(-1), P < 0.05) and increased whole kidney Qo2 (55 ± 16 vs. 33 ± 10 μmol O2/min, P < 0.05). Corticomedullary Po2 was lower in TX compared with 1K-CON (30 ± 13 vs. 47 ± 4 μM, P < 0.05) whereas no significant difference was observed between 2K-CON and 1K-CON rats. Proteinuria, oxidative damage, and the tubulointerstitial injury score were not significantly different in 1K-CON and TX. Treatment of donors for 5 days with mito-TEMPO reduced mitochondrial uncoupling but did not affect renal hemodynamics, Qo2, Po2, or injury. Collectively, our results demonstrate increased mitochondrial uncoupling as an early event after experimental renal transplantation associated with increased oxygen consumption and kidney hypoxia in the absence of increases in markers of damage. Copyright © 2015 the American Physiological Society.

[In Process Citation].

PubMed

Álvarez, Cristian; Ramírez-Campillo, Rodrigo; Vallejos-Rojas, Andrea; Jaramillo-Gallardo, Javiera; Salas Bravo, Carlos; Cano-Montoya, Johnattan; Celis-Morales, Carlos

2016-03-25

 Introducción: obesidad e inactividad física son importantes factores de riesgo para el desarrollo de hipertensión en adultos. No obstante, hay poca evidencia sobre el efecto de estos factores de riesgo en el desarrollo de hipertensión en población infantil. Objetivo: investigar la asociación del estado nutricional, niveles de actividad física y etnicidad con niveles de hipertensión en escolares entre 6 y 13 años de edad. Métodos: un total de 418 escolares de ascendencia étnica europea (n = 311) y mapuche (n = 107) fueron participantes de este estudio transversal. Se midió el peso, talla, índice de masa corporal (IMC) y presión arterial, utilizando protocolos estandarizados. Resultados: no se encontraron diferencias significativas en IMC, estado nutricional y presión arterial entre niños con ascendencia europea y mapuche. No obstante, la prevalencia de prehipertensión (21,3% vs. 11,1%) e hipertensión (28,9% vs. 18,6%) fue significativamente mayor en escolares mapuches en comparación con europeos, respectivamente. Escolares con ascendencia mapuche tienen un mayor riesgo de desarrollar prehipertensión o hipertensión que escolares con ascendencia europea (OR: 1,92 [1,19 a 3,06], p < 0,01). La prevalencia de hipertensión aumenta significativamente en ambos grupos étnicos con el incremento de IMC y bajos niveles de actividad física. Conclusiones: el riesgo de desarrollar prehipertensión o hipertensión es mayor en población infantil ascendiente de mapuches que ascendiente de europeos y este riesgo se ve acentuado con el incremento de obesidad y bajos niveles de actividad física.

PubMed

Ramírez-Vélez, Robinson; Triana-Reina, Héctor Reynaldo; Carrillo, Hugo Alejandro; Ramos-Sepúlveda, Jeison Alexander

2016-11-29

Objetivo: evaluar la relación entre la percepción de las barreras para la práctica de la actividad física (AF) con la presencia de obesidad abdominal (OA) en universitarios de Colombia.Métodos :estudio descriptivo y transversal en 5.663 sujetos entre 18 y 30 años de edad (3.348 hombres), pertenecientes a tres ciudades de Colombia. Se midió la circunferencia de cintura (CC) como indicador de OA y el riesgo se clasificó según valores de referencia internacionales. La autopercepción de barreras se determinó con el cuestionario Barriers to Being Active Quiz (BBAQ-21) validado en Colombia. Se calcularon razones de prevalencia (RP) entre cada dominio del cuestionario y clasificación de OA.Resultados: la prevalencia de obesidad abdominal fue del 10,4% con diferencias por sexo (7,3% hombres vs.12,6% mujeres p < 0,01). La "falta de tiempo", la "influencia social" y la "falta de habilidades" fueron las barreras más prevalentes para cesar la práctica de AF en el grupo de entrevistados con OA en ambos sexos. Al comparar los estudiantes con CC saludable, la RP de presentar OA fue mayor en el grupo de mujeres que en hombres en los dominios del cuestionario BBAQ-21 "falta de tiempo" (RP = 1,33 [IC 95% 1,11-1,60]) vs.(RP = 1,14 [IC 95% 1,03-1,26]) y "falta de recursos" (RP = 1, 93 [IC 95% 11,67-2,24])vs. (RP = 1,83 [IC 95% 1,68-1,99]), respectivamente.Conclusión: una mayor autopercepción de las barreras para realizar AF se relacionó con mayor frecuencia en el grupo con OA en universitarios de Colombia.

Comparison of concentric and eccentric bench press repetitions to failure.

PubMed

Kelly, Stephen B; Brown, Lee E; Hooker, Steven P; Swan, Pamela D; Buman, Matthew P; Alvar, Brent A; Black, Laurie E

2015-04-01

Eccentric muscle actions (ECC) are characterized by muscle lengthening, despite actin-myosin crossbridge formation. Muscles acting eccentrically are capable of producing higher levels of force compared with muscles acting concentrically. The purpose of this study was to determine whether ECC bench press yields greater strength than concentric (CON) as determined by 1 repetition maximum (1RM). Additionally, a comparison was made examining differences in the number of repetitions to failure at different relative intensities of 1RM. Thirty healthy men (age = 24.63 ± 5.6 years) were tested for 1RM in CON and ECC bench press and the number of repetitions completed at 60, 70, 80, and 90% 1RM. For CON repetitions, the weight was mechanically lowered to the chest, and the participant pressed it up until the elbows were fully extended. The ECC bench press consisted of lowering a barbell from a fully extended elbow position to the chest in a continuous controlled manner for 3 seconds as determined by electronic metronome. Paired t-tests showed that ECC 1RM (115.99 ± 31.08 kg) was significantly (p ≤ 0.05) greater than CON 1RM (93.56 ± 26.56 kg), and the number of repetitions completed at 90% 1RM was significantly (p ≤ 0.05) greater in ECC (7.67 ± 3.24) as compared with CON (4.57 ± 2.21). There were no significant differences in number of completed repetitions during CON and ECC bench press at 60, 70, and 80% 1RM. These data indicate that ECC actions yield increased force capabilities (∼120%) as compared with CON in the bench press and may be less prone to fatigue, especially at higher intensities. These differences suggest a need to develop unique strategies for training eccentrically.

Prevalence and molecular characterization of methicillin resistance among Coagulase-negative Staphylococci at a tertiary care center.

PubMed

Bhatt, Puneet; Tandel, Kundan; Singh, Alina; Kumar, M; Grover, Naveen; Sahni, A K

2016-12-01

Methicillin-resistant Coagulase-negative Staphylococci (MR-CoNS) have emerged as an important cause of nosocomial infections especially in patients with prosthetic devices and implants. This study was conducted with an aim to determine the prevalence of methicillin resistance among CoNS isolates at a tertiary care center by both phenotypic and genotypic methods. This cross sectional study was carried out from September 2011 to February 2014 in which 150 non-repetitive clinical isolates of CoNS were identified at the species level by conventional phenotypic methods. Cefoxitin disk (30 μg) diffusion testing was used to determine methicillin resistance and confirmed by detection of mec A gene by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Out of 150 CoNS isolates, 51 were methicillin resistant by cefoxitin disk diffusion method. Out of these 51 isolates, mec A gene was detected only in 45 isolates. Moreover, mec A gene was also detected in 4 isolates, which were cefoxitin sensitive. Thus, the prevalence of methicillin resistance among CoNS was found to be 32.7% by PCR. The prevalence of methicillin resistance among Coagulase-negative Staphylococci (CoNS) was 32.7% by PCR detection of mec A gene. The sensitivity and specificity of cefoxitin disk diffusion method against mec A gene detection by PCR were found to be more than 90%. It can be concluded from this study that cefoxitin disk diffusion test can be used as a useful screening method to detect methicillin resistance among CoNS isolates. However, detection of mec A gene by PCR remains a more accurate method of detecting methicillin resistance among CoNS.

DUF1220 copy number is linearly associated with increased cognitive function as measured by total IQ and mathematical aptitude scores

PubMed Central

Davis, Jonathon M.; Searles, Veronica B.; Anderson, Nathan; Keeney, Jonathon; Raznahan, Armin; Horwood, L. John; Fergusson, David M.; Kennedy, Martin A.; Giedd, Jay

2014-01-01

DUF1220 protein domains exhibit the greatest human lineage-specific copy number expansion of any protein-coding sequence in the genome, and variation in DUF1220 copy number has been linked to both brain size in humans and brain evolution among primates. Given these findings, we examined associations between DUF1220 subtypes CON1 and CON2 and cognitive aptitude. We identified a linear association between CON2 copy number and cognitive function in two independent populations of European descent. In North American males, an increase in CON2 copy number corresponded with an increase in WISC IQ (R2 = 0.13, p = 0.02), which may be driven by males aged 6–11 (R2 = 0.42, p = 0.003). We utilized ddPCR in a subset as a confirmatory measurement. This group had 26–33 copies of CON2 with a mean of 29, and each copy increase of CON2 was associated with a 3.3-point increase in WISC IQ (R2 = 0.22, p = 0.045). In individuals from New Zealand, an increase in CON2 copy number was associated with an increase in math aptitude ability (R2 = 0.10 p = 0.018). These were not confounded by brain size. To our knowledge, this is the first study to report a replicated association between copy number of a gene coding sequence and cognitive aptitude. Remarkably, dosage variations involving DUF1220 sequences have now been linked to human brain expansion, autism severity and cognitive aptitude, suggesting that such processes may be genetically and mechanistically inter-related. The findings presented here warrant expanded investigations in larger, well-characterized cohorts. PMID:25287832

Food proteins and maturation of small intestinal microvillus membranes (MVM). I. Binding characteristics of cow's milk proteins and concanavalin A to MVM from newborn and adult rats.

PubMed

Stern, M; Gellermann, B

1988-01-01

To study maturational changes of food protein and lectin binding to rat small intestinal microvillus membranes (MVM), MVM were prepared from newborn and adult animals by a modified CaCl2 precipitation technique. Radiolabeled cow's milk proteins [alpha-lactalbumin, alpha-casein, beta-lactoglobulin, bovine serum albumin (BSA)] and the lectin concanavalin A (Con A) were used for incubations. Binding assays were done using miniature ultracentrifugation for separation of unbound material. Binding of Con A to MVM from newborn and adult rats was strong, specific, and saturable. Binding of Con A was inhibited by cold Con A and by the sugar ligand polymer mannan. Adult MVM bound more Con A than newborn preparations. Unlike Con A, binding of cow's milk proteins by MVM was weak, nonspecific, and noninhibitable. Newborn MVM bound more cow's milk proteins than adult controls. This was true for all the proteins tested (p less than 0.001). Binding rose with decreased molecular weight of cow's milk proteins, but molecular weight was not the only determining factor for binding. Trypsin treatment of MVM caused a marked increase of BSA binding in adult but not in newborn preparations. This finding indicated the importance of protein components of MVM for cow's milk protein binding. Maturational changes in protein-lipid interactions and membrane fluidity possibly influence nonspecific cow's milk protein binding to MVM. Differences in binding between newborns and adults were not directly related to maturational shifts in membrane glycosylation that are indicated by differential Con A binding. Increased cow's milk protein binding in newborn individuals might increase the potential risk to develop an adverse reaction to food proteins.

Primary position and listing's law in acquired and congenital trochlear nerve palsy.

PubMed

Straumann, Dominik; Steffen, Heimo; Landau, Klara; Bergamin, Oliver; Mudgil, Ananth V; Walker, Mark F; Guyton, David L; Zee, David S

2003-10-01

In ocular kinematics, the primary position (PP) of the eye is defined by the position from which movements do not induce ocular rotations around the line of sight (Helmholtz). PP is mathematically linked to the orientation of Listing's plane. This study was conducted to determine whether PP is affected differently in patients with clinically diagnosed congenital (conTNP) and acquired (acqTNP) trochlear nerve palsy. Patients with unilateral conTNP (n = 25) and acqTNP (n = 9) performed a modified Hess screen test. Three-dimensional eye positions were recorded with dual search coils. PP in eyes with acqTNP was significantly more temporal (mean: 21.2 degrees ) than in eyes with conTNP (6.8 degrees ) or healthy eyes (7.2 degrees ). In the pooled data of all patients, the horizontal location of PP significantly correlated with vertical noncomitance with the paretic eye in adduction (R = 0.59). Using a computer model, PP in acqTNP could be reproduced by a neural lesion of the superior oblique (SO) muscle. An additional simulated overaction of the inferior oblique (IO) muscle moved PP back to normal, as in conTNP. Lengthening the SO and shortening the IO muscles could also simulate PP in conTNP. The temporal displacement of PP in acqTNP is a direct consequence of the reduced force of the SO muscle. The reversal of this temporal displacement of PP, which occurs in some patients with conTNP, can be explained by a secondary overaction of the IO muscle. Alternatively, length changes in the SO and IO muscles, or other anatomic anomalies within the orbit, without a neural lesion, may also explain the difference in location of PP between conTNP and acqTNP.

Effect of evening postexercise cold water immersion on subsequent sleep.

PubMed

Robey, Elisa; Dawson, Brian; Halson, Shona; Gregson, Warren; King, Stuart; Goodman, Carmel; Eastwood, Peter

2013-07-01

This study investigated the effect of cold water immersion after evening exercise on subsequent sleep quality and quantity in trained cyclists. In the evenings (~1900 h) on three separate occasions, male cyclists (n = 11) underwent either no exercise (control, CON), exercise only (EX), or exercise followed by cold water immersion (CWI). EX comprised cycling for 15 min at 75% peak power, then a 15-min maximal time trial. After each condition, a full laboratory-based sleep study (polysomnography) was performed. Core and skin temperature, heart rate, salivary melatonin, ratings of perceived fatigue, and recovery were measured in each trial. No differences were observed between conditions for any whole night sleep measures, including total sleep time, sleep efficiency, sleep onset latency, rapid eye movement onset latency, wake after sleep onset, or proportion of the night spent in different sleep stages. Core temperature in EX and CWI trials was higher than CON, until it decreased below that of EX and CON until bedtime in CWI. After bedtime, core temperature was similar for all conditions throughout the night, except for a 90-min period where it was lower for CWI than EX and CON (3.5-4.5 h postexercise). Heart rates for EX and CWI were both significantly higher than CON postexercise until bedtime, whereas skin temperature after CWI was significantly lower than EX and CON, remaining lower than EX until 3 h postexercise. Melatonin levels and recovery ratings were similar between conditions. Fatigue ratings were significantly elevated after exercise in both CWI and EX conditions, with EX still being elevated compared with CON at bedtime. Whole night sleep architecture is not affected by evening exercise alone or when followed by CWI.

One-step prepared cobalt-based nanosheet as an efficient heterogeneous catalyst for activating peroxymonosulfate to degrade caffeine in water.

PubMed

Lin, Kun-Yi Andrew; Lai, Hong-Kai; Tong, Shaoping

2018-03-15

Two-dimensional (2D) planar cobalt-containing materials are promising catalysts for activating peroxymonosulfate (PMS) to degrade contaminants because 2D sheet-like morphology provides large reactive surfaces. However, preparation of these sheet-supported cobaltic materials typically involves multiple steps and complex reagents, making them less practical for PMS activation. In this study, a cobalt-based nanosheet (CoNS) is particularly developed using a one-step hydrothermal process with a single reagent in water. The resulting CoNS can exhibit a thickness as thin as a few nanometers and 2-D morphology. CoNS is also primarily comprised of cobalt species in a coordinated form of Prussian Blue analogue, which consists of both Co 3+ and Co 2+ . These features make CoNS promising for activating PMS in aqueous systems. As degradation of an emerging contaminant, caffeine, is selected as a representative reaction, CoNS not only successfully activates PMS to fully degrade caffeine in 20 min but also exhibits a much higher catalytic activity than the most common PMS activator, Co 3 O 4 . Via studying inhibitive effects of radical scavengers, caffeine degradation by CoNS-activated PMS is primarily attributed to sulfate radicals and hydroxyl radicals to a lesser extent. The degradation products of caffeine by CoNS-activated PMS are also identified and a potential degradation pathway is proposed. Moreover, CoNS could be also re-used to activate PMS for caffeine degradation without activity loss. These results indicate that CoNS is a conveniently prepared and highly effective and stable 2-D catalyst for aqueous chemical oxidation reactions. Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier Inc.

Licheniocin 50.2 and Bacteriocins from Lactococcus lactis subsp. lactis biovar. diacetylactis BGBU1-4 Inhibit Biofilms of Coagulase Negative Staphylococci and Listeria monocytogenes Clinical Isolates.

PubMed

Cirkovic, Ivana; Bozic, Dragana D; Draganic, Veselin; Lozo, Jelena; Beric, Tanja; Kojic, Milan; Arsic, Biljana; Garalejic, Eliana; Djukic, Slobodanka; Stankovic, Slavisa

2016-01-01

Coagulase negative staphylococci (CoNS) and Listeria monocytogenes have important roles in pathogenesis of various genital tract infections and fatal foetomaternal infections, respectively. The aim of our study was to investigate the inhibitory effects of two novel bacteriocins on biofilms of CoNS and L. monocytogenes genital isolates. The effects of licheniocin 50.2 from Bacillus licheniformis VPS50.2 and crude extract of bacteriocins produced by Lactococcus lactis subsp. lactis biovar. diacetylactis BGBU1-4 (BGBU1-4 crude extract) were evaluated on biofilm formation and formed biofilms of eight CoNS (four S. epidermidis, two S. hominis, one S. lugdunensis and one S. haemolyticus) and 12 L. monocytogenes genital isolates. Licheniocin 50.2 and BGBU1-4 crude extract inhibited the growth of both CoNS and L. monocytogenes isolates, with MIC values in the range between 200-400 AU/ml for licheniocin 50.2 and 400-3200 AU/ml for BGBU1-4 crude extract. Subinhibitory concentrations (1/2 × and 1/4 × MIC) of licheniocin 50.2 inhibited biofilm formation by all CoNS isolates (p < 0.05, respectively), while BGBU1-4 crude extract inhibited biofilm formation by all L. monocytogenes isolates (p < 0.01 and p < 0.05, respectively). Both bacteriocins in concentrations of 100 AU/mL and 200 AU/mL reduced the amount of 24 h old CoNS and L. monocytogenes biofilms (p < 0.05, p < 0.01, p < 0.001). This study suggests that novel bacteriocins have potential to be used for genital application, to prevent biofilm formation and/or to eradicate formed biofilms, and consequently reduce genital and neonatal infections by CoNS and L. monocytogenes.

Placental restriction in multi-fetal pregnancies and between-twin differences in size at birth alter neonatal feeding behaviour in the sheep.

PubMed

Peter, R F; Gugusheff, J; Wooldridge, A L; Gatford, K L; Muhlhausler, B S

2017-06-01

Most individuals whose growth was restricted before birth undergo accelerated or catch-up neonatal growth. This is an independent risk factor for later metabolic disease, but the underlying mechanisms are poorly understood. This study aimed to test the hypothesis that natural and experimentally induced in utero growth restriction increase neonatal appetite and milk intake. Control (CON) and placentally restricted (PR) ewes carrying multiple fetuses delivered naturally at term. Outcomes were compared between CON (n=14) and PR (n=12) progeny and within twin lamb pairs. Lamb milk intake and feeding behaviour and ewe milk composition were determined using a modified weigh-suckle-weigh procedure on days 15 and 23. PR lambs tended to have lower birth weights than CON (-15%, P=0.052). Neonatal growth rates were similar in CON and PR, whilst heavier twins grew faster in absolute but not fractional terms than their co-twins. At day 23, milk protein content was higher in PR than CON ewes (P=0.038). At day 15, PR lambs had fewer suckling bouts than CON lambs and in females light twins had more suckling attempts than their heavier co-twins. Birth weight differences between twins positively predicted differences in milk intakes. Lactational constraint and natural prenatal growth restriction in twins may explain the similar milk intakes in CON and PR. Within twin comparisons support the hypothesis that prenatal constraint increases lamb appetite, although this did not increase milk intake. We suggest that future mechanistic studies of catch-up growth be performed in singletons and be powered to assess effects in each sex.

Raft-dependent endocytic movement and intracellular cluster formation during T cell activation triggered by concanavalin A.

PubMed

Yabuuchi, Satomi; Endo, Satoshi; Baek, KeangOk; Hoshino, Kunihide; Tsujino, Yoshio; Vestergaard, Mun'delanji C; Takagi, Masahiro

2017-12-01

Certain food ingredients can stimulate the human immune system. A lectin, concanavalin A (ConA), from Canavalia ensiformis (jack bean) is one of the most well-known food-derived immunostimulants and mediates activation of cell-mediated immunity through T cell proliferation. Generally, T cell activation is known to be triggered by the interaction between T cells and antigen-presenting cells (APCs) via a juxtacrine (contact-dependent) signaling pathway. The mechanism has been well characterized and is referred to as formation of the immunological synapse (IS). We were interested in the mechanism behind the T cell activation by food-derived ConA which might be different from that of T cell activation by APCs. The purpose of this study was to characterize T cell activation by ConA with regard to (i) movement of raft domain, (ii) endocytic vesicular transport, (iii) the cytoskeleton (actin and microtubules), and (iv) cholesterol composition. We found that raft-dependent endocytic movement was important for T cell activation by ConA and this movement was dependent on actin, microtubules, and cholesterol. The T cell signaling mechanism triggered by ConA can be defined as endocrine signaling which is distinct from the activation process triggered by interaction between T cells and APCs by juxtacrine signaling. Therefore, we hypothesized that T cell activation by ConA includes both two-dimensional superficial raft movement on the membrane surface along actin filaments and three-dimensional endocytic movement toward the inside of the cell along microtubules. These findings are important for developing new methods for immune stimulation and cancer therapy based on the function of ConA. Copyright © 2017 The Society for Biotechnology, Japan. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Postural Stability in Cigarette Smokers and During Abstinence from Alcohol

PubMed Central

Schmidt, Thomas Paul; Pennington, David Louis; Durazzo, Timothy Craig; Meyerhoff, Dieter Johannes

2014-01-01

Background Static postural instability is common in alcohol dependent individuals (ALC). Chronic alcohol consumption has deleterious effects on the neural and perceptual systems subserving postural stability. However, little is known about the effects of chronic cigarette smoking on postural stability and its changes during abstinence from alcohol. Methods A modified Fregly ataxia battery was administered to a total of 115 smoking (sALC) and non-smoking ALC (nsALC) and to 74 smoking (sCON) and non-smoking light/non-drinking controls (nsCON). Subgroups of abstinent ALC were assessed at 3 time points (approximately 1 week, 5 weeks, 34 weeks of abstinence from alcohol); a subset of nsCON was re-tested at 40 weeks. We tested if cigarette smoking affects postural stability in CON and in ALC during extended abstinence from alcohol, and we used linear mixed effects modeling to measure change across time points within ALC. Results Chronic smoking was associated with reduced performance on the Sharpened Romberg eyes-closed task in abstinent ALC at all three time points and in CON. The test performance of nsALC increased significantly between 1 and 32 weeks of abstinence, whereas the corresponding increases for sALC between 1 and 35 weeks was non-significant. With long-term abstinence from alcohol, nsALC recovered into the range of nsCON and sALC recovered into the range of sCON. Static postural stability decreased with age and correlated with smoking variables but not with drinking measures. Conclusions Chronic smoking was associated with reduced static postural stability with eyes closed and with lower increases of postural stability during abstinence from alcohol. Smoking cessation in alcohol dependence treatment may facilitate recovery from static postural instability during abstinence. PMID:24721012

Postural stability in cigarette smokers and during abstinence from alcohol.

PubMed

Schmidt, Thomas P; Pennington, David L; Durazzo, Timothy C; Meyerhoff, Dieter J

2014-06-01

Static postural instability is common in alcohol-dependent individuals (ALC). Chronic alcohol consumption has deleterious effects on the neural and perceptual systems subserving postural stability. However, little is known about the effects of chronic cigarette smoking on postural stability and its changes during abstinence from alcohol. A modified Fregly ataxia battery was administered to a total of 115 smoking (sALC) and nonsmoking ALC (nsALC) and to 71 smoking (sCON) and nonsmoking light/nondrinking controls (nsCON). Subgroups of abstinent ALC were assessed at 3 time points (TPs; approximately 1, 5, 34 weeks of abstinence from alcohol); a subset of nsCON was retested at 40 weeks. We tested whether cigarette smoking affects postural stability in CON and in ALC during extended abstinence from alcohol, and we used linear mixed effects modeling to measure change across TPs within ALC. Chronic smoking was associated with reduced performance on the Sharpened Romberg eyes-closed task in abstinent ALC at all 3 TPs and in CON. The test performance of nsALC increased significantly between 1 and 32 weeks of abstinence, whereas the corresponding increases for sALC between 1 and 35 weeks were nonsignificant. With long-term abstinence from alcohol, nsALC recovered into the range of nsCON and sALC recovered into the range of sCON. Static postural stability decreased with age and correlated with smoking variables but not with drinking measures. Chronic smoking was associated with reduced static postural stability with eyes closed and with lower increases of postural stability during abstinence from alcohol. Smoking cessation in alcohol dependence treatment may facilitate recovery from static postural instability during abstinence. Copyright © 2014 by the Research Society on Alcoholism.

The potential antifibrotic impact of apocynin and alpha-lipoic acid in concanavalin A-induced liver fibrosis in rats: Role of NADPH oxidases 1 and 4.

PubMed

Fayed, Mostafa R; El-Naga, Reem N; Akool, El-Sayed; El-Demerdash, Ebtehal

2018-01-01

Liver fibrosis results from chronic inflammation that precipitates excessive accumulation of extracellular matrix. Oxidative stress is involved in its pathogenesis. This study aimed to elucidate the potential antifibrotic effect of the NADPH oxidase (NOX) inhibitor, apocynin against concanavalin A (ConA)-induced immunological model of liver fibrosis, and to investigate the ability of the antioxidant, alpha-lipoic acid (α-LA) to potentiate this effect. Rats were treated with apocynin and/or α-LA for six weeks. Hepatotoxicity indices, oxidative stress, insulin, NOXs, inflammatory and liver fibrosis markers were assessed. Treatment of animals with apocynin and α-LA significantly ameliorated the changes in liver functions and histopathological architecture induced by ConA. Liver fibrosis induced by ConA was evident where alpha-smooth muscle actin and transforming growth factor- beta1 were elevated, which was further confirmed by Masson's trichrome stain and increased hydroxyproline. Co-treatment with apocynin and α-LA significantly reduced their expression. Besides, apocynin and α-LA significantly ameliorated oxidative stress injury evoked by ConA, as evidenced by enhancing reduced glutathione content, antioxidant enzymes activities and decreasing lipid peroxides. ConA induced a significant elevation in serum insulin level and inflammatory markers; tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin-6 and nuclear factor kappa b. Furthermore, the mRNA tissue expression of NOXs 1 and 4 was found to be elevated in the ConA group. All these elevations were significantly reduced by apocynin and α-LA co-treatment. These findings indicate that using apocynin and α-LA in combination possess marked antifibrotic effects, and that NOX enzymes are partially involved in the pathogenesis of ConA-induced liver fibrosis.

Galaxias australes con núcleo doble

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gimeno, G.; Díaz, R.; Carranza, G.

Se estudia una muestra de galaxias australes con núcleo doble a partir de una búsqueda extensiva en la literatura. Se analizan las características morfológicas, fotométricas y espectroscópicas de la muestra. Para algunas galaxias se han realizado observaciones con el espectrógrafo multifunción (EMF) de la Estación Astrofísica de Bosque Alegre a partir de las cuales se determinaron parámetros cinemáticos.

High Speed FETs Fabricated in GaAs/AlGaAs Layered Structures Prepared by Molecular Beam Epitaxy.

DTIC Science & Technology

1984-01-01

but proper measures, such as improved ohmic con - tacts, metal conductors and small geometrics are useful. In digital circuit applications in addition to...heterointerface encounter reduced scattering by ionized donors located in AlGaAs layer, the current con - ducting channel must be parallel to the...ments apply to the velocity saturated MOSFET as well. For the MESFET, in con - trast, the transconductance increases with increasing gate biases, since

A National Security Staff for the 21st Century

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-12-01

President to respond to the Con - gress with a detailed organizational plan for imple- menting the National Security Strategy. vi vii While many of the...the new National Security Staff and was a major con - tributor to key PNSR study efforts, including Forging a New Shield (November 2008), Turning...foundations for a strategic partnership with Con - gress for transforming our national security system to meet the rigors of the 21st century. Part 1 of

[In Process Citation].

PubMed

Wang, Bingsong; Li, Yijun; Wu, Xiaolu; Liu, Qingqing; Tang, Xue; Wang, Zuo

2016-03-25

Objetivos: oligoelementos como zinc (Zn), hierro (Fe) y cobre (Cu) tienen una influencia significativa en el mantenimiento de la función inmune y del metabolismo normales; modulan la función immune e influyen en la susceptibilidad del organismo ante infecciones. Pero la relación entre trazas de estos elementos y la bronconeumonía resultó incierta. Métodos: en este estudio fueron incluidos 28 niños con bronconeumonía y 46 niños sanos agrupados por edad. Se determinaron los niveles de Zn, Cu, Fe, calcio (Ca) y/o magnesio (Mg) en el suero de los niños con bronconeumonía y sin ella mediante espectrofotometría de absorción atómica. Resultados: los resultados muestran que varios niveles de microelementos como Zn, Ca, Mg y Fe en el grupo con bronconeumonía son menores que en el grupo control. En el grupo de niños con bronconeumonía el nivel de Ca en el suero está asociado positivamente con el zinc (Zn) (p < 0,05) y el hierro (Fe) (p < 0,05), mientras que hay una correlación positiva entre el cobre (Cu) y el calcio (Ca) (p < 0,05), magnesio (mg) (p < 0,05). Conclusión: el nivel de oligoelemento en el suero puede estar asociado con el riesgo de bronconeumonía entre los niños.

Change in Brooklyn and Queens: How New York?s Reforming the Energy Vision Program and Con Edison Are Reshaping Electric Distribution Planning

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

Coddington, Michael; Sciano, Damian; Fuller, Jason

In response to this tremendous growth in both population and electricity demand, Con Edison estimates that its cost to expand the “traditional” Brooklyn-Queens grid will be in the neighborhood of US$1.2 billion—a relatively high number, even for New York City and Con Edison. The complexity of the city’s underground electrical system along with the difficulties of construction in a highly congested urban environment with infrastructure both above and below ground mean that the costs for transmission, substations, and secondary networks are significantly higher than those of a typical electric utility. The New York State Public Service Commission (PSC) is inmore » the process revising its approach to acquiring and serving energy throughout the state of New York, and traditional expansion for this rather costly project was not likely to be approved. Instead, the PSC asked Con Edison to evaluate numerous alternatives. The PSC and Con Edison are now considering and adopting strategies that include renewable energy generation, demand response (DR), battery energy storage systems, fuel-cell distributed generation, combined heat and power, volt-volt ampere reactive (VAR) optimization (VVO), and a host of other innovative solutions that would both reduce electricity demand and transform how and when Con Edison’s consumers use electricity.« less

A pilot study to determine whether differences exist in histochemical properties between the trapezius and extensor carpi radialis brevis muscles in women with work-related myalgia.

PubMed

Green, Howard J; Ranney, Don; Burnett, Margaret; Galvin, Patti; Kyle, Natasha; Iqbal, Sobia; Lounsbury, David; Ouyang, Jing; Smith, Ian C; Stewart, Riley; Tick, Heather; Tupling, A Russell

2014-04-01

To investigate fibre-type abnormalities in women with work-related myalgia (WRM), tissue samples were extracted from their trapezius (TRAP) and the extensor carpi radialis brevis (ECRB) muscles and compared with healthy controls (CON). For the ECRB samples (CON, n = 6; WRM, n = 11), no differences (P > 0.05) were found between groups for any of the properties examined, namely fibre-type (I, IIA, IIX, IIAX) distribution, cross-sectional fibre area, capillary counts (CC), capillary to fibre area ratio, and succinic dehydrogenase activity. For the TRAP samples (CON, n = 6; WRM, n = 8), the only difference (P < 0.05) observed between groups was for CC (CON > WRM), which was not statistically significant (P > 0.05) when age was used a covariant. A comparison of the properties of these 2 muscles in the CON group indicated a higher (P < 0.05) and lower (P < 0.05) percentage of type I and type IIA fibres, respectively, in the TRAP as well as higher (P < 0.05) CC, which was not specific to fibre type. These preliminary results suggest that the properties employed to characterize fibre types do not differentiate CON from WRM for either the TRAP or ECRB. As a consequence, the role of inherent fibre-type differences between these muscles in the pathogenesis of WRM remains uncertain.

Effect of pioglitazone on vasopressor responses to adrenergic agonists and angiotensin II in diabetic and non-diabetic spontaneously hypertensive rats.

PubMed

Afzal, Sheryar; Sattar, Munavvar Abdul; Akhtar, Safia; Binti Abdullah, Nor Azizan; Eseyin, Olorunfemi A; Abdulla, Mohammed H; Johns, Edward James

2018-05-01

Pioglitazone, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR-γ) agonist, is a therapeutic drug for diabetes. Present study investigated the interaction between PPAR-γ and alpha adrenoceptors in modulating vasopressor responses to Angiotensin II (Ang II) and adrenergic agonists, in diabetic & non-diabetic Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats (SHRs). Diabetes was induced with an i.p injection of streptozotocin (40 mg/kg) in two groups (STZ-CON, STZ-PIO), whereas two groups remained non diabetic (ND-CO, ND-PIO). One diabetic and non-diabetic group received Pioglitazone (10mg/kg) orally for 21 days. On day 28, the animals were anaesthetized with sodium pentobarbitone (60mg/kg) and prepared for measurement of systemic haemodynamics. Basal mean arterial pressure of STZ-CON was higher than ND-CON, whereas following pioglitazone treatment, MAP was lower compared to respective controls. MAP responses to i.v administration of NA, PE, ME and ANG II were significantly lower in diabetic SHRs: STZ-CON vs ND-CON (35%). Pioglitazone significantly decreased responses to NA, PE, ME and ANG II in ND-PIO versus ND-CON by 63%. Responses to NA and ANG II were significantly attenuated in STZ-PIO vs. ND-PIO (40%). PPAR-γ regulates systemic hemodynamic in diabetic model and cross-talk relationship exists between PPAR-γ and α1-adrenoceptors, ANG II in systemic vasculature of SHRs.

Ependimoma myxopapilar sacro gigante con osteolisis

PubMed Central

Ajler, Pablo; Landriel, Federico; Goldschmidt, Ezequiel; Campero, Álvaro; Yampolsky, Claudio

2014-01-01

Objetivo: la presentación de un caso de una paciente con un ependimoma sacro con extensa infiltración y destrucción ósea local. Descripción del caso: una mujer de 53 años acudió a la consulta por dolor lumbosacro y alteraciones sensitivas perineales y esfinterianas. La imágenes por Resonancia Magnética (IRM) y la Tomografía Axial Computada (TAC) mostraron una lesión expansiva gigante a nivel S2-S4 con extensa osteólisis e invasión de tejidos adyacentes. Se realizó una exéresis tumoral completa con mejoría del estatus funcional. La anatomía patológica informó ependimoma mixopapilar. Discusión: la extensión de la resección quirúrgica es el mejor predictor de buen pronóstico. El tratamiento radiante se reserva como opción adyuvante para las resecciones incompletas y recidiva tumoral. La quimioterapia sólo debería utilizarse en casos en que la cirugía y la radioterapia estén contraindicadas. Conclusión: Los ependimomas mixopapilares sacros con destrucción ósea y presentación intra y extradural son muy infrecuentes y deben ser tenidos en cuenta entre los diagnósticos diferenciales preoperatorios. Su resección total, siempre que sea posible, es la mejor alternativa terapéutica. PMID:25165615

ConsPred: a rule-based (re-)annotation framework for prokaryotic genomes.

PubMed

Weinmaier, Thomas; Platzer, Alexander; Frank, Jeroen; Hellinger, Hans-Jörg; Tischler, Patrick; Rattei, Thomas

2016-11-01

The rapidly growing number of available prokaryotic genome sequences requires fully automated and high-quality software solutions for their initial and re-annotation. Here we present ConsPred, a prokaryotic genome annotation framework that performs intrinsic gene predictions, homology searches, predictions of non-coding genes as well as CRISPR repeats and integrates all evidence into a consensus annotation. ConsPred achieves comprehensive, high-quality annotations based on rules and priorities, similar to decision-making in manual curation and avoids conflicting predictions. Parameters controlling the annotation process are configurable by the user. ConsPred has been used in the institutions of the authors for longer than 5 years and can easily be extended and adapted to specific needs. The ConsPred algorithm for producing a consensus from the varying scores of multiple gene prediction programs approaches manual curation in accuracy. Its rule-based approach for choosing final predictions avoids overriding previous manual curations. ConsPred is implemented in Java, Perl and Shell and is freely available under the Creative Commons license as a stand-alone in-house pipeline or as an Amazon Machine Image for cloud computing, see https://sourceforge.net/projects/conspred/. thomas.rattei@univie.ac.atSupplementary information: Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online. © The Author 2016. Published by Oxford University Press. All rights reserved. For Permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com.

An Aß concatemer with altered aggregation propensities.

PubMed

Giehm, L; Dal Degan, F; Fraser, P; Klysner, S; Otzen, Daniel E

2010-10-01

We present an analysis of the conformational and aggregative properties of an Aß concatemer (Con-Alz) of interest for vaccine development against Alzheimer's disease. Con-Alz consists of 3 copies of the 43 residues of the Aß peptide separated by the P2 and P30 T-cell epitopes from the tetanus toxin. Even in the presence of high concentrations of denaturants or fluorinated alcohols, Con-Alz has a very high propensity to form aggregates which slowly coalesce over time with changes in secondary, tertiary and quaternary structure. Only micellar concentrations of SDS were able to inhibit aggregation. The increase in the ability to bind the fibril-binding dye ThT increases without lag time, which is characteristic of relatively amorphous aggregates. Confirming this, electron microscopy reveals that Con-Alz adopts a morphology resembling truncated protofibrils after prolonged incubation, but it is unable to assemble into classical amyloid fibrils. Despite its high propensity to aggregate, Con-Alz does not show any significant ability to permeabilize vesicles, which for fibrillating proteins is taken to be a key factor in aggregate cytotoxicity and is attributed to oligomers formed at an early stage in the fibrillation process. Physically linking multiple copies of the Aß-peptide may thus sterically restrict Con-Alz against forming cytotoxic oligomers, forcing it instead to adopt a less well-organized assembly of intermeshed polypeptide chains. Copyright © 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Gold Nanoparticles Used as Protein Scavengers Enhance Surface Plasmon Resonance Signal

PubMed Central

Ferreira de Macedo, Erenildo; Ducatti Formaggio, Daniela Maria; Salles Santos, Nivia; Batista Tada, Dayane

2017-01-01

Although several researchers had reported on methodologies for surface plasmon resonance (SPR) signal amplification based on the use of nanoparticles (NPs), the majority addressed the sandwich technique and low protein concentration. In this work, a different approach for SPR signal enhancement based on the use of gold NPs was evaluated. The method was used in the detection of two lectins, peanut agglutinin (PNA) and concanavalin A (ConA). Gold NPs were functionalized with antibodies anti-PNA and anti-ConA, and these NPs were used as protein scavengers in a solution. After being incubated with solutions of PNA or ConA, the gold NPs coupled with the collected lectins were injected on the sensor containing the immobilized antibodies. The signal amplification provided by this method was compared to the signal amplification provided by the direct coupling of PNA and ConA to gold NPs. Furthermore, both methods, direct coupling and gold NPs as protein scavengers, were compared to the direct detection of PNA and ConA in solution. Compared to the analysis of free protein, the direct coupling of PNA and ConA to gold NPs resulted in a signal amplification of 10–40-fold and a 13-fold decrease of the limit of detection (LOD), whereas the use of gold NPs as protein scavengers resulted in an SPR signal 40–50-times higher and an LOD 64-times lower. PMID:29186024

CD49a promotes T-cell-mediated hepatitis by driving T helper 1 cytokine and interleukin-17 production

PubMed Central

Chen, Yonglin; Peng, Hui; Chen, Yongyan; Wei, Haiming; Sun, Rui; Tian, Zhigang

2014-01-01

It is becoming increasingly clear that the T-cell-mediated immune response is important in many diseases. In this study, we used concanavalin A (Con A) -induced hepatitis to investigate the role of CD49a in the molecular and cellular mechanism of the T-cell-mediated immune response. We found that CD49a−/− mice had significantly reduced levels of serum alanine aminotransferase and were protected from Con A-induced hepatitis. CD49a deficiency led to decreased production of interferon-γ (IFN-γ) and interleukin-17A (IL-17A) after Con A injection. Furthermore, we found that hepatic CD4+ T cells and invariant natural killer T cells up-regulated CD49a expression, along with enhanced activation after Con A injection, leading to production of inflammatory cytokines by these T cells. Blockade of CD49a in vivo ameliorated Con A-induced hepatitis with reduced production of IFN-γ and IL-17A. Hence, CD49a promoted Con A-induced hepatitis through enhancing inflammatory cytokine production (IFN-γ and IL-17A) by CD4+ T and invariant natural killer T cells. The protective effect of CD49a blockade antibody suggested a new target therapeutic molecule for intervention of T-cell-mediated liver injury. PMID:24164540

Effect of Microbial and Chemical Combo Additives on Nutritive Value and Fermentation Characteristic of Whole Crop Barley Silage

PubMed Central

Kim, Dong Hyeon; Amanullah, Sardar M.; Lee, Hyuk Jun; Joo, Young Ho; Kim, Sam Churl

2015-01-01

This study was conducted to assess the effects of microbial and chemical combo additives on nutritive values, fermentation indices and aerobic stability of whole crop barley silage. Barley forage (Youngyang) was harvested at about 30% dry matter (DM) by treatments, chopped to 5 cm length and treated with distilled water only (CON), Lactobacillus plantarum (INO), propionic acid (PRO) or an equal mixture of INO and PRO (MIX). Barley forages were ensiled in 4 replications for 0, 2, 7, and 100 days. On 100 days of ensiling, MIX silage had higher (p<0.05) in vitro DM digestibility than CON silage, but lower (p<0.05) acid detergent fiber concentration. The pH in all treated silages was lower (p<0.05) than CON silage. The MIX silage had higher (p<0.05) lactate concentration and lactate to acetate ratio than in CON, but lower (p<0.05) yeast count. Aerobic stability in CON, PRO, and MIX silages were higher (p<0.05) than in INO silage. It is concluded that microbial and chemical combo additives using L. plantarum and propionic acid could efficiently improve nutritive values of barley silage in terms of increased in vitro DM digestibility compared to other treatments. In addition, all treatments except CON reduced yeast count which is the initiate microorganism of aerobic spoilage. PMID:26323517

The interhemispheric CA1 circuit governs rapid generalisation but not fear memory.

PubMed

Zhou, Heng; Xiong, Gui-Jing; Jing, Liang; Song, Ning-Ning; Pu, De-Lin; Tang, Xun; He, Xiao-Bing; Xu, Fu-Qiang; Huang, Jing-Fei; Li, Ling-Jiang; Richter-Levin, Gal; Mao, Rong-Rong; Zhou, Qi-Xin; Ding, Yu-Qiang; Xu, Lin

2017-12-19

Encoding specificity theory predicts most effective recall by the original conditions at encoding, while generalization endows recall flexibly under circumstances which deviate from the originals. The CA1 regions have been implicated in memory and generalization but whether and which locally separated mechanisms are involved is not clear. We report here that fear memory is quickly formed, but generalization develops gradually over 24 h. Generalization but not fear memory is impaired by inhibiting ipsilateral (ips) or contralateral (con) CA1, and by optogenetic silencing of the ipsCA1 projections onto conCA1. By contrast, in vivo fEPSP recordings reveal that ipsCA1-conCA1 synaptic efficacy is increased with delay over 24 h when generalization is formed but it is unchanged if generalization is disrupted. Direct excitation of ipsCA1-conCA1 synapses using chemogenetic hM3Dq facilitates generalization formation. Thus, rapid generalization is an active process dependent on bilateral CA1 regions, and encoded by gradual synaptic learning in ipsCA1-conCA1 circuit.

Análisis fotométrico-espectroscópico de un par de binarias en NGC 3532

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gramajo, L.; González, J. F.

Presentamos el informe de avance de un proyecto que apunta a la determinación de masas y radios de precisión en estrellas tempranas de cúmulos abiertos mediante el análisis fotométrico-espectroscópico de sistemas binarios detached con baja rotación. Con ello se pretende determinar el estado evolutivo de estas estrellas y confrontar su estructura con modelos estelares teóricos con distinto grado de ``overshooting". Los primeros objetos seleccionados son dos sistemas binarios de espectros dobles (BDA27 y BDA363) detectados en el cúmulo NGC 3532. Presentamos la órbita espectroscópica obtenida para la binaria eclipsante BDA27, para la cual obtuvimos un período de 4.29 días y una razón de masas q=0.62. Derivamos sus parámetros absolutos preliminares usando nuestra curva de velocidad y datos fotométricos existentes en la literatura, y presentamos estimas del alcance de nuestros resultados una vez que hayamos completado nuestras observaciones con nuevas curvas de luz.

PubMed

Valladares, Macarena; Campos, Brianda; Zapata, Camila; Durán Agüero, Samuel; Obregón, Ana María

2016-11-29

Introducción: existen características respecto a los ritmos circadianos (ciclo sueño-vigilia), lo que genera un rasgo denominado cronotipo (madrugador o trasnochador). Se ha asociado el cronotipo vespertino a menos horas de sueño y hábitos alimentarios poco saludables. El cronotipo vespertino se asocia con un mayor riesgo de desarrollar obesidad.Objetivo: determinar la asociación del cronotipo con variables antropométricas en jóvenes de 18 a 25 años.Métodos: jóvenes (n = 65) (18 a 25 años), se les determinó el cronotipo (cuestionario de Horne-Ostberg) y mediciones antropométricas (peso, talla, porcentaje de grasa y perímetro de cintura). Resultados: los hombres con cronotipo trasnochador presentaron significativamente mayor perímetro de cintura (p = 0,03). Las mujeres con un porcentaje de grasa < 25% se asoció con cronotipo trasnochador (p = 0,05). Conclusiones: el cronotipo trasnochador se asocia a mayor perímetro de cintura y mayor porcentaje de grasa. El cronotipo constituye un nuevo foco para la prevención y el tratamiento de la obesidad.

[Nutrition and child development I; nutritional status of school children in a peripheral district of Madrid (Rev Clin Esp 1944; XII:87-94)].

PubMed

Grande Covián, F; Rof Carballo, J; Jiménez García, F; Morata Cernuda, A

2014-09-01

El estudio clínico del estado nutritivo de un grupo de niños en edad escolar, habitantes de un suburbio madrileño revela la existencia, relativamente rara, de signos carenciales específicos, que contrasta vivamente con el considerable retraso que se observa en su desarrollo somático. Los hechos parecen demostrar que el problema nutritivo de estos niños es sobre todo un problema cuantitativo. El retraso de la evolución está en relación con la insuficiencia global de la dieta y con el déficit de calcio que es probablemente el elemento individual con mayor grado de carencia en las dietas. La anemia que presenta el 98% de los niños no parece deberse únicamente a una deficiencia de hierro porque la dieta parece tener una cantidad adecuada; probablemente esté más en relación con el exiguo contenido de proteínas animales de la ración.

Enrichment of Glycoproteins using Nano-scale Chelating Con A Monolithic Capillary Chromatography

PubMed Central

Feng, Shun; Yang, Na; Pennathur, Subramaniam; Goodison, Steve; Lubman, David M.

2009-01-01

Immobilized lectin chromatography can be employed for glycoprotein enrichment, but commonly used columns have limitations of yield and resolution. In order to improve efficiency and to make the technique applicable to minimal sample material, we have developed a nano-scale chelating Concanavalin A (Con A) monolithic capillary prepared using GMA-EDMA (glycidyl methacrylate–co-ethylene dimethacrylate) as polymeric support. Con A was immobilized on Cu(II)-charged iminodiacetic acid (IDA) regenerable sorbents by forming a IDA:Cu(II):Con A sandwich affinity structure that has high column capacity as well as stability. When compared with conventional Con A lectin chromatography, the monolithic capillary enabled the better reproducible detection of over double the number of unique N-glycoproteins in human urine samples. Utility for analysis of minimal biological samples was confirmed by the successful elucidation of glycoprotein profiles in mouse urine samples at the microliter scale. The improved efficiency of the nano-scale monolithic capillary will impact the analysis of glycoproteins in complex biological samples, especially where only limited material may be available. PMID:19366252

Diffusing colloidal probes of protein-carbohydrate interactions.

PubMed

Eichmann, Shannon L; Meric, Gulsum; Swavola, Julia C; Bevan, Michael A

2013-02-19

We present diffusing colloidal probe measurements of weak, multivalent, specific protein-polysaccharide interactions mediated by a competing monosaccharide. Specifically, we used integrated evanescent wave and video microscopy methods to monitor the three-dimensional Brownian excursions of conconavilin A (ConA) decorated colloids interacting with dextran-functionalized surfaces in the presence of glucose. Particle trajectories were interpreted as binding lifetime histograms, binding isotherms, and potentials of mean force. Binding lifetimes and isotherms showed clear trends of decreasing ConA-dextran-specific binding with increasing glucose concentration, consistent with expectations. Net potentials were accurately captured by superposition of a short-range, glucose-independent ConA-dextran repulsion and a longer-range, glucose-dependent dextran bridging attraction modeled as a harmonic potential. For glucose concentrations greater than 100 mM, the net ConA-dextran potential was found to have only a nonspecific repulsion, similar to that of bovine serum albumin (BSA) decorated colloids over dextran determined in control experiments. Our results demonstrate the first use of optical microscopy methods to quantify the connections between potentials of mean force and the binding behavior of ConA-decorated colloids on dextran-functionalized surfaces.

Fast Heavy-Atom Tunneling in Trifluoroacetyl Nitrene.

PubMed

Wu, Zhuang; Feng, Ruijuan; Li, Hongmin; Xu, Jian; Deng, Guohai; Abe, Manabu; Bégué, Didier; Liu, Kun; Zeng, Xiaoqing

2017-12-04

Chemical reactions involving quantum mechanical tunneling (QMT) increasingly attract the attention of scientists. In contrast to the hydrogen-tunneling as frequently observed in chemistry and biology, tunneling solely by heavy atoms is rare. Herein, we report heavy-atom tunneling in trifluoroacetyl nitrene, CF 3 C(O)N. The carbonyl nitrene CF 3 C(O)N in the triplet ground state was generated in cryogenic matrices by laser (193 or 266 nm) photolysis of CF 3 C(O)N 3 and characterized by IR and EPR spectroscopy. In contrast to the theoretically predicted activation barriers (>10 kcal mol -1 ), CF 3 C(O)N undergoes rapid rearrangement into CF 3 NCO with half-life times of less than 10 min and unprecedentedly large 14 N/ 15 N kinetic isotope effects (1.18-1.33) in solid Ar, Ne, and N 2 matrices even at 2.8 K. The tunneling disappearance of CF 3 C(O)N becomes much slower in the chemically active toluene and in 2-methyltetrahydrofuran at 5 K. © 2017 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Supplemental progesterone and timing of resynchronization on pregnancy outcomes in lactating dairy cows.

PubMed

Bilby, T R; Bruno, R G S; Lager, K J; Chebel, R C; Moraes, J G N; Fricke, P M; Lopes, G; Giordano, J O; Santos, J E P; Lima, F S; Stevenson, J S; Pulley, S L

2013-01-01

The objective was to determine the effect of exogenous progesterone (P4) in a timed artificial insemination (TAI) protocol initiated at 2 different times post-AI on pregnancies per AI (P/AI) in lactating dairy cows. Cows (n=1,982) in 5 dairy herds were assigned randomly at a nonpregnancy diagnosis 32 ± 3 d post-AI to 1 of 4 resynchronization (RES) treatments arranged in a 2 × 2 factorial design using the Ovsynch-56 (GnRH, 7d later PGF2α, 56 h later GnRH, 16 h later TAI) protocol. Treatments were as follows: cows initiating RES 32 ± 3 d after AI with no supplemental P4 (d 32 RES-CON; n=516); same as d 32 RES-CON plus a controlled internal drug release (CIDR) insert containing P4 at the onset of Ovsynch-56 (d 32 RES-CIDR; n=503); cows initiating RES 39 ± 3 d after AI (d 39 RES-CON; n=494); and same as d 39 RES-CON plus a CIDR (d 39 RES-CIDR; n=491). Cows were inseminated if observed in estrus before TAI. The P/AI was determined 32 and 60 d after TAI. In a subgroup of cows (n=1,152), blood samples were collected and ovarian structures examined by ultrasonography on the days of the first GnRH (G1) and PGF2α of Ovsynch-56. Percentage of cows with a corpus luteum (CL) at G1 was unaffected by timing of treatments, but percentage of cows with a CL at PGF2α was greater for d 32 than for d 39 cows (87.9 vs. 79.4%). In addition, percentage of cows with P4 ≥ 1 ng/mL at G1 was unaffected by timing of treatments, but was increased for d 32 compared with d 39 RES cows on the day of the PGF2α of the RES protocols (86.5 vs. 74.3%). Treatment did not affect ovulation to G1 or P/AI 32 d after RES TAI (d 32 RES-CON=30.1%, d 32 RES-CIDR=28.8%, d 39 RES-CON=27.5%, d 39 RES-CIDR=30.5%). A greater percentage of d 39 RES cows underwent premature luteolysis during the RES protocol compared with d 32 RES cows. An interaction was detected between day of RES initiation and CIDR treatment, in which the CIDR increased P/AI 60 d after TAI for d 39 (CON=23.7% vs. CIDR=28.0%), but not for d 32 (CON=26.9% and CIDR=24.2%) cows. Pregnancy loss was unaffected by treatment. In addition, cows had improved P/AI 60 d after TAI when they received a CIDR and did not have a CL (CON-CL=28.2%, CON-No CL=19.2%, CIDR-CL=27.0%, and CIDR-No CL=26.5%) or had P4 <1 ng/mL (CON-High P4=27.8%, CON-Low P4=15.0%, CIDR-High P4=25.0%, and CIDR-Low P4=29.4%) at G1, but not if a CL was present or P4 was ≥ 1 ng/mL at G1. In conclusion, addition of a CIDR insert to supplement P4 during the RES protocol increased P/AI for cows initiating RES 39 ± 3 d after AI but not 32 ± 3 d after AI. Copyright © 2013 American Dairy Science Association. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Protectin D1 reduces concanavalin A-induced liver injury by inhibiting NF-κB-mediated CX3CL1/CX3CR1 axis and NLR family, pyrin domain containing 3 inflammasome activation.

PubMed

Ren, Jun; Meng, Shanshan; Yan, Bingdi; Yu, Jinyan; Liu, Jing

2016-04-01

Protectin D1 (PD1) is a bioactive product generated from docosahexaenoic acid, which may exert anti-inflammatory effects in various inflammatory diseases. However, the underlying molecular mechanism of its anti‑inflammatory activity on concanavalin A (Con A)-induced hepatitis remains unknown. The aim of the present study was to investigate the protective effects of PD1 against Con A‑induced liver injury and the underlying mechanisms via intravenous injection of PD1 prior to Con A administration. C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into four experimental groups as follows: Control group, Con A group (30 mg/kg), 20 µg/kg PD1 + Con A (30 mg/kg) group and 10 µg/kg PD1 + Con A (30 mg/kg) group. PD1 pretreatment was demonstrated to significantly inhibit elevated plasma aminotransferase levels, high mobility group box 1 and liver necrosis, which were observed in Con A‑induced hepatitis. Furthermore, compared with the Con A group, PD1 pretreatment prevented the production of pro‑inflammatory cytokines, including tumor necrosis factor‑α, interferon‑γ and interleukin‑2, ‑1β and ‑6. In addition, pretreatment with PD1 markedly downregulated cluster of differentiation (CD)4+, CD8+ and natural killer T (NKT) cell infiltration in the liver. PD1 pretreatment was observed to suppress the messenger RNA and protein expression levels of NLR family, pyrin domain containing 3 and Toll‑like receptor (TLR) 4 in liver tissue samples. Further data indicated that PD1 pretreatment inhibited the activation of the nuclear factor κ‑light‑chain‑enhancer of activated B cells (NF‑κB) signaling pathway and chemokine (C‑X3‑C motif) ligand 1 (CX3CL1)/chemokine (C-X3-C motif) receptor 1 (CX3CR1) axis by preventing phosphorylation of nuclear factor of κ light polypeptide gene enhancer in B-cells inhibitor, α and NF‑κB in Con A‑induced liver injury. Therefore, these results suggest that PD1 administration protects mice against Con A‑induced liver injury via inhibition of various inflammatory cytokines and, in part, by suppressing CD4+, CD8+ and NKT cell infiltration in the liver and the NF‑κB‑activated CX3CL1/CX3CR1 signaling pathway. The beneficial effect of PD1 may be associated with the inhibition of TLR4 expression and the downregulation of NF‑κB activation. In conclusion, PD1 appears to be a potential natural bioproduct, and provide a promising strategy, for the prevention of hepatic injury in patients with chronic or acute liver disease.

Angio-OCT de la zona avascular foveal en ojos con oclusión venosa de la retina.

PubMed

Wons, Juliana; Pfau, Maximilian; Wirth, Magdalena A; Freiberg, Florentina J; Becker, Matthias D; Michels, Stephan

2017-07-11

Objetivo: El objetivo del estudio comprendía visualizar y cuantificar las alteraciones patológicas de la zona avascular foveal (ZAF) mediante angio-OCT en ojos con oclusión venosa de la retina (OVR) en comparación con el ojo contralateral sano. Procedimientos: La angio-OCT se llevó a cabo mediante el sistema Avanti® RTVue 100 XR (Optovue Inc., Fremont, Calif., EE. UU.). Los bordes de la capa vascular superficial (CVS) se definieron como 3 μm por debajo de la membrana limitante interna y 15 μm por debajo de la capa plexiforme interna y, para la capa vascular profunda (CVP), como 15 y 70 μm por debajo de la membrana limitante interna y de la capa plexiforme interna, respectivamente. La longitud de la ZAF horizontal, vertical y máxima de la CVS y la CVP en cada ojo se midió de forma manual. Además, se midió el ángulo entre el diámetro máximo de la ZAF y el plano papilomacular. Resultados: La angio-OCT representó los defectos dentro de la vasculatura en el área perifoveal en ojos con oclusión de rama venosa de la retina (ORVR; n = 11) y con oclusión de la vena central de la retina (OVCR; n = 8). Esto resultó en un crecimiento del diámetro máximo de la ZAF en ojos con OVR (n = 19) en comparación con el ojo contralateral (n = 19; 921 ± 213 frente a 724 ± 145 µm; p = 0,008). Además, se observó una correlación significativa entre la mejor agudeza visual corregida (MAVC) y el diámetro máximo de la ZAF en la CVP (ρ de Spearman = -0,423, p < 0,01). Por último, en los ojos con OVR, el ángulo entre el plano papilomacular y el diámetro máximo de la ZAF se dio tan solo en el 21,05% (CVS) y en el 15,79% (CVP) de los casos a 0 ± 15 ó 90 ± 15°, respectivamente. En ojos sanos, estos ángulos (que supuestamente representan una configuración de la ZAF regular) fueron más prevalentes (CVS 68,42 frente a 21,05%, p = 0,003; CVP 73,68 frente a 15,79%, p < 0,001). Conclusiones: La angio-OCT muestra alteraciones morfológicas de la ZAF en ojos con OVCR y ORVR. La correlación del diámetro máximo de la ZAF con la MAVC indica que estas alteraciones resultan funcionalmente relevantes. © 2017 S. Karger AG, Basel.

Treatment of Explosives Residues From Range Activities

DTIC Science & Technology

2010-01-01

plus 5 kg crude soybean oil), while three plots served as controls and received no PMSO (designated CON ). PMSO was prepared by thoroughly mixing...compounds. The topmost layers of soil in the CON plots were removed in 1.25 cm lifts. The PMSO in the PO1 and PO2 plots was collected in two portions...soil plots ( CON -2) was not behaving the same as the other two control plots based on a careful assessment of several parameters, including higher

The Impact of Surgical Timing in Acute Traumatic Spinal Cord Injury

DTIC Science & Technology

2016-10-01

However, their study was con - ducted with a small sample of 63 patients and only cer- vical T-SCI, and did not account for other possible factors that... con - tributors are the time of transfer from the site of trauma to the SCI center, the interval between the first medical assessment and surgical plan...requiring surgery will depend upon the availability of the operating rooms and of the spine surgeons, con - sidering the high number of elective cases

Marine Forces Africa: A SPMAGTF Is a Key Element for Securing Strategic Access and Partnership with African Nations

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-12-01

order, SPMAGTF–12.1 con - ducted staff planning and developed several courses of action in support of anticipated scenarios. Though the need for U.S...response capability is limited to providing evacuation con - trol center support for a noncombatant evacuation, and security in support to foreign...Vision and Strategy 2025, The Long War operational employment con - cept, and AfriCom Theater Campaign Plan (May 2009) and submitted it to Headquarters

Review of the Provision of Job Placement Assistance and Related Employment Services to Members of the Reserve Components

DTIC Science & Technology

2015-01-01

the needs of reserve component members continue to be met during any consolidation of programs. • Consider the pros and cons of moving primary...research team developed to systematically collect information about federal programs that 12 Chapter Four of this report discusses the pros and cons ...road map for improving federal job placement assistance, and it discusses the pros and cons of transferring such services and resources to non-DoD

Laser Physics and Laser Techniques

DTIC Science & Technology

1989-06-01

modulated surface, taking full account of the po- pIe growth on different surfaces. Mechanisms to be con - larization properties of the incident wave and...grazing- occurring for grating periods close to the Rayleigh con - angle condition for both linear and stimulated Wood’s ditions A = X/01 ± sin 0...implement 3 I since one can then monitor the ripple intensity versus 400 S00 00 S00 number of repeated shots at low repetition rate and con - A*tAtG

Infectious Complications of Open Type III Tibial Fractures among Combat Casualties

DTIC Science & Technology

2007-08-15

against the methicillin-susceptible S. aureus (MSSA) infection that he later developed; and a third patient who was treated with imipenem for 12 days...Acb (5) Imipenem -cilastatin (7) P. aeruginosa (3); CoNS (4) Amputation (10) 5 40 (M, IIIb) Acb (8) Imipenem -cilastatin (6) CoNS (3) Delayed union (5) 6...22 (M, IIIa) Acb, Enterobacter species (6) Imipenem -cilastatin (8) CoNS (5), group G streptococci (13) Union (19) 7 22 (M, IIIa) None NA MSSA (4); P

[In Process Citation].

PubMed

Almeida Dos Santos, Alyne Dayana; Sabino Pinho, Cláudia Porto; Santos do Nascimento, Alexsandra Camila; Oliveira Costa, Ana Carolina

2016-03-25

Introducción: la sarcopenia se define como un síndrome geriátrico, multifactorial, caracterizado por la pérdida progresiva de masa muscular esquelética, asociada a consecuencias graves, tales como comorbideces, mala calidad de vida y mortandad. Objetivo: identificar la prevalencia y los factores asociados a la sarcopenia en ancianos atendidos ambulatoriamente. Métodos: estudio transversal y observacional realizado con pacientes ancianos de ambos sexos atendidos en ambulatorio geriátrico, entre junio y diciembre de 2014, en un hospital universitario ubicado en el nordeste brasileño. Se determinó la sarcopenia a través de la masa muscular (circunferencia de la pantorrilla < 31 cm), fuerza muscular (evaluada por la fuerza de prensión palmar < 30 kg para hombres y < 20 kg para mujeres) y velocidad de marcha (< 0,8 metros/segundo). Entre las variables de asociación, se consideraron aspectos socioeconómicos y demográficos, variables clínicas, estilo de vida y antropometría. La tabulación y análisis de los datos se realizaron por medio del paquete estadístico SPSS versión 13.0. Resultados: la muestra se compuso de 50 pacientes, con promedio de edad de 73,9 (± 7,4) años, en la que se verificó una prevalencia de sarcopenia del 18%. La sarcopenia fue más prevalente en individuos con edad ≥ 80 años (p = 0,012), en los ancianos con bajo peso según el IMC (p < 0,001), con desnutrición de acuerdo con la CB (p = 0,004) y en los pacientes sin hipertensión arterial (p = 0,027), no encontrándose asociación con variables socioeconómicas, clínicas y del estilo de vida. Conclusiones: la prevalencia de la sarcopenia fue significativa y semejante a la descrita por otros autores, encontrándose asociación con la edad avanzada, desnutrición y ausencia de hipertensión.

Coagulase-negative staphylococci isolated from ocular wound infections after laser refractive surgery: attachment to and accumulation on soft contact lenses.

PubMed

Faghri, Jamshid; Razavi, Mohamad Reza

2009-03-01

Disposable soft contact lenses that are commonly used after laser refractive surgery are known to be colonized by bacteria and play a key role in Bacterial Keraitis (BK) pathogenesis. Coagulase-negative staphylococci (CoNS) have been found to be the most common pathogen involved in this postoperative infection. In this study a rapid and a simple assay was developed for studying attachment and accumulation of CoNS on soft contact lenses in vitro using [3H] thymidine. Thirty-five isolates of CoNS were obtained from 27 laser refractive surgery patients. Twenty-five of these thirty-five CoNS were isolated in multiple cultures. Ten CoNS were isolated in cultures from patients who underwent reoperation. The assay was optimized using a biofilm-producing strain, S. epidermidis RP62A, which was subcultured overnight at 37 degrees C on blood agar medium. Quantitative determination of biofilm production was tested. Presence of the genes icaADB and icaD was determined in all isolates. All isolates were biochemically analyzed using the Phene Plate (PhP) system modified for typing of CoNS. The CoNS isolates were further characterized to species level using ID32Staph.Mann-Whitney rank sum test and chi-square test were used to identify statistical differences in adherence, index, antibiotic susceptibility patterns, and biofilm production or presence of the ica operon between clinically significant isolates and non-postoperative BK isolates. No differences in attachment and accumulation were found between isolates causing BK after laser refractive surgery and contaminant isolates. In addition, there were no differences in the distribution of the ica operon between the two groups, as determined by polymerase chain reaction. Nevertheless, the ability to produce biofilm was found to be present significantly more frequently among BK isolates than among non-postoperative BK isolates. This study shows that the method using radioactive thymidine to analyze adherence of CoNS to soft contact lenses enables detection of differences in the adherence patterns of individual isolates.

Modelo de accesibilidad de conceptos matematicos aplicados en el curso de Astronomia Descriptiva para estudiantes con impedimentos visuales en la UPR

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Isidro Villamizar, Gloria Maria

Este estudio utiliza metodologia de investigacion cualitativa, con el proposito de describir, analizar y evaluar los procesos de diseno y desarrollo de un modelo de accesibilidad que consiste en estrategias de ensenanza de las matematicas para estudiantes con impedimentos visuales matriculados en el curso de Astronomia Descriptiva en la UPR. Se utilizaron las siguientes estrategias para recopilar la informacion, 1) reflexiones de la investigadora en el proceso de diseno y desarrollo de las lecciones adaptadas, que se registraron en un diario reflexivo. 2) entrevista semiestructurada luego de haber trabajado las lecciones de aprendizaje adaptadas con los participantes. 3) observaciones y notas de la investigadora del trabajo de los participantes. Para obtener la informacion de los participantes se obtuvo los permisos institucionales necesarios; se seleccionaron los participantes y se validaron los instrumentos; se realizo el desarrollo de las lecciones adaptadas con los participantes; y finalmente, se analizo la informacion obtenida. El diseno de las lecciones de aprendizaje adaptadas se hizo siguiendo las recomendaciones curriculares de los temas de matematicas aplicados en el curso de Astronomia Descriptiva realizado por la investigadora durante su semestre de internado. El testimonio de las voces de los participantes se obtuvo del proceso de desarrollo de las lecciones de aprendizaje adaptadas de temas seleccionados de conceptos matematicos requeridos en el curso de Astronomia Descriptiva y de la entrevista semiestructurada con los participantes, luego de haber trabajado las lecciones de aprendizaje. Para el desarrollo de las lecciones de aprendizaje, se utilizaron materiales tactiles adaptados, materiales tactiles disenados y materiales disponibles comercialmente. Los textos de las lecciones se imprimieron en tinta y en Braille. Se exhorta a disenar y desarrollar estrategias de ensenanza accesibles, considerando como recursos para evaluar su efectividad a personas con impedimentos visuales. El utilizar estrategias de aprendizaje accesibles de acuerdo a las necesidades individuales de los estudiantes, contribuye para que los estudiantes con impedimentos visuales descubran, exploren, investiguen y formulen sus propias conclusiones durante su proceso de aprendizaje.

Identification of Potential Biomarkers for Gut Barrier Failure in Broiler Chickens

PubMed Central

Chen, Juxing; Tellez, Guillermo; Richards, James D.; Escobar, Jeffery

2015-01-01

The objective of the present study was to identify potential biomarkers for gut barrier failure in chickens. A total of 144 day-of-hatch Ross 308 male broiler chickens were housed in 24 battery cages with six chicks per cage. Cages were randomly assigned to either a control group (CON) or gut barrier failure (GBF) group. During the first 13 days, birds in CON or GBF groups were fed a common corn–soy starter diet. On day 14, CON chickens were switched to a corn grower diet, and GBF chickens were switched to rye–wheat–barley grower diet. In addition, on day 21, GBF chickens were orally challenged with a coccidiosis vaccine. At days 21 and 28, birds were weighed by cage and feed intake was recorded to calculate feed conversion ratio. At day 28, one chicken from each cage was euthanized to collect intestinal samples for morphometric analysis, blood for serum, and intestinal mucosa scrapings for gene expression. Overall performance and feed efficiency was severely affected (P < 0.05) by a GBF model when compared with CON group at days 21 and 28. Duodenum of GBF birds had wider villi, longer crypt depth, and higher crypt depth/villi height ratio than CON birds. Similarly, GBF birds had longer crypt depth in jejunum and ileum when compared with CON birds. Protein levels of endotoxin and α1-acid glycoprotein (AGP) in serum, as well as mRNA levels of interleukin (IL)-8, IL-1β, transforming growth factor (TGF)-β4, and fatty acid-binding protein (FABP) 6 were increased (P < 0.05) in GBF birds compared to CON birds; however, mRNA levels of FABP2, occludin, and mucin 2 (MUC2) were reduced by 34% (P < 0.05), 24% (P = 0.107), and 29% (P = 0.088), respectively, in GBF birds compared to CON birds. The results from the present study suggest that serum endotoxin and AGP, as well as, gene expression of FABP2, FABP6, IL-8, IL-1β, TGF-β4, occludin, and MUC2 in mucosa may work as potential biomarkers for gut barrier health in chickens. PMID:26664943