Direct-to-Earth Communications with Mars Science Laboratory During Entry, Descent, and Landing

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Soriano, Melissa; Finley, Susan; Fort, David; Schratz, Brian; Ilott, Peter; Mukai, Ryan; Estabrook, Polly; Oudrhiri, Kamal; Kahan, Daniel; Satorius, Edgar

2013-01-01

Mars Science Laboratory (MSL) undergoes extreme heating and acceleration during Entry, Descent, and Landing (EDL) on Mars. Unknown dynamics lead to large Doppler shifts, making communication challenging. During EDL, a special form of Multiple Frequency Shift Keying (MFSK) communication is used for Direct-To-Earth (DTE) communication. The X-band signal is received by the Deep Space Network (DSN) at the Canberra Deep Space Communication complex, then down-converted, digitized, and recorded by open-loop Radio Science Receivers (RSR), and decoded in real-time by the EDL Data Analysis (EDA) System. The EDA uses lock states with configurable Fast Fourier Transforms to acquire and track the signal. RSR configuration and channel allocation is shown. Testing prior to EDL is discussed including software simulations, test bed runs with MSL flight hardware, and the in-flight end-to-end test. EDA configuration parameters and signal dynamics during pre-entry, entry, and parachute deployment are analyzed. RSR and EDA performance during MSL EDL is evaluated, including performance using a single 70-meter DSN antenna and an array of two 34-meter DSN antennas as a back up to the 70-meter antenna.

The Earth Data Analytic Services (EDAS) Framework

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Maxwell, T. P.; Duffy, D.

2017-12-01

Faced with unprecedented growth in earth data volume and demand, NASA has developed the Earth Data Analytic Services (EDAS) framework, a high performance big data analytics framework built on Apache Spark. This framework enables scientists to execute data processing workflows combining common analysis operations close to the massive data stores at NASA. The data is accessed in standard (NetCDF, HDF, etc.) formats in a POSIX file system and processed using vetted earth data analysis tools (ESMF, CDAT, NCO, etc.). EDAS utilizes a dynamic caching architecture, a custom distributed array framework, and a streaming parallel in-memory workflow for efficiently processing huge datasets within limited memory spaces with interactive response times. EDAS services are accessed via a WPS API being developed in collaboration with the ESGF Compute Working Team to support server-side analytics for ESGF. The API can be accessed using direct web service calls, a Python script, a Unix-like shell client, or a JavaScript-based web application. New analytic operations can be developed in Python, Java, or Scala (with support for other languages planned). Client packages in Python, Java/Scala, or JavaScript contain everything needed to build and submit EDAS requests. The EDAS architecture brings together the tools, data storage, and high-performance computing required for timely analysis of large-scale data sets, where the data resides, to ultimately produce societal benefits. It is is currently deployed at NASA in support of the Collaborative REAnalysis Technical Environment (CREATE) project, which centralizes numerous global reanalysis datasets onto a single advanced data analytics platform. This service enables decision makers to compare multiple reanalysis datasets and investigate trends, variability, and anomalies in earth system dynamics around the globe.

The CRISPR/Cas system inhibited the pro-oncogenic effects of alternatively spliced fibronectin extra domain A via editing the genome in salivary adenoid cystic carcinoma cells.

PubMed

Wang, H-C; Yang, Y; Xu, S-Y; Peng, J; Jiang, J-H; Li, C-Y

2015-07-01

To identify the association of fibronectin (FN) extra domain A (EDA) with the progression of salivary adenoid cystic carcinoma (SACC). Accordingly, the exclusion of EDA exon through the CRISPR/Cas9 system was investigated as the rescue for such pro-oncogenic splicing. SACC-83 cells were transiently transfected with plasmids containing recombinant EDA, and the cellular growth and motility were then accessed in vitro. Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) was investigated with immunohistochemistry, Western blot, and real-time PCR analysis. SACC tissues from 81 patients were used to access the associations between EDA+FN and clinical-pathological parameters. CRISPR/Cas9 plasmids containing sgRNA were designed and co-transfected into SACC-83 cells; the effects of EDA knockout on cellular growth and motility were then accessed. The recombinant EDA exhibited little effect on the proliferation of SACC cells, but significantly promoted the migration and invasion of the cells (P < 0.05), accompanied with upregulated EMT (P < 0.05); consistently, the expression of EDA+FN was positively associated with the metastasis, nerve invasion and recurrence of SACC (P < 0.05). Furthermore, the EDA knockout from the FN gene in most SACC cells resulted in a decrease in cell motility and invasion, as well as prolonged population doubling time, compared with untreated SACC-83 cells (P < 0.05). The EDA domain significantly promoted the motility of SACC cells, and positively associated with the tumor progression in patients with SACC. Thus, it is a potential risk factor and also a therapeutic target for SACC. The CRISPR/Cas9 system may control a pro-oncogenic splicing process through the exclusion of EDA exon from the FN gene, leading to inhibition of motility, invasion and proliferation of cancer cells. © 2015 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Cost-effectiveness analysis comparing epidural, patient-controlled intravenous morphine, and continuous wound infiltration for postoperative pain management after open abdominal surgery.

PubMed

Tilleul, P; Aissou, M; Bocquet, F; Thiriat, N; le Grelle, O; Burke, M J; Hutton, J; Beaussier, M

2012-06-01

Continuous wound infiltration (CWI), i.v. patient-controlled analgesia (i.v.-PCA), and epidural analgesia (EDA) are analgesic techniques commonly used for pain relief after open abdominal surgery. The aim of this study was to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of these techniques. A decision analytic model was developed, including values retrieved from clinical trials and from an observational prospective cohort of 85 patients. Efficacy criteria were based on pain at rest (VAS ≤ 30/100 mm at 24 h). Resource use and costs were evaluated from medical record measurements and published data. Probabilistic sensitivity analysis (PSA) was performed. When taking into account all resources consumed, the CWI arm (€ 6460) is economically dominant when compared with i.v.-PCA (€ 7273) and EDA (€ 7500). The proportion of patients successfully controlled for their postoperative pain management are 77.4%, 53.9%, and 72.9% for CWI, i.v.-PCA, and EDA, respectively, demonstrating the CWI procedure to be both economically and clinically dominant. PSA reported that CWI remains cost saving in 70.4% of cases in comparison with EDA and in 59.2% of cases when compared with PCA. Device-related costs of using CWI for pain management after abdominal laparotomy are partly counterbalanced by a reduction in resource consumption. The cost-effectiveness analysis suggests that CWI is the dominant treatment strategy for managing postoperative pain (i.e. more effective and less costly) in comparison with i.v.-PCA. When compared with EDA, CWI is less costly with almost equivalent efficacy. This economic evaluation may be useful for clinicians to design algorithms for pain management after major abdominal surgery.

Effect-directed analysis to explore the polar bear exposome: identification of thyroid hormone disrupting compounds in plasma.

PubMed

Simon, Eszter; van Velzen, Martin; Brandsma, Sicco H; Lie, Elisabeth; Løken, Katharina; de Boer, Jacob; Bytingsvik, Jenny; Jenssen, Bjørn M; Aars, Jon; Hamers, Timo; Lamoree, Marja H

2013-08-06

Compounds with transthyretin (TTR)-binding potency in the blood plasma of polar bear cubs were identified with effect-directed analysis (EDA). This approach contributes to the understanding of the thyroid disrupting exposome of polar bears. The selection of these samples for in-depth EDA was based on the difference between the observed TTR-binding potency on the one hand and the calculated potency (based on known concentrations of TTR-binding compounds and their relative potencies) on the other. A library-based identification was applied to the liquid chromatography-time-of-flight-mass spectrometry (LC-ToF-MS) data by screening for matches between compound lists and the LC-ToF-MS data regarding accurate mass and isotope pattern. Then, isotope cluster analysis (ICA) was applied to the LC-ToF-MS data allowing specific screening for halogen isotope patterns. The presence of linear and branched nonylphenol (NP) was observed for the first time in polar bears. Furthermore, the presence of one di- and two monohydroxylated octachlorinated biphenyls (octaCBs) was revealed in the extracts. Linear and branched NP, 4'-OH-CB201 and 4,4'-OH-CB202 could be successfully confirmed with respect to their retention time in the analytical system. In addition, branched NP, mono- and dihydroxylated-octaCBs showed TTR-binding potencies and could explain another 32 ± 2% of the total measured activities in the extracts.

Artifact detection in electrodermal activity using sparse recovery

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kelsey, Malia; Palumbo, Richard Vincent; Urbaneja, Alberto; Akcakaya, Murat; Huang, Jeannie; Kleckner, Ian R.; Barrett, Lisa Feldman; Quigley, Karen S.; Sejdic, Ervin; Goodwin, Matthew S.

2017-05-01

Electrodermal Activity (EDA) - a peripheral index of sympathetic nervous system activity - is a primary measure used in psychophysiology. EDA is widely accepted as an indicator of physiological arousal, and it has been shown to reveal when psychologically novel events occur. Traditionally, EDA data is collected in controlled laboratory experiments. However, recent developments in wireless biosensing have led to an increase in out-of-lab studies. This transition to ambulatory data collection has introduced challenges. In particular, artifacts such as wearer motion, changes in temperature, and electrical interference can be misidentified as true EDA responses. The inability to distinguish artifact from signal hinders analyses of ambulatory EDA data. Though manual procedures for identifying and removing EDA artifacts exist, they are time consuming - which is problematic for the types of longitudinal data sets represented in modern ambulatory studies. This manuscript presents a novel technique to automatically identify and remove artifacts in EDA data using curve fitting and sparse recovery methods. Our method was evaluated using labeled data to determine the accuracy of artifact identification. Procedures, results, conclusions, and future directions are presented.

Analysis of Flight Management System Predictions of Idle-Thrust Descents

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Stell, Laurel

2010-01-01

To enable arriving aircraft to fly optimized descents computed by the flight management system (FMS) in congested airspace, ground automation must accurately predict descent trajectories. To support development of the predictor and its uncertainty models, descents from cruise to the meter fix were executed using vertical navigation in a B737-700 simulator and a B777-200 simulator, both with commercial FMSs. For both aircraft types, the FMS computed the intended descent path for a specified speed profile assuming idle thrust after top of descent (TOD), and then it controlled the avionics without human intervention. The test matrix varied aircraft weight, descent speed, and wind conditions. The first analysis in this paper determined the effect of the test matrix parameters on the FMS computation of TOD location, and it compared the results to those for the current ground predictor in the Efficient Descent Advisor (EDA). The second analysis was similar but considered the time to fly a specified distance to the meter fix. The effects of the test matrix variables together with the accuracy requirements for the predictor will determine the allowable error for the predictor inputs. For the B737, the EDA prediction of meter fix crossing time agreed well with the FMS; but its prediction of TOD location probably was not sufficiently accurate to enable idle-thrust descents in congested airspace, even though the FMS and EDA gave similar shapes for TOD location as a function of the test matrix variables. For the B777, the FMS and EDA gave different shapes for the TOD location function, and the EDA prediction of the TOD location is not accurate enough to fully enable the concept. Furthermore, the differences between the FMS and EDA predictions of meter fix crossing time for the B777 indicated that at least one of them was not sufficiently accurate.

EDA-gram: designing electrodermal activity fingerprints for visualization and feature extraction.

PubMed

Chaspari, Theodora; Tsiartas, Andreas; Stein Duker, Leah I; Cermak, Sharon A; Narayanan, Shrikanth S

2016-08-01

Wearable technology permeates every aspect of our daily life increasing the need of reliable and interpretable models for processing the large amount of biomedical data. We propose the EDA-Gram, a multidimensional fingerprint of the electrodermal activity (EDA) signal, inspired by the widely-used notion of spectrogram. The EDA-Gram is based on the sparse decomposition of EDA from a knowledge-driven set of dictionary atoms. The time axis reflects the analysis frames, the spectral dimension depicts the width of selected dictionary atoms, while intensity values are computed from the atom coefficients. In this way, EDA-Gram incorporates the amplitude and shape of Skin Conductance Responses (SCR), which comprise an essential part of the signal. EDA-Gram is further used as a foundation for signal-specific feature design. Our results indicate that the proposed representation can accentuate fine-grain signal fluctuations, which might not always be apparent through simple visual inspection. Statistical analysis and classification/regression experiments further suggest that the derived features can differentiate between multiple arousal levels and stress-eliciting environments for two datasets.

Eda haplotypes in three-spined stickleback are associated with variation in immune gene expression

PubMed Central

Robertson, Shaun; Bradley, Janette E.; MacColl, Andrew D. C.

2017-01-01

Haplotypes underlying local adaptation and speciation are predicted to have numerous phenotypic effects, but few genes involved have been identified, with much work to date concentrating on visible, morphological, phenotypes. The link between genes controlling these adaptive morphological phenotypes and the immune system has seldom been investigated, even though changes in the immune system could have profound adaptive consequences. The Eda gene in three-spined stickleback is one of the best studied major adaptation genes; it directly controls bony plate architecture and has been associated with additional aspects of adaptation to freshwater. Here, we exposed F2 hybrids, used to separate Eda genotype from genetic background, to contrasting conditions in semi-natural enclosures. We demonstrate an association between the Eda haplotype block and the expression pattern of key immune system genes. Furthermore, low plated fish grew less and experienced higher burdens of a common ectoparasite with fitness consequences. Little is currently known about the role of the immune system in facilitating adaptation to novel environments, but this study provides an indication of its potential importance. PMID:28195171

Electrodermal complexity during the Stroop colour word test.

PubMed

Svetlak, Miroslav; Bob, Petr; Cernik, Michal; Kukleta, Miloslav

2010-01-15

Several recent studies suggest that quantitative description of signal complexity using algorithms of nonlinear analysis could uncover new information about the autonomic system that is not reflected using common methods applied to measures of autonomic activity. With this aim we have performed complexity analysis of electrodermal activity (EDA) assessed in 106 healthy university students during rest conditions and non-conflicting and conflicting Stroop task. Complexity analysis applied to EDA was performed using Skinner's algorithm for pointwise correlation dimension (PD2). Results have shown that EDA responses during the Stroop Colour Word test are related to significantly increased or decreased complexity. Particularly significant result is that PD2 has a unique ability to predict to an extent the change in EDA response to stress i.e. that subjects with low initial PD2 tended to respond to experimental stress by its increase and subjects with high initial PD2 values tended to respond by its decrease. This response was not found in EDA measures where increase of the EDA presented predominant response to experimental stress in majority of the subjects. These findings suggest that PD2 is more sensitive to subtle aspects of functionally and spatially distributed modulatory influences of various parts of the brain that are involved in the EDA modulation and provides novel information in comparison to traditional methods.

Effects of Flexible Dry Electrode Design on Electrodermal Activity Stimulus Response Detection.

PubMed

Haddad, Peter A; Servati, Amir; Soltanian, Saeid; Ko, Frank; Servati, Peyman

2017-12-01

The focus of this research is to evaluate the effects of design parameters including surface area, distance between and geometry of dry flexible electrodes on electrodermal activity (EDA) stimulus response detection. EDA is a result of the autonomic nervous system being stimulated, which causes sweat and changes the electrical characteristics of the skin. Standard silver/silver chloride (Ag/AgCl) EDA electrodes are rigid and lack conformability in contact with skin. In this study, flexible dry Ag/AgCl EDA electrodes were fabricated on a compliant substrate, used to monitor EDA stimulus responses and compared to results simultaneously collected by rigid dry Ag/AgCl electrodes. A repeatable fabrication process for flexible Ag/AgCl electrodes has been established. Surface area, distance between and geometry of electrodes are shown to affect the detectability of the EDA response and the minimum number of sweat glands to be covered by the electrodes has been estimated at 140, or more, in order to maintain functionality. The optimal flexible EDA electrode is a serpentine design with a 0.15 cm 2 surface area and a 0.20 cm distance with an average Pearson correlation coefficient of . Fabrication of flexible electrodes is described and an understanding of the effects of electrode designs on the EDA stimulus response detection has been established and is potentially related to the coverage of sweat glands. This work presents a novel systematic approach to understand the effects of electrode designs on monitoring EDA which is of importance for the design of wearable EDA monitoring devices.

Ectodysplasin A Pathway Contributes to Human and Murine Skin Repair.

PubMed

Garcin, Clare L; Huttner, Kenneth M; Kirby, Neil; Schneider, Pascal; Hardman, Matthew J

2016-05-01

The highly conserved ectodysplasin A (EDA)/EDA receptor signaling pathway is critical during development for the formation of skin appendages. Mutations in genes encoding components of the EDA pathway disrupt normal appendage development, leading to the human disorder hypohidrotic ectodermal dysplasia. Spontaneous mutations in the murine Eda (Tabby) phenocopy human X-linked hypohidrotic ectodermal dysplasia. Little is known about the role of EDA signaling in adult skin homeostasis or repair. Because wound healing largely mimics the morphogenic events that occur during development, we propose a role for EDA signaling in adult wound repair. Here we report a pronounced delay in healing in Tabby mice, demonstrating a functional role for EDA signaling in adult skin. Moreover, pharmacological activation of the EDA pathway in both Tabby and wild-type mice significantly accelerates healing, influencing multiple processes including re-epithelialization and granulation tissue matrix deposition. Finally, we show that the healing promoting effects of EDA receptor activation are conserved in human skin repair. Thus, targeted manipulation of the EDA/EDA receptor pathway has clear therapeutic potential for the future treatment of human pathological wound healing. Copyright © 2016 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

High-resolution mapping of the x-linked hypohidrotic ectodermal dysplasia (EDA) locus

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

Zonana, J.; Jones, M.; Litt, M.

1992-11-01

The X-linked hypohidrotic ectodermal dysplasia (EDA) locus has been previously localized to the subchromosomal region Xq11-q21.1. The authors have extended previous linkage studies and analyzed linkage between the EDA locus and 10 marker loci, including five new loci, in 41 families. Four of the marker loci showed no recombination with the EDA locus, and six other loci were also linked to the EDA locus with recombination fractions of .009-.075. Multipoint analysis gave support to the placement of the PGK1P1 locus proximal to the EDA locus and the DXS453 and PGK1 loci distal to EDA. Further ordering of the loci couldmore » be inferred from a human-rodent somatic cell hybrid derived from an affected female with EDA and an X;9 translocation and from studies of an affected male with EDA and a submicroscopic deletion. Three of the proximal marker loci, which showed no recombination with the EDA locus, when used in combination, were informative in 92% of females. The closely linked flanking polymorphic loci DXS339 and DXS453 had heterozygosites of 72% and 76%, respectively, and when used jointly, they were doubly informative in 52% of females. The human DXS732 locus was defined by a conserved mouse probe pcos169E/4 (DXCrc169 locus) that consegregates with the mouse tabby (Ta) locus, a potential homologue to the EDA locus. The absence of recombination between EDA and the DXSA732 locus lends support to the hypothesis that the DXCrc169 locus in the mouse and the DXS732 locus in humans may contain candidate sequences for the Ta and EDA genes, respectively. 36 refs., 1 fig., 5 tabs.« less

Aqueous ethylenediamine for CO(2) capture.

PubMed

Zhou, Shan; Chen, Xi; Nguyen, Thu; Voice, Alexander K; Rochelle, Gary T

2010-08-23

Aqueous ethylenediamine (EDA) has been investigated as a solvent for CO(2) capture from flue gas. EDA can be used at 12 M (mol kg(-1) H(2)O) with an acceptable viscosity of 16 cP (1 cP=10(-3) Pa s) with 0.48 mol CO(2) per equivalent of EDA. Similar to monoethanolamine (MEA), EDA can be used up to 120 degrees C in a stripper without significant thermal degradation. Inhibitor A will effectively eliminate oxidative degradation. Above 120 degrees C, loaded EDA degrades with the production of its cyclic urea and other related compounds. Unlike piperazine, when exposed to oxidative degradation, EDA does not result in excessive foaming. Over much of the loading range, the CO(2) absorption rate with 12 M EDA is comparable to 7 M MEA. However, at typical rich loading, 12 M EDA absorbs CO(2) 2 times slower than 7 M MEA. The capacity of 12 M EDA is 0.72 mol CO(2)/(kg H(2)O+EDA) (for P(CO(2) )=0.5 to 5 kPa at 40 degrees C), which is about double that of MEA. The apparent heat of CO(2) desorption in EDA solution is 84 kJ mol(-1) CO(2); greater than most other amine systems.

Scutellarin-graft cationic β-cyclodextrin-polyrotaxane: Synthesis, characterization and DNA condensation.

PubMed

Qin, Qi; Ma, Xue; Liao, Xiali; Yang, Bo

2017-02-01

As a prerequisite of gene delivery in living cells, DNA condensation has attracted more and more attention. In order to improve the efficiencies of polyamine-β-cyclodextrin-based cationic polyrotaxanes (PR-EDA and PR-DETA) as DNA condensation materials, we have designed and prepared two novel scutellarin-grafted cationic polyrotaxanes (PR-EDA-SCU and PR-DETA-SCU), in which scutellarins (SCU), the planar molecules, were conjugated on the cyclodextrin molecules of PR-EDA and PR-DETA. These materials were characterized by 1D and 2D NMR, XRD, TG and DSC. The electrophoresis assays showed that pDNA condensation efficiencies of PR-EDA and PR-DETA were better than that of PR-EDA and PR-DETA. The complexes of PR-EDA, PR-DETA, PR-EDA-SCU and PR-DETA-SCU with pDNA were further investigated by zeta potential and atomic force microscopy analysis. The results indicated that the planar structure of SCU played an important role in improvement of pDNA condensation efficiencies of PR-EDA-SCU and PR-DETA-SCU. The satisfactory pDNA condensation abilities of PR-EDA-SCU and PR-DETA-SCU could be helpful in designing non-viral gene delivery vectors to control gene expression and delivery. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Candidate EDA targets revealed by expression profiling of primary keratinocytes from Tabby mutant mice

PubMed Central

Esibizione, Diana; Cui, Chang-Yi; Schlessinger, David

2009-01-01

EDA, the gene mutated in anhidrotic ectodermal dysplasia, encodes ectodysplasin, a TNF superfamily member that activates NF-kB mediated transcription. To identify EDA target genes, we have earlier used expression profiling to infer genes differentially expressed at various developmental time points in Tabby (Eda-deficient) compared to wild-type mouse skin. To increase the resolution to find genes whose expression may be restricted to epidermal cells, we have now extended studies to primary keratinocyte cultures established from E19 wild-type and Tabby skin. Using microarrays bearing 44,000 gene probes, we found 385 preliminary candidate genes whose expression was significantly affected by Eda loss. By comparing expression profiles to those from Eda-A1 transgenic skin, we restricted the list to 38 “candidate EDA targets”, 14 of which were already known to be expressed in hair follicles or epidermis. We confirmed expression changes for 3 selected genes, Tbx1, Bmp7, and Jag1, both in keratinocytes and in whole skin, by Q-PCR and Western blotting analyses. Thus, by the analysis of keratinocytes, novel candidate pathways downstream of EDA were detected. PMID:18848976

Gender-specific automatic valence recognition of affective olfactory stimulation through the analysis of the electrodermal activity.

PubMed

Greco, Alberto; Lanata, Antonio; Valenza, Gaetano; Di Francesco, Fabio; Scilingo, Enzo Pasquale

2016-08-01

This study reports on the development of a gender-specific classification system able to discern between two valence levels of smell, through information gathered from electrodermal activity (EDA) dynamics. Specifically, two odorants were administered to 32 healthy volunteers (16 males) while monitoring EDA. CvxEDA model was used to process the EDA signal and extract features from both tonic and phasic components. The feature set was used as input to a K-NN classifier implementing a leave-one-subject-out procedure. Results show strong differences in the accuracy of valence recognition between men (62.5%) and women (78%). We can conclude that affective olfactory stimulation significantly affect EDA dynamics with a highly specific gender dependency.

X-Linked Hypohidrotic Ectodermal Dysplasia: New Features and a Novel EDA Gene Mutation.

PubMed

Savasta, Salvatore; Carlone, Giorgia; Castagnoli, Riccardo; Chiappe, Francesca; Bassanese, Francesco; Piras, Roberta; Salpietro, Vincenzo; Brazzelli, Valeria; Verrotti, Alberto; Marseglia, Gian L

2017-01-01

We described a 5-year-old male with hypodontia, hypohidrosis, and facial dysmorphisms characterized by a depressed nasal bridge, maxillary hypoplasia, and protuberant lips. Chromosomal analysis revealed a normal 46,XY male karyotype. Due to the presence of clinical features of hypohidrotic ectodermal dysplasia (HED), the EDA gene, located at Xq12q13.1, of the patient and his family was sequenced. Analysis of the proband's sequence revealed a missense mutation (T to A transversion) in hemizygosity state at nucleotide position 158 in exon 1 of the EDA gene, which changes codon 53 from leucine to histidine, while heterozygosity at this position was detected in the slightly affected mother; moreover, this mutation was not found in the publically available Human Gene Mutation Database. To date, our findings indicate that a novel mutation in EDA is associated with X-linked HED, adding it to the repertoire of EDA mutations. © 2017 S. Karger AG, Basel.

[Prenatal diagnosis of X-linked anhidrotic ectodermal dysplasia with X-chromosome inversion].

PubMed

Shi, Hui-juan; Fang, Qun; Wang, Lian-tang

2005-07-13

To investigate the possibility of prenatal diagnosis of the fetal suspected to be affected by anhidrotic ectodermal dysplasia (EDA) in a family with X-linked EDA so as to provide a basis for prenatal diagnosis and genetic counseling of this disorder. Pedigree analysis and genetic counseling were performed in a family after a proband was diagnosed with EDA. The peripheral blood samples were collected from the proband, a 12-year-old boy, his mother, and his 2 aunts, one being pregnant, to undergo chromosome karyotype analysis. The fetus Puncture of umbilical vein was performed to collect the blood of fetus for chromosome examination. Induced abortion was conducted due to the diagnosis of the fetus with EDA. Autopsy, immunohistochemistry of the skin tissues of face, breast, epigastrium, and thigh, and X-ray photography of the lower jawbone were made. Pericentric inversion occurring at one of the X-chromosome [inv (x) (p22q13)] was found in the proband and his nephew (the fetus), both patients, and his mother and his second aunt (the pregnant woman), both carriers. Autopsy of the fetus showed epidermis dysplasia and deficiency of hair follicle and sebaceous gland. Immunohistochemistry showed that epithelial membrane antigen and cytokeratin were negatively expressed in the fetal skin tissues. Pedigree analysis and genetic counseling for the family members of EDA patients and prenatal and postpartum examination for the fetus help diagnose EDA.

Estimation of distribution algorithm with path relinking for the blocking flow-shop scheduling problem

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shao, Zhongshi; Pi, Dechang; Shao, Weishi

2018-05-01

This article presents an effective estimation of distribution algorithm, named P-EDA, to solve the blocking flow-shop scheduling problem (BFSP) with the makespan criterion. In the P-EDA, a Nawaz-Enscore-Ham (NEH)-based heuristic and the random method are combined to generate the initial population. Based on several superior individuals provided by a modified linear rank selection, a probabilistic model is constructed to describe the probabilistic distribution of the promising solution space. The path relinking technique is incorporated into EDA to avoid blindness of the search and improve the convergence property. A modified referenced local search is designed to enhance the local exploitation. Moreover, a diversity-maintaining scheme is introduced into EDA to avoid deterioration of the population. Finally, the parameters of the proposed P-EDA are calibrated using a design of experiments approach. Simulation results and comparisons with some well-performing algorithms demonstrate the effectiveness of the P-EDA for solving BFSP.

[The measurement of electrodermal activity].

PubMed

Grapperon, J; Pignol, A-C; Vion-Dury, J

2012-04-01

Electrodermal activity (EDA) is an early physiological index and the subject of constant interest, in spite of the bad reputation attached to "lie detectors". This interest is expected to increase in the future, following the development of research related to the neurobiological aspect of emotions of which it is an index. Recent data provided by functional cerebral imaging has added to the significance of this index and should result in further interest. The authors thus re-examined the various notions related to measuring EDA, and its practical aspect as well as its mechanisms. EDA should be useful both for authors wishing to use this variable and for readers wishing to form their own critical point of view. The article first defines the various terms used to qualify EDA. Then, it analyses the mechanisms occurring at the sweat glands' level, showing that a distinct innervation of the sweat glands causes sweat to be released in the excretory channels, thereby allowing the recording of a negative surface potential in parallel to the lowering of skin conductance. Arguments are then pointed out to illustrate that the potential's positive phase following this first answer occurs in the case of high intensity stimulations. The study of the central command of sudation demonstrates that, several areas are involved and that different functions such as thermal regulation and motricity may interfere with emotive reactions. Difficulties regarding the mode of measurement of these answers as to their number and amplitude are also brought to light. A particular interest of measuring EDA is its ability to highlight individual characteristic and unconscious emotional reactivity. Subjects who constitutionally present many spontaneous and therefore habitual EDA can indeed be opposed to subjects whose EDA reflexes are very few and hardly habitual. A theory suggests that for the first category, whose subjects are named labiles, emotional control may be at the origin of EDA. This characteristic brings to mind the case of antisocial subjects whose rate of EDA is also reduced, although for the latter a primitive drop in behavioral inhibition is involved. The production of EDA in response to non-conscious emotive stimulations can be objectified in the rare cases of prosopagnosia. These subjects who are unable to recognize familiar faces can produce EDA when presented faces with an emotional load. These cases contrast with the delusional denial of the Capgras syndrome where subjects do not present EDA, suggesting that the dysfunction of visual analysis occurs at a different level. There are other rare cases represented by cortical blindness where EDA shows that an unconscious emotional analysis is preserved. These subjects are known however to be capable of unconscious visual discriminations, which are possibly accompanied by EDA. This possibility of a "blind vision" is experimentally studied via subliminal vision testing (backward masking tests). These demonstrate that a rudimentary visual analysis is carried out in the subcortical circuits while taking into account the affective aspect of stimulations. Present or future data should allow a greater comprehension of electrodermal signals, making it possible to overcome the difficulties related to their interpretation and facilitate their applications. Copyright © 2011 L’Encéphale, Paris. Published by Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

A Splice Defect in the EDA Gene in Dogs with an X-Linked Hypohidrotic Ectodermal Dysplasia (XLHED) Phenotype.

PubMed

Waluk, Dominik P; Zur, Gila; Kaufmann, Ronnie; Welle, Monika M; Jagannathan, Vidhya; Drögemüller, Cord; Müller, Eliane J; Leeb, Tosso; Galichet, Arnaud

2016-09-08

X-linked hypohidrotic ectodermal dysplasia (XLHED) caused by variants in the EDA gene represents the most common ectodermal dysplasia in humans. We investigated three male mixed-breed dogs with an ectodermal dysplasia phenotype characterized by marked hypotrichosis and multifocal complete alopecia, almost complete absence of sweat and sebaceous glands, and altered dentition with missing and abnormally shaped teeth. Analysis of SNP chip genotypes and whole genome sequence data from the three affected dogs revealed that the affected dogs shared the same haplotype on a large segment of the X-chromosome, including the EDA gene. Unexpectedly, the whole genome sequence data did not reveal any nonsynonymous EDA variant in the affected dogs. We therefore performed an RNA-seq experiment on skin biopsies to search for changes in the transcriptome. This analysis revealed that the EDA transcript in the affected dogs lacked 103 nucleotides encoded by exon 2. We speculate that this exon skipping is caused by a genetic variant located in one of the large introns flanking this exon, which was missed by whole genome sequencing with the illumina short read technology. The altered EDA transcript splicing most likely causes the observed ectodermal dysplasia in the affected dogs. These dogs thus offer an excellent opportunity to gain insights into the complex splicing processes required for expression of the EDA gene, and other genes with large introns. Copyright © 2016 Waluk et al.

Time-varying analysis of electrodermal activity during exercise

PubMed Central

Reljin, Natasa; Mills, Craig; Mills, Ian; Florian, John P.; VanHeest, Jaci L.; Chon, Ki H.

2018-01-01

The electrodermal activity (EDA) is a useful tool for assessing skin sympathetic nervous activity. Using spectral analysis of EDA data at rest, we have previously found that the spectral band which is the most sensitive to central sympathetic control is largely confined to 0.045 to 0.25 Hz. However, the frequency band associated with sympathetic control in EDA has not been studied for exercise conditions. Establishing the band limits more precisely is important to ensure the accuracy and sensitivity of the technique. As exercise intensity increases, it is intuitive that the frequencies associated with the autonomic dynamics should also increase accordingly. Hence, the aim of this study was to examine the appropriate frequency band associated with the sympathetic nervous system in the EDA signal during exercise. Eighteen healthy subjects underwent a sub-maximal exercise test, including a resting period, walking, and running, until achieving 85% of maximum heart rate. Both EDA and ECG data were measured simultaneously for all subjects. The ECG was used to monitor subjects’ instantaneous heart rate, which was used to set the experiment’s end point. We found that the upper bound of the frequency band (Fmax) containing the EDA spectral power significantly shifted to higher frequencies when subjects underwent prolonged low-intensity (Fmax ~ 0.28) and vigorous-intensity exercise (Fmax ~ 0.37 Hz) when compared to the resting condition. In summary, we have found shifting of the sympathetic dynamics to higher frequencies in the EDA signal when subjects undergo physical activity. PMID:29856815

Characterization of a human X-linked gene from the DXS732E locus in the candidate region for the anhidrotic ectodermal dysplasia (EDA) gene (Xq13.1)

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

Gault, J.; Zonana, J.; Zeltinger, J.

A conserved mouse genomic clone was used to identify a homologous human genomic clone (the DXS732E locus), which was subsequently employed to isolate cDNAs from a human fetal brain library. Nine unique overlapping cDNAs were isolated, and sequences analysis of 3.9 kb identified a putative 1 kb ORF. GRAIL analysis of the sequence supported the hypothesis that the putative ORF was coding sequence, and Prosite analysis of the putative ORF identified potential glycosylation and phosphorylation sites. The 5{prime} end of the gene maps within a CpG island, and comparison of cDNA sequences indicate the gene is alternatively spliced at itsmore » 3{prime} end. Northern analysis and RT-PCR indicate that two different sized messages appear to be expressed with the gene expressed in human fetal kidney, intestine, brain, and muscle. The gene is expressed in 77 day human skin, a time when hair follicle formation occurs. Anhidrotic ectodermal dysplasia (EDA) results in the abnormal morphogenesis of hair, teeth and eccrine sweat glands. A positional cloning strategy towards cloning the EDA gene had been used, and deletion and X-autosome translocation patients have been useful in further delimiting the EDA region. The present gene at the DXS732E locus is partially deleted in one EDA patient who does not have other apparent abnormalities. No rearrangements of the gene have been detected in two female X-autosome translocation EDA patients, nor in four additional male patients with submicroscopic molecular deletions.« less

Seeing the Forest Despite the Trees: The Benefit of Exploratory Data Analysis to Program Evaluation Research.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Sinacore, James M.; And Others

1992-01-01

It is argued that there is a benefit to applying techniques of exploratory data analysis (EDA) to program evaluation. The evaluation of a rehabilitation program for people with rheumatoid arthritis (20 subjects and 21 comparisons) through EDA supports the argument, indicating outcomes more precisely than conventional analysis of variance. (SLD)

Highly sensitive index of sympathetic activity based on time-frequency spectral analysis of electrodermal activity.

PubMed

Posada-Quintero, Hugo F; Florian, John P; Orjuela-Cañón, Álvaro D; Chon, Ki H

2016-09-01

Time-domain indices of electrodermal activity (EDA) have been used as a marker of sympathetic tone. However, they often show high variation between subjects and low consistency, which has precluded their general use as a marker of sympathetic tone. To examine whether power spectral density analysis of EDA can provide more consistent results, we recently performed a variety of sympathetic tone-evoking experiments (43). We found significant increase in the spectral power in the frequency range of 0.045 to 0.25 Hz when sympathetic tone-evoking stimuli were induced. The sympathetic tone assessed by the power spectral density of EDA was found to have lower variation and more sensitivity for certain, but not all, stimuli compared with the time-domain analysis of EDA. We surmise that this lack of sensitivity in certain sympathetic tone-inducing conditions with time-invariant spectral analysis of EDA may lie in its inability to characterize time-varying dynamics of the sympathetic tone. To overcome the disadvantages of time-domain and time-invariant power spectral indices of EDA, we developed a highly sensitive index of sympathetic tone, based on time-frequency analysis of EDA signals. Its efficacy was tested using experiments designed to elicit sympathetic dynamics. Twelve subjects underwent four tests known to elicit sympathetic tone arousal: cold pressor, tilt table, stand test, and the Stroop task. We hypothesize that a more sensitive measure of sympathetic control can be developed using time-varying spectral analysis. Variable frequency complex demodulation, a recently developed technique for time-frequency analysis, was used to obtain spectral amplitudes associated with EDA. We found that the time-varying spectral frequency band 0.08-0.24 Hz was most responsive to stimulation. Spectral power for frequencies higher than 0.24 Hz were determined to be not related to the sympathetic dynamics because they comprised less than 5% of the total power. The mean value of time-varying spectral amplitudes in the frequency band 0.08-0.24 Hz were used as the index of sympathetic tone, termed TVSymp. TVSymp was found to be overall the most sensitive to the stimuli, as evidenced by a low coefficient of variation (0.54), and higher consistency (intra-class correlation, 0.96) and sensitivity (Youden's index > 0.75), area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve (>0.8, accuracy > 0.88) compared with time-domain and time-invariant spectral indices, including heart rate variability. Copyright © 2016 the American Physiological Society.

Gene editing of the extra domain A positive fibronectin in various tumors, amplified the effects of CRISPR/Cas system on the inhibition of tumor progression.

PubMed

Lv, Wan-Qi; Wang, Hai-Cheng; Peng, Jing; Wang, Yi-Xiang; Jiang, Jiu-Hui; Li, Cui-Ying

2017-12-01

The low efficiency of clustered, regularly interspaced, palindromic repeats-associated Cas (CRISPR/Cas) system editing genes in vivo limits the application. A components of the extracellular matrix (ECM), the extra domain A positive fibronectin (EDA+FN), may be a target for CRISPR/Cas system for the pro-oncogenic effects. The exclusion of EDA exon would alter the microenvironment and inhibit tumor progression, even the frequency of gene editing is still limited. The pro-oncogenic effects were confirmed by the exclusion of EDA exon from the fibronectin gene, as illustrated by the down-regulated proliferation, migration and invasion of CNE-2Z or SW480 cells (P<0.05). Furthermore, although the efficacy of EDA exon knockout through CRISPR/Cas system was shown to be low in vivo , the EDA+FN protein levels decrease obviously, inhibiting the tumor growth rate significantly (P<0.05), which was accompanied by a decrease in Ki-67 expression and microvessel numbers, and increased E-cadherin or decreased Vimentin expression (P<0.05). Human nasopharyngeal carcinoma cell line CNE-2Z, and the colorectal carcinoma cell line SW480 were transfected with CRISPR/Cas9 plasmids targeting EDA exon. The effects of the exclusion of EDA on the cell proliferation, motility and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) were investigated, and the western blot and real-time PCR were performed to analyze the underlying mechanisms. Furthermore, CRISPR/Cas9 plasmids were injected into xenograft tumors to knockout EDA exon in vivo , and tumor growth, cell proliferation, EMT rate, or vascularization were investigated using western blot, PCR and immunohistochemistry. CRISPR/Cas system targeting ECM components was shown to be an effective method for the inhibition of tumor progression, as these paracrine or autocrine molecules are necessary for various tumor cells. This may represent a novel strategy for overcoming the drug evasion or resistance, in addition, circumventing the low efficiency of CRISPR/Cas system in vivo .

Phosphate Removal by Anion Binding on Functionalized Nanoporous Sorbents

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

Chouyyok, Wilaiwan; Wiacek, Robert J.; Pattamakomsan, Kanda

2010-03-26

Phosphate was captured from aqueous solutions by cationic metal-EDA complexes anchored inside mesoporous silica MCM-41 supports (Cu(II)-EDA-SAMMS and Fe(III)-EDA-SAMMS). Fe-EDA-SAMMS was more effective at capturing phosphate than the Cu-EDA-SAMMS and was further studied for matrix effects (e.g., pH, ionic strength, and competing anions) and sorption performance (e.g., capacity and rate). The adsorption of phosphate was highly pH dependent; it increased with increasing pH from 1.0 to 6.5, and decreased above pH 6.5. The adsorption was affected by high ionic strength (0.1 M of NaCl). In the presence of 1000-fold molar excess of chloride and nitrate anions, phosphate removal by Fe-EDA-SAMMSmore » was not affected. Slight, moderate and large impacts were seen with bicarbonate, sulfate and citrate anions, respectively. The phosphate adsorption data on Fe-EDA-SAMMS agreed well with the Langmuir model with the estimated maximum capacity of 43.3 mg/g. The material displayed rapid sorption rate (99% of phosphate removal within 1 min) and lowering the phosphate content to ~ 10 µg/L of phosphorus, which is lower than the EPA’s established freshwater contaminant level for phosphorous (20 µg/L).« less

The association between electrodermal activity (EDA), depression and suicidal behaviour: A systematic review and narrative synthesis.

PubMed

Sarchiapone, Marco; Gramaglia, Carla; Iosue, Miriam; Carli, Vladimir; Mandelli, Laura; Serretti, Alessandro; Marangon, Debora; Zeppegno, Patrizia

2018-01-25

Electrodermal activity (EDA) and other peripheral autonomic electrical parameters have been used as indicators of emotional states, including depressive states and suicidal state. We aimed to review EDA research systematically, focusing on EDA's usefulness as a biomarker for depression and suicidal behaviour. We searched MEDLINE, Scopus, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science databases, following PRISMA guidelines. The initial screening of articles was based on titles and abstracts; then the full text was reviewed. A preliminary synthesis of findings was developed using tables, thematic analysis and quality ratings. 1287 articles were screened and 77 relevant studies were identified and included in the systematic review. The studies were fairly consistent in maintaining that hypoactive electrodermal response is an established feature of patients affected by depression. There is also preliminary evidence that monitoring EDA may help to differentiate the phases of mood disorders. A few studies provided evidence that EDA can be used to differentiate acutely suicidal subjects from depressed patients who are not severely suicidal. Although EDA has been shown to be a valid, sensitive marker of suicidal ideation, suicide attempts and violent suicidal behaviour, it also seems to be influenced to some extent by antidepressant treatment. Most of the studies summarised in this review are quite outdated and employed a variety of designs and methods to evaluate EDA. This limits the generalisability of the results and makes it difficult to draw clear conclusions about the role of EDA in real-world settings. Electrodermal hypoactivity seems to be a reliable feature of depression and a valid marker of suicidal risk. Nevertheless, the potential utility of EDA in diagnosis, prevention, and treatment planning for depression and suicidal behaviour, should be thoroughly studied.

Future water quality monitoring--adapting tools to deal with mixtures of pollutants in water resource management.

PubMed

Altenburger, Rolf; Ait-Aissa, Selim; Antczak, Philipp; Backhaus, Thomas; Barceló, Damià; Seiler, Thomas-Benjamin; Brion, Francois; Busch, Wibke; Chipman, Kevin; de Alda, Miren López; de Aragão Umbuzeiro, Gisela; Escher, Beate I; Falciani, Francesco; Faust, Michael; Focks, Andreas; Hilscherova, Klara; Hollender, Juliane; Hollert, Henner; Jäger, Felix; Jahnke, Annika; Kortenkamp, Andreas; Krauss, Martin; Lemkine, Gregory F; Munthe, John; Neumann, Steffen; Schymanski, Emma L; Scrimshaw, Mark; Segner, Helmut; Slobodnik, Jaroslav; Smedes, Foppe; Kughathas, Subramaniam; Teodorovic, Ivana; Tindall, Andrew J; Tollefsen, Knut Erik; Walz, Karl-Heinz; Williams, Tim D; Van den Brink, Paul J; van Gils, Jos; Vrana, Branislav; Zhang, Xiaowei; Brack, Werner

2015-04-15

Environmental quality monitoring of water resources is challenged with providing the basis for safeguarding the environment against adverse biological effects of anthropogenic chemical contamination from diffuse and point sources. While current regulatory efforts focus on monitoring and assessing a few legacy chemicals, many more anthropogenic chemicals can be detected simultaneously in our aquatic resources. However, exposure to chemical mixtures does not necessarily translate into adverse biological effects nor clearly shows whether mitigation measures are needed. Thus, the question which mixtures are present and which have associated combined effects becomes central for defining adequate monitoring and assessment strategies. Here we describe the vision of the international, EU-funded project SOLUTIONS, where three routes are explored to link the occurrence of chemical mixtures at specific sites to the assessment of adverse biological combination effects. First of all, multi-residue target and non-target screening techniques covering a broader range of anticipated chemicals co-occurring in the environment are being developed. By improving sensitivity and detection limits for known bioactive compounds of concern, new analytical chemistry data for multiple components can be obtained and used to characterise priority mixtures. This information on chemical occurrence will be used to predict mixture toxicity and to derive combined effect estimates suitable for advancing environmental quality standards. Secondly, bioanalytical tools will be explored to provide aggregate bioactivity measures integrating all components that produce common (adverse) outcomes even for mixtures of varying compositions. The ambition is to provide comprehensive arrays of effect-based tools and trait-based field observations that link multiple chemical exposures to various environmental protection goals more directly and to provide improved in situ observations for impact assessment of mixtures. Thirdly, effect-directed analysis (EDA) will be applied to identify major drivers of mixture toxicity. Refinements of EDA include the use of statistical approaches with monitoring information for guidance of experimental EDA studies. These three approaches will be explored using case studies at the Danube and Rhine river basins as well as rivers of the Iberian Peninsula. The synthesis of findings will be organised to provide guidance for future solution-oriented environmental monitoring and explore more systematic ways to assess mixture exposures and combination effects in future water quality monitoring. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Ectodysplasin A in Biological Fluids and Diagnosis of Ectodermal Dysplasia.

PubMed

Podzus, J; Kowalczyk-Quintas, C; Schuepbach-Mallepell, S; Willen, L; Staehlin, G; Vigolo, M; Tardivel, A; Headon, D; Kirby, N; Mikkola, M L; Schneider, H; Schneider, P

2017-02-01

The tumor necrosis factor (TNF) family ligand ectodysplasin A (EDA) is produced as 2 full-length splice variants, EDA1 and EDA2, that bind to EDA receptor (EDAR) and X-linked EDA receptor (XEDAR/EDA2R), respectively. Inactivating mutations in Eda or Edar cause hypohidrotic ectodermal dysplasia (HED), a condition characterized by malformations of the teeth, hair and glands, with milder deficiencies affecting only the teeth. EDA acts early during the development of ectodermal appendages-as early as the embryonic placode stage-and plays a role in adult appendage function. In this study, the authors measured EDA in serum, saliva and dried blood spots. The authors detected 3- to 4-fold higher levels of circulating EDA in cord blood than in adult sera. A receptor binding-competent form of EDA1 was the main form of EDA but a minor fraction of EDA2 was also found in fetal bovine serum. Sera of EDA-deficient patients contained either background EDA levels or low levels of EDA that could not bind to recombinant EDAR. The serum of a patient with a V262F missense mutation in Eda, which caused a milder form of X-linked HED (XLHED), contained low levels of EDA capable of binding to EDAR. In 2 mildly affected carriers, intermediate levels of EDA were detected, whereas a severely affected carrier had no active EDA in the serum. Small amounts of EDA were also detectable in normal adult saliva. Finally, EDA could be measured in spots of wild-type adult or cord blood dried onto filter paper at levels significantly higher than that measured in EDA-deficient blood. Measurement of EDA levels combined with receptor-binding assays might be of relevance to aid in the diagnosis of total or partial EDA deficiencies.

Replaying evolutionary transitions from the dental fossil record

PubMed Central

Harjunmaa, Enni; Seidel, Kerstin; Häkkinen, Teemu; Renvoisé, Elodie; Corfe, Ian J.; Kallonen, Aki; Zhang, Zhao-Qun; Evans, Alistair R.; Mikkola, Marja L.; Salazar-Ciudad, Isaac; Klein, Ophir D.; Jernvall, Jukka

2014-01-01

The evolutionary relationships of extinct species are ascertained primarily through the analysis of morphological characters. Character inter-dependencies can have a substantial effect on evolutionary interpretations, but the developmental underpinnings of character inter-dependence remain obscure because experiments frequently do not provide detailed resolution of morphological characters. Here we show experimentally and computationally how gradual modification of development differentially affects characters in the mouse dentition. We found that intermediate phenotypes could be produced by gradually adding ectodysplasin A (EDA) protein in culture to tooth explants carrying a null mutation in the tooth-patterning gene Eda. By identifying development-based character interdependencies, we show how to predict morphological patterns of teeth among mammalian species. Finally, in vivo inhibition of sonic hedgehog signalling in Eda null teeth enabled us to reproduce characters deep in the rodent ancestry. Taken together, evolutionarily informative transitions can be experimentally reproduced, thereby providing development-based expectations for character state transitions used in evolutionary studies. PMID:25079326

Evaluation of soluble fraction and enzymatic residual fraction of dilute dry acid, ethylenediamine, and steam explosion pretreated corn stover on the enzymatic hydrolysis of cellulose.

PubMed

Qin, Lei; Liu, Li; Li, Wen-Chao; Zhu, Jia-Qing; Li, Bing-Zhi; Yuan, Ying-Jin

2016-06-01

This study is aimed to examine the inhibition of soluble fraction (SF) and enzymatic residual fraction (ERF) in dry dilute acid (DDA), ethylenediamine (EDA) and steam explosion (SE) pretreated corn stover (CS) on the enzymatic digestibility of cellulose. SF of DDA, EDA and SE pretreated CS has high xylose, soluble lignin and xylo-oligomer content, respectively. SF of EDA pretreated CS leads to the highest inhibition, followed by SE and DDA pretreated CS. Inhibition of ERF of DDA and SE pretreated CS is higher than that of EDA pretreated CS. The inhibition degree (A0/A) of SF is 1.76 and 1.21 times to that of ERF for EDA and SE pretreated CS, respectively. The inhibition degree of ERF is 1.05 times to that of SF in DDA pretreated CS. The quantitative analysis shows that SF of EDA pretreated CS, SF and ERF of SE pretreated CS cause significant inhibition during enzymatic hydrolysis. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Fibronectin EDA forms the chronic fibrotic scar after contusive spinal cord injury.

PubMed

Cooper, John G; Jeong, Su Ji; McGuire, Tammy L; Sharma, Sripadh; Wang, Wenxia; Bhattacharyya, Swati; Varga, John; Kessler, John A

2018-04-27

Gliosis and fibrosis after spinal cord injury (SCI) lead to formation of a scar that is an impediment to axonal regeneration. Fibrotic scarring is characterized by the accumulation of fibronectin, collagen, and fibroblasts at the lesion site. The mechanisms regulating fibrotic scarring after SCI and its effects on axonal elongation and functional recovery are not well understood. In this study, we examined the effects of eliminating an isoform of fibronectin containing the Extra Domain A domain (FnEDA) on both fibrosis and on functional recovery after contusion SCI using male and female FnEDA-null mice. Eliminating FnEDA did not reduce the acute fibrotic response but markedly diminished chronic fibrotic scarring after SCI. Glial scarring was unchanged after SCI in FnEDA-null mice. We found that FnEDA was important for the long-term stability of the assembled fibronectin matrix during both the subacute and chronic phases of SCI. Motor functional recovery was significantly improved, and there were increased numbers of axons in the lesion site compared to wildtype mice, suggesting that the chronic fibrotic response is detrimental to recovery. Our data provide insight into the mechanisms of fibrosis after SCI and suggest that disruption of fibronectin matrix stability by targeting FnEDA represents a potential therapeutic strategy for promoting recovery after SCI. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Energy Decomposition Analysis Based on Absolutely Localized Molecular Orbitals for Large-Scale Density Functional Theory Calculations in Drug Design.

PubMed

Phipps, M J S; Fox, T; Tautermann, C S; Skylaris, C-K

2016-07-12

We report the development and implementation of an energy decomposition analysis (EDA) scheme in the ONETEP linear-scaling electronic structure package. Our approach is hybrid as it combines the localized molecular orbital EDA (Su, P.; Li, H. J. Chem. Phys., 2009, 131, 014102) and the absolutely localized molecular orbital EDA (Khaliullin, R. Z.; et al. J. Phys. Chem. A, 2007, 111, 8753-8765) to partition the intermolecular interaction energy into chemically distinct components (electrostatic, exchange, correlation, Pauli repulsion, polarization, and charge transfer). Limitations shared in EDA approaches such as the issue of basis set dependence in polarization and charge transfer are discussed, and a remedy to this problem is proposed that exploits the strictly localized property of the ONETEP orbitals. Our method is validated on a range of complexes with interactions relevant to drug design. We demonstrate the capabilities for large-scale calculations with our approach on complexes of thrombin with an inhibitor comprised of up to 4975 atoms. Given the capability of ONETEP for large-scale calculations, such as on entire proteins, we expect that our EDA scheme can be applied in a large range of biomolecular problems, especially in the context of drug design.

Autosomal dominant anhidrotic ectodermal dysplasia with immunodeficiency caused by a novel NFKBIA mutation, p.Ser36Tyr, presents with mild ectodermal dysplasia and non-infectious systemic inflammation.

PubMed

Yoshioka, Takakazu; Nishikomori, Ryuta; Hara, Junichi; Okada, Keiko; Hashii, Yoshiko; Okafuji, Ikuo; Nodomi, Seishiro; Kawai, Tomoki; Izawa, Kazushi; Ohnishi, Hidenori; Yasumi, Takahiro; Nakahata, Tatsutoshi; Heike, Toshio

2013-10-01

Anhidrotic ectodermal dysplasia with immunodeficiency (EDA-ID) is characterized by hypohidrosis, dental abnormalities, sparse hair, and immunodeficiency. Autosomal dominant (AD)-EDA-ID, caused by a heterozygous mutation within NFKBIA, is very rare and its clinical features remain largely unknown. This study describes a patient with AD-EDA-ID harboring a novel NFKBIA mutation who presented with mild EDA and non-infectious systemic inflammation. The clinical presentation of an AD-EDA-ID patient was described and immunological, genetic, and biochemical analyses were performed, with a focus on nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) activation. The patient presented with symptoms of mild EDA-ID, namely sparse hair and hypohidrosis, although a skin biopsy confirmed the presence of sweat glands. There were no dental abnormalities. The patient also suffered from non-infectious inflammation, which responded to systemic corticosteroid therapy; however, the patient remained ill. Immunological analyses revealed reduced Toll-like receptor/IL-1 (TLR/IL-1) and tumor necrosis factor (TNF) receptor family responses to various stimuli. Genetic analysis identified a de novo heterozygous missense mutation, p.Ser36Tyr, in NFKBIA, resulting in defective NFKBIA degradation and impaired NF-κB activation. The patient was diagnosed with AD-EDA-ID and underwent hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Engraftment was successful, with few signs of acute graft versus host disease. However, the patient suffered hemolytic anemia and thrombocytopenia, and died from a brain hemorrhage due to intractable thrombocytopenia. AD-EDA-ID patients can present with mild ectodermal dysplasia and non-infectious inflammation, rather than with recurrent infections. Also, hematopoietic stem cell transplantation for AD-EDA-ID is still a clinical challenge.

The investigation of the interaction between NCP-EDA and bovine serum albumin by spectroscopic approaches

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yu, Xianyong; Lu, Shiyu; Yang, Ying; Li, Xiaofang; Yi, Pinggui

2011-12-01

The fluorescence and ultraviolet spectroscopies were explored to study the interaction between N-confused porphyrins-edaravone diad (NCP-EDA) and bovine serum albumin (BSA) under simulative physiological condition at different temperatures. The experimental results show that the fluorescence quenching mechanism between NCP-EDA and BSA is a combined quenching (dynamic and static quenching). The binding constants, binding sites and the corresponding thermodynamic parameters (Δ G, Δ H, and Δ S) of the interaction system were calculated at different temperatures. According to Förster non-radiation energy transfer theory, the binding distance between NCP-EDA and BSA was calculated to be 3.63 nm. In addition, the effect of NCP-EDA on the conformation of BSA was analyzed using synchronous fluorescence spectroscopy.

Bactericidal activity of glutaraldehyde-like compounds from olive products.

PubMed

Medina, Eduardo; Brenes, Manuel; García, Aranzazu; Romero, Concepción; de Castro, Antonio

2009-12-01

The bactericidal effects of several olive compounds (nonenal, oleuropein, tyrosol, the dialdehydic form of decarboxymethyl elenolic acid either free [EDA] or linked to tyrosol [TyEDA] or to hydroxytyrosol [HyEDA]), other food phenolic compounds (catechin, epicatechin, eugenol, thymol, carvacrol, and carnosic acid), and commercial disinfectants (glutaraldehyde [GTA] and ortho-phthalaldehyde [OPA]), were tested against strains of Pseudomonas fluorescens, Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus faecalis, and Escherichia coli. It was found that the bactericidal activities of olive GTA-like compounds (EDA, HyEDA, and TyEDA) were greater than those exerted by several food phenolic substances. Surprisingly, these olive antimicrobials were as active as the synthetic biocides GTA and OPA against the four bacteria studied. Thus, it has been proposed that the bactericidal activity of the main olive antimicrobials is primarily due to their dialdehydic structure, which is similar to that of the commercial biocides GTA and OPA. Our results clearly reveal that olive GTA-like compounds possess a strong bactericidal activity even greater than that of other food phenolic compounds or synthetic biocides.

Electrodermal Activity Is Sensitive to Cognitive Stress under Water.

PubMed

Posada-Quintero, Hugo F; Florian, John P; Orjuela-Cañón, Alvaro D; Chon, Ki H

2017-01-01

When divers are at depth in water, the high pressure and low temperature alone can cause severe stress, challenging the human physiological control systems. The addition of cognitive stress, for example during a military mission, exacerbates the challenge. In these conditions, humans are more susceptible to autonomic imbalance. Reliable tools for the assessment of the autonomic nervous system (ANS) could be used as indicators of the relative degree of stress a diver is experiencing, which could reveal heightened risk during a mission. Electrodermal activity (EDA), a measure of the changes in conductance at the skin surface due to sweat production, is considered a promising alternative for the non-invasive assessment of sympathetic control of the ANS. EDA is sensitive to stress of many kinds. Therefore, as a first step, we tested the sensitivity of EDA, in the time and frequency domains, specifically to cognitive stress during water immersion of the subject (albeit with their measurement finger dry for safety). The data from 14 volunteer subjects were used from the experiment. After a 4-min adjustment and baseline period after being immersed in water, subjects underwent the Stroop task, which is known to induce cognitive stress. The time-domain indices of EDA, skin conductance level (SCL) and non-specific skin conductance responses (NS.SCRs), did not change during cognitive stress, compared to baseline measurements. Frequency-domain indices of EDA, EDASymp (based on power spectral analysis) and TVSymp (based on time-frequency analysis), did significantly change during cognitive stress. This leads to the conclusion that EDA, assessed by spectral analysis, is sensitive to cognitive stress in water-immersed subjects, and can potentially be used to detect cognitive stress in divers.

Lung tissue remodelling in MCT-induced pulmonary hypertension: a proposal for a novel scoring system and changes in extracellular matrix and fibrosis associated gene expression.

PubMed

Franz, Marcus; Grün, Katja; Betge, Stefan; Rohm, Ilonka; Ndongson-Dongmo, Bernadin; Bauer, Reinhard; Schulze, P Christian; Lichtenauer, Michael; Petersen, Iver; Neri, Dario; Berndt, Alexander; Jung, Christian

2016-12-06

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is associated with vasoconstriction and remodelling. We studied lung tissue remodelling in a rat model of PH with special focus on histology and extracellular matrix (ECM) remodelling. After induction of PH by monocrotaline, lung tissue was analysed histologically, by gene expression analysis and immunofluorescence labelling of ED-A domain containing fibronectin (ED-A+ Fn), B domain containing tenascin-C (B+ Tn-C) as well as alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA). Serum concentrations of ED-A+ Fn were determined by ELISA. Systolic right ventricular pressure (RVPsys) values were significantly elevated in PH (n = 18; 75 ± 26.4 mmHg) compared to controls (n = 10; 29 ± 19.3 mmHg; p = 0.015). The histological sum-score was significantly increased in PH (8.0 ± 2.2) compared to controls (2.5 ± 1.6; p < 0.001). Gene expression analysis revealed relevant induction of several key genes of extracellular matrix remodelling. Increased protein deposition of ED-A+ Fn but not of B+ Tn-C and α-SMA in lung tissue was found in PH (2.88 ± 3.19 area%) compared to controls (1.32 ± 0.16 area%; p = 0.030). Serum levels of ED-A+ Fn were significantly higher in PH (p = 0.007) positively correlating with RVPsys (r = 0.618, p = 0.019). We here present a novel histological scoring system to assess lung tissue remodelling in PH. Gene expression analysis revealed induction of candidate genes involved in collagen matrix turnover, fibrosis and vascular remodelling. The stable increased tissue deposition of ED-A+ Fn in PH as well as its dynamics in serum suggests a role as a promising novel biomarker and potential therapeutic target.

Ultrasensitive optical detection of trinitrotoluene by ethylenediamine-capped gold nanoparticles.

PubMed

Lin, Dongyue; Liu, Honglin; Qian, Kai; Zhou, Xia; Yang, Liangbao; Liu, Jinhuai

2012-09-26

This study found that 1,2-ethylenediamine (EDA) as a primary amine could be modified onto the surface of citrate-stabilized gold nanoparticles (Au NPs), and the EDA-capped Au NPs were successfully used as an ultrasensitive optical probe for TNT detection. The strong donor-acceptor (D-A) interactions between EDA and trinitrotoluene (TNT) at the Au NP/solution interface induced significant aggregation of the EDA-capped Au NPs, and enabled to easily realize the direct colorimetric detection of ultratrace TNT. The results showed that such a color change was readily seen by the naked eye, and the colorimetric detection could be down to 400 pM level of TNT with excellent discrimination against other nitro compounds. UV-vis absorption spectroscopy was used to examine the TNT-induced changes in local surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) of EDA-capped Au NPs, and a new LSPR band at ca. 630 nm arose along with the addition of TNT, which produced a detection limit of TNT down to ca. 40 pM. Furthermore, dynamic light scattering measurements evidenced the ultratrace TNT-induced small changes in the size of the EDA-capped Au NPs, and realized the quick and accurate detection of TNT in 0.4 pM level. These results demonstrated the ultrahigh sensitivity of this optical probe for TNT detection. Moreover, this optical probe is sample, stable, low-cost, and these excellent properties make it quite promising for infield and rapid detection of TNT. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Expression of fibronectin ED-A+ and ED-B+ isoforms by human and experimental colorectal cancer. Contribution of cancer cells and tumor-associated myofibroblasts.

PubMed Central

Pujuguet, P.; Hammann, A.; Moutet, M.; Samuel, J. L.; Martin, F.; Martin, M.

1996-01-01

Alternative splicing of primary fibronectin (FN) mRNA results in the synthesis of different isoforms. ED-A+ and ED-B+ FN isoforms are absent from plasma FN and are representative of cellular FN. Their expression was studied in human and rat normal colon, in human colorectal carcinomas, and in transplanted tumors derived from a chemically-induced rat colon cancer. In normal colon, only the ED-A+ FN isoform was expressed as a thin deposit between crypt colonocytes and pericryptal myofibroblasts. Conversely, heavy ED-A+ FN deposits and lighter ED-B+ FN expression were found in the stroma of colorectal tumors in association with myofibroblasts surrounding tumor glands. Some colonic cancer cells also contained intracellular FN isoform granules and expressed FN mRNA. Tumor-associated myofibroblasts and some cancer cell lines were able to synthesize and deposit extracellular ED-A+ and ED-B+ FN in vitro. FN isoform deposition by tumor-associated myofibroblasts was not modulated by colon cancer cell-conditioned medium, but was strongly enhanced when myofibroblasts were cultured on colon cancer cell extracellular matrix or on laminin. These results show that the ED-A+ and ED-B+ FN isoforms were overexpressed in colorectal cancer. Cancer cells can deposit these FN isoforms directly and also stimulate their deposition by tumor-associated myofibroblasts. Images Figure 1 Figure 2 Figure 3 Figure 4 Figure 5 Figure 7 PMID:8579120

EDA-containing fibronectin increases proliferation of embryonic stem cells.

PubMed

Losino, Noelia; Waisman, Ariel; Solari, Claudia; Luzzani, Carlos; Espinosa, Darío Fernández; Sassone, Alina; Muro, Andrés F; Miriuka, Santiago; Sevlever, Gustavo; Barañao, Lino; Guberman, Alejandra

2013-01-01

Embryonic stem cells (ESC) need a set of specific factors to be propagated. They can also grow in conditioned medium (CM) derived from a bovine granulosa cell line BGC (BGC-CM), a medium that not only preserves their main features but also increases ESC´s proliferation rate. The mitogenic properties of this medium were previously reported, ascribing this effect to an alternative spliced generated fibronectin isoform that contains the extra domain A (FN EDA(+)). Here, we investigated if the FN EDA(+) isoform increased proliferation of mouse and human ES cells. We analyzed cell proliferation using conditioned media produced by different mouse embryonic fibroblast (MEF) lines genetically engineered to express FN constitutively including or excluding the EDA domain (FN EDA(-)), and in media supplemented with recombinant peptides containing or not the EDA. We found that the presence of EDA in the medium increased mouse and human ESC's proliferation rate. Here we showed for the first time that this FN isoform enhances ESC's proliferation. These findings suggest a possible conserved behavior for regulation of ES cells proliferation by this FN isoform and could contribute to improve their culturing conditions both for research and cell therapy.

EDA-Containing Fibronectin Increases Proliferation of Embryonic Stem Cells

PubMed Central

Losino, Noelia; Waisman, Ariel; Solari, Claudia; Luzzani, Carlos; Espinosa, Darío Fernández; Sassone, Alina; Muro, Andrés F.; Miriuka, Santiago; Sevlever, Gustavo; Barañao, Lino; Guberman, Alejandra

2013-01-01

Embryonic stem cells (ESC) need a set of specific factors to be propagated. They can also grow in conditioned medium (CM) derived from a bovine granulosa cell line BGC (BGC-CM), a medium that not only preserves their main features but also increases ESC´s proliferation rate. The mitogenic properties of this medium were previously reported, ascribing this effect to an alternative spliced generated fibronectin isoform that contains the extra domain A (FN EDA+). Here, we investigated if the FN EDA+ isoform increased proliferation of mouse and human ES cells. We analyzed cell proliferation using conditioned media produced by different mouse embryonic fibroblast (MEF) lines genetically engineered to express FN constitutively including or excluding the EDA domain (FN EDA-), and in media supplemented with recombinant peptides containing or not the EDA. We found that the presence of EDA in the medium increased mouse and human ESC’s proliferation rate. Here we showed for the first time that this FN isoform enhances ESC’s proliferation. These findings suggest a possible conserved behavior for regulation of ES cells proliferation by this FN isoform and could contribute to improve their culturing conditions both for research and cell therapy. PMID:24244705

Energy decomposition analysis for exciplexes using absolutely localized molecular orbitals

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ge, Qinghui; Mao, Yuezhi; Head-Gordon, Martin

2018-02-01

An energy decomposition analysis (EDA) scheme is developed for understanding the intermolecular interaction involving molecules in their excited states. The EDA utilizes absolutely localized molecular orbitals to define intermediate states and is compatible with excited state methods based on linear response theory such as configuration interaction singles and time-dependent density functional theory. The shift in excitation energy when an excited molecule interacts with the environment is decomposed into frozen, polarization, and charge transfer contributions, and the frozen term can be further separated into Pauli repulsion and electrostatics. These terms can be added to their counterparts obtained from the ground state EDA to form a decomposition of the total interaction energy. The EDA scheme is applied to study a variety of systems, including some model systems to demonstrate the correct behavior of all the proposed energy components as well as more realistic systems such as hydrogen-bonding complexes (e.g., formamide-water, pyridine/pyrimidine-water) and halide (F-, Cl-)-water clusters that involve charge-transfer-to-solvent excitations.

Energy decomposition analysis of single bonds within Kohn-Sham density functional theory.

PubMed

Levine, Daniel S; Head-Gordon, Martin

2017-11-28

An energy decomposition analysis (EDA) for single chemical bonds is presented within the framework of Kohn-Sham density functional theory based on spin projection equations that are exact within wave function theory. Chemical bond energies can then be understood in terms of stabilization caused by spin-coupling augmented by dispersion, polarization, and charge transfer in competition with destabilizing Pauli repulsions. The EDA reveals distinguishing features of chemical bonds ranging across nonpolar, polar, ionic, and charge-shift bonds. The effect of electron correlation is assessed by comparison with Hartree-Fock results. Substituent effects are illustrated by comparing the C-C bond in ethane against that in bis(diamantane), and dispersion stabilization in the latter is quantified. Finally, three metal-metal bonds in experimentally characterized compounds are examined: a [Formula: see text]-[Formula: see text] dimer, the [Formula: see text]-[Formula: see text] bond in dizincocene, and the Mn-Mn bond in dimanganese decacarbonyl.

Generation and characterization of function-blocking anti-ectodysplasin A (EDA) monoclonal antibodies that induce ectodermal dysplasia.

PubMed

Kowalczyk-Quintas, Christine; Willen, Laure; Dang, Anh Thu; Sarrasin, Heidi; Tardivel, Aubry; Hermes, Katharina; Schneider, Holm; Gaide, Olivier; Donzé, Olivier; Kirby, Neil; Headon, Denis J; Schneider, Pascal

2014-02-14

Development of ectodermal appendages, such as hair, teeth, sweat glands, sebaceous glands, and mammary glands, requires the action of the TNF family ligand ectodysplasin A (EDA). Mutations of the X-linked EDA gene cause reduction or absence of many ectodermal appendages and have been identified as a cause of ectodermal dysplasia in humans, mice, dogs, and cattle. We have generated blocking antibodies, raised in Eda-deficient mice, against the conserved, receptor-binding domain of EDA. These antibodies recognize epitopes overlapping the receptor-binding site and prevent EDA from binding and activating EDAR at close to stoichiometric ratios in in vitro binding and activity assays. The antibodies block EDA1 and EDA2 of both mammalian and avian origin and, in vivo, suppress the ability of recombinant Fc-EDA1 to rescue ectodermal dysplasia in Eda-deficient Tabby mice. Moreover, administration of EDA blocking antibodies to pregnant wild type mice induced in developing wild type fetuses a marked and permanent ectodermal dysplasia. These function-blocking anti-EDA antibodies with wide cross-species reactivity will enable study of the developmental and postdevelopmental roles of EDA in a variety of organisms and open the route to therapeutic intervention in conditions in which EDA may be implicated.

Generation and Characterization of Function-blocking Anti-ectodysplasin A (EDA) Monoclonal Antibodies That Induce Ectodermal Dysplasia*

PubMed Central

Kowalczyk-Quintas, Christine; Willen, Laure; Dang, Anh Thu; Sarrasin, Heidi; Tardivel, Aubry; Hermes, Katharina; Schneider, Holm; Gaide, Olivier; Donzé, Olivier; Kirby, Neil; Headon, Denis J.; Schneider, Pascal

2014-01-01

Development of ectodermal appendages, such as hair, teeth, sweat glands, sebaceous glands, and mammary glands, requires the action of the TNF family ligand ectodysplasin A (EDA). Mutations of the X-linked EDA gene cause reduction or absence of many ectodermal appendages and have been identified as a cause of ectodermal dysplasia in humans, mice, dogs, and cattle. We have generated blocking antibodies, raised in Eda-deficient mice, against the conserved, receptor-binding domain of EDA. These antibodies recognize epitopes overlapping the receptor-binding site and prevent EDA from binding and activating EDAR at close to stoichiometric ratios in in vitro binding and activity assays. The antibodies block EDA1 and EDA2 of both mammalian and avian origin and, in vivo, suppress the ability of recombinant Fc-EDA1 to rescue ectodermal dysplasia in Eda-deficient Tabby mice. Moreover, administration of EDA blocking antibodies to pregnant wild type mice induced in developing wild type fetuses a marked and permanent ectodermal dysplasia. These function-blocking anti-EDA antibodies with wide cross-species reactivity will enable study of the developmental and postdevelopmental roles of EDA in a variety of organisms and open the route to therapeutic intervention in conditions in which EDA may be implicated. PMID:24391090

Psychophysiology of Aggression, Psychopathy, and Conduct Problems: A Meta-Analysis

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Lorber, Michael F.

2004-01-01

A meta-analysis of 95 studies was conducted to investigate the relations of heart rate (HR) and electrodermal activity (EDA) with aggression, psychopathy, and conduct problems. Analyses revealed a complex constellation of interactive effects, with a failure in some cases of autonomic patterns to generalize across antisocial spectrum behavior…

Complex interactive effects of ripening degree, malaxation duration and temperature on Oblica cv. virgin olive oil phenols, volatiles and sensory quality.

PubMed

Lukić, Igor; Žanetić, Mirella; Jukić Špika, Maja; Lukić, Marina; Koprivnjak, Olivera; Brkić Bubola, Karolina

2017-10-01

The interactive effects of ripening degree, malaxation duration and temperature on Oblica cv. (Olea europaea L.) virgin olive oil phenols, volatiles, and sensory quality were investigated. Olives were picked at three ripening degrees with International Olive Council indices of 0.68, 2.48 and 4.10, and processed by malaxation at 22 and 30°C, and at both temperatures for 30 and 60min. Ripening exhibited the strongest effect, and malaxation duration the weakest. Phenols were generally found to decrease during ripening; however 3,4-DHPEA-EDA and p-HPEA-EDA increased. Similar behaviour was observed for (E)-2-hexenal. Higher malaxation temperature induced an increase in particular important phenols and C6 alcohols, while C6 aldehydes mostly decreased. Interactions between the factors were established, mostly between ripening degree and malaxation temperature: the effect of the latter was most pronounced for ripe olives, especially for 3,4-DHPEA-EDA, p-HPEA-EDA and C6 volatiles. Sensory attributes were generally in agreement with the chemical composition. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

A Comparison of the Performance of Efficient Data Analysis Versus Fine Particle Dose as Metrics for the Quality Control of Aerodynamic Particle Size Distributions of Orally Inhaled Pharmaceuticals.

PubMed

Tougas, Terrence P; Goodey, Adrian P; Hardwell, Gareth; Mitchell, Jolyon; Lyapustina, Svetlana

2017-02-01

The performance of two quality control (QC) tests for aerodynamic particle size distributions (APSD) of orally inhaled drug products (OIPs) is compared. One of the tests is based on the fine particle dose (FPD) metric currently expected by the European regulators. The other test, called efficient data analysis (EDA), uses the ratio of large particle mass to small particle mass (LPM/SPM), along with impactor sized mass (ISM), to detect changes in APSD for QC purposes. The comparison is based on analysis of APSD data from four products (two different pressurized metered dose inhalers (MDIs) and two dry powder inhalers (DPIs)). It is demonstrated that in each case, EDA is able to detect shifts and abnormalities that FPD misses. The lack of sensitivity on the part of FPD is due to its "aggregate" nature, since FPD is a univariate measure of all particles less than about 5 μm aerodynamic diameter, and shifts or changes within the range encompassed by this metric may go undetected. EDA is thus shown to be superior to FPD for routine control of OIP quality. This finding augments previously reported superiority of EDA compared with impactor stage groupings (favored by US regulators) for incorrect rejections (type I errors) when incorrect acceptances (type II errors) were adjusted to the same probability for both approaches. EDA is therefore proposed as a method of choice for routine quality control of OIPs in both European and US regulatory environments.

Modeling the interaction Between Ethylene Diamine and Water Films on the Surface of a Carbon Nanotube

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Jaffe, Richard L.; Walther, Jens H.; Zimmerli, Urs; Koumoutsakos, Petros

2004-01-01

It has been observed that a carbon nanotube (CNT) AFM tip coated with ethylene diamine (EDA) penetrates the liquid water-air interface more easily than an uncoated nanotube tip. The EDA coating remains intact through repeated cycles of dipping and removal. In order to understand the physical basis for this observation, we use ab initio quantum chemistry calculations to study the EDA-CNT-water interaction and to parameterize a force field describing this system. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations are carried out for EDA-water mixtures and an EDA-coated carbon nanotube immmed in water. These simulations are similar to our earlier MD study that characterized the CNT-water interface. The attractive CNT-EDA and CNT-water interactions arise primarily from van der Waals forces, and the EDA-EDA, EDA-water and water-water interactions are mainly due to hydrogen bond formation. The binding energ of single EDA molecule to the nanotube is nearly three times larger than the corresponding value found for water (4.3 versus 1.5 kcal mol, respectively). The EDA molecules readily stick to and diffuse along the CNT surface. As a resulf mixing of the EDA and water films does not occur on the timescale of the MD simulations. The EDA film reduces the hydrophobicity of the nanotube surface and acts like a prototypical surfactant in stabilizing the suspension of carbon nanotubes in water. For this presentation, we use the MD simulations to determine how the presence of the carbon nanotube surface perturbs the properties of EDA-water mixtures.

Wearable sensor glove based on conducting fabric using electrodermal activity and pulse-wave sensors for e-health application.

PubMed

Lee, Youngbum; Lee, Byungwoo; Lee, Myoungho

2010-03-01

Improvement of the quality and efficiency of health in medicine, both at home and the hospital, calls for improved sensors that might be included in a common carrier such as a wearable sensor device to measure various biosignals and provide healthcare services that use e-health technology. Designed to be user-friendly, smart clothes and gloves respond well to the end users for health monitoring. This study describes a wearable sensor glove that is equipped with an electrodermal activity (EDA) sensor, pulse-wave sensor, conducting fabric, and an embedded system. The EDA sensor utilizes the relationship between drowsiness and the EDA signal. The EDA sensors were made using a conducting fabric instead of silver chloride electrodes, as a more practical and practically wearable device. The pulse-wave sensor measurement system, which is widely applied in oriental medicinal practices, is also a strong element in e-health monitoring systems. The EDA and pulse-wave signal acquisition module was constructed by connecting the sensor to the glove via a conductive fabric. The signal acquisition module is then connected to a personal computer that displays the results of the EDA and pulse-wave signal processing analysis and gives accurate feedback to the user. This system is designed for a number of applications for the e-health services, including drowsiness detection and oriental medicine.

Exploratory and spatial data analysis (EDA-SDA) for determining regional background levels and anomalies of potentially toxic elements in soils from Catorce-Matehuala, Mexico

USGS Publications Warehouse

Chiprés, J.A.; Castro-Larragoitia, J.; Monroy, M.G.

2009-01-01

The threshold between geochemical background and anomalies can be influenced by the methodology selected for its estimation. Environmental evaluations, particularly those conducted in mineralized areas, must consider this when trying to determinate the natural geochemical status of a study area, quantifying human impacts, or establishing soil restoration values for contaminated sites. Some methods in environmental geochemistry incorporate the premise that anomalies (natural or anthropogenic) and background data are characterized by their own probabilistic distributions. One of these methods uses exploratory data analysis (EDA) on regional geochemical data sets coupled with a geographic information system (GIS) to spatially understand the processes that influence the geochemical landscape in a technique that can be called a spatial data analysis (SDA). This EDA-SDA methodology was used to establish the regional background range from the area of Catorce-Matehuala in north-central Mexico. Probability plots of the data, particularly for those areas affected by human activities, show that the regional geochemical background population is composed of smaller subpopulations associated with factors such as soil type and parent material. This paper demonstrates that the EDA-SDA method offers more certainty in defining thresholds between geochemical background and anomaly than a numeric technique, making it a useful tool for regional geochemical landscape analysis and environmental geochemistry studies.

Diet Composition affects surgery-associated weight loss in rats with a compromised alimentary tract

PubMed Central

Aiyer, Harini S.; Li, Yan; Martin, Robert C.G.

2009-01-01

Background Esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC) is the fastest growing cancer in terms of incidence and has a high mortality rate. The animal model to study EAC uses esophagoduodenal anastomosis (EDA) to induce mixed-reflux (bile/acid) causing esophagitis, barrett’s esophagus and EAC sequence within 6 months. However, the lack of fully functional stomach in these rats leads to the development of malnutrition. Methods We have assessed the ability of a chemically pure, purified ingredient diet (AIN-93M) to reduce surgery-associated malnutrition in rats that have undergone the EDA-surgery. Animals were either sham- (SH) or EDA-operated and fed either a grain-based rodent diet (RD) (SH-RD, n=3; EDA-RD, n=10) or a purified diet (PD) (SH-PD, n=4; EDA-PD, n=11). The animals were weighed periodically for assessment of weight gain and euthanized at the end of 24 weeks to measure esophageal tumor incidence. Results Animals that underwent sham surgery continued to gain weight throughout the study period and no tumors were detected. The EDA-operated animals had significantly lower weight gain compared with sham animals. There was no significant difference in weight gain among EDA animals fed 2 different types of diets until 9 weeks after the surgery. After 9 weeks, EDA–RD continued to lose weight significantly, whereas the weight loss leveled in EDA-PD (p<0.001). At termination, neither tissue histopathology nor tumor incidence was significantly different between the groups. Conclusion These results show that compared to a natural ingredient diet, a purified ingredient diet can reduce surgery-associated weight loss in rats with a compromised alimentary tract. This reduction in malnutrition has the potential to reduce the confounding effects of weight loss on future animal studies reported. PMID:19932903

Extreme temperatures and paediatric emergency department admissions.

PubMed

Xu, Zhiwei; Hu, Wenbiao; Su, Hong; Turner, Lyle R; Ye, Xiaofang; Wang, Jiajia; Tong, Shilu

2014-04-01

Children are particularly vulnerable to the effects of extreme temperatures. To examine the relationship between extreme temperatures and paediatric emergency department admissions (EDAs) in Brisbane, Australia, during 2003-2009. A quasi-Poisson generalised linear model combined with a distributed lag non-linear model was used to examine the relationships between extreme temperatures and age-, gender- and cause-specific paediatric EDAs, while controlling for air pollution, relative humidity, day of the week, influenza epidemics, public holiday, season and long-term trends. The model residuals were checked to identify whether there was an added effect due to heat waves or cold spells. There were 131 249 EDAs among children during the study period. Both high (RR=1.27; 95% CI 1.12 to 1.44) and low (RR=1.81; 95% CI 1.66 to 1.97) temperatures were significantly associated with an increase in paediatric EDAs in Brisbane. Male children were more vulnerable to temperature effects. Children aged 0-4 years were more vulnerable to heat effects and children aged 10-14 years were more sensitive to both hot and cold effects. High temperatures had a significant impact on several paediatric diseases, including intestinal infectious diseases, respiratory diseases, endocrine, nutritional and metabolic diseases, nervous system diseases and chronic lower respiratory diseases. Low temperatures were significantly associated with intestinal infectious diseases, respiratory diseases and endocrine, nutritional and metabolic diseases. An added effect of heat waves on childhood chronic lower respiratory diseases was seen, but no added effect of cold spells was found. As climate change continues, children are at particular risk of a variety of diseases which might be triggered by extremely high temperatures. This study suggests that preventing the effects of extreme temperature on children with respiratory diseases might reduce the number of EDAs.

Evaluation of a Biofeedback Intervention in College Students Diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorders

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Westlake, Garret

2013-01-01

This study used exploratory data analysis (EDA) to examine the use of a biofeedback intervention in the treatment of anxiety for college students diagnosed with an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) (n = 10) and in a typical college population (n = 37). The use of EDA allowed for trends to emerge from the data and provided a foundation for future…

13 CFR 300.2 - EDA Headquarters and regional offices.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-01-01

... Street and Constitution Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20230. (b) EDA has regional offices throughout the... http://www.eda.gov or in the notice of Federal Funding Opportunity published annually by EDA. Please...

13 CFR 300.2 - EDA Headquarters and regional offices.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-01-01

... Street and Constitution Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20230. (b) EDA has regional offices throughout the... http://www.eda.gov or in the notice of Federal Funding Opportunity published annually by EDA. Please...

13 CFR 300.2 - EDA Headquarters and regional offices.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-01-01

... Street and Constitution Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20230. (b) EDA has regional offices throughout the... http://www.eda.gov or in the notice of Federal Funding Opportunity published annually by EDA. Please...

Correlating interleukin-12 stimulated interferon-γ production and the absence of ectodermal dysplasia and anhidrosis (EDA) in patients with mutations in NF-κB essential modulator (NEMO).

PubMed

Haverkamp, Margje H; Marciano, Beatriz E; Frucht, David M; Jain, Ashish; van de Vosse, Esther; Holland, Steven M

2014-05-01

Patients with hypomorphic mutations in Nuclear Factor-κB Essential Modulator (NEMO) are immunodeficient (ID) and most display ectodermal dysplasia and anhidrosis (EDA). We compared cytokine production by NEMO-ID patients with and without EDA. PBMCs of NEMO-ID patients, four with EDA carrying E315A, C417R, D311N and Q403X, and three without EDA carrying E315A, E311_L333del and R254G, were cultured with PHA, PHA plus IL-12p70, LPS, LPS plus IFN-γ, TNF and IL-1β. The production of various cytokines was measured in the supernatants. Fifty-nine healthy individuals served as controls. PBMCs of NEMO-ID patients without EDA produce subnormal amounts of IFN-γ after stimulation with PHA, but normal amounts of IFN-γ after PHA plus IL-12p70. In contrast, IFN-γ production by patients with EDA was low in both cases. Patients with EDA also generate lower PHA-stimulated IL-10 and IL-1β than controls, whereas the production of these cytokines by patients without EDA was normal. Responses of PBMCs in NEMO-ID patients with EDA to PHA with and without IL-12p70 appear less robust than in NEMO-ID patients without EDA. This possibly indicates a better preserved NEMO function in our patients without EDA.

BET, thermal degradation, and FTIR spectras of triazine polyamine polymers.

PubMed

Can, Mustafa

2017-04-01

Here we show effect of the polyamine polymer chain length to BET isotherms. According to IUPAC classification [1], all three polymers are fitting type 1 physical adsorption isotherm with H3 hysteresis (except for EDA having H2 hysteresis). Moreover, TG and TGA analysis of polymers triazine-ethylenediamine (EDA) and triazine-triethylenetetramine (TETA) are provided. Due to the similarities of the structure, main decomposition temperatures are close to each other (between 593 K and 873 K). In order to understand change of FTIR spectra with adsorption and stripping Au(III), fresh, Au(III) adsorbed and recycled spectras of polymers measured. For further discussions about the effect of chain length to adsorption of Au(III) onto triazine polyamine polymer particles "Au (III) Uptake by Triazine Polyamine Polymers: Mechanism, Kinetic and Equilibrium Studies" Can et al. [2] (article in press).

Wavelet-Based Motion Artifact Removal for Electrodermal Activity

PubMed Central

Chen, Weixuan; Jaques, Natasha; Taylor, Sara; Sano, Akane; Fedor, Szymon; Picard, Rosalind W.

2017-01-01

Electrodermal activity (EDA) recording is a powerful, widely used tool for monitoring psychological or physiological arousal. However, analysis of EDA is hampered by its sensitivity to motion artifacts. We propose a method for removing motion artifacts from EDA, measured as skin conductance (SC), using a stationary wavelet transform (SWT). We modeled the wavelet coefficients as a Gaussian mixture distribution corresponding to the underlying skin conductance level (SCL) and skin conductance responses (SCRs). The goodness-of-fit of the model was validated on ambulatory SC data. We evaluated the proposed method in comparison with three previous approaches. Our method achieved a greater reduction of artifacts while retaining motion-artifact-free data. PMID:26737714

75 FR 38082 - Solicitation of Applications for the Research and Evaluation Program: FY 2010 Triple Bottom Line...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-07-01

...Pursuant to the Research and Evaluation program, the Economic Development Administration (EDA) seeks applications to research, develop, and disseminate metrics to enable policymakers and practitioners to more effectively understand how to assess the triple bottom line (economic, environmental, and social impacts) of various economic development activities. EDA's mission is to lead the Federal economic development agenda by promoting innovation and competitiveness, preparing American regions for growth and success in the worldwide economy. Through its Research and Evaluation program, EDA works towards fulfilling its mission by funding research and technical assistance projects to promote competitiveness and innovation in distressed rural and urban regions throughout the United States and its territories. By working in conjunction with its research partners, EDA will help States, local governments, and community-based organizations to achieve their highest economic potential.

ER stress-mediated cell damage contributes to the release of EDA+ fibronectin from hepatocytes in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.

PubMed

He, Lei; Yuan, Fa-Hu; Chen, Ting; Huang, Qiang; Wang, Yu; Liu, Zhi-Guo

2017-04-01

Fibronectin containing extra domain A (EDA + FN), a functional glycoprotein participating in several cellular processes, correlates with chronic liver disease. Herein, we aim to investigate the expression and secretion of EDA + FN from hepatocytes in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and the underlying mechanisms. Circulating levels of EDA + FN were determined by ELISA in clinical samples. Western blotting and flow cytometry were performed on L02 and HepG2 cell lines to analyze whether the levels of EDA + FN were associated with endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress-related cell death. Circulating levels of EDA + FN in NAFLD patients were significantly higher than those in control subjects, and positively related with severity of ultrasonographic steatosis score. In cultured hepatocytes, palmitate up-regulated the expression of EDA + FN in a dose-dependent manner. Conversely, when the cells were pretreated with 4-phenylbutyrate, a specific inhibitor of ER stress, up-regulation of EDA + FN could be abrogated. Moreover, silencing CHOP by shRNA enhanced the release of EDA + FN from hepatocytes following palmitate treatment, which was involved in ER stress-related cell damage. These findings suggest that the up-regulated level of EDA + FN is associated with liver damage in NAFLD, and ER stress-mediated cell damage contributes to the release of EDA + FN from hepatocytes.

Novel EDA mutation in X-linked hypohidrotic ectodermal dysplasia and genotype-phenotype correlation.

PubMed

Zeng, B; Lu, H; Xiao, X; Zhou, L; Lu, J; Zhu, L; Yu, D; Zhao, W

2015-11-01

X-linked hypohidrotic ectodermal dysplasia (XLHED) is characterized by abnormalities of hair, teeth, and sweat glands, while non-syndromic hypodontia (NSH) affects only teeth. Mutations in Ectodysplasin A (EDA) underlie both XLHED and NSH. This study investigated the genetic causes of six hypohidrotic ectodermal dysplasia (HED) patients and genotype-phenotype correlation. The EDA gene of six patients with HED was sequenced. Bioinformatics analysis and structural modeling for the mutations were performed. The records of 134 patients with XLHED and EDA-related NSH regarding numbers of missing permanent teeth from this study and 20 articles were reviewed. Nonparametric tests were used to analyze genotype-phenotype correlations. In four of the six patients, we identified a novel mutation c.852T>G (p.Phe284Leu) and three reported mutations: c.467G>A (p.Arg156His), c.776C>A (p.Ala259Glu), and c.871G>A (p.Gly291Arg). They were predicted to be pathogenic by bioinformatics analysis and structural modeling. Genotype-phenotype correlation analysis revealed that truncating mutations were associated with more missing teeth. Missense mutations and the mutations affecting the TNF homology domain were correlated with fewer missing teeth. This study extended the mutation spectrum of XLHED and revealed the relationship between genotype and the number of missing permanent teeth. © 2015 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Assessing many-body contributions to intermolecular interactions of the AMOEBA force field using energy decomposition analysis of electronic structure calculations.

PubMed

Demerdash, Omar; Mao, Yuezhi; Liu, Tianyi; Head-Gordon, Martin; Head-Gordon, Teresa

2017-10-28

In this work, we evaluate the accuracy of the classical AMOEBA model for representing many-body interactions, such as polarization, charge transfer, and Pauli repulsion and dispersion, through comparison against an energy decomposition method based on absolutely localized molecular orbitals (ALMO-EDA) for the water trimer and a variety of ion-water systems. When the 2- and 3-body contributions according to the many-body expansion are analyzed for the ion-water trimer systems examined here, the 3-body contributions to Pauli repulsion and dispersion are found to be negligible under ALMO-EDA, thereby supporting the validity of the pairwise-additive approximation in AMOEBA's 14-7 van der Waals term. However AMOEBA shows imperfect cancellation of errors for the missing effects of charge transfer and incorrectness in the distance dependence for polarization when compared with the corresponding ALMO-EDA terms. We trace the larger 2-body followed by 3-body polarization errors to the Thole damping scheme used in AMOEBA, and although the width parameter in Thole damping can be changed to improve agreement with the ALMO-EDA polarization for points about equilibrium, the correct profile of polarization as a function of intermolecular distance cannot be reproduced. The results suggest that there is a need for re-examining the damping and polarization model used in the AMOEBA force field and provide further insights into the formulations of polarizable force fields in general.

Assessing many-body contributions to intermolecular interactions of the AMOEBA force field using energy decomposition analysis of electronic structure calculations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Demerdash, Omar; Mao, Yuezhi; Liu, Tianyi; Head-Gordon, Martin; Head-Gordon, Teresa

2017-10-01

In this work, we evaluate the accuracy of the classical AMOEBA model for representing many-body interactions, such as polarization, charge transfer, and Pauli repulsion and dispersion, through comparison against an energy decomposition method based on absolutely localized molecular orbitals (ALMO-EDA) for the water trimer and a variety of ion-water systems. When the 2- and 3-body contributions according to the many-body expansion are analyzed for the ion-water trimer systems examined here, the 3-body contributions to Pauli repulsion and dispersion are found to be negligible under ALMO-EDA, thereby supporting the validity of the pairwise-additive approximation in AMOEBA's 14-7 van der Waals term. However AMOEBA shows imperfect cancellation of errors for the missing effects of charge transfer and incorrectness in the distance dependence for polarization when compared with the corresponding ALMO-EDA terms. We trace the larger 2-body followed by 3-body polarization errors to the Thole damping scheme used in AMOEBA, and although the width parameter in Thole damping can be changed to improve agreement with the ALMO-EDA polarization for points about equilibrium, the correct profile of polarization as a function of intermolecular distance cannot be reproduced. The results suggest that there is a need for re-examining the damping and polarization model used in the AMOEBA force field and provide further insights into the formulations of polarizable force fields in general.

The Eating Disorder Assessment for DSM-5 (EDA-5): Development and Validation of a Structured Interview for Feeding and Eating Disorders

PubMed Central

Sysko, Robyn; Glasofer, Deborah R.; Hildebrandt, Tom; Klimek, Patrycja; Mitchell, James E.; Berg, Kelly C.; Peterson, Carol B.; Wonderlich, Stephen A.; Walsh, B. Timothy

2016-01-01

Objective Existing measures for DSM-IV eating disorder diagnoses have notable limitations, and there are important differences between DSM-IV and DSM-5 feeding and eating disorders. This study developed and validated a new semi-structured interview, the Eating Disorders Assessment for DSM-5 (EDA-5). Method Two studies evaluated the utility of the EDA-5. Study 1 compared the diagnostic validity of the EDA-5 to the Eating Disorder Examination (EDE) and evaluated the test-retest reliability of the new measure. Study 2 compared the diagnostic validity of an EDA-5 electronic application (“app”) to clinician interview and self-report assessments. Results In Study 1, the kappa for EDE and EDA-5 eating disorder diagnoses was 0.74 across all diagnoses (n= 64), with a range of κ=0.65 for Other Specified Feeding or Eating Disorder (OSFED)/Unspecified Feeding or Eating Disorder (USFED) to κ=0.90 for Binge Eating Disorder (BED). The EDA-5 test-retest kappa coefficient was 0.87 across diagnoses. For Study 2, clinical interview versus “app” conditions revealed a kappa of 0.83 for all eating disorder diagnoses (n=71). Across individual diagnostic categories, kappas ranged from 0.56 for OSFED/USFED to 0.94 for BN. Discussion High rates of agreement were found between diagnoses by EDA-5 and the EDE, and EDA-5 and clinical interviews. As this study supports the validity of the EDA-5 to generate DSM-5 eating disorders and the reliability of these diagnoses, the EDA-5 may be an option for the assessment of Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia Nervosa, and BED. Additional research is needed to evaluate the utility of the EDA-5 in assessing DSM-5 feeding disorders. PMID:25639562

The use of easily debondable orthodontic adhesives with ceramic brackets.

PubMed

Ryu, Chiyako; Namura, Yasuhiro; Tsuruoka, Takashi; Hama, Tomohiko; Kaji, Kaori; Shimizu, Noriyoshi

2011-01-01

We experimentally produced an easily debondable orthodontic adhesive (EDA) containing heat-expandable microcapsules. The purpose of this in vitro study was to evaluate the best debondable condition when EDA was used for ceramic brackets. Shear bond strengths were measured before and after heating and were compared statistically. Temperatures of the bracket base and pulp wall were also examined during heating. Bond strengths of EDA containing 30 wt% and 40 wt% heat-expandable microcapsules were 13.4 and 12.9 MPa, respectively and decreased significantly to 3.8 and 3.7 MPa, respectively, after heating. The temperature of the pulp wall increased 1.8-3.6°C after heating, less than that required to induce pulp damage. Based on the results, we conclude that heating for 8 s during debonding of ceramic brackets bonded using EDA containing 40 wt% heat-expandable microcapsules is the most effective and safest method for the enamel and pulp.

13 CFR 307.16 - Effective utilization of Revolving Loan Funds.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... the prescribed lending schedule, EDA may de-obligate the non-disbursed balance of the RLF Grant. EDA... control of the RLF Recipient; (ii) The financial need for the RLF still exists; (iii) The current and... loaned. (2) When the percentage of loaned RLF Capital falls below the applicable capital utilization...

13 CFR 300.2 - EDA Headquarters and regional offices.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... 13 Business Credit and Assistance 1 2010-01-01 2010-01-01 false EDA Headquarters and regional offices. 300.2 Section 300.2 Business Credit and Assistance ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE GENERAL INFORMATION § 300.2 EDA Headquarters and regional offices. (a) EDA's...

Eradication of large tumors expressing human papillomavirus E7 protein by therapeutic vaccination with E7 fused to the extra domain a from fibronectin.

PubMed

Mansilla, Cristina; Berraondo, Pedro; Durantez, Maika; Martínez, Marta; Casares, Noelia; Arribillaga, Laura; Rudilla, Francesc; Fioravanti, Jessica; Lozano, Teresa; Villanueva, Lorea; Sarobe, Pablo; Borrás, Francisco; Leclerc, Claude; Prieto, Jesús; Lasarte, Juan José

2012-08-01

Cervical carcinoma is one of the most common cancers in women worldwide. It is well established that chronic infection of the genital tract by various mucosatropic human papillomavirus (HPV) types causes cervical cancer. Cellular immunity to E7 protein from HPV (HPVE7) has been associated with clinical and cytologic resolution of HPV-induced lesions. Thus, we decided to test if targeting of HPVE7 to dendritic cells using a fusion protein containing the extra domain A (EDA) from fibronectin, a natural ligand for TLR4, and HPVE7 (EDA-HPVE7) might be an efficient vaccine for the treatment of cervical carcinoma. We found that EDA-HPVE7 fusion protein was efficiently captured by bone marrow derived dendritic cells in vitro and induced their maturation, with the upregulation of maturation markers and the production of IL-12. Immunization of mice with EDA-HPVE7 fusion protein induced antitumor CD8(+) T cell responses in the absence of additional adjuvants. Repeated intratumoral administration of EDA-HPVE7 in saline was able to cure established TC-1 tumors of 5-7 mm in diameter. More importantly, intravenous injection with EDA-HPVE7 in combination with the TLR ligand polyinosinic-polycytidylic acid (pIC), or with low doses of cyclophosphamide and the TLR9 ligand CpG-B complexed in cationic lipids, were able to eradicate large established TC-1 tumors (1.2 cm in diameter). Thus, therapeutic vaccination with EDA-HPVE7 fusion protein may be effective in the treatment of human cervical carcinoma. Copyright © 2011 UICC.

Correlation between the Open-Circuit Voltage and Charge Transfer State Energy in Organic Photovoltaic Cells.

PubMed

Zou, Yunlong; Holmes, Russell J

2015-08-26

In order to further improve the performance of organic photovoltaic cells (OPVs), it is essential to better understand the factors that limit the open-circuit voltage (VOC). Previous work has sought to correlate the value of VOC in donor-acceptor (D-A) OPVs to the interface energy level offset (EDA). In this work, measurements of electroluminescence are used to extract the charge transfer (CT) state energy for multiple small molecule D-A pairings. The CT state as measured from electroluminescence is found to show better correlation to the maximum VOC than EDA. The difference between EDA and the CT state energy is attributed to the Coulombic binding energy of the CT state. This correlation is demonstrated explicitly by inserting an insulating spacer layer between the donor and acceptor materials, reducing the binding energy of the CT state and increasing the measured VOC. These results demonstrate a direct correlation between maximum VOC and CT state energy.

Biodegradable metal adsorbent synthesized by graft polymerization onto nonwoven cotton fabric

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sekine, Ayako; Seko, Noriaki; Tamada, Masao; Suzuki, Yoshio

2010-01-01

A fibrous adsorbent for Hg ions was synthesized by radiation-induced emulsion graft polymerization of glycidyl methacrylate (GMA) onto a nonwoven cotton fabric and subsequent chemical modification. The optimal pre-irradiation dose for initiation of the graft polymerization of GMA, which minimized the effects of radiation damage on the mechanical strength of the nonwoven cotton fabric, was found to be 10 kGy. The GMA-grafted nonwoven cotton fabric was subsequently modified with ethylenediamine (EDA) or diethylenetriamine (DETA) to obtain a Hg adsorbent. The resulting amine-type adsorbents were evaluated for batch and continuous adsorption of Hg. In batch adsorption, the distribution coefficients of Hg reached 1.9×10 5 and 1.0×10 5 for EDA- and DETA-type adsorbents, respectively. A column packed with EDA-type adsorbent removed Hg from 1.8 ppm Hg solution at a space velocity of 100 h -1, which corresponds to 16,000 times the volume of the packed adsorbent. The adsorbed Hg on the EDA-type adsorbent could be completely eluted by 1 M HCl solution. A microbial oxidative degradation test revealed that the EDA-type adsorbent is biodegradable.

EDA-Fibronectin Originating from Osteoblasts Inhibits the Immune Response against Cancer

PubMed Central

Rossnagl, Stephanie; Altrock, Eva; Sens, Carla; Kraft, Sabrina; Rau, Katrin; Giese, Thomas; Samstag, Yvonne; Nakchbandi, Inaam A.

2016-01-01

Osteoblasts lining the inner surface of bone support hematopoietic stem cell differentiation by virtue of proximity to the bone marrow. The osteoblasts also modify their own differentiation by producing various isoforms of fibronectin (FN). Despite evidence for immune regulation by osteoblasts, there is limited knowledge of how osteoblasts modulate cells of the immune system. Here, we show that extra domain A (EDA)-FN produced by osteoblasts increases arginase production in myeloid-derived cells, and we identify α5β1 as the mediating receptor. In different mouse models of cancer, osteoblasts or EDA-FN was found to up-regulate arginase-1 expression in myeloid-derived cells, resulting in increased cancer growth. This harmful effect can be reduced by interfering with the integrin α5β1 receptor or inhibiting arginase. Conversely, in tissue injury, the expression of arginase-1 is normally beneficial as it dampens the immune response to allow wound healing. We show that EDA-FN protects against excessive fibrotic tissue formation in a liver fibrosis model. Our results establish an immune regulatory function for EDA-FN originating from the osteoblasts and identify new avenues for enhancing the immune reaction against cancer. PMID:27653627

Solution-processed air-stable mesoscopic selenium solar cells

DOE PAGES

Zhu, Menghua; Hao, Feng; Ma, Lin; ...

2016-07-28

Crystalline selenium (c-Se) is a direct band gap semiconductor and has been developed for detector applications for more than 30 years. While most advances have been made using vacuum deposition processes, it remains a challenge to prepare efficient c-Se devices directly from solution. We demonstrate a simple solution process leading to uniform and high-crystallinity selenium films under ambient conditions. A combination of ethylenediamine (EDA) and hydrazine solvents was found to be effective in dissolving selenium powder and forming highly concentrated solutions. These can be used to infiltrate a mesoporous titanium dioxide layer and form a smooth and pinhole-free capping overlayer.more » Efficient light-induced charge injection from the crystalline selenium to TiO 2 was observed using transient absorption spectroscopy. A small amount of EDA addition in the hydrazine solution was found to improve the film coverage significantly, and on the basis of the finding, we are able to achieve up to 3.52% power conversion efficiency solar cells with a fill factor of 57%. Lastly, these results provide a method to control the crystalline selenium film and represent significant progress in developing low-cost selenium-based solar cells.« less

Ion pair reinforced semi-interpenetrating polymer network for direct methanol fuel cell applications.

PubMed

Fang, Chunliu; Julius, David; Tay, Siok Wei; Hong, Liang; Lee, Jim Yang

2012-06-07

This paper describes the synthesis of ion-pair-reinforced semi-interpenetrating polymer networks (SIPNs) as proton exchange membranes (PEMs) for the direct methanol fuel cells (DMFCs). Specifically, sulfonated poly(2,6-dimethyl-1,4-phenylene oxide) (SPPO), a linear polymer proton source, was immobilized in a brominated PPO (BPPO) network covalently cross-linked by ethylenediamine (EDA). The immobilization of SPPO in the SIPN network was accomplished not only by the usual means of mechanical interlocking but also by ion pair formation between the sulfonic acid groups of SPPO and the amine moieties formed during the cross-linking reaction of BPPO with EDA. Through the ion pair interactions, the immobilization of SPPO polymer in the BPPO network was made more effective, resulting in a greater uniformity of sulfonic acid cluster distribution in the membrane. The hydrophilic amine-containing cross-links also compensated for some of the decrease in proton conductivity caused by ion pair formation. The SIPN membranes prepared as such showed good proton conductivity, low methanol permeability, good mechanical properties, and dimensional stability. Consequently, the PPO based SIPN membranes were able to deliver a higher maximum power density than Nafion, demonstrating the potential of the SIPN structure for PEM designs.

Modification of glass fibers to improve reinforcement: a plasma polymerization technique.

PubMed

Cökeliler, Dilek; Erkut, Selim; Zemek, Josef; Biederman, Hynek; Mutlu, Mehmet

2007-03-01

This study evaluates the effect of plasma treated E-glass fiber to improve the mechanical properties of acrylic resin denture base material, polymethylmethacrlyate (PMMA). Plasma surface treatment of fibers is used as reinforcement in composite materials to modify the chemical and physical properties of their surfaces with tailored fiber-matrix bonding strength. Three different types of monomer 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA), triethyleneglycoldimethylether (TEGDME) and ethylenediamine (EDA) were used in the plasma polymerization modification of glass fibers. A radiofrequency generator was used to sustain plasma in a glass vacuum chamber. Glass fibers were modified at the same glow-discharge power of 25 W and exposure time of 30 min for each monomer. Fibers were incorporated into the acrylic with 1% (w/w) loading except control group. Specimens were prepared using a standard mold of 3 cmx0.5 cmx0.8 cm in dimension with eight specimens in each group. Samples were subjected to a flexural strength test set up at a crosshead speed of 5mm/min. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to examine the microstructure and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) was used for chemical analysis of the surface. Data were analyzed by means of ANOVA and Duncan's tests. Test results revealed that fiber reinforcement had a significant effect on the flexural strength of the specimens (p<0.05). Among the fiber reinforced groups, plasma treatment with EDA monomer resulted in the most significant increase in flexural strength values (p<0.05). XPS results have shown an increasing number of nitrogenous compounds in EDA treated fibers. The chemical structure of the surface, especially with the increase in nitrogenous compounds could give an idea for the amine film deposition and SEM figures showed an increase in surface roughness. The results showed that plasma treatment with EDA monomer was an effective alternative method of increasing the flexural strength of PMMA based denture base polymers through fiber reinforcement.

An Integrated Method Based on PSO and EDA for the Max-Cut Problem.

PubMed

Lin, Geng; Guan, Jian

2016-01-01

The max-cut problem is NP-hard combinatorial optimization problem with many real world applications. In this paper, we propose an integrated method based on particle swarm optimization and estimation of distribution algorithm (PSO-EDA) for solving the max-cut problem. The integrated algorithm overcomes the shortcomings of particle swarm optimization and estimation of distribution algorithm. To enhance the performance of the PSO-EDA, a fast local search procedure is applied. In addition, a path relinking procedure is developed to intensify the search. To evaluate the performance of PSO-EDA, extensive experiments were carried out on two sets of benchmark instances with 800 to 20,000 vertices from the literature. Computational results and comparisons show that PSO-EDA significantly outperforms the existing PSO-based and EDA-based algorithms for the max-cut problem. Compared with other best performing algorithms, PSO-EDA is able to find very competitive results in terms of solution quality.

76 FR 19976 - Proposed Information Collection; Comment Request; Survey of EDA Grant Process Improvement

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-04-11

...; Comment Request; Survey of EDA Grant Process Improvement AGENCY: Economic Development Administration.... In 2010, EDA made improvements in its grant application process. The proposed short survey of five to... improvements to the grant application process and to make any necessary adjustments. EDA would like to conduct...

Prediction of Hexaconazole Concentration in the Top Most Layer of Oil Palm Plantation Soil Using Exploratory Data Analysis (EDA)

PubMed Central

Maznah, Zainol; Halimah, Muhamad; Shitan, Mahendran; Kumar Karmokar, Provash; Najwa, Sulaiman

2017-01-01

Ganoderma boninense is a fungus that can affect oil palm trees and cause a serious disease called the basal stem root (BSR). This disease causes the death of more than 80% of oil palm trees midway through their economic life and hexaconazole is one of the particular fungicides that can control this fungus. Hexaconazole can be applied by the soil drenching method and it will be of interest to know the concentration of the residue in the soil after treatment with respect to time. Hence, a field study was conducted in order to determine the actual concentration of hexaconazole in soil. In the present paper, a new approach that can be used to predict the concentration of pesticides in the soil is proposed. The statistical analysis revealed that the Exploratory Data Analysis (EDA) techniques would be appropriate in this study. The EDA techniques were used to fit a robust resistant model and predict the concentration of the residue in the topmost layer of the soil. PMID:28060816

Prediction of Hexaconazole Concentration in the Top Most Layer of Oil Palm Plantation Soil Using Exploratory Data Analysis (EDA).

PubMed

Maznah, Zainol; Halimah, Muhamad; Shitan, Mahendran; Kumar Karmokar, Provash; Najwa, Sulaiman

2017-01-01

Ganoderma boninense is a fungus that can affect oil palm trees and cause a serious disease called the basal stem root (BSR). This disease causes the death of more than 80% of oil palm trees midway through their economic life and hexaconazole is one of the particular fungicides that can control this fungus. Hexaconazole can be applied by the soil drenching method and it will be of interest to know the concentration of the residue in the soil after treatment with respect to time. Hence, a field study was conducted in order to determine the actual concentration of hexaconazole in soil. In the present paper, a new approach that can be used to predict the concentration of pesticides in the soil is proposed. The statistical analysis revealed that the Exploratory Data Analysis (EDA) techniques would be appropriate in this study. The EDA techniques were used to fit a robust resistant model and predict the concentration of the residue in the topmost layer of the soil.

TGFβ1-mediated expression and alternative splicing of Fibronectin Extra Domain A in human podocyte culture.

PubMed

Madne, Tarunkumar Hemraj; Dockrell, Mark Edward Carl

2018-02-28

Alternative splicing is a fundamental phenomenon to build protein diversity in health and diseases. Extra Domain A+ Fibronectin (EDA+Fn) is an alternatively spliced form of fibronectin protein present in the extra cellular matrix (ECM) in renal fibrosis. Podocytes are spectacular cell type and play a key role in filtration and synthesise ECM proteins in renal physiology and pathology. TGFβ1 is a strong stimulator of ECM proteins in renal injury. In this study, we have investigated alternative splicing of EDA+ Fn in human podocytes in response to TGFβ1. We have performed western blotting and immunofluorescence to characterise the expression of the EDA+Fn protein, real-time PCR for RNA expression and RT-PCR to look for alternative splicing of EDA+Fn in conditionally immortalised human podocytes culture.We used TGFβ1 as a stimulator and SB431542 and SRPIN340 for inhibitory studies. In this work, for the first time we have demonstrated in human podocytes culture EDA+Fn is expressed in the basal condition and TGFβ1 2.5ng/ml induced the Fn mRNA and EDA+Fn protein expression demonstrated by real-time PCR, western blotting and immunofluorescence. TGFβ1 2.5ng/ml induced the alternative splicing of EDA+Fn shown by conventional RT-PCR. Studies with ALK5 inhibitor SB431542 and SRPIN340 show that TGFβ1 induced alternative splicing of EDA+Fn was by the ALK5 receptor and the SR proteins.  In human podocytes culture, alternative splicing of EDA+Fn occurs at basal conditions and TGFβ1 further induced the alternative splicing of EDA+Fn via ALK5 receptor activation and SR proteins. This is the first evidence of basal and TGFβ1 mediated alternative splicing of EDA+Fn in human podocytes culture.

Assessing compositional variability through graphical analysis and Bayesian statistical approaches: case studies on transgenic crops.

PubMed

Harrigan, George G; Harrison, Jay M

2012-01-01

New transgenic (GM) crops are subjected to extensive safety assessments that include compositional comparisons with conventional counterparts as a cornerstone of the process. The influence of germplasm, location, environment, and agronomic treatments on compositional variability is, however, often obscured in these pair-wise comparisons. Furthermore, classical statistical significance testing can often provide an incomplete and over-simplified summary of highly responsive variables such as crop composition. In order to more clearly describe the influence of the numerous sources of compositional variation we present an introduction to two alternative but complementary approaches to data analysis and interpretation. These include i) exploratory data analysis (EDA) with its emphasis on visualization and graphics-based approaches and ii) Bayesian statistical methodology that provides easily interpretable and meaningful evaluations of data in terms of probability distributions. The EDA case-studies include analyses of herbicide-tolerant GM soybean and insect-protected GM maize and soybean. Bayesian approaches are presented in an analysis of herbicide-tolerant GM soybean. Advantages of these approaches over classical frequentist significance testing include the more direct interpretation of results in terms of probabilities pertaining to quantities of interest and no confusion over the application of corrections for multiple comparisons. It is concluded that a standardized framework for these methodologies could provide specific advantages through enhanced clarity of presentation and interpretation in comparative assessments of crop composition.

The extradomain a of fibronectin enhances the efficacy of lipopolysaccharide defective Salmonella bacterins as vaccines in mice

PubMed Central

2012-01-01

The Extradomain A from fibronectin (EDA) has an immunomodulatory role as fusion protein with viral and tumor antigens, but its effect when administered with bacteria has not been assessed. Here, we investigated the adjuvant effect of EDA in mice immunizations against Salmonella enterica subspecies enterica serovar Enteritidis (Salmonella Enteritidis). Since lipopolysaccharide (LPS) is a major virulence factor and the LPS O-polysaccharide (O-PS) is the immunodominant antigen in serological diagnostic tests, Salmonella mutants lacking O-PS (rough mutants) represent an interesting approach for developing new vaccines and diagnostic tests to differentiate infected and vaccinated animals (DIVA tests). Here, antigenic preparations (hot-saline extracts and formalin-inactivated bacterins) from two Salmonella Enteritidis rough mutants, carrying either intact (SEΔwaaL) or deep-defective (SEΔgal) LPS-Core, were used in combination with EDA. Biotinylated bacterins, in particular SEΔwaaL bacterin, decorated with EDAvidin (EDA and streptavidin fusion protein) improved the protection conferred by hot-saline or bacterins alone and prevented significantly the virulent infection at least to the levels of live attenuated rough mutants. These findings demonstrate the adjuvant effect of EDAvidin when administered with biotinylated bacterins from Salmonella Enteritidis lacking O-PS and the usefulness of BEDA-SEΔwaaL as non-live vaccine in the mouse model. PMID:22515195

Cellular Fibronectin Expression in Human Trabecular Meshwork and Induction by Transforming Growth Factor-β2

PubMed Central

Medina-Ortiz, Wanda E.; Belmares, Ricardo; Neubauer, Sandra; Wordinger, Robert J.; Clark, Abbot F.

2013-01-01

Purpose. Levels of TGF-β2 are higher in POAG aqueous humor, causing deposition of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins, including fibronectin (FN), in the glaucomatous human trabecular meshwork (HTM) that may be responsible for elevated IOP. The purpose of this study was to identify the expression of cellular FN (cFN) isoforms (EDA and EDB) in HTM cells and tissues, and to determine whether TGF-β2 can induce cFN expression and fibril formation in cultured HTM cells. Methods. Expression of cFN mRNA isoforms and induction by recombinant TGF-β2 (5 ng/mL) were determined by quantitative RT-PCR. The TGF-β2 induction of EDA isoform protein expression and FN fibril formation were analyzed using Western immunoblots and immunocytochemistry (ICC), respectively. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) analysis was used to examine total FN and EDA isoform expression in normal (NTM) and glaucomatous (GTM) trabecular meshwork (TM) tissues. Results. Both cFN mRNA isoforms were expressed in cultured HTM cells and were induced by TGF-β2 after 2, 4, and 7 days (P < 0.05). Similarly, EDA isoform protein and fibril formation were increased after 4 and 7 days of TGF-β2 treatment. Finally, GTM tissues had significantly greater EDA isoform protein levels (1.7-fold, P < 0.05) compared to NTM tissues. Conclusions. This study demonstrated that cFN isoforms are expressed and induced in HTM cells by TGF-β2. Also, increased EDA isoform protein levels were seen in GTM tissues. Our findings suggest that induction of cFN isoform expression in the TM ECM may be a novel pathologic mechanism involved in the TM changes associated with glaucoma. PMID:24030464

The effect of informed consent on stress levels associated with extraction of impacted mandibular third molars.

PubMed

Casap, Nardy; Alterman, Michael; Sharon, Guy; Samuni, Yuval

2008-05-01

To evaluate the effect of informed consent on stress levels associated with removal of impacted mandibular third molars. A total of 60 patients scheduled for extraction of impacted mandibular third molars participated in this study. The patients were unaware of the study's objectives. Data from 20 patients established the baseline levels of electrodermal activity (EDA). The remaining 40 patients were randomly assigned into 2 equal groups receiving either a detailed document of informed consent, disclosing the possible risks involved with the surgery, or a simplified version. Pulse, blood pressure, and EDA were monitored before, during, and after completion of the consent document. Changes in EDA, but not in blood pressure, were measured on completion of either version of the consent document. A greater increase in EDA was associated with the detailed version of the consent document (P = .004). A similar concomitant increase (although nonsignificant) in pulse values was monitored on completion of both versions. Completion of overdisclosed document of informed consent is associated with changes in physiological parameters. The results suggest that overdetailed listing and disclosure before extraction of impacted mandibular third molars can increase patient stress.

Ethylenediamine grafted to graphene oxide@Fe3O4 for chromium(VI) decontamination: Performance, modelling, and fractional factorial design

PubMed Central

Xu, Jiawen; Wu, Cuiyu; Deng, Jianbin; Liao, Wenwei; Ling, Yuxiang; Yang, Yuanxiu; Zhao, Yina; Zhao, Yunlin; Hu, Xi; Wang, Hui; Liu, Yunguo

2017-01-01

A method for grafting ethylenediamine to a magnetic graphene oxide composite (EDA-GO@Fe3O4) was developed for Cr(VI) decontamination. The physicochemical properties of EDA-GO@Fe3O4 were characterized using HRTEM, EDS, FT-IR, TG-DSC, and XPS. The effects of pH, sorbent dose, foreign anions, time, Cr(VI) concentration, and temperature on decontamination process were studied. The solution pH can largely affect the decontamination process. The pseudo-second-order model is suitable for being applied to fit the adsorption processes of Cr(VI) with GO@Fe3O4 and EDA-GO@Fe3O4. The intra-particle diffusion is not the rate-controlling step. Isotherm experimental data can be described using the Freundlich model. The effects of multiple factors on the Cr(VI) decontamination was investigated by a 25−1 fractional factorial design (FFD). The adsorption process can significantly be affected by the main effects of A (pH), B (Cr(VI) concentration), and E (Adsorbent dose). The combined factors of AB (pH × Cr(VI) concentration), AE (pH × Adsorbent dose), and BC (Cr(VI) concentration × Temperature) had larger effects than other factors on Cr(VI) removal. These results indicated that EDA-GO@Fe3O4 is a potential and suitable candidate for treatment of heavy metal wastewater. PMID:29084287

Ectodysplasin/NF-κB Promotes Mammary Cell Fate via Wnt/β-catenin Pathway

PubMed Central

Voutilainen, Maria; Lönnblad, Darielle; Shirokova, Vera; Elo, Teresa; Rysti, Elisa; Schmidt-Ullrich, Ruth; Schneider, Pascal; Mikkola, Marja L.

2015-01-01

Mammary gland development commences during embryogenesis with the establishment of a species typical number of mammary primordia on each flank of the embryo. It is thought that mammary cell fate can only be induced along the mammary line, a narrow region of the ventro-lateral skin running from the axilla to the groin. Ectodysplasin (Eda) is a tumor necrosis factor family ligand that regulates morphogenesis of several ectodermal appendages. We have previously shown that transgenic overexpression of Eda (K14-Eda mice) induces formation of supernumerary mammary placodes along the mammary line. Here, we investigate in more detail the role of Eda and its downstream mediator transcription factor NF-κB in mammary cell fate specification. We report that K14-Eda mice harbor accessory mammary glands also in the neck region indicating wider epidermal cell plasticity that previously appreciated. We show that even though NF-κB is not required for formation of endogenous mammary placodes, it is indispensable for the ability of Eda to induce supernumerary placodes. A genome-wide profiling of Eda-induced genes in mammary buds identified several Wnt pathway components as potential transcriptional targets of Eda. Using an ex vivo culture system, we show that suppression of canonical Wnt signalling leads to a dose-dependent inhibition of supernumerary placodes in K14-Eda tissue explants. PMID:26581094

The reciprocal iso-inhibition volume concept: A procedure for the evaluation in effect-directed analysis with thin-layer chromatography - using the thin-layer chromatography-luminescent bacteria assay as an example.

PubMed

Schulz, Wolfgang; Weiss, Stefan C; Weber, Walter H; Winzenbacher, Rudi

2017-10-13

In effect-directed analysis (EDA) with high-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC), the effect is often detected using images. Thus, an approach to create inhibition chromatograms from these images was developed using the example of the HPTLC- bioluminescence inhibition test. A comparison between the cuvette test and the HPTLC test shows that the test on the plate is significantly more sensitive. To describe the strength of the effect, the EC 50 value is determined from the dose-response relationship. However, the inhibiting compounds are generally unknown and thus their concentrations are also unknown. Therefore, instead of the concentration, the known application volumes are used. This enables the calculation of the application volume necessary to achieve 50% inhibition. Since the volume is inversely proportional to the concentration, the reciprocal value of the calculated volume is indicated and is referred to as the reciprocal iso-inhibition volume (RIV). Using this RIV-concept, it is now possible to compare inhibition bands within and between plates. The entire evaluation is described by the means of two samples from a contaminated site using the bioluminescence inhibition. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

[Knocking-out extra domain A alternative splice fragment of fibronectin using a clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats/associated proteins 9 system].

PubMed

Yang, Yue; Wang, Haicheng; Xu, Shuyu; Peng, Jing; Jiang, Jiuhui; Li, Cuiying

2015-08-01

To investigate the effect of the fibronectin extra domain A on the aggressiveness of salivary adenoid cystic carcinoma (SACC) cells, via the clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/ associated proteins (Cas) system. One sgRNA was designed to target the upstream of the genome sequences of extra domain A(EDA) exon and the downstream. Then the sgRNA was linked into plasmid PX-330 and transfected into SACC-83 cells. PCR and DNA sequence were used to testify the knockout cells, and the monoclones of EDA absent SACC cells were selected (A+C-2, A+C-6, B+C-10). CCK-8 cell proliferation and invasion was then tested in control group and the experimental group. The sgRNA was successfully linked into PX-330 plasmid. Part of adenoid cystic carcinoma cells' SACC-83 genomic EDA exon was knocked out, and the knockdown efficiency was above 70%, but the total amount of fibronectin did not change significantly. Three monoclones of EDA absent SACC- 83 cells were successfully selected with diminished migration and proliferation. The CRISPR/Cas9 system was a simplified system with relatively high knockout efficiency and EDA knockout could inhibiting SACC cell's mobility and invasiveness.

Alternative definitions of the frozen energy in energy decomposition analysis of density functional theory calculations.

PubMed

Horn, Paul R; Head-Gordon, Martin

2016-02-28

In energy decomposition analysis (EDA) of intermolecular interactions calculated via density functional theory, the initial supersystem wavefunction defines the so-called "frozen energy" including contributions such as permanent electrostatics, steric repulsions, and dispersion. This work explores the consequences of the choices that must be made to define the frozen energy. The critical choice is whether the energy should be minimized subject to the constraint of fixed density. Numerical results for Ne2, (H2O)2, BH3-NH3, and ethane dissociation show that there can be a large energy lowering associated with constant density orbital relaxation. By far the most important contribution is constant density inter-fragment relaxation, corresponding to charge transfer (CT). This is unwanted in an EDA that attempts to separate CT effects, but it may be useful in other contexts such as force field development. An algorithm is presented for minimizing single determinant energies at constant density both with and without CT by employing a penalty function that approximately enforces the density constraint.

Design and Investigation of Optical Properties of N-(Rhodamine-B)-Lactam-Ethylenediamine (RhB-EDA) Fluorescent Probe.

PubMed

Soršak, Eva; Volmajer Valh, Julija; Korent Urek, Špela; Lobnik, Aleksandra

2018-04-14

This study presents chemical modification of a Rhodamine B (RhB) sensor probe by ethylenediamine (EDA), and investigation of its spectral as well as sensor properties to the various metals. The synthesised N -(Rhodamine-B)-lactam-ethylenediamine (RhB-EDA) fluorescent probe shows interesting optical sensor properties, and high sensitivity and selectivity to Ag⁺ ions among all the tested metal ions (K⁺, Mg 2+ , Cu 2+ , Ni 2+ , Fe 2+ , Pb 2+ , Na⁺, Mn 2+ , Li⁺, Al 3+ , Co 2+ , Hg 2+ , Sr 2+ , Ca 2+ , Ag⁺, Cd 2+ and Zn 2+ ), while the well-known Rhodamine B (RhB) fluorescent probe shows much less sensitivity to Ag⁺ ions, but high sensitivity to Fe 2+ ions. The novel fluorescent sensor probe RhB-EDA has the capabilities to sense Ag⁺ ions up to µM ranges by using the fluorescence quenching approach. The probe displayed a dynamic response to Ag⁺ in the range of 0.43 × 10 -3 -10 -6 M with a detection limit of 0.1 μM. The sensing system of an RhB-EDA novel fluorescent probe was optimised according to the spectral properties, effect of pH and buffer, photostability, incubation time, sensitivity, and selectivity. Since all the spectral and sensing properties were tested in green aqueous media, although many other similar sensor systems rely on organic solvent solutions, the RhB-EDA sensing probe may be a good candidate for measuring Ag⁺ ions in real-life applications.

Automatic identification of artifacts in electrodermal activity data.

PubMed

Taylor, Sara; Jaques, Natasha; Chen, Weixuan; Fedor, Szymon; Sano, Akane; Picard, Rosalind

2015-01-01

Recently, wearable devices have allowed for long term, ambulatory measurement of electrodermal activity (EDA). Despite the fact that ambulatory recording can be noisy, and recording artifacts can easily be mistaken for a physiological response during analysis, to date there is no automatic method for detecting artifacts. This paper describes the development of a machine learning algorithm for automatically detecting EDA artifacts, and provides an empirical evaluation of classification performance. We have encoded our results into a freely available web-based tool for artifact and peak detection.

The Experimental Design Assistant.

PubMed

Percie du Sert, Nathalie; Bamsey, Ian; Bate, Simon T; Berdoy, Manuel; Clark, Robin A; Cuthill, Innes; Fry, Derek; Karp, Natasha A; Macleod, Malcolm; Moon, Lawrence; Stanford, S Clare; Lings, Brian

2017-09-01

Addressing the common problems that researchers encounter when designing and analysing animal experiments will improve the reliability of in vivo research. In this article, the Experimental Design Assistant (EDA) is introduced. The EDA is a web-based tool that guides the in vivo researcher through the experimental design and analysis process, providing automated feedback on the proposed design and generating a graphical summary that aids communication with colleagues, funders, regulatory authorities, and the wider scientific community. It will have an important role in addressing causes of irreproducibility.

The Experimental Design Assistant

PubMed Central

Bamsey, Ian; Bate, Simon T.; Berdoy, Manuel; Clark, Robin A.; Cuthill, Innes; Fry, Derek; Karp, Natasha A.; Macleod, Malcolm; Moon, Lawrence; Stanford, S. Clare; Lings, Brian

2017-01-01

Addressing the common problems that researchers encounter when designing and analysing animal experiments will improve the reliability of in vivo research. In this article, the Experimental Design Assistant (EDA) is introduced. The EDA is a web-based tool that guides the in vivo researcher through the experimental design and analysis process, providing automated feedback on the proposed design and generating a graphical summary that aids communication with colleagues, funders, regulatory authorities, and the wider scientific community. It will have an important role in addressing causes of irreproducibility. PMID:28957312

BACKGROUND TRACK DENSITY REDUCTION OF 50-HZ-HV ECE-PROCESSED THICK POLYCARBONATE DETECTORS TO IMPROVE LOWER DETECTION LIMIT.

PubMed

Sohrabi, M; Hakimi, A; Soltani, Z

2016-12-01

A recent novel development of 50-Hz-HV ECE of 1-mm-thick and 250-µm-thick polycarbonate track detectors (PCTDs) has proved some promising results for some health physics, dosimetry and ion-beam-related applications. The method while proved having some good characteristics for some applications provided a relatively higher background track density (BGTD) in particular when very high voltages are applied to the PCTDs. In order to decrease the minimum detection limit (MDL) of the PCTDs and to further promote its applications for low dose, the BGTD was reduced by applying a layer removal methodology applying ethylendiamine (EDA). The effects of EDA concentrations (50, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85 and 90 %) in water at room temperature (26°C) and soaking durations up to 100 min at different EDA concentration on BGTD reduction were studied. The thickness of the layer removed from the surface of a PCTD highly depends on the soaking time and EDA concentration; it increases as the EDA concentration increases up to for example 700 µm after 2 h of soaking in the EDA solution. After ∼10 min of soaking duration at any of the above-stated concentrations, the BGTD reaches its minimum value, a value which differs from concentration to concentration. An EDA concentration of 85 % in water provided the lowest BGTD of 64.06 ± 3.12 tracks cm - 2 ; ∼6 times lower than that of its original value. It is shown that the layer removal process does not change the registration characteristics of the PCTD and its appearance significantly. The MDL of the PCTDs depends strongly on the BGTD. The MDL values for a desired confidence level were also studied by three calculation methods. The results of the BGTD and the MDL studies under different conditions applied are presented and discussed. © The Author 2015. Published by Oxford University Press. All rights reserved. For Permissions, please email: journals.permissions@oup.com.

Eight Mutations of Three Genes (EDA, EDAR, and WNT10A) Identified in Seven Hypohidrotic Ectodermal Dysplasia Patients.

PubMed

Zeng, Binghui; Xiao, Xue; Li, Sijie; Lu, Hui; Lu, Jiaxuan; Zhu, Ling; Yu, Dongsheng; Zhao, Wei

2016-09-19

Hypohidrotic ectodermal dysplasia (HED) is characterized by abnormal development of the teeth, hair, and sweat glands. Ectodysplasin A (EDA), Ectodysplasin A receptor (EDAR), and EDAR-associated death domain (EDARADD) are candidate genes for HED, but the relationship between WNT10A and HED has not yet been validated. In this study, we included patients who presented at least two of the three ectodermal dysplasia features. The four genes were analyzed in seven HED patients by PCR and Sanger sequencing. Five EDA and one EDAR heterozygous mutations were identified in families 1-6. Two WNT10A heterozygous mutations were identified in family 7 as a compound heterozygote. c.662G>A (p.Gly221Asp) in EDA and c.354T>G (p.Tyr118*) in WNT10A are novel mutations. Bioinformatics analyses results confirmed the pathogenicity of the two novel mutations. In family 7, we also identified two single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) that were predicted to affect the splicing of EDAR. Analysis of the patient's total RNA revealed normal splicing of EDAR. This ascertained that the compound heterozygous WNT10A mutations are the genetic defects that led to the onset of HED. Our data revealed the genetic basis of seven HED patients and expended the mutational spectrum. Interestingly, we confirmed WNT10A as a candidate gene of HED and we propose WNT10A to be tested in EDA-negative HED patients.

Fear, pain and stress hormones during childbirth.

PubMed

Alehagen, Siw; Wijma, Barbro; Lundberg, Ulf; Wijma, Klaas

2005-09-01

To investigate the course of fear, pain and stress hormones during labor, and the associations between fear, pain, stress hormones and duration of labor in nulliparous women with and without epidural analgesia (EDA). One day during gestation weeks 37-39, urinary and salivary samples were collected to measure catecholamines and cortisol. Hourly during labor, the participants answered the Delivery Fear Scale and a pain intensity scale, and urinary and salivary samples were collected to measure stress hormones. The course of fear, pain and stress hormones differed throughout labor in women with and without EDA. Pain and cortisol increased throughout labor in women without EDA. Women who received EDA had more fear, but not more pain, before the administration of the EDA than women who did not receive EDA. Pain, fear and catecholamines decreased when women received EDA, but fear and pain increased again later in labor. Fear and pain correlated, as well as levels of fear in the different phases of labor. During phase one of labor epinephrine and duration of the phase were negatively correlated. The course of fear, pain and concentrations of stress hormones differed, highly influenced by the administration of EDA. Fear and pain correlated more pronounced than stress hormones and fear, pain and duration of labor.

Electrodermal Activity Based Wearable Device for Drowsy Drivers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Malathi, D.; Dorathi Jayaseeli, JD; Madhuri, S.; Senthilkumar, K.

2018-04-01

Road safety and road accident mortality rate are a serious concern for the government. With rise in fatal road accidents, who’s leading cause is the driver being drowsy behind the wheel, measures to alleviate this problem becomes the prime task. To meet the purpose, methods adopted must be of minimum discomfort for the driver, easy to install, provide good detection accuracy and timely alert to circumvent a probable accident. A good candidate to meet these specifications is EDA. As it detects the level of sweat which directly corresponds to the mental state of the person, using EDA for the purposes of driver safety forms a good option. The novelty of this project lies in making use of EDA as a measure to detect if a person is drowsy or not. Much of the challenge lies in building a device equipped with the necessary sensors and processing the data on real-time. The novelty of this work lies in development of an embedded device interfaced with sensors and actuators to detect and alert a driver when found drowsy using sweat as a parameter.

Chemical hydrogels based on a hyaluronic acid-graft-α-elastin derivative as potential scaffolds for tissue engineering.

PubMed

Palumbo, Fabio Salvatore; Pitarresi, Giovanna; Fiorica, Calogero; Rigogliuso, Salvatrice; Ghersi, Giulio; Giammona, Gaetano

2013-07-01

In this work hyaluronic acid (HA) functionalized with ethylenediamine (EDA) has been employed to graft α-elastin. In particular a HA-EDA derivative bearing 50 mol% of pendant amino groups has been successfully employed to produce the copolymer HA-EDA-g-α-elastin containing 32% w/w of protein. After grafting with α-elastin, remaining free amino groups reacted with ethylene glycol diglycidyl ether (EGDGE) for producing chemical hydrogels, proposed as scaffolds for tissue engineering. Swelling degree, resistance to chemical and enzymatic hydrolysis, as well as preliminary biological properties of HA-EDA-g-α-elastin/EGDGE scaffold have been evaluated and compared with a HA-EDA/EGDGE scaffold. The presence of α-elastin grafted to HA-EDA improves attachment, viability and proliferation of primary rat dermal fibroblasts and human umbilical artery smooth muscle cells. Biological performance of HA-EDA-g-α-elastin/EGDGE scaffold resulted comparable to that of a commercial collagen type I sponge (Antema®), chosen as a positive control. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Adjunct High Frequency Transcutaneous Electric Stimulation (TENS) for Postoperative Pain Management during Weaning from Epidural Analgesia Following Colon Surgery: Results from a Controlled Pilot Study.

PubMed

Bjerså, Kristofer; Jildenstaal, Pether; Jakobsson, Jan; Egardt, Madelene; Fagevik Olsén, Monika

2015-12-01

The potential benefit of nonpharmacological adjunctive therapy is not well-studied following major abdominal surgery. The aim of the present study was to investigate transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) as a complementary nonpharmacological analgesia intervention during weaning from epidural analgesia (EDA) after open lower abdominal surgery. Patients were randomized to TENS and sham TENS during weaning from EDA. The effects on pain at rest, following short walk, and after deep breath were assessed by visual analog scale (VAS) grading. Number of patients assessed was lower than calculated because of change in clinical routine. Pain scores overall were low. A trend of lower pain scores was observed in the active TENS group of patients; a statistical significance between the groups was found for the pain lying prone in bed (p < .05). This controlled pilot study indicates benefits of TENS use in postoperative pain management during weaning from EDA after open colon surgery. Further studies are warranted in order to verify the potential beneficial effects from TENS during weaning from EDA after open, lower abdominal surgery. Copyright © 2015 American Society for Pain Management Nursing. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

BOUT++ simulations of edge turbulence in Alcator C-Mod's EDA H-mode

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Davis, E. M.; Porkolab, M.; Hughes, J. W.; Labombard, B.; Snyder, P. B.; Xu, X. Q.; MIT PSFC Team; Atomics Team, General; LLNL Team

2013-10-01

Energy confinement in tokamaks is believed to be strongly controlled by plasma transport in the pedestal. The pedestal of Alcator C-Mod's Enhanced Dα (EDA) H-mode (ν* > 1) is regulated by a quasi-coherent mode (QCM), an edge fluctuation believed to reduce particle confinement and allow steady-state H-mode operation. ELITE calculations indicate that EDA H-modes sit well below the ideal peeling-ballooning instability threshold, in contrast with ELMy H-modes. Here, we use a 3-field reduced MHD model in BOUT++ to study the effects of nonideal and nonlinear physics on EDA H-modes. In particular, incorporation of realistic pedestal resistivity is found to drive resistive ballooning modes (RBMs) and increase linear growth rates above the corresponding ideal rates. These RBMs may ultimately be responsible for constraining the EDA pedestal gradient. However, recent high-fidelity mirror Langmuir probe measurements indicate that the QCM is an electron drift-Alfvén wave - not a RBM. Inclusion of the parallel pressure gradient term in the 3-field reduced MHD Ohm's law and various higher field fluid models are implemented in an effort to capture this drift wave-like response. This work was performed under the auspices of the USDoE under awards DE-FG02-94-ER54235, DE-AC52-07NA27344, DE-AC52-07NA27344, and NNSA SSGF.

BOUT++ Simulations of Edge Turbulence in Alcator C-Mod's EDA H-Mode

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Davis, E. M.; Porkolab, M.; Hughes, J. W.; Labombard, B.; Snyder, P. B.; Xu, X. Q.

2013-10-01

Energy confinement in tokamaks is believed to be strongly controlled by plasma transport in the pedestal. The pedestal of Alcator C-Mod's Enhanced Dα (EDA) H-mode (ν* > 1) is regulated by a quasi-coherent mode (QCM), an edge fluctuation believed to reduce particle confinement and allow steady-state H-mode operation. ELITE calculations indicate that EDA H-modes sit well below the ideal peeling-ballooning instability threshold, in contrast with ELMy H-modes. Here, we use a 3-field reduced MHD model in BOUT++ to study the effects of nonideal and nonlinear physics on EDA H-modes. In particular, incorporation of realistic pedestal resistivity is found to drive resistive ballooning modes (RBMs) and increase linear growth rates above the corresponding ideal rates. These RBMs may ultimately be responsible for constraining the EDA pedestal gradient. However, recent high-fidelity mirror Langmuir probe measurements indicate that the QCM is an electron drift-Alfvén wave - not a RBM. Inclusion of the parallel pressure gradient term in the 3-field reduced MHD Ohm's law and various higher field fluid models are implemented in an effort to capture this drift wave-like response. This work was performed under the auspices of the USDoE under awards DE-FG02-94-ER54235, DE-AC52-07NA27344, DE-AC52-07NA27344, and NNSA SSGF.

Titanium dioxide-gold nanocomposite materials embedded in silicate sol-gel film catalyst for simultaneous photodegradation of hexavalent chromium and methylene blue.

PubMed

Pandikumar, Alagarsamy; Ramaraj, Ramasamy

2012-02-15

Aminosilicate sol-gel supported titanium dioxide-gold (EDAS/(TiO(2)-Au)(nps)) nanocomposite materials were synthesized by simple deposition-precipitation method and characterized. The photocatalytic oxidation and reduction activity of the EDAS/(TiO(2)-Au)(nps) film was evaluated using hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) and methylene blue (MB) dye under irradiation. The photocatalytic reduction of Cr(VI) to Cr(III) was studied in the presence of hole scavengers such as oxalic acid (OA) and methylene blue (MB). The photocatalytic degradation of MB was investigated in the presence and absence of Cr(VI). Presence of Au(nps) on the (TiO(2))(nps) surface and its dispersion in the silicate sol-gel film (EDAS/(TiO(2)-Au)(nps)) improved the photocatalytic reduction of Cr(VI) and oxidation of MB due to the effective interfacial electron transfer from the conduction band of the TiO(2) to Au(nps) by minimizing the charge recombination process when compared to the TiO(2) and (TiO(2)-Au)(nps) in the absence of EDAS. The EDAS/(TiO(2)-Au)(nps) nanocomposite materials provided beneficial role in the environmental remediation and purification process through synergistic photocatalytic activity by an advanced oxidation-reduction processes. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

The TLR4 agonist fibronectin extra domain A is cryptic, exposed by elastase-2; use in a fibrin matrix cancer vaccine

DOE PAGES

Julier, Ziad; Martino, Mikaël M.; de Titta, Alexandre; ...

2015-02-24

Fibronectin (FN) is an extracellular matrix (ECM) protein including numerous fibronectin type III (FNIII) repeats with different functions. The alternatively spliced FN variant containing the extra domain A (FNIII EDA), located between FNIII 11 and FNIII 12, is expressed in sites of injury, chronic inflammation, and solid tumors. Although its function is not well understood, FNIII EDA is known to agonize Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4). Here, by producing various FN fragments containing FNIII EDA, we found that FNIII EDA's immunological activity depends upon its local intramolecular context within the FN chain. N-terminal extension of the isolated FNIII EDA with itsmore » neighboring FNIII repeats (FNIII 9-10-11) enhanced its activity in agonizing TLR4, while C-terminal extension with the native FNIII 12-13-14 heparin-binding domain abrogated it. We reveal that an elastase 2 cleavage site is present between FNIII EDA and FNIII 12. Activity of the C-terminally extended FNIII EDA could be restored after cleavage of the FNIII 12-13-14 domain by elastase 2. FN being naturally bound to the ECM, we immobilized FNIII EDA-containing FN fragments within a fibrin matrix model along with antigenic peptides. Such matrices were shown to stimulate cytotoxic CD8 + T cell responses in two murine cancer models.« less

Stress-induced alterations of left-right electrodermal activity coupling indexed by pointwise transinformation.

PubMed

Světlák, M; Bob, P; Roman, R; Ježek, S; Damborská, A; Chládek, J; Shaw, D J; Kukleta, M

2013-01-01

In this study, we tested the hypothesis that experimental stress induces a specific change of left-right electrodermal activity (EDA) coupling pattern, as indexed by pointwise transinformation (PTI). Further, we hypothesized that this change is associated with scores on psychometric measures of the chronic stress-related psychopathology. Ninety-nine university students underwent bilateral measurement of EDA during rest and stress-inducing Stroop test and completed a battery of self-report measures of chronic stress-related psychopathology. A significant decrease in the mean PTI value was the prevalent response to the stress conditions. No association between chronic stress and PTI was found. Raw scores of psychometric measures of stress-related psychopathology had no effect on either the resting levels of PTI or the amount of stress-induced PTI change. In summary, acute stress alters the level of coupling pattern of cortico-autonomic influences on the left and right sympathetic pathways to the palmar sweat glands. Different results obtained using the PTI, EDA laterality coefficient, and skin conductance level also show that the PTI algorithm represents a new analytical approach to EDA asymmetry description.

Seismic anisotropy around the Gulf of Corinth, Greece, deduced from three-component seismograms of local earthquakes and its relationship with crustal strain

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bouin, Marie-Paule; TéLlez, Julia; Bernard, Pascal

1996-03-01

Several thousand three-component seismograms from local earthquakes recorded during two field experiments in August 1991 and November 1992 in the Gulf of Corinth have been analyzed to detect shear wave splitting. After a first selection of the events located in the S window of the considered stations, a second very strict selection of the records is applied in order to avoid the effect of scattered or converted phases which can mimic the behavior of shear wave splitting. Two main directions of fast S wave polarization have been detected: one oriented N105°E-N120°E, the other N55°E-N75°E. The first one is perpendicular to the main direction of extension of the Gulf provided by focal mechanism, Global Positioning System measurements, and tectonic studies, and is thus consistent with the extensive-dilatancy anisotropy (EDA) model. The second direction is subparallel to the direction of the active normal fault closest to the sites. This suggests a local control of the anisotropy by these active faults, either by a local rotation of the total stress field, in which case the EDA model may still explain the anisotropy, or by the existence of a specific microstructure or macrostructure generated by the long-term fault activity (set of secondary fault planes parallel to the major one), in which case the anisotropy direction would be significantly rotated from the stress direction (about 50°). The anisotropic signature does not seem to be affected by the geology of the site (pre-Tertiary limestone and Pleistocene sediments), except for a station located on the thick Plio-Quaternary deposits of a delta, where the time delay is significantly larger.

Discovered acetylcholinesterase inhibition and antibacterial activity of polyacetylenes in tansy root extract via effect-directed chromatographic fingerprints.

PubMed

Móricz, Ágnes M; Ott, Péter G; Morlock, Gertrud E

2018-03-30

The knowledge about the activity of polyacetylenes was extended by their new acetylcholinesterase inhibition and antibacterial activity against plant pathogenic bacteria. For this discovery, an utmost streamlined workflow, which we consider to be of high potential in the field of natural product or superfood search was developed. It demonstrates the combined power of biological, biochemical and chemical fingerprints. Bioactive components of tansy (Tanacetum vulgare L.) root extract were profiled and identified by high-performance thin-layer chromatography hyphenated with in situ effect-directed analysis, chemical derivatizations and high-resolution mass spectrometry (HPTLC-UV/Vis/FLD-EDA-HRMS). The effect-directed profiling was performed using four bacterial bioassays including two plant pathogens, an antioxidant assay and acetyl- and butyrylcholinesterase inhibitory assays. The chromatographic, spectral and powerful mass spectrometric study of zones that exerted substantial antibacterial and/or antioxidant and/or acetylcholinesterase inhibitory effects allowed these multi-potent zones to be identified as polyacetylenes. Five polyacetylene compounds were assigned to be 2-non-1-ene-3,5,7-triynyl-3-vinyl-oxirane, 2-(2,4-hexadiynylidene)-3,4-epoxy-1,6-dioxaspiro[4.5]decane, trans- and cis-2-(2,4-hexadiynylidene)-1,6-dioxaspiro[4.5]dec-3-ene and tetradeca-2,4,6-triine-8-en-12-one. This study clearly showed the advantage of the combined use of different ionization sources, i.e. electrospray ionization via an elution-head based interface and also the Direct Analysis in Real Time interface, for HRMS analysis of compounds from the same class with very similar chromatographic behavior and polarity. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Effect-directed fingerprints of 77 botanical extracts via a generic high-performance thin-layer chromatography method combined with assays and mass spectrometry.

PubMed

Krüger, S; Hüsken, L; Fornasari, R; Scainelli, I; Morlock, G E

2017-12-22

Quantitative effect-directed profiles of 77 industrially and freshly extracted botanicals like herbs, spices, vegetables and fruits, widely used as food ingredients, dietary supplements or traditional medicine, gave relevant information on their quality. It allows the assessment of food, dietary supplements and phytomedicines with regard to potential health-promoting activities. In contrary to sum parameter assays and targeted analysis, chromatography combined with effect-directed analysis allows fast assignment of single active compounds and evaluation of their contribution to the overall activity, originating from a food or botanical sample. High-performance thin-layer chromatography was hyphenated with UV/Vis/FLD detection and effect-directed analysis, using the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical, Gram-negative Aliivibrio fischeri, Gram-positive Bacillus subtilis, acetylcholinesterase and tyrosinase assays. Bioactive compounds of interest were eluted using an elution head-based interface and further characterized by electrospray ionization (high-resolution) mass spectrometry. This highly streamlined workflow resulted in a hyphenated HPTLC-UV/Vis/FLD-EDA-ESI + /ESI - -(HR)MS method. The excellent quantification power of the method was shown on three compounds. For rosmarinic acid, contents ranged from 4.5mg/g (rooibos) to 32.6mg/g (rosemary), for kaempferol-3-glucoside from 0.6mg/g (caraway) to 4.4mg/g (wine leaves), and for quercetin-3-glucoside from 1.1mg/g (hawthorn leaves) to 17.7mg/g (thyme). Three mean repeatabilities (%RSD) over 18 quantifications for the three compounds were ≤2.2% and the mean intermediate precision over three different days (%RSD, n=3) was 5.2%. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Use of electronic dietary assessment tools in primary care: an interdisciplinary perspective.

PubMed

Bonilla, Carolina; Brauer, Paula; Royall, Dawna; Keller, Heather; Hanning, Rhona M; DiCenso, Alba

2015-02-25

Dietary assessment can be challenging for many reasons, including the wide variety of foods, eating patterns and nutrients to be considered. In team-based primary care practice, various disciplines may be involved in assessing diet. Electronic-based dietary assessment (e-DA) instruments available now through mobile apps or websites can potentially facilitate dietary assessment. Providers views of facilitators and barriers related to e-DA instruments and their recommendations for improvement can inform the further development of these tools. The objective of this study was to explore provider perspectives on e-DA tools in mobile apps and websites. The exploratory sequential mixed methods design included interdisciplinary focus groups followed by a web-based survey sent to Family Health Teams throughout Ontario, Canada. Descriptive and bivariate analyses were completed. Focus group transcripts contributed to web-survey content, while interpretive themes added depth and context. 11 focus groups with 50 providers revealed varying perspectives on the use of e-DA for: 1) improving patients' eating habits; 2) improving the quality of dietary assessment; and, 3) integrating e-DA into the care process. In the web-survey 191 respondents from nine disciplines in 73 FHTs completed the survey. Dietitians reported greater use of e-DA than other providers (63% vs.19%; p = .000) respectively. There was strong interest among disciplines in the use of e-DA tools for the management of obesity, diabetes and heart disease, especially for patient self-monitoring. Barriers identified were: patients' lack of comfort with using technology, misinterpretation of e-DA results by patients, time and education for providers to interpret results, and time for providers to offer counselling. e-DA tools in mobile apps and websites may improve dietary counselling over time. Addressing the identified facilitators and barriers can potentially promote the uptake of e-DA into clinical practice.

Missed losses loom larger than missed gains: Electrodermal reactivity to decision choices and outcomes in a gambling task.

PubMed

Wu, Yin; Van Dijk, Eric; Aitken, Mike; Clark, Luke

2016-04-01

Loss aversion is a defining characteristic of prospect theory, whereby responses are stronger to losses than to equivalently sized gains (Kahneman & Tversky Econometrica, 47, 263-291, 1979). By monitoring electrodermal activity (EDA) during a gambling task, in this study we examined physiological activity during risky decisions, as well as to both obtained (e.g., gains and losses) and counterfactual (e.g., narrowly missed gains and losses) outcomes. During the bet selection phase, EDA increased linearly with bet size, highlighting the role of somatic signals in decision-making under uncertainty in a task without any learning requirement. Outcome-related EDA scaled with the magnitudes of monetary wins and losses, and losses had a stronger impact on EDA than did equivalently sized wins. Narrowly missed wins (i.e., near-wins) and narrowly missed losses (i.e., near-losses) also evoked EDA responses, and the change of EDA as a function of the size of the missed outcome was modestly greater for near-losses than for near-wins, suggesting that near-losses have more impact on subjective value than do near-wins. Across individuals, the slope for choice-related EDA (as a function of bet size) correlated with the slope for outcome-related EDA as a function of both the obtained and counterfactual outcome magnitudes, and these correlations were stronger for loss and near-loss conditions than for win and near-win conditions. Taken together, these asymmetrical EDA patterns to objective wins and losses, as well as to near-wins and near-losses, provide a psychophysiological instantiation of the value function curve in prospect theory, which is steeper in the negative than in the positive domain.

Removal of novel antiandrogens identified in biological effluents of domestic wastewater by activated carbon.

PubMed

Ma, Dehua; Chen, Lujun; Liu, Rui

2017-10-01

Environmental antiandrogenic (AA) contaminants in effluents from wastewater treatment plants have the potential for negative impacts on wildlife and human health. The aim of our study was to identify chemical contaminants with likely AA activity in the biological effluents and evaluate the removal of these antiandrogens (AAs) during advanced treatment comprising adsorption onto granular activated carbon (GAC). In this study, profiling of AA contaminants in biological effluents and tertiary effluents was conducted using effect-directed analysis (EDA) including high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) fractionation, a recombinant yeast screen containing androgen receptor (YAS), in combination with mass spectrometry analyses. Analysis of a wastewater secondary effluent from a membrane bioreactor revealed complex profiles of AA activity comprising 14 HPLC fractions and simpler profiles of GAC effluents with only 2 to 4 moderately polar HPLC fractions depending on GAC treatment conditions. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-nanospray mass spectrometry analyses of AA fractions in the secondary effluent resulted in detection of over 10 chemical contaminants, which showed inhibition of YAS activity and were potential AAs. The putative AAs included biocides, food additives, flame retardants, pharmaceuticals and industrial contaminants. To our knowledge, it is the first time that the AA properties of N-ethyl-2-isopropyl-5-methylcyclohexanecarboxamide (WS3), cetirizine, and oxcarbazepine are reported. The EDA used in this study was proven to be a powerful tool to identify novel chemical structures with AA activity in the complex aquatic environment. The adsorption process to GAC of all the identified antiandrogens, except WS3 and triclosan, fit well with the pseudo-second order kinetics models. Adsorption to GAC could further remove most of the AAs identified in the biological effluents with high efficiencies. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Field Trial of the Enhanced Data Authentication System (EDAS)

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

Thomas, Maikael A.; Baldwin, George T.; Hymel, Ross W.

2016-05-01

The goal of the field trial of EDAS was to demonstrate the utility of secure branching of operator instrumentation for nuclear safeguards, identify any unforeseen implementation and application issues with EDAS, and confirm whether the approach is compatible with operator concerns and constraints.

77 FR 42697 - Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-07-20

...: Economic Development Administration (EDA). Title: Property Management. OMB Control Number: 0610-0103. Form Number(s): None. Type of Request: Regular submission (extension of a currently approved information... incidental use of property acquired or improved with EDA investment assistance (see 13 CFR 314.3 of EDA...

13 CFR 303.6 - EDA-funded CEDS process.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... PLANNING INVESTMENTS AND COMPREHENSIVE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT STRATEGIES § 303.6 EDA-funded CEDS process. If EDA awards Investment Assistance to a Planning Organization to develop, revise or replace a CEDS, the... must appoint a Strategy Committee. The Strategy Committee must represent the main economic interests of...

13 CFR 313.8 - Competitive process.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... implementation grant shall be reviewed by EDA in accord with a competitive process as set forth in the applicable FFO, to ensure that EDA awards funds to the most merit-worthy projects. (b) Priority for grants to small- and medium-sized Communities. EDA shall give priority to an application submitted under this part...

Brief Report: A Pilot Study of Parent-Child Biobehavioral Synchrony in Autism Spectrum Disorder.

PubMed

Baker, Jason K; Fenning, Rachel M; Howland, Mariann A; Baucom, Brian R; Moffitt, Jacquelyn; Erath, Stephen A

2015-12-01

The theory of biobehavioral synchrony proposes that the predictive power of parent-child attunement likely lies in the manner with which behaviors are aligned with relevant biological processes. Symptoms of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) may challenge the formation of behavioral and physiological synchrony, but maintenance of such parent-child attunement could prove beneficial. The present study is the first to examine parent-child physiological synchrony in ASD. Parent and child electrodermal activity (EDA) was measured continuously during naturalistic free play. Parent-child EDA synchrony (positive covariation) was positively correlated with observed parent-child emotional attunement. Hierarchical linear modeling revealed that child ASD symptoms moderated the association between parent EDA and child EDA, such that EDA synchrony was stronger for children with lower ASD symptom levels.

Relationship between physiological excitatory and inhibitory measures of excitability in the left vs. right human motor cortex and peripheral electrodermal activity.

PubMed

Bracco, Martina; Turriziani, Patrizia; Smirni, Daniela; Mangano, Renata Giuseppa; Oliveri, Massimiliano

2017-02-22

The current study was aimed at investigating the relationships of excitatory and inhibitory circuits of the left vs. right primary motor cortex with peripheral electrodermal activity (EDA). Ten healthy subjects participated in two experimental sessions. In each session, EDA was recorded for 10min from the palmar surface of the left hand. Immediately after EDA recording, Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) was used to probe excitatory and inhibitory circuits of the left or right primary motor cortex using two protocols of stimulation: the input-output curve for recording of motor evoked potentials, for testing excitatory circuits; the long-interval cortical inhibition (LICI) protocol, for testing inhibitory circuits. In both cases, motor evoked potentials were recorded with surface electrodes from a contralateral hand muscle. The main results showed that in the right motor cortex, excitatory circuits directly correlate and inhibitory circuits inversely correlate with sympathetic activation. In the left motor cortex, both excitatory and inhibitory circuits are inversely correlated with sympathetic activation. These findings may suggest a bi-hemispheric mode of control of vegetative system by motor cortices, with the right hemisphere mainly involved in sympathetic control. Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier B.V.

A review of estimation of distribution algorithms in bioinformatics

PubMed Central

Armañanzas, Rubén; Inza, Iñaki; Santana, Roberto; Saeys, Yvan; Flores, Jose Luis; Lozano, Jose Antonio; Peer, Yves Van de; Blanco, Rosa; Robles, Víctor; Bielza, Concha; Larrañaga, Pedro

2008-01-01

Evolutionary search algorithms have become an essential asset in the algorithmic toolbox for solving high-dimensional optimization problems in across a broad range of bioinformatics problems. Genetic algorithms, the most well-known and representative evolutionary search technique, have been the subject of the major part of such applications. Estimation of distribution algorithms (EDAs) offer a novel evolutionary paradigm that constitutes a natural and attractive alternative to genetic algorithms. They make use of a probabilistic model, learnt from the promising solutions, to guide the search process. In this paper, we set out a basic taxonomy of EDA techniques, underlining the nature and complexity of the probabilistic model of each EDA variant. We review a set of innovative works that make use of EDA techniques to solve challenging bioinformatics problems, emphasizing the EDA paradigm's potential for further research in this domain. PMID:18822112

A comparison between EDA-EnVar and ETKF-EnVar data assimilation techniques using radar observations at convective scales through a case study of Hurricane Ike (2008)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shen, Feifei; Xu, Dongmei; Xue, Ming; Min, Jinzhong

2017-07-01

This study examines the impacts of assimilating radar radial velocity (Vr) data for the simulation of hurricane Ike (2008) with two different ensemble generation techniques in the framework of the hybrid ensemble-variational (EnVar) data assimilation system of Weather Research and Forecasting model. For the generation of ensemble perturbations we apply two techniques, the ensemble transform Kalman filter (ETKF) and the ensemble of data assimilation (EDA). For the ETKF-EnVar, the forecast ensemble perturbations are updated by the ETKF, while for the EDA-EnVar, the hybrid is employed to update each ensemble member with perturbed observations. The ensemble mean is analyzed by the hybrid method with flow-dependent ensemble covariance for both EnVar. The sensitivity of analyses and forecasts to the two applied ensemble generation techniques is investigated in our current study. It is found that the EnVar system is rather stable with different ensemble update techniques in terms of its skill on improving the analyses and forecasts. The EDA-EnVar-based ensemble perturbations are likely to include slightly less organized spatial structures than those in ETKF-EnVar, and the perturbations of the latter are constructed more dynamically. Detailed diagnostics reveal that both of the EnVar schemes not only produce positive temperature increments around the hurricane center but also systematically adjust the hurricane location with the hurricane-specific error covariance. On average, the analysis and forecast from the ETKF-EnVar have slightly smaller errors than that from the EDA-EnVar in terms of track, intensity, and precipitation forecast. Moreover, ETKF-EnVar yields better forecasts when verified against conventional observations.

TGFβ1-mediated PI3K/Akt and p38 MAP kinase dependent alternative splicing of fibronectin extra domain A in human podocyte culture.

PubMed

Madne, Tarunkumar Hemraj; Dockrell, Mark Edward Carl

2018-04-30

Alternative splicing is an important gene regulation process to distribute proteins in health and diseases. Extra Domain A+ Fibronectin (EDA+Fn) is an alternatively spliced form of fibronectin (Fn) protein, present in the extra cellular matrix (ECM) and a recognised marker of various pathologies. TGFβ1 has been shown to induce alternative splicing of EDA+Fn in many cell types. Podocytes are spectacular cell type and play a key role in filtration and synthesise ECM proteins in renal physiology and pathology. In our previous study we have demonstrated expression and alternative splicing of EDA+Fn in basal condition in human podocytes culture. TGFβ1 further induced the basal expression and alternative splicing of EDA+Fn through Alk5 receptor and SR proteins. In this study, we have investigated TGFβ1 mediated signalling involved in alternative splicing of EDA+Fn in human podocytes. We have performed western blotting to characterise the expression of the EDA+Fn protein and other signalling proteins and RT-PCR to look for signalling pathways involved in regulation of alternative splicing of EDA+Fn in conditionally immortalised human podocytes culture.We have used TGFβ1 as a stimulator and SB431542, SB202190 and LY294002 for inhibitory studies. In this work, we have demonstrated in human podocytes culture TGFβ1 2.5ng/ml induced phosphorylation of Smad1/5/8, Smad2 and Smad3 via the ALK5 receptor. TGFβ1 significantly induced the PI3K/Akt pathway and the PI3K/Akt pathway inhibitor LY294002 significantly downregulated basal as well as TGFβ1 induced alternative splicing of EDA+Fn in human podocytes. In addition to this, TGFβ1 significantly induced the p38 MAP kinase signalling pathway and p38 MAP kinase signalling pathway inhibitor SB202190 downregulated the TGFβ1-mediated alternative splicing of EDA+Fn in human podocytes. The results with PI3K and p38 MAP kinase signalling pathway suggest that inhibiting PI3K signalling pathway downregulated the basal alternative splicing of EDA+Fn in human podocytes and its the inhibition of p38 Map Kinase signalling pathway which had specifically downregulated the TGFβ1 mediated alternative splicing of EDA+Fn in human podocytes culture. Activation of TGFβ1-mediated Smad1/5/8 via Alk5 receptor suggests that TGFβ1 signalling pathway involved Alk5/Alk1 receptor axis signalling in human podocytes.

An extended continuous estimation of distribution algorithm for solving the permutation flow-shop scheduling problem

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shao, Zhongshi; Pi, Dechang; Shao, Weishi

2017-11-01

This article proposes an extended continuous estimation of distribution algorithm (ECEDA) to solve the permutation flow-shop scheduling problem (PFSP). In ECEDA, to make a continuous estimation of distribution algorithm (EDA) suitable for the PFSP, the largest order value rule is applied to convert continuous vectors to discrete job permutations. A probabilistic model based on a mixed Gaussian and Cauchy distribution is built to maintain the exploration ability of the EDA. Two effective local search methods, i.e. revolver-based variable neighbourhood search and Hénon chaotic-based local search, are designed and incorporated into the EDA to enhance the local exploitation. The parameters of the proposed ECEDA are calibrated by means of a design of experiments approach. Simulation results and comparisons based on some benchmark instances show the efficiency of the proposed algorithm for solving the PFSP.

Continue, adjust, or stop antipsychotic medication: developing and user testing an encounter decision aid for people with first-episode and long-term psychosis.

PubMed

Zisman-Ilani, Yaara; Shern, David; Deegan, Patricia; Kreyenbuhl, Julie; Dixon, Lisa; Drake, Robert; Torrey, William; Mishra, Manish; Gorbenko, Ksenia; Elwyn, Glyn

2018-05-22

People with psychosis struggle with decisions about their use of antipsychotics. They often want to reduce the dose or stop, while facing uncertainty regarding the effects these decisions will have on their treatment and recovery. They may also fear raising this issue with clinicians. The purpose of this study was to develop and test a shared decision making (SDM) tool to support patients and clinicians in making decisions about antipsychotics. A diverse editorial research team developed an Encounter Decision Aid (EDA) for patients and clinicians to use as part of the psychiatric consultation. The EDA was tested using 24 semistructured interviews with participants representing six stakeholder groups: patients with first-episode psychosis, patients with long-term psychosis, family members, psychiatrists, mental health counselors, and administrators. We used inductive and deductive coding of interview transcripts to identify points to revise within three domains: general impression and purpose of the EDA; suggested changes to the content, wording, and appearance; and usability and potential contribution to the psychiatric consultation. An EDA was developed in an iterative process that yielded evidence-based answers to five frequently asked questions about antipsychotic medications. Patients with long-term psychosis and mental health counselors suggested more changes and revisions than patients with first-episode psychosis and psychiatrists. Family members suggested more revisions to the answers about potential risks of stopping or adjusting antipsychotics than other respondents. The EDA was perceived as potentially useful and feasible in psychiatric routine care, especially if presented during the consultation.

Edge transport and mode structure of a QCM-like fluctuation driven by the Shoelace antenna

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Golfinopoulos, T.; LaBombard, B.; Brunner, D.; Terry, J. L.; Baek, S. G.; Ennever, P.; Edlund, E.; Han, W.; Burke, W. M.; Wolfe, S. M.; Irby, J. H.; Hughes, J. W.; Fitzgerald, E. W.; Granetz, R. S.; Greenwald, M. J.; Leccacorvi, R.; Marmar, E. S.; Pierson, S. Z.; Porkolab, M.; Vieira, R. F.; Wukitch, S. J.; The Alcator C-Mod Team

2018-05-01

The Shoelace antenna was built to drive edge fluctuations in the Alcator C-Mod tokamak, matching the wavenumber (k\\perp≈1.5 cm‑1) and frequency (30≲ f ≲ 200 kHz) of the quasi-coherent mode (QCM), which is responsible for regulating transport across the plasma boundary in the steady-state, ELM-free Enhanced D α (EDA) H-mode. Initial experiments in 2012 demonstrated that the antenna drove a resonant response in the edge plasma in steady-state EDA and transient, non-ELMy H-modes, but transport measurements were unavailable. In 2016, the Shoelace antenna was relocated to enable direct measurements of driven transport by a reciprocating Mirror Langmuir Probe, while also making available gas puff imaging and reflectometer data to provide additional radial localization of the driven fluctuation. This new data suggests a  ∼4 mm-wide mode layer centered on or just outside the separatrix. Fluctuations coherent with the antenna produced a radial electron flux with {Γ_e}/{n_e}∼4 m s‑1 in EDA H-mode, smaller than but comparable to the QCM level. But in transient ELM-free H-mode, {Γ_e}/{n_e} was an order of magnitude smaller, and driven fluctuations reduced by a factor of ≳ 3. The driven mode is quantitatively similar to the intrinsic QCM across measured spectral quantities, except that it is more coherent and weaker. This work informs the prospect of achieving control of edge transport by direct coupling to edge modes, as well as the use of such active coupling for diagnostic purposes.

Enhanced Data Authentication System v. 2.0

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

Thomas, Maikael A.; Tolsch, Brandon Jeffrey; Schwartz, Steven Robert

EDAS is a system, comprised on hardware and software, that plugs in to an existing data stream, and branches all data for transmission to a secondary observer computer. The EDAS Junction box, which inserts into the data stream, has Java software that forms these data into packets, digitally signs, encrypts, and sends these packets to a safeguards inspector computer. Further, there is a second Java program running on the secondary observer computer that receives data from the EDAS Junction Box to decrypt, authenticate, and store incoming packets. Also, there is a stand-alone Java program that is used to configure themore » EDAS Junction Box.« less

Balancing exploration and exploitation in population-based sampling improves fragment-based de novo protein structure prediction.

PubMed

Simoncini, David; Schiex, Thomas; Zhang, Kam Y J

2017-05-01

Conformational search space exploration remains a major bottleneck for protein structure prediction methods. Population-based meta-heuristics typically enable the possibility to control the search dynamics and to tune the balance between local energy minimization and search space exploration. EdaFold is a fragment-based approach that can guide search by periodically updating the probability distribution over the fragment libraries used during model assembly. We implement the EdaFold algorithm as a Rosetta protocol and provide two different probability update policies: a cluster-based variation (EdaRose c ) and an energy-based one (EdaRose en ). We analyze the search dynamics of our new Rosetta protocols and show that EdaRose c is able to provide predictions with lower C αRMSD to the native structure than EdaRose en and Rosetta AbInitio Relax protocol. Our software is freely available as a C++ patch for the Rosetta suite and can be downloaded from http://www.riken.jp/zhangiru/software/. Our protocols can easily be extended in order to create alternative probability update policies and generate new search dynamics. Proteins 2017; 85:852-858. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Empathy, Challenge, and Psychophysiological Activation in Therapist–Client Interaction

PubMed Central

Voutilainen, Liisa; Henttonen, Pentti; Kahri, Mikko; Ravaja, Niklas; Sams, Mikko; Peräkylä, Anssi

2018-01-01

Two central dimensions in psychotherapeutic work are a therapist’s empathy with clients and challenging their judgments. We investigated how they influence psychophysiological responses in the participants. Data were from psychodynamic therapy sessions, 24 sessions from 5 dyads, from which 694 therapist’s interventions were coded. Heart rate and electrodermal activity (EDA) of the participants were used to index emotional arousal. Facial muscle activity (electromyography) was used to index positive and negative emotional facial expressions. Electrophysiological data were analyzed in two time frames: (a) during the therapists’ interventions and (b) across the whole psychotherapy session. Both empathy and challenge had an effect on psychophysiological responses in the participants. Therapists’ empathy decreased clients’ and increased their own EDA across the session. Therapists’ challenge increased their own EDA in response to the interventions, but not across the sessions. Clients, on the other hand, did not respond to challenges during interventions, but challenges tended to increase EDA across a session. Furthermore, there was an interaction effect between empathy and challenge. Heart rate decreased and positive facial expressions increased in sessions where empathy and challenge were coupled, i.e., the amount of both empathy and challenge was either high or low. This suggests that these two variables work together. The results highlight the therapeutic functions and interrelation of empathy and challenge, and in line with the dyadic system theory by Beebe and Lachmann (2002), the systemic linkage between interactional expression and individual regulation of emotion. PMID:29695992

How bandwidth selection algorithms impact exploratory data analysis using kernel density estimation.

PubMed

Harpole, Jared K; Woods, Carol M; Rodebaugh, Thomas L; Levinson, Cheri A; Lenze, Eric J

2014-09-01

Exploratory data analysis (EDA) can reveal important features of underlying distributions, and these features often have an impact on inferences and conclusions drawn from data. Graphical analysis is central to EDA, and graphical representations of distributions often benefit from smoothing. A viable method of estimating and graphing the underlying density in EDA is kernel density estimation (KDE). This article provides an introduction to KDE and examines alternative methods for specifying the smoothing bandwidth in terms of their ability to recover the true density. We also illustrate the comparison and use of KDE methods with 2 empirical examples. Simulations were carried out in which we compared 8 bandwidth selection methods (Sheather-Jones plug-in [SJDP], normal rule of thumb, Silverman's rule of thumb, least squares cross-validation, biased cross-validation, and 3 adaptive kernel estimators) using 5 true density shapes (standard normal, positively skewed, bimodal, skewed bimodal, and standard lognormal) and 9 sample sizes (15, 25, 50, 75, 100, 250, 500, 1,000, 2,000). Results indicate that, overall, SJDP outperformed all methods. However, for smaller sample sizes (25 to 100) either biased cross-validation or Silverman's rule of thumb was recommended, and for larger sample sizes the adaptive kernel estimator with SJDP was recommended. Information is provided about implementing the recommendations in the R computing language. PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2014 APA, all rights reserved.

A periodic energy decomposition analysis method for the investigation of chemical bonding in extended systems

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

Raupach, Marc; Tonner, Ralf, E-mail: tonner@chemie.uni-marburg.de

The development and first applications of a new periodic energy decomposition analysis (pEDA) scheme for extended systems based on the Kohn-Sham approach to density functional theory are described. The pEDA decomposes the bonding energy between two fragments (e.g., the adsorption energy of a molecule on a surface) into several well-defined terms: preparation, electrostatic, Pauli repulsion, and orbital relaxation energies. This is complemented by consideration of dispersion interactions via a pairwise scheme. One major extension toward a previous implementation [Philipsen and Baerends, J. Phys. Chem. B 110, 12470 (2006)] lies in the separate discussion of electrostatic and Pauli and the additionmore » of a dispersion term. The pEDA presented here for an implementation based on atomic orbitals can handle restricted and unrestricted fragments for 0D to 3D systems considering periodic boundary conditions with and without the determination of fragment occupations. For the latter case, reciprocal space sampling is enabled. The new method gives comparable results to established schemes for molecular systems and shows good convergence with respect to the basis set (TZ2P), the integration accuracy, and k-space sampling. Four typical bonding scenarios for surface-adsorbate complexes were chosen to highlight the performance of the method representing insulating (CO on MgO(001)), metallic (H{sub 2} on M(001), M = Pd, Cu), and semiconducting (CO and C{sub 2}H{sub 2} on Si(001)) substrates. These examples cover diverse substrates as well as bonding scenarios ranging from weakly interacting to covalent (shared electron and donor acceptor) bonding. The results presented lend confidence that the pEDA will be a powerful tool for the analysis of surface-adsorbate bonding in the future, enabling the transfer of concepts like ionic and covalent bonding, donor-acceptor interaction, steric repulsion, and others to extended systems.« less

EDA mutation as a cause of hypohidrotic ectodermal dysplasia: a case report and review of the literature.

PubMed

Huang, S X; Liang, J L; Sui, W G; Lin, H; Xue, W; Chen, J J; Zhang, Y; Gong, W W; Dai, Y; Ou, M L

2015-08-28

Ectodermal dysplasia (ED) represents a collection of rare disorders that result from a failure of development of the tissues derived from the embryonic ectoderm. ED is often associated with hair, teeth, and skin abnormalities, which are serious conditions affecting the quality of life of the patient. To date, a large number of genes have been found to be associated with this syndrome. Here, we report a patient with hypohidrotic ED (HED) without family history. We identified that this patient's disorder arises from an X-linked HED with a mutation in the EDA gene (G299D) found by whole-exome sequencing. In addition, in this paper we summarize the disease-causing mutations based on current literature. Overall, recent clinical and genetic research involving patients with HED have uncovered a large number of pathogenic mutations in EDA, which might contribute to a full understanding of the function of EDA and the underlying mechanisms of HED caused by EDA mutations.

Psychophysiological responses to competition and the big five personality traits.

PubMed

Binboga, Erdal; Guven, Senol; Catıkkaş, Fatih; Bayazıt, Onur; Tok, Serdar

2012-06-01

This study examines the relationship between psychophysiological arousal, cognitive anxiety, and personality traits in young taekwondo athletes. A total of 20 male and 10 female taekwondo athletes (mean age = 18.6 years; ± 1.8) volunteered for the study. The Five Factor Personality Inventory and the state scale of the Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) were used to measure personality and cognitive state anxiety. Electrodermal activity (EDA) was measured twice, one day and approximately one hour prior to the competition, to determine psychophysiological arousal. Descriptive statistics, Pearson product-moment correlations, and stepwise regression were used to analyze the data. Several "Big Five" facets were related to the EDA delta scores that were measured both one day and one hour before the competition. Two stepwise regressions were conducted to examine whether personality traits could significantly predict both EDA delta scores. The final model, containing only neuroticism from the Big Five factors, can significantly explain the variations in the EDA delta scores measured one day before the competition. Agreeableness can significantly explain variations in the EDA delta scores measured one hour before the competition. No relationship was found between cognitive anxiety and the EDA delta scores measured one hour before the competition. In conclusion, personality traits, especially agreeableness and neuroticism, might be useful in understanding arousal responses to competition.

Psychophysiological Responses to Competition and the Big Five Personality Traits

PubMed Central

Binboga, Erdal; Guven, Senol; Çatıkkaş, Fatih; Bayazıt, Onur; Tok, Serdar

2012-01-01

This study examines the relationship between psychophysiological arousal, cognitive anxiety, and personality traits in young taekwondo athletes. A total of 20 male and 10 female taekwondo athletes (mean age = 18.6 years; ± 1.8) volunteered for the study. The Five Factor Personality Inventory and the state scale of the Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) were used to measure personality and cognitive state anxiety. Electrodermal activity (EDA) was measured twice, one day and approximately one hour prior to the competition, to determine psychophysiological arousal. Descriptive statistics, Pearson product-moment correlations, and stepwise regression were used to analyze the data. Several “Big Five” facets were related to the EDA delta scores that were measured both one day and one hour before the competition. Two stepwise regressions were conducted to examine whether personality traits could significantly predict both EDA delta scores. The final model, containing only neuroticism from the Big Five factors, can significantly explain the variations in the EDA delta scores measured one day before the competition. Agreeableness can significantly explain variations in the EDA delta scores measured one hour before the competition. No relationship was found between cognitive anxiety and the EDA delta scores measured one hour before the competition. In conclusion, personality traits, especially agreeableness and neuroticism, might be useful in understanding arousal responses to competition. PMID:23486906

[The Bernardino Álvarez Farm Hospital and Farm School: antecedents to Instituto Nacional de Neurología y Neurocirugía].

PubMed

Rodríguez-de Romo, Ana Cecilia; Castañeda-López, Gabriela

2013-01-01

By 1960, México's Manicomio General (General Asylum) could no longer fulfill the functions for which it was created so implementation of the so-called Castañeda Operation began, an initiative designed to close down and relocate psychiatric patients to other institutions. At that time, Dr. Manuel Velasco-Suárez was in charge of the General Direction of Neurology, Mental Health and Rehabilitation, and planned to create the Institute of Neurology on a site he already possessed for its construction. The Asylum was a dependency of the aforementioned Direction and Velasco- Suárez decided that some patients at the Castañeda could be moved to the old hacienda house that stood on that terrain. Thus was born the Bernardino Álvarez Farm Hospital. A year later, in 1961, the Farm School for the Weak-Minded, also named Bernardino Álvarez was established there as well. This paper examines the history of these two institutions as antecedents to the Instituto Nacional de Neurología y Neurocirugía.

Epidural analgesia during labor among immigrant women in Sweden.

PubMed

Ekéus, Cecilia; Cnattingius, Sven; Hjern, Anders

2010-01-01

To investigate differences in the use of epidural analgesia (EDA) during labor between native Swedish and immigrant women and whether such possible differences could be explained by other maternal factors or birthweight. Population-based register study. Nationwide study in Sweden. A total of 455,274 primiparous women, who gave birth to a singleton infant at 37-41 completed gestational weeks during 1992-2005. Of the 72,086 (16%) immigrants, data on 31,148 women from the eight most common countries of origin were analyzed to test our hypotheses. Register study with perinatal data from the Medical Birth Register and socio-demographic variables from national income and population registers. Use of EDA during vaginal delivery. Compared with native Swedish women, EDA was more often used by women from Chile, odds ratio (OR) 1.39 (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.23-1.57); Iran, OR 1.38 (1.26-1.53); Poland, OR 1.22 (1.08-1.37) and Finland, OR 1.10 (1.03-1.17) after adjustments for perinatal and socio-demographic confounders, while EDA was less often used among women from Somalia, OR 0.57 (0.46-0.70); Iraq, OR 0.71 (0.64-0.78); Turkey, OR 0.77(0.69-0.86) and Yugoslavia, OR 0.85 (0.79-0.91). Having a native Swedish partner increased the use of EDA in immigrant women. EDA use during labor varies more by maternal country of origin than by socio-economic factors. This suggests that expectations of care from the country of origin continue to influence the use of EDA after immigration to Sweden.

Direct Student Loans: Additional Steps Would Increase Borrowers' Awareness of Electronic Debiting and Reduce Federal Administrative Costs. Report to the Honorable James M. Jeffords, U.S. Senate.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ashby, Cornelia M.

In November 1999, the U.S. Department of Education began offering a 0.25% interest rate reduction to borrowers under the Direct Loan program who agree to have their monthly loan payments automatically withdrawn from a bank account through its electronic debit account (EDA) program. The Department of Education submitted a justification to the…

Genotype-phenotype correlation in boys with X-linked hypohidrotic ectodermal dysplasia.

PubMed

Burger, Kristin; Schneider, Anne-Theres; Wohlfart, Sigrun; Kiesewetter, Franklin; Huttner, Kenneth; Johnson, Ramsey; Schneider, Holm

2014-10-01

X-linked hypohidrotic ectodermal dysplasia (XLHED), the most frequent form of ectodermal dysplasia, is a genetic disorder of ectoderm development characterized by malformation of multiple ectodermal structures such as skin, hair, sweat and sebaceous glands, and teeth. The disease is caused by a broad spectrum of mutations in the gene EDA. Although XLHED symptoms show inter-familial and intra-familial variability, genotype-phenotype correlation has been demonstrated with respect to sweat gland function. In this study, we investigated to which extent the EDA genotype correlates with the severity of XLHED-related skin and hair signs. Nineteen male children with XLHED (age range 3-14 years) and seven controls (aged 6-14 years) were examined by confocal microscopy of the skin, quantification of pilocarpine-induced sweating, semi-quantitative evaluation of full facial photographs with respect to XLHED-related skin issues, and phototrichogram analysis. All eight boys with known hypomorphic EDA mutations were able to produce at least some sweat and showed less severe cutaneous signs of XLHED than the anhidrotic XLHED patients (e.g., perioral and periorbital eczema or hyperpigmentation, regional hyperkeratosis, characteristic wrinkles under the eyes). As expected, individuals with XLHED had significantly less and thinner hair than healthy controls. However, there were also significant differences in hair number, diameter, and other hair characteristics between the group with hypomorphic EDA mutations and the anhidrotic patients. In summary, this study indicated a remarkable genotype-phenotype correlation of skin and hair findings in prepubescent males with XLHED. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Field trial of the enhanced data authentication system (EDAS)

DOE PAGES

Thomas, Maikael A.; Hymel, Ross W.; Baldwin, George; ...

2016-11-01

The Enhanced Data Authentication System (EDAS) is means to securely branch information from an existing measurement system or data stream to a secondary observer. In an international nuclear safeguards context, the EDAS connects to operator instrumentation, and provides a cryptographically secure copy of the information for a safeguards inspectorate. However, this novel capability could be a valuable complement to inspector-owned safeguards instrumentation, offering context that is valuable for anomaly resolution and contingency.

Electronic Design Automation (EDA) Roadmap Taskforce Report, Design of Microprocessors

DTIC Science & Technology

1999-04-01

through on time. Hence, the study is not a crystal-ball- gazing exercise, but a rigorous, schedulable plan of action to attain the goal. NTRS97...formats so as not to impose too heavy a maintenance burden on their users Object Interfaces eliminate these problems: • A tool that binds the interface ...and User Interface - Design Tool Communication - EDA System Extension Language - EDA Standards- Based Software Development Environment - Design and

A low-density SNP array for analyzing differential selection in freshwater and marine populations of threespine stickleback (Gasterosteus aculeatus).

PubMed

Ferchaud, Anne-Laure; Pedersen, Susanne H; Bekkevold, Dorte; Jian, Jianbo; Niu, Yongchao; Hansen, Michael M

2014-10-06

The threespine stickleback (Gasterosteus aculeatus) has become an important model species for studying both contemporary and parallel evolution. In particular, differential adaptation to freshwater and marine environments has led to high differentiation between freshwater and marine stickleback populations at the phenotypic trait of lateral plate morphology and the underlying candidate gene Ectodysplacin (EDA). Many studies have focused on this trait and candidate gene, although other genes involved in marine-freshwater adaptation may be equally important. In order to develop a resource for rapid and cost efficient analysis of genetic divergence between freshwater and marine sticklebacks, we generated a low-density SNP (Single Nucleotide Polymorphism) array encompassing markers of chromosome regions under putative directional selection, along with neutral markers for background. RAD (Restriction site Associated DNA) sequencing of sixty individuals representing two freshwater and one marine population led to the identification of 33,993 SNP markers. Ninety-six of these were chosen for the low-density SNP array, among which 70 represented SNPs under putatively directional selection in freshwater vs. marine environments, whereas 26 SNPs were assumed to be neutral. Annotation of these regions revealed several genes that are candidates for affecting stickleback phenotypic variation, some of which have been observed in previous studies whereas others are new. We have developed a cost-efficient low-density SNP array that allows for rapid screening of polymorphisms in threespine stickleback. The array provides a valuable tool for analyzing adaptive divergence between freshwater and marine stickleback populations beyond the well-established candidate gene Ectodysplacin (EDA).

The two faces of hydrogen-bond strength on triple AAA-DDD arrays.

PubMed

Lopez, Alfredo Henrique Duarte; Caramori, Giovanni Finoto; Coimbra, Daniel Fernando; Parreira, Renato Luis Tame; da Silva, Éder Henrique

2013-12-02

Systems that are connected through multiple hydrogen bonds are the cornerstone of molecular recognition processes in biology, and they are increasingly being employed in supramolecular chemistry, specifically in molecular self-assembly processes. For this reason, the effects of different substituents (NO2, CN, F, Cl, Br, OCH3 and NH2) on the electronic structure, and consequently on the magnitude of hydrogen bonds in triple AAA-DDD arrays (A=acceptor, D=donor) were evaluated in the light of topological [electron localization function (ELF) and quantum theory of atoms in molecules (QTAIM)], energetic [Su-Li energy-decomposition analysis (EDA) and natural bond orbital analysis (NBO)], and geometrical analysis. The results based on local H-bond descriptors (geometries, QTAIM, ELF, and NBO) indicate that substitutions with electron-withdrawing groups on the AAA module tend to strengthen, whereas electron-donating substituents tend to weaken the covalent character of the AAA-DDD intermolecular H-bonds, and also indicate that the magnitude of the effect is dependent on the position of substitution. In contrast, Su-Li EDA results show an opposite behavior when compared to local H-bond descriptors, indicating that electron-donating substituents tend to increase the magnitude of H-bonds in AAA-DDD arrays, and thus suggesting that the use of local H-bond descriptors describes the nature of H bonds only partially, not providing enough insight about the strength of such H bonds. Copyright © 2013 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Obstetric and psychological characteristics of women choosing epidural analgesia during labour: A cohort study.

PubMed

Sitras, Vasilis; Šaltytė Benth, Jūratė; Eberhard-Gran, Malin

2017-01-01

To investigate the obstetric and psychological characteristics of women who opt to use epidural analgesia (EDA) during labour and the impact of participating in labour preparation courses on women's decisions to use EDA. Longitudinal cohort study. Akershus University Hospital, Norway. 2596 women with singleton pregnancies and intended vaginal delivery. Data were collected using two self-completed questionnaires at pregnancy weeks 17 and 32. Fear of childbirth was assessed by the Wijma Delivery Expectancy Questionnaire (W-DEQ). Symptoms of anxiety were measured by the Hopkins Symptom Check List (SCL-25) and depression by the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS). Obstetric and socio-demographic information was retrieved from birth records at the maternity ward. Preference for EDA was indicated by the questionnaire item "I would prefer an epidural regardless" on a 4-point scale (1 = highly agree, 4 = highly disagree) at pregnancy week 32. Twenty-one percent of the women (540/2596) answered that they would choose EDA as the only alternative method of analgesia during labour. Counselling for fear of childbirth [OR 3.23 (95%CI 2.12; 4.92)] and W-DEQ sum score ≥ 85 [OR 2.95 (95%CI 2.06; 4.23)] were significantly (p<0.001) associated with choice of EDA. Participation in labour preparation courses was significantly (p = 0.008) associated with a reduction of intended use of EDA during labour [OR 0.67 (95%CI 0.49; 0.90)]. Fear of childbirth is significantly associated with women's choice of EDA during labour. On the other hand, women that participate in labour preparation courses would rather consider other methods of analgesia during labour.

Natural bond orbital approach to the transmission of substituent effect through the fulvene and benzene ring systems.

PubMed

Oziminski, Wojciech P; Krygowski, Tadeusz M

2011-03-01

Electronic structure of 22 monosubstituted derivatives of benzene and exocyclically substituted fulvene with substituents: B(OH)(2), BH(2), CCH, CF(3), CH(3), CHCH(2), CHO, Cl, CMe(3), CN, COCH(3), CONH(2), COOH, F, NH(2), NMe(2), NO, NO(2), OCH(3), OH, SiH(3), SiMe(3) were studied theoretically by means of Natural Bond Orbital analysis. It is shown, that sum of π-electron population of carbon atoms of the fulvene and benzene rings, pEDA(F) and pEDA(B), respectively correlate well with Hammett substituent constants [Formula in text] and aromaticity index NICS. The substituent effect acting on pi-electron occupation at carbon atoms of the fulvene ring is significantly stronger than in the case of benzene. Electron occupations of ring carbon atoms (except C1) in fulvene plotted against each other give linear regressions with high correlation coefficients. The same is true for ortho- and para-carbon atoms in benzene. Positive slopes of the regressions indicate similar for fulvene and benzene kind of substituent effect - mostly resonance in nature. Only the regressions of occupation at the carbon atom in meta- position of benzene against ortho- and para-positions gives negative slopes and low correlation coefficients.

Multimedia Exploratory Data Analysis for Geospatial Data Mining: The Case for Augmented Seriation.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Gluck, Myke

2001-01-01

Reviews the role of exploratory data analysis (EDA) for spatial data mining and presents a case study addressing environmental risk assessments in New York State to illustrate the feasibility and usability of augmenting seriation for spatial data analysis. Describes augmentation with multimedia tools to understand relationships among spatial,…

Craniofacial morphometric analysis of individuals with X-linked hypohidrotic ectodermal dysplasia.

PubMed

Goodwin, Alice F; Larson, Jacinda R; Jones, Kyle B; Liberton, Denise K; Landan, Maya; Wang, Zhifeng; Boekelheide, Anne; Langham, Margaret; Mushegyan, Vagan; Oberoi, Snehlata; Brao, Rosalie; Wen, Timothy; Johnson, Ramsey; Huttner, Kenneth; Grange, Dorothy K; Spritz, Richard A; Hallgrímsson, Benedikt; Jheon, Andrew H; Klein, Ophir D

2014-09-01

Hypohidrotic ectodermal dysplasia (HED) is the most prevalent type of ectodermal dysplasia (ED). ED is an umbrella term for a group of syndromes characterized by missing or malformed ectodermal structures, including skin, hair, sweat glands, and teeth. The X-linked recessive (XL), autosomal recessive (AR), and autosomal dominant (AD) types of HED are caused by mutations in the genes encoding ectodysplasin (EDA1), EDA receptor (EDAR), or EDAR-associated death domain (EDARADD). Patients with HED have a distinctive facial appearance, yet a quantitative analysis of the HED craniofacial phenotype using advanced three-dimensional (3D) technologies has not been reported. In this study, we characterized craniofacial morphology in subjects with X-linked hypohidrotic ectodermal dysplasia (XLHED) by use of 3D imaging and geometric morphometrics (GM), a technique that uses defined landmarks to quantify size and shape in complex craniofacial morphologies. We found that the XLHED craniofacial phenotype differed significantly from controls. Patients had a smaller and shorter face with a proportionally longer chin and midface, prominent midfacial hypoplasia, a more protrusive chin and mandible, a narrower and more pointed nose, shorter philtrum, a narrower mouth, and a fuller and more rounded lower lip. Our findings refine the phenotype of XLHED and may be useful both for clinical diagnosis of XLHED and to extend understanding of the role of EDA in craniofacial development.

Objective Measurement of Clinical Competency in Surgical Education Using Electrodermal Activity.

PubMed

Quick, Jacob A; Bukoski, Alex D; Doty, Jennifer; Bennett, Bethany J; Crane, Megan; Barnes, Stephen L

Within the realm of surgical education, there is a need for objective means to determine surgical competence and resident readiness to operate independently. We propose a novel, objective method of assessing resident confidence and clinical competence based on measurement of electrodermal activity (EDA) during live surgical procedures. We hypothesized that with progressive training, EDA responses to the stress of performing surgery would exhibit decline, elucidating an objective correlate of clinical competence. EDA was measured using galvanic skin response sensors worn by residents performing laparoscopic cholecystectomy on sequential live human patients over an 8-month period. Baseline, phasic (peak) and tonic EDA responses were measured as a fractional change from baseline. University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, an academic tertiary care facility. Fourteen categorical general surgery residents and 5 faculty surgeons were voluntarily enrolled and participated through completion. Tonic fractional change (FC TONIC ) was highest in PGY3 residents compared with postgraduate year (PGY) 1 and 2 residents (7.199 vs. 2.100, p = 0.004, 95% CI: 8.58-1.61 and PGY4 and 5 residents (7.199 vs. 2.079, p = 0.002, 95% CI: 8.38-0.29). Phasic fractional change in EDA (FC PHASIC ) exhibited a progressive decline across resident training levels, with PGY1 and 2 residents having the highest response, and faculty displaying the lowest FC PHASIC responses. Statistical differences were seen between FC PHASIC faculty and PGY4 and 5 (3.596 vs. 6.180, p = 0.004, 95% CI: 0.80-4.36), PGY4 and 5, and PGY3 (6.180 vs. 15.998, p = 0.003, 95% CI: 3.33-16.3), as well as among all residents and faculty (13.057 vs. 3.596, p = 0.004, 95% CI: 15.8-3.1). Phasic EDA changes decrease with increasing clinical competence. For those participants with the lowest and highest levels of competence, tonic EDA changes are minimal. Tonic EDA changes follow an inverse-U shape with differing levels of clinical competence. Copyright © 2017 Association of Program Directors in Surgery. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Sink-oriented Dynamic Location Service Protocol for Mobile Sinks with an Energy Efficient Grid-Based Approach.

PubMed

Jeon, Hyeonjae; Park, Kwangjin; Hwang, Dae-Joon; Choo, Hyunseung

2009-01-01

Sensor nodes transmit the sensed information to the sink through wireless sensor networks (WSNs). They have limited power, computational capacities and memory. Portable wireless devices are increasing in popularity. Mechanisms that allow information to be efficiently obtained through mobile WSNs are of significant interest. However, a mobile sink introduces many challenges to data dissemination in large WSNs. For example, it is important to efficiently identify the locations of mobile sinks and disseminate information from multi-source nodes to the multi-mobile sinks. In particular, a stationary dissemination path may no longer be effective in mobile sink applications, due to sink mobility. In this paper, we propose a Sink-oriented Dynamic Location Service (SDLS) approach to handle sink mobility. In SDLS, we propose an Eight-Direction Anchor (EDA) system that acts as a location service server. EDA prevents intensive energy consumption at the border sensor nodes and thus provides energy balancing to all the sensor nodes. Then we propose a Location-based Shortest Relay (LSR) that efficiently forwards (or relays) data from a source node to a sink with minimal delay path. Our results demonstrate that SDLS not only provides an efficient and scalable location service, but also reduces the average data communication overhead in scenarios with multiple and moving sinks and sources.

A Concealed Information Test with multimodal measurement.

PubMed

Ambach, Wolfgang; Bursch, Stephanie; Stark, Rudolf; Vaitl, Dieter

2010-03-01

A Concealed Information Test (CIT) investigates differential physiological responses to deed-related (probe) vs. irrelevant items. The present study focused on the detection of concealed information using simultaneous recordings of autonomic and brain electrical measures. As a secondary issue, verbal and pictorial presentations were compared with respect to their influence on the recorded measures. Thirty-one participants underwent a mock-crime scenario with a combined verbal and pictorial presentation of nine items. The subsequent CIT, designed with respect to event-related potential (ERP) measurement, used a 3-3.5s interstimulus interval. The item presentation modality, i.e. pictures or written words, was varied between subjects; no response was required from the participants. In addition to electroencephalogram (EEG), electrodermal activity (EDA), electrocardiogram (ECG), respiratory activity, and finger plethysmogram were recorded. A significant probe-vs.-irrelevant effect was found for each of the measures. Compared to sole ERP measurement, the combination of ERP and EDA yielded incremental information for detecting concealed information. Although, EDA per se did not reach the predictive value known from studies primarily designed for peripheral physiological measurement. Presentation modality neither influenced the detection accuracy for autonomic measures nor EEG measures; this underpins the equivalence of verbal and pictorial item presentation in a CIT, regardless of the physiological measures recorded. Future studies should further clarify whether the incremental validity observed in the present study reflects a differential sensitivity of ERP and EDA to different sub-processes in a CIT. Copyright 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

The decision to delivery interval in emergency caesarean sections: Impact of anaesthetic technique and work shift.

PubMed

Hein, Anette; Thalen, David; Eriksson, Ylva; Jakobsson, Jan G

2017-01-01

Background: One important task of the emergency anaesthesia service is to provide rapid, safe and effective anaesthesia for emergency caesarean sections (ECS). A Decision to Delivery Interval (DDI) <30 minutes for ECS is a quality indicator for this service. The aim of this study was to assess the DDI and the impact of chosen anaesthetic technique (general anaesthesia (GA), spinal anaesthesia (SPA) with opioid supplementation, or "top-up" of labour epidural analgesia (tEDA) with local anaesthesia and fentanyl mixture) and work shift for ECS at Danderyds Hospital, Sweden. Methods: A retrospective chart review of ECS at Danderyds Hospital was performed between January and October 2016. Time between decision for CS, start of anaesthesia, time for incision and delivery, type of anaesthetic technique, and time of day, working hours or on call and day of week, Monday - Friday, and weekend was compiled and analysed. Time events are presented as mean ± standard deviation. Non-parametric tests were used. Results: In total, 135 ECS were analysed: 92% of the cases were delivered within 30 minutes and mean DDI for all cases was 17.3±8.1 minutes. GA shortened the DDI by 10 and 13 minutes compared to SPA and tEDA (p<0.0005). DDI for SPA and tEDA did not differ. There was no difference in DDI regarding time of day or weekday. Apgar <7 at 5' was more commonly seen in ECS having GA (11 out of 64) compared to SPA (2/30) and tEDA (1/41) (p<0.05). Conclusion: GA shortens the DDI for ECS, but the use of SPA as well as tEDA with opioid supplementation maintains a short DDI and should be considered when time allows. Top-up epidural did not prolong the DDI compared to SPA. The day of week or time of ECS had no influence on the anaesthesia service as measured by the DDI.

Exploring High-D Spaces with Multiform Matrices and Small Multiples

PubMed Central

MacEachren, Alan; Dai, Xiping; Hardisty, Frank; Guo, Diansheng; Lengerich, Gene

2011-01-01

We introduce an approach to visual analysis of multivariate data that integrates several methods from information visualization, exploratory data analysis (EDA), and geovisualization. The approach leverages the component-based architecture implemented in GeoVISTA Studio to construct a flexible, multiview, tightly (but generically) coordinated, EDA toolkit. This toolkit builds upon traditional ideas behind both small multiples and scatterplot matrices in three fundamental ways. First, we develop a general, MultiForm, Bivariate Matrix and a complementary MultiForm, Bivariate Small Multiple plot in which different bivariate representation forms can be used in combination. We demonstrate the flexibility of this approach with matrices and small multiples that depict multivariate data through combinations of: scatterplots, bivariate maps, and space-filling displays. Second, we apply a measure of conditional entropy to (a) identify variables from a high-dimensional data set that are likely to display interesting relationships and (b) generate a default order of these variables in the matrix or small multiple display. Third, we add conditioning, a kind of dynamic query/filtering in which supplementary (undisplayed) variables are used to constrain the view onto variables that are displayed. Conditioning allows the effects of one or more well understood variables to be removed from the analysis, making relationships among remaining variables easier to explore. We illustrate the individual and combined functionality enabled by this approach through application to analysis of cancer diagnosis and mortality data and their associated covariates and risk factors. PMID:21947129

ITER EDA Newsletter. Volume 3, no. 2

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

1994-02-01

This issue of the ITER EDA (Engineering Design Activities) Newsletter contains reports on the Fifth ITER Council Meeting held in Garching, Germany, January 27-28, 1994, a visit (January 28, 1994) of an international group of Harvard Fellows to the San Diego Joint Work Site, the Inauguration Ceremony of the EC-hosted ITER joint work site in Garching (January 28, 1994), on an ITER Technical Meeting on Assembly and Maintenance held in Garching, Germany, January 19-26, 1994, and a report on a Technical Committee Meeting on radiation effects on in-vessel components held in Garching, Germany, November 15-19, 1993, as well as an ITER Status Report.

Evolutionary Debunking Arguments

PubMed Central

Kahane, Guy

2011-01-01

Evolutionary debunking arguments (EDAs) are arguments that appeal to the evolutionary origins of evaluative beliefs to undermine their justification. This paper aims to clarify the premises and presuppositions of EDAs—a form of argument that is increasingly put to use in normative ethics. I argue that such arguments face serious obstacles. It is often overlooked, for example, that they presuppose the truth of metaethical objectivism. More importantly, even if objectivism is assumed, the use of EDAs in normative ethics is incompatible with a parallel and more sweeping global evolutionary debunking argument that has been discussed in recent metaethics. After examining several ways of responding to this global debunking argument, I end by arguing that even if we could resist it, this would still not rehabilitate the current targeted use of EDAs in normative ethics given that, if EDAs work at all, they will in any case lead to a truly radical revision of our evaluative outlook. PMID:21949447

Electrophoresis gel image processing and analysis using the KODAK 1D software.

PubMed

Pizzonia, J

2001-06-01

The present article reports on the performance of the KODAK 1D Image Analysis Software for the acquisition of information from electrophoresis experiments and highlights the utility of several mathematical functions for subsequent image processing, analysis, and presentation. Digital images of Coomassie-stained polyacrylamide protein gels containing molecular weight standards and ethidium bromide stained agarose gels containing DNA mass standards are acquired using the KODAK Electrophoresis Documentation and Analysis System 290 (EDAS 290). The KODAK 1D software is used to optimize lane and band identification using features such as isomolecular weight lines. Mathematical functions for mass standard representation are presented, and two methods for estimation of unknown band mass are compared. Given the progressive transition of electrophoresis data acquisition and daily reporting in peer-reviewed journals to digital formats ranging from 8-bit systems such as EDAS 290 to more expensive 16-bit systems, the utility of algorithms such as Gaussian modeling, which can correct geometric aberrations such as clipping due to signal saturation common at lower bit depth levels, is discussed. Finally, image-processing tools that can facilitate image preparation for presentation are demonstrated.

Challenging a classic myth: pneumoperitoneum associated with acute diverticulitis is not an indication for open or laparoscopic emergency surgery in hemodynamically stable patients. A 10-year experience with a nonoperative treatment.

PubMed

Costi, Renato; Cauchy, François; Le Bian, Alban; Honart, Jean-François; Creuze, Nicolas; Smadja, Claude

2012-07-01

In patients presenting with acute diverticulitis (AD) and signs of acute peritonitis, the presence of extradigestive air (EDA) on a computer tomography (CT) scan is often considered to indicate the need for emergency surgery. Although the traditional management of "perforated" AD is open sigmoidectomy, more recently, laparoscopic drainage/lavage (usually followed by delayed elective sigmoidectomy) has been reported. The aim of this retrospective study is to evaluate the results of nonoperative management of emergency patients presenting with AD and EDA. The outcomes of 39 consecutive hemodynamically stable patients (23 men, mean age = 54.7 years) who were admitted with AD and EDA and were managed nonoperatively (antibiotic and supportive treatment) at a tertiary-care university hospital between January 2001 and June 2010 were retrospectively collected and analyzed. These included morbidity (Clavien-Dindo) and treatment failure (need for emergency surgery or death). A univariate analysis of clinical, radiological, and laboratory criteria with respect to treatment failure was performed. Results of delayed elective laparoscopic sigmoidectomy were also analyzed. There was no mortality. Thirty-six of the 39 patients (92.3%) did not need surgery (7 patients required CT-guided abscess drainage). Mean hospital stay was 8.1 days. Duration of symptoms, previous antibiotic administration, severe sepsis, PCR level, WBC concentration, and the presence of abdominal collection were associated with treatment failure, whereas "distant" location of EDA and free abdominal fluid were not. Five patients had recurrence of AD and were treated medically. Seventeen patients (47.2%) underwent elective laparoscopic sigmoidectomy for which mean operative time was 246 min (range = 100-450) and the conversion rate was 11.8%. Mortality was nil and the morbidity rate was 41.2%. Mean postoperative stay was 7.1 days (range = 4-23). Nonoperative management is a viable option in most emergency patients presenting with AD and EDA, even in the presence of symptoms of peritonitis or altered laboratory tests. Delayed laparoscopic sigmoidectomy may be useless in certain cases and its results poorer than expected.

The Impact of Assimilating Precipitation-affected Radiance on Cloud and Precipitation in Goddard WRF-EDAS Analyses

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lin, Xin; Zhang, Sara Q.; Zupanski, M.; Hou, Arthur Y.; Zhang, J.

2015-01-01

High-frequency TMI and AMSR-E radiances, which are sensitive to precipitation over land, are assimilated into the Goddard Weather Research and Forecasting Model- Ensemble Data Assimilation System (WRF-EDAS) for a few heavy rain events over the continental US. Independent observations from surface rainfall, satellite IR brightness temperatures, as well as ground-radar reflectivity profiles are used to evaluate the impact of assimilating rain-sensitive radiances on cloud and precipitation within WRF-EDAS. The evaluations go beyond comparisons of forecast skills and domain-mean statistics, and focus on studying the cloud and precipitation features in the jointed rainradiance and rain-cloud space, with particular attentions on vertical distributions of height-dependent cloud types and collective effect of cloud hydrometers. Such a methodology is very helpful to understand limitations and sources of errors in rainaffected radiance assimilations. It is found that the assimilation of rain-sensitive radiances can reduce the mismatch between model analyses and observations by reasonably enhancing/reducing convective intensity over areas where the observation indicates precipitation, and suppressing convection over areas where the model forecast indicates rain but the observation does not. It is also noted that instead of generating sufficient low-level warmrain clouds as in observations, the model analysis tends to produce many spurious upperlevel clouds containing small amount of ice water content. This discrepancy is associated with insufficient information in ice-water-sensitive radiances to address the vertical distribution of clouds with small amount of ice water content. Such a problem will likely be mitigated when multi-channel multi-frequency radiances/reflectivity are assimilated over land along with sufficiently accurate surface emissivity information to better constrain the vertical distribution of cloud hydrometers.

Intuitive Density Functional Theory-Based Energy Decomposition Analysis for Protein-Ligand Interactions.

PubMed

Phipps, M J S; Fox, T; Tautermann, C S; Skylaris, C-K

2017-04-11

First-principles quantum mechanical calculations with methods such as density functional theory (DFT) allow the accurate calculation of interaction energies between molecules. These interaction energies can be dissected into chemically relevant components such as electrostatics, polarization, and charge transfer using energy decomposition analysis (EDA) approaches. Typically EDA has been used to study interactions between small molecules; however, it has great potential to be applied to large biomolecular assemblies such as protein-protein and protein-ligand interactions. We present an application of EDA calculations to the study of ligands that bind to the thrombin protein, using the ONETEP program for linear-scaling DFT calculations. Our approach goes beyond simply providing the components of the interaction energy; we are also able to provide visual representations of the changes in density that happen as a result of polarization and charge transfer, thus pinpointing the functional groups between the ligand and protein that participate in each kind of interaction. We also demonstrate with this approach that we can focus on studying parts (fragments) of ligands. The method is relatively insensitive to the protocol that is used to prepare the structures, and the results obtained are therefore robust. This is an application to a real protein drug target of a whole new capability where accurate DFT calculations can produce both energetic and visual descriptors of interactions. These descriptors can be used to provide insights for tailoring interactions, as needed for example in drug design.

Unifying the RET design flow with portable modeling information

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sweis, Jason; Staud, Wolf; Naber, Bob; Laidig, Tom; Van Denbroeke, Doug

2006-05-01

The RET Design Flow has become a conglomeration of various point tools and methodologies. Deep sub-wavelength DFM requirements have forced the design and manufacturing communities into very tight collaboration. EDA is also driven to provide an infrastructure to facilitate communication for these communities. Having this infrastructure in place has a direct impact on productivity and quality for which the value added is emphasized here.

Recovery of Uranium from Seawater: Modified Polyacrylonitrile Fibers as Selective Extractants

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

Alexandratos, Spiro D.

2017-03-15

A new bifunctional fiber has been prepared and found to have a significant loading capacity of uranium from real seawater. The fiber support is polyacrylonitrile and bifunctionality is provided by amidoxime and either diethylenetriamine (DETA) or ethylenediamine (EDA) ligands. The key feature is adjusting the hydrophilic /lipophilic balance within the fiber and this was best accomplished by partially acetylating or carboxylating EDA ligands. The bifunctional carboxylated EDA /AO fiber had a loading capacity of 3.83 mg U/g fiber at the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory with a 21 day contact time in real seawater.

A wearable sensor for unobtrusive, long-term assessment of electrodermal activity.

PubMed

Poh, Ming-Zher; Swenson, Nicholas C; Picard, Rosalind W

2010-05-01

Electrodermal activity (EDA) is a sensitive index of sympathetic nervous system activity. Due to the lack of sensors that can be worn comfortably during normal daily activity and over extensive periods of time, research in this area is limited to laboratory settings or artificial clinical environments. We developed a novel, unobtrusive, nonstigmatizing, wrist-worn integrated sensor, and present, for the very first time, a demonstration of long-term, continuous assessment of EDA outside of a laboratory setting. We evaluated the performance of our device against a Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved system for the measurement of EDA during physical, cognitive, as well as emotional stressors at both palmar and distal forearm sites, and found high correlations across all the tests. We also evaluated the choice of electrode material by comparing conductive fabric with Ag/AgCl electrodes and discuss the limitations found. An important result presented in this paper is evidence that the distal forearm is a viable alternative to the traditional palmar sites for EDA measurements. Our device offers the unprecedented ability to perform comfortable, long-term, and in situ assessment of EDA. This paper opens up opportunities for future investigations that were previously not feasible, and could have far-reaching implications for diagnosis and understanding of psychological or neurological conditions.

A new statistical methodology predicting chip failure probability considering electromigration

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sun, Ted

In this research thesis, we present a new approach to analyze chip reliability subject to electromigration (EM) whose fundamental causes and EM phenomenon happened in different materials are presented in this thesis. This new approach utilizes the statistical nature of EM failure in order to assess overall EM risk. It includes within-die temperature variations from the chip's temperature map extracted by an Electronic Design Automation (EDA) tool to estimate the failure probability of a design. Both the power estimation and thermal analysis are performed in the EDA flow. We first used the traditional EM approach to analyze the design with a single temperature across the entire chip that involves 6 metal and 5 via layers. Next, we used the same traditional approach but with a realistic temperature map. The traditional EM analysis approach and that coupled with a temperature map and the comparison between the results of considering and not considering temperature map are presented in in this research. A comparison between these two results confirms that using a temperature map yields a less pessimistic estimation of the chip's EM risk. Finally, we employed the statistical methodology we developed considering a temperature map and different use-condition voltages and frequencies to estimate the overall failure probability of the chip. The statistical model established considers the scaling work with the usage of traditional Black equation and four major conditions. The statistical result comparisons are within our expectations. The results of this statistical analysis confirm that the chip level failure probability is higher i) at higher use-condition frequencies for all use-condition voltages, and ii) when a single temperature instead of a temperature map across the chip is considered. In this thesis, I start with an overall review on current design types, common flows, and necessary verifications and reliability checking steps used in this IC design industry. Furthermore, the important concepts about "Scripting Automation" which is used in all the integration of using diversified EDA tools in this research work are also described in detail with several examples and my completed coding works are also put in the appendix for your reference. Hopefully, this construction of my thesis will give readers a thorough understanding about my research work from the automation of EDA tools to the statistical data generation, from the nature of EM to the statistical model construction, and the comparisons among the traditional EM analysis and the statistical EM analysis approaches.

75 FR 4259 - Revisions to the EDA Regulations

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-01-27

... Aggressive EDA Leadership and Oversight Needed To Correct Persistent Problems in the RLF Program (March 2007... talent to ensure a Project's successful execution. (c) Advances productivity, innovation and... withdraw any sequestered funds. (ii) Persistent non-compliance. An RLF Recipient will generally be allowed...

13 CFR 303.2 - Definitions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... INVESTMENTS AND COMPREHENSIVE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT STRATEGIES § 303.2 Definitions. In addition to the defined... following meanings: Planning Investment means the award of EDA Investment Assistance under section 203 of... CEDS for a specific EDA-approved Region under section 203 of PWEDA. Strategy Committee means the...

Electrodermal Activity of Undersocialized Aggressive Children: A Pilot Study.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Schmidt, Katalin; And Others

1985-01-01

Investigated the electrodermal activity (EDA) of a small group of prepubertal children suffering from a severe form of undersocialized aggressive conduct disorder (CD). The EDA profile of the CD children resembled that of the adult sociopath on phasic measures only. (RH)

EDA's post-disaster assistance program after hurricane Andrew : final report.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1996-03-01

Hurricane Andrew devastated parts of South Florida in August 1992, causing $20 billion in property damage, killing at least 41 people, and injuring many more. EDA joined other federal agencies in the disaster recovery process by promptly sending a te...

13 CFR 314.1 - Definitions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... 13 Business Credit and Assistance 1 2010-01-01 2010-01-01 false Definitions. 314.1 Section 314.1 Business Credit and Assistance ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE PROPERTY General..., as determined by EDA, during which EDA anticipates obtaining the economic development benefits of its...

13 CFR 313.7 - Implementation grants for Impacted Communities.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... improving the delivery of business services, or feasibility studies; (4) Public services; (5) Training; and... recent Civilian Labor Force statistics effective on the date EDA receives an application for an...

Quantity and quality of secoiridoids and lignans in extra virgin olive oils: the effect of two- and three-way decanters on Leccino and Raggiola olive cultivars.

PubMed

Antonini, Elena; Farina, Alfonso; Scarpa, Emanuele Salvatore; Frati, Alessandra; Ninfali, Paolino

2016-01-01

In this investigation, 14 extra virgin olive oils (EVOOs), produced with Leccino and Raggiola olive cultivars, by a new two-way (2W) decanter were compared with 14 EVOOs produced by means of a conventional three-way (3W) decanter. The 2W EVOOs had higher phenol concentrations, as shown by high-performance liquid chromatography/diode array detection (HPLC-DAD) analysis and yielded a higher extraction of the 3,4-DHPEA-EDA (oleacein), 3,4-DHPEA-EA (oleuropein aglycone) and p-HPEA-EDA (oleocanthal). The concentrations of lignans, (+)-pinoresinol and (+)-1-acetoxypinoresinol, detected by HPLC-FLD equipment, were higher in the 2W EVOOs than they were in EVOOs produced using the 3W system. Total phenols, detected by the Folin-Ciocalteu assay, were lower than those obtained by HPLC, but they significantly correlated (p < 0.05). The antioxidant capacity (ORAC) values of 2W EVOOs were higher than those of 3W EVOOs. In conclusion, the 2W system provided high-quality phenol EVOOs and became an indispensable tool when adverse climatic conditions reduced the olive secoiridoid concentration.

13 CFR 302.19 - Indemnification.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... 13 Business Credit and Assistance 1 2010-01-01 2010-01-01 false Indemnification. 302.19 Section 302.19 Business Credit and Assistance ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE... permitted by law, a Recipient shall indemnify and hold EDA harmless from any liability that EDA may incur...

13 CFR 307.4 - Award requirements.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... ECONOMIC ADJUSTMENT ASSISTANCE INVESTMENTS General § 307.4 Award requirements. (a) General. EDA will select... criteria provided in paragraphs (b) and (c) of this section, as applicable. (b) Strategy Grants. EDA will review Strategy Grant proposals to ensure that the proposed activities conform to the CEDS requirements...

76 FR 54732 - Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-09-02

...: Economic Development Administration (EDA). Title: Compliance with Government Performance and Results Act... hours. Needs and Uses: EDA must comply with the Government Performance and Results Act of 1993 which requires Federal agencies to develop performance measures, and report to Congress and stakeholders the...

Simultaneous Occurence of an Autosomal Dominant Inherited MSX1 Mutation and an X-linked Recessive Inherited EDA Mutation in One Chinese Family with Non-syndromic Oligodontia.

PubMed

Zhang, Xiao Xia; Wong, Sing Wai; Han, Dong; Feng, Hai Lan

2015-01-01

To describe the simultaneous occurence of an autosomal dominant inherited MSX1 mutation and an X-linked recessive inherited EDA mutation in one Chinese family with nonsyndromic oligodontia. Clinical data of characteristics of tooth agenesis were collected. MSX1 and EDA gene mutations were detected in a Chinese family of non-syndromic oligodontia. Mild hypodontia in the parents and severe oligodontia in the son was recorded. A novel missense heterozygous mutation c.517C>A (p.Arg173Ser) was detected in the MSX1 gene in the boy and the father. A homozygous missense mutation c.1001G>A (p.Arg334His) was detected in the EDA gene in the boy and the same mutant occurred heterozygously in the mother. Simultaneous occurence of two different gene mutations with different inheritence patterns, which both caused oligodontia, which occurred in one subject and in one family, was reported.

Defence electro-optics: European perspective

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hartikainen, Jari

2011-11-01

In 2009 the United States invested in defence R&T 3,6 times and in defence research and development 6,8 times as much as all member states of the European Defence Agency (EDA) combined while the ratio in the total defence expenditure was 2,6 in the US' favour. The European lack of investments in defence research and development has a negative impact on the competitiveness of European defence industry and on the European non-dependence. In addition, the efficiency of investment is reduced due to duplication of work in different member states. The Lisbon Treaty tasks EDA to support defence technology research, and coordinate and plan joint research activities and the study of technical solutions meeting future operational needs. This paper gives an overview how EDA meets the challenge of improving the efficiency of European defence R&T investment with an emphasis on electro-optics and describes shortly the ways that governmental and industrial partners can participate in the EDA cooperation. Examples of joint R&T projects addressing electro-optics are presented.

Screening utility of the social anxiety screening scale in Spanish speaking adolescents.

PubMed

Piqueras, José Antonio; Olivares, José; Hidalgo, María Dolores

2012-07-01

The aim of this study was to analyse the screening utility of the Social Anxiety Screening Scale (SASS/EDAS) in a sample of 227 adolescents with social anxiety disorder and 156 Without it (14-17 years). Results showed that the EDAS subscales (Avoidance, Distress and Interference) scores were reliable in terms of internal consistency (alpha > .80). All the subscales discriminated between adolescents with and without the disorder. They also showed a positive and significant correlation with other empirically validated measures of social anxiety. The three subscales indicated relevant sensitivity (69.16-84.14%), specificity (63.46-66.03%) and areas under the curve (.74-.81%). Binary logistic regression analyses indicated the adequate predictive utility of EDAS subscales, with the Distress subscale as the best diagnostic predictor. The data provide empirical evidence of the usefulness of EDAS as a screener for adolescent social anxiety disorder in terms of reliability, convergent and discriminant validity, diagnostic accuracy and clinical usefulness.

Measurement of nucleotide exchange rate constants in single rabbit soleus myofibrils during shortening and lengthening using a fluorescent ATP analog.

PubMed Central

Shirakawa, I; Chaen, S; Bagshaw, C R; Sugi, H

2000-01-01

The kinetics of displacement of a fluorescent nucleotide, 2'(3')-O-[N[2-[[Cy3]amido]ethyl]carbamoyl]-adenosine 5'-triphosphate (Cy3-EDA-ATP), bound to rabbit soleus muscle myofibrils were studied using flash photolysis of caged ATP. Use of myofibrils from this slow twitch muscle allowed better resolution of the kinetics of nucleotide exchange than previous studies with psoas muscle myofibrils (, Biophys. J. 73:2033-2042). Soleus myofibrils in the presence of Cy3-EDA-nucleotides (Cy3-EDA-ATP or Cy3-EDA-ADP) showed selective fluorescence staining of the A-band. The K(m) for Cy3-EDA-ATP and the K(d) for Cy3-EDA-ADP binding to the myofibril A-band were 1.9 microM and 3.8 microM, respectively, indicating stronger binding of nucleotide to soleus cross-bridges compared to psoas cross-bridges (2.6 microM and 50 microM, respectively). After flash photolysis of caged ATP, the A-band fluorescence of the myofibril in the Cy3-EDA-ATP solution under isometric conditions decayed exponentially with a rate constant of 0.045 +/- 0.007 s(-1) (n = 32) at 10 degrees C, which was about seven times slower than that for psoas myofibrils. When a myofibril was allowed to shorten with a constant velocity, the nucleotide displacement rate constant increased from 0.066 s(-1) (isometric) to 0.14 s(-1) at 20 degrees C with increasing shortening velocity up to 0.1 myofibril length/s (V(max), the shortening velocity under no load was approximately 0. 2 myofibril lengths/s). The rate constant was not significantly affected by an isovelocity stretch of up to 0.1 myofibril lengths/s. These results suggest that the cross-bridge kinetics are not significantly affected at higher strain during lengthening but depend on the lower strain during shortening. These data also indicate that the interaction distance between a cross-bridge and the actin filament is at least 16 nm for a single cycle of the ATPase. PMID:10653804

Density-based Energy Decomposition Analysis for Intermolecular Interactions with Variationally Determined Intermediate State Energies

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

Wu, Q.; Ayers, P.W.; Zhang, Y.

2009-10-28

The first purely density-based energy decomposition analysis (EDA) for intermolecular binding is developed within the density functional theory. The most important feature of this scheme is to variationally determine the frozen density energy, based on a constrained search formalism and implemented with the Wu-Yang algorithm [Q. Wu and W. Yang, J. Chem. Phys. 118, 2498 (2003) ]. This variational process dispenses with the Heitler-London antisymmetrization of wave functions used in most previous methods and calculates the electrostatic and Pauli repulsion energies together without any distortion of the frozen density, an important fact that enables a clean separation of these twomore » terms from the relaxation (i.e., polarization and charge transfer) terms. The new EDA also employs the constrained density functional theory approach [Q. Wu and T. Van Voorhis, Phys. Rev. A 72, 24502 (2005)] to separate out charge transfer effects. Because the charge transfer energy is based on the density flow in real space, it has a small basis set dependence. Applications of this decomposition to hydrogen bonding in the water dimer and the formamide dimer show that the frozen density energy dominates the binding in these systems, consistent with the noncovalent nature of the interactions. A more detailed examination reveals how the interplay of electrostatics and the Pauli repulsion determines the distance and angular dependence of these hydrogen bonds.« less

[Adsorption kinetics and mechanism of lead (II) on polyamine-functionalized mesoporous activated carbon].

PubMed

Li, Kun-Quan; Wang, Yan-Jin; Yang, Mei-Rong; Zhu, Zhi-Qiang; Zheng, Zheng

2014-08-01

Bagasse mesoporous carbon was prepared by microwave assisted H3 PO4 activation. Amido and imido groups were modified with ethanediamine on the channels' surface of mesoporous carbon through nitric oxidation and amide reaction. The influence of Pb(II) concentration, adsorption time on Pb(II) adsorption on the ethanediamine-modified mesoporous carbon (AC-EDA) was investigated. The adsorption kinetics and mechanism were also discussed. The results showed that AC-EDA had a great performance for Pb(II) adsorption, and more than 70% of Pb(II) was adsorbed in 5 minutes. The adsorption amount of Pb(II) on the carbon increased with the increase of solution pH in acidic conditions. It was found that AC-EDA had different binding energies on different adsorption sites for Pb(II) separation. The Pb(II) adsorption process on AC-EDA was controlled by intra-particle diffusion in the first 3 min, and then film diffusion played the important pole on the adsorption. The adsorption amount increased with the increase of temperature, indicating the adsorption was an endothermic reaction. The high adsorption energy (> 11 kJ x mol(-1)) implied that the) adsorption was a chemical adsorption. The XPS of AC-EDA before and after Pb(II) adsorption showed that the polyamine group was involved in the adsorption, and should be a main factor of the high efficient adsorption.

Parental overcontrol x OPRM1 genotype interaction predicts school-aged children's sympathetic nervous system activation in response to performance challenge.

PubMed

Partington, Lindsey C; Borelli, Jessica L; Smiley, Patricia; Jarvik, Ella; Rasmussen, Hannah F; Seaman, Lauren C; Nurmi, Erika L

2018-04-26

Parental overcontrol (OC), the excessive regulation of a child's behavior, cognition, and emotion, is associated with the development of child anxiety. While studies have shown that genetic factors may increase sensitivity to stress, genetic vulnerability to parental OC has not been examined in anxiety etiology. A functional polymorphism in the mu opioid receptor OPRM1 (A118G, rs1799971) has been shown to impact stress reactivity. Using a community sample of children (N = 85, 9-12 years old), we examined the main and interactive effects of maternal OC and child OPRM1 genotype in predicting children's sympathetic nervous system reactivity during a performance stressor. Neither OC nor genotype predicted children's electrodermal activity (EDA); however, the interaction between OC and child genotype significantly predicted stress reactivity, as indexed by EDA, during the challenging task. Among children with the minor G-allele, higher maternal OC was associated with higher reactivity. In A homozygotes, maternal OC was not associated with EDA, suggesting a diathesis-stress pattern of gene x environment interaction. We discuss implications for anxiety etiology and intervention. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

75 FR 32911 - Notice of Informational Meeting for the i6 Challenge Under EDA's Economic Adjustment Assistance...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-06-10

... new, multi-agency innovation competition led by the Economic Development Administration (EDA), a... are in need of additional support, in order to strengthen regional innovation ecosystems. Applicants... DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE Economic Development Administration Notice of Informational Meeting for the...

76 FR 6088 - Request for Comments: Review and Improvement of EDA's Regulations

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-02-03

... DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE Economic Development Administration 13 CFR Chapter III [Docket No.: 110119042-1041-01] RIN 0610-XA04 Request for Comments: Review and Improvement of EDA's Regulations Correction In proposed rule document 2011-1937 beginning on page 5501 in the issue of Tuesday, February 1...

Psychophysiology of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Schoen, Sarah A.; Miller, Lucy Jane; Brett-Green, Barbara; Hepburn, Susan L.

2008-01-01

This study (1) explored the feasibility of using electrodermal activity (EDA) to characterize the arousal and sensory reactivity of children with high functioning autism (HFA) and Asperger's Syndrome (AS), (2) determined the reliability of electrodermal measures and (3) described the variability of EDA in this sample. Forty children with HFA and…

13 CFR 307.18 - Addition of lending areas; merger of RLFs.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... Additional Lending Area and revise its lending strategy, as necessary; (vi) The RLF Recipient shall execute... conditions reasonably requested by EDA. (2) The New Lending Area designation shall remain in place... Lending Area(s)), its lending strategy and borrower criteria; (iv) Prior to EDA's disbursement of...

Process analysis and optimization of simultaneous saccharification and co-fermentation of ethylenediamine-pretreated corn stover for ethanol production.

PubMed

Qin, Lei; Zhao, Xiong; Li, Wen-Chao; Zhu, Jia-Qing; Liu, Li; Li, Bing-Zhi; Yuan, Ying-Jin

2018-01-01

Improving ethanol concentration and reducing enzyme dosage are main challenges in bioethanol refinery from lignocellulosic biomass. Ethylenediamine (EDA) pretreatment is a novel method to improve enzymatic digestibility of lignocellulose. In this study, simultaneous saccharification and co-fermentation (SSCF) process using EDA-pretreated corn stover was analyzed and optimized to verify the constraint factors on ethanol production. Highest ethanol concentration was achieved with the following optimized SSCF conditions at 6% glucan loading: 12-h pre-hydrolysis, 34 °C, pH 5.4, and inoculum size of 5 g dry cell/L. As glucan loading increased from 6 to 9%, ethanol concentration increased from 33.8 to 48.0 g/L, while ethanol yield reduced by 7%. Mass balance of SSCF showed that the reduction of ethanol yield with the increasing solid loading was mainly due to the decrease of glucan enzymatic conversion and xylose metabolism of the strain. Tween 20 and BSA increased ethanol concentration through enhancing enzymatic efficiency. The solid-recycled SSCF process reduced enzyme dosage by 40% (from 20 to 12 mg protein/g glucan) to achieve the similar ethanol concentration (~ 40 g/L) comparing to conventional SSCF. Here, we established an efficient SSCF procedure using EDA-pretreated biomass. Glucose enzymatic yield and yeast viability were regarded as the key factors affecting ethanol production at high solid loading. The extensive analysis of SSCF would be constructive to overcome the bottlenecks and improve ethanol production in cellulosic ethanol refinery.

Experimental characterization and analysis of the BITalino platforms against a reference device.

PubMed

Batista, Diana; Silva, Hugo; Fred, Ana

2017-07-01

Low-cost hardware platforms for biomedical engineering are becoming increasingly available, which empower the research community in the development of new projects in a wide range of areas related with physiological data acquisition. Building upon previous work by our group, this work compares the quality of the data acquired by means of two different versions of the multimodal physiological computing platform BITalino, with a device that can be considered a reference. We acquired data from 5 sensors, namely Accelerometry (ACC), Electrocardiography (ECG), Electroencephalography (EEG), Electrodermal Activity (EDA) and Electromyography (EMG). Experimental evaluation shows that ACC, ECG and EDA data are highly correlated with the reference in what concerns the raw waveforms. When compared by means of their commonly used features, EEG and EMG data are also quite similar across the different devices.

Overview and development of EDA tools for integration of DSA into patterning solutions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Torres, J. Andres; Fenger, Germain; Khaira, Daman; Ma, Yuansheng; Granik, Yuri; Kapral, Chris; Mitra, Joydeep; Krasnova, Polina; Ait-Ferhat, Dehia

2017-03-01

Directed Self-Assembly is the method by which a self-assembly polymer is forced to follow a desired geometry defined or influenced by a guiding pattern. Such guiding pattern uses surface potentials, confinement or both to achieve polymer configurations that result in circuit-relevant topologies, which can be patterned onto a substrate. Chemo, and grapho epitaxy of lines and space structures are now routinely inspected at full wafer level to understand the defectivity limits of the materials and their maximum resolution. In the same manner, there is a deeper understanding about the formation of cylinders using grapho-epitaxy processes. Academia has also contributed by developing methods that help reduce the number of masks in advanced nodes by "combining" DSA-compatible groups, thus reducing the total cost of the process. From the point of view of EDA, new tools are required when a technology is adopted, and most technologies are adopted when they show a clear cost-benefit over alternative techniques. In addition, years of EDA development have led to the creation of very flexible toolkits that permit rapid prototyping and evaluation of new process alternatives. With the development of high-chi materials, and by moving away of the well characterized PS-PMMA systems, as well as novel integrations in the substrates that work in tandem with diblock copolymer systems, it is necessary to assess any new requirements that may or may not need custom tools to support such processes. Hybrid DSA processes (which contain both chemo and grapho elements), are currently being investigated as possible contenders for sub-5nm process techniques. Because such processes permit the re-distribution of discontinuities in the regular arrays between the substrate and a cut operation, they have the potential to extend the number of applications for DSA. This paper illustrates the reason as to why some DSA processes can be supported by existing rules and technology, while other processes require the development of highly customized correction tools and models. It also illustrates how developing DSA cannot be done in isolation, and it requires the full collaboration of EDA, Material's suppliers, Manufacturing equipment, Metrology, and electronic manufacturers.

Electronic Systems for Spacecraft Vehicles: Required EDA Tools

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bachnak, Rafic

1999-01-01

The continuous increase in complexity of electronic systems is making the design and manufacturing of such systems more challenging than ever before. As a result, designers are finding it impossible to design efficient systems without the use of sophisticated Electronic Design Automation (EDA) tools. These tools offer integrated simulation of the electrical, mechanical, and manufacturing functions and lead to a correct by design methodology. This report identifies the EDA tools that would be needed to design, analyze, simulate, and evaluate electronic systems for spacecraft vehicles. In addition, the report presents recommendations to enhance the current JSC electronic design capabilities. This includes cost information and a discussion as to the impact, both positive and negative, of implementing the recommendations.

Environmental Radiation Measurements on the Mir Space Station. Program 1; Internal Experiment Program

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Benton, E. V.; Frank, A. L.; Benton, E. R.

1998-01-01

As part of the NASA/Mir Phase 1B Science Program, the ionizing radiation environment inside and outside the Russian Mir's Space Station was monitored using a combination of Thermoluminescent Detectors (TLD) and CR-39 Plastic Nuclear Track Detectors (PNTD). Radiation measurements inside the Mir station were carried out using six Area Passive Dosimeters (APD), four located inside the Mir Base Block and two located inside the Kvant 2 module, during the NASA-2/Mir-21, NASA-3/Mir-22 and NASA-4/Mir-23 missions. The radiation environment under low shielding was measured using an External Dosimeter Array (EDA) mounted on the outer surface of the Kvant 2 module. The external radiation environment and a location inside the Kvant 2 roughly corresponding to the location of the EDA were monitored for 130 days during the NASA- 4/Mir-23 and NASA-5/Mir-24 missions. Dose rates measured by APD TLDs ranged from 271 to 407 microGy/d during the NASA-2/Mir-21 mission, from 265 to 378 microGy/d during the NASA-3/Mir-22 mission, and from 287 to 421 microGy/d during the NASA-4/Mir-23 mission. APD PNTDs have been analyzed and LET spectra have been Cenerated for the five APDs exposed on the NASA-2/Mir-21 mission and for two APD PNTDs exposed on the NASA-3/Mir-22 mission. Dose equivalent rates on the NASA-2/Mir-21 mission ranged from 513 microSv/d in the Kvant 2 module to 710 microSv/d on the floor of the Base Block. Dose as a function of shielding depth in TLDs has been measured in the thin TLD stacks including in the EDA. EDA dose range from 72.5 Gy under 0.0146 g/sq cm to 0.093 Gy under 3.25 g/sq cm of shielding. Readout and analysis of the reaming PNTDs form the NASA-3/Mir-22 mission and PNTDs from the NASA-4/Mir-23 mission (including those from the EDA) is ongoing and will be completed during the final year of this experiment. Dose equivalent rates for the NASA-3/Mir-22 and NASA-4/Mir-23 APDs will then be determined and comparisons will be made with both model calculations and with results from similar measurements.

Sparse representation of electrodermal activity with knowledge-driven dictionaries.

PubMed

Chaspari, Theodora; Tsiartas, Andreas; Stein, Leah I; Cermak, Sharon A; Narayanan, Shrikanth S

2015-03-01

Biometric sensors and portable devices are being increasingly embedded into our everyday life, creating the need for robust physiological models that efficiently represent, analyze, and interpret the acquired signals. We propose a knowledge-driven method to represent electrodermal activity (EDA), a psychophysiological signal linked to stress, affect, and cognitive processing. We build EDA-specific dictionaries that accurately model both the slow varying tonic part and the signal fluctuations, called skin conductance responses (SCR), and use greedy sparse representation techniques to decompose the signal into a small number of atoms from the dictionary. Quantitative evaluation of our method considers signal reconstruction, compression rate, and information retrieval measures, that capture the ability of the model to incorporate the main signal characteristics, such as SCR occurrences. Compared to previous studies fitting a predetermined structure to the signal, results indicate that our approach provides benefits across all aforementioned criteria. This paper demonstrates the ability of appropriate dictionaries along with sparse decomposition methods to reliably represent EDA signals and provides a foundation for automatic measurement of SCR characteristics and the extraction of meaningful EDA features.

Deceptive Intentions: Can Cues to Deception Be Measured before a Lie Is Even Stated?

PubMed Central

Ströfer, Sabine; Noordzij, Matthijs L.; Ufkes, Elze G.; Giebels, Ellen

2015-01-01

Can deceitful intentions be discriminated from truthful ones? Previous work consistently demonstrated that deceiving others is accompanied by nervousness/stress and cognitive load. Both are related to increased sympathetic nervous system (SNS) activity. We hypothesized that SNS activity already rises during intentions to lie and, consequently, cues to deception can be detected before stating an actual lie. In two experiments, controlling for prospective memory, we monitored SNS activity during lying, truth telling, and truth telling with the aim of lying at a later instance. Electrodermal activity (EDA) was used as an indicator of SNS. EDA was highest during lying, and compared to the truth condition, EDA was also raised during the intention to deceive. Moreover, the switch from truth telling toward lying in the intention condition evoked higher EDA than switching toward non-deception related tasks in the lie or truth condition. These results provide first empirical evidence that increased SNS activity related to deception can be monitored before a lie is stated. This implies that cues to deception are already present during the mere intention to lie. PMID:26018573

13 CFR 307.16 - Effective utilization of Revolving Loan Funds.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... the capital utilization standard after a reasonable period of time, as determined by EDA, it may be... 13 Business Credit and Assistance 1 2011-01-01 2011-01-01 false Effective utilization of Revolving... Funds and Use of Grant Funds § 307.16 Effective utilization of Revolving Loan Funds. (a) Loan closing...

Lack of Fibronectin Extra Domain A Alternative Splicing Exacerbates Endothelial Dysfunction in Diabetes

PubMed Central

Gortan Cappellari, Gianluca; Barazzoni, Rocco; Cattin, Luigi; Muro, Andrés F.; Zanetti, Michela

2016-01-01

Glucose-induced changes of artery anatomy and function account for diabetic vascular complications, which heavily impact disease morbidity and mortality. Since fibronectin containing extra domain A (EDA + FN) is increased in diabetic vessels and participates to vascular remodeling, we wanted to elucidate whether and how EDA + FN is implicated in diabetes-induced endothelial dysfunction using isometric-tension recording in a murine model of diabetes. In thoracic aortas of EDA−/−, EDA+/+ (constitutively lacking and expressing EDA + FN respectively), and of wild-type mice (EDAwt/wt), streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetes impaired endothelial vasodilation to acetylcholine, irrespective of genotype. However STZ + EDA−/− mice exhibited increased endothelial dysfunction compared with STZ + EDA+/+ and with STZ + EDAwt/wt. Analysis of the underlying mechanisms revealed that STZ + EDA−/− mice show increased oxidative stress as demonstrated by enhanced aortic superoxide anion, nitrotyrosine levels and expression of NADPH oxidase NOX4 and TGF-β1, the last two being reverted by treatment with the antioxidant n-acetylcysteine. In contrast, NOX1 expression and antioxidant potential were similar in aortas from the three genotypes. Interestingly, reduced eNOS expression in STZ + EDA+/+ vessels is counteracted by increased eNOS coupling and function. Although EDA + FN participates to vascular remodelling, these findings show that it plays a crucial role in limiting diabetic endothelial dysfunction by preventing vascular oxidative stress. PMID:27897258

Indian Projects Funded by EDA, August 26, 1965-September 30, 1977.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Economic Development Administration (DOC), Washington, DC.

Since 1967 the Economic Development Administration (EDA) has carried out an Indian program that emphasized economic development of Indian reservations and trust lands. In the past 12 years Indian tribes in 32 states have received community and industrial development grants to assist them in developing a viable economic base on their lands. Tribes…

Indian Economic Development: An Evaluation of EDA's Selected Indian Reservation Program. Volume II: Individual Reservation Reports, Appendices.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Boise Cascade Center for Community Development, ID.

As the appendices to an evaluation of the Economic Development Administration's (EDA) Selected Indian Reservation Program, this portion of the evaluation report presents individualized evaluations of each of the 16 reservations originally selected for the program in 1967. Each reservation evaluation is presented in terms of the following format:…

Prenatal Correction of X-Linked Hypohidrotic Ectodermal Dysplasia.

PubMed

Schneider, Holm; Faschingbauer, Florian; Schuepbach-Mallepell, Sonia; Körber, Iris; Wohlfart, Sigrun; Dick, Angela; Wahlbuhl, Mandy; Kowalczyk-Quintas, Christine; Vigolo, Michele; Kirby, Neil; Tannert, Corinna; Rompel, Oliver; Rascher, Wolfgang; Beckmann, Matthias W; Schneider, Pascal

2018-04-26

Genetic deficiency of ectodysplasin A (EDA) causes X-linked hypohidrotic ectodermal dysplasia (XLHED), in which the development of sweat glands is irreversibly impaired, an condition that can lead to life-threatening hyperthermia. We observed normal development of mouse fetuses with Eda mutations after they had been exposed in utero to a recombinant protein that includes the receptor-binding domain of EDA. We administered this protein intraamniotically to two affected human twins at gestational weeks 26 and 31 and to a single affected human fetus at gestational week 26; the infants, born in week 33 (twins) and week 39 (singleton), were able to sweat normally, and XLHED-related illness had not developed by 14 to 22 months of age. (Funded by Edimer Pharmaceuticals and others.).

A Cascade of Wnt, Eda, and Shh Signaling Is Essential for Touch Dome Merkel Cell Development.

PubMed

Xiao, Ying; Thoresen, Daniel T; Miao, Lingling; Williams, Jonathan S; Wang, Chaochen; Atit, Radhika P; Wong, Sunny Y; Brownell, Isaac

2016-07-01

The Sonic hedgehog (Shh) signaling pathway regulates developmental, homeostatic, and repair processes throughout the body. In the skin, touch domes develop in tandem with primary hair follicles and contain sensory Merkel cells. The developmental signaling requirements for touch dome specification are largely unknown. We found dermal Wnt signaling and subsequent epidermal Eda/Edar signaling promoted Merkel cell morphogenesis by inducing Shh expression in early follicles. Lineage-specific gene deletions revealed intraepithelial Shh signaling was necessary for Merkel cell specification. Additionally, a Shh signaling agonist was sufficient to rescue Merkel cell differentiation in Edar-deficient skin. Moreover, Merkel cells formed in Fgf20 mutant skin where primary hair formation was defective but Shh production was preserved. Although developmentally associated with hair follicles, fate mapping demonstrated Merkel cells primarily originated outside the hair follicle lineage. These findings suggest that touch dome development requires Wnt-dependent mesenchymal signals to establish reciprocal signaling within the developing ectoderm, including Eda signaling to primary hair placodes and ultimately Shh signaling from primary follicles to extrafollicular Merkel cell progenitors. Shh signaling often demonstrates pleiotropic effects within a structure over time. In postnatal skin, Shh is known to regulate the self-renewal, but not the differentiation, of touch dome stem cells. Our findings relate the varied effects of Shh in the touch dome to the ligand source, with locally produced Shh acting as a morphogen essential for lineage specification during development and neural Shh regulating postnatal touch dome stem cell maintenance.

Enhanced Fluorescence Properties of Carbon Dots in Polymer Films

PubMed Central

Liu, Yamin; Wang, Ping; Shiral Fernando, K. A.; LeCroy, Gregory E.; Maimaiti, Halidan; Harruff-Miller, Barbara A.; Lewis, William K.; Bunker, Christopher E.; Hou, Zhi-Ling; Sun, Ya-Ping

2016-01-01

Carbon dots of small carbon nanoparticles surface-functionalized with 2,2′-(ethylenedioxy)bis(ethylamine) (EDA) were synthesized, and the as-synthesized sample was separated on an aqueous gel column to obtain fractions of the EDA-carbon dots with different fluorescence quantum yields. As already discussed in the literature, the variations in fluorescence performance among the fractions were attributed to the different levels and/or effectiveness of the surface functionalization-passivation in the carbon dots. These fractions, as well as carbon nanoparticles without any deliberate surface functionalization, were dispersed into poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) for composite films. In the PVA film matrix, the carbon dots and nanoparticles exhibited much enhanced fluorescence emissions in comparison with their corresponding aqueous solutions. The increased fluorescence quantum yields in the films were determined quantitatively by using a specifically designed and constructed film sample holder in the emission spectrometer. The observed fluorescence decays of the EDA-carbon dots in film and in solution were essentially the same, suggesting that the significant enhancement in fluorescence quantum yields from solution to film is static in nature. Mechanistic implications of the results, including a rationalization in terms of the compression effect on the surface passivation layer (similar to a soft corona) in carbon dots when embedded in the more restrictive film environment resulting in more favorable radiative recombinations of the carbon particle surface-trapped electrons and holes, and also potential technological applications of the brightly fluorescent composite films are highlighted and discussed. PMID:28133537

Efficacy and safety of ethynodiol diacetate, 1 mg, with ethinyl estradiol, 35 micrograms, with an emphasis on contraceptive efficacy. A phase IV trial.

PubMed

Friedman, A J; Wheeler, J

1991-04-01

A phase IV trial evaluated the efficacy and safety of a monophasic oral contraceptive formulation, ethynodiol diacetate, 1 mg, plus ethinyl estradiol, 35 micrograms (EDA 1 mg with EE 35 micrograms) (Demulen 1/35). Nine hundred eighty-three community-based obstetrician-gynecologists treated a total of 7,759 patients with EDA 1 mg with EE 35 micrograms for one to eight months. Clinical evaluation forms on 6,382 patients were amenable to analysis for safety (including breakthrough bleeding, ovarian cyst formation and complexion changes); 5,412 patients were evaluable for efficacy (prevention of pregnancy), with a total of 21,440 cycles recorded. The study results were interpreted in terms of the impact on clinical management of oral contraceptive users and the methods, strengths and weaknesses of phase IV trials, particularly as they relate to confirmation of the results reported here.

Preparation of novel beta-cyclodextrin functionalized monolith and its application in chiral separation.

PubMed

Lv, Yongqin; Mei, Danping; Pan, Xinxin; Tan, Tianwei

2010-09-15

A novel beta-cyclodextrin (beta-CD) functionalized organic polymer monolith was prepared by covalently bonding ethylenediamine-beta-CD (EDA-beta-CD) to poly(glycidyl methacrylate-co-ethylene glycol dimethacrylate) (poly(GMA-co-EGDMA)) monolith via ring opening reaction of epoxy groups. SEM characterization was performed to confirm the homogeneity of the monolithic polymer. The resulting monolith was then characterized by DSC and XPS elemental analysis to study the thermal stability of the monolith, and to prove the successful immobilization of beta-CD on the polymer substrate. The beta-CD ligand density of 0.68 mmol g(-1) was obtained for the modified monolith, indicating the high reactivity and efficiency of the EDA-beta-CD modifier. The ethylenediamine-beta-CD functionalized monoliths were used for the chiral separation of ibuprofen racemic mixture and showed promising results. Copyright (c) 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Human facial skin detection in thermal video to effectively measure electrodermal activity (EDA)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kaur, Balvinder; Hutchinson, J. Andrew; Leonard, Kevin R.; Nelson, Jill K.

2011-06-01

In the past, autonomic nervous system response has often been determined through measuring Electrodermal Activity (EDA), sometimes referred to as Skin Conductance (SC). Recent work has shown that high resolution thermal cameras can passively and remotely obtain an analog to EDA by assessing the activation of facial eccrine skin pores. This paper investigates a method to distinguish facial skin from non-skin portions on the face to generate a skin-only Dynamic Mask (DM), validates the DM results, and demonstrates DM performance by removing false pore counts. Moreover, this paper shows results from these techniques using data from 20+ subjects across two different experiments. In the first experiment, subjects were presented with primary screening questions for which some had jeopardy. In the second experiment, subjects experienced standard emotion-eliciting stimuli. The results from using this technique will be shown in relation to data and human perception (ground truth). This paper introduces an automatic end-to-end skin detection approach based on texture feature vectors. In doing so, the paper contributes not only a new capability of tracking facial skin in thermal imagery, but also enhances our capability to provide non-contact, remote, passive, and real-time methods for determining autonomic nervous system responses for medical and security applications.

Right ventricular end-systolic area as a simple first-line marker predicting right ventricular enlargement and decreased systolic function in children referred for cardiac magnetic resonance imaging.

PubMed

Barczuk-Falęcka, M; Małek, Ł A; Roik, D; Werys, K; Werner, B; Brzewski, M

2018-06-01

To assess the accuracy of simple cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging (CMR) parameters for first-line analysis of right ventricle (RV) dysfunction in children to identify those who require in-depth analysis and those in whom simple assessment is sufficient. Sixty paediatric CMR studies were analysed. The following CMR parameters were measured: RV end-diastolic and end-systolic area (4CH EDA and 4CH ESA), fractional area change (FAC), RV diameter in end-diastole (RVD1), tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE), and RV outflow tract diameter in end-diastole (RVOT prox). They were correlated with RV end-diastolic volume (RVEDVI) and RV ejection fraction (RVEF). RVEDVI correlated best with 4CH ESA (r=0.85, <0.001) and EDA (r=0.82, <0.001). For RVEF only a moderate reverse correlation was found for 4CH ESA (-0.56, <0.001), 4CH EDA (-0.49, 0.001) and positive correlation for FAC (0.49, <0.001). There was no correlation between TAPSE and RVEF and only weak between RVD1 and RVEDVI. A 4CH ESA cut-off value of 8.5 cm 2 /m 2 had a very high diagnostic accuracy for predicting an enlarged RV (AUC=0.912, p<0.001, sensitivity 92.3%, specificity 79%) and a cut-off value of 10.5 cm 2 /m 2 was also a good predictor of depressed RV systolic function (AUC=0.873, p<0.001, sensitivity 83%, specificity 89%). For routine screening in clinical practice, 4CH ESA seems a reliable and easy method to identify patients with RV dysfunction. Copyright © 2018 The Royal College of Radiologists. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

IMEKO TC1-TC7 Symposium in London: The assurance as a result of blood chemical analysis by ISO-GUM and QE

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Iwaki, Y.

2010-07-01

The Quality Assurance (QA) of measurand has been discussed over many years by Quality Engineering (QE). It is need to more discuss about ISO standard. It is mining to find out root fault element for improvement of measured accuracy, and it remove. The accuracy assurance needs to investigate the Reference Material (RM) for calibration and an improvement accuracy of data processing. This research follows the accuracy improvement in field of data processing by how to improve of accuracy. As for the fault element relevant to measurement accuracy, in many cases, two or more element is buried exist. The QE is to assume the generating frequency of fault state, and it is solving from higher ranks for fault factor first by "Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA)". Then QE investigate the root cause over the fault element by "Root Cause Analysis (RCA)" and "Fault Tree Analysis (FTA)" and calculate order to the generating element of assume specific fault. These days comes, the accuracy assurance of measurement result became duty in the Professional Test (PT). ISO standard was legislated by ISO-GUM (Guide of express Uncertainty in Measurement) as guidance of an accuracy assurance in 1993 [1] for QA. Analysis method of ISO-GUM is changed into Exploratory Data Analysis (EDA) from Analysis of Valiance (ANOVA). EDA calculate one by one until an assurance performance is obtained according to "Law of the propagation of uncertainty". If the truth value was unknown, ISO-GUM is changed into reference value. A reference value set up by the EDA and it does check with a Key Comparison (KC) method. KC is comparing between null hypothesis and frequency hypothesis. It performs operation of assurance by ISO-GUM in order of standard uncertainty, the combined uncertainty of many fault elements and an expansion uncertain for assurance. An assurance value is authorized by multiplying the final expansion uncertainty [2] by K of coverage factor. K-value is calculated from the Effective Free Degree (EFD) which thought the number of samples is important. Free degree is based on maximum likelihood method of an improved information criterion (AIC) for a Quality Control (QC). The assurance performance of ISO-GUM is come out by set up of the confidence interval [3] and is decided. The result of research of "Decided level/Minimum Detectable Concentration (DL/MDC)" was able to profit by the operation. QE has developed for the QC of industry. However, these have been processed by regression analysis by making frequency probability of a statistic value into normalized distribution. The occurrence probability of the statistics value of a fault element which is accompanied element by a natural phenomenon becomes an abnormal distribution in many cases. The abnormal distribution needs to obtain an assurance value by other method than statistical work of type B in ISO-GUM. It is tried fusion the improvement of worker by QE became important for reservation of the reliability of measurement accuracy and safety. This research was to make the result of Blood Chemical Analysis (BCA) in the field of clinical test.

Lower Electrodermal Activity to Acute Stress in Caregivers of People with Autism Spectrum Disorder: An Adaptive Habituation to Stress

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ruiz-Robledillo, Nicolás; Moya-Albiol, Luis

2015-01-01

Caring for a relative with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) entails being under chronic stress that could alter body homeostasis. Electrodermal activity (EDA) is an index of the sympathetic activity of the autonomic nervous system related to emotionality and homeostasis. This study compares EDA in response to acute stress in the laboratory between…

Emotional effects of startling background music during reading news reports: The moderating influence of dispositional BIS and BAS sensitivities.

PubMed

Ravaja, Niklas; Kallinen, Kari

2004-07-01

We examined the moderating influence of dispositional behavioral inhibition system (BIS) and behavioral activation system (BAS) sensitivities on the relationship of startling background music with emotion-related subjective and physiological responses elicited during reading news reports, and with memory performance among 26 adult men and women. Physiological parameters measured were respiratory sinus arrhythmia (RSA), electrodermal activity (EDA), and facial electromyography (EMG). The results showed that, among high BAS individuals, news stories with startling background music were rated as more interesting and elicited higher zygomatic EMG activity and RSA than news stories with non-startling music. Among low BAS individuals, news stories with startling background music were rated as less pleasant and more arousing and prompted higher EDA. No BIS-related effects or effects on memory were found. Startling background music may have adverse (e.g., negative arousal) or beneficial effects (e.g., a positive emotional state and stronger positive engagement) depending on dispositional BAS sensitivity of an individual. Actual or potential applications of this research include the personalization of media presentations when using modern media and communications technologies.

Love Canal Emergency Declaration Area habitability study. Volume 3. Soil assessment: indicator chemicals. Final report

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

Not Available

Environmental studies were conducted to provide data that could be used by the Commissioner of Health for the State of New York in determining whether the Emergency Declaration Area (EDA) surrounding the Love Canal hazardous-waste site is habitable. The soil assessment compared concentrations of the Love Canal Indicator Chemicals found in the EDA to concentrations found in similar western New York communities. An analytical technique was developed to detect the indicator chemicals at very low levels, i.e. 1.0 ppb. The analytical technique utilized a gas chromatograph/mass spectrometer operating in the selected ion monitoring mode. The analytical results were statistically comparedmore » between the EDA and the comparison areas using a modified Wilcoxon rank sum test.« less

Deletion Mapping of zwf, the Gene for a Constitutive Enzyme, Glucose 6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase in ESCHERICHIA COLI

PubMed Central

Fraenkel, D. G.; Banerjee, Santimoy

1972-01-01

Genes for three enzymes of intermediary sugar metabolism in E. coli, zwf (glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase, constitutive), edd (gluconate 6-phosphate dehydrase, inducible), and eda (2-keto-3-deoxygluconate 6-phosphate aldolase, differently inducible) are closely linked on the E. coli genetic map, the overall gene order being man... old... eda. edd. zwf... cheB... uvrC... his. One class of apparent revertants of an eda mutant strain contains a secondary mutation in edd, and some of these mutations are deletions extending into zwf. We have used a series of spontaneous edd-zwf deletions to map a series of point mutants in zwf and thus report the first fine structure map of a gene for a constitutive enzyme (zwf). PMID:4560065

Rapid SAW Sensor Development Tools

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wilson, William C.; Atkinson, Gary M.

2007-01-01

The lack of integrated design tools for Surface Acoustic Wave (SAW) devices has led us to develop tools for the design, modeling, analysis, and automatic layout generation of SAW devices. These tools enable rapid development of wireless SAW sensors. The tools developed have been designed to integrate into existing Electronic Design Automation (EDA) tools to take advantage of existing 3D modeling, and Finite Element Analysis (FEA). This paper presents the SAW design, modeling, analysis, and automated layout generation tools.

Analysis of genetic polymorphisms in skeletal Class I crowding.

PubMed

Ting, Tung Yuen; Wong, Ricky Wing Kit; Rabie, A Bakr M

2011-07-01

Dental crowding is a problem for both adolescents and adults in modern society. The purpose of this research was to identify single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) responsible for crowding in subjects with skeletal Class I relationships. The case subjects consisted of healthy Chinese people living in Hong Kong with skeletal Class I relationships and at least 5 mm of crowding in either arch. The control subjects met the same requirements but lacked crowding or spacing. SNP genotyping was performed on the MassARRAY platform. The chi-square test was used to compare genotype and allele type distributions between the case and the control groups. Logistic regression was used to calculate odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals, and the effects of age and sex for each SNP. Analyses of linkage disequilibrium and haplotype associations between SNPs were performed with software. Five SNPs were found to be significantly different in genotype or allele type distributions. SNP rs372024 was significantly associated with crowding (P = 0.004). Two SNPs, rs3764746 and rs3795170, on the EDA gene were found to be associated marginally. SNPs rs1005464 and rs15705 also exhibited marginal association with crowding. The effects of associated SNPs remained significant after adjustments for age and sex factors. This study suggests an association for the genes EDA and XEDAR in dental crowding in the Hong Kong Chinese population. Copyright © 2011 American Association of Orthodontists. Published by Mosby, Inc. All rights reserved.

Emotion dysregulation and autonomic responses to film, rumination, and body awareness: Extending psychophysiological research to a naturalistic clinical setting and a chemically dependent female sample.

PubMed

Crowell, Sheila E; Price, Cynthia J; Puzia, Megan E; Yaptangco, Mona; Cheng, Sunny Chieh

2017-05-01

Substance use is a complex clinical problem characterized by emotion dysregulation and daily challenges that can interfere with laboratory research. Thus, few psychophysiological studies examine autonomic and self-report measures of emotion dysregulation with multidiagnostic, chemically dependent samples or extend this work into naturalistic settings. In this study, we used a within-subject design to examine changes in respiratory sinus arrhythmia (RSA), electrodermal activity (EDA), and self-reported affect across three tasks designed to elicit distinct psychophysiological and emotional response patterns. We also examined emotion dysregulation as a moderator of psychophysiological responses. Participants include 116 women with multiple comorbid mental health conditions enrolled in substance use treatment, many of whom also reported high emotion dysregulation. Participants were assessed in the treatment setting and completed three tasks: watching a sad movie clip, rumination on a stressful event, and a mindful interoceptive awareness meditation. Multilevel models were used to examine changes from resting baselines to the tasks. During the film, results indicate a significant decrease in RSA and an increase in EDA. For the rumination task, participants showed a decrease in RSA but no EDA response. For the body awareness task, there was an increase in RSA and a decrease in EDA. Emotion dysregulation was associated with differences in baseline RSA but not with EDA or with the slope of response patterns across tasks. Self-reported affect was largely consistent with autonomic patterns. Findings add to the literature on emotion dysregulation, substance use, and the translation of psychophysiological measurements into clinical settings with complex samples. © 2017 Society for Psychophysiological Research.

Non-parallel divergence across freshwater and marine three-spined stickleback Gasterosteus aculeatus populations.

PubMed

Pujolar, J M; Ferchaud, A L; Bekkevold, D; Hansen, M M

2017-07-01

This work investigated whether multiple freshwater populations of three-spined stickleback Gasterosteus aculeatus in different freshwater catchments in the Jutland Peninsula, Denmark, derived from the same marine populations show repeated adaptive responses. A total of 327 G. aculeatus collected at 13 sampling locations were screened for genetic variation using a combination of 70 genes putatively under selection and 26 neutral genes along with a marker linked to the ectodysplasin gene (eda), which is strongly correlated with plate armour morphs in the species. A highly significant genetic differentiation was found that was higher among different freshwater samples than between marine-freshwater samples. Tests for selection between marine and freshwater populations showed a very low degree of parallelism and no single nucleotide polymorphism was detected as outlier in all freshwater-marine pairwise comparisons, including the eda. This suggests that G. aculeatus is not necessarily the prime example of parallel local adaptation suggested in much of the literature and that important exceptions exist (i.e. the Jutland Peninsula). While marine populations in the results described here showed a high phenotype-genotype correlation at eda, a low association was found for most of the freshwater populations. The most extreme case was found in the freshwater Lake Hald where all low-plated phenotypes were either homozygotes for the allele supposed to be associated with completely plated morphs or heterozygotes, but none were homozygotes for the putative low-plated allele. Re-examination of data from seven G. aculeatus studies agrees in showing a high but partial association between phenotype-genotype at eda in G. aculeatus freshwater populations and that mismatches occur everywhere in the European regions studied (higher in some areas, i.e. Denmark). This is independent of the eda marker used. © 2017 The Fisheries Society of the British Isles.

Simultaneous Chemical and Optical Patterning of Polyacrylonitrile Film by Vapor-Based Reaction.

PubMed

Shin, Jae-Won; Lee, Choonghyeon; Cha, Sang-Ho; Jang, Jyongsik; Lee, Kyung Jin

2015-06-01

The surface of polyacrylonitrile (PAN) film is treated with ethyleneamines (EDA) in a simple chemical vapor phase reaction. Successful introduction of amine functional groups on the cyano group of PAN backbone is verified by FT-IR and NMR measurements. Further UV-vis and photoluminescence analyses show a red shift of the emission peak after repeated EDA treatment, which might be attributed to the formation of imine conjugation from newly formed carbon-nitrogen bonds on the PAN backbone. Further confocal laser scanning microscopy reveals that selective patterning of EDA on PAN films is possible via local polydimethylsiloxane masking. The results indicate that both chemical and optical patterning on PAN film can be realized via a single reaction and show the potential of this novel methodology in selective patterning. © 2015 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Computational investigation of non-covalent interactions in 1-butyl 3-methylimidazolium/bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide [bmim][Tf2N] in EMD and NEMD

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Blanco-Díaz, Edgar G.; Vázquez-Montelongo, Erik A.; Cisneros, G. Andrés; Castrejón-González, Edgar Omar

2018-02-01

Non-covalent interactions (NCIs) play a crucial role in the behavior and properties of ionic liquids (ILs). These interactions are particularly important for non-equilibrium properties such as the change in viscosity due to shearing forces (shear viscosity). Therefore, a detailed understanding of these interactions can improve our understanding of these important classes of liquids. Here, we have employed quantum mechanical energy decomposition analysis (EDA) and NCI analysis to investigate a series of representative 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide ([bmim][Tf2N]) ion pairs extracted from classical equilibrium and non-equilibrium molecular dynamics simulations. EDA based on symmetry-adapted perturbation theory (SAPT) for the complete monomers, as well as fragment SAPT (FSAPT), for the functional fragments has been carried out. In general, the electrostatic component comprises ≈80% of the intermolecular interaction, and significant contributions from other components (induction and dispersion) are also observed, especially for interactions involving bifurcated hydrogen bonds. The FSAPT analysis suggests that caution is warranted when employing simplified assumptions for non-bonded interactions, e.g., focusing only on hydrogen bonds between functional fragments, since this view may not provide a complete picture of the complicated interactions between the ions. In non-equilibrium molecular dynamics, the total interaction energies of some fragments have a significant qualitative change as the shear rate increases. Our results indicate that the inter-fragment interactions play a fundamental role in the viscous behavior of ILs, suggesting that the exclusive use of geometric criteria to analyze inter-molecular interactions in these systems is not sufficient to investigate shear-thinning effects.

Love Canal Emergency Declaration Area habitability study. Volume 2. Air assessment: indicator chemicals. Final report

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

Not Available

Environmental studies were conducted to provide data that could be used by the Commissioner of Health for the State of New York in determining whether the Emergency Declaration Area (EDA) surrounding the Love Canal hazardous-waste site is habitable. An air assessment was conducted for Love Canal Indicator Chemicals. Homes throughout the EDA were sampled using the Trace Atmospheric Gas Analyzer Model 6000E.

Molecular and Therapeutic Characterization of Anti-ectodysplasin A Receptor (EDAR) Agonist Monoclonal Antibodies*

PubMed Central

Kowalczyk, Christine; Dunkel, Nathalie; Willen, Laure; Casal, Margret L.; Mauldin, Elizabeth A.; Gaide, Olivier; Tardivel, Aubry; Badic, Giovanna; Etter, Anne-Lise; Favre, Manuel; Jefferson, Douglas M.; Headon, Denis J.; Demotz, Stéphane; Schneider, Pascal

2011-01-01

The TNF family ligand ectodysplasin A (EDA) and its receptor EDAR are required for proper development of skin appendages such as hair, teeth, and eccrine sweat glands. Loss of function mutations in the Eda gene cause X-linked hypohidrotic ectodermal dysplasia (XLHED), a condition that can be ameliorated in mice and dogs by timely administration of recombinant EDA. In this study, several agonist anti-EDAR monoclonal antibodies were generated that cross-react with the extracellular domains of human, dog, rat, mouse, and chicken EDAR. Their half-life in adult mice was about 11 days. They induced tail hair and sweat gland formation when administered to newborn EDA-deficient Tabby mice, with an EC50 of 0.1 to 0.7 mg/kg. Divalency was necessary and sufficient for this therapeutic activity. Only some antibodies were also agonists in an in vitro surrogate activity assay based on the activation of the apoptotic Fas pathway. Activity in this assay correlated with small dissociation constants. When administered in utero in mice or at birth in dogs, agonist antibodies reverted several ectodermal dysplasia features, including tooth morphology. These antibodies are therefore predicted to efficiently trigger EDAR signaling in many vertebrate species and will be particularly suited for long term treatments. PMID:21730053

Glassy carbon electrode modified with polyanilne/ethylenediamine for detection of copper ions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Patil, Harshada K.; Deshmukh, Megha A.; Bodkhe, Gajanan A.; Shirsat, Mahendra D.

2018-05-01

Increasing water pollution is having high concern, since it creates the threats to all leaving organisms of existence. Industrial sewages have not only polluted the main stream lines of water, also the ground level water is having serious contaminations. Heavy metal ions are the pollutants which are not degradable and can be accumulated on living things ultimately the excess accumulation results into the serious concerns. Therefore, it is necessary to develop the sensors which can detect the heavy metal ions up to its maximum contamination limits. Conducting polymers are the materials which possess large application spectra. This investigation reports the electrochemically synthesized polyaniline (PANI) for modification of glassy carbon electrode (GCE). Ethylenediamine (EDA) - chelating ligand used for the modification of polyaniline so as to inculcate the selectivity toward copper ions Cu (II). The electrochemical cyclic voltammetry (CV) was used for the study of redox characteristics of PANI and influence of EDA modification. The result of CV has shown the reduced oxidation and reduction peak currents after modification indicating the domination of EDA. GCE modified with PANI/EDA was then employed for the detection of divalent copper ions and have shown the affinity toward Cu ions. The detection limit achieved was equal to 10mg/lit.

Effect of sensory adaptation on anxiety of children with developmental disabilities: a new approach.

PubMed

Shapiro, Michele; Melmed, Raphael N; Sgan-Cohen, Harold D; Parush, Shula

2009-01-01

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of a sensory-adapted dental environment (SADE) on anxiety, relaxation, and cooperation of children with developmental disabilities (CDDs). Pharmacological treatment has been widely used to reduce anxiety, but nonpharmacological methods may be similarly effective. The standardized clinical situation chosen was a dental hygiene cleaning. A SADE was structured. Sixteen CDDs participated in an open cross-over intervention trial measuring behavioral and psychophysiological variables. There was a substantial increase in relaxation and cooperation in the SADE as opposed to the regular dental environment (RDE). This was reflected by: mean duration of anxious behaviors (SADE = 9.04 minutes vs. RDE = 23.44 minutes; P < .01); mean magnitude of anxious behaviors (SADE = 8.49 vs. RDE = 15.50; P < .01); cooperation levels (SADE = 331 vs. RDE = 1.94; P < .01); mean electrodermal activity (EDA; SADE = 1230 vs. RDE = 446; P < .001); and difference in degree of relaxation by EDA (SADE=2014 vs. RDE=763; P < .004). The findings indicate the potential importance of considering the sensory-adapted environment as a preferable dental environment for this population.

Analysis of the Variations in Rock Magnetic Properties of the Quaternary Blackwater Draw (Eolian) Formation, West Texas

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Stine, J. M.; Ferguson, J. F.; Geissman, J. W.; Sweet, D. E.

2017-12-01

The Quaternary Blackwater Draw Formation consists of the surficial deposits ( 10 + m thick) that directly overlie the Neogene Ogallala Formation in the Southern High Plains (SHP). These Quaternary deposits display a rhythmic pattern where eolian derived sediments (loess) are in turn punctuated by several paleosol layers, implying that Quaternary glacial-interglacial climate cycles are recorded in the Blackwater Draw Formation. In order to investigate this hypothesis, several rock magnetic parameters obtained from the Blackwater Draw Formation were analyzed using exploratory data analysis (EDA) techniques. The Blackwater Draw Formation was sampled at high resolution (2.5-5 cm intervals in depth, which serves as a proxy for time). Rock magnetic parameters measured are bulk magnetic susceptibility (χ, median: 1.56 * 10-4 SI volume), anhysteretic remanent magnetization (ARM, median: 0.1612 A/m), and isothermal remanent magnetization (IRM, median: 2.5367 A/m) intensity, which allow for the determination of two common environmental magnetic ratios (ARM/χ and ARM/IRM, medians: 1051 and 0.068 respectively) that are often used to approximate magnetic grain size. The data were analyzed using robust EDA methods for classification, correlation, and signal extraction. Using these techniques, it becomes evident that a good correspondence exists between the geophysical data and the geologic model (stratigraphy). For example, the cross plots showed that the magnetic data segregate into clusters corresponding to stratigraphy. Smoothing of the magnetic ratio data produces an oscillatory signal that may correspond to climate cyclicity. Additionally the smoothed models show a noticeable change in periodicity, where the ARM, IRM and χ values in the uppermost section exhibit a much higher amplitude and lower frequency than the bottom part of the section (with the reverse being true for the ratios). When comparing the data to the geologic model this change appears to correlate with the Mid-Pleistocene Transition (MPT), when the Earth's climate cycle periodicity changed from 41 ka to 100 ka.

Assessing Ion-Water Interactions in the AMOEBA Force Field Using Energy Decomposition Analysis of Electronic Structure Calculations.

PubMed

Mao, Yuezhi; Demerdash, Omar; Head-Gordon, Martin; Head-Gordon, Teresa

2016-11-08

AMOEBA is a molecular mechanics force field that addresses some of the shortcomings of a fixed partial charge model, by including permanent atomic point multipoles through quadrupoles, as well as many-body polarization through the use of point inducible dipoles. In this work, we investigate how well AMOEBA formulates its non-bonded interactions, and how it implicitly incorporates quantum mechanical effects such as charge penetration (CP) and charge transfer (CT), for water-water and water-ion interactions. We find that AMOEBA's total interaction energies, as a function of distance and over angular scans for the water dimer and for a range of water-monovalent cations, agree well with an advanced density functional theory (DFT) model, whereas the water-halides and water-divalent cations show significant disagreement with the DFT result, especially in the compressed region when the two fragments overlap. We use a second-generation energy decomposition analysis (EDA) scheme based on absolutely localized molecular orbitals (ALMOs) to show that in the best cases AMOEBA relies on cancellation of errors by softening of the van der Waals (vdW) wall to balance permanent electrostatics that are too unfavorable, thereby compensating for the missing CP effect. CT, as another important stabilizing effect not explicitly taken into account in AMOEBA, is also found to be incorporated by the softened vdW interaction. For the water-halides and water-divalent cations, this compensatory approach is not as well executed by AMOEBA over all distances and angles, wherein permanent electrostatics remains too unfavorable and polarization is overdamped in the former while overestimated in the latter. We conclude that the DFT-based EDA approach can help refine a next-generation AMOEBA model that either realizes a better cancellation of errors for problematic cases like those illustrated here, or serves to guide the parametrization of explicit functional forms for short-range contributions from CP and/or CT.

Performance of the AMOEBA Water Model in the Vicinity of QM Solutes: A Diagnosis Using Energy Decomposition Analysis.

PubMed

Mao, Yuezhi; Shao, Yihan; Dziedzic, Jacek; Skylaris, Chris-Kriton; Head-Gordon, Teresa; Head-Gordon, Martin

2017-05-09

The importance of incorporating solvent polarization effects into the modeling of solvation processes has been well-recognized, and therefore a new generation of hybrid quantum mechanics/molecular mechanics (QM/MM) approaches that accounts for this effect is desirable. We present a fully self-consistent, mutually polarizable QM/MM scheme using the AMOEBA force field, in which the total energy of the system is variationally minimized with respect to both the QM electronic density and the MM induced dipoles. This QM/AMOEBA model is implemented through the Q-Chem/LibEFP code interface and then applied to the evaluation of solute-solvent interaction energies for various systems ranging from the water dimer to neutral and ionic solutes (NH 3 , NH 4 + , CN - ) surrounded by increasing numbers of water molecules (up to 100). In order to analyze the resulting interaction energies, we also utilize an energy decomposition analysis (EDA) scheme which identifies contributions from permanent electrostatics, polarization, and van der Waals (vdW) interaction for the interaction between the QM solute and the solvent molecules described by AMOEBA. This facilitates a component-wise comparison against full QM calculations where the corresponding energy components are obtained via a modified version of the absolutely localized molecular orbitals (ALMO)-EDA. The results show that the present QM/AMOEBA model can yield reasonable solute-solvent interaction energies for neutral and cationic species, while further scrutiny reveals that this accuracy highly relies on the delicate balance between insufficiently favorable permanent electrostatics and softened vdW interaction. For anionic solutes where the charge penetration effect becomes more pronounced, the QM/MM interface turns out to be unbalanced. These results are consistent with and further elucidate our findings in a previous study using a slightly different QM/AMOEBA model ( Dziedzic et al. J. Chem. Phys. 2016 , 145 , 124106 ). The implications of these results for further refinement of this model are also discussed.

Environmental Radiation Measurements on MIR Station

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Benton, E. V.; Frank, A. L.; Benton, E. R.

1997-04-01

Environmental radiation levels on the Russian space station Mir are being monitored under differing shielding conditions by a series of six area passive dosimeters (APDs) placed at individual locations inside the Core and Kvant 2 modules, and by an External Dosimeter Array (EDA) to be-deployed on the exterior surface of the Kvant 2 module. Each APD and the EDA contains CR-39 plastic nuclear track detectors (PNTDs) for measurement of LET spectra and TLDs for absorbed dose measurements. Two of the missions, NASA-2/Mir-21 and NASA-3/Mir-22 have been completed and the six APDs from each mission returned to Earth from Mir. This report covers progress to date on the analysis of TLDs and PNTDs from these two missions. For NASA-2/Mir-21, average mission absorbed dose rates varied from 271 to 407 micro-Gy/d at the APDS. For NASA-3/Mir-22, average mission absorbed dose rates varied from 265 to 421 micro-Gy/d.

Environmental Radiation Measurements on MIR Station. Program 1; Internal Experiment

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Benton, E. V.; Frank, A. L.; Benton, E. R.

1997-01-01

Environmental radiation levels on the Russian space station Mir are being monitored under differing shielding conditions by a series of six area passive dosimeters (APDs) placed at individual locations inside the Core and Kvant 2 modules, and by an External Dosimeter Array (EDA) to be-deployed on the exterior surface of the Kvant 2 module. Each APD and the EDA contains CR-39 plastic nuclear track detectors (PNTDs) for measurement of LET spectra and TLDs for absorbed dose measurements. Two of the missions, NASA-2/Mir-21 and NASA-3/Mir-22 have been completed and the six APDs from each mission returned to Earth from Mir. This report covers progress to date on the analysis of TLDs and PNTDs from these two missions. For NASA-2/Mir-21, average mission absorbed dose rates varied from 271 to 407 micro-Gy/d at the APDS. For NASA-3/Mir-22, average mission absorbed dose rates varied from 265 to 421 micro-Gy/d.

A concentration-dependent multi-term linear free energy relationship for sorption of organic compounds to soils based on the hexadecane dilute-solution reference state.

PubMed

Zhu, Dongqiang; Pignatello, Joseph J

2005-11-15

A LFER of the type in the title is applied to sorption of numerous compounds to polyethylene and three soils for which sorption to natural organic matter (NOM) is presumed dominant. It provides fractional contributions to the Gibbs free energy of sorption corresponding to hydrophobic effects, dipolar/polarizability (D/P) effects in excess of the reference state, and the sum of possible specific forces such as H-bonding and pi-pi electron donor-acceptor (pi-pi EDA) interactions in excess of the reference state. Minimal inputs are the isotherm, the n-hexadecane-water partition coefficient and the Abraham pi parameter representing D/P effects. Sorption of all compounds to polyethylene can be described by considering only hydrophobic effects. Sorption of a calibration set of apolar compounds (aromatic and aliphatic hydrocarbons and chlorinated hydrocarbons) to the natural sorbents is well-described by a combination of hydrophobic and D/P effects. For the apolar set, D/P contributes approximately 15-40% (2-8% for cyclohexane) of sorption free energy. D/P effects increase with the degree of chlorination for aliphatic compounds. For aromatic compounds D/P effects increase with fused ring size but do not vary with degree of chlorination and chlorine substitution pattern. H-bonding contributes substantially to sorption of alcohols, and similarly for 2-nonanol and 2,4-dichlorophenol (33-44%). pi-pi EDA forces contribute to phenanthrene sorption in one case. The effects of concentration, sorbent aromaticity (literature NMR), and sorbent polarity [(O + N)/C] on hydrophobic and D/P contributions for all compounds indicate that (a) molecules fill sites of progressively greater hydrophilic character; (b) the energy penalty for cavity formation in the solid decreases with concentration due to plasticization and greater intermolecular contact; (c) sorbent aromatic content more than sorbent polarity controls D/P interactions. Basing free energy on an inert electrostatic chemical environment afforded by n-hexadecane permits evaluation of direct electrostatic forces in NOM that contribute to sorption.

Decision Aids Using Heterogeneous Intelligence Analysis

DTIC Science & Technology

2010-08-20

developing a Geocultural service, a software framework and inferencing engine for the Transparent Urban Structures program. The scope of the effort...has evolved as the program has matured and is including multiple data sources, as well as interfaces out to the ONR architectural framework . Tasks...Interface; Application Program Interface; Application Programmer Interface CAF Common Application Framework EDA Event Driven Architecture a 16. SECURITY

Enhancing adsorption of U(VI) onto EDTA modified L. cylindrica using epichlorohydrin and ethylenediamine as a bridge

PubMed Central

Su, Shouzheng; Liu, Qi; Liu, Jingyuan; Zhang, Hongsen; Li, Rumin; Jing, Xiaoyan; Wang, Jun

2017-01-01

Benefiting from strong coordination ability and unique vascular structure, EDTA modified L. cylindrica opens up an alternative way for uranium recovery from seawater. However, limitations, such as poor adsorption capacity and slow adsorption rate due to low graft ratio of EDTA via one-step esterification block its practical application. Here, a strategy for increasing the graft ratio is proposed in order to improve the adsorption performance. The strategy initially involves immobilization of epichlorohydrin (EPI) onto L. cylindrica and then ethylenediamine (EDA) is introduced via facile ring-opening reaction. EPI and EDA serve as a bridge between L. cylindrica and EDTA. The graft ratio is promoted (15.01 to 21.44%) contributing to the smaller steric hindrance of EPI and EDA than EDTA and improvement in adsorption performance. In addition, the adsorbent prepared by the new strategy exhibits excellent adsorption properties in simulated seawater. PMID:28272435

Psychophysiological arousal and inter‐ and intraindividual differences in risk‐sensitive decision making

PubMed Central

Scheibehenne, Benjamin; Clark, Luke

2016-01-01

Abstract The current study assessed peripheral responses during decision making under explicit risk, and tested whether intraindividual variability in choice behavior can be explained by fluctuations in peripheral arousal. Electrodermal activity (EDA) and heart rate (HR) were monitored in healthy volunteers (N = 68) during the Roulette Betting Task. In this task, participants were presented with risky gambles to bet on, with the chances of winning varying across trials. Hierarchical Bayesian analyses demonstrated that EDA and HR acceleration responses during the decision phase were sensitive to the chances of winning. Interindividual differences in this peripheral reactivity during risky decision making were related to trait sensitivity to punishment and trait sensitivity to reward. Moreover, trial‐by‐trial variation in EDA and HR acceleration responses predicted a small portion of intraindividual variability in betting choices. Our results show that psychophysiological responses are sensitive to explicit risk and can help explain intraindividual heterogeneity in choice behavior. PMID:26927730

A novel method for intelligent fault diagnosis of rolling bearings using ensemble deep auto-encoders

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shao, Haidong; Jiang, Hongkai; Lin, Ying; Li, Xingqiu

2018-03-01

Automatic and accurate identification of rolling bearings fault categories, especially for the fault severities and fault orientations, is still a major challenge in rotating machinery fault diagnosis. In this paper, a novel method called ensemble deep auto-encoders (EDAEs) is proposed for intelligent fault diagnosis of rolling bearings. Firstly, different activation functions are employed as the hidden functions to design a series of auto-encoders (AEs) with different characteristics. Secondly, EDAEs are constructed with various auto-encoders for unsupervised feature learning from the measured vibration signals. Finally, a combination strategy is designed to ensure accurate and stable diagnosis results. The proposed method is applied to analyze the experimental bearing vibration signals. The results confirm that the proposed method can get rid of the dependence on manual feature extraction and overcome the limitations of individual deep learning models, which is more effective than the existing intelligent diagnosis methods.

Interviewing Suspects with Avatars: Avatars Are More Effective When Perceived as Human

PubMed Central

Ströfer, Sabine; Ufkes, Elze G.; Bruijnes, Merijn; Giebels, Ellen; Noordzij, Matthijs L.

2016-01-01

It has been consistently demonstrated that deceivers generally can be discriminated from truth tellers by monitoring an increase in their physiological response. But is this still the case when deceivers interact with a virtual avatar? The present research investigated whether the mere “belief” that the virtual avatar is computer or human operated forms a crucial factor for eliciting physiological cues to deception. Participants were interviewed about a transgression they had been seduced to commit, by a human-like virtual avatar. In a between-subject design, participants either deceived or told the truth about this transgression. During the interviews, we measured the physiological responses assessing participants' electrodermal activity (EDA). In line with our hypothesis, EDA differences between deceivers and truth tellers only were significant for participants who believed they interacted with a human operated (compared to a computer operated) avatar. These results have theoretical as well as practical implications which we will discuss. PMID:27148150

Improving L2 Reading Comprehension through Emotionalized Dynamic Assessment Procedures.

PubMed

Abdolrezapour, Parisa

2017-06-01

The paper reports a study on an emotionally-loaded dynamic assessment procedure used with Iranian EFL learners. It focuses on the effect of using emotional intelligence characteristics (based on Goleman's framework) as a tool for motivating learners while performing reading tasks. The study with 50 intermediate learners aged 12-15 used three modalities: a control group, which was taught under institute's normal procedures; a comparison group, which received dynamic assessment (DA); and an experimental group, which received emotionalized dynamic assessment (EDA) procedures, in the form of an intervention focusing on characteristics of Goleman's emotional intelligence framework with the express purpose of inducing them to work with their emotions. Results showed that applying EDA procedures to reading assessment tasks made a difference in learners' level of performance in comparison to those who went through pure DA procedures who in turn performed significantly better than those who did not received DA in any form.

Ectodysplasin signalling deficiency in mouse models of hypohidrotic ectodermal dysplasia leads to middle ear and nasal pathology

PubMed Central

Azar, Ali; Piccinelli, Chiara; Brown, Helen; Headon, Denis; Cheeseman, Michael

2016-01-01

Hypohidrotic ectodermal dysplasia (HED) results from mutation of the EDA, EDAR or EDARADD genes and is characterized by reduced or absent eccrine sweat glands, hair follicles and teeth, and defective formation of salivary, mammary and craniofacial glands. Mouse models with HED also carry Eda, Edar or Edaradd mutations and have defects that map to the same structures. Patients with HED have ear, nose and throat disease, but this has not been investigated in mice bearing comparable genetic mutations. We report that otitis media, rhinitis and nasopharyngitis occur at high frequency in Eda and Edar mutant mice and explore the pathogenic mechanisms related to glandular function, microbial and immune parameters in these lines. Nasopharynx auditory tube glands fail to develop in HED mutant mice and the functional implications include loss of lysozyme secretion, reduced mucociliary clearance and overgrowth of nasal commensal bacteria accompanied by neutrophil exudation. Heavy nasopharynx foreign body load and loss of gland protection alters the auditory tube gating function and the auditory tubes can become pathologically dilated. Accumulation of large foreign body particles in the bulla stimulates granuloma formation. Analysis of immune cell populations and myeloid cell function shows no evidence of overt immune deficiency in HED mutant mice. Our findings using HED mutant mice as a model for the human condition support the idea that ear and nose pathology in HED patients arises as a result of nasal and nasopharyngeal gland deficits, reduced mucociliary clearance and impaired auditory tube gating function underlies the pathological sequelae in the bulla. PMID:27378689

Impurity screening behavior of the high-field side scrape-off layer in near-double-null configurations: prospect for mitigating plasma-material interactions on RF actuators and first-wall components

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

LaBombard, B.; Kuang, A. Q.; Brunner, D.; Faust, I.; Mumgaard, R.; Reinke, M. L.; Terry, J. L.; Howard, N.; Hughes, J. W.; Chilenski, M.; Lin, Y.; Marmar, E.; Rice, J. E.; Rodriguez-Fernandez, P.; Wallace, G.; Whyte, D. G.; Wolfe, S.; Wukitch, S.

2017-07-01

The impurity screening response of the high-field side (HFS) scrape-off layer (SOL) to localized nitrogen injection is investigated on Alcator C-Mod for magnetic equilibria spanning lower-single-null, double-null and upper-single-null configurations under otherwise identical plasma conditions. L-mode, EDA H-mode and I-mode discharges are investigated. HFS impurity screening is found to depend on magnetic flux balance and the direction of B  ×  \

RNA-Seq workflow: gene-level exploratory analysis and differential expression

PubMed Central

Love, Michael I.; Anders, Simon; Kim, Vladislav; Huber, Wolfgang

2015-01-01

Here we walk through an end-to-end gene-level RNA-Seq differential expression workflow using Bioconductor packages. We will start from the FASTQ files, show how these were aligned to the reference genome, and prepare a count matrix which tallies the number of RNA-seq reads/fragments within each gene for each sample. We will perform exploratory data analysis (EDA) for quality assessment and to explore the relationship between samples, perform differential gene expression analysis, and visually explore the results. PMID:26674615

A finite-strain homogenization model for viscoplastic porous single crystals: I - Theory

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Song, Dawei; Ponte Castañeda, P.

2017-10-01

This paper presents a homogenization-based constitutive model for the finite-strain, macroscopic response of porous viscoplastic single crystals. The model accounts explicitly for the evolution of the average lattice orientation, as well as the porosity, average shape and orientation of the voids (and their distribution), by means of appropriate microstructural variables playing the role of internal variables and serving to characterize the evolution of both the "crystallographic" and "morphological" anisotropy of the porous single crystals. The model makes use of the fully optimized second-order variational method of Ponte Castañeda (2015), together with the iterated homogenization approach of Agoras and Ponte Castañeda (2013), to characterize the instantaneous effective response of the porous single crystals with fixed values of the microstructural variables. Consistent homogenization estimates for the average strain rate and vorticity fields in the phases are then used to derive evolution equations for the associated microstructural variables. The model is 100% predictive, requiring no fitting parameters, and applies for porous viscoplastic single crystals with general crystal anisotropy and average void shape and orientation, which are subjected to general loading conditions. In Part II of this work (Song and Ponte Castañeda, 2017a), results for both the instantaneous response and the evolution of the microstructure will be presented for porous FCC and HCP single crystals under a wide range of loading conditions, and good agreement with available FEM results will be shown.

The Effects of State Funding on Property Tax Rates and School Construction

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Plummer, Elizabeth

2006-01-01

In response to concerns over funding for school construction, the state of Texas has implemented two programs to assist school districts with construction-related debt. This paper examines whether these programs have accomplished their objectives of reducing property taxes (the Existing Debt Allotment (EDA) program) and increasing capital outlays…

An efficient current-based logic cell model for crosstalk delay analysis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nazarian, Shahin; Das, Debasish

2013-04-01

Logic cell modelling is an important component in the analysis and design of CMOS integrated circuits, mostly due to nonlinear behaviour of CMOS cells with respect to the voltage signal at their input and output pins. A current-based model for CMOS logic cells is presented, which can be used for effective crosstalk noise and delta delay analysis in CMOS VLSI circuits. Existing current source models are expensive and need a new set of Spice-based characterisation, which is not compatible with typical EDA tools. In this article we present Imodel, a simple nonlinear logic cell model that can be derived from the typical cell libraries such as NLDM, with accuracy much higher than NLDM-based cell delay models. In fact, our experiments show an average error of 3% compared to Spice. This level of accuracy comes with a maximum runtime penalty of 19% compared to NLDM-based cell delay models on medium-sized industrial designs.

Evaluation of an Immobilized Cell Bioreactor for Degradation of Meta- and Para-Nitrobenzoate

DTIC Science & Technology

1994-01-18

AFB IWTP. 4 Shake flask tests and continuous flow, bench-scale bioreactor tests were conducted using EDA or spent CLEPO 204 as the substrate. It was...found that the shake flask cultures completely degraded EDA when it was the sole substrate. However, using spent CLEPO 204 as the substrate caused a...microorganisms isolated, Kelly 4. Erlenmeyer flasks (250 mL) were used in studies to determine the maximal growth rate of Kelly 4 at 30" C in SMSB

The Biodegradation of TNT in Enhanced Soil and Compost Systems

DTIC Science & Technology

1978-01-01

dimethylsulfoxide ( DMSO ) Is substituted for EDA because EDA tends to clog the sprayei . Dr. Chandler’s solvent system No. 1 is used for non-polar separa...material was converted to non- solvent -extractable, water-soluble materials of unknown Identity. These materials may represent the contents of dead... solvent system No. 1 54 2A TLC separation of TNT and derivatives using ChandlerIs solvent system No. 2 55 3A TLC separation of TNT and derivatives using

Policing Toward a De-Clawed Jihad: Antiterrorism Intelligence Techniques for Law Enforcement

DTIC Science & Technology

2006-12-01

particularly young Muslim adults who prefer the Internet as their primary news source over traditional print and broadcast media.35 Al-Qa’eda boasts a...first-hand knowledge and helped me give this thesis some real-world perspective. And whenever I’d feel the crunch, I’d reflect on Chuck Daenzer’s...Qa’eda hackers might disrupt an electronic commerce system or launch a denial of service attack, temporarily disabling part of a network, but such an

The Buffer Effect of Therapy Dog Exposure on Stress Reactivity in Undergraduate Students

PubMed Central

Fiocco, Alexandra J.; Hunse, Anastasia M.

2017-01-01

Stress is an insidious health risk that is commonly reported among university students. While research suggests that dog exposure may facilitate recovery from a stress response, little is known about the buffer effect of dog exposure on the stress response to a future stressor. This study examined whether interaction with a therapy dog could reduce the strength of the physiological stress response when exposed to a subsequent stressor. Sixty-one university students were randomly assigned to either a therapy dog (TD, n = 31) or a no-dog control (C, n = 30) group. The stress response was measured by electrodermal activity (EDA) in response to the Paced Auditory Serial Addition Test (PASAT). Participants also completed questionnaires that assessed pet attitude, general stress levels, and affect. Analyses of covariance (ANCOVAs) showed that increase in EDA was significantly more pronounced in the C group than in the TD group (p < 0.01). Pet attitudes did not modulate the buffer effect of therapy dog exposure. Results suggest that therapy dog exposure may buffer the stress response in university students, which has implications for the promotion of a viable stress management program on university campuses. PMID:28665340

The ETHANOL-CO_2 Dimer is AN Electron Donor-Acceptor Complex

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

McGuire, Brett A.; Martin-Drumel, Marie-Aline; McCarthy, Michael C.

2017-06-01

Supercritical (sc) CO_2 is a common industrial solvent for the extraction of caffeine, nicotine, petrochemicals, and natural products. The ability of apolar scCO_2 to dissolve polar solutes is greatly enhanced by the addition of a polar co-solvent, often methanol or ethanol. Experimental and theoretical work show that methanol interactions in scCO_2 are predominantly hydrogen bonding, while the gas-phase complex is an electron donor-acceptor (EDA) configuration. Ethanol, meanwhile, is predicted to form EDA complexes both in scCO_2 and in the gas phase, but there have been no experimental measurements to support this conclusion. Here, we report a combined chirped-pulse and cavity FTMW study of the ethanol-CO_2 complex. Comparison with theory indicates the EDA complex is dominant under our experimental conditions. We confirm the structure with isotopic substitution, and derive a semi-experimental equilibrium structure. Our results are consistent with theoretical predictions that the linearity of the CO_2 subgroup is broken by the complexation interaction.

Increase of electrodermal activity of heart meridian during physical exercise: the significance of electrical values in acupuncture and diagnostic importance.

PubMed

Pontarollo, Francesco; Rapacioli, Giuliana; Bellavite, Paolo

2010-08-01

Electric field measurements of skin potential and electrical currents are physiological indicators of electrodermal activity (EDA) and have been associated with a variety of sensory, cognitive and emotional stimuli. The aim of this study was to investigate the EDA at some hand acupoints before, during and after a physical exercise. EDA of eight points located at the corner of fingernails of hands was measured in 10 healthy young volunteers before, during and after a 14-min acute exercise in a bicycle ergometer. In pre-exercise resting state the parameters were stable and similar between the 8 different tested points, while during exercise a significant increase of current (from 1000-2000 to 4000-8000 nA) was observed, with the maximal values related to the point located on the ulnar side of the little finger, at the base of the nail, corresponding to the Shao chong (HT9) of heart meridian. Copyright 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

The driver vigilance telemetric control system (DVTCS): investigating sensitivity to experimentally induced sleep loss and fatigue.

PubMed

Dorrian, Jillian; Lamond, Nicole; Kozuchowski, Karolina; Dawson, Drew

2008-11-01

Vigilance technologies are used in the Australian rail industry to address the risks associated with driver sleepiness and fatigue. The aim of this study was to investigate whether a new device, designed to detect lowered states of arousal using electrodermal activity (EDA), would be sensitive to experimentally induced sleepiness and fatigue. Fifteen individuals (7 of them female, 9 male; 18-32 years of age) spent 3 consecutive days in the laboratory, which included 1 night of sustained wakefulness (28 h). The participants completed a 10-min psychomotor vigilance task (PVT) and fatigue and sleepiness ratings every 2 h, and a 30-min driving simulator every 4 h. As was expected, simulated driving, PVT, and subjective ratings indicated increasing levels of sleepiness and fatigue during sustained wakefulness. The EDA device output did not coincide with these findings. The results indicated that the EDA indicator was not sensitive to increased sleepiness and fatigue at the levels produced in the present study.

Psychophysiological Synchrony During Verbal Interaction in Romantic Relationships.

PubMed

Coutinho, Joana; Oliveira-Silva, Patrícia; Fernandes, Eugénia; Gonçalves, Oscar F; Correia, Diogo; Perrone Mc-Govern, Kristin; Tschacher, Wolfgang

2018-06-10

Previous studies about romantic relationships have shown that the reciprocal influence between partners occurs not only at the behavioral and socio-emotional levels, but also at the psychophysiological level. This reciprocal influence is expressed in a pattern of physiological synchrony between partners (i.e., coordinated dynamics of the physiological time series). The main aim of the present study was to explore the presence of a pattern of physiological synchrony in electrodermal activity (EDA) during a couple interaction task. A second objective was to compare the synchrony levels during a negative interaction condition versus a positive interaction condition. Finally, we analyzed the association between synchrony and self-perception of empathy, dyadic empathy, and relationship satisfaction. Thirty-two couples (64 individuals) participated in this study. Each couple performed a structured interaction task while the EDA of both partners was being registered. The quantification of synchrony was based on the cross-correlation of both members' EDA time-series. In order to control for coincidental synchrony, surrogate datasets were created by repeatedly shuffling the original data of spouses X and Y of a dyad and computing synchronies on the basis of the shuffled data (pseudosynchrony values). Our results confirmed the presence of significant EDA synchrony during the interaction. We also found that synchrony was higher during the negative interactions relative to the positive interactions. Additionally, physiological synchrony during positive interaction was higher for those couples in which males scored higher in dyadic empathy. The clinical implications of these findings are discussed. © 2018 Family Process Institute.

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

Jia, Li-Ping; Zhang, Qiang; State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse

Graphical abstract: Lanthanide ions doped bare earth rare earth fluoride nanocrystals are synthesized by hydrothermal technology and characterized. The down/up-conversion luminescence of them are discussed. - Highlights: • Mixed hydrothermal system H{sub 2}O–OA (EDA)–O-A(LO-A) is used for synthesis. • Barium rare earth fluoride nanocrystals are synthesized comprehensively. • Luminescence for down-conversion and up-conversion are obtained for these systems. - Abstract: Mixed hydrothermal system H{sub 2}O–OA (EDA)–O-A(LO-A) is developed to synthesize barium rare earth fluorides nanocrystals (OA = oleylamine, EDA = ethylenediamine, O-A = oleic acid and LO-A = linoleic acid). They are presented as BaREF{sub 5} (RE = Ce, Pr,more » Nd, Eu, Gd, Tb, Dy, Y, Tm, Lu) and Ba{sub 2}REF{sub 7} (RE = La, Sm, Ho, Er, Yb). The influence of reaction parameters (rare earth species, hydrothermal system and temperature) is checked on the phase and shape evolution of the fluoride nanocrystals. It is found that reaction time and temperature of these nanocrystals using EDA (180 °C, 6 h) is lower than those of them using OA (220 °C, 10 h). The photoluminescence properties of these fluorides activated by some rare earth ions (Nd{sup 3+}, Eu{sup 3+}, Tb{sup 3+}) are studied, and especially up-conversion luminescence of the four fluoride nanocrystal systems (Ba{sub 2}LaF{sub 7}:Yb, Tm(Er), Ba{sub 2}REF{sub 7}:Yb, Tm(Er) (RE = Gd, Y, Lu)) is observed.« less

Organic reactions catalyzed by methylrhenium trioxide: Reactions of ethyl diazoacetate and organic azides

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

Zhu, Z.; Espenson, J.H.

1996-10-16

Methylrhenium trioxide (CH{sub 3}ReO{sub 3} or MTO) catalyzes several classes of reactions of ethyl diazoacetate, EDA. It is the first high valent oxo complex for carbene transfer. Under mild conditions and in the absence of other substrates, EDA was converted to a 9:1 mixture of diethyl maleate and diethyl fumarate. In the presence of alcohols, {alpha}-alkoxy ethyl acetates were obtained in good yield. The yields dropped for the larger and more branched alcohols, the balance of material being diethyl maleate and fumarate. An electron-donating group in the para position of phenols favors the formation of {alpha}-phenoxy ethyl acetates. The usemore » of EDA to form {alpha}-thio ethyl acetates and N-substituted glycine ethyl esters, on the other hand, is hardly affected by the size or structure of the parent thiol or amine, with all of these reactions proceeding in high yield. MTO-catalyzed cycloaddition reactions occur between EDA and aromatic imines, olefins, and carbonyl compounds. Three-membered ring products are formed: aziridines, cyclopropanes, and epoxides, respectively. The reactions favor the formation of trans products, and provide a convenient route for the preparation of aziridines. Intermediate carbenoid and nitrenoid species have been proposed. In the presence of an oxygen source such as an epoxide, ethyl diazoacetate and azibenzil are converted to an oxalic acid monoethyl ester and to benzil; at the same time the epoxide was converted to an olefin. 75 refs., 1 fig., 7 tabs.« less

Green synthesis of selenium nanoparticles conjugated Clausena dentata plant leaf extract and their insecticidal potential against mosquito vectors.

PubMed

Sowndarya, P; Ramkumar, G; Shivakumar, M S

2017-12-01

Mosquitoes are major vectors for the transmission of many diseases like chikungunya, malaria, dengue, zika, etc. worldwide. In the present study, selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) were synthesized from Clausena dentata and were tested for their larvicidal efficacy against the fourth-instar larvae of Anopheles stephensi, Aedes Aegypti, and Culex quinquefasciatus. The synthesized nanoparticles were characterized using UV-Vis spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared Radiation (FTIR) spectroscopy, EDaX, and SEM. The results recorded from UV-Vis spectroscopy show the peak absorption spectrum at 420 nm. In FTIR, the maximum peak value is 2922.25 cm -1 assigned to N-H group (amide group). In EDaX analysis shows peak around 72.64 which confirm the binding intensity of selenium. In SEM analysis, the synthesized SeNPs sizes were ranging from 46.32 nm to 78.88 nm. The synthesized SeNPs produced high mortality with very low concentration (LC 50 ) were 240.714 mg/L; 104.13 mg/L, and 99.602 mg/L for A. stephensi, A. Aegypti, and C. quinquefasciatus, respectively. These results suggest that the C. dentata leaf extract-mediated biosynthesis of SeNPs has the potential to be used as an ideal ecofriendly approach toward the control of mosquito vectors at early stages.

Preparation of guar gum scaffold film grafted with ethylenediamine and fish scale collagen, cross-linked with ceftazidime for wound healing application.

PubMed

Jana, Piyali; Mitra, Tapas; Selvaraj, Thirupathi Kumara Raja; Gnanamani, A; Kundu, P P

2016-11-20

Present study describes the synthesis of carboxymethyl guar gum (CMGG) from the native guar gum (GG) and the prepared CMGG is grafted with ethylenediamine (EDA) to form aminated CMGG. Then, fish scale collagen and aminated CMGG are cross-linked by ceftazidime drug through non- covalent ionic interaction. The resultant cross-linked film is subjected to the analysis of (1)HNMR, ATR-FTIR, TGA, SEM and XRD. The TNBS results revealed that 45% of interaction between EDA and CMGG and 90-95% of Ceftazidime is released from aminated CMGG-Ceftazidime-Collagen (ACCC) film after 96h of incubation at physiological pH. In vitro cell line studies reveal the biocompatibility of the cross-linked film and the antimicrobial studies display the growth inhibition against Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa organisms. Overall, the study indicates that the incorporation of Ceftazidime into collagen and aminated CMGG can improve the functional property of aminated CMGG as well as collagen, leading to its biomedical applications. Copyright © 2016. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Pharmacological Activation of the EDA/EDAR Signaling Pathway Restores Salivary Gland Function following Radiation-Induced Damage

PubMed Central

Hill, Grace; Headon, Denis; Harris, Zoey I.; Huttner, Kenneth; Limesand, Kirsten H.

2014-01-01

Radiotherapy of head and neck cancers often results in collateral damage to adjacent salivary glands associated with clinically significant hyposalivation and xerostomia. Due to the reduced capacity of salivary glands to regenerate, hyposalivation is treated by substitution with artificial saliva, rather than through functional restoration of the glands. During embryogenesis, the ectodysplasin/ectodysplasin receptor (EDA/EDAR) signaling pathway is a critical element in the development and growth of salivary glands. We have assessed the effects of pharmacological activation of this pathway in a mouse model of radiation-induced salivary gland dysfunction. We report that post-irradiation administration of an EDAR-agonist monoclonal antibody (mAbEDAR1) normalizes function of radiation damaged adult salivary glands as determined by stimulated salivary flow rates. In addition, salivary gland structure and homeostasis is restored to pre-irradiation levels. These results suggest that transient activation of pathways involved in salivary gland development could facilitate regeneration and restoration of function following damage. PMID:25409170

High pressure study of viscosity and temperature effects on tetracyanobenzene EDA complexes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Thomas, Michele Moisio; Drickamer, H. G.

1981-12-01

High pressure fluorescence studies from 0-10 kbar have been performed on electron donor-acceptor (EDA) complexes of s-tetracyanobenzene (TCNB) with a series of aromatic hydrocarbons. Four solvents were used: 2,2,4,4,6,8,8-heptamethylnonane (HMN), methylcyclohexane (MCH), 2,6,10,14-tetramethylpentadecane (TMPD), and a mixture of MCH and HMN. A viscosity range from 0.006 to 10 000 P was covered at two temperatures: 0 and 25 °C. As pressure (viscosity) increased the fluorescence spectrum shifted from one dominated by emission from the equilibrium (EQ) excited singlet state to one dominated by Franck-Condon (FC) singlet emission. Lifetime measurements for the complexes of o-xylene and p-xylene with TCNB yielded the two radiative rates (kEQ and kFC) as well as the rate of relaxation from FC to the EQ excited state (kRE). kRE was found to correlate well with viscosity and to be independent of temperature at constant viscosity, indicating that the relaxation process is diffusion controlled.

Vibrational correlation between conjugated carbonyl and diazo modes studied by single- and dual-frequency two-dimensional infrared spectroscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Maekawa, Hiroaki; Sul, Soohwan; Ge, Nien-Hui

2013-08-01

We have applied infrared three-pulse photon echo and single- and dual-frequency 2D IR spectroscopy to the ester Cdbnd O and diazo Ndbnd N stretching modes in ethyl diazoacetate (EDA), and investigated their vibrational frequency fluctuations and correlation. The two modes exhibit different vibrational dynamics and 2D lineshape, which are well simulated by frequency-frequency correlation functions (FFCFs) with two decaying components. Although the FT IR spectrum shows a single Cdbnd O band, absolute magnitude 2D IR nonrephasing spectrum displays spectral signatures supporting the presence of cis and trans conformations. The cross-peak inclined toward the anti-diagonal in the dual-frequency 2D IR spectrum, indicating that the frequency fluctuations of the two modes are anticorrelated. This behavior is attributed to anticorrelated change in the bond orders when solvent and structural fluctuations causes EDA to adopt a different mixture of the two dominant resonance structures. The effects of cross FFCF on the cross-peak line shape are discussed.

Anhidrotic ectodermal dysplasia gene region cloned in yeast artificial chromosomes

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

Kere, J.; Grzeschik, K.H.; Limon, J.

1993-05-01

Anhidrotic ectodermal dysplasia (EDA), an X-chromosomal recessive disorder, is expressed in a few females with chromosomal translocations involving bands Xq12-q13. Using available DNA markers from the region and somatic cell hybrids the authors mapped the X-chromosomal breakpoints in two such translocations. The breakpoints were further mapped within a yeast artificial chromosome contig constructed by chromosome walking techniques. Genomic DNA markers that map between the two translocation breakpoints were recovered representing putative portions of the EDA gene. 32 refs., 3 figs., 1 tab.

A rat model of hypohidrotic ectodermal dysplasia carries a missense mutation in the Edaradd gene

PubMed Central

2011-01-01

Background Hypohidrotic ectodermal dysplasia (HED) is a congenital disorder characterized by sparse hair, oligodontia, and inability to sweat. It is caused by mutations in any of three Eda pathway genes: ectodysplasin (Eda), Eda receptor (Edar), and Edar-associated death domain (Edaradd), which encode ligand, receptor, and intracellular adaptor molecule, respectively. The Eda signaling pathway activates NF-κB, which is central to ectodermal differentiation. Although the causative genes and the molecular pathway affecting HED have been identified, no curative treatment for HED has been established. Previously, we found a rat spontaneous mutation that caused defects in hair follicles and named it sparse-and-wavy (swh). Here, we have established the swh rat as the first rat model of HED and successfully identified the swh mutation. Results The swh/swh rat showed sparse hair, abnormal morphology of teeth, and absence of sweat glands. The ectoderm-derived glands, meibomian, preputial, and tongue glands, were absent. We mapped the swh mutation to the most telomeric part of rat Chr 7 and found a Pro153Ser missense mutation in the Edaradd gene. This mutation was located in the death domain of EDARADD, which is crucial for signal transduction and resulted in failure to activate NF-κB. Conclusions These findings suggest that swh is a loss-of-function mutation in the rat Edaradd and indicate that the swh/swh rat would be an excellent animal model of HED that could be used to investigate the pathological basis of the disease and the development of new therapies. PMID:22013926

13 CFR 307.14 - Revolving Loan Fund semi-annual report and Income and Expense Statement.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-01-01

... RLF Plan to ensure effective use of the RLF as a strategic financing tool. (c) RLF Income and Expense... for administrative costs in a six-month (6) Reporting Period must submit to EDA a completed Income and Expense Statement (Form ED-209I or any successor form) for that Reporting Period in electronic format...

13 CFR 307.14 - Revolving Loan Fund semi-annual report and Income and Expense Statement.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-01-01

... RLF Plan to ensure effective use of the RLF as a strategic financing tool. (c) RLF Income and Expense... for administrative costs in a six-month (6) Reporting Period must submit to EDA a completed Income and Expense Statement (Form ED-209I or any successor form) for that Reporting Period in electronic format...

13 CFR 307.14 - Revolving Loan Fund semi-annual report and Income and Expense Statement.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-01-01

... RLF Plan to ensure effective use of the RLF as a strategic financing tool. (c) RLF Income and Expense... for administrative costs in a six-month (6) Reporting Period must submit to EDA a completed Income and Expense Statement (Form ED-209I or any successor form) for that Reporting Period in electronic format...

Solar-light photocatalytic disinfection using crystalline/amorphous low energy bandgap reduced TiO2

PubMed Central

Kim, Youngmin; Hwang, Hee Min; Wang, Luyang; Kim, Ikjoon; Yoon, Yeoheung; Lee, Hyoyoung

2016-01-01

A generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) from TiO2 under solar light has been long sought since the ROS can disinfect organic pollutants. We found that newly developed crystalline/amorphous reduced TiO2 (rTiO2) that has low energy bandgap can effectively generate ROS under solar light and successfully remove a bloom of algae. The preparation of rTiO2 is a one-pot and mass productive solution-process reduction using lithium-ethylene diamine (Li-EDA) at room temperature. Interestingly only the rutile phase of TiO2 crystal was reduced, while the anatase phase even in case of both anatase/rutile phased TiO2 was not reduced. Only reduced TiO2 materials can generate ROS under solar light, which was confirmed by electron spin resonance. Among the three different types of Li-EDA treated TiO2 (anatase, rutile and both phased TiO2), the both phased rTiO2 showed the best performance to produce ROS. The generated ROS effectively removed the common green algae Chlamydomonas. This is the first report on algae degradation under solar light, proving the feasibility of commercially available products for disinfection. PMID:27121120

Darwinism in metaethics: What if the universal acid cannot be contained?

PubMed

Severini, Eleonora; Sterpetti, Fabio

2017-09-12

The aim of this article is to explore the impact of Darwinism in metaethics and dispel some of the confusion surrounding it. While the prospects for a Darwinian metaethics appear to be improving, some underlying epistemological issues remain unclear. We will focus on the so-called Evolutionary Debunking Arguments (EDAs) which, when applied in metaethics, are defined as arguments that appeal to the evolutionary origins of moral beliefs so as to undermine their epistemic justification. The point is that an epistemic disanalogy can be identified in the debate on EDAs between moral beliefs and other kinds of beliefs, insofar as only the former are regarded as vulnerable to EDAs. First, we will analyze some significant debunking positions in metaethics in order to show that they do not provide adequate justification for such an epistemic disanalogy. Then, we will assess whether they can avoid the accusation of being epistemically incoherent by adopting the same evolutionary account for all kinds of beliefs. In other words, once it is argued that Darwinism has a corrosive impact on metaethics, what if its universal acid cannot be contained?

Chemical modification of poly(ethylene terephthalate) and immobilization of the selected enzymes on the modified film

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Irena, Gancarz; Jolanta, Bryjak; Karolina, Zynek

2009-07-01

Poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) film was modified by reaction with hydrazine (HD), ethylenediamine (EDA), 1,2-diaminopropane (1,2-DAP) and 1,3-diaminopropane (1,3-DAP). The maximal amount of amine functionalities introduced in the chosen conditions on the surface was found as 0.07, 3.35, 0.76 and 1.99 nmol cm -2 for HD, EDA, 1,2-DAP and 1,3-DAP respectively. During the modification process etching of the sample and an increase of stiffness takes place. FTIR-ATR spectra prove that the surface chemistry after modification in amine solution is very complex. The lack of clear correlation between the surface tension and surface concentration of amine functionalities seems to confirm that. For immobilization purpose invertase, laccase and tyrosinase were used. The amount of covalently attached proteins at first increases with the increase of surface concentration of amine groups but after reaching a certain level of amine groups, decrease of the immobilization level was observed. All enzymes tested showed highest activity for a moderate level of aminolysis and this activity had the highest values for EDA-modified PET.

Anti-inflammatory response of dietary vitamin E and its effects on pain and joint structures during early stages of surgically induced osteoarthritis in dogs

PubMed Central

Rhouma, Mohamed; de Oliveira El Warrak, Alexander; Troncy, Eric; Beaudry, Francis; Chorfi, Younès

2013-01-01

There is evidence that vitamin E (VE) has anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties in human osteoarthritis (OA). This double-blinded and randomized pilot study used a broad spectrum of clinical and laboratory parameters to investigate whether such beneficial effects could be detected in a canine experimental OA model. Dogs were divided into 2 groups: control (n = 8), which received a placebo, and test group (n = 7), which received 400 IU/animal per day of VE for 55 d, starting the day after transection of the cranial cruciate ligament. Lameness and pain were assessed using a visual analogue scale (VAS), numerical rating scale (NRS), and electrodermal activity (EDA) at day 0, day 28, and day 55. Cartilage and synovial inflammation lesions were assessed. One-side comparison was conducted at an alpha-threshold of 10%. At day 56, dogs were euthanized and concentrations of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β) were measured in synovial fluid. Concentrations of NOx and PGE2 in synovial fluid were lower in the test group (P < 0.0001 and P = 0.03, respectively). Values of VAS, NRS, and EDA showed a consistent trend to be lower in the test group than in the control, while statistical significance was reached for VAS at day 55 and for EDA at day 28 (adjusted P = 0.07 in both cases). Histological analyses of cartilage showed a significant reduction in the scores of lesions in the test group. This is the first time that a study in dogs with OA using a supplement with a high dose of vitamin E showed a reduction in inflammation joint markers and histological expression, as well as a trend to improving signs of pain. PMID:24101795

Anti-inflammatory response of dietary vitamin E and its effects on pain and joint structures during early stages of surgically induced osteoarthritis in dogs.

PubMed

Rhouma, Mohamed; de Oliveira El Warrak, Alexander; Troncy, Eric; Beaudry, Francis; Chorfi, Younès

2013-07-01

There is evidence that vitamin E (VE) has anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties in human osteoarthritis (OA). This double-blinded and randomized pilot study used a broad spectrum of clinical and laboratory parameters to investigate whether such beneficial effects could be detected in a canine experimental OA model. Dogs were divided into 2 groups: control (n = 8), which received a placebo, and test group (n = 7), which received 400 IU/animal per day of VE for 55 d, starting the day after transection of the cranial cruciate ligament. Lameness and pain were assessed using a visual analogue scale (VAS), numerical rating scale (NRS), and electrodermal activity (EDA) at day 0, day 28, and day 55. Cartilage and synovial inflammation lesions were assessed. One-side comparison was conducted at an alpha-threshold of 10%. At day 56, dogs were euthanized and concentrations of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β) were measured in synovial fluid. Concentrations of NOx and PGE2 in synovial fluid were lower in the test group (P < 0.0001 and P = 0.03, respectively). Values of VAS, NRS, and EDA showed a consistent trend to be lower in the test group than in the control, while statistical significance was reached for VAS at day 55 and for EDA at day 28 (adjusted P = 0.07 in both cases). Histological analyses of cartilage showed a significant reduction in the scores of lesions in the test group. This is the first time that a study in dogs with OA using a supplement with a high dose of vitamin E showed a reduction in inflammation joint markers and histological expression, as well as a trend to improving signs of pain.

Final Draft of RACER Audit

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

Paige, Karen Schultz; Gomez, Penelope E.

This document describes the approach Waste and Environmental Services - Environmental Data and Analysis plans to take to resolve the issues presented in a recent audit of the WES-EDA Environmental Database relative to the RACER database. A majority of the issues discovered in the audit will be resolved in May 2011 when the WES-EDA Environmental Database, along with other LANL databases, are integrated and moved to a new vendor providing an Environmental Information Management (EIM) system that allows reporting capabilities for all users directly from the database. The EIM system will reside in a publicly accessible LANL cloud-based software system.more » When this transition occurs, the data quality, completeness, and access will change significantly. In the remainder of this document, this new structure will be referred to as the LANL Cloud System In general, our plan is to address the issues brought up in this audit in three ways: (1) Data quality issues such as units and detection status, which impinge upon data usability, will be resolved as soon possible so that data quality is maintained. (2) Issues requiring data cleanup, such as look up tables, legacy data, locations, codes, and significant data discrepancies, will be addressed as resources permit. (3) Issues associated with data feed problems will be eliminated by the LANL Cloud System, because there will be no data feed. As discussed in the paragraph above, in the future the data will reside in a publicly accessible system. Note that report writers may choose to convert, adapt, or simplify the information they receive officially through our data base, thereby introducing data discrepancies between the data base and the public report. It is not always possible to incorporate and/or correct these errors when they occur. Issues in the audit will be discussed in the order in which they are presented in the audit report. Clarifications will also be noted as the audit report was a draft document, at the time of this response.« less

Spacecraft-to-Earth Communications for Juno and Mars Science Laboratory Critical Events

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Soriano, Melissa; Finley, Susan; Jongeling, Andre; Fort, David; Goodhart, Charles; Rogstad, David; Navarro, Robert

2012-01-01

Deep Space communications typically utilize closed loop receivers and Binary Phase Shift Keying (BPSK) or Quadrature Phase Shift Keying (QPSK). Critical spacecraft events include orbit insertion and entry, descent, and landing.---Low gain antennas--> low signal -to-noise-ratio.---High dynamics such as parachute deployment or spin --> Doppler shift. During critical events, open loop receivers and Multiple Frequency Shift Keying (MFSK) used. Entry, Descent, Landing (EDL) Data Analysis (EDA) system detects tones in real-time.

Perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) contamination of fish in urban lakes: a prioritization methodology for lake management.

PubMed

Xiao, Feng; Gulliver, John S; Simcik, Matt F

2013-12-15

The contamination of urban lakes by anthropogenic pollutants such as perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) is a worldwide environmental problem. Large-scale, long-term monitoring of urban lakes requires careful prioritization of available resources, focusing efforts on potentially impaired lakes. Herein, a database of PFOS concentrations in 304 fish caught from 28 urban lakes was used for development of an urban-lake prioritization framework by means of exploratory data analysis (EDA) with the aid of a geographical information system. The prioritization scheme consists of three main tiers: preliminary classification, carried out by hierarchical cluster analysis; predictor screening, fulfilled by a regression tree method; and model development by means of a neural network. The predictive performance of the newly developed model was assessed using a training/validation splitting method and determined by an external validation set. The application of the model in the U.S. state of Minnesota identified 40 urban lakes that may contain elevated levels of PFOS; these lakes were not previously considered in PFOS monitoring programs. The model results also highlight ongoing industrial/commercial activities as a principal determinant of PFOS pollution in urban lakes, and suggest vehicular traffic as an important source and surface runoff as a primary pollution carrier. In addition, the EDA approach was further compared to a spatial interpolation method (kriging), and their advantages and disadvantages were discussed. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Computational study of An-X bonding (An = Th, U; X = p-block-based ligands) in pyrrolic macrocycle-supported complexes from the quantum theory of atoms in molecules and bond energy decomposition analysis.

PubMed

O'Brien, Kieran T P; Kaltsoyannis, Nikolas

2017-01-17

A systematic computational study of organoactinide complexes of the form [LAnX] n+ has been carried out using density functional theory, the quantum theory of atoms in molecules (QTAIM) and Ziegler-Rauk energy decomposition analysis (EDA) methods. The systems studied feature L = trans-calix[2]benzene[2]pyrrolide, An = Th(iv), Th(iii), U(iii) and X = BH 4 , BO 2 C 2 H 4 , Me, N(SiH 3 ) 2 , OPh, CH 3 , NH 2 , OH, F, SiH 3 , PH 2 , SH, Cl, CH 2 Ph, NHPh, OPh, SiH 2 Ph, PHPh 2 , SPh, CPh 3 , NPh 2 , OPh, SiPh 3 PPh 2 , SPh. The PBE0 hybrid functional proved most suitable for geometry optimisations based on comparisons with available experimental data. An-X bond critical point electron densities, energy densities and An-X delocalisation indices, calculated with the PBE functional at the PBE0 geometries, are correlated with An-X bond energies, enthalpies and with the terms in the EDA. Good correlations are found between energies and QTAIM metrics, particularly for the orbital interaction term, provided the X ligand is part of an isoelectronic series and the number of open shell electrons is low (i.e. for the present Th(iv) and Th(iii) systems).

Olfactory Stimuli Increase Presence in Virtual Environments

PubMed Central

Munyan, Benson G.; Neer, Sandra M.; Beidel, Deborah C.; Jentsch, Florian

2016-01-01

Background Exposure therapy (EXP) is the most empirically supported treatment for anxiety and trauma-related disorders. EXP consists of repeated exposure to a feared object or situation in the absence of the feared outcome in order to extinguish associated anxiety. Key to the success of EXP is the need to present the feared object/event/situation in as much detail and utilizing as many sensory modalities as possible, in order to augment the sense of presence during exposure sessions. Various technologies used to augment the exposure therapy process by presenting multi-sensory cues (e.g., sights, smells, sounds). Studies have shown that scents can elicit emotionally charged memories, but no prior research has examined the effect of olfactory stimuli upon the patient’s sense of presence during simulated exposure tasks. Methods 60 adult participants navigated a mildly anxiety-producing virtual environment (VE) similar to those used in the treatment of anxiety disorders. Participants had no autobiographical memory associated with the VE. State anxiety, Presence ratings, and electrodermal (EDA) activity were collected throughout the experiment. Results Utilizing a Bonferroni corrected Linear Mixed Model, our results showed statistically significant relationships between olfactory stimuli and presence as assessed by both the Igroup Presence Questionnaire (IPQ: R2 = 0.85, (F(3,52) = 6.625, p = 0.0007) and a single item visual-analogue scale (R2 = 0.85, (F(3,52) = 5.382, p = 0.0027). State anxiety was unaffected by the presence or absence of olfactory cues. EDA was unaffected by experimental condition. Conclusion Olfactory stimuli increase presence in virtual environments that approximate those typical in exposure therapy, but did not increase EDA. Additionally, once administered, the removal of scents resulted in a disproportionate decrease in presence. Implications for incorporating the use of scents to increase the efficacy of exposure therapy is discussed. PMID:27310253

Crustal Fracturing Field and Presence of Fluid as Revealed by Seismic Anisotropy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pastori, M.; Piccinini, D.; de Gori, P.; Margheriti, L.; Barchi, M. R.; di Bucci, D.

2010-12-01

In the last three years, we developed, tested and improved an automatic analysis code (Anisomat+) to calculate the shear wave splitting parameters, fast polarization direction (φ) and delay time (∂t). The code is a set of MatLab scripts able to retrieve crustal anisotropy parameters from three-component seismic recording of local earthquakes using horizontal component cross-correlation method. The analysis procedure consists in choosing an appropriate frequency range, that better highlights the signal containing the shear waves, and a length of time window on the seismogram centered on the S arrival (the temporal window contains at least one cycle of S wave). The code was compared to other two automatic analysis code (SPY and SHEBA) and tested on three Italian areas (Val d’Agri, Tiber Valley and L’Aquila surrounding) along the Apennine mountains. For each region we used the anisotropic parameters resulting from the automatic computation as a tool to determine the fracture field geometries connected with the active stress field. We compare the temporal variations of anisotropic parameters to the evolution of vp/vs ratio for the same seismicity. The anisotropic fast directions are used to define the active stress field (EDA model), finding a general consistence between fast direction and main stress indicators (focal mechanism and borehole break-out). The magnitude of delay time is used to define the fracture field intensity finding higher value in the volume where micro-seismicity occurs. Furthermore we studied temporal variations of anisotropic parameters and vp/vs ratio in order to explain if fluids play an important role in the earthquake generation process. The close association of anisotropic and vp/vs parameters variations and seismicity rate changes supports the hypothesis that the background seismicity is influenced by the fluctuation of pore fluid pressure in the rocks.

Familiarity mediates the relationship between emotional arousal and pleasure during music listening

PubMed Central

van den Bosch, Iris; Salimpoor, Valorie N.; Zatorre, Robert J.

2013-01-01

Emotional arousal appears to be a major contributing factor to the pleasure that listeners experience in response to music. Accordingly, a strong positive correlation between self-reported pleasure and electrodermal activity (EDA), an objective indicator of emotional arousal, has been demonstrated when individuals listen to familiar music. However, it is not yet known to what extent familiarity contributes to this relationship. In particular, as listening to familiar music involves expectations and predictions over time based on veridical knowledge of the piece, it could be that such memory factors plays a major role. Here, we tested such a contribution by using musical stimuli entirely unfamiliar to listeners. In a second experiment we repeated the novel music to experimentally establish a sense of familiarity. We aimed to determine whether (1) pleasure and emotional arousal would continue to correlate when listeners have no explicit knowledge of how the tones will unfold, and (2) whether this could be enhanced by experimentally-induced familiarity. In the first experiment, we presented 33 listeners with 70 unfamiliar musical excerpts in two sessions. There was no relationship between the degree of experienced pleasure and emotional arousal as measured by EDA. In the second experiment, 7 participants listened to 35 unfamiliar excerpts over two sessions separated by 30 min. Repeated exposure significantly increased EDA, even though individuals did not explicitly recall having heard all the pieces before. Furthermore, increases in self-reported familiarity significantly enhanced experienced pleasure and there was a general, though not significant, increase in EDA. These results suggest that some level of expectation and predictability mediated by prior exposure to a given piece of music play an important role in the experience of emotional arousal in response to music. PMID:24046738

Bumping heart and sweaty palms: physiological hyperarousal as a risk factor for child social anxiety.

PubMed

Nikolić, Milica; Aktar, Evin; Bögels, Susan; Colonnesi, Cristina; de Vente, Wieke

2018-02-01

Physiological hyperarousal in social situations is a characteristic of individuals with social anxiety disorder (SAD), but so far it has been rarely studied as a biological risk for SAD. Here, we investigate whether children at high risk for SAD (because of their parents' SAD) display physiological hyperarousal while interacting with a stranger. Also, we examine whether early physiological hyperarousal is related to later child social anxiety. One hundred and seventeen children took part in the stranger-approach task when they were 2.5 and 4.5 years old. Heart rate (HR), heart rate variability (HRV), and electrodermal activity (EDA) were measured before, during, and after the conversation with a stranger. Both parents' lifetime SAD status and SAD severity were assessed before the birth of the child. Both parents and children reported on children's social anxiety symptoms when children were 7.5. Children of parents with the lifetime SAD diagnosis did not differ in their physiological activity from children of parents without lifetime SAD. However, children of parents with more severe SAD displayed heightened EDA throughout the task procedure. Increased HR and reduced HRV during the stranger-approach and elevated EDA throughout the task phases were linked to later child social anxiety. Parents' severity of SAD is related to child physiological hyperarousal early in their childhood. In addition, physiological hyperarousal in early childhood predicts later child social anxiety. Together, these findings suggest that early physiological hyperarousal in social situations may pose a risk for later child social anxiety and that physiological hyperarousal, and EDA in particular, may be a biological mechanism in the intergenerational transmission of SAD. © 2017 The Authors. Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Association for Child and Adolescent Mental Health.

Reactions of sulphur mustard on impregnated carbons.

PubMed

Prasad, G K; Singh, Beer

2004-12-31

Activated carbon of surface area 1100 m2/gm is impregnated with 4% sodium hydroxide plus 3% Cr(VI) as CrO3 with and without 5% ethylene diamine (EDA), 4% magnesium nitrate and 5% ruthenium chloride by using their aqueous solutions. These carbons are characterized for surface area analysis by BET conventional method and exposed to the vapours of sulphur mustard (HD) at room temperature (30 degrees C). After 24 h, the reaction products are extracted in dichloromethane and analyzed using gas chromatography and mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Hemisulphur mustard, thiodiglycol, 1,4-oxathiane are observed to be the products of reaction between sulphur mustard and NaOH/CrO3/C system, whereas on NaOH/CrO3/EDA/C system HD reacted to give 1,4-thiazane. On Mg(NO3)2/C system it gave hemisulphur mustard and thiodiglycol. On RuCl3/C system it degraded to divinyl sulphone. Residual sulphur mustard is observed along with reaction products in all systems studied. Reaction mechanisms are also proposed for these interesting surface reactions. Above-mentioned carbons can be used in filtration systems for protection against hazardous gases such as sulphur mustard.

Improvement of tritium accountancy technology for ITER fuel cycle safety enhancement

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

O'hira, S.; Hayashi, T.; Nakamura, H.; Kobayashi, K.; Tadokoro, T.; Nakamura, H.; Itoh, T.; Yamanishi, T.; Kawamura, Y.; Iwai, Y.; Arita, T.; Maruyama, T.; Kakuta, T.; Konishi, S.; Enoeda, M.; Yamada, M.; Suzuki, T.; Nishi, M.; Nagashima, T.; Ohta, M.

2000-03-01

In order to improve the safe handling and control of tritium for the ITER fuel cycle, effective in situ tritium accounting methods have been developed at the Tritium Process Laboratory in the Japan Atomic Energy Research Institute under one of the ITER-EDA R&D tasks. The remote and multilocation analysis of process gases by an application of laser Raman spectroscopy developed and tested could provide a measurement of hydrogen isotope gases with a detection limit of 0.3 kPa analytical periods of 120 s. An in situ tritium inventory measurement by application of a `self-assaying' storage bed with 25 g tritium capacity could provide a measurement with the required detection limit of less than 1% and a design proof of a bed with 100 g tritium capacity.

DFT study of CO2 and H2O co-adsorption on carbon models of coal surface.

PubMed

Gao, Zhengyang; Ding, Yi

2017-06-01

The moisture content of coal affects the adsorption capacity of CO 2 on the coal surface. Since the hydrogen bonds are formed between H 2 O and oxygen functional group, the H 2 O cluster more easily adsorbs on the coal micropore than CO 2 molecule. The coal micropores are occupied by H 2 O molecules that cannot provide extra space for CO 2 adsorption, which may leads to the reduction of CO 2 adsorption capacity. However, without considering factors of micropore and oxygen functional groups, the co-adsorption mechanisms of CO 2 and adsorbed H 2 O molecule are not clear. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations were performed to elucidate the effect of adsorbed H 2 O to CO 2 adsorption. This study reports some typical coal-H 2 O···CO 2 complexes, along with a detailed analysis of the geometry, energy, electrostatic potential (ESP), atoms in molecules (AIM), reduced density gradient (RDG), and energy decomposition analysis (EDA). The results show that H 2 O molecule can more stably adsorb on the aromatic ring surface than CO 2 molecule, and the absolute values of local ESP maximum and minimum of H 2 O cluster are greater than CO 2 . AIM analysis shows a detailed interaction path and strength between atoms in CO 2 and H 2 O, and RDG analysis shows that the interactions among CO 2 , H 2 O, and coal model belong to weak van der Waals force. EDA indicates that electrostatic and long-range dispersion terms play a primary role in the co-adsorption of CO 2 and H 2 O. According to the DFT calculated results without considering micropore structure and functional group, it is shown that the adsorbed H 2 O can promote CO 2 adsorption on the coal surface. These results demonstrate that the micropore factor plays a dominant role in affecting CO 2 adsorption capacity, the attractive interaction of adsorbed H 2 O to CO 2 makes little contribution.

High pressure study of viscosity effects on the luminescence of tetracyanobenzene EDA complexes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Thomas, Michele Moisio; Drickamer, H. G.

1981-03-01

High pressure fluorescence studies fron 0-10 kbar have been performed on electron donor-acceptor (EDA) complexes of s-tetracyanobenzene (TCNB) with a series of aromatic hydrocarbons. Four solvents were used, 2,2,4,4,6,8,8 heptamethylnonane (HMN), methylcyclohexane (MCH), 2,6,10,14 tetramethylpentadecane (TMPD), and a mixture of MCH and HMN. A viscosity range from 0.006 to 10 000 poise was covered at constant temperature. As pressure (viscosity) increased the fluorescence spectrum shifted from one dominated by emission from the equilibrium (EQ) excited singlet state to one dominated by Franck-Condon (FC) singlet emission. Lifetime measurements for the complexes of o-xylene and p-xylene with TCNB as well as one mesitylene complex yielded the two radiative rates (kEQ and kFC) as well as the rate of internal conversion from FC to the EQ excited state to (kIC). The results are discussed in terms of the rate of relaxation of the solvent compared with the rate kFC. It was found that kIC correlated very well with the solvent viscosity.

Electronic Design Automation: Integrating the Design and Manufacturing Functions

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bachnak, Rafic; Salkowski, Charles

1997-01-01

As the complexity of electronic systems grows, the traditional design practice, a sequential process, is replaced by concurrent design methodologies. A major advantage of concurrent design is that the feedback from software and manufacturing engineers can be easily incorporated into the design. The implementation of concurrent engineering methodologies is greatly facilitated by employing the latest Electronic Design Automation (EDA) tools. These tools offer integrated simulation of the electrical, mechanical, and manufacturing functions and support virtual prototyping, rapid prototyping, and hardware-software co-design. This report presents recommendations for enhancing the electronic design and manufacturing capabilities and procedures at JSC based on a concurrent design methodology that employs EDA tools.

Zinc-chloride battery technology - Status 1983

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rowan, J. W.; Carr, P.; Warde, C. J.; Henriksen, G. L.

Zinc-chloride batteries are presently under development at Energy Development Associates (EDA) for load-leveling, electric-vehicle, and specialty applications. A 500-kWh battery system has been built at Detroit Edison's Charlotte substation near downtown Detroit. Following shakedown testing, this system will be installed at the Battery Energy Storage Test (BEST) Facility in Hillsborough, New Jersey, in July 1983. Data is presented also for a prototype 50-kWh battery which has successfully operated through 150 cycles. EDA has built and tested three 4-passenger automobiles. The maximum range achieved on a single charge was 200 miles at 40 mph. Recently, the electric-vehicle battery program at EDA has focused on commercial vehicles. Two vans, each powered with a 45-kWh zinc-chloride battery, have been built and track tested. These vehicles, which carry a payload of 1,000 pounds, have a top speed of 55 mph and an operational range in excess of 80 miles. In the specialty battery area, two 6-kWh 12-V reserve batteries have been built and tested. This type of battery offers the prospect of long shelf life and an energy density in excess of 100 Wh/lb.

Transthyretin-binding activity of contaminants in blood from polar bear (Ursus maritimus) cubs.

PubMed

Bytingsvik, Jenny; Simon, Eszter; Leonards, Pim E G; Lamoree, Marja; Lie, Elisabeth; Aars, Jon; Derocher, Andrew E; Wiig, Oystein; Jenssen, Bjørn M; Hamers, Timo

2013-05-07

We determined the transthyretin (TTR)-binding activity of blood-accumulating contaminants in blood plasma samples of approximately 4-months-old polar bear (Ursus maritimus) cubs from Svalbard sampled in 1998 and 2008. The TTR-binding activity was measured as thyroxine (T4)-like equivalents (T4-EQMeas). Our findings show that the TTR-binding activity related to contaminant levels was significantly lower (45%) in 2008 than in 1998 (mean ± standard error of mean: 1998, 2265 ± 231 nM; 2008, 1258 ± 170 nM). Although we cannot exclude a potential influence of between-year differences in capture location and cub body mass, our findings most likely reflect reductions of TTR-binding contaminants or their precursors in the arctic environment (e.g., polychlorinated biphenyls [PCBs]). The measured TTR-binding activity correlated positively with the cubs' plasma levels of hydroxylated PCBs (OH-PCBs). No such association was found between TTR-binding activity and the plasma levels of perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs). The OH-PCBs explained 60 ± 7% and 54 ± 4% of the TTR-binding activity in 1998 and 2008, respectively, and PFASs explained ≤1.2% both years. Still, almost half the TTR-binding activity could not be explained by the contaminants we examined. The considerable levels of TTR-binding contaminants warrant further effect directed analysis (EDA) to identify the contaminants responsible for the unexplained part of the observed TTR-binding activity.

How I do it: combined direct (STA-MCA) and indirect (EDAS) EC-IC bypass.

PubMed

Nossek, Erez; Langer, David J

2014-11-01

EC-IC bypass for the treatment of a hypoperfused hemisphere is currently the treatment of choice for symptomatic moyamoya patients. Use of the combination of direct (STA-MCA) and indirect (an STA branch lay-on bypass and flipped dural flaps; EDAS) EC-IC bypass is advocated as the optimal treatment option as it allows immediate augmentation of flow in the postoperative period while allowing the brain to acquire additional indirect flow in the long term. We describe the technical nuances of a combined direct and indirect bypass in a 41-year-old woman with moyamoya syndrome diagnosed with transient ischemic attacks (TIAs) and cognitive decline. Combined direct and indirect bypass option should become a familiar treatment modality among vascular neurosurgeons. (1) Pay critical attention to not injuring the Superficial Temporal Artery, Parietal branch (STApb) while turning the skin incision anteriorly. Use the operating microscope to dissect the STApb. (2) Always mark the origin of the Superficial Temporal Artery, Frontal branch (STAfb) on the skin so that its location can be anticipated during STApb dissection. (3) When no frontal branch is available or if the frontal branch is of poor quality, the STApb can be used as a direct or indirect graft. (4) A craniotomy should be done 2-3 cm posterior to the course of the STApb to allow for adequate exposure for an indirect graft. (5) Manipulation of the donor vessels should be done with extreme care as spasm of the artery or intraluminal thrombosis may occur. Low cut flow in the direct graft should be interpreted with caution as vasospasm can result in significant temporary reduction of flow. (6) Aggressive distal dissection of the direct donor is a must. The distal 1-2 cm of the vessel should be cleaned of any loose tissue and be fishmouthed prior to anastomosis. (7) A blood-free field is mandatory. Perforators on the backside of the recipient should be sacrificed and cut to avoid backbleeding into the anastomotic segment during temporary occlusion. (8) When recirculating after the anastomosis has been completed, open the temporary clips on the recipient first. Backflow into the donor segment confirms a patent anastomosis. (9) Utilization of intraoperative angiography is not necessary as long as one utilizes flow measurements and ICG angiography. (10) Take great care with the bone flap reconstruction and the skin closure as the grafts can easily be compressed or sutured. Create a generous craniectomy in the bone flap to avoid any graft compression.

Model- based filtering for artifact and noise suppression with state estimation for electrodermal activity measurements in real time.

PubMed

Tronstad, Christian; Staal, Odd M; Saelid, Steinar; Martinsen, Orjan G

2015-08-01

Measurement of electrodermal activity (EDA) has recently made a transition from the laboratory into daily life with the emergence of wearable devices. Movement and nongelled electrodes make these devices more susceptible to noise and artifacts. In addition, real-time interpretation of the measurement is needed for user feedback. The Kalman filter approach may conveniently deal with both these issues. This paper presents a biophysical model for EDA implemented in an extended Kalman filter. Employing the filter on data from Physionet along with simulated noise and artifacts demonstrates noise and artifact suppression while implicitly providing estimates of model states and parameters such as the sudomotor nerve activation.

[Clinical and molecular study in a child with X-linked hypohidrotic ectodermal dysplasia].

PubMed

Callea, Michele; Yavuz, Izzet; Clarich, Gabriella; Cammarata-Scalisi, Francisco

2015-12-01

Ectodermal dysplasia encompasses more than 200 clinically distinct entities, which affect at least two structures derived from the ectoderm, including the skin, hair, nails, teeth, sweat glands, and sebaceous glands. X-linked hypohidrotic ectodermal dysplasia is the most common type and is caused by mutation of the EDA gene that encodes Ectodysplasin-A. It occurs in less than 1 in 100 000 individuals and is clinically characterized by hypodontia, hypohidrosis, hypotrichosis, and eye dis orders. We present a child evaluated in a multidisciplinary manner with clinical and molecular diagnosis of X-linked hypohidrotic ectodermal dysplasia with type missense mutation c.1133C> T; p.T378M in EDA gene.

Surface-modified bacterial nanofibrillar PHB scaffolds for bladder tissue repair.

PubMed

Karahaliloğlu, Zeynep; Demirbilek, Murat; Şam, Mesut; Sağlam, Necdet; Mızrak, Alpay Koray; Denkbaş, Emir Baki

2016-01-01

The aim of the study is in vitro investigation of the feasibility of surface-modified bacterial nanofibrous poly [(R)-3-hydroxybutyrate] (PHB) graft for bladder reconstruction. In this study, the surface of electrospun bacterial PHB was modified with PEG- or EDA via radio frequency glow discharge method. After plasma modification, contact angle of EDA-modified PHB scaffolds decreased from 110 ± 1.50 to 23 ± 0.5 degree. Interestingly, less calcium oxalate stone deposition was observed on modified PHB scaffolds compared to that of non-modified group. Results of this study show that surface-modified scaffolds not only inhibited calcium oxalate growth but also enhanced the uroepithelial cell viability and proliferation.

Genome-wide association study of plasma polyunsaturated fatty acids in the InCHIANTI Study.

PubMed

Tanaka, Toshiko; Shen, Jian; Abecasis, Gonçalo R; Kisialiou, Aliaksei; Ordovas, Jose M; Guralnik, Jack M; Singleton, Andrew; Bandinelli, Stefania; Cherubini, Antonio; Arnett, Donna; Tsai, Michael Y; Ferrucci, Luigi

2009-01-01

Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) have a role in many physiological processes, including energy production, modulation of inflammation, and maintenance of cell membrane integrity. High plasma PUFA concentrations have been shown to have beneficial effects on cardiovascular disease and mortality. To identify genetic contributors of plasma PUFA concentrations, we conducted a genome-wide association study of plasma levels of six omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids in 1,075 participants in the InCHIANTI study on aging. The strongest evidence for association was observed in a region of chromosome 11 that encodes three fatty acid desaturases (FADS1, FADS2, FADS3). The SNP with the most significant association was rs174537 near FADS1 in the analysis of arachidonic acid (AA; p = 5.95 x 10(-46)). Minor allele homozygotes had lower AA compared to the major allele homozygotes and rs174537 accounted for 18.6% of the additive variance in AA concentrations. This SNP was also associated with levels of eicosadienoic acid (EDA; p = 6.78 x 10(-9)) and eicosapentanoic acid (EPA; p = 1.07 x 10(-14)). Participants carrying the allele associated with higher AA, EDA, and EPA also had higher low-density lipoprotein (LDL-C) and total cholesterol levels. Outside the FADS gene cluster, the strongest region of association mapped to chromosome 6 in the region encoding an elongase of very long fatty acids 2 (ELOVL2). In this region, association was observed with EPA (rs953413; p = 1.1 x 10(-6)). The effects of rs174537 were confirmed in an independent sample of 1,076 subjects participating in the GOLDN study. The ELOVL2 SNP was associated with docosapentanoic and DHA but not with EPA in GOLDN. These findings show that polymorphisms of genes encoding enzymes in the metabolism of PUFA contribute to plasma concentrations of fatty acids.

Electrospun polyacrylonitrile nanofibers functionalized with EDTA for adsorption of ionic dyes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chaúque, Eutilério F. C.; Dlamini, Langelihle N.; Adelodun, Adedeji A.; Greyling, Corinne J.; Ngila, J. Catherine

2017-08-01

The manipulation of nanofibers' surface chemistry could enhance their potential application toward the removal of ionic dyes in wastewater. For this purpose, surface modification of electrospun polyacrylonitrile (PAN) nanofibers with ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) and ethylenediamine (EDA) crosslinker was experimented. The functionalized EDTA-EDA-PAN nanofibers were characterized using Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) technique. The impregnation of EDA and EDTA chelating agents on the surface of PAN changed the distribution of nanofibers as proximity is increased (accompanied by reduced softness), but the nanofibrous structure of the pristine PAN nanofibers was not substantially altered. Adsorption equilibrium studies were performed with Freundlich, Langmuir and Temkin isotherm models with the former providing better correlation to the experimental data. The modified PAN nanofibers showed efficient sorption of methyl orange (MO) and reactive red (RR) from aqueous synthetic samples, evinced by the maximum adsorption capacities (at 25 °C) of 99.15 and 110.0 mg g-1, respectively. The fabricated nanofibers showed appreciable removal efficiency of the target dye sorptives from wastewater. However, the presence of high metal ions content affected the overall extraction of dyes from wastewater due to the depletion of the adsorbent's active adsorptive sites.

Highly crystalline carbon dots from fresh tomato: UV emission and quantum confinement.

PubMed

Liu, Weijian; Li, Chun; Sun, Xiaobo; Pan, Wei; Yu, Guifeng; Wang, Jinping

2017-12-01

In this article, fresh tomatoes are explored as a low-cost source to prepare high-performance carbon dots by using microwave-assisted pyrolysis. Given that amino groups might act as nucleophiles for cleaving covalent bridging ester or ether in the crosslinked macromolecules in the biomass bulk, ethylenediamine (EDA) and urea with amino groups were applied as nucleophiles to modulate the chemical composites of the carbon nanoparticles in order to tune their fluorescence emission and enhance their quantum yields. Very interestingly, the carbon dots synthesized in the presence of urea had a highly crystalline nature, a low-degree amorphous surface and were smaller than 5 nm. Moreover, the doped N contributed to the formation of a cyclic form of core that resulted in a strong electron-withdrawing ability within the conjugated C plane. Therefore, this type of carbon dot exhibited marked quantum confinement, with the maximum fluorescence peak located in the UV region. Carbon nanoparticles greater than 20 nm in size, prepared using pristine fresh tomato and in the presence of EDA, emitted surface state controlled fluorescence. Additionally, carbon nanoparticles synthesized using fresh tomato pulp in the presence of EDA and urea were explored for bioimaging of plant pathogenic fungi and the detection of vanillin.

Highly crystalline carbon dots from fresh tomato: UV emission and quantum confinement

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Weijian; Li, Chun; Sun, Xiaobo; Pan, Wei; Yu, Guifeng; Wang, Jinping

2017-12-01

In this article, fresh tomatoes are explored as a low-cost source to prepare high-performance carbon dots by using microwave-assisted pyrolysis. Given that amino groups might act as nucleophiles for cleaving covalent bridging ester or ether in the crosslinked macromolecules in the biomass bulk, ethylenediamine (EDA) and urea with amino groups were applied as nucleophiles to modulate the chemical composites of the carbon nanoparticles in order to tune their fluorescence emission and enhance their quantum yields. Very interestingly, the carbon dots synthesized in the presence of urea had a highly crystalline nature, a low-degree amorphous surface and were smaller than 5 nm. Moreover, the doped N contributed to the formation of a cyclic form of core that resulted in a strong electron-withdrawing ability within the conjugated C plane. Therefore, this type of carbon dot exhibited marked quantum confinement, with the maximum fluorescence peak located in the UV region. Carbon nanoparticles greater than 20 nm in size, prepared using pristine fresh tomato and in the presence of EDA, emitted surface state controlled fluorescence. Additionally, carbon nanoparticles synthesized using fresh tomato pulp in the presence of EDA and urea were explored for bioimaging of plant pathogenic fungi and the detection of vanillin.

A cardiorespiratory classifier of voluntary and involuntary electrodermal activity

PubMed Central

2010-01-01

Background Electrodermal reactions (EDRs) can be attributed to many origins, including spontaneous fluctuations of electrodermal activity (EDA) and stimuli such as deep inspirations, voluntary mental activity and startling events. In fields that use EDA as a measure of psychophysiological state, the fact that EDRs may be elicited from many different stimuli is often ignored. This study attempts to classify observed EDRs as voluntary (i.e., generated from intentional respiratory or mental activity) or involuntary (i.e., generated from startling events or spontaneous electrodermal fluctuations). Methods Eight able-bodied participants were subjected to conditions that would cause a change in EDA: music imagery, startling noises, and deep inspirations. A user-centered cardiorespiratory classifier consisting of 1) an EDR detector, 2) a respiratory filter and 3) a cardiorespiratory filter was developed to automatically detect a participant's EDRs and to classify the origin of their stimulation as voluntary or involuntary. Results Detected EDRs were classified with a positive predictive value of 78%, a negative predictive value of 81% and an overall accuracy of 78%. Without the classifier, EDRs could only be correctly attributed as voluntary or involuntary with an accuracy of 50%. Conclusions The proposed classifier may enable investigators to form more accurate interpretations of electrodermal activity as a measure of an individual's psychophysiological state. PMID:20184746

Abaca/polyester nonwoven fabric functionalization for metal ion adsorbent synthesis via electron beam-induced emulsion grafting

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Madrid, Jordan F.; Ueki, Yuji; Seko, Noriaki

2013-09-01

A metal ion adsorbent was developed from a nonwoven fabric trunk material composed of both natural and synthetic polymers. A pre-irradiation technique was used for emulsion grafting of glycidyl methacrylate (GMA) onto an electron beam irradiated abaca/polyester nonwoven fabric (APNWF). The dependence of degree of grafting (Dg), calculated from the weight of APNWF before and after grafting, on absorbed dose, reaction time and monomer concentration were evaluated. After 50 kGy irradiation with 2 MeV electron beam and subsequent 3 h reaction with an emulsion consisting of 5% GMA and 0.5% polyoxyethylene sorbitan monolaurate (Tween 20) surfactant in deionized water at 40 °C, a grafted APNWF with a Dg greater than 150% was obtained. The GMA-grafted APNWF was further modified by reaction with ethylenediamine (EDA) in isopropyl alcohol at 60 °C to introduce amine functional groups. After a 3 h reaction with 50% EDA, an amine group density of 2.7 mmole/gram adsorbent was achieved based from elemental analysis. Batch adsorption experiments were performed using Cu2+ and Ni2+ ions in aqueous solutions with initial pH of 5 at 30 °C. Results show that the adsorption capacity of the grafted adsorbent for Cu2+ is four times higher than Ni2+ ions.

Chapter J: Issues and challenges in the application of geostatistics and spatial-data analysis to the characterization of sand-and-gravel resources

USGS Publications Warehouse

Hack, Daniel R.

2005-01-01

Sand-and-gravel (aggregate) resources are a critical component of the Nation's infrastructure, yet aggregate-mining technologies lag far behind those of metalliferous mining and other sectors. Deposit-evaluation and site-characterization methodologies are antiquated, and few serious studies of the potential applications of spatial-data analysis and geostatistics have been published. However, because of commodity usage and the necessary proximity of a mine to end use, aggregate-resource exploration and evaluation differ fundamentally from comparable activities for metalliferous ores. Acceptable practices, therefore, can reflect this cruder scale. The increasing use of computer technologies is colliding with the need for sand-and-gravel mines to modernize and improve their overall efficiency of exploration, mine planning, scheduling, automation, and other operations. The emergence of megaquarries in the 21st century will also be a contributing factor. Preliminary research into the practical applications of exploratory-data analysis (EDA) have been promising. For example, EDA was used to develop a linear-regression equation to forecast freeze-thaw durability from absorption values for Lower Paleozoic carbonate rocks mined for crushed aggregate from quarries in Oklahoma. Applications of EDA within a spatial context, a method of spatial-data analysis, have also been promising, as with the investigation of undeveloped sand-and-gravel resources in the sedimentary deposits of Pleistocene Lake Bonneville, Utah. Formal geostatistical investigations of sand-and-gravel deposits are quite rare, and the primary focus of those studies that have been completed is on the spatial characterization of deposit thickness and its subsequent effect on ore reserves. A thorough investigation of a gravel deposit in an active aggregate-mining area in central Essex, U.K., emphasized the problems inherent in the geostatistical characterization of particle-size-analysis data. Beyond such factors as common drilling methods jeopardizing the accuracy of the size-distribution curve, the application of formal geostatistical principles has other limitations. Many of the variables used in evaluating gravel deposits, including such sedimentologic parameters as sorting and such United Soil Classification System parameters as gradation coefficient, are nonadditive. Also, uniform sampling methods, such as drilling, are relatively uncommon, and sampling is generally accomplished by a combination of boreholes, water-well logs, test pits, trenches, stratigraphic columns from exposures, and, possibly, some geophysical cross sections. When evaluated in consideration of the fact that uniform mining blocks are also uncommon in practice, subsequent complexities in establishment of the volume/variance relation are inevitable. Several approaches exist to confront the limitations of geostatistical methods in evaluating sand-and-gravel deposits. Initially, we must acknowledge the practical requirements of the aggregate industry, as well as the limitations of the data collected by that industry, as a function of what the industry requires at the practical level, and consider that broader acceptance of formal geostatistics may require modifications of typical exploration and sampling protocols. Future investigations should utilize data from the full spectrum of sand-and-gravel deposits (flood plain, glacial, catastrophic flood, and marine), integrate such other disci plines as sedimentology and geophysics into the research, develop commodity-specific approaches to nonadditive variables, and include the results of comparative drilling.

Selective Capture of Cesium and Thallium from Natural Waters and Simulated Wastes with Copper Ferrocyanide Functionalized Mesoporous Silica

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

Sangvanich, Thanapon; Sukwarotwat, Vichaya; Wiacek, Robert J.

2010-10-15

Copper(II) ferrocyanide immobilized inside mesoporous silica MCM-41 supports (Cu-FC-EDA-SAMMSTM) has been evaluated against iron(III) hexacyanoferrate(II) (insoluble Prussian blue) for the sorption of cesium (Cs+) and thallium (Tl+) from natural waters and simulated wastes. The affinities (in term of distribution coefficients, Kd) of both sorbents for Cs and Tl were measured as a function of solution pH, competing cations, and matrices. For the entire pH studied (pH 0.1 to 7.3), Cu-FC-EDA-SAMMS had higher affinities for Cs and Tl (one to two orders of magnitude higher Kd) than Prussian blue and was less negatively impacted by the solution pH, competing cations, andmore » matrices. The adsorption isotherms and kinetics of the two sorbents for Cs and/or Tl were also determined in seawater and simulated acid and alkaline wastes. SAMMS outperformed Prussian blue in terms of maximum adsorption capacity (e.g., 21.7 versus 2.6 mg Cs/g in acid waste stimulant, pH 1.1), and rate (e.g., over 95 wt% of Cs was removed after 2 minutes with SAMMS, while only 75 wt% was removed with Prussian blue). The lower affinity, capacity, and rate of Cs and Tl sorption on Prussian blue than those on Cu-FC-EDA-SAMMS were attributed to the molecular pore sizes, which restrict mass transport, and the insoluble Cs abducts of the Prussian blue, which restrict the ability of neighboring binding sites to further bind Cs ions. On the other hand, the large pores of SAMMS not only enable faster diffusion and faster binding chemistry, but they also allow isolation of binding sites so that one Cs binding event does not impact further Cs binding. In addition, iron (Fe) dissolved from insoluble Prussian blue over 10-fold of that from Cu-FC-EDA-SAMMS after 24 hours of contact time, indicating poorer material stability of Prussian blue.« less

13 CFR 306.5 - Award requirements.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-01-01

... TRAINING, RESEARCH AND TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE INVESTMENTS University Center Economic Development Program § 306.5 Award requirements. EDA provides Investment Assistance to University Center Projects in...

13 CFR 306.5 - Award requirements.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-01-01

... TRAINING, RESEARCH AND TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE INVESTMENTS University Center Economic Development Program § 306.5 Award requirements. EDA provides Investment Assistance to University Center Projects in...

13 CFR 306.5 - Award requirements.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-01-01

... TRAINING, RESEARCH AND TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE INVESTMENTS University Center Economic Development Program § 306.5 Award requirements. EDA provides Investment Assistance to University Center Projects in...

[For the good of the nation's economy: therapeutic work and public assistance at La Castañeda asylum in Mexico City, 1929-32].

PubMed

Sacristán, Cristina

2005-01-01

Founded in 1910, by 1930 Mexico City's La Castañeda insane asylum was grappling with the problem of a massive number of chronic patients, a situation that earned it an image as a warehouse for the sick more than a place of treatment. Psychiatrists endeavored to restore the asylum's legitimacy by publicizing a nineteenth-century treatment which projected the public image that the mentally ill could be as productive as anyone else: work therapy. The government born of the Mexican revolution supported this proposal because the guiding objective behind public assistance for underprivileged groups was to make them part of the country's productive life via the market.

13 CFR 306.2 - Award requirements.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... TRAINING, RESEARCH AND TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE INVESTMENTS Local and National Technical Assistance § 306.2 Award requirements. EDA selects Projects for Local and National Technical Assistance Investments in...

13 CFR 300.1 - Introduction and mission.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... economic dislocations, such as those resulting from natural disasters, conversions of military installations, changing trade patterns and the depletion of natural resources. EDA Investments generally take...

13 CFR 300.1 - Introduction and mission.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-01-01

... economic dislocations, such as those resulting from natural disasters, conversions of military installations, changing trade patterns and the depletion of natural resources. EDA Investments generally take...

Nanoporous sorbent material as an oral phosphate binder and for aqueous phosphate, chromate, and arsenate removal

PubMed Central

Sangvanich, Thanapon; Ngamcherdtrakul, Worapol; Lee, Richard; Morry, Jingga; Castro, David; Fryxell, Glen E.; Yantasee, Wassana

2014-01-01

Phosphate removal is both biologically and environmentally important. Biologically, hyperphosphatemia is a critical condition in end-stage chronic kidney disease patients. Patients with hyperphosphatemia are treated long-term with oral phosphate binders to prevent phosphate absorption to the body by capturing phosphate in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract followed by fecal excretion. Environmentally, phosphate levels in natural water resources must be regulated according to limits set forth by the US Environmental Protection Agency. By utilizing nanotechnology and ligand design, we developed a new material to overcome limitations of traditional sorbent materials such as low phosphate binding capacity, slow binding kinetics, and negative interference by other anions. A phosphate binder based on iron-ethylenediamine on nanoporous silica (Fe-EDA-SAMMS) has been optimized for substrates and Fe(III) deposition methods. The Fe-EDA-SAMMS material had a 4-fold increase in phosphate binding capacity and a broader operating pH window compared to other reports. The material had a faster phosphate binding rate and was significantly less affected by other anions than Sevelamer HCl, the gold standard oral phosphate binder, and AG® 1-X8, a commercially available anion exchanger. It had less cytotoxicity to Caco-2 cells than lanthanum carbonate, another prescribed oral phosphate binder. The Fe-EDA-SAMMS also had high capacity for arsenate and chromate, two of the most toxic anions in natural water. PMID:25554735

Extreme triple asymmetric (ETAS) epitaxial designs for increased efficiency at high powers in 9xx-nm diode lasers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kaul, T.; Erbert, G.; Maaßdorf, A.; Martin, D.; Crump, P.

2018-02-01

Broad area lasers that are tailored to be most efficient at the highest achievable optical output power are sought by industry to decrease operation costs and improve system performance. Devices using Extreme-Double-ASymmetric (EDAS) epitaxial designs are promising candidates for improved efficiency at high optical output powers due to low series resistance, low optical loss and low carrier leakage. However, EDAS designs leverage ultra-thin p-side waveguides, meaning that the optical mode is shifted into the n-side waveguide, resulting in a low optical confinement in the active region, low gain and hence high threshold current, limiting peak performance. We introduce here explicit design considerations that enable EDAS-based devices to be developed with increased optical confinement in the active layer without changing the p-side layer thicknesses. Specifically, this is realized by introducing a third asymmetric component in the vicinity of the quantum well. We call this approach Extreme-Triple-ASymmetric (ETAS) design. A series of ETAS-based vertical designs were fabricated into broad area lasers that deliver up to 63% power conversion efficiency at 14 W CW optical output power from a 100 μm stripe laser, which corresponds to the operation point of a kW optical output power in a laser bar. The design process, the impact of structural changes on power saturation mechanisms and finally devices with improved performance will be presented.

The equilibrium-diffusion limit for radiation hydrodynamics

DOE PAGES

Ferguson, J. M.; Morel, J. E.; Lowrie, R.

2017-07-27

The equilibrium-diffusion approximation (EDA) is used to describe certain radiation-hydrodynamic (RH) environments. When this is done the RH equations reduce to a simplified set of equations. The EDA can be derived by asymptotically analyzing the full set of RH equations in the equilibrium-diffusion limit. Here, we derive the EDA this way and show that it and the associated set of simplified equations are both first-order accurate with transport corrections occurring at second order. Having established the EDA’s first-order accuracy we then analyze the grey nonequilibrium-diffusion approximation and the grey Eddington approximation and show that they both preserve this first-order accuracy.more » Further, these approximations preserve the EDA’s first-order accuracy when made in either the comoving-frame (CMF) or the lab-frame (LF). And while analyzing the Eddington approximation, we found that the CMF and LF radiation-source equations are equivalent when neglecting O(β 2) terms and compared in the LF. Of course, the radiation pressures are not equivalent. It is expected that simplified physical models and numerical discretizations of the RH equations that do not preserve this first-order accuracy will not retain the correct equilibrium-diffusion solutions. As a practical example, we show that nonequilibrium-diffusion radiative-shock solutions devolve to equilibrium-diffusion solutions when the asymptotic parameter is small.« less

13 CFR 300.3 - Definitions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-01-01

... debt that are fairly evaluated by EDA and that satisfy applicable Federal cost principles and the... disasters or emergencies; (5) Extraordinary depletion of natural resources; (6) Closing or restructuring of...

13 CFR 300.3 - Definitions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-01-01

... debt that are fairly evaluated by EDA and that satisfy applicable Federal cost principles and the... disasters or emergencies; (5) Extraordinary depletion of natural resources; (6) Closing or restructuring of...

13 CFR 300.3 - Definitions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-01-01

... debt that are fairly evaluated by EDA and that satisfy applicable Federal cost principles and the... disasters or emergencies; (5) Extraordinary depletion of natural resources; (6) Closing or restructuring of...

13 CFR 305.10 - Bid underrun.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... cost, the Recipient will notify EDA to determine whether Investment funds should be deobligated from... WORKS AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT INVESTMENTS Requirements for Approved Projects § 305.10 Bid underrun. If...

Effective potentials in nonlinear polycrystals and quadrature formulae

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Michel, Jean-Claude; Suquet, Pierre

2017-08-01

This study presents a family of estimates for effective potentials in nonlinear polycrystals. Noting that these potentials are given as averages, several quadrature formulae are investigated to express these integrals of nonlinear functions of local fields in terms of the moments of these fields. Two of these quadrature formulae reduce to known schemes, including a recent proposition (Ponte Castañeda 2015 Proc. R. Soc. A 471, 20150665 (doi:10.1098/rspa.2015.0665)) obtained by completely different means. Other formulae are also reviewed that make use of statistical information on the fields beyond their first and second moments. These quadrature formulae are applied to the estimation of effective potentials in polycrystals governed by two potentials, by means of a reduced-order model proposed by the authors (non-uniform transformation field analysis). It is shown how the quadrature formulae improve on the tangent second-order approximation in porous crystals at high stress triaxiality. It is found that, in order to retrieve a satisfactory accuracy for highly nonlinear porous crystals under high stress triaxiality, a quadrature formula of higher order is required.

Effective potentials in nonlinear polycrystals and quadrature formulae.

PubMed

Michel, Jean-Claude; Suquet, Pierre

2017-08-01

This study presents a family of estimates for effective potentials in nonlinear polycrystals. Noting that these potentials are given as averages, several quadrature formulae are investigated to express these integrals of nonlinear functions of local fields in terms of the moments of these fields. Two of these quadrature formulae reduce to known schemes, including a recent proposition (Ponte Castañeda 2015 Proc. R. Soc. A 471 , 20150665 (doi:10.1098/rspa.2015.0665)) obtained by completely different means. Other formulae are also reviewed that make use of statistical information on the fields beyond their first and second moments. These quadrature formulae are applied to the estimation of effective potentials in polycrystals governed by two potentials, by means of a reduced-order model proposed by the authors (non-uniform transformation field analysis). It is shown how the quadrature formulae improve on the tangent second-order approximation in porous crystals at high stress triaxiality. It is found that, in order to retrieve a satisfactory accuracy for highly nonlinear porous crystals under high stress triaxiality, a quadrature formula of higher order is required.

Adsorption and desorption of phthalic acid esters on graphene oxide and reduced graphene oxide as affected by humic acid.

PubMed

Lu, Lun; Wang, Jun; Chen, Baoliang

2018-01-01

The implications of humic acid (HA) regarding surface properties of graphene materials and their interactions with phthalic acid esters (PAEs) are not vivid. We report the role of HA on graphene oxide (GO) and reduced graphene oxide (RGO) for sorption-desorption behavior of PAEs. Besides higher surface area and pore volume, the hydrophobic π-conjugated carbon atoms on RGO ensured prominent adsorption capacity towards PAEs in comparison to hydrophilic GO, highlighting the hydrophobic effect. After adjusting for the hydrophobic effect by calculating the hexadecane-water partition coefficient (K HW ) normalized adsorption coefficient (K d /K HW ), the dimethyl phthalate (DMP) molecule portrayed a higher adsorption affinity towards RGO by π-π electron donor-acceptor (EDA) interaction for active sites on graphene interface via sieving effect. In contrast to RGO, the weak π-π EDA interactions and H-bonding was observed between the carbonyl groups of PAEs and oxygen containing functional groups on GO. There was no obvious change in morphologies of GO and RGO before and desorption as revealed by SEM and TEM images, as desorption hysteresis did not occur in all conditions. The presence of HA also resulted in shielding effect thereby decreasing the adsorption rate and capacity of diethyl phthalate (DEP) on GO and RGO, while it had little effect on DMP, probably due to the adsorbed HA as new active sites. The desorption of DMP and DEP on RGO in presence of HA was quick and enhanced. These results should be important for evaluating the fate and health risk of graphene materials and PAEs in the environment. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

13 CFR 307.5 - Application requirements.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... ECONOMIC ADJUSTMENT ASSISTANCE INVESTMENTS General § 307.5 Application requirements. (a) Each application... EDA) a CEDS, except that a CEDS is not required when applying for a Strategy Grant; and (2) Explain...

EDA Elimination Act of 2013

THOMAS, 113th Congress

Rep. Pompeo, Mike [R-KS-4

2013-02-28

House - 03/01/2013 Referred to the Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public Buildings and Emergency Management. (All Actions) Tracker: This bill has the status IntroducedHere are the steps for Status of Legislation:

Results of ACTIM: an EDA study on spectral laser imaging

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hamoir, Dominique; Hespel, Laurent; Déliot, Philippe; Boucher, Yannick; Steinvall, Ove; Ahlberg, Jörgen; Larsson, Hakan; Letalick, Dietmar; Lutzmann, Peter; Repasi, Endre; Ritt, Gunnar

2011-11-01

The European Defence Agency (EDA) launched the Active Imaging (ACTIM) study to investigate the potential of active imaging, especially that of spectral laser imaging. The work included a literature survey, the identification of promising military applications, system analyses, a roadmap and recommendations. Passive multi- and hyper-spectral imaging allows discriminating between materials. But the measured radiance in the sensor is difficult to relate to spectral reflectance due to the dependence on e.g. solar angle, clouds, shadows... In turn, active spectral imaging offers a complete control of the illumination, thus eliminating these effects. In addition it allows observing details at long ranges, seeing through degraded atmospheric conditions, penetrating obscurants (foliage, camouflage...) or retrieving polarization information. When 3D, it is suited to producing numerical terrain models and to performing geometry-based identification. Hence fusing the knowledge of ladar and passive spectral imaging will result in new capabilities. We have identified three main application areas for active imaging, and for spectral active imaging in particular: (1) long range observation for identification, (2) mid-range mapping for reconnaissance, (3) shorter range perception for threat detection. We present the system analyses that have been performed for confirming the interests, limitations and requirements of spectral active imaging in these three prioritized applications.

Software-based data path for raster-scanned multi-beam mask lithography

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rajagopalan, Archana; Agarwal, Ankita; Buck, Peter; Geller, Paul; Hamaker, H. Christopher; Rao, Nagswara

2016-10-01

According to the 2013 SEMATECH Mask Industry Survey,i roughly half of all photomasks are produced using laser mask pattern generator ("LMPG") lithography. LMPG lithography can be used for all layers at mature technology nodes, and for many non-critical and semi-critical masks at advanced nodes. The extensive use of multi-patterning at the 14-nm node significantly increases the number of critical mask layers, and the transition in wafer lithography from positive tone resist to negative tone resist at the 14-nm design node enables the switch from advanced binary masks back to attenuated phase shifting masks that require second level writes to remove unwanted chrome. LMPG lithography is typically used for second level writes due to its high productivity, absence of charging effects, and versatile non-actinic alignment capability. As multi-patterning use expands from double to triple patterning and beyond, the number of LMPG second level writes increases correspondingly. The desire to reserve the limited capacity of advanced electron beam writers for use when essential is another factor driving the demand for LMPG capacity. The increasing demand for cost-effective productivity has kept most of the laser mask writers ever manufactured running in production, sometimes long past their projected lifespan, and new writers continue to be built based on hardware developed some years ago.ii The data path is a case in point. While state-ofthe- art when first introduced, hardware-based data path systems are difficult to modify or add new features to meet the changing requirements of the market. As data volumes increase, design styles change, and new uses are found for laser writers, it is useful to consider a replacement for this critical subsystem. The availability of low-cost, high-performance, distributed computer systems combined with highly scalable EDA software lends itself well to creating an advanced data path system. EDA software, in routine production today, scales well to hundreds or even thousands of CPU-cores, offering the potential for virtually unlimited capacity. Features available in EDA software such as sizing, scaling, tone reversal, OPC, MPC, rasterization, and others are easily adapted to the requirements of a data path system. This paper presents the motivation, requirements, design and performance of an advanced, scalable software data path system suitable to support multi-beam laser mask lithography.

Global analysis of genes involved in freshwater adaptation in threespine sticklebacks (Gasterosteus aculeatus).

PubMed

DeFaveri, Jacquelin; Shikano, Takahito; Shimada, Yukinori; Goto, Akira; Merilä, Juha

2011-06-01

Examples of parallel evolution of phenotypic traits have been repeatedly demonstrated in threespine sticklebacks (Gasterosteus aculeatus) across their global distribution. Using these as a model, we performed a targeted genome scan--focusing on physiologically important genes potentially related to freshwater adaptation--to identify genetic signatures of parallel physiological evolution on a global scale. To this end, 50 microsatellite loci, including 26 loci within or close to (<6 kb) physiologically important genes, were screened in paired marine and freshwater populations from six locations across the Northern Hemisphere. Signatures of directional selection were detected in 24 loci, including 17 physiologically important genes, in at least one location. Although no loci showed consistent signatures of selection in all divergent population pairs, several outliers were common in multiple locations. In particular, seven physiologically important genes, as well as reference ectodysplasin gene (EDA), showed signatures of selection in three or more locations. Hence, although these results give some evidence for consistent parallel molecular evolution in response to freshwater colonization, they suggest that different evolutionary pathways may underlie physiological adaptation to freshwater habitats within the global distribution of the threespine stickleback. © 2011 The Author(s). Evolution© 2011 The Society for the Study of Evolution.

Quantitative EEG analysis in minimally conscious state patients during postural changes.

PubMed

Greco, A; Carboncini, M C; Virgillito, A; Lanata, A; Valenza, G; Scilingo, E P

2013-01-01

Mobilization and postural changes of patients with cognitive impairment are standard clinical practices useful for both psychic and physical rehabilitation process. During this process, several physiological signals, such as Electroen-cephalogram (EEG), Electrocardiogram (ECG), Photopletysmography (PPG), Respiration activity (RESP), Electrodermal activity (EDA), are monitored and processed. In this paper we investigated how quantitative EEG (qEEG) changes with postural modifications in minimally conscious state patients. This study is quite novel and no similar experimental data can be found in the current literature, therefore, although results are very encouraging, a quantitative analysis of the cortical area activated in such postural changes still needs to be deeply investigated. More specifically, this paper shows EEG power spectra and brain symmetry index modifications during a verticalization procedure, from 0 to 60 degrees, of three patients in Minimally Consciousness State (MCS) with focused region of impairment. Experimental results show a significant increase of the power in β band (12 - 30 Hz), commonly associated to human alertness process, thus suggesting that mobilization and postural changes can have beneficial effects in MCS patients.

Immobilization of β-galactosidase from Kluyveromyces lactis onto polymeric membrane surfaces: effect of surface characteristics.

PubMed

Güleç, Hacı Ali

2013-04-01

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of surface characteristics of plain and plasma modified cellulose acetate (CA) membranes on the immobilization yield of β-galactosidases from Kluyveromyces lactis (KLG) and its galacto-oligosaccharide (GOS) yield, respectively. Low pressure plasma treatments involving oxygen plasma activation, plasma polymerization (PlsP) of ethylenediamine (EDA) and PlsP of 2-mercaptoethanol were used to modify plain CA membrane surfaces. KLG enzyme was immobilized onto plain and oxygen plasma treated membrane surfaces by simple adsorption. Oxygen plasma activation increased the hydrophylicity of CA membrane surfaces and it improved the immobilization yield of the enzyme by 42%. KLG enzyme was also immobilized onto CA membrane surfaces through amino groups created by PlsP of EDA via covalent binding. Plasma action at 60W plasma power and 15 min. exposure time improved the amount of membrane bounded enzyme by 3.5-fold. The enrichment of the amount of amino groups via polyethyleneimine (PEI) addition enhanced this increase from 3.5-fold to 4.5-fold. Although high enzyme loading was achived (65-83%), both of the methods dramatically decreased the enzyme activity (11-12%) and GOS yield due to probably negative effects of active amino groups. KLG enzyme was more effectively immobilized onto thiolated CA membrane surface created by PlsP of 2-mercaptoethanol with high immobilization yield (70%) and especially high enzyme activity (46%). Immobilized enzymes on the CA membranes treated by PlsP were successively reutilized for 5-8 cycles at 25°C and enzymatic derivatives retained approximately 75-80% of their initial activites at the end of the reactions. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

13 CFR 307.8 - Definitions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... RLF. Sale means an EDA-approved sale by an RLF Recipient of its RLF loan portfolio (or a portion... financing technique of securing an investment of new capital with a stream of income generated by...

How the new optoelectronic design automation industry is taking advantage of preexisting EDA standards

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nesmith, Kevin A.; Carver, Susan

2014-05-01

With the advancements in design processes down to the sub 7nm levels, the Electronic Design Automation industry appears to be coming to an end of advancements, as the size of the silicon atom becomes the limiting factor. Or is it? The commercial viability of mass-producing silicon photonics is bringing about the Optoelectronic Design Automation (OEDA) industry. With the science of photonics in its infancy, adding these circuits to ever-increasing complex electronic designs, will allow for new generations of advancements. Learning from the past 50 years of the EDA industry's mistakes and missed opportunities, the photonics industry is starting with electronic standards and extending them to become photonically aware. Adapting the use of pre-existing standards into this relatively new industry will allow for easier integration into the present infrastructure and faster time to market.

Microwave-induced facile synthesis of water-soluble fluorogenic alginic acid derivatives.

PubMed

Chhatbar, Mahesh U; Meena, Ramavatar; Prasad, Kamalesh; Chejara, Dharmesh R; Siddhanta, A K

2011-04-01

A facile microwave-induced method was developed for synthesizing water-soluble fluorescent derivatives of alginic acid (ALG) with four different diamines, hydrazine (HY), ethylenediamine (EDA), 1,6-hexanediamine (HDA), and 1,4-cyclohexanediamine (CHDA), followed by a cross-linking reaction with a natural cross linker genipin. The ethylenediamine derivative of alginic acid (ALG-EDA) exhibited good fluorescent activity, which upon cross linking was enhanced threefold. The other amide derivatives, for example, ALG-HY, ALG-HDA, and ALG-CHDA, were not fluorescent, but their respective crosslinked products exhibited excellent fluorescent activity. The fluorescence intensity had an inverse correlation with the number of carbon atoms present in the amine, which in turn was a function of degree of substitution (DS). These fluorescent polysaccharide derivatives are of potential utility in the domain of sensor applications. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

A compact model and direct parameters extraction techniques For amorphous gallium-indium-zinc-oxide thin film transistors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Moldovan, Oana; Castro-Carranza, Alejandra; Cerdeira, Antonio; Estrada, Magali; Barquinha, Pedro; Martins, Rodrigo; Fortunato, Elvira; Miljakovic, Slobodan; Iñiguez, Benjamin

2016-12-01

An advanced compact and analytical drain current model for the amorphous gallium indium zinc oxide (GIZO) thin film transistors (TFTs) is proposed. Its output saturation behavior is improved by introducing a new asymptotic function. All model parameters were extracted using an adapted version of the Universal Method and Extraction Procedure (UMEM) applied for the first time for GIZO devices in a simple and direct form. We demonstrate the correct behavior of the model for negative VDS, a necessity for a complete compact model. In this way we prove the symmetry of source and drain electrodes and extend the range of applications to both signs of VDS. The model, in Verilog-A code, is implemented in Electronic Design Automation (EDA) tools, such as Smart Spice, and compared with measurements of TFTs. It describes accurately the experimental characteristics in the whole range of GIZO TFTs operation, making the model suitable for the design of circuits using these types of devices.

Photoelectron imaging using an ellipsoidal display analyzer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dütemeyer, T.; Quitmann, C.; Kitz, M.; Dörnemann, K.; Johansson, L. S. O.; Reihl, B.

2001-06-01

We have built an ellipsoidal display analyzer (EDA) for angle-resolved photoelectron spectroscopy and related techniques. The instrument is an improved version of a design by Eastman et al. [Nucl. Instrum. Methods 172, 327 (1980)] and measures the angle-resolved intensity distribution of photoelectrons at fixed energy I(θ,φ)|E=const.. Such two-dimensional cuts through the Brillouin zone are recorded using a position-sensitive detector. The large acceptance angle (Δθ=43° in the polar direction and Δφ=360° in the azimuthal direction) leads to a collection efficiency which exceeds that of conventional hemispherical analyzers by a factor of about 3000. Using ray-tracing calculations we analyze the electron optical properties of the various analyzer components and optimize their arrangement. This minimizes distortions and aberrations in the recorded images and greatly improves the performance compared to previous realizations of this analyzer. We present examples demonstrating the performance of the analyzer and its versatility. Using a commercial He-discharge lamp we are able to measure complete angular distribution patterns in less than 5 s. The energy and angular resolution are ΔEEDA=85 meV and Δθ=1.2°, respectively. Complete stacks of such cuts through the Brillouin zone at different kinetic energies E can be acquired automatically using custom software. The raw data are processed leading to a three-dimensional set (I(EB,k∥) of photoelectron intensity versus binding energy E and wave vector k∥. From this all relevant information, like the dispersion relations EB(k∥) along arbitrary directions of the Brillouin zone or Fermi-surface maps, can then be computed. An additional electron gun enables low-energy electron diffraction, Auger electron spectroscopy, and electron energy-loss spectroscopy. Switching between electrons and photons as the excitation source is possible without any movement of the sample or analyzer. Because of the high acquisition speed it is possible to study the electronic structure of solids as a function of an external parameter (i.e., temperature) or to make animated movies showing, for example, the evolution of electronic states in reciprocal space. After installation of this EDA at a synchrotron providing tunable photon energy, the full power of the instrument will come into play by adding techniques like constant final state or constant initial state spectroscopy, and x-ray photoelectron diffraction.

Positive and negative emotional eating have different associations with overeating and binge eating: Construction and validation of the Positive-Negative Emotional Eating Scale.

PubMed

Sultson, Hedvig; Kukk, Katrin; Akkermann, Kirsti

2017-09-01

Research on emotional eating mostly focuses on negative emotions. Much less is known about how positive emotions relate to overeating and binge eating (BE). The aim of the current study was to construct a scale for positive and negative emotional eating and to assess its predictive validity. In study 1, the Positive-Negative Emotional Eating Scale (PNEES) was constructed and tested on 531 women, who also completed Eating Disorders Assessment Scale (EDAS). Results showed that a two-factor model constituting Positive emotional eating (PNEES-P) and Negative emotional eating (PNEES-N) fit the data well. PNEES-N also showed good convergent validity in assessing binge eating, correlating highly with EDAS subscale Binge eating. Further, a path analysis showed that after controlling for the mediating effect of PNEES-N, PNEES-P continued to significantly predict binge eating. In study 2 (N = 60), experience sampling method was used to assess overeating and BE in the natural environment. Palmtop computers were given to participants for a three-day study period that prompted them with questions regarding emotional experience, overeating, and BE. Results indicated that PNEES-P significantly predicted overeating, whereas PNEES-N predicted overeating and BE episodes only in a subsample of women who had experienced at least one overeating or BE episode. Thus, positive and negative emotional eating might have different relations with overeating and BE, with the latter being more characteristic of the severity/frequency of overeating and BE. New assessment tools that in addition to negative emotional eating also address positive emotional eating could be of potential help in planning intervention. Further, the tendency to overeat in response to positive emotions could be integrated into current models of eating disorders, especially when addressing relapse prevention. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Modeling and analysis of hybrid pixel detector deficiencies for scientific applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fahim, Farah; Deptuch, Grzegorz W.; Hoff, James R.; Mohseni, Hooman

2015-08-01

Semiconductor hybrid pixel detectors often consist of a pixellated sensor layer bump bonded to a matching pixelated readout integrated circuit (ROIC). The sensor can range from high resistivity Si to III-V materials, whereas a Si CMOS process is typically used to manufacture the ROIC. Independent, device physics and electronic design automation (EDA) tools are used to determine sensor characteristics and verify functional performance of ROICs respectively with significantly different solvers. Some physics solvers provide the capability of transferring data to the EDA tool. However, single pixel transient simulations are either not feasible due to convergence difficulties or are prohibitively long. A simplified sensor model, which includes a current pulse in parallel with detector equivalent capacitor, is often used; even then, spice type top-level (entire array) simulations range from days to weeks. In order to analyze detector deficiencies for a particular scientific application, accurately defined transient behavioral models of all the functional blocks are required. Furthermore, various simulations, such as transient, noise, Monte Carlo, inter-pixel effects, etc. of the entire array need to be performed within a reasonable time frame without trading off accuracy. The sensor and the analog front-end can be modeling using a real number modeling language, as complex mathematical functions or detailed data can be saved to text files, for further top-level digital simulations. Parasitically aware digital timing is extracted in a standard delay format (sdf) from the pixel digital back-end layout as well as the periphery of the ROIC. For any given input, detector level worst-case and best-case simulations are performed using a Verilog simulation environment to determine the output. Each top-level transient simulation takes no more than 10-15 minutes. The impact of changing key parameters such as sensor Poissonian shot noise, analog front-end bandwidth, jitter due to clock distribution etc. can be accurately analyzed to determine ROIC architectural viability and bottlenecks. Hence the impact of the detector parameters on the scientific application can be studied.

Effect of the composition of extra virgin olive oils on the differentiation and antioxidant capacities of twelve monovarietals.

PubMed

Fuentes, Edwar; Paucar, Fiorela; Tapia, Francisco; Ortiz, Jaime; Jimenez, Paula; Romero, Nalda

2018-03-15

The effect of the composition of twelve varieties of extra virgin olive oils (EVOOs) on their differentiation based in agronomic criteria and on the antioxidant capacity was studied. Principal component analysis permitted an overview of the samples and their compositions, showing evidence of grouping and correlation between antioxidant capacity, oleuropein and ligstroside derivatives (OLD) and specific extinction at 270. Oleic and linoleic acids, 3,4-DHPEA-EA and p-HPEA-EDA (OLD), unsaturated/saturated ratio and induction time (IT) allowed the correct classification of samples according to year of harvest, ripening stage and variety. The antioxidant capacity of EVOOs was satisfactory predicted through a partial least square model based on ΔK, hydroxytyrosol, pinoresinol, oleuropein derivate and IT. Validation of the model gave a correlation R>0.83 and an error of 7% for independent samples. This model could be a useful tool for the olive industry to highlight the nutritional quality of EVOOs and improve their marketing. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

In silico studies to explore the mutagenic ability of 5-halo/oxy/li-oxy-uracil bases with guanine of DNA base pairs.

PubMed

Jana, Kalyanashis; Ganguly, Bishwajit

2014-10-16

DNA nucleobases are reactive in nature and undergo modifications by deamination, oxidation, alkylation, or hydrolysis processes. Many such modified bases are susceptible to mutagenesis when formed in cellular DNA. The mutagenesis can occur by mispairing with DNA nucleobases by a DNA polymerase during replication. We have performed a study of mispairing of DNA bases with unnatural bases computationally. 5-Halo uracils have been studied as mispairs in mutagenesis; however, the reports on their different forms are scarce in the literature. The stability of mispairs with keto form, enol form, and ionized form of 5-halo-uracil has been computed with the M06-2X/6-31+G** level of theory. The enol form of 5-halo-uracil showed remarkable stability toward DNA mispair compared to the corresponding keto and ionized forms. (F)U-G mispair showed the highest stability in the series and (Halo)(U(enol/ionized)-G mispair interactions energies are more stable than the natural G-C basepair of DNA. To enhance the stability of DNA mispairs, we have introduced the hydroxyl group in the place of halogen atoms, which provides additional hydrogen-bonding interactions in the system while forming the 5-membered ring. The study has been further extended with lithiated 5-hydroxymethyl-uracil to stabilize the DNA mispair. (CH2OLi)U(ionized)-G mispair has shown the highest stability (ΔG = -32.4 kcal/mol) with multi O-Li interactions. AIM (atoms in molecules) and EDA (energy decomposition analysis) analysis has been performed to examine the nature of noncovalent interactions in such mispairs. EDA analysis has shown that electrostatic energy mainly contributes toward the interaction energy of mispairs. The higher stability achieved in these studied mispairs can play a pivotal role in the mutagenesis and can help to attain the mutation for many desired biological processes.

77 FR 20007 - Proposed Information Collection; Comment Request; Property Management

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-04-03

... record. Dated: March 29, 2012. Gwellnar Banks, Management Analyst, Office of the Chief Information... DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE Economic Development Administration Proposed Information Collection; Comment Request; Property Management AGENCY: Economic Development Administration (EDA). ACTION: Notice...

13 CFR 306.2 - Award requirements.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-01-01

... 306.2 Business Credit and Assistance ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE TRAINING, RESEARCH AND TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE INVESTMENTS Local and National Technical Assistance § 306.2 Award requirements. EDA selects Projects for Local and National Technical Assistance Investments in...

13 CFR 306.2 - Award requirements.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... 306.2 Business Credit and Assistance ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE TRAINING, RESEARCH AND TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE INVESTMENTS Local and National Technical Assistance § 306.2 Award requirements. EDA selects Projects for Local and National Technical Assistance Investments in...

13 CFR 306.2 - Award requirements.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-01-01

... 306.2 Business Credit and Assistance ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE TRAINING, RESEARCH AND TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE INVESTMENTS Local and National Technical Assistance § 306.2 Award requirements. EDA selects Projects for Local and National Technical Assistance Investments in...

13 CFR 306.2 - Award requirements.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-01-01

... 306.2 Business Credit and Assistance ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE TRAINING, RESEARCH AND TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE INVESTMENTS Local and National Technical Assistance § 306.2 Award requirements. EDA selects Projects for Local and National Technical Assistance Investments in...

[Clinical and molecular study in a family with autosomal dominant hypohidrotic ectodermal dysplasia].

PubMed

Callea, Michele; Cammarata-Scalisi, Francisco; Willoughby, Colin E; Giglio, Sabrina R; Sani, Ilaria; Bargiacchi, Sara; Traficante, Giovanna; Bellacchio, Emanuele; Tadini, Gianluca; Yavuz, Izzet; Galeotti, Angela; Clarich, Gabriella

2017-02-01

Hypohidrotic ectodermal dysplasia (HED) is a rare disease characterized by deficiency in development of structure derived from the ectoderm and is caused by mutations in the genes EDA, EDAR, or EDARADD. Phenotypes caused by mutations in these three may exhibit similar clinical features, explained by a common signaling pathway. Mutations in EDA gene cause X linked HED, which is the most common form. Mutations in EDAR and EDARADD genes cause autosomal dominant and recessive form of HED. The most striking clinical findings in HED are hypodontia, hypotrichosis and hypohidrosis that can lead to episodes of hyperthermia. We report on clinical findings in a child with HED with autosomal dominant inheritance pattern with a heterozygous mutation c.1072C>T (p.Arg358X) in the EDAR gene. A review of the literature with regard to other cases presenting the same mutation has been carried out and discussed. Sociedad Argentina de Pediatría.

Compressed-sensing wavenumber-scanning interferometry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bai, Yulei; Zhou, Yanzhou; He, Zhaoshui; Ye, Shuangli; Dong, Bo; Xie, Shengli

2018-01-01

The Fourier transform (FT), the nonlinear least-squares algorithm (NLSA), and eigenvalue decomposition algorithm (EDA) are used to evaluate the phase field in depth-resolved wavenumber-scanning interferometry (DRWSI). However, because the wavenumber series of the laser's output is usually accompanied by nonlinearity and mode-hop, FT, NLSA, and EDA, which are only suitable for equidistant interference data, often lead to non-negligible phase errors. In this work, a compressed-sensing method for DRWSI (CS-DRWSI) is proposed to resolve this problem. By using the randomly spaced inverse Fourier matrix and solving the underdetermined equation in the wavenumber domain, CS-DRWSI determines the nonuniform sampling and spectral leakage of the interference spectrum. Furthermore, it can evaluate interference data without prior knowledge of the object. The experimental results show that CS-DRWSI improves the depth resolution and suppresses sidelobes. It can replace the FT as a standard algorithm for DRWSI.

[Processes of attention to children and adolescents under 20 years in La Castañeda: evolution of the concept of childhood in psychiatry].

PubMed

Escotto-Morett, Jorge; Ángeles-Llerenas, Angélica; Domínguez-Esponda, Rosalinda; Márquez-Caraveo, María Elena

2017-01-01

Today, there is evidence that shows that children and adolescents can experience developmental problems and psychiatric disorders. This was possible because of two main reasons, the evolution of the concept of infancy and the progress made in medical and psychiatric diagnostic classification. This manuscript offers a glance to early psychiatric attention in Mexico, particularly the care processes provided to 36 children and adolescents under twenty, admitted in the mental asylum La Castañeda, during the first half of the XX century. Admission causes, length of stay, diagnosis, treatment and discharge motives, are some of the aspects described in this study. Finally, it also reflects about the challenge it is for a child psychiatric hospital nowadays, with such a history, to become an innovative institution able to claim a place in the medical field in favor of those minors that can barely defend themselves.

Enterprise digital assistants: the progression of wireless clinical computing.

PubMed

Bergeron, Bryan P

2002-01-01

By virtue of increasingly pervasive wireless connectivity, the proliferation of wireless handheld devices in clinical care is rapidly transforming the concept of the personal digital assistant (PDA) to the enterprise digital assistant (EDA). Wireless handheld devices are becoming extensions of the central hospital information system, in which it's understood that the health care enterprise, not the clinician carrying the information-dispensing device, owns the data. The practical implication for clinicians is that, despite the potential long-term benefits of seamless, just-in-time clinical data access, this paradigm shift portends decreased efficiency in the short term, as clinicians duplicate clinical data collection on private devices. Assuming eventual clinician acceptance, EDAs can form the basis of a national real-time clinical data acquisition system that ensures uniform prescribing, decision support, and diagnosis, and the means for tracking unusual disease presentation patterns that could be indicative of bioterrorism or natural disease outbreaks.

Interactive knowledge discovery and data mining on genomic expression data with numeric formal concept analysis.

PubMed

González-Calabozo, Jose M; Valverde-Albacete, Francisco J; Peláez-Moreno, Carmen

2016-09-15

Gene Expression Data (GED) analysis poses a great challenge to the scientific community that can be framed into the Knowledge Discovery in Databases (KDD) and Data Mining (DM) paradigm. Biclustering has emerged as the machine learning method of choice to solve this task, but its unsupervised nature makes result assessment problematic. This is often addressed by means of Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA). We put forward a framework in which GED analysis is understood as an Exploratory Data Analysis (EDA) process where we provide support for continuous human interaction with data aiming at improving the step of hypothesis abduction and assessment. We focus on the adaptation to human cognition of data interpretation and visualization of the output of EDA. First, we give a proper theoretical background to bi-clustering using Lattice Theory and provide a set of analysis tools revolving around [Formula: see text]-Formal Concept Analysis ([Formula: see text]-FCA), a lattice-theoretic unsupervised learning technique for real-valued matrices. By using different kinds of cost structures to quantify expression we obtain different sequences of hierarchical bi-clusterings for gene under- and over-expression using thresholds. Consequently, we provide a method with interleaved analysis steps and visualization devices so that the sequences of lattices for a particular experiment summarize the researcher's vision of the data. This also allows us to define measures of persistence and robustness of biclusters to assess them. Second, the resulting biclusters are used to index external omics databases-for instance, Gene Ontology (GO)-thus offering a new way of accessing publicly available resources. This provides different flavors of gene set enrichment against which to assess the biclusters, by obtaining their p-values according to the terminology of those resources. We illustrate the exploration procedure on a real data example confirming results previously published. The GED analysis problem gets transformed into the exploration of a sequence of lattices enabling the visualization of the hierarchical structure of the biclusters with a certain degree of granularity. The ability of FCA-based bi-clustering methods to index external databases such as GO allows us to obtain a quality measure of the biclusters, to observe the evolution of a gene throughout the different biclusters it appears in, to look for relevant biclusters-by observing their genes and what their persistence is-to infer, for instance, hypotheses on their function.

Elucidation of two photon absorption of ethylenediaminium (2,4-dinitrophenolate) crystals

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Indumathi, C.; Sabari Girisun, T. C.; Anitha, K.; Cecil Raj, S. Alfred

2016-10-01

Optical quality single crystals of ethylenediaminium (2,4-dinitrophenolate) [EDA(2,4)DNP] were grown by solvent evaporation method for optical limiting applications against intense ultrashot pulse lasers. Single crystal XRD showed that the material crystallizes in monoclinic system with centric space group P21/C. The crystal packing diagram was elucidated for the first time in literature and it revealed six hydrogen bonds played a very important role in stabilizing the structure. A bifurcated hydrogen bond was also observed between ethylenediamminium and dinitrophenolate ions. The formation of charge transfer complex during the reaction of ethylenediamine and 2,4-dinitrophenol was strongly evident through the vibrational spectroscopic studies. TG-DTA and DSC curves indicate that the material exhibited strong decomposition at 224 °C. Ground state absorption analysis showed that the grown crystals possess absorption maxima in UV region (270 nm, 346 nm) and wide optical transmittance window (480-1200 nm) in the entire visible and NIR region. Measurement of two photon absorption (2PA) and optical limiting response by Z-scan technique under nanosecond pulse excitation was reported. Hence EDA(2,4)DNP with high 2PA coefficient (0.79 ± 0.04 × 10-10 m/W) and low limiting threshold (2.40 ± 0.05 × 1012 W/m2) will be a potential candidate for optical limiting applications like eye and sensor protection against short pulse lasers that are well spread in human interactive sectors.

FTIR study of hydrogen bonding interaction between fluorinated alcohol and unsaturated esters

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sheng, Xia; Jiang, Xiaotong; Zhao, Hailiang; Wan, Dongjin; Liu, Yongde; Ngwenya, Cleopatra Ashley; Du, Lin

2018-06-01

The 1:1 complexes of two unsaturated esters with 2,2,2-trifluoroethanol (TFE) were investigated experimentally and computationally. The experimental observations of the spectral shifts of the OH-stretching vibrational transitions were obtained at 113 cm-1 for TFE-methyl acrylate (MA) and 92 cm-1 for TFE-vinyl acetate (VA). There are three docking sites in the two unsaturated esters for the incoming TFE. The predicted red shifts of the OH-stretching vibrational transitions were found to be larger for the Osbnd H⋯Odbnd C hydrogen bonded conformer than those for the Osbnd H⋯π and Osbnd H⋯O ones. The binding energies further prove that the Osbnd H⋯Odbnd C hydrogen bonded conformers are the most stable ones. On the basis of the DFT calculations as well as previous works, the carbonyl group is the best docking site for TFE. Furthermore, the thermodynamic equilibrium constants of TFE-MA and TFE-VA were obtained at 0.28 and 0.15 by combining the experimental spectra data and the DFT calculations. Consequently, the Gibbs free energies of formation were determined to be 3.2 and 4.8 kJ mol-1 for TFE-MA and TFE-VA, respectively. The quantum theory of atoms in molecules (AIM) and generalized Kohn-Sham energy decomposition analysis (GKS-EDA) were carried out for further characterization of the hydrogen bonding interactions. GKS-EDA shows an "electrostatic" dominated hydrogen bonding character for the Osbnd H⋯Odbnd C hydrogen bonds.

Cloning of the anhidrotic ectodermal dysplasia gene: Identification of cDNAs associated with CpG islands mapped near translocation breakpoint in two female patients

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

Srivastava, A.K.; Schlessinger, D.; Kere, J.

1994-09-01

The gene for the X chromosomal developmental disorder anhidrotic ectodermal dysplasia (EDA) has been mapped to Xq12-q13 by linkage analysis and is expressed in a few females with chromosomal translocations involving band Xq12-q13. A yeast artificial chromosome (YAC) contig (2.0 Mb) spanning two translocation breakpoints has been assembled by sequence-tagged site (STS)-based chromosomal walking. The two translocation breakpoints (X:autosome translocations from the affected female patients) have been mapped less than 60 kb apart within a YAC contig. Unique probes and intragenic STSs (mapped between the two translocations) have been developed and a somatic cell hybrid carrying the translocated X chromosomemore » from the AK patient has been analyzed by isolating unique probes that span the breakpoint. Several STSs made from intragenic sequences have been found to be conserved in mouse, hamster and monkey, but we have detected no mRNAs in a number of tissues tested. However, a probe and STS developed from the DNA spanning the AK breakpoint is conserved in mouse, hamster and monkey, and we have detected expressed sequences in skin cells and cDNA libraries. In addition, unique sequences have been obtained from two CpG islands in the region that maps proximal to the breakpoints. cDNAs containing these sequences are being studied as candidates for the gene affected in the etiology of EDA.« less

Examining Escherichia coli glycolytic pathways, catabolite repression, and metabolite channeling using Δpfk mutants

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

Hollinshead, Whitney D.; Rodriguez, Sarah; Martin, Hector Garcia

Background: Glycolysis breakdowns glucose into essential building blocks and ATP/NAD(P)H for the cell, occupying a central role in its growth and bio-production. Among glycolytic pathways, the Entner Doudoroff pathway (EDP) is a more thermodynamically favorable pathway with fewer enzymatic steps than either the Embden-Meyerhof-Parnas pathway (EMPP) or the oxidative pentose phosphate pathway (OPPP). However, Escherichia coli do not use their native EDP for glucose metabolism. Results: Overexpression of edd and eda in E. coli to enhance EDP activity resulted in only a small shift in the flux directed through the EDP (~20 % of glycolysis flux). Disrupting the EMPP bymore » phosphofructokinase I (pfkA) knockout increased flux through OPPP (~60 % of glycolysis flux) and the native EDP (~14 % of glycolysis flux), while overexpressing edd and eda in this ΔpfkA mutant directed ~70 % of glycolytic flux through the EDP. The downregulation of EMPP via the pfkA deletion significantly decreased the growth rate, while EDP overexpression in the ΔpfkA mutant failed to improve its growth rates due to metabolic burden. However, the reorganization of E. coli glycolytic strategies did reduce glucose catabolite repression. The ΔpfkA mutant in glucose medium was able to cometabolize acetate via the citric acid cycle and gluconeogenesis, while EDP overexpression in the ΔpfkA mutant repressed acetate flux toward gluconeogenesis. Moreover, 13C-pulse experiments in the ΔpfkA mutants showed unsequential labeling dynamics in glycolysis intermediates, possibly suggesting metabolite channeling (metabolites in glycolysis are pass from enzyme to enzyme without fully equilibrating within the cytosol medium). Conclusions: We engineered E. coli to redistribute its native glycolytic flux. The replacement of EMPP by EDP did not improve E. coli glucose utilization or biomass growth, but alleviated catabolite repression. More importantly, our results supported the hypothesis of channeling in the glycolytic pathways, a potentially overlooked mechanism for regulating glucose catabolism and coutilization of other substrates. The presence of channeling in native pathways, if proven true, would affect synthetic biology applications and metabolic modeling.« less

Examining Escherichia coli glycolytic pathways, catabolite repression, and metabolite channeling using Δpfk mutants

DOE PAGES

Hollinshead, Whitney D.; Rodriguez, Sarah; Martin, Hector Garcia; ...

2016-10-10

Background: Glycolysis breakdowns glucose into essential building blocks and ATP/NAD(P)H for the cell, occupying a central role in its growth and bio-production. Among glycolytic pathways, the Entner Doudoroff pathway (EDP) is a more thermodynamically favorable pathway with fewer enzymatic steps than either the Embden-Meyerhof-Parnas pathway (EMPP) or the oxidative pentose phosphate pathway (OPPP). However, Escherichia coli do not use their native EDP for glucose metabolism. Results: Overexpression of edd and eda in E. coli to enhance EDP activity resulted in only a small shift in the flux directed through the EDP (~20 % of glycolysis flux). Disrupting the EMPP bymore » phosphofructokinase I (pfkA) knockout increased flux through OPPP (~60 % of glycolysis flux) and the native EDP (~14 % of glycolysis flux), while overexpressing edd and eda in this ΔpfkA mutant directed ~70 % of glycolytic flux through the EDP. The downregulation of EMPP via the pfkA deletion significantly decreased the growth rate, while EDP overexpression in the ΔpfkA mutant failed to improve its growth rates due to metabolic burden. However, the reorganization of E. coli glycolytic strategies did reduce glucose catabolite repression. The ΔpfkA mutant in glucose medium was able to cometabolize acetate via the citric acid cycle and gluconeogenesis, while EDP overexpression in the ΔpfkA mutant repressed acetate flux toward gluconeogenesis. Moreover, 13C-pulse experiments in the ΔpfkA mutants showed unsequential labeling dynamics in glycolysis intermediates, possibly suggesting metabolite channeling (metabolites in glycolysis are pass from enzyme to enzyme without fully equilibrating within the cytosol medium). Conclusions: We engineered E. coli to redistribute its native glycolytic flux. The replacement of EMPP by EDP did not improve E. coli glucose utilization or biomass growth, but alleviated catabolite repression. More importantly, our results supported the hypothesis of channeling in the glycolytic pathways, a potentially overlooked mechanism for regulating glucose catabolism and coutilization of other substrates. The presence of channeling in native pathways, if proven true, would affect synthetic biology applications and metabolic modeling.« less

Diurnal Emotional States Impact the Sleep Course

PubMed Central

Delannoy, Julien; Mandai, Osamu; Honoré, Jacques; Kobayashi, Toshinori; Sequeira, Henrique

2015-01-01

Background Diurnal emotional experiences seem to affect several characteristics of sleep architecture. However, this influence remains unclear, especially for positive emotions. In addition, electrodermal activity (EDA), a sympathetic robust indicator of emotional arousal, differs depending on the sleep stage. The present research has a double aim: to identify the specific effects of pre-sleep emotional states on the architecture of the subsequent sleep period; to relate such states to the sympathetic activation during the same sleep period. Methods Twelve healthy volunteers (20.1 ± 1.0 yo.) participated in the experiment and each one slept 9 nights at the laboratory, divided into 3 sessions, one per week. Each session was organized over three nights. A reference night, allowing baseline pre-sleep and sleep recordings, preceded an experimental night before which participants watched a negative, neutral, or positive movie. The third and last night was devoted to analyzing the potential recovery or persistence of emotional effects induced before the experimental night. Standard polysomnography and EDA were recorded during all the nights. Results Firstly, we found that experimental pre-sleep emotional induction increased the Rapid Eye Movement (REM) sleep rate following both negative and positive movies. While this increase was spread over the whole night for positive induction, it was limited to the second half of the sleep period for negative induction. Secondly, the valence of the pre-sleep movie also impacted the sympathetic activation during Non-REM stage 3 sleep, which increased after negative induction and decreased after positive induction. Conclusion Pre-sleep controlled emotional states impacted the subsequent REM sleep rate and modulated the sympathetic activity during the sleep period. The outcomes of this study offer interesting perspectives related to the effect of diurnal emotional influences on sleep regulation and open new avenues for potential practices designed to alleviate sleep disturbances. PMID:26606526

New frontiers in fibrotic disease therapies: The focus of the Joan and Joel Rosenbloom Center for Fibrotic Diseases at Thomas Jefferson University.

PubMed

Rosenbloom, Joel; Ren, Shumei; Macarak, Edward

2016-04-01

Fibrotic diseases constitute a world-wide major health problem, but research support remains inadequate in comparison to the need. Although considerable understanding of the pathogenesis of fibrotic reactions has been attained, no completely effective therapies exist. Although fibrotic disorders are diverse, it is universally appreciated that a particular cell type with unique characteristics, the myofibroblast, is responsible for replacement of functioning tissue with non-functional scar tissue. Understanding the cellular and molecular mechanisms responsible for the creation of myofibroblasts and their activities is central to the development of therapies. Critical signaling cascades, initiated primarily by TGF-β, but also involving other cytokines which stimulate pro-fibrotic reactions in the myofibroblast, offer potential therapeutic targets. However, because of the multiplicity and complex interactions of these signaling pathways, it is very unlikely that any single drug will be successful in modifying a major fibrotic disease. Therefore, we have chosen to examine the effectiveness of administration of several drug combinations in a mouse pneumoconiosis model. Such treatment proved to be effective. Because fibrotic diseases that tend to be chronic, are difficult to monitor, and are patient variable, implementation of clinical trials is difficult and expensive. Therefore, we have made efforts to identify and validate non-invasive biomarkers found in urine and blood. We describe the potential utility of five such markers: (i) the EDA form of fibronectin (Fn(EDA)), (ii) lysyl oxidase (LOX), (iii) lysyl oxidase-like protein 2 (LoxL2), (iv) connective tissue growth factor (CTGF, CCNII), and (v) the N-terminal propeptide of type III procollagen (PIIINP). Copyright © 2016 International Society of Matrix Biology. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Autonomic arousal in children of parents with and without social anxiety disorder: a high-risk study.

PubMed

Nikolić, Milica; de Vente, Wieke; Colonnesi, Cristina; Bögels, Susan M

2016-09-01

Autonomic hyperarousal in social situations is considered a genetic vulnerability factor for social anxiety disorder (SAD), but so far it is unstudied in children at risk for developing SAD. We examined autonomic activity during socially stressful tasks in children of mothers and fathers with and without lifetime SAD to reveal possible biological mechanisms of intergenerational transmission of SAD. One hundred ten children aged 4.5 years were asked to sing a song in front of an audience and watch back their performance in the presence of that audience. Heart rate (HR), heart rate variability (HRV), electrodermal activity (EDA), and blushing (cheek blood flow and temperature) were measured in anticipation of, during, and after the tasks. Both parents' lifetime SAD status was assessed, and both parents reported about their own and their child's social anxiety symptoms. Children of parents with lifetime SAD blushed more during the socially challenging tasks than children of parents without SAD. Moreover, children of parents with more social anxiety symptoms showed increased EDA throughout the tasks. Finally, more blushing, increased EDA, and reduced HRV were associated with greater child social anxiety. This study adds to the current knowledge on the intergenerational transmission of SAD by providing evidence that children at risk for SAD are characterized by excessive blushing in socially challenging situations. The findings also demonstrate that heightened autonomic activity is a characteristic of social anxiety already during early childhood. Hence, autonomic hyperarousal, and blushing in particular, is likely to play an etiological role in the development of SAD. © 2016 Association for Child and Adolescent Mental Health.

Time-dependent changes in extra-domain A-fibronectin concentration and relative amounts of fibronectin-fibrin complexes in plasma of patients with peripheral arterial disease after endovascular revascularisation.

PubMed

Pupek, Małgorzata; Krzyżanowska-Gołąb, Dorota; Kotschy, Daniel; Witkiewicz, Wojciech; Kwiatkowska, Wiesława; Kotschy, Maria; Kątnik-Prastowska, Iwona

2018-03-13

Fibronectin (FN) may be involved in time- and stage-dependent and inter-related controlled processes of inflammation, coagulation, and wound healing accompanying peripheral arterial disease (PAD). In the present study, FN and FN-containing extra-domain A (EDA-FN), macromolecular FN-fibrin complexes, and FN monomer were analysed in the plasma of 142 PAD patients, including 37 patients with restenosis, for 37 months after revascularisation. FN concentration increased significantly in the plasma of PAD patients within 7 to 12 months after revascularisation, whereas the high concentration of EDA-FN was maintained up to 24 months, significantly higher in the group 7 to 12 months after revascularisation with recurrence of stenosis and lower in the PAD groups 1 to 3 months and 4 to 6 months after revascularisation with comorbid diabetes and ulceration, respectively. The relative amounts of FN-fibrin complexes up to 1600 kDa and FN monomer were significantly higher, within intervals of 4 to 24 months and 4 to 6 months after revascularisation, respectively. Moreover, the relative amounts of 750 to 1600 kDa FN-fibrin complexes within 13 to 24 months after revascularisation were higher in comparison with those in the group without restenosis. In conclusion, high levels of EDA-FN and FN-fibrin complexes could have potential diagnostic value in the management of PAD patients after revascularisation, predicting restenosis risk. © 2018 Medicalhelplines.com Inc and John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

H-mode pedestal stability and ELMs in Alcator C-Mod

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mossessian, Dmitri

2002-11-01

For steady state H-mode operation, a relaxation mechanism is required to limit build-up of the edge gradient and impurity accumulation. The major relaxation mechanism seen on most of the existing tokamaks - large type I ELMs - drive high particle and energy fluxes that present a significant power load on the divertor plates. On Alcator C-Mod, however, type I ELMs are not observed. Instead, more benign mechanisms - EDA and small grassy ELMs - appear to drive enhanced particle transport at the edge of H-mode plasmas. Both have good energy confinement, no impurity accumulation, and are steady state. In EDA the edge relaxation mechanism is provided by a quasicoherent electromagnetic mode localized in the outer part of the pedestal. Non-linear gyrofluid and linear gyrokinetic simulations, as well as real geometry fluctuation modeling based on fluid equations show the presence of a coherent mode. Based on those results the observed mode is tentatively identified as resistive ballooning. At higher edge pressure gradient the mode is replaced by broadband fluctuations and small irregular ELMs are observed. Based on ideal MHD calculations that include effects of bootstrap current, these ELMs are identified as medium n coupled ideal peeling/ballooning modes. The stability threshold and modes structure of these modes are studied with recently developed linear MHD stability code ELITE and the results are compared with the observed dependence of the ELMs' character on pedestal parameters and plasma shape.

Tiludronate treatment improves structural changes and symptoms of osteoarthritis in the canine anterior cruciate ligament model.

PubMed

Moreau, Maxim; Rialland, Pascale; Pelletier, Jean-Pierre; Martel-Pelletier, Johanne; Lajeunesse, Daniel; Boileau, Christielle; Caron, Judith; Frank, Diane; Lussier, Bertrand; del Castillo, Jerome R E; Beauchamp, Guy; Gauvin, Dominique; Bertaim, Thierry; Thibaud, Dominique; Troncy, Eric

2011-06-21

The aim of this prospective, randomized, controlled, double-blind study was to evaluate the effects of tiludronate (TLN), a bisphosphonate, on structural, biochemical and molecular changes and function in an experimental dog model of osteoarthritis (OA). Baseline values were established the week preceding surgical transection of the right cranial/anterior cruciate ligament, with eight dogs serving as OA placebo controls and eight others receiving four TLN injections (2 mg/kg subcutaneously) at two-week intervals starting the day of surgery for eight weeks. At baseline, Week 4 and Week 8, the functional outcome was evaluated using kinetic gait analysis, telemetered locomotor actimetry and video-automated behaviour capture. Pain impairment was assessed using a composite numerical rating scale (NRS), a visual analog scale, and electrodermal activity (EDA). At necropsy (Week 8), macroscopic and histomorphological analyses of synovium, cartilage and subchondral bone of the femoral condyles and tibial plateaus were assessed. Immunohistochemistry of cartilage (matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-1, MMP-13, and a disintegrin and metalloproteinase domain with thrombospondin motifs (ADAMTS5)) and subchondral bone (cathepsin K) was performed. Synovial fluid was analyzed for inflammatory (PGE(2) and nitrite/nitrate levels) biomarkers. Statistical analyses (mixed and generalized linear models) were performed with an α-threshold of 0.05. A better functional outcome was observed in TLN dogs than OA placebo controls. Hence, TLN dogs had lower gait disability (P = 0.04 at Week 8) and NRS score (P = 0.03, group effect), and demonstrated behaviours of painless condition with the video-capture (P < 0.04). Dogs treated with TLN demonstrated a trend toward improved actimetry and less pain according to EDA. Macroscopically, both groups had similar level of morphometric lesions, TLN-treated dogs having less joint effusion (P = 0.01), reduced synovial fluid levels of PGE(2) (P = 0.02), nitrites/nitrates (P = 0.01), lower synovitis score (P < 0.01) and a greater subchondral bone surface (P < 0.01). Immunohistochemical staining revealed lower levels in TLN-treated dogs of MMP-13 (P = 0.02), ADAMTS5 (P = 0.02) in cartilage and cathepsin K (P = 0.02) in subchondral bone. Tiludronate treatment demonstrated a positive effect on gait disability and joint symptoms. This is likely related to the positive influence of the treatment at improving some OA structural changes and reducing the synthesis of catabolic and inflammatory mediators.

ELECTROCHEMICAL DESIGN ASSOCIATES (FORMERLY GEOKINETICS INTERNATIONAL, INC.) LEAD RECOVERY TECHNOLOGY EVALUATION ITER

EPA Science Inventory

This report presents performance and economic data from U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Superfund Innovative Technology Evaluation (SITE) Program evaluation of Electrochemical Design Associates (EDA), formerly known as Geokinetics International Inc., Lead Recovery Tech...

13 CFR 303.4 - Award requirements.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... PLANNING INVESTMENTS AND COMPREHENSIVE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT STRATEGIES § 303.4 Award requirements. (a) Planning Investments shall function in conjunction with any other available Federal, State or local... compelling circumstances as determined by the Assistant Secretary, EDA will not provide Planning Investments...

13 CFR 314.9 - Recorded statement-title.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... PROPERTY Personal Property § 314.9 Recorded statement—title. For all Projects which EDA determines involve... ships, machinery, equipment, removable fixtures or structural components of buildings, the Recipient... part of the Project, except as otherwise provided in this part. ...

78 FR 8491 - Proposed Information Collection; Comment Request; Trade Adjustment Assistance for Firms

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-02-06

... DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE Economic Development Administration Proposed Information Collection; Comment Request; Trade Adjustment Assistance for Firms AGENCY: Economic Development Administration (EDA... Assistance Division, Room 71028, Economic Development Administration, Washington, DC 20230, telephone (202...

Influence of real and virtual heights on standing balance.

PubMed

Cleworth, Taylor W; Horslen, Brian C; Carpenter, Mark G

2012-06-01

Fear and anxiety induced by threatening scenarios, such as standing on elevated surfaces, have been shown to influence postural control in young adults. There is also a need to understand how postural threat influences postural control in populations with balance deficits and risk of falls. However, safety and feasibility issues limit opportunities to place such populations in physically threatening scenarios. Virtual reality (VR) has successfully been used to simulate threatening environments, although it is unclear whether the same postural changes can be elicited by changes in virtual and real threat conditions. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to compare the effects of real and virtual heights on changes to standing postural control, electrodermal activity (EDA) and psycho-social state. Seventeen subjects stood at low and high heights in both real and virtual environments matched in scale and visual detail. A repeated measures ANOVA revealed increases with height, independent of visual environment, in EDA, anxiety, fear, and center of pressure (COP) frequency, and decreases with height in perceived stability, balance confidence and COP amplitude. Interaction effects were seen for fear and COP mean position; where real elicited larger changes with height than VR. This study demonstrates the utility of VR, as simulated heights resulted in changes to postural, autonomic and psycho-social measures similar to those seen at real heights. As a result, VR may be a useful tool for studying threat related changes in postural control in populations at risk of falls, and to screen and rehabilitate balance deficits associated with fear and anxiety. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Chemical bonding in silicon-carbene complexes.

PubMed

Liu, Z

2009-06-04

The bonding situations in the newly synthesized silicon-carbene complexes with formulas L:SiCl4, L:(Cl)Si-Si(Cl):L, and L:Si=Si:L (where L: is an N-heterocyclic carbene), are reported using density functional theory at the BP86/TZ2P level. The bonding analysis clearly shows that the bonding situation in the silicon-carbene complexes cannot be described in terms of donor-acceptor interactions depicted in the Dewar-Chatt-Duncanson model. The energy decomposition analysis (EDA) shows that the electrostatic attraction plays an important or even dominant role for the Si-C(carbene) binding interactions in the silicon-carbene complexes. That the molecular orbitals of the silicon-carbene complexes are lower in energy than the parent orbitals of carbenes indicates that these complexes are better described as stabilized carbene complexes.

Equitable Access for Secondary English Learner Students: Course Taking as Evidence of EL Program Effectiveness

PubMed Central

Callahan, Rebecca M.; Shifrer, Dara

2016-01-01

Purpose EL education policy has long directed schools to address English learner (EL) students’ linguistic and academic development, and must do so without furthering inequity or segregation (Lau, 1974; Castañeda, 1981). The recent ESSA (2015) reauthorization expresses a renewed focus on evidence of equity, effectiveness, and opportunity to learn. We propose that high school course taking patterns provide evidence of program effectiveness and equity in access. Research Design Using data from the nationally representative Educational Longitudinal Study of 2002 (ELS: 2002), we employ multinomial regression models to predict students’ likelihood of completing two types of high school coursework (basic graduation, college preparatory) by their linguistic status. Findings Despite considerable linguistic, sociodemographic, and academic controls, marked disparities in high school course taking patterns remain, with EL students experiencing significantly less academic exposure. Implications for Policy and Practice Building on McKenzie and Scheurich’s (2004) notion of an equity trap and evidence of a long-standing EL opportunity gap, we suggest that school leaders might use our findings and their own course taking patterns to prompt discussions about the causes and consequences of local EL placement processes. Such discussions have the potential to raise awareness about how educators and school leaders approach educational equity and access, key elements central to the spirit of EL education policy. PMID:27429476

Adenosine triphosphate regulates the activity of guinea pig Cav1.2 channel by direct binding to the channel in a dose-dependent manner.

PubMed

Feng, Rui; Xu, Jianjun; Minobe, Etsuko; Kameyama, Asako; Yang, Lei; Yu, Lifeng; Hao, Liying; Kameyama, Masaki

2014-05-01

The present study is to investigate the mechanism by which ATP regulates Cav1.2 channel activity. Ventricular tissue was obtained from adult guinea pig hearts using collagenase. Ca(2+) channel activity was monitored using the patch-clamp technique. Proteins were purified using wheat germ agglutinin-Sepharose, and the concentration was determined using the Coomassie brilliant blue technique. ATP binding to the Cav1.2 channel was examined using the photoaffinity method. EDA-ATP-biotin maintains Ca(2+) channel activity in inside-out membrane patches. ATP directly bound to the Cav1.2 channel in a dose-dependent manner, and at least two molecules of ATP bound to one molecule of the Cav1.2 channel. Low levels of calmodulin (CaM) increased ATP binding to the Cav1.2 channel, but higher levels of CaM decreased ATP binding to the Cav1.2 channel. In addition, Ca(2+) was another regulator for ATP binding to the Cav1.2 channel. Furthermore, ATP bound to GST-fusion peptides of NH2-terminal region (amino acids 6-140) and proximal COOH-terminal region (amino acids 1,509-1,789) of the main subunit (α1C) of the Cav1.2 channel. Our data suggest that ATP might regulate Cav1.2 channel activity by directly binding to the Cav1.2 channel in a dose-dependent manner. In addition, the ATP-binding effect to the Cav1.2 channel was both CaM- and Ca(2+) dependent.

13 CFR 305.12 - Project sign.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

....12 Business Credit and Assistance ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE PUBLIC WORKS AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT INVESTMENTS Requirements for Approved Projects § 305.12 Project sign. The... the Federal government is participating in the Project. The EDA regional office will provide mandatory...

13 CFR 303.1 - Purpose and scope.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... 303.1 Business Credit and Assistance ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE PLANNING INVESTMENTS AND COMPREHENSIVE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT STRATEGIES § 303.1 Purpose and scope. The purpose of EDA Planning Investments is to provide support to Planning Organizations for the development...

13 CFR 301.7 - Investment Assistance proposal.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... 13 Business Credit and Assistance 1 2010-01-01 2010-01-01 false Investment Assistance proposal... COMMERCE ELIGIBILITY, INVESTMENT RATE AND PROPOSAL AND APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS Proposal and Application Requirements; Evaluation Criteria § 301.7 Investment Assistance proposal. (a) The EDA Investment Assistance...

CELLULAR UPTAKE AND TOXICITY OF DENDRITIC NANOMATERIALS: AN INTEGRATED PHYSICOCHEMICAL AND TOXICOGENOMICS STUDY

EPA Science Inventory

The successful completion of this project is expected to provide industry with critical data and predictive tools needed to assess the health and environmental impact of dendritic nanomaterials such as EDA core PAMAM dendrimers.

13 CFR 301.7 - Investment Assistance application.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... 13 Business Credit and Assistance 1 2011-01-01 2011-01-01 false Investment Assistance application... COMMERCE ELIGIBILITY, INVESTMENT RATE AND APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS Application Requirements; Evaluation Criteria § 301.7 Investment Assistance application. (a) The EDA Investment Assistance process begins with...

13 CFR 300.1 - Introduction and mission.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... Investments in infrastructure development, capacity building and business development in order to attract private capital investments and higher-skill, higher-wage jobs to Regions experiencing substantial and... installations, changing trade patterns and the depletion of natural resources. EDA Investments generally take...

13 CFR 301.1 - Overview of eligibility requirements.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... Investments and Comprehensive Economic Development Strategies), part 304 (Economic Development Districts..., DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE ELIGIBILITY, INVESTMENT RATE AND PROPOSAL AND APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS General § 301.1 Overview of eligibility requirements. In order to receive EDA Investment Assistance, an applicant and the...

77 FR 6517 - Economic Development Administration Regulatory Revision; Comment Period Extension

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-02-08

... DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE Economic Development Administration 13 CFR Parts 300, 301, 302, 303, 304... Development Administration Regulatory Revision; Comment Period Extension AGENCY: Economic Development.... SUMMARY: On December 7, 2011, the Department of Commerce's Economic Development Administration (EDA...

Development of Self-study and Student Evaluation Support System for HDL Design Education

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chiba, Shinji

In HDL design education, the students should study HDL description and usage of EDA tools to master HDL design technique and the teachers have to check a lot of HDL description files to evaluate students. This paper proposed a HDL design education system composed of WBT and LMS servers. The developed education system has been operated at an actual class. Results of the operation indicated that the proposal system helped effectively teachers to evaluate students. Questionnaire for students showed that a lot of students used the proposal system for self-study.

76 FR 12616 - Request for Comments: Review and Improvement of EDA's Regulations

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-03-08

... particular input on those regulations that impact the creation and growth of Regional Innovation Clusters... DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE Economic Development Administration 13 CFR Chapter III [Docket No...: Economic Development Administration, Department of Commerce. ACTION: Notice and request for comments...

13 CFR 314.6 - Encumbrances.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... 13 Business Credit and Assistance 1 2010-01-01 2010-01-01 false Encumbrances. 314.6 Section 314.6 Business Credit and Assistance ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE PROPERTY General...-profit organization has demonstrated stability over time, and such other factors as EDA deems appropriate...

77 FR 38580 - Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-06-28

... CEDS planning process and resulting CEDS is designed to guide the economic growth of an area and...: Economic Development Administration (EDA). Title: Comprehensive Economic Development Strategies. OMB... and Economic Adjustment programs, applicants must undertake a planning process that results in a...

13 CFR 306.1 - Purpose and scope.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... TRAINING, RESEARCH AND TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE INVESTMENTS Local and National Technical Assistance § 306.1 Purpose and scope. (a) Local and National Technical Assistance Investments may: (1) Determine the causes... business. (c) EDA may identify specific training, research or technical assistance Projects it will fund...

13 CFR 302.1 - Environment.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... 13 Business Credit and Assistance 1 2011-01-01 2011-01-01 false Environment. 302.1 Section 302.1 Business Credit and Assistance ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE GENERAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS FOR INVESTMENT ASSISTANCE § 302.1 Environment. EDA will undertake environmental reviews...

13 CFR 302.1 - Environment.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-01-01

... 13 Business Credit and Assistance 1 2012-01-01 2012-01-01 false Environment. 302.1 Section 302.1 Business Credit and Assistance ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE GENERAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS FOR INVESTMENT ASSISTANCE § 302.1 Environment. EDA will undertake environmental reviews...

13 CFR 302.1 - Environment.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-01-01

... 13 Business Credit and Assistance 1 2013-01-01 2013-01-01 false Environment. 302.1 Section 302.1 Business Credit and Assistance ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE GENERAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS FOR INVESTMENT ASSISTANCE § 302.1 Environment. EDA will undertake environmental reviews...

13 CFR 302.1 - Environment.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-01-01

... 13 Business Credit and Assistance 1 2014-01-01 2014-01-01 false Environment. 302.1 Section 302.1 Business Credit and Assistance ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE GENERAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS FOR INVESTMENT ASSISTANCE § 302.1 Environment. EDA will undertake environmental reviews...

13 CFR 304.4 - Performance evaluations.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... 13 Business Credit and Assistance 1 2011-01-01 2011-01-01 false Performance evaluations. 304.4... ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DISTRICTS § 304.4 Performance evaluations. (a) EDA shall evaluate the management standards, financial accountability and program performance of each District Organization within three (3...

13 CFR 304.4 - Performance evaluations.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-01-01

... 13 Business Credit and Assistance 1 2014-01-01 2014-01-01 false Performance evaluations. 304.4... ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DISTRICTS § 304.4 Performance evaluations. (a) EDA shall evaluate the management standards, financial accountability and program performance of each District Organization within three (3...

13 CFR 304.4 - Performance evaluations.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-01-01

... 13 Business Credit and Assistance 1 2013-01-01 2013-01-01 false Performance evaluations. 304.4... ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DISTRICTS § 304.4 Performance evaluations. (a) EDA shall evaluate the management standards, financial accountability and program performance of each District Organization within three (3...

13 CFR 302.1 - Environment.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... 13 Business Credit and Assistance 1 2010-01-01 2010-01-01 false Environment. 302.1 Section 302.1 Business Credit and Assistance ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE GENERAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS FOR INVESTMENT ASSISTANCE § 302.1 Environment. EDA will undertake environmental reviews...

13 CFR 313.11 - Other requirements.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... 13 Business Credit and Assistance 1 2010-01-01 2010-01-01 false Other requirements. 313.11 Section 313.11 Business Credit and Assistance ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE...' fees or the employment of expediters (§ 302.10); EDA's economic development information clearinghouse...

13 CFR 304.4 - Performance evaluations.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... 13 Business Credit and Assistance 1 2010-01-01 2010-01-01 false Performance evaluations. 304.4 Section 304.4 Business Credit and Assistance ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DISTRICTS § 304.4 Performance evaluations. (a) EDA shall evaluate the management...

13 CFR 304.3 - District modification and termination.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... termination. 304.3 Section 304.3 Business Credit and Assistance ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DISTRICTS § 304.3 District modification and termination. (a... for economic development. (b) Termination. EDA may, upon sixty (60) days prior written notice to the...

13 CFR 306.7 - Performance evaluations of University Centers.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-01-01

... University Centers. 306.7 Section 306.7 Business Credit and Assistance ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE TRAINING, RESEARCH AND TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE INVESTMENTS University Center Economic Development Program § 306.7 Performance evaluations of University Centers. (a) EDA will: (1) Evaluate each...

13 CFR 306.7 - Performance evaluations of University Centers.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... University Centers. 306.7 Section 306.7 Business Credit and Assistance ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE TRAINING, RESEARCH AND TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE INVESTMENTS University Center Economic Development Program § 306.7 Performance evaluations of University Centers. (a) EDA will: (1) Evaluate each...

13 CFR 306.7 - Performance evaluations of University Centers.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-01-01

... University Centers. 306.7 Section 306.7 Business Credit and Assistance ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE TRAINING, RESEARCH AND TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE INVESTMENTS University Center Economic Development Program § 306.7 Performance evaluations of University Centers. (a) EDA will: (1) Evaluate each...

13 CFR 306.7 - Performance evaluations of University Centers.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-01-01

... University Centers. 306.7 Section 306.7 Business Credit and Assistance ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE TRAINING, RESEARCH AND TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE INVESTMENTS University Center Economic Development Program § 306.7 Performance evaluations of University Centers. (a) EDA will: (1) Evaluate each...

Tonic and phasic co-variation of peripheral arousal indices in infants

PubMed Central

Wass, S.V.; de Barbaro, K.; Clackson, K.

2015-01-01

Tonic and phasic differences in peripheral autonomic nervous system (ANS) indicators strongly predict differences in attention and emotion regulation in developmental populations. However, virtually all previous research has been based on individual ANS measures, which poses a variety of conceptual and methodlogical challenges to comparing results across studies. Here we recorded heart rate, electrodermal activity (EDA), pupil size, head movement velocity and peripheral accelerometry concurrently while a cohort of 37 typical 12-month-old infants completed a mixed assessment battery lasting approximately 20 min per participant. We analysed covariation of these autonomic indices in three ways: first, tonic (baseline) arousal; second, co-variation in spontaneous (phasic) changes during testing; third, phasic co-variation relative to an external stimulus event. We found that heart rate, head velocity and peripheral accelerometry showed strong positive co-variation across all three analyses. EDA showed no co-variation in tonic activity levels but did show phasic positive co-variation with other measures, that appeared limited to sections of high but not low general arousal. Tonic pupil size showed significant positive covariation, but phasic pupil changes were inconsistent. We conclude that: (i) there is high covariation between autonomic indices in infants, but that EDA may only be sensitive at extreme arousal levels, (ii) that tonic pupil size covaries with other indices, but does not show predicted patterns of phasic change and (iii) that motor activity appears to be a good proxy measure of ANS activity. The strongest patterns of covariation were observed using epoch durations of 40 s per epoch, although significant covariation between indices was also observed using shorter epochs (1 and 5 s). PMID:26316360

CREATE-IP and CREATE-V: Data and Services Update

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Carriere, L.; Potter, G. L.; Hertz, J.; Peters, J.; Maxwell, T. P.; Strong, S.; Shute, J.; Shen, Y.; Duffy, D.

2017-12-01

The NASA Center for Climate Simulation (NCCS) at the Goddard Space Flight Center and the Earth System Grid Federation (ESGF) are working together to build a uniform environment for the comparative study and use of a group of reanalysis datasets of particular importance to the research community. This effort is called the Collaborative REAnalysis Technical Environment (CREATE) and it contains two components: the CREATE-Intercomparison Project (CREATE-IP) and CREATE-V. This year's efforts included generating and publishing an atmospheric reanalysis ensemble mean and spread and improving the analytics available through CREATE-V. Related activities included adding access to subsets of the reanalysis data through ArcGIS and expanding the visualization tool to GMAO forecast data. This poster will present the access mechanisms to this data and use cases including example Jupyter Notebook code. The reanalysis ensemble was generated using two methods, first using standard Python tools for regridding, extracting levels and creating the ensemble mean and spread on a virtual server in the NCCS environment. The second was using a new analytics software suite, the Earth Data Analytics Services (EDAS), coupled with a high-performance Data Analytics and Storage System (DASS) developed at the NCCS. Results were compared to validate the EDAS methodologies, and the results, including time to process, will be presented. The ensemble includes selected 6 hourly and monthly variables, regridded to 1.25 degrees, with 24 common levels used for the 3D variables. Use cases for the new data and services will be presented, including the use of EDAS for the backend analytics on CREATE-V, the use of the GMAO forecast aerosol and cloud data in CREATE-V, and the ability to connect CREATE-V data to NCCS ArcGIS services.

XEDAR activates the non-canonical NF-κB pathway

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

Verhelst, Kelly, E-mail: Kelly.Verhelst@irc.VIB-UGent.be; Department of Biomedical Molecular Biology, Ghent University, Ghent; Gardam, Sandra, E-mail: s.gardam@garvan.org.au

2015-09-18

Members of the tumor necrosis factor receptor (TNFR) superfamily are involved in a number of physiological and pathological responses by activating a wide variety of intracellular signaling pathways. The X-linked ectodermal dysplasia receptor (XEDAR; also known as EDA2R or TNFRSF27) is a member of the TNFR superfamily that is highly expressed in ectodermal derivatives during embryonic development and binds to ectodysplasin-A2 (EDA-A2), a member of the TNF family that is encoded by the anhidrotic ectodermal dysplasia (EDA) gene. Although XEDAR was first described in the year 2000, its function and molecular mechanism of action is still largely unclear. XEDAR hasmore » been reported to activate canonical nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) signaling and mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinases. Here we report that XEDAR is also able to trigger the non-canonical NF-κB pathway, characterized by the processing of p100 (NF-κB2) into p52, followed by nuclear translocation of p52 and RelB. We provide evidence that XEDAR-induced p100 processing relies on the binding of XEDAR to TRAF3 and TRAF6, and requires the kinase activity of NIK and IKKα. We also show that XEDAR stimulation results in NIK accumulation and that p100 processing is negatively regulated by TRAF3, cIAP1 and A20. - Highlights: • XEDAR activates the non-canonical NF-κB pathway. • XEDAR-induced processing of p100 depends on XEDAR interaction with TRAF3 and TRAF6. • XEDAR-induced processing of p100 depends on NIK and IKKα activity. • Overexpression of XEDAR leads to NIK accumulation. • XEDAR-induced processing of p100 is negatively regulated by TRAF3 cIAP1 and A20.« less

Occurrence of fibronectin-fibrin complexes in plasma of patients with multimorbidity due to the inflamm-aging phenomenon.

PubMed

Pupek, Małgorzata; Pawłowicz, Robert; Lindner, Karolina; Krzyżanowska-Gołąb, Dorota; Lemańska-Perek, Anna; Panaszek, Bernard; Kątnik-Prastowska, Iwona

2016-05-01

Multimorbidity is the co-occurrence of chronic diseases associated with low-grade chronic inflammation of connective tissue. Frequency of occurrence and relative amounts of fibronectin (FN) complexes with fibrin (FN-fibrin) and FN monomer were analyzed in 130 plasma samples of 18 to 94-year-old multimorbid patients in relation to concentrations of FN and extra domain A (EDA)-FN, and C-reactive protein (CRP) as well as to age, number of coexisting chronic diseases and presence of specified diseases. Immunoblotting revealed, besides FN dimer, the presence of FN monomer, and 750-, 1000-, and 1300-kDa FN-fibrin complexes in the multimorbid plasmas. The FN-fibrin complexes appeared more frequently and in higher relative amounts, but FN monomer less frequently and in a lower relative amount in the groups of elderly multimorbid patients, with a higher number of coexisting diseases and with dominance of cardiovascular diseases and osteoarthrosis, and with CRP concentration of 3-5mg/l. In contrast, the normal plasma contained only the FN-fibrin complex of 750 kDa in a lower relative amount, but with an increasing amount with normal aging. Moreover, FN concentration increased and EDA-FN decreased with the number of co-existing diseases and aging of patients, although both concentration values were lower than in the age-matched normal groups. FN concentration was the lowest in the exacerbation of a chronic disease and EDA-FN in the stable chronic disease groups. The alterations in plasma FN molecular status were associated with micro-inflammation and micro-coagulation, as well as multimorbidity of subjects and their physiological aging. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Enfermedad diarreica aguda por Escherichia coli patógenas en Colombia

PubMed Central

Gómez-Duarte, Oscar G.

2014-01-01

Resumen Las cepas de E. coli patógenas intestinales son causas importantes de la enfermedad diarreica aguda (EDA) en niños menores de 5 años en América Latina, África y Asia y están asociadas a alta mortalidad en niños en las comunidades más pobres de África y el Sudeste Asiático. Estudios sobre el papel de las E. coli patógenas intestinales en la EDA infantil en Colombia y otros países de América Latina son limitados debido a la carencia de ensayos para detección de estos patógenos en los laboratorios clínicos de centros de salud. Estudios recientes han reportado la detección de E. coli patógenas intestinales en Colombia, siendo la E. coli enterotoxigénica la cepa más frecuentemente asociada a diarrea en niños menores de 5 años. Otros patógenos detectados en estos pacientes incluyen las E. coli enteroagregativa, enteropatógena, productora de toxina Shiga, y de adherencia difusa. Con base en estudios que reportan la presencia de E. coli productora de toxina Shiga y E. coli enteroagregativa en carnes y vegetales en supermercados, se cree que productos alimentarios contaminados contribuyen a la transmisión de estos patógenos y a la infección del huésped susceptible. Más estudios son necesarios para evaluar los mecanismos de transmisión, el impacto en la epidemiologia de la EDA, y las pautas de manejo y prevención de estos patógenos que afectan la población pediátrica en Colombia. PMID:25491457

Discriminating Ability of Abbreviated Impactor Measurement Approach (AIM) to Detect Changes in Mass Median Aerodynamic Diameter (MMAD) of an Albuterol/Salbutamol pMDI Aerosol.

PubMed

David Christopher, J; Patel, Rajni B; Mitchell, Jolyon P; Tougas, Terrence P; Goodey, Adrian P; Quiroz, Jorge; Andersson, Patrik U; Lyapustina, Svetlana

2017-11-01

This article reports on results from a two-lab, multiple impactor experiment evaluating the abbreviated impactor measurement (AIM) concept, conducted by the Cascade Impaction Working Group of the International Pharmaceutical Aerosol Consortium on Regulation and Science (IPAC-RS). The goal of this experiment was to expand understanding of the performance of an AIM-type apparatus based on the Andersen eight-stage non-viable cascade impactor (ACI) for the assessment of inhalation aerosols and sprays, compared with the full-resolution version of that impactor described in the pharmacopeial compendia. The experiment was conducted at two centers with a representative commercially available pressurized metered dose inhaler (pMDI) containing albuterol (salbutamol) as active pharmaceutical ingredient (API). Metrics of interest were total mass (TM) emitted from the inhaler, impactor-sized mass (ISM), as well as the ratio of large particle mass (LPM) to small particle mass (SPM). ISM and the LPM/SPM ratio together comprise the efficient data analysis (EDA) metrics. The results of the comparison demonstrated that in this study, the AIM approach had adequate discrimination to detect changes in the mass median aerodynamic diameter (MMAD) of the ACI-sampled aerodynamic particle size distribution (APSD), and therefore could be employed for routine product quality control (QC). As with any test method considered for inclusion in a regulatory filing, the transition from an ACI (used in development) to an appropriate AIM/EDA methodology (used in QC) should be evaluated and supported by data on a product-by-product basis.

13 CFR 302.8 - Pre-approval Investment Assistance costs.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... costs. 302.8 Section 302.8 Business Credit and Assistance ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ADMINISTRATION... Assistance costs. Project activities carried out before approval of Investment Assistance shall be carried... application, the disallowance of costs, or other adverse consequences as a result of non-compliance with EDA...

13 CFR 314.2 - Federal Interest.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... 314.2 Business Credit and Assistance ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE..., with Investment Assistance shall be held in trust by the Recipient for the benefit of the Project for..., statement or other recordable instrument setting forth EDA's Property interest in a Project (e.g., a...

13 CFR 315.15 - Conflicts of interest.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... 13 Business Credit and Assistance 1 2010-01-01 2010-01-01 false Conflicts of interest. 315.15 Section 315.15 Business Credit and Assistance ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE TRADE ADJUSTMENT ASSISTANCE FOR FIRMS Protective Provisions § 315.15 Conflicts of interest. EDA will...

13 CFR 303.3 - Application requirements and evaluation criteria.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

..., DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE PLANNING INVESTMENTS AND COMPREHENSIVE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT STRATEGIES § 303.3 Application requirements and evaluation criteria. (a) For Planning Investment awards, EDA uses the general... Investments must include information about the following: (1) The proposed scope of work for the development...

15 CFR Appendix A to Part 4 - Freedom of Information Public Inspection Facilities, and Addresses for Requests for Records Under...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-01-01

..., Room 1856, 915 Second Avenue, Seattle WA 98174; (206) 220-7701. (vi) Austin Regional Office, EDA, U.S. Department of Commerce, 327 Congress Avenue, Suite 200, Austin, Texas 78701; (512) 381-8169. (6...

Physiological Reactivity in a Community Sample of Sexually Aggressive Young Men: A Test of Competing Hypotheses

PubMed Central

Peterson, Zoë D.; Janssen, Erick; Goodrich, David; Heiman, Julia R.

2015-01-01

Men’s sexually aggressive behavior potentially could relate to either physiological hyporeactivity or hyperreactivity, and these two different physiological profiles could be associated with different underlying causes of sexual aggression. Thus, measurement of physiological reactivity could provide insight into mechanisms relevant to the etiology of sexual aggression. The relationship between sexual aggression and physiological reactivity was investigated in 78 community men (38 sexually aggressive and 40 non-aggressive men). In a laboratory protocol, the men were exposed to neutral, negative-affect-inducing, and positive-affect-inducing stimuli. Men’s salivary cortisol concentrations and electrodermal activity (EDA) were measured throughout the laboratory procedure. Sexually aggressive men demonstrated (1) lower overall cortisol levels and (2) lower EDA reactivity in some conditions as compared to non-aggressive men. Results of this study were consistent with the idea that men’s sexual aggression is associated with physiological hyporeactivity, a physiological profile that has been found to be associated with externalizing behaviors and psychopathic traits. PMID:24310818

Use of Open Architecture Middleware for Autonomous Platforms

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Naranjo, Hector; Diez, Sergio; Ferrero, Francisco

2011-08-01

Network Enabled Capabilities (NEC) is the vision for next-generation systems in the defence domain formulated by governments, the European Defence Agency (EDA) and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). It involves the federation of military information systems, rather than just a simple interconnection, to provide each user with the "right information, right place, right time - and not too much". It defines openness, standardization and flexibility principles in military systems, likewise applicable in the civilian space applications.This paper provides the conclusions drawn from "Architecture for Embarked Middleware" (EMWARE) study, funded by the European Defence Agency (EDA).The aim of the EMWARE project was to provide the information and understanding to facilitate the adoption of informed decisions regarding the specification and implementation of Open Architecture Middleware in future distributed systems, linking it with the NEC goal.EMWARE project included the definition of four business cases, each devoted to a different field of application (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles, Helicopters, Unmanned Ground Vehicles and the Satellite Ground Segment).

HYDRA: A Middleware-Oriented Integrated Architecture for e-Procurement in Supply Chains

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Alor-Hernandez, Giner; Aguilar-Lasserre, Alberto; Juarez-Martinez, Ulises; Posada-Gomez, Ruben; Cortes-Robles, Guillermo; Garcia-Martinez, Mario Alberto; Gomez-Berbis, Juan Miguel; Rodriguez-Gonzalez, Alejandro

The Service-Oriented Architecture (SOA) development paradigm has emerged to improve the critical issues of creating, modifying and extending solutions for business processes integration, incorporating process automation and automated exchange of information between organizations. Web services technology follows the SOA's principles for developing and deploying applications. Besides, Web services are considered as the platform for SOA, for both intra- and inter-enterprise communication. However, an SOA does not incorporate information about occurring events into business processes, which are the main features of supply chain management. These events and information delivery are addressed in an Event-Driven Architecture (EDA). Taking this into account, we propose a middleware-oriented integrated architecture that offers a brokering service for the procurement of products in a Supply Chain Management (SCM) scenario. As salient contributions, our system provides a hybrid architecture combining features of both SOA and EDA and a set of mechanisms for business processes pattern management, monitoring based on UML sequence diagrams, Web services-based management, event publish/subscription and reliable messaging service.

Physiological reactivity in a community sample of sexually aggressive young men: a test of competing hypotheses.

PubMed

Peterson, Zoë D; Janssen, Erick; Goodrich, David; Heiman, Julia R

2014-01-01

Men's sexually aggressive behavior potentially could relate to either physiological hyporeactivity or hyperreactivity, and these two different physiological profiles could be associated with different underlying causes of sexual aggression. Thus, measurement of physiological reactivity could provide insight into mechanisms relevant to the etiology of sexual aggression. The relationship between sexual aggression and physiological reactivity was investigated in 78 community men (38 sexually aggressive and 40 non-aggressive men). In a laboratory protocol, the men were exposed to neutral, negative-affect-inducing, and positive-affect-inducing stimuli. Men's salivary cortisol concentrations and electrodermal activity (EDA) were measured throughout the laboratory procedure. Sexually aggressive men demonstrated (1) lower overall cortisol levels and (2) lower EDA reactivity in some conditions as compared to non-aggressive men. Results of this study were consistent with the idea that men's sexual aggression is associated with physiological hyporeactivity, a physiological profile that has been found to be associated with externalizing behaviors and psychopathic traits. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Designing Drug Conjugates Based on Sugar Decorated V-Shape and Star Polymethacrylates: Influence of Composition and Architecture of Polymeric Carrier.

PubMed

Mielańczyk, Anna; Neugebauer, Dorota

2015-12-16

Amphiphilic ethylenediamine (EDA)-functionalized V-shape and star copolymers with centrally placed methyl-α,D-glucopyranoside were designed as nanocarriers. Anticancer doxorubicin (DOX) was conjugated in water via amine groups in copolymers to form ketimine linkers. Variations of arm length and number (40-65 units per arm and 2 vs 3 vs 4 arms), DOX feed amount, and conjugation site content (50-160 units of EDA groups), as responsible for efficiency of drug attachment (10-60 units of conjugated DOX) and its release at various pH (5.0 vs 7.4), were studied to demonstrate potential for drug delivery. Size of conjugate particles (10-195 nm) formed in aqueous solution was strongly dependent on the polymer composition and topology. The broad range of drug amounts (25-95%) were detected by the precipitation method, showing pH sensitivity by some polymeric conjugates with faster DOX release in acidic conditions.

Successful treatment with infliximab for inflammatory colitis in a patient with X-linked anhidrotic ectodermal dysplasia with immunodeficiency.

PubMed

Mizukami, Tomoyuki; Obara, Megumi; Nishikomori, Ryuta; Kawai, Tomoki; Tahara, Yoshihiro; Sameshima, Naoki; Marutsuka, Kousuke; Nakase, Hiroshi; Kimura, Nobuhiro; Heike, Toshio; Nunoi, Hiroyuki

2012-02-01

X-linked anhidrotic ectodermal dysplasia with immunodeficiency (X-EDA-ID) is caused by hypomorphic mutations in the gene encoding nuclear factor-κB essential modulator protein (NEMO). Patients are susceptibile to diverse pathogens due to insufficient cytokine and frequently show severe chronic colitis. An 11-year-old boy with X-EDA-ID was hospitalized with autoimmune symptoms and severe chronic colitis which had been refractory to immunosuppressive drugs. Since tumor necrosis factor (TNF) α is responsible for the pathogenesis of NEMO colitis according to intestinal NEMO and additional TNFR1 knockout mice studies, and high levels of TNFα-producing mononuclear cells were detected in the patient due to the unexpected gene reversion mosaicism of NEMO, an anti-TNFα monoclonal antibody was administered to ameliorate his abdominal symptoms. Repeated administrations improved his colonoscopic findings as well as his dry skin along with a reduction of TNFα-expressing T cells. These findings suggest TNF blockade therapy is of value for refractory NEMO colitis with gene reversion.

A multimodal dataset for various forms of distracted driving

PubMed Central

Taamneh, Salah; Tsiamyrtzis, Panagiotis; Dcosta, Malcolm; Buddharaju, Pradeep; Khatri, Ashik; Manser, Michael; Ferris, Thomas; Wunderlich, Robert; Pavlidis, Ioannis

2017-01-01

We describe a multimodal dataset acquired in a controlled experiment on a driving simulator. The set includes data for n=68 volunteers that drove the same highway under four different conditions: No distraction, cognitive distraction, emotional distraction, and sensorimotor distraction. The experiment closed with a special driving session, where all subjects experienced a startle stimulus in the form of unintended acceleration—half of them under a mixed distraction, and the other half in the absence of a distraction. During the experimental drives key response variables and several explanatory variables were continuously recorded. The response variables included speed, acceleration, brake force, steering, and lane position signals, while the explanatory variables included perinasal electrodermal activity (EDA), palm EDA, heart rate, breathing rate, and facial expression signals; biographical and psychometric covariates as well as eye tracking data were also obtained. This dataset enables research into driving behaviors under neatly abstracted distracting stressors, which account for many car crashes. The set can also be used in physiological channel benchmarking and multispectral face recognition. PMID:28809848

Roles of functional groups of naproxen in its sorption to kaolinite.

PubMed

Yu, Chenglong; Bi, Erping

2015-11-01

The sorption of acidic anti-inflammatory drugs to soils is important for evaluating their fate and transformations in the water-soil environment. However, roles of functional groups of ionisable drugs onto mineral surfaces have not been sufficiently studied. In this study, batch experiments of naproxen (NPX, anti-inflammatory drug) and two kinds of competitors to kaolinite were studied. The Kd of naproxen to kaolinite is 1.30-1.62 L kg(-1). The n-π electron donor-acceptor (n-π EDA) interaction between diaromatic ring of naproxen (π-electron acceptors) and the siloxane oxygens (n-donors) of kaolinite is the dominant sorption mechanism. The carboxyl group of naproxen can contribute to the overall sorption. A conception model was put forward to elucidate to sorption mechanisms, in which the contribution of n-π EDA and hydrogen bond to overall sorption was quantified. These sorption mechanisms can be helpful for estimating the fate and mobility of acid pharmaceuticals in soil-water environment. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Investigations of human platelet-type 12-lipoxygenase: role of lipoxygenase products in platelet activation1[S

PubMed Central

Ikei, Kenneth N.; Yeung, Jennifer; Apopa, Patrick L.; Ceja, Jesús; Vesci, Joanne; Holinstat, Michael

2012-01-01

Human platelet-type 12-lipoxygenase (12-LOX) has recently been shown to play an important role in regulation of human platelet function by reacting with arachidonic acid (AA). However, a number of other fatty acids are present on the platelet surface that, when cleaved from the phospholipid, can be oxidized by 12-LOX. We sought to characterize the substrate specificity of 12-LOX against six essential fatty acids: AA, dihomo-γ-linolenic acid (DGLA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), α-linolenic acid (ALA), eicosadienoic acid (EDA), and linoleic acid (LA). Three fatty acids were comparable substrates (AA, DGLA, and EPA), one was 5-fold slower (ALA), and two showed no reactivity with 12-LOX (EDA and LA). The bioactive lipid products resulting from 12-LOX oxidation of DGLA, 12-(S)-hydroperoxy-8Z,10E,14Z-eicosatrienoic acid [12(S)-HPETrE], and its reduced product, 12(S)-HETrE, resulted in significant attenuation of agonist-mediated platelet aggregation, granule secretion, αIIbβ3 activation, Rap1 activation, and clot retraction. Treatment with DGLA similarly inhibited PAR1-mediated platelet activation as well as platelet clot retraction. These observations are in surprising contrast to our recent work showing 12(S)-HETE is a prothrombotic bioactive lipid and support our hypothesis that the overall effect of 12-LOX oxidation of fatty acids in the platelet is dependent on the fatty acid substrates available at the platelet membrane. PMID:22984144

Identifying footprints of directional and balancing selection in marine and freshwater three-spined stickleback (Gasterosteus aculeatus) populations.

PubMed

Mäkinen, H S; Cano, J M; Merilä, J

2008-08-01

Natural selection is expected to leave an imprint on the neutral polymorphisms at the adjacent genomic regions of a selected gene. While directional selection tends to reduce within-population genetic diversity and increase among-population differentiation, the reverse is expected under balancing selection. To identify targets of natural selection in the three-spined stickleback (Gasterosteus aculeatus) genome, 103 microsatellite and two indel markers including expressed sequence tags (EST) and quantitative trait loci (QTL)-associated loci, were genotyped in four freshwater and three marine populations. The results indicated that a high proportion of loci (14.7%) might be affected by balancing selection and a lower proportion (2.8%) by directional selection. The strongest signatures of directional selection were detected in a microsatellite locus and two indel markers located in the intronic regions of the Eda-gene coding for the number of lateral plates. Yet, other microsatellite loci previously found to be informative in QTL-mapping studies revealed no signatures of selection. Two novel microsatellite loci (Stn12 and Stn90) located in chromosomes I and VIII, respectively, showed signals of directional selection and might be linked to genomic regions containing gene(s) important for adaptive divergence. Although the coverage of the total genomic content was relatively low, the predominance of balancing selection signals is in agreement with the contention that balancing, rather than directional selection is the predominant mode of selection in the wild.

Amphiphilic naproxen prodrugs: differential scanning calorimetry study on their interaction with phospholipid bilayers.

PubMed

Giuffrida, Maria Chiara; Pignatello, Rosario; Castelli, Francesco; Sarpietro, Maria Grazia

2017-09-01

Naproxen, a nonsteroid anti-inflammatory drug studied for Alzheimer's disease, was conjugated with lipoamino acids (LAA) directly or through a diethylamine (EDA) spacer to improve the drug lipophilicity and the interaction with phospholipid bilayers. The interaction of naproxen and its prodrugs with biomembrane models consisting of dimyristoylphosphatidylcholine multilamellar vesicles was studied by differential scanning calorimetry. The transfer of prodrugs from a lipophilic carrier to a biomembrane model was also studied. Naproxen conjugation to lipoamino acids improves its interaction with biomembrane models and affects the transfer from a lipophilic carrier to biomembrane model. LAA portion may localize between the phospholipid chains; the entity of the interaction depends not only on the presence of the spacer but also on the LAA chain length. Variation of LAA portion can modulate the naproxen prodrugs affinity towards the biological membrane as well as towards the lipophilic carrier. © 2017 Royal Pharmaceutical Society.

Assessing Many-Body Effects of Water Self-Ions. I: OH-(H2O) n Clusters.

PubMed

Egan, Colin K; Paesani, Francesco

2018-04-10

The importance of many-body effects in the hydration of the hydroxide ion (OH - ) is investigated through a systematic analysis of the many-body expansion of the interaction energy carried out at the CCSD(T) level of theory, extrapolated to the complete basis set limit, for the low-lying isomers of OH - (H 2 O) n clusters, with n = 1-5. This is accomplished by partitioning individual fragments extracted from the whole clusters into "groups" that are classified by both the number of OH - and water molecules and the hydrogen bonding connectivity within each fragment. With the aid of the absolutely localized molecular orbital energy decomposition analysis (ALMO-EDA) method, this structure-based partitioning is found to largely correlate with the character of different many-body interactions, such as cooperative and anticooperative hydrogen bonding, within each fragment. This analysis emphasizes the importance of a many-body representation of inductive electrostatics and charge transfer in modeling OH - hydration. Furthermore, the rapid convergence of the many-body expansion of the interaction energy also suggests a rigorous path for the development of analytical potential energy functions capable of describing individual OH - -water many-body terms, with chemical accuracy. Finally, a comparison between the reference CCSD(T) many-body interaction terms with the corresponding values obtained with various exchange-correlation functionals demonstrates that range-separated, dispersion-corrected, hybrid functionals exhibit the highest accuracy, while GGA functionals, with or without dispersion corrections, are inadequate to describe OH - -water interactions.

13 CFR 302.7 - Amendments and changes.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... 13 Business Credit and Assistance 1 2010-01-01 2010-01-01 false Amendments and changes. 302.7 Section 302.7 Business Credit and Assistance ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE... to Projects made without EDA's approval are made at the Recipient's risk of non-payment of costs...

13 CFR 305.4 - Projects for design and engineering work.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-01-01

... engineering work. 305.4 Section 305.4 Business Credit and Assistance ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ADMINISTRATION... and engineering work. In the case of Public Works Investment Assistance awarded solely for design and engineering work, the following additional application requirements and terms shall apply: (a) EDA may...

13 CFR 305.4 - Projects for design and engineering work.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-01-01

... engineering work. 305.4 Section 305.4 Business Credit and Assistance ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ADMINISTRATION... and engineering work. In the case of Public Works Investment Assistance awarded solely for design and engineering work, the following additional application requirements and terms shall apply: (a) EDA may...

13 CFR 305.4 - Projects for design and engineering work.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... engineering work. 305.4 Section 305.4 Business Credit and Assistance ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ADMINISTRATION... and engineering work. In the case of Public Works Investment Assistance awarded solely for design and engineering work, the following additional application requirements and terms shall apply: (a) EDA may...

13 CFR 305.4 - Projects for design and engineering work.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-01-01

... engineering work. 305.4 Section 305.4 Business Credit and Assistance ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ADMINISTRATION... and engineering work. In the case of Public Works Investment Assistance awarded solely for design and engineering work, the following additional application requirements and terms shall apply: (a) EDA may...

13 CFR 305.4 - Projects for design and engineering work.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... engineering work. 305.4 Section 305.4 Business Credit and Assistance ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ADMINISTRATION... and engineering work. In the case of Public Works Investment Assistance awarded solely for design and engineering work, the following additional application requirements and terms shall apply: (a) EDA may...

13 CFR 302.14 - Records.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-01-01

... 13 Business Credit and Assistance 1 2012-01-01 2012-01-01 false Records. 302.14 Section 302.14... AND CONDITIONS FOR INVESTMENT ASSISTANCE § 302.14 Records. (a) Records. Recipients of Investment Assistance under PWEDA shall keep such records as EDA shall require, including records that fully disclose...

13 CFR 302.14 - Records.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... 13 Business Credit and Assistance 1 2010-01-01 2010-01-01 false Records. 302.14 Section 302.14... AND CONDITIONS FOR INVESTMENT ASSISTANCE § 302.14 Records. (a) Records. Recipients of Investment Assistance under PWEDA shall keep such records as EDA shall require, including records that fully disclose...

13 CFR 302.14 - Records.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-01-01

... 13 Business Credit and Assistance 1 2014-01-01 2014-01-01 false Records. 302.14 Section 302.14... AND CONDITIONS FOR INVESTMENT ASSISTANCE § 302.14 Records. (a) Records. Recipients of Investment Assistance under PWEDA shall keep such records as EDA shall require, including records that fully disclose...

13 CFR 306.7 - Performance evaluations of University Centers.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... 13 Business Credit and Assistance 1 2010-01-01 2010-01-01 false Performance evaluations of University Centers. 306.7 Section 306.7 Business Credit and Assistance ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ADMINISTRATION... following Investment Assistance cycle. (c) For peer review, EDA shall ensure the participation of at least...

Surfacing Authentic Leadership: Inspiration from "After Life"

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Billsberry, Jon; North-Samardzic, Andrea

2016-01-01

This paper advocates an innovative approach to help leadership students analyze, capture, and remember the nature of their authentic leadership. This developmental activity was inspired by the Japanese film, "Wandâfuru raifu" ("After Life") (Kore-Eda, Sato, & Shigenobu, 1998), in which the recently deceased are asked to…

13 CFR 314.5 - Federal Share.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

.... If the Property is disposed of when its current fair market is $250, the Federal Share is $125 (i.e... Business Credit and Assistance ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE PROPERTY General... fair market value of any Property attributable to EDA's participation in the Project. The Federal Share...

Evaluating the Free Energies of Solvation and Electronic Structures of Lithium-Ion Battery Electrolytes.

PubMed

Shakourian-Fard, Mehdi; Kamath, Ganesh; Sankaranarayanan, Subramanian K R S

2016-09-19

Adaptive biasing force molecular dynamics simulations and density functional theory calculations were performed to understand the interaction of Li(+) with pure carbonates and ethylene carbonate (EC)-based binary mixtures. The most favorable Li carbonate cluster configurations obtained from molecular dynamics simulations were subjected to detailed structural and thermochemistry calculations on the basis of the M06-2X/6-311++G(d,p) level of theory. We report the ranking of these electrolytes on the basis of the free energies of Li-ion solvation in carbonates and EC-based mixtures. A strong local tetrahedral order involving four carbonates around the Li(+) was seen in the first solvation shell. Thermochemistry calculations revealed that the enthalpy of solvation and the Gibbs free energy of solvation of the Li(+) ion with carbonates are negative and suggested the ion-carbonate complexation process to be exothermic and spontaneous. Natural bond orbital analysis indicated that Li(+) interacts with the lone pairs of electrons on the carbonyl oxygen atom in the primary solvation sphere. These interactions lead to an increase in the carbonyl (C=O) bond lengths, as evidenced by a redshift in the vibrational frequencies [ν(C=O)] and a decrease in the electron density values at the C=O bond critical points in the primary solvation sphere. Quantum theory of atoms in molecules, localized molecular orbital energy decomposition analysis (LMO-EDA), and noncovalent interaction plots revealed the electrostatic nature of the Li(+) ion interactions with the carbonyl oxygen atoms in these complexes. On the basis of LMO-EDA, the strongest attractive interaction in these complexes was found to be the electrostatic interaction followed by polarization, dispersion, and exchange interactions. Overall, our calculations predicted EC and a binary mixture of EC/dimethyl carbonate to be appropriate electrolytes for Li-ion batteries, which complies with experiments and other theoretical results. © 2016 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Influence of adenomyosis on pregnancy and perinatal outcomes in women with endometriosis.

PubMed

Scala, Carolina; Leone Roberti Maggiore, Umberto; Racca, Annalisa; Barra, Fabio; Vellone, Valerio Gaetano; Venturini, Pier Luigi; Ferrero, Simone

2017-12-20

Several studies investigated the correlation between endometriosis and adverse pregnancy and perinatal outcomes. However, the role of adenomyosis as a risk factor for adverse perinatal outcomes in women with endometriosis has yet to be established. The aim of this study was to explore if fetal and maternal outcomes, in particular the incidence of small for gestational age (SGA) infants, are different in pregnant women with endometriosis (E) and the concomitant presence of diffuse (EDA) and focal ademonyosis (EFA). This is a retrospective analysis of a database collected prospectively during a three-year period. We included 206 pregnant women with endometriosis; 148 (71.8%) with E, 38 (18.4%) with EFA and 20 (9.7%) with EDA. Adenomyosis was diagnosed by ultrasonography, it was classified in focal or diffuse. The study included patients who conceived spontaneously or by assisted reproductive techniques. The three groups were similar in demographic characteristics (age, body mass index, mode of conception). Patients with diffuse adenomyosis compared with those with only endometriosis had significantly lower PAPP-A MoM (0.61 vs 0.88 MoM, p<0.001), higher mean uterine artery pulsatility index (UtA PI) in the 1st (2.23 vs 1.67, p<0.001) and 2nd (1.30 vs 0.94, p<0.001) trimester of pregnancy, and higher incidence of SGA (40% vs 10.8%, p<0.001; respectively). No statistically significant difference was found in patients with focal adenomyosis compared to those with only endometriosis. Logistic regression analysis demonstrated that diffuse adenomyosis (OR=3.744 CI 95%1.158-12.099; p=0.027) was the only independent risk factors for SGA. The presence of diffuse adenomyosis in pregnant women with endometriosis is is strongly associated with SGA infants. Women with diffuse adenomyosis should be treated as being at high risk of placental dysfunction, therefore, these pregnancies might need a closer monitoring. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Ferrocene Orientation Determined Intramolecular Interactions Using Energy Decomposition Analysis.

PubMed

Wang, Feng; Islam, Shawkat; Vasilyev, Vladislav

2015-11-16

Two very different quantum mechanically based energy decomposition analyses (EDA) schemes are employed to study the dominant energy differences between the eclipsed and staggered ferrocene conformers. One is the extended transition state (ETS) based on the Amsterdam Density Functional (ADF) package and the other is natural EDA (NEDA) based in the General Atomic and Molecular Electronic Structure System (GAMESS) package. It reveals that in addition to the model (theory and basis set), the fragmentation channels more significantly affect the interaction energy terms (Δ E ) between the conformers. It is discovered that such an interaction energy can be absorbed into the pre-partitioned fragment channels so that to affect the interaction energies in a particular conformer of Fc. To avoid this, the present study employs a complete fragment channel-the fragments of ferrocene are individual neutral atoms. It therefore discovers that the major difference between the ferrocene conformers is due to the quantum mechanical Pauli repulsive energy and orbital attractive energy, leading to the eclipsed ferrocene the energy preferred structure. The NEDA scheme further indicates that the sum of attractive (negative) polarization (POL) and charge transfer (CL) energies prefers the eclipsed ferrocene. The repulsive (positive) deformation (DEF) energy, which is dominated by the cyclopentadienyle (Cp) rings, prefers the staggered ferrocene. Again, the cancellation results in a small energy residue in favour of the eclipsed ferrocene, in agreement with the ETS scheme. Further Natural Bond Orbital (NBO) analysis indicates that all NBO energies, total Lewis (no Fe) and lone pair (LP) deletion all prefer the eclipsed Fc conformer. The most significant energy preferring the eclipsed ferrocene without cancellation is the interactions between the donor lone pairs (LP) of the Fe atom and the acceptor antibond (BD*) NBOs of all C-C and C-H bonds in the ligand, LP(Fe)-BD*(C-C & C-H), which strongly stabilizes the eclipsed (D 5h ) conformation by -457.6 kcal·mol -1 .

Electrodermal Variability and Symptom Severity in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Fenning, Rachel M.; Baker, Jason K.; Baucom, Brian R.; Erath, Stephen A.; Howland, Mariann A.; Moffitt, Jacquelyn

2017-01-01

Associations between variability in sympathetic nervous system arousal and individual differences in symptom severity were examined for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Thirty-four families participated in a laboratory visit that included continuous measurement of electrodermal activity (EDA) during a battery of naturalistic and…

13 CFR 305.11 - Contract awards; early construction start.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... 13 Business Credit and Assistance 1 2010-01-01 2010-01-01 false Contract awards; early construction start. 305.11 Section 305.11 Business Credit and Assistance ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ADMINISTRATION... § 305.11 Contract awards; early construction start. EDA must determine that the award of all contracts...

76 FR 28951 - Proposed Information Collection; Comment Request; Data Collection for Compliance With Government...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-05-19

...; Comment Request; Data Collection for Compliance With Government Performance and Results Act AGENCY... with the Government Performance and Results Act of 1993 which requires Federal agencies to develop performance measures, and report to Congress and stakeholders the results of the agency's performance. EDA...

International Ag. Ed.--A Partial Solution.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Gonzalez, Ismael; Howell, David L.

1979-01-01

Following a brief description of the economic background of Venezuela, this article focuses on the National Institute of Cooperative Education (INCE) program which trains farmers and students, ages 14 to 20. Discusses the cooperative agreement between Pennsylvania State University and INCE to provide in-service training for INCE personnel and…

13 CFR 305.11 - Contract awards; early construction start.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... 13 Business Credit and Assistance 1 2011-01-01 2011-01-01 false Contract awards; early construction start. 305.11 Section 305.11 Business Credit and Assistance ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ADMINISTRATION... § 305.11 Contract awards; early construction start. EDA must determine that the award of all contracts...

75 FR 63147 - Solicitation of Applications for the Public Works, Economic Adjustment Assistance, and Global...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-10-14

...] Solicitation of Applications for the Public Works, Economic Adjustment Assistance, and Global Climate Change... Program; and (iii) Global Climate Change Mitigation Incentive Fund (GCCMIF) Program. To enhance the...; and (iii) Global Climate Change Mitigation Incentive Fund (GCCMIF) Program. EDA will publish separate...

76 FR 5501 - Request for Comments: Review and Improvement of EDA's Regulations

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-02-01

... development and growth of RICs as proven economic development tools through which American regions can create... drivers of regional economic growth, such as local universities, government research centers, and/or other... higher education (including community colleges), and other public and private agencies and institutions...

75 FR 16739 - EDA Participation in the Energy Efficient Building Systems Regional Innovation Cluster Initiative

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-04-02

... innovation and drivers of regional economic growth. The E-RIC should leverage the region's unique competitive... investment boards, institutions of higher education including community colleges, and other public and... activities, or a consortium of political subdivisions; (iv) institution of higher education or a consortium...

Using EDA, ANOVA and Regression to Optimise Some Microbiology Data

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Binnie, Neil

2004-01-01

Bacteria are cultured in medical laboratories to identify them so patients can be treated correctly. The tryptone dataset contains measurements of bacteria counts following the culturing of five strains of "Staphylococcus aureus". It also contains the time of incubation, temperature of incubation and concentration of tryptone, a nutrient. The…

Regional source identification using Lagrangian stochastic particle dispersion and HYSPLIT backward-trajectory models.

PubMed

Koracin, Darko; Vellore, Ramesh; Lowenthal, Douglas H; Watson, John G; Koracin, Julide; McCord, Travis; DuBois, David W; Chen, L W Antony; Kumar, Naresh; Knipping, Eladio M; Wheeler, Neil J M; Craig, Kenneth; Reid, Stephen

2011-06-01

The main objective of this study was to investigate the capabilities of the receptor-oriented inverse mode Lagrangian Stochastic Particle Dispersion Model (LSPDM) with the 12-km resolution Mesoscale Model 5 (MM5) wind field input for the assessment of source identification from seven regions impacting two receptors located in the eastern United States. The LSPDM analysis was compared with a standard version of the Hybrid Single-Particle Lagrangian Integrated Trajectory (HYSPLIT) single-particle backward-trajectory analysis using inputs from MM5 and the Eta Data Assimilation System (EDAS) with horizontal grid resolutions of 12 and 80 km, respectively. The analysis included four 7-day summertime events in 2002; residence times in the modeling domain were computed from the inverse LSPDM runs and HYPSLIT-simulated backward trajectories started from receptor-source heights of 100, 500, 1000, 1500, and 3000 m. Statistics were derived using normalized values of LSPDM- and HYSPLIT-predicted residence times versus Community Multiscale Air Quality model-predicted sulfate concentrations used as baseline information. From 40 cases considered, the LSPDM identified first- and second-ranked emission region influences in 37 cases, whereas HYSPLIT-MM5 (HYSPLIT-EDAS) identified the sources in 21 (16) cases. The LSPDM produced a higher overall correlation coefficient (0.89) compared with HYSPLIT (0.55-0.62). The improvement of using the LSPDM is also seen in the overall normalized root mean square error values of 0.17 for LSPDM compared with 0.30-0.32 for HYSPLIT. The HYSPLIT backward trajectories generally tend to underestimate near-receptor sources because of a lack of stochastic dispersion of the backward trajectories and to overestimate distant sources because of a lack of treatment of dispersion. Additionally, the HYSPLIT backward trajectories showed a lack of consistency in the results obtained from different single vertical levels for starting the backward trajectories. To alleviate problems due to selection of a backward-trajectory starting level within a large complex set of 3-dimensional winds, turbulence, and dispersion, results were averaged from all heights, which yielded uniform improvement against all individual cases.

Two-electron/24-center (2e/24c) bonding in novel diradical π-dimers.

PubMed

Gao, Feng-Wei; Zhong, Rong-Lin; Sun, Shi-Ling; Xu, Hong-Liang; Su, Zhong-Min

2016-10-26

A series of diradical π-dimers 2 with interesting pancake-shaped 2e/24c π-π bonding character were designed and investigated based on the famous phenalenyl (PLY) π-dimer with 2e/12c π-π bonding character. The position of stronger interaction between two layers of radicals was found by the Wiberg bond index (WBI) maximum component. Further, the different contributions of the interaction energy were analyzed quantitatively by energy decomposition analysis (EDA). Among these new diradical π-dimers, 2180 has the smallest layer distance and the largest interaction between two layers of radicals. The unusual PLY analogues can provide new insights into the unique features of two-electron/multicenter (2e/mc) π-π bonding.

A Novel Splicesite Mutation in the EDAR Gene Causes Severe Autosomal Recessive Hypohydrotic (Anhidrotic) Ectodermal Dysplasia in an Iranian Family.

PubMed

Torkamandi, Shahram; Gholami, Milad; Mohammadi-Asl, Javad; Rezaie, Somaye; Zaimy, Mohammad Ali; Omrani, Mir Davood

2016-01-01

Hypohidrotic ectodermal dysplasia (HED) is a rare congenital disorder arising from deficient development of ectoderm-derived structures including skin, nails, glands and teeth. The phenotype of HED is associated with mutation in EDA, EDAR, EDARADD and NEMO genes, all of them disruptingNF-κB signaling cascade necessary for initiation, formation and differentiation in the embryo and adult. Here we describe a novel acceptor splice site mutation c.730-2 A>G(IVS 8-2 A>G) in EDAR gene in homozygous form in all affected members of a family,and in heterozygous form in carriers. Bioinformatics analysis showed that this mutation can create a new broken splicing site and lead to aberrant splicing.

A crude protective film on historic stones and its artificial preparation through biomimetic synthesis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Qiang; Zhang, Bingjian; Shen, Zhongyue; Lu, Huanming

2006-12-01

A biomimetic film has been found on the surface of the historic stone buildings and monuments. The stone inscriptions under the film are preserved so well that has not been damaged for more than 1000 years. Samples of the crude film have been analyzed by XRD, FTIR, PLM, EDA, SEM and TEM. The results show that it consists mainly of calcium oxalate monohydrate. On the basis of the existence of the organism debris, it is concluded that the film should be a product of biomineralization. According to this hypothesis, a similar film has been prepared on the stone surface through biomimetic synthesis in our laboratory. The preliminary analysis shows that the artificial protective film functions well.

Multiple functionalization of multi-walled carbon nanotubes with carboxyl and amino groups

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhao, Zhiyuan; Yang, Zhanhong; Hu, Youwang; Li, Jianping; Fan, Xinming

2013-07-01

In this paper, carboxyl and amino groups have been introduced onto the surface of the multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) by the mixed acid treatment and the diazonium reaction, respectively. The presence of multifunctionality groups on the MWCNTs has been characterized by Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, thermogravimetric (TGA) analysis, Raman spectra, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive X-ray spectrum (EDS). The multifunctionalized carbon nanotubes were further utilized to react with acetyl chloride and ethylenediamine (EDA). The formation of the amide bond in the grafting reaction has been confirmed by FT-IR spectroscopy. The result indicates that the further grafting is successful. The multifunctionalized MWCNTs can be a new versatile platform for many interesting applications.

Non-invasive diagnosis of sweat gland dysplasia using optical coherence tomography and reflectance confocal microscopy in a family with anhidrotic ectodermal dysplasia (Christ-Siemens-Touraine syndrome).

PubMed

Reinholz, M; Gauglitz, G G; Giehl, K; Braun-Falco, M; Schwaiger, H; Schauber, J; Ruzicka, T; Berneburg, M; von Braunmühl, T

2016-04-01

Anhidrotic ectodermal dysplasia (AED) is an inherited syndrome, which originates mainly from genetic alteration of the ectodysplasin A (EDA) gene. It regularly affects the adnexa of the skin which results in a characteristic phenotype of the patients including hypo- or anhidrosis leading to severe disturbances in the regulation of body temperature. To prevent the development of the symptoms in early childhood promising therapeutic approaches are currently under clinical investigation. In this context, timely diagnosis of this genetic syndrome is crucial. The purpose of our study was the investigation of modern non-invasive imaging methods such as optical coherence tomography (OCT) and reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM) in the immediate diagnosis of AED. We examined a 3-year-old boy with the suspicion for an AED syndrome and his family members with RCM and OCT to document presence and characteristic features of sweat glands in comparison to non-affected individuals. The patient and the affected brother showed significantly reduced sweat glands in the imaging compared to the controls. The genetic analysis revealed a mutation of the EDA gene for hemizygosity previously associated with AED and the mother was revealed as the conductor of the genetic alteration. With the help of non-invasive imaging, we were able to detect sweat gland dysplasia in the affected family members without performing a biopsy which led us to the diagnosis of an AED. The application of modern dermatological imaging techniques might serve as valuable supplementary tools in the immediate, non-invasive diagnosis of genetic syndromes especially in newborns when early therapeutic approaches are planned. © 2015 European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology.

Suppressed power saturation due to optimized optical confinement in 9xx nm high-power diode lasers that use extreme double asymmetric vertical designs

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kaul, T.; Erbert, G.; Maaßdorf, A.; Knigge, S.; Crump, P.

2018-03-01

Broad area lasers with novel extreme double asymmetric structure (EDAS) vertical designs featuring increased optical confinement in the quantum well, Γ, are shown to have improved temperature stability without compromising series resistance, internal efficiency or losses. Specifically, we present here vertical design considerations for the improved continuous wave (CW) performance of devices operating at 940 nm, based on systematically increasing Γ from 0.26% to 1.1%, and discuss the impact on power saturation mechanisms. The results indicate that key power saturation mechanisms at high temperatures originate in high threshold carrier densities, which arise in the quantum well at low Γ. The characteristic temperatures, T 0 and T 1, are determined under short pulse conditions and are used to clarify the thermal contribution to power limiting mechanisms. Although increased Γ reduces thermal power saturation, it is accompanied by increased optical absorption losses in the active region, which has a significant impact on the differential external quantum efficiency, {η }{{diff}}. To quantify the impact of internal optical losses contributed by the quantum well, a resonator length-dependent simulation of {η }{{diff}} is performed and compared to the experiment, which also allows the estimation of experimental values for the light absorption cross sections of electrons and holes inside the quantum well. Overall, the analysis enables vertical designs to be developed, for devices with maximized power conversion efficiency at high CW optical power and high temperatures, in a trade-off between absorption in the well and power saturation. The best balance to date is achieved in devices using EDAS designs with {{Γ }}=0.54 % , which deliver efficiencies of 50% at 14 W optical output power at an elevated junction temperature of 105 °C.

Removal of chromium (VI) ions from aqueous solutions using amine-impregnated TiO2 nanoparticles modified cellulose acetate membranes.

PubMed

Gebru, Kibrom Alebel; Das, Chandan

2018-01-01

In this work, TiO 2 nanoparticles (NPs) were modified using tetraethylenepentamine (TEPA), ethylenediamine (EDA), and hexamethylenetetramine (HMTA) amines using impregnation process. The prepared amine modified TiO 2 samples were explored as an additive to fabricate ultrafiltration membranes with enhanced capacity towards the removal of chromium ions from aqueous solution. Modified membranes were prepared from cellulose acetate (CA) polymer blended with polyethylene glycol (PEG) additive, and amine modified TiO 2 by using phase inversion technique. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), zeta potential (ζ), thermo gravimetric analysis (TGA), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), water contact angle (WCA), and atomic absorption spectrophotometer (AAS) studies were done to characterize the membranes in terms of chemical structure, electric charge, thermal stability, morphology, hydrophilicity, and removal performance. The pure water permeability and Cr (VI) ion removal efficiency of the unmodified (i.e. CA/U-Ti) and the amine modified (CA/Ti-HMTA, CA/Ti-EDA, and CA/Ti-TEPA) membranes were dependent on pH and metal ion concentration. Incorporation of amine modified TiO 2 composite to the CA polymer was found to improve the fouling and removal characteristics of the membranes during the chromium ultrafiltration process. The maximum removal efficiency result of Cr (VI) ions at pH of 3.5 using CA/Ti-TEPA membrane was 99.8%. The washing/regeneration cycle results in this study described as an essential part for prospect industrial applications of the prepared membranes. The maximum Cr (VI) removal results by using CA/Ti-TEPA membrane for four washing/regeneration cycles are 99.6%, 99.5%, 98.6% and, 96.6%, respectively. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

13 CFR 315.9 - Hearings.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-01-01

... 13 Business Credit and Assistance 1 2012-01-01 2012-01-01 false Hearings. 315.9 Section 315.9... ASSISTANCE FOR FIRMS Certification of Firms § 315.9 Hearings. EDA will hold a public hearing on an accepted... proceedings submits a request for a hearing no later than 10 days after the date of publication of the notice...

78 FR 22801 - Request for Comments on Developing a Program To Provide Loan Guarantees to Small- or Medium-Sized...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-04-17

... manufacturing; manufacture an innovative technology product or an integral component of such a product; or, to... use or production of innovative technologies for manufacturing? Dated: April 10, 2013. Matt Erskine.... SUMMARY: The Economic Development Administration (EDA) seeks public comment on, how to design and...

Weather. European Theater Weather Orientation (ETWO)

DTIC Science & Technology

1992-11-01

EGUL RAF Lakenheath KBKF Buckdey CO EGUN RAF Mildenhall KSAW Sawyer MI EDAS Sembach GM KGRF Ft Lewis WA EDAB Bitburg GM KFRI Ft Riley KS EDAT...Stability Idez (2) The following list shows the bulletin headers with stations included on each FJ•UEO EDEX EDIC EDIN EDOP EDID EDOT FUE51 EGUA EGUN

Vasomotor Symptoms Monitoring with a Commercial Activity Tracking Watch

DTIC Science & Technology

2017-12-31

volunteers wearing physiological monitors. The study protocol and written consent form were...available, but similar devices with EDA/GSR sensors are available. Vasomotor symptoms started disrupting the sleep of a woman volunteer on...November 23, 2015, calling attention to their occurrence. After November 23, 2015, the volunteer started personally logging the occurrence of

A New Microelectronics Curriculum Created by Synopsys, Inc.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Goldman, Rich; Bartleson, Karen; Wood, Troy; Melikyan, Vazgen; Wang, Zhi-hua; Chen, Lan

2009-01-01

Rapid changes in integrated circuits (IC) technology and constantly shrinking process geometries demand a new curriculum that meets the contemporary requirements for IC design. This is especially important for 90nm and below technologies and the use of state-of-the-art EDA design tools and advanced IC design techniques. The creation of new…

13 CFR 313.7 - Implementation grants for Impacted Communities.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-01-01

... 13 Business Credit and Assistance 1 2013-01-01 2013-01-01 false Implementation grants for Impacted... Assistance Program § 313.7 Implementation grants for Impacted Communities. (a) General. EDA may provide assistance in the form of a grant under this section to an Impacted Community to help the Community carry out...

13 CFR 313.7 - Implementation grants for Impacted Communities.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-01-01

... 13 Business Credit and Assistance 1 2012-01-01 2012-01-01 false Implementation grants for Impacted... Assistance Program § 313.7 Implementation grants for Impacted Communities. (a) General. EDA may provide assistance in the form of a grant under this section to an Impacted Community to help the Community carry out...

13 CFR 313.7 - Implementation grants for Impacted Communities.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-01-01

... 13 Business Credit and Assistance 1 2014-01-01 2014-01-01 false Implementation grants for Impacted... Assistance Program § 313.7 Implementation grants for Impacted Communities. (a) General. EDA may provide assistance in the form of a grant under this section to an Impacted Community to help the Community carry out...

75 FR 54094 - Notice of Petitions by Firms for Determination of Eligibility To Apply for Trade Adjustment...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-09-03

... military, aerospace, industrial, commercial, medical, telecommunications, computer, radar and..., MA 01460. rings. Roll rings transfer power, data and signals over rotary interfaces. They are custom... procedures set forth in Section 315.9 of EDA's final rule (71 FR 56704) for procedures for requesting a...

13 CFR 305.7 - Services performed by the Recipient's own forces.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... Recipient's own forces. 305.7 Section 305.7 Business Credit and Assistance ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT... Approved Projects § 305.7 Services performed by the Recipient's own forces. In certain circumstances, the... employed by the Recipient either full-time or part-time. EDA may approve the use of such “in-house forces...

Exploration and Evaluation of Nanometer Low-power Multi-core VLSI Computer Architectures

DTIC Science & Technology

2015-03-01

ICC, the Milkway database was created using the command: milkyway –galaxy –nogui –tcl –log memory.log one.tcl As stated previously, it is...EDA tools. Typically, Synopsys® tools use Milkway databases, whereas, Cadence Design System® use Layout Exchange Format (LEF) formats. To help

13 CFR 315.9 - Hearings.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... 13 Business Credit and Assistance 1 2010-01-01 2010-01-01 false Hearings. 315.9 Section 315.9... ASSISTANCE FOR FIRMS Certification of Firms § 315.9 Hearings. EDA will hold a public hearing on an accepted... proceedings submits a request for a hearing no later than 10 days after the date of publication of the notice...

13 CFR 315.5 - TAAC scope, selection, evaluation and awards.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... 13 Business Credit and Assistance 1 2010-01-01 2010-01-01 false TAAC scope, selection, evaluation..., evaluation and awards. (a) TAAC purpose and scope. (1) TAACs are available to assist Firms in obtaining... Adjustment Proposal. (b) TAAC selection. (1) EDA invites currently funded TAACs to submit either new or...

Editorial

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Audoly, Basile; Castañeda, Pedro Ponte; Kuhl, Ellen; Niordson, Christian; Sharma, Pradeep; Gao, Huajian

2016-02-01

After 12 years of distinguished service, Kaushik Bhattacharya has decided to step down as co-editor of the Journal of the Mechanics and Physics of Solids. A new editorial team, with Huajian Gao as editor and Basile Audoly, Pedro Ponte Castañeda, Ellen Kuhl, Christian Niordson and Pradeep Sharma as Associate Editors, will take over as of January 1, 2016.

13 CFR 313.6 - Strategic Plans.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... 13 Business Credit and Assistance 1 2010-01-01 2010-01-01 false Strategic Plans. 313.6 Section 313... § 313.6 Strategic Plans. (a) General. An Impacted Community that intends to apply for a grant for implementation assistance under § 313.7 shall develop and submit a Strategic Plan to EDA for evaluation and...

13 CFR 313.6 - Strategic Plans.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... 13 Business Credit and Assistance 1 2011-01-01 2011-01-01 false Strategic Plans. 313.6 Section 313... § 313.6 Strategic Plans. (a) General. An Impacted Community that intends to apply for a grant for implementation assistance under § 313.7 shall develop and submit a Strategic Plan to EDA for evaluation and...

Using Field Data to Improve Authorized Stockage List Push Packages

DTIC Science & Technology

2011-01-01

end-item such as the M777 is difficult. See Galway and Hanks, 1996, pp. 17–39. 19EDA data contain critical parts that cause equipment to be non...html Galway , Lionel, and Christopher Hanks, Data Quality Problems in Army Logistics Classification, Examples, and Solutions, Santa Monica, CA: RAND

Quantification of helicopter rotor downwash effects on electro-optical defensive aids suites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Seiffer, Dirk P.; Eisele, Christian; Henriksson, Markus; Sjöqvist, Lars; Möller, Sebastian; Togna, Fabio; Velluet, Marie-Thérèse

2015-10-01

The performance of electro-optical platform protection systems can be degraded significantly by the propagation environment around the platform. This includes aero-optical effects and zones of severe turbulence generated by engine exhausts. For helicopters rotor tip vortices and engine exhaust gases that are pressed down by the rotor airflow form the so called downwash phenomena. The downwash is a source for perturbations. A wide range of spatial and temporal fluctuations in the refractive index of air can occur. The perturbations from the turbulent flow cause detrimental effects on energy delivery, angle of arrival fluctuations, jam-code transmission, tracking accuracy and imaging performance in general. Therefore the effects may especially have a severe impact on the performance of laser-based protection systems like directed infrared countermeasures (DIRCM). The chain from passive missile detection and warning to obtaining an optical break-lock by the use of an active laser system will be influenced. To anticipate the installed performance of an electro-optical defensive aids suite (DAS) for helicopter platforms it is necessary to develop models for the prediction of the perturbations. Modelled results have to be validated against experimental findings. However, the data available in open literature on the effects of rotor downwash from helicopters on optical propagation is very limited. To collect necessary data and to obtain a first impression about the magnitude of occurring effects the European defence agency group (EDA) on "airborne platform effects on lasers and warning sensors (ALWS)" decided to design and perform a field trial on the premises of the Italian Air Force Flight Test Center in Pratica di Mare, Italy. ALWS is a technical arrangement under the Europa MoU among France, Germany, Italy, Sweden and the United Kingdom.

A fast elitism Gaussian estimation of distribution algorithm and application for PID optimization.

PubMed

Xu, Qingyang; Zhang, Chengjin; Zhang, Li

2014-01-01

Estimation of distribution algorithm (EDA) is an intelligent optimization algorithm based on the probability statistics theory. A fast elitism Gaussian estimation of distribution algorithm (FEGEDA) is proposed in this paper. The Gaussian probability model is used to model the solution distribution. The parameters of Gaussian come from the statistical information of the best individuals by fast learning rule. A fast learning rule is used to enhance the efficiency of the algorithm, and an elitism strategy is used to maintain the convergent performance. The performances of the algorithm are examined based upon several benchmarks. In the simulations, a one-dimensional benchmark is used to visualize the optimization process and probability model learning process during the evolution, and several two-dimensional and higher dimensional benchmarks are used to testify the performance of FEGEDA. The experimental results indicate the capability of FEGEDA, especially in the higher dimensional problems, and the FEGEDA exhibits a better performance than some other algorithms and EDAs. Finally, FEGEDA is used in PID controller optimization of PMSM and compared with the classical-PID and GA.

A Fast Elitism Gaussian Estimation of Distribution Algorithm and Application for PID Optimization

PubMed Central

Xu, Qingyang; Zhang, Chengjin; Zhang, Li

2014-01-01

Estimation of distribution algorithm (EDA) is an intelligent optimization algorithm based on the probability statistics theory. A fast elitism Gaussian estimation of distribution algorithm (FEGEDA) is proposed in this paper. The Gaussian probability model is used to model the solution distribution. The parameters of Gaussian come from the statistical information of the best individuals by fast learning rule. A fast learning rule is used to enhance the efficiency of the algorithm, and an elitism strategy is used to maintain the convergent performance. The performances of the algorithm are examined based upon several benchmarks. In the simulations, a one-dimensional benchmark is used to visualize the optimization process and probability model learning process during the evolution, and several two-dimensional and higher dimensional benchmarks are used to testify the performance of FEGEDA. The experimental results indicate the capability of FEGEDA, especially in the higher dimensional problems, and the FEGEDA exhibits a better performance than some other algorithms and EDAs. Finally, FEGEDA is used in PID controller optimization of PMSM and compared with the classical-PID and GA. PMID:24892059

Bication lead iodide 2D perovskite component to stabilize inorganic α-CsPbI3 perovskite phase for high-efficiency solar cells

PubMed Central

Zhang, Taiyang; Dar, M. Ibrahim; Li, Ge; Xu, Feng; Guo, Nanjie; Grätzel, Michael; Zhao, Yixin

2017-01-01

Among various all-inorganic halide perovskites exhibiting better stability than organic-inorganic halide perovskites, α-CsPbI3 with the most suitable band gap for tandem solar cell application faces an issue of phase instability under ambient conditions. We discovered that a small amount of two-dimensional (2D) EDAPbI4 perovskite containing the ethylenediamine (EDA) cation stabilizes the α-CsPbI3 to avoid the undesirable formation of the nonperovskite δ phase. Moreover, not only the 2D perovskite of EDAPbI4 facilitate the formation of α-CsPbI3 perovskite films exhibiting high phase stability at room temperature for months and at 100°C for >150 hours but also the α-CsPbI3 perovskite solar cells (PSCs) display highly reproducible efficiency of 11.8%, a record for all-inorganic lead halide PSCs. Therefore, using the bication EDA presents a novel and promising strategy to design all-inorganic lead halide PSCs with high performance and reliability. PMID:28975149

Competitive sorption affinity of sulfonamides and chloramphenicol antibiotics toward functionalized biochar for water and wastewater treatment.

PubMed

Ahmed, Mohammad Boshir; Zhou, John L; Ngo, Huu Hao; Guo, Wenshan; Johir, Md Abu Hasan; Belhaj, Dalel

2017-08-01

Competitive sorption of sulfamethazine (SMT), sulfamethoxazole (SMX), sulfathiazole (STZ) and chloramphenicol (CP) toward functionalized biochar (fBC) was highly pH dependent with maximum sorption at pH ∼4.0-4.25. Equilibrium data were well represented by the Langmuir and Freundlich models in the order STZ>SMX>CP>SMT. Kinetics data were slightly better fitted by the pseudo second-order model than pseudo first-order and intra-particle-diffusion models. Maximum sorptive interactions occurred at pH 4.0-4.25 through H-bonds formations for neutral sulfonamides species and through negative charge assisted H-bond (CAHB) formation for CP, in addition to π-π electron-donor-acceptor (EDA) interactions. EDA was the main mechanism for the sorption of positive sulfonamides species and CP at pH<2.0. Sorption of negative sulfonamides species and CP at pH>7.0 was regulated by H-bond formation and proton exchange with water by forming CAHB, respectively. The results suggested fBC to be highly efficient in removing antibiotics mixture. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Wearable sensor platform and mobile application for use in cognitive behavioral therapy for drug addiction and PTSD.

PubMed

Fletcher, Richard Ribón; Tam, Sharon; Omojola, Olufemi; Redemske, Richard; Kwan, Joyce

2011-01-01

We present a wearable sensor platform designed for monitoring and studying autonomic nervous system (ANS) activity for the purpose of mental health treatment and interventions. The mobile sensor system consists of a sensor band worn on the ankle that continuously monitors electrodermal activity (EDA), 3-axis acceleration, and temperature. A custom-designed ECG heart monitor worn on the chest is also used as an optional part of the system. The EDA signal from the ankle bands provides a measure sympathetic nervous system activity and used to detect arousal events. The optional ECG data can be used to improve the sensor classification algorithm and provide a measure of emotional "valence." Both types of sensor bands contain a Bluetooth radio that enables communication with the patient's mobile phone. When a specific arousal event is detected, the phone automatically presents therapeutic and empathetic messages to the patient in the tradition of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). As an example of clinical use, we describe how the system is currently being used in an ongoing study for patients with drug-addiction and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Additively Manufactured Pneumatically Driven Skin Electrodes.

PubMed

Schubert, Martin; Schmidt, Martin; Wolter, Paul; Malberg, Hagen; Zaunseder, Sebastian; Bock, Karlheinz

2017-12-23

Telemedicine focuses on improving the quality of health care, particularly in out-of-hospital settings. One of the most important applications is the continuous remote monitoring of vital parameters. Long-term monitoring of biopotentials requires skin-electrodes. State-of-the-art electrodes such as Ag/AgCl wet electrodes lead, especially during long-term application, to complications, e.g., skin irritations. This paper presents a low-cost, on-demand electrode approach for future long-term applications. The fully printed module comprises a polymeric substrate with electrodes on a flexible membrane, which establishes skin contact only for short time in case of measurement. The membranes that produce airtight seals for pressure chambers can be pneumatically dilated and pressed onto the skin to ensure good contact, and subsequently retracted. The dilatation depends on the pressure and membrane thickness, which has been tested up to 150 kPa. The electrodes were fabricated in screen and inkjet printing technology, and compared during exemplary electrodermal activity measurement (EDA). The results show less amplitude compared to conventional EDA electrodes but similar behavior. Because of the manufacturing process the module enables high individuality for future applications.

Determination of Volatiles by Odor Activity Value and Phenolics of cv. Ayvalik Early-Harvest Olive Oil

PubMed Central

Guclu, Gamze; Sevindik, Onur; Kelebek, Hasim; Selli, Serkan

2016-01-01

Ayvalik is an important olive cultivar producing high quality oils in Turkey. In the present study, volatile and phenolic compositions of early-harvest extra virgin olive oil (cv. Ayvalik) were determined. The solvent-assisted flavor evaporation (SAFE) technique was used for the extraction of volatile components. The aromatic extract obtained by SAFE was representative of the olive oil odor. A total of 32 aroma compounds, including alcohols, aldehydes, terpenes, esters, and an acid, were identified in the olive oil. Aldehydes and alcohols were qualitatively and quantitatively the most dominant volatiles in the oil sample. Of these, six volatile components presented odor activity values (OAVs) greater than one, with (Z)-3-hexenal (green), hexanal (green-sweet) and nonanal (fatty-pungent) being those with the highest OAVs in olive oil. A total of 14 phenolic compounds were identified and quantified by liquid chromatography combined with a diode array detector and ion spray mass spectrometry. The major phenolic compounds were found as 3,4-DHPEA-EDA, 3,4-DHPEA-EA and p-HPEA-EDA. PMID:28231141

Time-resolved EPR study on the photoexcited triplet state of the electron-donor-acceptor complex formed in the system of fac-tris[2-(4-octyl-phenyl) pyridine] iridium(III) and tetracene.

PubMed

Zhebin, Fu; Shuhei, Yoshioka; Hisao, Murai

2014-01-09

The physical properties of the phosphorescent organic light-emitting diode material fac-tris(phenylpyridine) iridium(III), Ir(ppy)3, have been reported with experimental and theoretical studies. Here, the photochemical properties of the excited triplet state of partially modified fac-tris[2-(4-octyl-phenyl) pyridine] iridium(III), Ir(C8ppy)3, were investigated using time-resolved electron paramagnetic resonance (tr-EPR) and optical methods by adding tetracene in the toluene solution. The tr-EPR observation at 77 K revealed the following two species: the excited triplet state of tetracene and another triplet species with zero field splitting parameters of |D| = 0.088 cm(-1) and |E| = 0.018 cm(-1) with characteristic spin polarization. The latter species was assigned to the electron-donor-acceptor (EDA) complex formed between Ir(C8ppy)3 and tetracene. The mechanism of formation and the properties of this EDA complex, including the information on the principal axes of (3)Ir(C8ppy)3*, are discussed.

Preparation of highly luminescent and color tunable carbon nanodots under visible light excitation for in vitro and in vivo bio-imaging

DOE PAGES

Zheng, Min; Li, Jing; Xie, Zhigang; ...

2015-11-10

Carbon nanodots (CDs) have generated enormous excitement because of their superiority in water solubility, chemical inertness, low toxicity, ease of functionalization and resistance to photobleaching. Here we report a facile thermal pyrolysis route to prepare CDs with high quantum yield (QY) using citric acid as the carbon source and ethylene diamine derivatives (EDAs) including triethylenetetramine (TETA), tetraethylenepentamine (TEPA) and polyene polyamine (PEPA) as the passivation agents. We find that the CDs prepared from EDAs, such as TETA, TEPA and PEPA, show relatively high photoluminescence (PL) QY (11.4, 10.6, and 9.8%, respectively) at 1 ex of 465 nm. The cytotoxicity ofmore » the CDs has been investigated through in vitro and in vivo bio-imaging studies. The results indicate that these CDs possess low toxicity and good biocompatibility. As a result, the unique properties such as the high PL QY at large excitation wave length and the low toxicity of the resulting CDs make them promising fluorescent nanoprobes for applications in optical bio-imaging and biosensing.« less

PubMed Central

Wahlbuhl-Becker, Mandy; Faschingbauer, Florian; Beckmann, Matthias W.; Schneider, Holm

2017-01-01

Background X-linked hypohidrotic ectodermal dysplasia (XLHED), the most common form of ectodermal dysplasia, is caused by mutations in the gene EDA. While only affected men develop the full-blown clinical picture, females who are heterozygous for an EDA mutation often also show symptoms such as hypodontia, hypotrichosis and hypohidrosis. These women may also suffer from malformations of the mammary gland which represent not just a cosmetic problem but can limit their breastfeeding capability. This paper summarizes the findings of the first systematic study on the impact of hypohidrotic ectodermal dysplasia on breastfeeding. Patients Thirty-eight adult female members of the German-Swiss-Austrian ectodermal dysplasia patient support group participated in a structured interview; most of them also agreed to a photodocumentation of their mammary region. Thirty-one women carried mutations in EDA (Group A) and seven were affected by other forms of hypohidrotic ectodermal dysplasia (Group B). Results 39 % of the women of Group A reported that their breasts were of different size or entirely absent on one side. In Group B, 86 % of the women reported differently sized or even absent breasts; two of these women lacked both breasts entirely. Most women described their nipples as exceptionally flat. 10 % of the women of Group A had more than two nipples. The high percentage of deviations from the norm was confirmed in the photodocumentation. Both groups had few or no sebaceous glands of Montgomery in the areolar region. Around 80 % of interviewed women had children and had attempted to breastfeed their first child. 67 % of the mothers in Group A had had difficulty in breastfeeding their infants and generally attributed this difficulty to their flat nipples. All of the mothers in Group B reported difficulties in breastfeeding; 60 % had not been able to breastfeed their first child. Conclusion Mothers with hypohidrotic ectodermal dysplasia very often have difficulty in breastfeeding because of their impaired breast development. This causal relationship needs to be taken into account in lactation counseling. PMID:28553001

Antibody-mediated delivery of interleukin 4 to the neo-vasculature reduces chronic skin inflammation.

PubMed

Hemmerle, Teresa; Zgraggen, Silvana; Matasci, Mattia; Halin, Cornelia; Detmar, Michael; Neri, Dario

2014-11-01

The antibody-mediated delivery of cytokines ("immunocytokines") to sites of pathological angiogenesis represents an attractive strategy for the development of innovative biopharmaceuticals, capable of modulating the activity of the immune system in cancer and in chronic inflammatory conditions. Recombinant IL4 has previously been shown to be therapeutically active in patients with psoriasis. The antibody-mediated delivery of this cytokine to sites of chronic skin inflammatory conditions should lead to an improved potency and selectivity, compared to non-targeted IL4. The therapeutic activity of F8-IL4, a fusion protein of the F8 antibody (specific to the alternatively-spliced EDA domain of fibronectin) with murine IL4, was investigated in three immunocompetent mouse models of skin inflammation: two induced by the TLR7/8 ligand imiquimod (in Balb/c and C57BL/6) and one mediated by the over-expression of VEGF-A. The EDA domain of fibronectin, a marker for angiogenesis, is expressed in the inflamed skin in all three models and F8-IL4 selectively localized to inflamed skin lesions following intravenous administration. The F8-IL4 fusion protein mediated a therapeutic benefit, which was superior to the one of a non-targeted version of IL4 and led to increased levels of key regulatory cytokines (including IL5, IL10, IL13, and IL27) in the inflamed skin, while IL2 levels were not affected in all treatment groups. A murine version of etanercept and a murine anti-IL17 antibody were used as positive control in the therapy experiments. Skin inflammatory lesions can be selectively targeted using anti-EDA antibody-cytokine fusion proteins and the pharmacodelivery of IL4 confers a therapeutic benefit by shifting the cytokine balance. Copyright © 2014 Japanese Society for Investigative Dermatology. Published by Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Multicenter clinical assessment of improved wearable multimodal convulsive seizure detectors.

PubMed

Onorati, Francesco; Regalia, Giulia; Caborni, Chiara; Migliorini, Matteo; Bender, Daniel; Poh, Ming-Zher; Frazier, Cherise; Kovitch Thropp, Eliana; Mynatt, Elizabeth D; Bidwell, Jonathan; Mai, Roberto; LaFrance, W Curt; Blum, Andrew S; Friedman, Daniel; Loddenkemper, Tobias; Mohammadpour-Touserkani, Fatemeh; Reinsberger, Claus; Tognetti, Simone; Picard, Rosalind W

2017-11-01

New devices are needed for monitoring seizures, especially those associated with sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP). They must be unobtrusive and automated, and provide false alarm rates (FARs) bearable in everyday life. This study quantifies the performance of new multimodal wrist-worn convulsive seizure detectors. Hand-annotated video-electroencephalographic seizure events were collected from 69 patients at six clinical sites. Three different wristbands were used to record electrodermal activity (EDA) and accelerometer (ACM) signals, obtaining 5,928 h of data, including 55 convulsive epileptic seizures (six focal tonic-clonic seizures and 49 focal to bilateral tonic-clonic seizures) from 22 patients. Recordings were analyzed offline to train and test two new machine learning classifiers and a published classifier based on EDA and ACM. Moreover, wristband data were analyzed to estimate seizure-motion duration and autonomic responses. The two novel classifiers consistently outperformed the previous detector. The most efficient (Classifier III) yielded sensitivity of 94.55%, and an FAR of 0.2 events/day. No nocturnal seizures were missed. Most patients had <1 false alarm every 4 days, with an FAR below their seizure frequency. When increasing the sensitivity to 100% (no missed seizures), the FAR is up to 13 times lower than with the previous detector. Furthermore, all detections occurred before the seizure ended, providing reasonable latency (median = 29.3 s, range = 14.8-151 s). Automatically estimated seizure durations were correlated with true durations, enabling reliable annotations. Finally, EDA measurements confirmed the presence of postictal autonomic dysfunction, exhibiting a significant rise in 73% of the convulsive seizures. The proposed multimodal wrist-worn convulsive seizure detectors provide seizure counts that are more accurate than previous automated detectors and typical patient self-reports, while maintaining a tolerable FAR for ambulatory monitoring. Furthermore, the multimodal system provides an objective description of motor behavior and autonomic dysfunction, aimed at enriching seizure characterization, with potential utility for SUDEP warning. Wiley Periodicals, Inc. © 2017 International League Against Epilepsy.

[Biofeedback treatment for epilepsy].

PubMed

Nagai, Yoko

2014-05-01

Pharmacological treatment is the mainstay for the treatment of epilepsy. However concerns regarding long-term side effects of drugs are increasingly voiced. Behavioral treatments including biofeedback, represents an alternative management option for the control of epilepsy. Biofeedback is a non-invasive bio-behavioral procedure through which patients can learn to gain psychophysiological control over seizures. This article will first overview seizure precipitation from a psychological perspective, and then introduce three major biofeedback treatments. Sensory motor rhythm (SMR) and slow cortical potential(SCP) biofeedback uses electroencephalographic parameters and are categorized as neurofeedback. Electrodermal activity (EDA) biofeedback focuses on modulation of peripheral sympathetic tone. The neural mechanisms underlying biofeedback treatment will be discussed in relation to thalamo-cortical regulation(of neural excitability across brain networks).

A Program of Technical Assistance to Industry in Twenty-Six Mississippi Counties and the Choctaw Indian Reservation. Final Report.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Phillips, Jane; Sewell, Charles

A broad technical assistance program has been established in 25 EDA (Economic Development Administration) contract counties and on the Choctaw Indian Reservation Nashoba County) to stimulate new job opportunities by solving operational problems which limit the expansion and diversification of existing industry; professional services in evaluating…

75 FR 38988 - Notice of Petitions by Firms for Determination of Eligibility To Apply for Trade Adjustment...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-07-07

... Manufacturing Company, 65 Tripps Lane, East, 6/10/2010 Fulford Manufacturing company manufactures Inc. RI 02915... decrease in sales or production of each petitioning firm. List of Petitions Received by EDA for... Products for filing Flinchbaugh Engineering, Inc... 4387 Run Way, York, PA 6/7/2010 Precision manufacturing...

SPAKling insight into blood pressure regulation

PubMed Central

Castañeda-Bueno, María; Gamba, Gerardo

2010-01-01

Arterial hypertension is one of the most important health problems in industrialized cities. Blood pressure levels are influenced by renal salt handling and salt reabsorption in the kidney. In this Closeup, Castañeda-Bueno and Gamba discuss the work from Alessi and coworkers on the in vivo roles of the SPAK kinase in defining blood pressure levels. PMID:20112249

75 FR 23676 - Solicitation of Applications for the i6 Challenge Under EDA's Economic Adjustment Assistance Program

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-05-04

... applications. SUMMARY: The i6 Challenge is a new, multi-agency innovation competition led by the U.S... (NIH), the National Science Foundation (NSF), and the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) to... designed to encourage and reward innovative, ground-breaking ideas that will accelerate technology...

EDA Elimination Act of 2018

THOMAS, 111th Congress

Rep. Norman, Ralph [R-SC-5

2018-06-06

House - 06/06/2018 Referred to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, and in addition to the Committee on Financial Services, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of... (All Actions) Tracker: This bill has the status IntroducedHere are the steps for Status of Legislation:

Sport-Based Youth and Community Development: Beyond the Ball in Chicago

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Jacobs, Jennifer M.; Castañeda, Amy; Castañeda, Rob

2016-01-01

Rob and Amy Castañeda, the co-founders of a sports/play-based youth and community development organization called Beyond the Ball (www.beyondtheball.org), cite the collaborative and dynamic nature of the TPSR Alliance as an important influence for their work. Beyond the Ball serves individuals between kindergarten and post-college, in the North…

Draft Genome Sequences of 18 Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica Serovar Oranienburg Strains Isolated from Rivers in Northwestern Mexico.

PubMed

Casteñeda-Ruelas, Gloria M; Carreón-Gaxiola, César; Castelán-Sánchez, Hugo G; Acatzi-Silva, Abraham; Romero-Martínez, Salvador; García-Molina, Alejandra; Jiménez-Edeza, Maribel

2017-03-09

Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica serovar Oranienburg is recognized as a foodborne pathogen widely distributed in the environment. Here, we report 18 draft genomes of S  Oranienburg strains isolated from rivers in the northwestern region of Mexico. Copyright © 2017 Casteñeda-Ruelas et al.

13 CFR 307.19 - RLF loan portfolio Sales and Securitizations.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... 13 Business Credit and Assistance 1 2010-01-01 2010-01-01 false RLF loan portfolio Sales and... Funds and Use of Grant Funds § 307.19 RLF loan portfolio Sales and Securitizations. EDA may take such... may enter into a Sale or a Securitization of all or a portion of its RLF loan portfolio, provided: (a...

A Novel Splicesite Mutation in the EDAR Gene Causes Severe Autosomal Recessive Hypohydrotic (Anhidrotic) Ectodermal Dysplasia in an Iranian Family

PubMed Central

Torkamandi, Shahram; Gholami, Milad; Mohammadi-asl, Javad; Rezaie, Somaye; Zaimy, Mohammad Ali; Omrani, Mir Davood

2016-01-01

Hypohidrotic ectodermal dysplasia (HED) is a rare congenital disorder arising from deficient development of ectoderm-derived structures including skin, nails, glands and teeth. The phenotype of HED is associated with mutation in EDA, EDAR, EDARADD and NEMO genes, all of them disruptingNF-κB signaling cascade necessary for initiation, formation and differentiation in the embryo and adult. Here we describe a novel acceptor splice site mutation c.730-2 A>G(IVS 8-2 A>G) in EDAR gene in homozygous form in all affected members of a family,and in heterozygous form in carriers. Bioinformatics analysis showed that this mutation can create a new broken splicing site and lead to aberrant splicing. PMID:28357203

A study on crustal shear wave splitting in the western part of the Banda arc-continent collision

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

Syuhada, E-mail: hadda9@gmail.com; Research Centre for Physics - Indonesian Institute of Sciences; Hananto, Nugroho D.

2016-03-11

We analyzed shear wave splitting parameters from local shallow (< 30 km) earthquakes recorded at six seismic stations in the western part of the Banda arc-continent collision. We determined fast polarization and delay time for 195 event-stations pairs calculated from good signal-to-noise ratio waveforms. We observed that there is evidence for shear wave splitting at all stations with dominant fast polarization directions oriented about NE-SW, which are parallel to the collision direction of the Australian plate. However, minor fast polarization directions are oriented around NW-SE being perpendicular to the strike of Timor through. Furthermore, the changes in fast azimuths with themore » earthquake-station back azimuth suggest that the crustal anisotropy in the study area is not uniform. Splitting delay times are within the range of 0.05 s to 0.8 s, with a mean value of 0.29±0.18 s. Major seismic stations exhibit a weak tendency increasing of delay times with increasing hypocentral distance suggesting the main anisotropy contribution of the shallow crust. In addition, these variations in fast azimuths and delay times indicate that the crustal anisotropy in this region might not only be caused by extensive dilatancy anisotropy (EDA), but also by heterogeneity shallow structure such as the presence of foliations in the rock fabric and the fracture zones associated with active faults.« less

Progress towards modeling tokamak boundary plasma turbulence and understanding its role in setting divertor heat flux widths

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Bin

2017-10-01

QCMs (quasi-coherent modes) are well characterized in the edge of Alcator C-Mod, when operating in the Enhanced Dα (EDA) H-mode, a promising alternative regime for ELM (edge localized modes) suppressed operation. To improve the understanding of the physics behind the QCMs, three typical C-Mod EDA H-Mode discharges are simulated by BOUT + + using a six-field two-fluid model (based on the Braginskii equations). The simulated characteristics of the frequency versus wave number spectra of the modes is in reasonable agreement with phase contrast imaging data. The key simulation results are: 1) Linear spectrum analysis and the nonlinear phase relationship indicate the dominance of resistive-ballooning modes and drift-Alfven wave instabilities; 2) QCMs originate inside the separatrix; (3) magnetic flutter causes the mode spreading into the SOL; 4) the boundary electric field Er changes the turbulent characteristics of the QCMs and controls edge transport and the divertor heat flux width; 5) the magnitude of the divertor heat flux depends on the physics models, such as sources and sinks, sheath boundary conditions, and parallel heat flux limiting coefficient. The BOUT + + simulations have also been performed for inter-ELM periods of DIII-D and EAST discharges, and similar quasi-coherent modes have been found. The parallel electron heat fluxes projected onto the target from these BOUT + + simulations follow the experimental heat flux width scaling, in particular the inverse dependence of the width on the poloidal magnetic field with an outlier. Further turbulence statistics analysis shows that the blobs are generated near the pedestal peak gradient region inside the separatrix and contribute to the transport of the particle and heat in the SOL region. To understand the Goldston heuristic drift-based model, results will also be presented from self-consistent transport simulations with the electric and magnetic drifts in BOUT + + and with the sheath potential included in the SOL. Work supported by LLNL under Contract DE-AC52-07NA27344. This work was also supported by US DOE Grant DE-FC02-99ER54512, using Alcator C-Mod, a DOE Office of Science User Facility, and under the auspices of the CSC (No. 201506340019).

Monodispersed fabrication and dielectric studies on ethylenediamine passivated α-manganese dioxide nanorods

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

Joseph, A. Martin; Kumar, R. Thilak, E-mail: manojthilak@yahoo.com

2016-09-15

Highlights: • Monodispersed ethylenediamine (EDA) passivated α-MnO{sub 2} nanorods were fabricated by inexpensive wet chemical method. • FTIR analysis indicated that surface passivation is strongly influenced by the introduction of the organic ligand. • XRD and HR-SEM revealed the structure and morphology of the fabricated α-MnO{sub 2} nanorods with an average size of about 40 × 200 nm. • Dielectric studies pointed out that the fabricated α-MnO{sub 2} is semiconducting in nature with resistivity, ρ = 1.46 to 5.76 × 10{sup 3} Ωcm. • The optical energy gap for the fabricated α-MnO{sub 2} nanorods is found to be around 1.37more » eV. - Abstract: In this present work, pure α-MnO{sub 2} nanorods were fabricated by the reduction of 0.2 m/L of KMnO{sub 4} with 0.2 m/L of Na{sub 2}S{sub 2}O{sub 3}·5H{sub 2}O and by passivating with the organic ligand Ethylenediamine (EDA). The structural, functional, morphological and chemical composition of the nanorods were investigated by X-Ray Diffractometer (XRD), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrometer (FTIR), High Resolution Scanning Electron Microscope (HR-SEM) and Energy Dispersive X-Ray Spectrometry (EDX). The XRD analysis indicated high crystalline nature of the product and FTIR confirmed the contribution of the organic ligand in surface passivation. HR-SEM image revealed the morphology of the α-MnO{sub 2} nanorods with an average size of about 40 × 200 nm. EDX confirmed the presence of Mn and O in the material. UV–visible spectrophotometery was used to determine the absorption behavior of the nanorods and an indirect band gap of 1.37 eV was acquired by Taucplot. Dielectric studies were carried out using Broadband Dielectric Spectrometer(BDS) and the resistivity was found to be around the semiconductor range (ρ = 1.46 to 5.76 × 10{sup 3} Ωcm).« less

Critical Needs of Students Who Are Deaf or Hard of Hearing: A Public Input Summary

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Szymanski, Christen; Lutz, Lori; Shahan, Cheryl; Gala, Nicholas

2013-01-01

As mandated by the Education of the Deaf Act (EDA), the Clerc Center is required "to establish and publish priorities for research, development, and demonstration through a process that allows for public input." The public input summarized in this paper informed the Clerc Center's selection of its national priorities for 2013-2018: 1)…

Multiobjective Resource-Constrained Project Scheduling with a Time-Varying Number of Tasks

PubMed Central

Abello, Manuel Blanco

2014-01-01

In resource-constrained project scheduling (RCPS) problems, ongoing tasks are restricted to utilizing a fixed number of resources. This paper investigates a dynamic version of the RCPS problem where the number of tasks varies in time. Our previous work investigated a technique called mapping of task IDs for centroid-based approach with random immigrants (McBAR) that was used to solve the dynamic problem. However, the solution-searching ability of McBAR was investigated over only a few instances of the dynamic problem. As a consequence, only a small number of characteristics of McBAR, under the dynamics of the RCPS problem, were found. Further, only a few techniques were compared to McBAR with respect to its solution-searching ability for solving the dynamic problem. In this paper, (a) the significance of the subalgorithms of McBAR is investigated by comparing McBAR to several other techniques; and (b) the scope of investigation in the previous work is extended. In particular, McBAR is compared to a technique called, Estimation Distribution Algorithm (EDA). As with McBAR, EDA is applied to solve the dynamic problem, an application that is unique in the literature. PMID:24883398

The separation distance distribution in electron-donor-acceptor systems and the wavelength dependence of free ion yields

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhou, Jinwei; Findley, Bret R.; Braun, Charles L.; Sutin, Norman

2001-06-01

We recently reported that free radical ion quantum yields for electron-donor-acceptor (EDA) systems of alkylbenzenes-tetracyanoethylene (TCNE) exhibit a remarkable wavelength dependence in dichloromethane, a medium polarity solvent. We proposed that weak absorption by long-distance, unassociated or "random" D⋯A pairs is mainly responsible for the free radical ion yield. Here a model for the wavelength dependence of the free ion yield is developed for four systems in which differing degrees of EDA complex formation are present: 1,3,5-tri-tert-butylbenzene-TCNE in which only random pairs exist due to the bulky groups on the electron donor, and toluene—TCNE, 1,3,5-triethylbenzene-TCNE and 1,3,5-trimethylbenzene-TCNE. Mulliken-Hush theory is used to determine the excitation distance distribution of unassociated, random pairs at different wavelengths. For each absorption distribution, free radical ion yields at different wavelengths are then calculated using Onsager's result for the ion separation probability. Encouraging agreement between the calculated yields and our experimental results is obtained. As far as we are aware, this is the first time that photoexcitation of unassociated donor/acceptor pairs has been invoked as the source of separated radical ion pairs.

ITER in-vessel system design and performance

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Parker, R. R.

2000-03-01

The article reviews the design and performance of the in-vessel components of ITER as developed for the Engineering Design Activities (EDA) Final Design Report. The double walled vacuum vessel is the first confinement boundary and is designed to maintain its integrity under all normal and off-normal conditions, e.g. the most intense vertical displacement events (VDEs) and seismic events. The shielding blanket consists of modules connected to a toroidal backplate by flexible connectors which allow differential displacements due to temperature non-uniformities. Breeding blanket modules replace the shield modules for the Enhanced Performance Phase. The divertor concept is based on a cassette structure which is convenient for remote installation and removal. High heat flux (HHF) components are mechanically attached and can be removed and replaced in the hot cell. Operation of the divertor is based on achieving partially detached plasma conditions along and near the separatrix. Nominal heat loads of 5-10 MW/m2 are expected on the target. These are accommodated by HHF technology developed during the EDA. Disruptions and VDEs can lead to melting of the first wall armour but no damage to the underlying structure. Stresses in the main structural components remain within allowable ranges for all postulated disruption and seismic events.

Multimodal Estimation of Distribution Algorithms.

PubMed

Yang, Qiang; Chen, Wei-Neng; Li, Yun; Chen, C L Philip; Xu, Xiang-Min; Zhang, Jun

2016-02-15

Taking the advantage of estimation of distribution algorithms (EDAs) in preserving high diversity, this paper proposes a multimodal EDA. Integrated with clustering strategies for crowding and speciation, two versions of this algorithm are developed, which operate at the niche level. Then these two algorithms are equipped with three distinctive techniques: 1) a dynamic cluster sizing strategy; 2) an alternative utilization of Gaussian and Cauchy distributions to generate offspring; and 3) an adaptive local search. The dynamic cluster sizing affords a potential balance between exploration and exploitation and reduces the sensitivity to the cluster size in the niching methods. Taking advantages of Gaussian and Cauchy distributions, we generate the offspring at the niche level through alternatively using these two distributions. Such utilization can also potentially offer a balance between exploration and exploitation. Further, solution accuracy is enhanced through a new local search scheme probabilistically conducted around seeds of niches with probabilities determined self-adaptively according to fitness values of these seeds. Extensive experiments conducted on 20 benchmark multimodal problems confirm that both algorithms can achieve competitive performance compared with several state-of-the-art multimodal algorithms, which is supported by nonparametric tests. Especially, the proposed algorithms are very promising for complex problems with many local optima.

Selective Capture of Cesium and Thallium from Natural Waters and Simulated Wastes with Copper Ferrocyanide Functionalized Mesoporous Silica

PubMed Central

Sangvanich, Thanapon; Sukwarotwat, Vichaya; Wiacek, Robert J.; Grudzien, Rafal M.; Fryxell, Glen E.; Addleman, R. Shane; Timchalk, Charles; Yantasee, Wassana

2010-01-01

Copper(II) ferrocyanide on mesoporous silica (FC-Cu-EDA-SAMMS™) has been evaluated against iron(III) hexacyanoferrate(II) (insoluble Prussian Blue) for removing cesium (Cs+) and thallium (Tl+) from natural waters and simulated acidic and alkaline wastes. From pH 0.1 – 7.3, FC-Cu-EDA-SAMMS had greater affinities for Cs and Tl and was less affected by the solution pH, competing cations, and matrices. SAMMS also outperformed Prussian Blue in terms of adsorption capacities (e.g., 21.7 versus 2.6 mg Cs/g in acidic waste stimulant (pH 1.1), 28.3 versus 5.8 mg Tl/g in seawater), and rate (e.g., over 95 wt% of Cs was removed from seawater after 2 min with SAMMS, while only 75 wt% was removed with Prussian Blue). SAMMS also had higher stability (e.g., 2.5 to 13-fold less Fe dissolved from 2 to 24 hr of contact time). In addition to environmental applications, SAMMS has great potential to be used as orally administered drug for limiting the absorption of radioactive Cs and toxic Tl in gastrointestinal tract. PMID:20594644

Quantification of taurodontism: interests in the early diagnosis of hypohidrotic ectodermal dysplasia.

PubMed

Gros, C-I; Clauss, F; Obry, F; Manière, M C; Schmittbuhl, M

2010-04-01

The aim of this study was to provide a quantification of taurodontism in Hypohidrotic Ectodermal Dysplasia (HED) and to report its occurrence in a cohort of HED patients to assess phenotypic-genotypic correlations. Of 68 HED patients retrospectively reviewed, 16 patients aged 7-51 years were selected and compared with a control sample (n = 351). The pulp surface index of the first lower permanent molar was calculated from the panoramic radiograph of each individual, and statistical comparisons between the HED patients and the control sample were performed. Whatever the genetic disorder, 81.25% of the HED patients exhibited a relative enlargement (>or=1 s.d.) of the pulp. Major deviations (>5 s.d.) were respectively related to men affected by large deletion of the EDA gene or missense mutation. The autosomal recessive form was linked to a relative moderate pulp enlargement (3.44 s.d.). In NEMO forms, the increase of pulp size in men appeared to be less marked than in EDA mutations. This study provides for the first time an objective assessment of pulp enlargement in HED patients, and the various degrees of taurodontism depicted could be interesting dental phenotypic markers of HED forms.