Nomenclature and traceability debate for biosimilars: small-molecule surrogates lend support for distinguishable nonproprietary names.

PubMed

Chao, Jingdong; Skup, Martha; Alexander, Emily; Tundia, Namita; Macaulay, Dendy; Wu, Eric; Mulani, Parvez

2015-03-01

The purpose of the present study was to investigate the traceability of adverse events (AEs) for branded and generic drugs with identical nonproprietary names and to consider potential implications for the traceability of AEs for branded and biosimilar biologics. Adverse event reports in the Food and Drug Administration AE Reporting System (FAERS) were compared with those in a commercial insurance claims database (Truven Health MarketScan(®)) for 2 drugs (levetiracetam and enoxaparin sodium) with manufacturing or prescribing considerations potentially analogous to those of some biosimilars. Monthly rates of branded- and generic-attributed AEs were estimated pre- and post-generic entry. Post-entry branded-to-generic AE relative rate ratios were calculated. In FAERS, monthly AE rate ratios during the post-generic period showed a pattern in which AE rates for the branded products were greater than for the generic products. Differences in rates of brand- and generic-attributed AEs were statistically significant for both study drugs; the AE rate for the branded products peaked at approximately 10 times that of the generic levetiracetam products and approximately 4 times that of the generic enoxaparin sodium products. In contrast, monthly ratios for the MarketScan data were relatively constant over time. Use of the same nonproprietary name for generic and branded products may contribute to poor traceability of AEs reported in the FAERS database due to the significant misattribution of AEs to branded products (when those AEs were in fact associated with patient use of generic products). To ensure accurate and robust safety surveillance and traceability for biosimilar products in the United States, improved product identification mechanisms, such as related but distinguishable nonproprietary names for biosimilars and reference biologics, should be considered.

An impact source localization technique for a nuclear power plant by using sensors of different types.

PubMed

Choi, Young-Chul; Park, Jin-Ho; Choi, Kyoung-Sik

2011-01-01

In a nuclear power plant, a loose part monitoring system (LPMS) provides information on the location and the mass of a loosened or detached metal impacted onto the inner surface of the primary pressure boundary. Typically, accelerometers are mounted on the surface of a reactor vessel to localize the impact location caused by the impact of metallic substances on the reactor system. However, in some cases, the number of accelerometers is not sufficient to estimate the impact location precisely. In such a case, one of useful methods is to utilize other types of sensor that can measure the vibration of the reactor structure. For example, acoustic emission (AE) sensors are installed on the reactor structure to detect leakage or cracks on the primary pressure boundary. However, accelerometers and AE sensors have a different frequency range. The frequency of interest of AE sensors is higher than that of accelerometers. In this paper, we propose a method of impact source localization by using both accelerometer signals and AE signals, simultaneously. The main concept of impact location estimation is based on the arrival time difference of the impact stress wave between different sensor locations. However, it is difficult to find the arrival time difference between sensors, because the primary frequency ranges of accelerometers and AE sensors are different. To overcome the problem, we used phase delays of an envelope of impact signals. This is because the impact signals from the accelerometer and the AE sensor are similar in the whole shape (envelope). To verify the proposed method, we have performed experiments for a reactor mock-up model and a real nuclear power plant. The experimental results demonstrate that we can enhance the reliability and precision of the impact source localization. Therefore, if the proposed method is applied to a nuclear power plant, we can obtain the effect of additional installed sensors. Crown Copyright © 2010. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Extraction of AE events to estimate their b values under a triaxial compressive condition Examination using continuous broadband records

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yoneda, N.; Kawakata, H.; Hirano, S.; Yoshimitsu, N.; Takahashi, N.

2017-12-01

Seismic b values estimated in previous laboratory compressive tests had been utilized for natural earthquake studies. Randomly sampled enough number of events over a wide magnitude range are essential for accurate b value estimation. In former triaxial tests, PZTs had sensitivity only in a narrow frequency range. In addition, the recording system could not extract all signals because of mask times or threshold setting. Recently, Yoshimitsu et al. (2014) enabled to use broadband transducers under triaxial conditions and achieved to acquire waveforms continuously in several hours. With such a system, they estimated the seismic moment of AE at very small magnitude scale. We expected that their continuous broadband recording system made it possible to record much more AE with a wider magnitude range for credible b value estimation in a laboratory. In this study, we performed a compressive test under a higher confining pressure as an updated experiment of Yoshimitsu et al. (2014) and extracted an enough amount of AE. We prepared an intact cylindrical Westerly Granite sample, 100 mm long by 50 mm in diameter. We conducted a triaxial compressive test under a confining pressure of 50 MPa, at a room temperature with drying conditions. Seven broadband transducers (sensitive range; 100 kHz - 1,000 kHz) were located in different height, respectively. Besides, a PZT was mounted to transmit elastic waves for velocity estimation during the experiment. At first, we increased the confining pressure and then started the loading. We switched the load control method from the axial load control to the circumferential displacement one. After exceeding the peak stress, compressive stress was unloaded with a high speed and the sample was recovered. A potential fault was observed on the recovered sample surface. Waveform recording was continued throughout the test for more than 200 minutes. The result of extracting signals by an STA/LTA ratio method for the waveforms recorded by each transducer, we detected about 2,170,000 signals at the most and about 450,000 at the minimum. Recorded waveforms may also include the elastic waves from the PZT and electrical noises. To find the combination of the signals derived from the same event, we used the largest differences in travel times for all transducer pairs. Finally, we obtained about 450,000 combinations.

Interspecific Larval Competition Between Aedes albopictus and Aedes japonicus (Diptera: Culicidae) in Northern Virginia

PubMed Central

Armistead, J. S.; Arias, J. R.; Nishimura, N.; Lounibos, L. P.

2008-01-01

Aedes albopictus (Skuse) and Aedes japonicus (Theobald) are two of the most recent and widespread invasive mosquito species to have become established in the United States. The two species co-occur in water-filled artificial containers, where crowding and limiting resources are likely to promote inter- or intraspecific larval competition. The performance of northern Virginia populations of Ae. japonicus and Ae. albopictus competing as larvae under field conditions was evaluated. Per capita rates of population increase for each species were estimated, and the effects of species composition and larval density were determined. In water-containing cups provided with oak leaves, Ae. albopictus larvae exhibited a competitive advantage over Ae. japonicus as a consequence of higher survivorship, shorter developmental time, and a significantly higher estimated population growth rate under conditions of interspecific competition. Intraspecific competition constrained population performance of Ae. albopictus significantly more than competition with Ae. japonicus. In the context of the Lotka-Volterra model of competition, these findings suggest competitive exclusion of Ae. japonicus in those habitats where this species co-occurs with Ae. albopictus. PMID:18714861

Interspecific larval competition between Aedes albopictus and Aedes japonicus (Diptera: Culicidae) in northern Virginia.

PubMed

Armistead, J S; Arias, J R; Nishimura, N; Lounibos, L P

2008-07-01

Aedes albopictus (Skuse) and Aedes japonicus (Theobald) are two of the most recent and widespread invasive mosquito species to have become established in the United States. The two species co-occur in water-filled artificial containers, where crowding and limiting resources are likely to promote inter- or intraspecific larval competition. The performance of northern Virginia populations of Ae. japonicus and Ae. albopictus competing as larvae under field conditions was evaluated. Per capita rates of population increase for each species were estimated, and the effects of species composition and larval density were determined. In water-containing cups provided with oak leaves, Ae. albopictus larvae exhibited a competitive advantage over Ae. japonicus as a consequence of higher survivorship, shorter developmental time, and a significantly higher estimated population growth rate under conditions of interspecific competition. Intraspecific competition constrained population performance of Ae. albopictus significantly more than competition with Ae. japonicus. In the context of the Lotka-Volterra model of competition, these findings suggest competitive exclusion of Ae. japonicus in those habitats where this species co-occurs with Ae. albopictus.

Phylodynamic analysis of the dissemination of HIV-1 CRF01_AE in Vietnam.

PubMed

Liao, Huanan; Tee, Kok Keng; Hase, Saiki; Uenishi, Rie; Li, Xiao-Jie; Kusagawa, Shigeru; Thang, Pham Hong; Hien, Nguyen Tran; Pybus, Oliver G; Takebe, Yutaka

2009-08-15

To estimate the epidemic history of HIV-1 CRF01_AE in Vietnam and adjacent Guangxi, China, we determined near full-length nucleotide sequences of CRF01_AE from a total of 33 specimens collected in 1997-1998 from different geographic regions and risk populations in Vietnam. Phylogenetic and Bayesian molecular clock analyses were performed to estimate the date of origin of CRF01_AE lineages. Our study reconstructs the timescale of CRF01_AE expansion in Vietnam and neighboring regions and suggests that the series of CRF01_AE epidemics in Vietnam arose by the sequential introduction of founder strains into new locations and risk groups. CRF01_AE appears to have been present among heterosexuals in South-Vietnam for more than a decade prior to its epidemic spread in the early 1990s. In the late 1980s, the virus spread to IDUs in Southern Vietnam and subsequently in the mid-1990s to IDUs further north. Our results indicate the northward dissemination of CRF01_AE during this time.

A Drug Safety Rating System Based on Postmarketing Costs Associated with Adverse Events and Patient Outcomes.

PubMed

Hoffman, Keith B; Dimbil, Mo; Kyle, Robert F; Tatonetti, Nicholas P; Erdman, Colin B; Demakas, Andrea; Chen, Dingguo; Overstreet, Brian M

2015-12-01

Given the multiple limitations associated with relatively homogeneous preapproval clinical trials, inadequate data disclosures, slow reaction times from regulatory bodies, and deep-rooted bias against disclosing and publishing negative results, there is an acute need for the development of analytics that reflect drug safety in heterogeneous, real-world populations. To develop a drug safety statistic that estimates downstream medical costs associated with serious adverse events (AEs) and unfavorable patient outcomes associated with the use of 706 FDA-approved drugs. All primary suspect case reports for each drug were collected from the FDA's Adverse Event Reporting System database (FAERS) from 2010-2014. The Medical Dictionary for Regulatory Activities (MedDRA) was used to code serious AEs and outcomes, which were tallied for each case report. Medical costs associated with AEs and poor patient outcomes were derived from Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) survey data, and their corresponding ICD-9-CM codes were mapped to MedDRA terms. Nonserious AEs and outcomes were not included. For each case report, either the highest AE cost or, if no eligible AE was listed, the highest outcome cost was used. All costed cases were aggregated for each drug and divided by the number of patients exposed to obtain a downstream estimated direct medical cost burden per exposure. Each drug was assigned a corresponding 1-100 point total. The 706 drugs showed an exponential distribution of downstream costs, and the data were transformed using the natural log to approximate a normal distribution. The minimum score was 8.29, and the maximum score was 99.25, with a mean of 44.32. Drugs with the highest individual scores tended to be kinase inhibitors, thalidomide analogs, and endothelin receptor antagonists. When scores were analyzed across Established Pharmacologic Class (EPC), the kinase inhibitor and endothelin receptor antagonist classes had the highest total. However, other EPCs with median scores of 75 and above included hepatitis C virus NS3/4A protease inhibitor, recombinant human interferon beta, vascular endothelial growth factor-directed antibody, and tumor necrosis factor blocker. When Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical classifications were analyzed, antineoplastic drugs were outliers with approximately 80% of their individual scores 60 and above, while approximately 20%-30% of blood and anti-infective drugs had scores of 60 and above. Within-drug class results served to differentiate similar drugs. For example, 6 serotonin reuptake inhibitors had a score range of 35 to 53. This scoring system is based on estimated direct medical costs associated with postmarketing AEs and poor patient outcomes and thereby helps fill a large information gap regarding drug safety in real-world patient populations.

A Systems Approach to Military Construction.

DTIC Science & Technology

1982-11-01

Unclassi fled I150. OECL ASSI F1C ATI ON/ DOWNGRADING I SCHEDULE IS. DISYR1EUTION STATEMENT (ot this Repo"t) Approved for public release; distribution...30 Procurement Alternatives 30 Design Alternatives 33 Preconcept Control Data 34 AE Selection Procedure 36 Scheduling 40 Cost Estimating 44 4...data, scheduling , and cost estimating. The objectives of project coordination for a systems-oriented project do not differ from those of a

The relationship between entomological indicators of Aedes aegypti abundance and dengue virus infection

PubMed Central

Stoddard, Steven T.; Barker, Christopher M.; Van Rie, Annelies; Messer, William B.; Meshnick, Steven R.; Morrison, Amy C.; Scott, Thomas W.

2017-01-01

Routine entomological monitoring data are used to quantify the abundance of Ae. aegypti. The public health utility of these indicators is based on the assumption that greater mosquito abundance increases the risk of human DENV transmission, and therefore reducing exposure to the vector decreases incidence of infection. Entomological survey data from two longitudinal cohort studies in Iquitos, Peru, linked with 8,153 paired serological samples taken approximately six months apart were analyzed. Indicators of Ae. aegypti density were calculated from cross-sectional and longitudinal entomological data collected over a 12-month period for larval, pupal and adult Ae. aegypti. Log binomial models were used to estimate risk ratios (RR) to measure the association between Ae. aegypti abundance and the six-month risk of DENV seroconversion. RRs estimated using cross-sectional entomological data were compared to RRs estimated using longitudinal data. Higher cross-sectional Ae. aegypti densities were not associated with an increased risk of DENV seroconversion. Use of longitudinal entomological data resulted in RRs ranging from 1.01 (95% CI: 1.01, 1.02) to 1.30 (95% CI: 1.17, 1.46) for adult stage density estimates and RRs ranging from 1.21 (95% CI: 1.07, 1.37) to 1.75 (95% CI: 1.23, 2.5) for categorical immature indices. Ae. aegypti densities calculated from longitudinal entomological data were associated with DENV seroconversion, whereas those measured cross-sectionally were not. Ae. aegypti indicators calculated from cross-sectional surveillance, as is common practice, have limited public health utility in detecting areas or populations at high risk of DENV infection. PMID:28333938

Evaluation of marginal failures of dental composite restorations by acoustic emission analysis.

PubMed

Gu, Ja-Uk; Choi, Nak-Sam

2013-01-01

In this study, a nondestructive method based on acoustic emission (AE) analysis was developed to evaluate the marginal failure states of dental composite restorations. Three types of ring-shaped substrates, which were modeled after a Class I cavity, were prepared from polymethyl methacrylate, stainless steel, and human molar teeth. A bonding agent and a composite resin were applied to the ring-shaped substrates and cured by light exposure. At each time-interval measurement, the tooth substrate presented a higher number of AE hits than polymethyl methacrylate and steel substrates. Marginal disintegration estimations derived from cumulative AE hits and cumulative AE energy parameters showed that a signification portion of marginal gap formation was already realized within 1 min at the initial light-curing stage. Estimation based on cumulative AE energy gave a higher level of marginal failure than that based on AE hits. It was concluded that the AE analysis method developed in this study was a viable approach in predicting the clinical survival of dental composite restorations efficiently within a short test period.

Molecular epidemiological study of HIV-1 CRF01_AE transmission in Hong Kong.

PubMed

Chen, J H K; Wong, K H; Li, P; Chan, K C; Lee, M P; Lam, H Y; Cheng, V C C; Yuen, K Y; Yam, W C

2009-08-15

The objective of this study was to investigate the transmission history of the HIV-1 CRF01_AE epidemics in Hong Kong between 1994 and 2007. A total of 465 HIV-1 CRF01_AE pol sequences were derived from an in-house or a commercial HIV-1 genotyping system. Phylogenies of CRF01_AE sequences were analyzed by the Bayesian coalescent method. CRF01_AE patient population included 363 males (78.1%) and 102 females (21.9%), whereas 65% (314 of 465) were local Chinese. Major transmission routes were heterosexual contact (63%), followed by intravenous drug use (IDU) (19%) and men having sex with men (MSM) (17%). From phylogenetic analysis, local CRF01_AE strains were from multiple origins with 3 separate transmission clusters identified. Cluster 1 consisted mainly of Chinese male IDUs and heterosexuals. Clusters 2 and 3 included mainly local Chinese MSM and non-Chinese Asian IDUs, respectively. Chinese reference isolates available from China (Fujian, Guangxi, or Liaoning) were clonally related to our transmission clusters, demonstrating the epidemiological linkage of CRF01_AE infections between Hong Kong and China. The 3 individual local transmission clusters were estimated to have initiated since late 1980s and late 1990s, causing subsequent epidemics in the early 2000s. This is the first comprehensive molecular epidemiological study of HIV-1 CRF01_AE in Hong Kong. It revealed that MSM contact is becoming a major route of local CRF01_AE transmission in Hong Kong. Epidemiological linkage of CRF01_AE between Hong Kong and China observed in this study indicates the importance of regular molecular epidemiological surveillance for the HIV-1 epidemic in our region.

15 CFR 758.2 - Automated Export System (AES).

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-01-01

... 15 Commerce and Foreign Trade 2 2014-01-01 2014-01-01 false Automated Export System (AES). 758.2... CLEARANCE REQUIREMENTS § 758.2 Automated Export System (AES). The Census Bureau's Foreign Trade Statistics...) electronically using the Automated Export System (AES). In order to use AES, you must apply directly to the...

15 CFR 758.2 - Automated Export System (AES).

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-01-01

... 15 Commerce and Foreign Trade 2 2013-01-01 2013-01-01 false Automated Export System (AES). 758.2... CLEARANCE REQUIREMENTS § 758.2 Automated Export System (AES). The Census Bureau's Foreign Trade Statistics...) electronically using the Automated Export System (AES). In order to use AES, you must apply directly to the...

15 CFR 758.2 - Automated Export System (AES).

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-01-01

... 15 Commerce and Foreign Trade 2 2012-01-01 2012-01-01 false Automated Export System (AES). 758.2... CLEARANCE REQUIREMENTS § 758.2 Automated Export System (AES). The Census Bureau's Foreign Trade Statistics...) electronically using the Automated Export System (AES). In order to use AES, you must apply directly to the...

Signal identification in acoustic emission monitoring of fatigue cracking in steel bridges

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yu, Jianguo P.; Ziehl, Paul; Pollock, Adrian

2012-04-01

Signal identification including noise filtering and reduction of acquired signals is needed to achieve efficient and accurate data interpretation for remote acoustic emission (AE) monitoring of in-service steel bridges. Noise filtering may ensure that genuine hits from crack growth are involved in the estimation of fatigue damage and remaining fatigue life. Reduction of the data quantity is desirable for the sensing system to conserve energy in the data transmission and processing procedures. Identification and categorization of acquired signals is a promising approach to effectively filter and reduce AE data in the application of bridge monitoring. In this study an investigation on waveform features (time domain and frequency domain) and relevant filters is carried out using the results from AE monitored fatigue tests. It is verified that duration-amplitude (D-A) filters are effective to discriminate against noise for results of steel fatigue tests. The study is helpful to find an appropriate AE data filtering protocol for field implementations.

Cost of adverse events during treatment with everolimus plus exemestane or single-agent chemotherapy in patients with advanced breast cancer in Western Europe.

PubMed

Campone, Mario; Yang, Hongbo; Faust, Elizabeth; Kageleiry, Andrew; Signorovitch, James E; Zhang, Jie; Gao, Haitao

2014-12-01

Treatment options for recurrent or progressive hormone receptor-positive (HR+) advanced breast cancer include chemotherapy and everolimus plus exemestane (EVE + EXE). This study estimates the costs of managing adverse events (AEs) during EVE + EXE therapy and single-agent chemotherapy in Western Europe. An economic model was developed to estimate the per patient cost of managing grade 3/4 AEs for patients who were treated with EVE + EXE or chemotherapies. AE rates for patients receiving EVE + EXE were collected from the phase III BOLERO-2 trial. AE rates for single-agent chemotherapy, capecitabine, docetaxel, or doxorubicin were collected from published clinical trial data. AEs with at least 2% prevalence for any of the treatments were included in the model. A literature search was conducted to obtain costs of managing each AE, which were then averaged across Western European countries (when available). Per patient costs for managing AEs among patients receiving different therapies were reported in 2012 euros (€). The EVE + EXE combination had the lowest average per patient cost of managing AEs (€730) compared to all chemotherapies during the first year of treatment (doxorubicin: €1230; capecitabine: €1721; docetaxel: €2390). The most costly adverse event among all patients treated with EVE + EXE was anemia (on average €152 per patient). The most costly adverse event among all patients treated with capecitabine, docetaxel, or doxorubicin was lymphocytopenia (€861 per patient), neutropenia (€821 per patient), and leukopenia (€382 per patient), respectively. The current model estimates that AE management during the treatment of HR+ advanced breast cancer will cost one-half to one-third less for EVE + EXE patients than for chemotherapy patients. The consideration of AE costs could have important implications in the context of healthcare spending for advanced breast cancer treatment.

Economic burden of toxicities associated with treating metastatic melanoma in eight countries.

PubMed

Wehler, Elizabeth; Zhao, Zhongyun; Pinar Bilir, S; Munakata, Julie; Barber, Beth

2017-01-01

Information on costs of managing adverse events (AEs) associated with current treatments in metastatic melanoma is limited. This study estimates costs of AEs in eight countries: Australia (AU), Canada (CA), France (FR), Germany (GE), Italy (IT), the Netherlands (NL), Spain (ES), and the UK. A literature search was conducted to identify grade 3/4 AEs from product label, published trials, conference abstracts, and treatment guidelines. Resource utilization for the management of each type of AE was determined via interviews with 5 melanoma clinicians in each country. Outpatient and inpatient costs were estimated for each type of AE using country-specific tariffs or government/published sources. In outpatient settings, the most costly AEs per incident included cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (CSCC) (€1063, £720; NL/UK), anemia (€1443, €1329, €1285; ES/IT/FR), peripheral neuropathy (€1289; ES), and immune-related diarrhea (AUS$1,121; AU). In inpatient settings, the most costly AEs per hospitalization included hypophysitis (€10,265; €5316; CAN$9735; AUS$7231: ES/FR/CA/AU), dyspnea (€9077; GE), elevated liver enzymes (€6913, CAN$8030, AUS$6594; FR/CA/AU), CSCC (CAN$8934; CA), peripheral neuropathy (€6977, €4144, CAN$9472; NL/ES/CA), and diarrhea (£4284, €4113; UK/ES). Costs of managing AEs can be significant, and thus effective treatments with lower rates of severe AEs would be valuable.

The Canadian Adverse Events Study: the incidence of adverse events among hospital patients in Canada.

PubMed

Baker, G Ross; Norton, Peter G; Flintoft, Virginia; Blais, Régis; Brown, Adalsteinn; Cox, Jafna; Etchells, Ed; Ghali, William A; Hébert, Philip; Majumdar, Sumit R; O'Beirne, Maeve; Palacios-Derflingher, Luz; Reid, Robert J; Sheps, Sam; Tamblyn, Robyn

2004-05-25

Research into adverse events (AEs) has highlighted the need to improve patient safety. AEs are unintended injuries or complications resulting in death, disability or prolonged hospital stay that arise from health care management. We estimated the incidence of AEs among patients in Canadian acute care hospitals. We randomly selected 1 teaching, 1 large community and 2 small community hospitals in each of 5 provinces (British Columbia, Alberta, Ontario, Quebec and Nova Scotia) and reviewed a random sample of charts for nonpsychiatric, nonobstetric adult patients in each hospital for the fiscal year 2000. Trained reviewers screened all eligible charts, and physicians reviewed the positively screened charts to identify AEs and determine their preventability. At least 1 screening criterion was identified in 1527 (40.8%) of 3745 charts. The physician reviewers identified AEs in 255 of the charts. After adjustment for the sampling strategy, the AE rate was 7.5 per 100 hospital admissions (95% confidence interval [CI] 5.7- 9.3). Among the patients with AEs, events judged to be preventable occurred in 36.9% (95% CI 32.0%-41.8%) and death in 20.8% (95% CI 7.8%-33.8%). Physician reviewers estimated that 1521 additional hospital days were associated with AEs. Although men and women experienced equal rates of AEs, patients who had AEs were significantly older than those who did not (mean age [and standard deviation] 64.9 [16.7] v. 62.0 [18.4] years; p = 0.016). The overall incidence rate of AEs of 7.5% in our study suggests that, of the almost 2.5 million annual hospital admissions in Canada similar to the type studied, about 185 000 are associated with an AE and close to 70 000 of these are potentially preventable.

Cadmium bioavailability to Hyalella azteca from a periphyton diet compared to an artificial diet and application of a biokinetic model.

PubMed

Golding, Lisa A; Borgmann, Uwe; George Dixon, D

2013-01-15

Differences between the bioavailability of cadmium in a periphyton diet and an artificial laboratory diet (TetraMin(®)) have important consequences for predicting bioaccumulation and toxicity in the freshwater amphipod Hyalella azteca. The assimilation efficiency (AE) of Cd was compared between periphyton and TetraMin(®) at low (1510 and 358 nmol/g ash-free dry mass respectively) and chronically lethal (31,200 and 2890 nmol/g ash-free dry mass respectively) Cd concentrations and in fresh and dry forms using a (109)Cd radiotracer pulse-chase feeding technique. Assimilation efficiency of Cd from periphyton (AE=3-14%) was lower than that for TetraMin(®) (AE=44-86%) regardless of Cd concentration or food form. Ingestion rate (IR) was lower for dry than fresh forms of periphyton (0.042 and 0.16 g AFDM/g H. azteca/day respectively) and TetraMin(®) (0.19 and 0.87 AFDM/g H. azteca/day respectively) and depuration rate (k(e)) did not differ statistically with food type, form or Cd concentration (0.032-0.094 d(-1)). Biokinetic models with parameters of AE, IR and k(e) were used to estimate bioaccumulation from the separate food types. These estimates were compared to those from an independent chronic Cd saturation bioaccumulation model. While the model estimates did not concur, a sensitivity analysis indicated that AE and IR were the most influential biokinetic model parameters for Cd in periphyton and TetraMin(®) respectively. It was hypothesized that AE was underestimated for Cd in periphyton due to a non-adapted gut enzyme system and IR was overestimated for Cd in TetraMin(®) due to an initial rapid ingestion phase in H. azteca's feeding habits. This research demonstrated the importance of using ecologically relevant food types in laboratory experiments and verifying acute biokinetic model predictions of dietary metal contribution with those derived from a chronic exposure which is more representative of a field exposure scenario. Crown Copyright © 2012. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

A probabilistic framework for single-sensor acoustic emission source localization in thin metallic plates

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ebrahimkhanlou, Arvin; Salamone, Salvatore

2017-09-01

Tracking edge-reflected acoustic emission (AE) waves can allow the localization of their sources. Specifically, in bounded isotropic plate structures, only one sensor may be used to perform these source localizations. The primary goal of this paper is to develop a three-step probabilistic framework to quantify the uncertainties associated with such single-sensor localizations. According to this framework, a probabilistic approach is first used to estimate the direct distances between AE sources and the sensor. Then, an analytical model is used to reconstruct the envelope of edge-reflected AE signals based on the source-to-sensor distance estimations and their first arrivals. Finally, the correlation between the probabilistically reconstructed envelopes and recorded AE signals are used to estimate confidence contours for the location of AE sources. To validate the proposed framework, Hsu-Nielsen pencil lead break (PLB) tests were performed on the surface as well as the edges of an aluminum plate. The localization results show that the estimated confidence contours surround the actual source locations. In addition, the performance of the framework was tested in a noisy environment simulated by two dummy transducers and an arbitrary wave generator. The results show that in low-noise environments, the shape and size of the confidence contours depend on the sources and their locations. However, at highly noisy environments, the size of the confidence contours monotonically increases with the noise floor. Such probabilistic results suggest that the proposed probabilistic framework could thus provide more comprehensive information regarding the location of AE sources.

Dosimetry of 64Cu-DOTA-AE105, a PET tracer for uPAR imaging.

PubMed

Persson, Morten; El Ali, Henrik H; Binderup, Tina; Pfeifer, Andreas; Madsen, Jacob; Rasmussen, Palle; Kjaer, Andreas

2014-03-01

(64)Cu-DOTA-AE105 is a novel positron emission tomography (PET) tracer specific to the human urokinase-type plasminogen activator receptor (uPAR). In preparation of using this tracer in humans, as a new promising method to distinguish between indolent and aggressive cancers, we have performed PET studies in mice to evaluate the in vivo biodistribution and estimate human dosimetry of (64)Cu-DOTA-AE105. Five mice received iv tail injection of (64)Cu-DOTA-AE105 and were PET/CT scanned 1, 4.5 and 22 h post injection. Volume-of-interest (VOI) were manually drawn on the following organs: heart, lung, liver, kidney, spleen, intestine, muscle, bone and bladder. The activity concentrations in the mentioned organs [%ID/g] were used for the dosimetry calculation. The %ID/g of each organ at 1, 4.5 and 22 h was scaled to human value based on a difference between organ and body weights. The scaled values were then exported to OLINDA software for computation of the human absorbed doses. The residence times as well as effective dose equivalent for male and female could be obtained for each organ. To validate this approach, of human projection using mouse data, five mice received iv tail injection of another (64)Cu-DOTA peptide-based tracer, (64)Cu-DOTA-TATE, and underwent same procedure as just described. The human dosimetry estimates were then compared with observed human dosimetry estimate recently found in a first-in-man study using (64)Cu-DOTA-TATE. Human estimates of (64)Cu-DOTA-AE105 revealed the heart wall to receive the highest dose (0.0918 mSv/MBq) followed by the liver (0.0815 mSv/MBq), All other organs/tissue were estimated to receive doses in the range of 0.02-0.04 mSv/MBq. The mean effective whole-body dose of (64)Cu-DOTA-AE105 was estimated to be 0.0317 mSv/MBq. Relatively good correlation between human predicted and observed dosimetry estimates for (64)Cu-DOTA-TATE was found. Importantly, the effective whole body dose was predicted with very high precision (predicted value: 0.0252 mSv/Mbq, Observed value: 0.0315 mSv/MBq) thus validating our approach for human dosimetry estimation. Favorable dosimetry estimates together with previously reported uPAR PET data fully support human testing of (64)Cu-DOTA-AE105. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

The Effects of the Refugee Crisis on Age Estimation Analysis over the Past 10 Years: A 16-Country Survey

PubMed Central

Sykes, Leanne; Bhayat, Ahmed; Bernitz, Herman

2017-01-01

Dental age estimation (AE) tests are routinely done on living and deceased persons. There is anecdotal evidence suggesting an increase in age estimations due to the refugee crisis. Our aim is to determine the reasons and methods for performing dental AE tests in both living and deceased individuals. Global trends in AE over the past 10 years were also investigated. A database of all forensic laboratories was obtained and an electronic questionnaire was sent to all of them. The questionnaire was self-developed and included questions on the reasons for performing AE tests, the preferred methods used in living and deceased individuals, and the people/organizations who requested these AE tests. The number of tests performed annually varied between 0 and 500 and the majority were on asylum seekers, refugees, and for adoption cases. Most units used multiple techniques to determine the age among the living, but seldom used more than three techniques for the deceased. The majority of tests were requested by coroners and the legal fraternity. There has been an increase in the number of dental AEs carried out and this has been mostly due to asylum seekers and refugees. The most common techniques for the living were variations of Demirjian’s technique while country specific techniques were used for the deceased. PMID:28608845

Development of high temperature acoustic emission sensing system using fiber Bragg grating

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pang, Dandan; Sui, Qingmei; Wang, Ming; Guo, Dongmei; Sai, Yaozhang

2018-03-01

In some applications in structural health monitoring (SHM), the acoustic emission (AE) detection technology is used in the high temperature environment. In this paper, a high-temperature-resistant AE sensing system is developed based on the fiber Bragg grating (FBG) sensor. A novel high temperature FBG AE sensor is designed with a high signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) compared with the traditional FBG AE sensor. The output responses of the designed sensors with different sensing fiber lengths also are investigated both theoretically and experimentally. Excellent AE detection results are obtained using the proposed FBG AE sensing system over a temperature range from 25 ° to 200 °. The experimental results indicate that this FBG AE sensing system can well meet the application requirement in AE detecting areas at high temperature.

An adaptive technique for estimating the atmospheric density profile during the AE mission

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Argentiero, P.

1973-01-01

A technique is presented for processing accelerometer data obtained during the AE missions in order to estimate the atmospheric density profile. A minimum variance, adaptive filter is utilized. The trajectory of the probe and probe parameters are in a consider mode where their estimates are unimproved but their associated uncertainties are permitted an impact on filter behavior. Simulations indicate that the technique is effective in estimating a density profile to within a few percentage points.

PFC Emissions from Detected Versus Nondetected Anode Effects in the Aluminum Industry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wong, David S.; Fraser, Paul; Lavoie, Pascal; Kim, Jooil

2015-02-01

Perfluorinated carbon compounds (PFCs) CF4 and C2F6 are potent greenhouse gases that are generated in aluminum reduction cells during events known as anode effects (AEs). Since the 1990s, the aluminum industry has made considerable progress in reducing PFCs from conventionally defined and detected AEs. However in recent years, the industry has noted the presence of unaccounted PFCs that are generated outside the conventional AE definition. Two additional AE categories have been proposed, namely low-voltage, propagating AEs (LVP-AEs) and nonpropagating AEs (NP-AEs) that relate to continuous, background levels of PFC emissions. These unaccounted PFC phenomena may help explain the recent discrepancy between industry accounting and atmospheric measurements of global PFC emissions. Estimates from AGAGE, a global network of atmospheric observatories, suggest as much as 50% underaccounting of PFCs by the aluminum industry in the 2006-2010 period. The following work reviews this discrepancy and the potential role played by LVP-AEs and NP-AEs.

Non-destructive evaluation of laboratory scale hydraulic fracturing using acoustic emission

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hampton, Jesse Clay

The primary objective of this research is to develop techniques to characterize hydraulic fractures and fracturing processes using acoustic emission monitoring based on laboratory scale hydraulic fracturing experiments. Individual microcrack AE source characterization is performed to understand the failure mechanisms associated with small failures along pre-existing discontinuities and grain boundaries. Individual microcrack analysis methods include moment tensor inversion techniques to elucidate the mode of failure, crack slip and crack normal direction vectors, and relative volumetric deformation of an individual microcrack. Differentiation between individual microcrack analysis and AE cloud based techniques is studied in efforts to refine discrete fracture network (DFN) creation and regional damage quantification of densely fractured media. Regional damage estimations from combinations of individual microcrack analyses and AE cloud density plotting are used to investigate the usefulness of weighting cloud based AE analysis techniques with microcrack source data. Two granite types were used in several sample configurations including multi-block systems. Laboratory hydraulic fracturing was performed with sample sizes ranging from 15 x 15 x 25 cm3 to 30 x 30 x 25 cm 3 in both unconfined and true-triaxially confined stress states using different types of materials. Hydraulic fracture testing in rock block systems containing a large natural fracture was investigated in terms of AE response throughout fracture interactions. Investigations of differing scale analyses showed the usefulness of individual microcrack characterization as well as DFN and cloud based techniques. Individual microcrack characterization weighting cloud based techniques correlated well with post-test damage evaluations.

Probabilistic location estimation of acoustic emission sources in isotropic plates with one sensor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ebrahimkhanlou, Arvin; Salamone, Salvatore

2017-04-01

This paper presents a probabilistic acoustic emission (AE) source localization algorithm for isotropic plate structures. The proposed algorithm requires only one sensor and uniformly monitors the entire area of such plates without any blind zones. In addition, it takes a probabilistic approach and quantifies localization uncertainties. The algorithm combines a modal acoustic emission (MAE) and a reflection-based technique to obtain information pertaining to the location of AE sources. To estimate confidence contours for the location of sources, uncertainties are quantified and propagated through the two techniques. The approach was validated using standard pencil lead break (PLB) tests on an Aluminum plate. The results demonstrate that the proposed source localization algorithm successfully estimates confidence contours for the location of AE sources.

22 CFR 120.30 - The Automated Export System (AES).

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-04-01

... 22 Foreign Relations 1 2012-04-01 2012-04-01 false The Automated Export System (AES). 120.30 Section 120.30 Foreign Relations DEPARTMENT OF STATE INTERNATIONAL TRAFFIC IN ARMS REGULATIONS PURPOSE AND DEFINITIONS § 120.30 The Automated Export System (AES). The Automated Export System (AES) is the Department of...

22 CFR 120.30 - The Automated Export System (AES).

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-04-01

... 22 Foreign Relations 1 2014-04-01 2014-04-01 false The Automated Export System (AES). 120.30 Section 120.30 Foreign Relations DEPARTMENT OF STATE INTERNATIONAL TRAFFIC IN ARMS REGULATIONS PURPOSE AND DEFINITIONS § 120.30 The Automated Export System (AES). The Automated Export System (AES) is the Department of...

22 CFR 120.30 - The Automated Export System (AES).

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-04-01

... 22 Foreign Relations 1 2011-04-01 2011-04-01 false The Automated Export System (AES). 120.30 Section 120.30 Foreign Relations DEPARTMENT OF STATE INTERNATIONAL TRAFFIC IN ARMS REGULATIONS PURPOSE AND DEFINITIONS § 120.30 The Automated Export System (AES). The Automated Export System (AES) is the Department of...

22 CFR 120.30 - The Automated Export System (AES).

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-04-01

... 22 Foreign Relations 1 2013-04-01 2013-04-01 false The Automated Export System (AES). 120.30 Section 120.30 Foreign Relations DEPARTMENT OF STATE INTERNATIONAL TRAFFIC IN ARMS REGULATIONS PURPOSE AND DEFINITIONS § 120.30 The Automated Export System (AES). The Automated Export System (AES) is the Department of...

Empirical radiation belt models: Comparison with in situ data and implications for environment definition

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

de Soria-Santacruz Pich, Maria; Jun, Insoo; Evans, Robin

2017-09-01

The empirical AP8/AE8 model has been the de facto Earth's radiation belts engineering reference for decades. The need from the community for a better model incubated the development of AP9/AE9/SPM, which addresses several shortcomings of the old model. We provide additional validation of AP9/AE9 by comparing in situ electron and proton data from Jason-2, Polar Orbiting Environmental Satellites (POES), and the Van Allen Probes spacecraft with the 5th, 50th, and 95th percentiles from AE9/AP9 and with the model outputs from AE8/AP8. The relatively short duration of Van Allen Probes and Jason-2 missions means that their measurements are most certainly the result of specific climatological conditions. In low Earth orbit (LEO), the Jason-2 proton flux is better reproduced by AP8 compared to AP9, while the POES electron data are well enveloped by AE9 5th and 95th percentiles. The shape of the South Atlantic anomaly (SAA) from Jason-2 data is better captured by AP9 compared to AP8, while the peak SAA flux is better reproduced by AP8. The <1.5 MeV inner belt electrons from Magnetic Electron Ion Spectrometer (MagEIS) are well enveloped by AE9 5th and 95th percentiles, while AE8 overpredicts the measurements. In the outer radiation belt, MagEIS and Relativistic Electron and Proton Telescope (REPT) electrons closely follow the median estimate from AE9, while AP9 5th and 95th percentiles generally envelope REPT proton measurements in the inner belt and slot regions. While AE9/AP9 offer the flexibility to specify the environment with different confidence levels, the dose and trapped proton peak flux for POES and Jason-2 trajectories from the AE9/AP9 50th percentile and above are larger than the estimates from the AE8/AP8 models.

Long-Term Evaluation of Biotronik Linox and Linox(smart) Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator Leads.

PubMed

Good, Eric D; Cakulev, Ivan; Orlov, Michael V; Hirsh, David; Simeles, John; Mohr, Kelly; Moll, Phil; Bloom, Heather

2016-06-01

Expert consensus holds that post-market, systematic surveillance of ICD leads is essential to ensure confirmation of adequate lead performance. GALAXY (NCT00836589) and CELESTIAL (NCT00810264) are ongoing multicenter, prospective, non-randomized registries conducted to confirm the long-term safety and reliability of Biotronik leads. ICD and CRT-D patients are followed for Linox and Linox(smart) ICD lead performance and safety for 5 years post-implant. All procedural and system-related adverse events (AEs) were assessed at each follow-up, along with lead electrical parameters. An independent CEC of EPs adjudicated AEs to determine AE category and lead relatedness. The analysis used categories of lead observations per ISO 5841-2 (Third edition). A total of 3,933 leads were implanted in 3,840 patients (73.0% male, mean age 67.0 ± 12.2 years) at 146 US centers. The estimated cumulative survival probability was 96.3% at 5 years after implant for Linox leads and 96.6% at 4 years after implant for Linox(smart) leads. A comparison of the Linox and Linox(smart) survival functions did not find evidence of a difference (P = 0.2155). The most common AEs were oversensing (23, 0.58%), conductor fracture (14, 0.36%), failure to capture (13, 0.33%), lead dislodgement (12, 0.31%), insulation breach (10, 0.25%), and abnormal pacing impedance (8, 0.20%). Linox and Linox(smart) ICD leads are safe, reliable and infrequently associated with lead-related AEs. Additionally, estimated cumulative survival probability is clinically acceptable and well within industry standards. Ongoing data collection will confirm the longer-term safety and performance of the Linox family of ICD leads. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

The effect of whole-blood donor adverse events on blood donor return rates.

PubMed

Newman, Bruce H; Newman, Daniel T; Ahmad, Raffat; Roth, Arthur J

2006-08-01

Some blood donation-related adverse events (AEs) can negatively impact the blood donor return rate (BDRR) and decrease donor retention. One-thousand randomly selected whole-blood donors were interviewed 3 weeks after a 525-mL index whole-blood donation for seven AEs. The number of return visits and duration of follow-up were recorded for each of the 1000 donors. A negative binomial regression analysis was used to determine the contribution of the four most common AEs to the BDRR, and interactions between these AEs were also evaluated. The four most common AEs were bruise alone (15.1%), sore arm "alone" (7.0%), fatigue "alone" (5.1%), and donor reaction "alone" (4.2%), where "alone" is defined to also include donors who had a bruise but no other AE. The estimated BDRR for donations without AEs was 1.32 visits per year. The estimated BDRRs for the four most common AEs were: bruise alone, 1.32 visits per year; sore arm alone, 1.30 visits per year (2% reduction in BDRR); fatigue alone, 1.06 visits per year (20% reduction in BDRR); and donor reaction alone, 0.87 visits per year (34% reduction in BDRR). The BDRR for donor reaction, fatigue, and sore arm together was 0.20 visits per year (85% reduction in BDRR). Donor reaction had the most negative impact on the BDRR. There appears to be a synergistic effect between donor reaction, fatigue, and sore arm. Theoretically, amelioration of some AEs has the potential to improve BDRRs.

A comparative evaluation of piezoelectric sensors for acoustic emission-based impact location estimation and damage classification in composite structures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Uprety, Bibhisha; Kim, Sungwon; Mathews, V. John; Adams, Daniel O.

2015-03-01

Acoustic Emission (AE) based Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) is of great interest for detecting impact damage in composite structures. Within the aerospace industry the need to detect and locate these events, even when no visible damage is present, is important both from the maintenance and design perspectives. In this investigation, four commercially available piezoelectric sensors were evaluated for usage in an AE-based SHM system. Of particular interest was comparing the acoustic response of the candidate piezoelectric sensors for impact location estimations as well as damage classification resulting from the impact in fiber-reinforced composite structures. Sensor assessment was performed based on response signal characterization and performance for active testing at 300 kHz and steel-ball drop testing using both aluminum and carbon/epoxy composite plates. Wave mode velocities calculated from the measured arrival times were found to be in good agreement with predictions obtained using both the Disperse code and finite element analysis. Differences in the relative strength of the received wave modes, the overall signal strengths and signal-to-noise ratios were observed through the use of both active testing as well as passive steel-ball drop testing. Further comparative is focusing on assessing AE sensor performance for use in impact location estimation algorithms as well as detecting and classifying damage produced in composite structures due to impact events.

Adverse events following cervical manipulative therapy: consensus on classification among Dutch medical specialists, manual therapists, and patients.

PubMed

Kranenburg, Hendrikus A; Lakke, Sandra E; Schmitt, Maarten A; Van der Schans, Cees P

2017-12-01

To obtain consensus-based agreement on a classification system of adverse events (AE) following cervical spinal manipulation. The classification system should be comprised of clear definitions, include patients' and clinicians' perspectives, and have an acceptable number of categories. Design : A three-round Delphi study. Participants : Thirty Dutch participants (medical specialists, manual therapists, and patients) participated in an online survey. Procedure : Participants inventoried AE and were asked about their preferences for either a three- or a four-category classification system. The identified AE were classified by two analysts following the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF), and the International Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems (ICD-10). Participants were asked to classify the severity for all AE in relation to the time duration. Consensus occurred in a three-category classification system. There was strong consensus for 16 AE in all severities (no, minor, and major AE) and all three time durations [hours, days, weeks]. The 16 AE included anxiety, flushing, skin rash, fainting, dizziness, coma, altered sensation, muscle tenderness, pain, increased pain during movement, radiating pain, dislocation, fracture, transient ischemic attack, stroke, and death. Mild to strong consensus was reached for 13 AE. A consensus-based classification system of AE is established which includes patients' and clinicians' perspectives and has three categories. The classification comprises a precise description of potential AE in accordance with internationally accepted classifications. After international validation, clinicians and researchers may use this AE classification system to report AE in clinical practice and research.

Occlusion therapy improves phase-alignment of the cortical response in amblyopia.

PubMed

Kelly, John P; Tarczy-Hornoch, Kristina; Herlihy, Erin; Weiss, Avery H

2015-09-01

The visual evoked potential (VEP) generated by the amblyopic visual system demonstrates reduced amplitude, prolonged latency, and increased variation in response timing (phase-misalignment). This study examined VEPs before and after occlusion therapy (OT) and whether phase-misalignment can account for the amblyopic VEP deficits. VEPs were recorded to 0.5-4cycles/degree gratings in 10 amblyopic children (2-6years age) before and after OT. Phase-misalignment was measured by Fourier analysis across a limited bandwidth. Signal-to-noise ratios (SNRs) were estimated from amplitude and phase synchrony in the Fourier domain. Responses were compared to VEPs corrected for phase-misalignment (individual epochs shifted in time to correct for the misalignment). Before OT, amblyopic eyes (AE) had significantly more phase-misalignment, latency prolongation, and lower SNR relative to the fellow eye. Phase-misalignment contributed significantly to low SNR but less so to latency delay in the AE. After OT, phase-alignment improved, SNR improved and latency shortened in the AE. Raw averaged waveforms from the AE improved after OT, primarily at higher spatial frequencies. Correcting for phase-misalignment in the AE sharpened VEP peak responses primarily at low spatial frequencies, but could not account for VEP waveform improvements in the AE after OT at higher spatial frequencies. In summary, VEP abnormalities from the AE are associated with phase-misalignment and reduced SNR possibly related to desynchronization of neuronal activity. The effect of OT on VEP responses is greater than that accounted for by phase-misalignment and SNR alone. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

22 CFR 120.30 - The Automated Export System (AES).

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-04-01

... DEFINITIONS § 120.30 The Automated Export System (AES). The Automated Export System (AES) is the Department of Commerce, Bureau of Census, electronic filing of export information. The AES shall serve as the primary...). Also, requests for special reporting may be made by DDTC on a case-by-case basis, (e.g., compliance...

Estimating recharge rates with analytic element models and parameter estimation

USGS Publications Warehouse

Dripps, W.R.; Hunt, R.J.; Anderson, M.P.

2006-01-01

Quantifying the spatial and temporal distribution of recharge is usually a prerequisite for effective ground water flow modeling. In this study, an analytic element (AE) code (GFLOW) was used with a nonlinear parameter estimation code (UCODE) to quantify the spatial and temporal distribution of recharge using measured base flows as calibration targets. The ease and flexibility of AE model construction and evaluation make this approach well suited for recharge estimation. An AE flow model of an undeveloped watershed in northern Wisconsin was optimized to match median annual base flows at four stream gages for 1996 to 2000 to demonstrate the approach. Initial optimizations that assumed a constant distributed recharge rate provided good matches (within 5%) to most of the annual base flow estimates, but discrepancies of >12% at certain gages suggested that a single value of recharge for the entire watershed is inappropriate. Subsequent optimizations that allowed for spatially distributed recharge zones based on the distribution of vegetation types improved the fit and confirmed that vegetation can influence spatial recharge variability in this watershed. Temporally, the annual recharge values varied >2.5-fold between 1996 and 2000 during which there was an observed 1.7-fold difference in annual precipitation, underscoring the influence of nonclimatic factors on interannual recharge variability for regional flow modeling. The final recharge values compared favorably with more labor-intensive field measurements of recharge and results from studies, supporting the utility of using linked AE-parameter estimation codes for recharge estimation. Copyright ?? 2005 The Author(s).

Introduction, scenarios for establishment and seasonal activity of Aedes albopictus in The Netherlands.

PubMed

Takumi, Katsuhisa; Scholte, Ernst-Jan; Braks, Marieta; Reusken, Chantal; Avenell, David; Medlock, Jolyon M

2009-04-01

The Asian tiger mosquito Aedes albopictus was detected for the first time in the Netherlands in the summer of 2005. Aedes albopictus is a competent vector of several human viral diseases, and therefore the recent appearance of the vector is a concern to local public health authorities. In 2006 and 2007, the mosquito was found repeatedly and regularly at Lucky bamboo import companies. To assess whether imported Ae. albopictus could establish to produce subsequent generations in the following years or whether the winter conditions in the Netherlands would prove too cold to allow overwintering of diapausing eggs, predictions were made using a Geographic Information Systems (GIS) model based on January average temperature and the annual precipitation recorded in 2006. Seasonal activity of overwintering Ae. albopictus was estimated for temperate strains based on the weekly average temperature and weekly photoperiod using spring egg hatching thresholds of 10.5 degrees C and 11.25 hours, and egg diapause and adult survival thresholds of 9.5 degrees C and 13.5 hours. The analyses indicate that the climate conditions in the Netherlands over the past 10 years were favorable to allow overwintering of diapausing eggs of temperate strains of Ae. albopictus, particularly in the western coastal region. This region was also the area where adult Ae. albopictus were intercepted inside and surrounding plant glasshouses. The estimated number of weeks elapsing between first egg hatching in spring and the production of diapausing eggs in autumn ranged between 17 and 22 weeks in 2006.

Intermediate-grade mammary gland adenocarcinoma in an 18-year-old female black leopard (Panthera pardus) with acute pancreatic necrosis and chronic interstitial nephropathy.

PubMed

Nakamura, Misato; Yoshida, Toshinori; Eguchi, Ayumi; Inohana, Mari; Nagahara, Rei; Shiraki, Ayako; Ito, Nanao; Shibutani, Makoto

2018-03-02

An 18-year-old female black leopard (Panthera pardus) showed renal failure, leukocytosis and presence of subcutaneous masses in the lower abdominal region and right shoulder; she eventually died. Histopathological observations included a mammary gland carcinoma with comedo, solid and tubulopapillary patterns in subcutaneous tissue, and highly proliferated tumor cells in systemic organs. The tumor cells were positive for cytokeratin AE1/AE3. The mammary gland tumor was diagnosed as intermediate-grade adenocarcinoma, based on a previously reported histological grading system of feline mammary carcinomas. Chronic interstitial nephritis was estimated to have been ongoing for 5 years, whilst acute necrotic pancreatitis in relation to tumor metastasis could have been the cause of death.

Adverse events of fluoroquinolones vs. other antimicrobials prescribed in primary care: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

PubMed

Tandan, M; Cormican, M; Vellinga, A

2018-04-24

Fluoroquinolones (FQs) are second line antimicrobial agents. Once the decision to prescribe an antimicrobial is made, its choice should be based on both the benefits and harms. This systematic review quantifies the occurrence of common adverse events (AEs) related to FQs in relation to any other antimicrobial for any indication in primary care. We searched randomized controlled trials from Embase, PubMed, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials and CINHAL. FQs had to be administered orally, for any indication, to adults and in primary care. Data were extracted independently in standard forms in "Covidence". Pooled estimates of the intervention effects for AEs were determined by the Peto odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals in Revman. Of the 39 studies selected, the most commonly reported AEs were nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, headache, dizziness, and rash. A meta-analysis of 28 studies reporting AEs showed central nervous system (CNS) (OR 1.40 (1.12-1.75) p=0.003, heterogeneity (I 2 ) = 0%) and gastrointestinal (GI) related AEs (OR 1.20 (1.06-1.36) p=0.005, I 2 =80%) were significantly associated with FQs use compared to other antimicrobials. Compared to FQs, co-amoxiclav showed significantly more total AEs (OR 0.70 (0.54-0.90) p=0.006, I 2 =78%) and GI-related AEs (OR 0.69(0.52-0.91) p=0.008, I 2 =94%). Withdrawal and/or discontinuation due to drug-related AEs were higher for FQs (OR 1.19 (1.00-1.42) p=0.05, I 2 =5%). Sensitivity analyses did not change these results. FQs are associated with more CNS and GI-related AEs compared to other types of antimicrobial. This information is relevant to support decision making in relation to antimicrobial prescribing. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Comparison of NASA Team2 and AES-York Ice Concentration Algorithms Against Operational Ice Charts From the Canadian Ice Service

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Shokr, Mohammed; Markus, Thorsten

2006-01-01

Ice concentration retrieved from spaceborne passive-microwave observations is a prime input to operational sea-ice-monitoring programs, numerical weather prediction models, and global climate models. Atmospheric Environment Service (AES)- York and the Enhanced National Aeronautics and Space Administration Team (NT2) are two algorithms that calculate ice concentration from Special Sensor Microwave/Imager observations. This paper furnishes a comparison between ice concentrations (total, thin, and thick types) output from NT2 and AES-York algorithms against the corresponding estimates from the operational analysis of Radarsat images in the Canadian Ice Service (CIS). A new data fusion technique, which incorporates the actual sensor's footprint, was developed to facilitate this study. Results have shown that the NT2 and AES-York algorithms underestimate total ice concentration by 18.35% and 9.66% concentration counts on average, with 16.8% and 15.35% standard deviation, respectively. However, the retrieved concentrations of thin and thick ice are in much more discrepancy with the operational CIS estimates when either one of these two types dominates the viewing area. This is more likely to occur when the total ice concentration approaches 100%. If thin and thick ice types coexist in comparable concentrations, the algorithms' estimates agree with CIS'S estimates. In terms of ice concentration retrieval, thin ice is more problematic than thick ice. The concept of using a single tie point to represent a thin ice surface is not realistic and provides the largest error source for retrieval accuracy. While AES-York provides total ice concentration in slightly more agreement with CIS'S estimates, NT2 provides better agreement in retrieving thin and thick ice concentrations.

Honeywell Cascade Distiller System Performance Testing Interim Results

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Callahan, Michael R.; Sargusingh, Miriam

2014-01-01

The ability to recover and purify water through physiochemical processes is crucial for realizing long-term human space missions, including both planetary habitation and space travel. Because of their robust nature, distillation systems have been actively pursued as one of the technologies for water recovery. The Cascade Distillation System (CDS) is a vacuum rotary distillation system with potential for greater reliability and lower energy costs than existing distillation systems. The CDS was previously under development through Honeywell and NASA. In 2009, an assessment was performed to collect data to support down-selection and development of a primary distillation technology for application in a lunar outpost water recovery system. Based on the results of this testing, an expert panel concluded that the CDS showed adequate development maturity, TRL-4, together with the best product water quality and competitive weight and power estimates to warrant further development. The Advanced Exploration Systems (AES) Water Recovery Project (WRP) worked to address weaknesses identified by The Panel; namely bearing design and heat pump power efficiency. Testing at the NASA-JSC Advanced Exploration System Water Laboratory (AES Water Lab) using a prototype Cascade Distillation Subsystem (CDS) wastewater processor (Honeywell International, Torrance, Calif.) with test support equipment and control system developed by Johnson Space Center was performed to evaluate performance of the system with the upgrades. The CDS will also have been challenged with ISS analog waste streams and a subset of those being considered for Exploration architectures. This paper details interim results of the AES WRP CDS performance testing.

Effects of desiccation stress on adult female longevity in Aedes aegypti and Ae. albopictus (Diptera: Culicidae): results of a systematic review and pooled survival analysis.

PubMed

Schmidt, Chris A; Comeau, Genevieve; Monaghan, Andrew J; Williamson, Daniel J; Ernst, Kacey C

2018-04-25

Transmission dynamics of mosquito-borne viruses such as dengue, Zika and chikungunya are affected by the longevity of the adult female mosquito. Environmental conditions influence the survival of adult female Aedes mosquitoes, the primary vectors of these viruses. While the association of temperature with Aedes mortality has been relatively well-explored, the role of humidity is less established. The current study's goals were to compile knowledge of the influence of humidity on adult survival in the important vector species Aedes aegypti and Ae. albopictus, and to quantify this relationship while accounting for the modifying effect of temperature. We performed a systematic literature review to identify studies reporting experimental results informing the relationships among temperature, humidity and adult survival in Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus. Using a novel simulation approach to harmonize disparate survival data, we conducted pooled survival analyses via stratified and mixed effects Cox regression to estimate temperature-dependent associations between humidity and mortality risk for these species across a broad range of temperatures and vapor pressure deficits. After screening 1517 articles, 17 studies (one in semi-field and 16 in laboratory settings) met inclusion criteria and collectively reported results for 192 survival experiments. We review and synthesize relevant findings from these studies. Our stratified model estimated a strong temperature-dependent association of humidity with mortality in both species, though associations were not significant for Ae. albopictus in the mixed effects model. Lowest mortality risks were estimated around 27.5 °C and 21.5 °C for Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus, respectively, and mortality increased non-linearly with decreasing humidity. Aedes aegypti had a survival advantage relative to Ae. albopictus in the stratified model under most conditions, but species differences were not significant in the mixed effects model. Humidity is associated with mortality risk in adult female Ae. aegypti in controlled settings. Data are limited at low humidities, temperature extremes, and for Ae. albopictus, and further studies should be conducted to reduce model uncertainty in these contexts. Desiccation is likely an important factor in Aedes population dynamics and viral transmission in arid regions. Models of Aedes-borne virus transmission may be improved by more comprehensively representing humidity effects.

Adverse events following pandemic influenza A (H1N1) 2009 monovalent and seasonal influenza vaccinations during the 2009-2010 season in the active component U.S. military and civilians aged 17-44years reported to the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System.

PubMed

Bardenheier, Barbara H; Duderstadt, Susan K; Engler, Renata J M; McNeil, Michael M

2016-08-17

No comparative review of Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS) submissions following pandemic influenza A (H1N1) 2009 and seasonal influenza vaccinations during the pandemic season among U.S. military personnel has been published. We compared military vs. civilian adverse event reporting rates. Adverse events (AEs) following vaccination were identified from VAERS for adults aged 17-44years after pandemic (monovalent influenza [MIV], and seasonal (trivalent inactivated influenza [IIV3], live attenuated influenza [LAIV3]) vaccines. Military vaccination coverage was provided by the Department of Defense's Defense Medical Surveillance System. Civilian vaccination coverage was estimated using data from the National 2009 H1N1 Flu Survey and the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System survey. Vaccination coverage was more than four times higher for MIV and more than twenty times higher for LAIV3 in the military than in the civilian population. The reporting rate of serious AE reports following MIV in service personnel (1.19 per 100,000) was about half that reported by the civilian population (2.45 per 100,000). Conversely, the rate of serious AE reports following LAIV3 among service personnel (1.32 per 100,000) was more than twice that of the civilian population. Although fewer military AEs following MIV were reported overall, the rate of Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) (4.01 per million) was four times greater than that in the civilian population. (1.04 per million). Despite higher vaccination coverage in service personnel, the rate of serious AEs following MIV was about half that in civilians. The rate of GBS reported following MIV was higher in the military. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

An Optimal Parameter Discretization Strategy for Multiple Model Adaptive Estimation and Control

DTIC Science & Technology

1989-12-01

Zicker . MMAE-Based Control with Space- Time Point Process Observations. IEEE Transactions on Aerospace and Elec- tronic Systems, AES-21 (3):292-300, 1985...Transactions of the Conference of Army Math- ematicians, Bethesda MD, 1982. (AD-POO1 033). 65. William L. Zicker . Pointing and Tracking of Particle

[Phylogenetic relationships and intraspecific variation of D-genome Aegilops L. as revealed by RAPD analysis].

PubMed

Goriunova, S V; Kochieva, E Z; Chikida, N N; Pukhal'skiĭ, V A

2004-05-01

RAPD analysis was carried out to study the genetic variation and phylogenetic relationships of polyploid Aegilops species, which contain the D genome as a component of the alloploid genome, and diploid Aegilops tauschii, which is a putative donor of the D genome for common wheat. In total, 74 accessions of six D-genome Aegilops species were examined. The highest intraspecific variation (0.03-0.21) was observed for Ae. tauschii. Intraspecific distances between accessions ranged 0.007-0.067 in Ae. cylindrica, 0.017-0.047 in Ae. vavilovii, and 0.00-0.053 in Ae. juvenalis. Likewise, Ae. ventricosa and Ae. crassa showed low intraspecific polymorphism. The among-accession difference in alloploid Ae. ventricosa (genome DvNv) was similar to that of one parental species, Ae. uniaristata (N), and substantially lower than in the other parent, Ae. tauschii (D). The among-accession difference in Ae. cylindrica (CcDc) was considerably lower than in either parent, Ae. tauschii (D) or Ae. caudata (C). With the exception of Ae. cylindrica, all D-genome species--Ae. tauschii (D), Ae. ventricosa (DvNv), Ae. crassa (XcrDcrl and XcrDcrlDcr2), Ae. juvenalis (XjDjUj), and Ae. vavilovii (XvaDvaSva)--formed a single polymorphic cluster, which was distinct from clusters of other species. The only exception, Ae. cylindrica, did not group with the other D-genome species, but clustered with Ae. caudata (C), a donor of the C genome. The cluster of these two species was clearly distinct from the cluster of the other D-genome species and close to a cluster of Ae. umbellulata (genome U) and Ae. ovata (genome UgMg). Thus, RAPD analysis for the first time was used to estimate and to compare the interpopulation polymorphism and to establish the phylogenetic relationships of all diploid and alloploid D-genome Aegilops species.

AE 6: A model environment of trapped electrons for solar maximum

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Teague, M. J.; Chan, K. W.; Vette, J. I.

1976-01-01

A projected inner zone electron model environment, AE 6, for the epoch 1980 is presented. It is intended to provide estimates of mission fluxes that spacecraft will encounter in the coming solar maximum years. AE 6 is presented by graphs of omnidirectional integral flux as a function of L shell, the ambient magnetic field B, and the energy E. Results of orbital integrations for altitudes from 150 n.m. to 18,000 n.m. are given for circular orbits with four different inclinations, using the AE 6 and the AE 4 solar maximum models for the inner and outer zones, respectively. The derivation of AE 6 is described, and a brief comparison is given of the radial profiles of equatorial fluxes from several related models. A short summary of the associated computer programs is included.

Classifying Adverse Events in the Dental Office.

PubMed

Kalenderian, Elsbeth; Obadan-Udoh, Enihomo; Maramaldi, Peter; Etolue, Jini; Yansane, Alfa; Stewart, Denice; White, Joel; Vaderhobli, Ram; Kent, Karla; Hebballi, Nutan B; Delattre, Veronique; Kahn, Maria; Tokede, Oluwabunmi; Ramoni, Rachel B; Walji, Muhammad F

2017-06-30

Dentists strive to provide safe and effective oral healthcare. However, some patients may encounter an adverse event (AE) defined as "unnecessary harm due to dental treatment." In this research, we propose and evaluate two systems for categorizing the type and severity of AEs encountered at the dental office. Several existing medical AE type and severity classification systems were reviewed and adapted for dentistry. Using data collected in previous work, two initial dental AE type and severity classification systems were developed. Eight independent reviewers performed focused chart reviews, and AEs identified were used to evaluate and modify these newly developed classifications. A total of 958 charts were independently reviewed. Among the reviewed charts, 118 prospective AEs were found and 101 (85.6%) were verified as AEs through a consensus process. At the end of the study, a final AE type classification comprising 12 categories, and an AE severity classification comprising 7 categories emerged. Pain and infection were the most common AE types representing 73% of the cases reviewed (56% and 17%, respectively) and 88% were found to cause temporary, moderate to severe harm to the patient. Adverse events found during the chart review process were successfully classified using the novel dental AE type and severity classifications. Understanding the type of AEs and their severity are important steps if we are to learn from and prevent patient harm in the dental office.

Fine-scale landscape genomics helps explain the slow spatial spread of Wolbachia through the Aedes aegypti population in Cairns, Australia.

PubMed

Schmidt, Thomas L; Filipović, Igor; Hoffmann, Ary A; Rašić, Gordana

2018-05-01

The endosymbiotic bacterium Wolbachia suppresses the capacity for arbovirus transmission in the mosquito Aedes aegypti, and can spread spatially through wild mosquito populations following local introductions. Recent introductions in Cairns, Australia have demonstrated slower than expected spatial spread. Potential reasons for this include: (i) barriers to Ae. aegypti dispersal; (ii) higher incidence of long-range dispersal; and (iii) intergenerational loss of Wolbachia. We investigated these three potential factors using genome-wide single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and an assay for the Wolbachia infection wMel in 161 Ae. aegypti collected from Cairns in 2015. We detected a small but significant barrier effect of Cairns highways on Ae. aegypti dispersal using distance-based redundancy analysis and patch-based simulation analysis. We detected a pair of putative full-siblings in ovitraps 1312 m apart, indicating long-distance female movement likely mediated by human transport. We also found a pair of full-siblings of different infection status, indicating intergenerational loss of Wolbachia in the field. These three factors are all expected to contribute to the slow spread of Wolbachia through Ae. aegypti populations, though from our results it is unclear whether Wolbachia loss and long-distance movement are sufficiently common to reduce the speed of spatial spread appreciably. Our findings inform the strategic deployment of Wolbachia-infected mosquitoes during releases, and show how parameter estimates from laboratory studies may differ from those estimated using field data. Our landscape genomics approach can be extended to other host/symbiont systems that are being considered for biocontrol.

Cost-utility analysis of duloxetine in osteoarthritis: a US private payer perspective.

PubMed

Wielage, Ronald C; Bansal, Megha; Andrews, J Scott; Klein, Robert W; Happich, Michael

2013-06-01

Duloxetine has recently been approved in the USA for chronic musculoskeletal pain, including osteoarthritis and chronic low back pain. The cost effectiveness of duloxetine in osteoarthritis has not previously been assessed. Duloxetine is targeted as post first-line (after acetaminophen) treatment of moderate to severe pain. The objective of this study was to estimate the cost effectiveness of duloxetine in the treatment of osteoarthritis from a US private payer perspective compared with other post first-line oral treatments, including nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and both strong and weak opioids. A cost-utility analysis was performed using a discrete-state, time-dependent semi-Markov model based on the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) model documented in its 2008 osteoarthritis guidelines. The model was extended for opioids by adding titration, discontinuation and additional adverse events (AEs). A life-long time horizon was adopted to capture the full consequences of NSAID-induced AEs. Fourteen health states comprised the structure of the model: treatment without persistent AE, six during-AE states, six post-AE states and death. Treatment-specific utilities were calculated using the transfer-to-utility method and Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) total scores from a meta-analysis of osteoarthritis clinical trials of 12 weeks and longer. Costs for 2011 were estimated using Red Book, The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality's Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project database, the literature and, sparingly, expert opinion. One-way and probabilistic sensitivity analyses were undertaken, as well as subgroup analyses of patients over 65 years old and a population at greater risk of NSAID-related AEs. In the base case the model estimated naproxen to be the lowest total-cost treatment, tapentadol the highest cost, and duloxetine the most effective after considering AEs. Duloxetine accumulated 0.027 discounted quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) more than naproxen and 0.013 more than oxycodone. Celecoxib was dominated by naproxen, tramadol was subject to extended dominance, and strong opioids were dominated by duloxetine. The model estimated an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) of US$47,678 per QALY for duloxetine versus naproxen. One-way sensitivity analysis identified the probabilities of NSAID-related cardiovascular AEs as the inputs to which the ICER was most sensitive when duloxetine was compared with an NSAID. When compared with a strong opioid, duloxetine dominated the opioid under nearly all sensitivity analysis scenarios. When compared with tramadol, the ICER was most sensitive to the costs of duloxetine and tramadol. In subgroup analysis, the cost per QALY for duloxetine versus naproxen fell to US$24,125 for patients over 65 years and to US$18,472 for a population at high risk of cardiovascular and gastrointestinal AEs. The model estimated that duloxetine was potentially cost effective in the base-case population and more cost effective for subgroups over 65 years or at high risk of NSAID-related AEs. In sensitivity analysis, duloxetine dominated all strong opioids in nearly all scenarios.

Risk factors for treatment-related adverse events in cancer-bearing dogs receiving piroxicam.

PubMed

Eichstadt, L R; Moore, G E; Childress, M O

2017-12-01

Piroxicam has antitumour effects in dogs with cancer, although side effects may limit its use. The purpose of this study was to retrospectively identify factors predisposing cancer-bearing dogs to adverse events (AEs) following piroxicam therapy. Medical records of dogs presented to the Purdue Veterinary Teaching Hospital between 2005 and 2015 were reviewed, and 137 dogs met the criteria for study inclusion. Toxic effects of piroxicam in these dogs were graded according to an established system. Multivariate logistic regression was used to estimate the extent to which certain factors affected the risk for AEs. Age [odds ratio (OR) 1.250, P = 0.009; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.057-1.479] and concurrent use of gastroprotectant medications (OR 2.612, P = 0.025; 95% CI 1.127-6.056) significantly increased the risk for gastrointestinal AEs. The results of this study may help inform the risk versus benefit calculation for clinicians considering the use of piroxicam to treat dogs with cancer. © 2016 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

FRP/steel composite damage acoustic emission monitoring and analysis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Dongsheng; Chen, Zhi

2015-04-01

FRP is a new material with good mechanical properties, such as high strength of extension, low density, good corrosion resistance and anti-fatigue. FRP and steel composite has gotten a wide range of applications in civil engineering because of its good performance. As the FRP/steel composite get more and more widely used, the monitor of its damage is also getting more important. To monitor this composite, acoustic emission (AE) is a good choice. In this study, we prepare four identical specimens to conduct our test. During the testing process, the AE character parameters and mechanics properties were obtained. Damaged properties of FRP/steel composite were analyzed through acoustic emission (AE) signals. By the growing trend of AE accumulated energy, the severity of the damage made on FRP/steel composite was estimated. The AE sentry function has been successfully used to study damage progression and fracture emerge release rate of composite laminates. This technique combines the cumulative AE energy with strain energy of the material rather than analyzes the AE information and mechanical separately.

Differential Adverse Event Profiles Associated with BCG as a Preventive Tuberculosis Vaccine or Therapeutic Bladder Cancer Vaccine Identified by Comparative Ontology-Based VAERS and Literature Meta-Analysis

PubMed Central

Xie, Jiangan; Codd, Christopher; Mo, Kevin; He, Yongqun

2016-01-01

M. bovis strain Bacillus Calmette–Guérin (BCG) has been the only licensed live attenuated vaccine against tuberculosis (TB) for nearly one century and has also been approved as a therapeutic vaccine for bladder cancer treatment since 1990. During its long time usage, different adverse events (AEs) have been reported. However, the AEs associated with the BCG preventive TB vaccine and therapeutic cancer vaccine have not been systematically compared. In this study, we systematically collected various BCG AE data mined from the US VAERS database and PubMed literature reports, identified statistically significant BCG-associated AEs, and ontologically classified and compared these AEs related to these two types of BCG vaccine. From 397 VAERS BCG AE case reports, we identified 64 AEs statistically significantly associated with the BCG TB vaccine and 14 AEs with the BCG cancer vaccine. Our meta-analysis of 41 peer-reviewed journal reports identified 48 AEs associated with the BCG TB vaccine and 43 AEs associated with the BCG cancer vaccine. Among all identified AEs from VAERS and literature reports, 25 AEs belong to serious AEs. The Ontology of Adverse Events (OAE)-based ontological hierarchical analysis indicated that the AEs associated with the BCG TB vaccine were enriched in immune system (e.g., lymphadenopathy and lymphadenitis), skin (e.g., skin ulceration and cyanosis), and respiratory system (e.g., cough and pneumonia); in contrast, the AEs associated with the BCG cancer vaccine mainly occurred in the urinary system (e.g., dysuria, pollakiuria, and hematuria). With these distinct AE profiles detected, this study also discovered three AEs (i.e., chills, pneumonia, and C-reactive protein increased) shared by the BCG TB vaccine and bladder cancer vaccine. Furthermore, our deep investigation of 24 BCG-associated death cases from VAERS identified the important effects of age, vaccine co-administration, and immunosuppressive status on the final BCG-associated death outcome. PMID:27749923

Numerical study on wave-induced beam ion prompt losses in DIII-D tokamak

DOE PAGES

Feng, Zhichen; Zhu, Jia; Fu, Guo -Yong; ...

2017-08-30

A numerical study is performed on the coherent beam ion prompt losses driven by Alfven eigenmodes (AEs) in DIII-D plasmas using realistic parameters and beam ion deposition profiles. The synthetic signal of a fast-ion loss detector (FILD) is calculated for a single AE mode. The first harmonic of the calculated FILD signal is linearly proportional to the AE amplitude with the same AE frequency in agreement with the experimental measurement. The calculated second harmonic is proportional to the square of the first harmonic for typical AE amplitudes. The coefficient of quadratic scaling is found to be sensitive to the AEmore » mode width. The second part of this work considers the AE drive due to coherent prompt loss. As a result, it is shown that the loss-induced mode drive is much smaller than the previous estimate and can be ignored for mode stability.« less

Rapid On-Site Evaluation of Fine-Needle Aspiration by Non-Cytopathologists: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies for Adequacy Assessment.

PubMed

Pearson, Lauren; Factor, Rachel E; White, Sandra K; Walker, Brandon S; Layfield, Lester J; Schmidt, Robert L

2018-06-06

Rapid on-site evaluation (ROSE) has been shown to improve adequacy rates and reduce needle passes. ROSE is often performed by cytopathologists who have limited availability and may be costlier than alternatives. Several recent studies examined the use of alternative evaluators (AEs) for ROSE. A summary of this information could help inform guidelines regarding the use of AEs. The objective was to assess the accuracy of AEs compared to cytopathologists in assessing the adequacy of specimens during ROSE. This was a systematic review and meta-analysis. Reporting and study quality were assessed using the STARD guidelines and QUADAS-2. All steps were performed independently by two evaluators. Summary estimates were obtained using the hierarchal method in Stata v14. Heterogeneity was evaluated using Higgins' I2 statistic. The systematic review identified 13 studies that were included in the meta-analysis. Summary estimates of sensitivity and specificity for AEs were 97% (95% CI: 92-99%) and 83% (95% CI: 68-92%). There was wide variation in accuracy statistics between studies (I2 = 0.99). AEs sometimes have accuracy that is close to cytopathologists. However, there is wide variability between studies, so it is not possible to provide a broad guideline regarding the use of AEs. © 2018 S. Karger AG, Basel.

Worldwide, 3-Year, Post-Marketing Surveillance Experience with Tofacitinib in Rheumatoid Arthritis.

PubMed

Cohen, Stanley; Curtis, Jeffrey R; DeMasi, Ryan; Chen, Yan; Fan, Haiyun; Soonasra, Arif; Fleischmann, Roy

2018-06-01

Post-marketing surveillance (PMS) is an integral part of monitoring adverse events (AEs) following approval of new drugs. Tofacitinib is an oral Janus kinase inhibitor for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). An analysis of PMS reports was conducted to evaluate the safety of tofacitinib in a post-marketing setting. Worldwide tofacitinib PMS data received in the Pfizer safety database from November 6, 2012 (first marketing authorization of tofacitinib) to November 5, 2015 were analyzed. Serious AEs (SAEs) of interest were reviewed and reporting rates (RRs) were calculated by dividing the number of SAEs by the estimated 100 patient-years of exposure. Patient exposure was calculated based on estimated worldwide sales and an estimated daily regimen of tofacitinib 5 mg twice daily. During the 3-year reporting period, worldwide post-marketing exposure to tofacitinib since approval was estimated to be 34,223 patient-years. In total, 9291 case reports (82.9% non-serious) were received and 25,417 AEs, 102 fatal cases, and 4352 SAEs were reported. The RRs (per 100 patient-years) for SAEs of interest by Medical Dictionary for Regulatory Activities System Organ Class were 2.57 for infections, 0.91 for gastrointestinal disorders, 0.60 for respiratory disorders, 0.45 for neoplasms, 0.43 for cardiac disorders, and 0.12 for hepatobiliary disorders. Although there are limitations to these data, no new safety risks were revealed in this real-world setting compared with the safety profile identified in the tofacitinib RA clinical development program. Any risks identified through the tofacitinib development program and PMS will continue to be monitored through pharmacovigilance surveillance. Pfizer Inc.

A preliminary observation of the adverse effects of phenobarbital among patients with convulsive epilepsy in rural West China.

PubMed

Si, Yang; Liu, Ling; Tian, Linyu; Mu, Jie; Chen, Deng; Chen, Tao; Deng, Ying; He, Jun; Li, You; He, Li; Zhou, Dong

2016-01-01

This study explored the adverse effect (AE) profile of phenobarbital (PB) among patients with active convulsive epilepsy (ACE) from resource-poor areas. Patients with ACE were enrolled into an epilepsy management project in rural West China. Information was obtained from monthly follow-up questionnaires. The demographic and clinical features of the patients with AE were firstly described. After that, the occurrence rate was estimated for each subtype of AE at three different severity levels (mild, moderate, and serious). Survival analysis was used to determine the potential risk factors of AEs. A total of 7231 patients (3780 men) were included in the present cohort. During the follow-up time period (average 33.4months), the most common AEs were drowsiness (moderate: 4.4%, serious: 0.68%), dizziness (moderate: 3.7%, serious: 0.5%), and headache (moderate: 2.9%, serious: 0.41%). In the confirmed AE groups (moderate and serious severity levels), the symptoms tended to be transient, with durations of less than 3months. Polytherapy was an independent risk factor for AEs and had an increasing risk when the severity of the AE increased (Hazard Ratio 1.12, 1.55, and 2.52 for mild AE, moderate AE, and serious AE, respectively). Receiving a high dosage of PB (>180mg/day) indicated a slightly elevated risk (Hazard Ratio 1.22 and 1.27 for mild AE and moderate AE, respectively). Phenobarbital demonstrates overall tolerability, and serious AEs were not common. Patients receiving a high dose of PB or polytherapy are at increased risk of developing AEs. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Characterization of Hydraulic Fractures Growth During the Äspö Hard Rock Laboratory Experiment (Sweden)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

López-Comino, J. A.; Cesca, S.; Heimann, S.; Grigoli, F.; Milkereit, C.; Dahm, T.; Zang, A.

2017-11-01

A crucial issue to characterize hydraulic fractures is the robust, accurate and automated detection and location of acoustic emissions (AE) associated with the fracture nucleation and growth process. Waveform stacking and coherence analysis techniques are here adapted using massive datasets with very high sampling (1 MHz) from a hydraulic fracturing experiment that took place 410 m below surface in the Äspö Hard Rock Laboratory (Sweden). We present the results obtained during the conventional, continuous water injection experiment Hydraulic Fracture 2. The resulting catalogue is composed of more than 4000 AEs. Frequency-magnitude distribution from AE magnitudes (MAE) reveals a high b value of 2.4. The magnitude of completeness is also estimated approximately MAE 1.1, and we observe an interval range of MAE between 0.77 and 2.79. The hydraulic fractures growth is then characterized by mapping the spatiotemporal evolution of AE hypocentres. The AE activity is spatially clustered in a prolate ellipsoid, resembling the main activated fracture volume ( 105 m3), where the lengths of the principal axes ( a = 10 m; b = 5 m; c = 4 m) define its size and its orientation can be estimated for a rupture plane (strike 123°, dip 60°). An asymmetric rupture process regarding to the fracturing borehole is clearly exhibited. AE events migrate upwards covering the depth interval between 404 and 414 m. After completing each injection and reinjection phase, the AE activity decreases and appears located in the same area of the initial fracture phase, suggesting a crack-closing effect.

A Pharmacovigilance Signaling System Based on FDA Regulatory Action and Post-Marketing Adverse Event Reports.

PubMed

Hoffman, Keith B; Dimbil, Mo; Tatonetti, Nicholas P; Kyle, Robert F

2016-06-01

Many serious drug adverse events (AEs) only manifest well after regulatory approval. Therefore, the development of signaling methods to use with post-approval AE databases appears vital to comprehensively assess real-world drug safety. However, with millions of potential drug-AE pairs to analyze, the issue of focus is daunting. Our objective was to develop a signaling platform that focuses on AEs with historically demonstrated regulatory interest and to analyze such AEs with a disproportional reporting method that offers broad signal detection and acceptable false-positive rates. We analyzed over 1500 US FDA regulatory actions (safety communications and drug label changes) from 2008 to 2015 to construct a list of eligible signal AEs. The FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) was used to evaluate disproportional reporting rates, constrained by minimum case counts and confidence interval limits, of these selected AEs for 109 training drugs. This step led to 45 AEs that appeared to have a low likelihood of being added to a label by FDA, so they were removed from the signal eligible list. We measured disproportional reporting for the final group of eligible AEs on a test group of 29 drugs that were not used in either the eligible list construction or the training steps. In a group of 29 test drugs, our model reduced the number of potential drug-AE signals from 41,834 to 97 and predicted 73 % of individual drug label changes. The model also predicted at least one AE-drug pair label change in 66 % of all the label changes for the test drugs. By concentrating on AE types with already demonstrated interest to FDA, we constructed a signaling system that provided focus regarding drug-AE pairs and suitable accuracy with regard to the issuance of FDA labeling changes. We suggest that focus on historical regulatory actions may increase the utility of pharmacovigilance signaling systems.

Advanced exterior sensor project : final report, September 2004.

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

Ashby, M. Rodema

2004-12-01

This report (1) summarizes the overall design of the Advanced Exterior Sensor (AES) system to include detailed descriptions of system components, (2) describes the work accomplished throughout FY04 to evaluate the current health of the original prototype and to return it to operation, (3) describes the status of the AES and the AES project as of September 2004, and (4) details activities planned to complete modernization of the system to include development and testing of the second-generation AES prototype.

19 CFR 192.11 - Description of the AES.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-04-01

... 19 Customs Duties 2 2012-04-01 2012-04-01 false Description of the AES. 192.11 Section 192.11... TREASURY (CONTINUED) EXPORT CONTROL Filing of Export Information Through the Automated Export System (AES) § 192.11 Description of the AES. AES is a voluntary program that allows all exporters required to report...

19 CFR 192.11 - Description of the AES.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-04-01

... 19 Customs Duties 2 2014-04-01 2014-04-01 false Description of the AES. 192.11 Section 192.11... TREASURY (CONTINUED) EXPORT CONTROL Filing of Export Information Through the Automated Export System (AES) § 192.11 Description of the AES. AES is a voluntary program that allows all exporters required to report...

19 CFR 192.11 - Description of the AES.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-04-01

... 19 Customs Duties 2 2011-04-01 2011-04-01 false Description of the AES. 192.11 Section 192.11... TREASURY (CONTINUED) EXPORT CONTROL Filing of Export Information Through the Automated Export System (AES) § 192.11 Description of the AES. AES is a voluntary program that allows all exporters required to report...

19 CFR 192.11 - Description of the AES.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-04-01

... 19 Customs Duties 2 2013-04-01 2013-04-01 false Description of the AES. 192.11 Section 192.11... TREASURY (CONTINUED) EXPORT CONTROL Filing of Export Information Through the Automated Export System (AES) § 192.11 Description of the AES. AES is a voluntary program that allows all exporters required to report...

15 CFR 752.15 - Export clearance.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-01-01

... System (AES) record. The SED or AES record covering an export made under an SCL must be prepared in... EAR. (1) Item descriptions. Item descriptions on the SED or AES record must indicate specifically the... each shipment on the respective SED or AES record. (3) SCL number. The SED or AES record must include...

Use of the Spine Adverse Events Severity System (SAVES) in patients with traumatic spinal cord injury. A comparison with institutional ICD-10 coding for the identification of acute care adverse events.

PubMed

Street, J T; Thorogood, N P; Cheung, A; Noonan, V K; Chen, J; Fisher, C G; Dvorak, M F

2013-06-01

Observational cohort comparison. To compare the previously validated Spine Adverse Events Severity system (SAVES) with International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision codes (ICD-10) codes for identifying adverse events (AEs) in patients with traumatic spinal cord injury (TSCI). Quaternary Care Spine Program. Patients discharged between 2006 and 2010 were identified from our prospective registry. Two consecutive cohorts were created based on the system used to record acute care AEs; one used ICD-10 coding by hospital coders and the other used SAVES data prospectively collected by a multidisciplinary clinical team. The ICD-10 codes were appropriately mapped to the SAVES. There were 212 patients in the ICD-10 cohort and 173 patients in the SAVES cohort. Analyses were adjusted to account for the different sample sizes, and the two cohorts were comparable based on age, gender and motor score. The SAVES system identified twice as many AEs per person as ICD-10 coding. Fifteen unique AEs were more reliably identified using SAVES, including neuropathic pain (32 × more; P<0.001), urinary tract infections (1.4 × ; P<0.05), pressure sores (2.9 × ; P<0.001) and intra-operative AEs (2.3 × ; P<0.05). Eight of these 15 AEs more frequently identified by SAVES significantly impacted length of stay (P<0.05). Risk factors such as patient age and severity of paralysis were more reliably correlated to AEs collected through SAVES than ICD-10. Implementation of the SAVES system for patients with TSCI captured more individuals experiencing AEs and more AEs per person compared with ICD-10 codes. This study demonstrates the utility of prospectively collecting AE data using validated tools.

A custom acoustic emission monitoring system for harsh environments: application to freezing-induced damage in alpine rock-walls

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Girard, L.; Beutel, J.; Gruber, S.; Hunziker, J.; Lim, R.; Weber, S.

2012-06-01

We present a custom acoustic emission (AE) monitoring system designed to perform long-term measurements on high-alpine rock-walls. AE monitoring is a common technique for characterizing damage evolution in solid materials. The system is based on a two-channel AE sensor node (AE-node) integrated into a Wireless Sensor Network (WSN) customized for operation in harsh environments. This wireless architecture offers flexibility in the deployment of AE-nodes at any position of the rock-wall that needs to be monitored, within a range of a few hundred meters from a core station connected to the internet. The system achieves near real-time data delivery and allows the user to remotely control the AE detection threshold. In order to protect AE sensors and capture acoustic signals from specific depths of the rock-wall, a special casing was developed. The monitoring system is completed by two probes that measure rock temperature and liquid water content, both probes being also integrated into the WSN. We report a first deployment of the monitoring system on a rock-wall at Jungfraujoch, 3500 m a.s.l., Switzerland. While this first deployment of the monitoring system aims to support fundamental research on processes that damage rock under cold climate, the system could serve a number of other applications, including rock-fall hazard surveillance or structural monitoring of concrete structures.

A custom acoustic emission monitoring system for harsh environments: application to freezing-induced damage in alpine rock walls

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Girard, L.; Beutel, J.; Gruber, S.; Hunziker, J.; Lim, R.; Weber, S.

2012-11-01

We present a custom acoustic emission (AE) monitoring system designed to perform long-term measurements on high-alpine rock walls. AE monitoring is a common technique for characterizing damage evolution in solid materials. The system is based on a two-channel AE sensor node (AE-node) integrated into a wireless sensor network (WSN) customized for operation in harsh environments. This wireless architecture offers flexibility in the deployment of AE-nodes at any position of the rock wall that needs to be monitored, within a range of a few hundred meters from a core station connected to the internet. The system achieves near real-time data delivery and allows the user to remotely control the AE detection threshold. In order to protect AE sensors and capture acoustic signals from specific depths of the rock wall, a special casing was developed. The monitoring system is completed by two probes that measure rock temperature and liquid water content, both probes being also integrated into the WSN. We report a first deployment of the monitoring system on a rock wall at Jungfraujoch, 3500 m a.s.l., Switzerland. While this first deployment of the monitoring system aims to support fundamental research on processes that damage rock under cold climate, the system could serve a number of other applications, including rock fall hazard surveillance or structural monitoring of concrete structures.

Fatigue crack sizing in rail steel using crack closure-induced acoustic emission waves

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Dan; Kuang, Kevin Sze Chiang; Ghee Koh, Chan

2017-06-01

The acoustic emission (AE) technique is a promising approach for detecting and locating fatigue cracks in metallic structures such as rail tracks. However, it is still a challenge to quantify the crack size accurately using this technique. AE waves can be generated by either crack propagation (CP) or crack closure (CC) processes and classification of these two types of AE waves is necessary to obtain more reliable crack sizing results. As the pre-processing step, an index based on wavelet power (WP) of AE signal is initially established in this paper in order to distinguish between the CC-induced AE waves and their CP-induced counterparts. Here, information embedded within the AE signal was used to perform the AE wave classification, which is preferred to the use of real-time load information, typically adopted in other studies. With the proposed approach, it renders the AE technique more amenable to practical implementation. Following the AE wave classification, a novel method to quantify the fatigue crack length was developed by taking advantage of the CC-induced AE waves, the count rate of which was observed to be positively correlated with the crack length. The crack length was subsequently determined using an empirical model derived from the AE data acquired during the fatigue tests of the rail steel specimens. The performance of the proposed method was validated by experimental data and compared with that of the traditional crack sizing method, which is based on CP-induced AE waves. As a significant advantage over other AE crack sizing methods, the proposed novel method is able to estimate the crack length without prior knowledge of the initial crack length, integration of AE data or real-time load amplitude. It is thus applicable to the health monitoring of both new and existing structures.

Evaluation of Natural Language Processing (NLP) Systems to Annotate Drug Product Labeling with MedDRA Terminology.

PubMed

Ly, Thomas; Pamer, Carol; Dang, Oanh; Brajovic, Sonja; Haider, Shahrukh; Botsis, Taxiarchis; Milward, David; Winter, Andrew; Lu, Susan; Ball, Robert

2018-05-31

The FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) is a primary data source for identifying unlabeled adverse events (AEs) in a drug or biologic drug product's postmarketing phase. Many AE reports must be reviewed by drug safety experts to identify unlabeled AEs, even if the reported AEs are previously identified, labeled AEs. Integrating the labeling status of drug product AEs into FAERS could increase report triage and review efficiency. Medical Dictionary for Regulatory Activities (MedDRA) is the standard for coding AE terms in FAERS cases. However, drug manufacturers are not required to use MedDRA to describe AEs in product labels. We hypothesized that natural language processing (NLP) tools could assist in automating the extraction and MedDRA mapping of AE terms in drug product labels. We evaluated the performance of three NLP systems, (ETHER, I2E, MetaMap) for their ability to extract AE terms from drug labels and translate the terms to MedDRA Preferred Terms (PTs). Pharmacovigilance-based annotation guidelines for extracting AE terms from drug labels were developed for this study. We compared each system's output to MedDRA PT AE lists, manually mapped by FDA pharmacovigilance experts using the guidelines, for ten drug product labels known as the "gold standard AE list" (GSL) dataset. Strict time and configuration conditions were imposed in order to test each system's capabilities under conditions of no human intervention and minimal system configuration. Each NLP system's output was evaluated for precision, recall and F measure in comparison to the GSL. A qualitative error analysis (QEA) was conducted to categorize a random sample of each NLP system's false positive and false negative errors. A total of 417, 278, and 250 false positive errors occurred in the ETHER, I2E, and MetaMap outputs, respectively. A total of 100, 80, and 187 false negative errors occurred in ETHER, I2E, and MetaMap outputs, respectively. Precision ranged from 64% to 77%, recall from 64% to 83% and F measure from 67% to 79%. I2E had the highest precision (77%), recall (83%) and F measure (79%). ETHER had the lowest precision (64%). MetaMap had the lowest recall (64%). The QEA found that the most prevalent false positive errors were context errors such as "Context error/General term", "Context error/Instructions or monitoring parameters", "Context error/Medical history preexisting condition underlying condition risk factor or contraindication", and "Context error/AE manifestations or secondary complication". The most prevalent false negative errors were in the "Incomplete or missed extraction" error category. Missing AE terms were typically due to long terms, or terms containing non-contiguous words which do not correspond exactly to MedDRA synonyms. MedDRA mapping errors were a minority of errors for ETHER and I2E but were the most prevalent false positive errors for MetaMap. The results demonstrate that it may be feasible to use NLP tools to extract and map AE terms to MedDRA PTs. However, the NLP tools we tested would need to be modified or reconfigured to lower the error rates to support their use in a regulatory setting. Tools specific for extracting AE terms from drug labels and mapping the terms to MedDRA PTs may need to be developed to support pharmacovigilance. Conducting research using additional NLP systems on a larger, diverse GSL would also be informative. Copyright © 2018. Published by Elsevier Inc.

[Adverse events self-declaration system and influenza vaccination coverage of healthcare workers in a tertiary hospital].

PubMed

Velasco Munoz, Cesar; Sequera, Víctor-Guillermo; Vilajeliu, Alba; Aldea, Marta; Mena, Guillermo; Quesada, Sebastiana; Varela, Pilar; Olivé, Victoria; Bayas, José M; Trilla, Antoni

2016-02-19

During the influenza vaccination campaign 2011-2012 we established a self-declaration system of adverse events (AEs) in healthcare workers (HCW). The aim of this study is to describe the vaccinated population and analyse vaccination coverage and self-declared AEs after the voluntary flu vaccination in a university hospital in Barcelona. Observational study. We used the HCW immunization record to calculate the vaccination coverage. We collected AEs using a voluntary, anonymous, self-administered survey during the 2011-2012 flu vaccination campaign. We performed a logistic regression model to determine the associated factors to declare AEs. The influenza vaccination coverage in HCW was 30.5% (n=1,507/4,944). We received completed surveys from 358 vaccinated HCW (23.8% of all vaccinated). We registered AEs in 186 respondents to the survey (52.0% of all respondents). Of these, 75.3% (n=140) reported local symptoms after the flu vaccination, 9.7% (n=18) reported systemic symptoms and 15.1% (n=28) both local and systemic symptoms. No serious AEs were self-reported. Female sex and aged under 35 were both factors associated with declaring AEs. Our self-reporting system did not register serious AEs in HCW, resulting in an opportunity to improve HCW trust in flu vaccination. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.

[IBEAS design: adverse events prevalence in Latin American hospitals].

PubMed

Aranaz-Andrés, J M; Aibar-Remón, C; Limón-Ramírez, R; Amarilla, A; Restrepo, F R; Urroz, O; Sarabia, O; Inga, R; Santivañez, A; Gonseth-García, J; Larizgoitia-Jauregui, I; Agra-Varela, Y; Terol-García, E

2011-01-01

To describe the methodological characteristics of the IBEAS study: adverse events prevalence in Latin American hospitals, with the aim of analysing the magnitude, significance and impact of adverse events (AE); to identify the main problems associated with patient safety AE; to increase the capacity of professionals involved in patient safety; and the setting up of patient safety agendas in the participating countries. A patient safety study launched in 35 Latin American hospitals through the analysis of AE in 5 countries: Argentina, Colombia, Costa Rica, Mexico and Peru, using a cross-sectional study using a review of clinical records as the main method. The implications of using a cross-sectional design when studying AE are described, in terms of resources required, internal validity and usefulness related to risk management. The cross-sectional design seems an efficient methodology in terms of time and resources spent, as well as being easy to carry out. Although the cross-sectional design does not review the all hospital episodes, it is able to provide a reliable estimate of prevalence and to support a surveillance system. Because of a possible survival bias, it is likely that the AE which led to hospital admissions will be overestimated, as well as the health related infections or those adverse events which are difficult to identify if the patient is not examined (e.g. contusions). Communication with the ward staff (if the patient is still hospitalised) help in finding the causality and their prevention. Copyright © 2010 SECA. Published by Elsevier Espana. All rights reserved.

La Crosse Encephalitis Virus Infection in Field-Collected Aedes albopictus, Aedes japonicus, and Aedes triseriatus in Tennessee.

PubMed

Westby, Katie M; Fritzen, Charissa; Paulsen, Dave; Poindexter, Stephanie; Moncayo, Abelardo C

2015-09-01

La Crosse virus (LACV) is a mosquito-borne virus and a major cause of pediatric encephalitis in the USA. La Crosse virus emerged in Tennessee and other states in the Appalachian region in 1997. We investigated LACV infection rates and seasonal abundances of the native mosquito vector, Aedes triseriatus, and 2 recently introduced mosquito species, Ae. albopictus and Ae. japonicus, in an emerging disease focus in Tennessee. Mosquitoes were collected using multiple trapping methods specific for Aedes mosquitoes at recent human case sites. Mosquito pools were tested via reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) of the S segment to detect multiple Bunyamwera and California serogroup viruses, including LACV, as well as real-time RT-PCR of the M segment. A total of 54 mosquito pools were positive, including wild-caught adult females and laboratory-reared adults, demonstrating transovarial transmission in all 3 species. Maximum likelihood estimates (per 1,000 mosquitoes) were 2.72 for Ae. triseriatus, 3.01 for Ae. albopictus, and 0.63 for Ae. japonicus. We conclude that Ae. triseriatus and Ae. albopictus are important LACV vectors and that Ae. japonicus also may be involved in virus maintenance and transmission.

Efficiencies of polychlorinated biphenyl assimilation from water and algal food by the blue mussel (Mytilus edulis)

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

Bjoerk, M.; Gilek, M.

1999-04-01

A novel method was used to estimate assimilation efficiencies (AEs) of dissolved and food associated PCBs (IUPAC 31, 49, and 153) by the Baltic Sea blue mussel (Mytilus edulis). Mussels were exposed to radiolabeled PCBs in a series of short-term toxicokinetic experiments at different algal food concentrations, both at apparent steady-state (ASS) and non-steady-state (NSS) conditions in respect to PCB partitioning between water and algae. The PCB AEs were calculated using a physiologically based bioaccumulation model where experimentally determined uptake and exposure rates at ASS and NSS conditions were combined into linear equation systems, which were solved for PCB AEmore » from water and food. A positive relationship between PCB uptake and algae clearance by the mussels was observed for all three PCBs. The PCB AEs from both water and food increased with congener hydrophobicity (octanol/water partition coefficient [K{sub ow}]), but AEs decreased with increases in water pumping and filtration rate of the mussels, respectively. The average contribution of food-associated PCB to the total uptake also increased with K{sub ow} from approximately 30% for PCB 31 and PCB 49 to 50% for PCB 153, mainly as a consequence of increased sorption to the algal food.« less

Sequencing of Chloroplast Genomes from Wheat, Barley, Rye and Their Relatives Provides a Detailed Insight into the Evolution of the Triticeae Tribe

PubMed Central

Middleton, Christopher P.; Senerchia, Natacha; Stein, Nils; Akhunov, Eduard D.; Keller, Beat

2014-01-01

Using Roche/454 technology, we sequenced the chloroplast genomes of 12 Triticeae species, including bread wheat, barley and rye, as well as the diploid progenitors and relatives of bread wheat Triticum urartu, Aegilops speltoides and Ae. tauschii. Two wild tetraploid taxa, Ae. cylindrica and Ae. geniculata, were also included. Additionally, we incorporated wild Einkorn wheat Triticum boeoticum and its domesticated form T. monococcum and two Hordeum spontaneum (wild barley) genotypes. Chloroplast genomes were used for overall sequence comparison, phylogenetic analysis and dating of divergence times. We estimate that barley diverged from rye and wheat approximately 8–9 million years ago (MYA). The genome donors of hexaploid wheat diverged between 2.1–2.9 MYA, while rye diverged from Triticum aestivum approximately 3–4 MYA, more recently than previously estimated. Interestingly, the A genome taxa T. boeoticum and T. urartu were estimated to have diverged approximately 570,000 years ago. As these two have a reproductive barrier, the divergence time estimate also provides an upper limit for the time required for the formation of a species boundary between the two. Furthermore, we conclusively show that the chloroplast genome of hexaploid wheat was contributed by the B genome donor and that this unknown species diverged from Ae. speltoides about 980,000 years ago. Additionally, sequence alignments identified a translocation of a chloroplast segment to the nuclear genome which is specific to the rye/wheat lineage. We propose the presented phylogeny and divergence time estimates as a reference framework for future studies on Triticeae. PMID:24614886

Evaluation of immunogenicity and safety of VARIVAX™ New Seed Process (NSP) in children.

PubMed

Senders, Shelly D; Bundick, Nickoya D; Li, Jianing; Zecca, Carol; Helmond, Frans A

2018-02-01

Prior to availability of an effective vaccine, an estimated 4 million cases of varicella occurred annually in the United States, resulting in 10,000 hospitalizations and over 100 deaths. With the increased usage of a two-dose varicella vaccine (as recommended by the ACIP), approval of other VZV-containing products and the adoption of varicella vaccination in additional countries, the demand for VZV-containing vaccines has increased. This study (NCT02062502) evaluated the safety, tolerability, and immunogenicity of VARIVAX™ (VAR, varicella vaccine live) manufactured using a new seed manufacturing process (VAR NSP ) compared to the currently licensed VAR. Healthy children 12-23 months were randomized (1:1) into Group 1 (2 doses of VAR NSP given concomitantly with M-M-R™ II, ∼3 months apart) versus  Group 2 (2 doses of VAR given concomitantly with M-M-R™ II, ∼3 months apart).  Serum samples collected prior to vaccination on Day 1 and 6 weeks Postdose 1 were tested for antibody to VZV using a glycoprotein enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (gpELISA).  Safety was assessed Days 1 to 42 following each vaccination. Six weeks Postdose 1, the response rate (percent of subjects with VZV antibody titer ≥5 gpELISA units/mL) of VAR NSP was non-inferior compared to VAR.  Vaccine-related adverse events (AEs) were comparable with the exception of measles-like rash, where a greater number of rashes were observed with VAR than VAR NSP .  The 2 vaccination groups were comparable with incidence rates of AEs, injection-site AEs, vaccine-related AEs, systemic AEs, and serious AEs. This new process is an important innovation for the extreme demand of sustaining sufficient supplies of varicella vaccine to protect our communities against diseases caused by VZV.

Logistics Reduction Technologies for Exploration Missions

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Broyan, James L., Jr.; Ewert, Michael K.; Fink, Patrick W.

2014-01-01

Human exploration missions under study are very limited by the launch mass capacity of existing and planned vehicles. The logistical mass of crew items is typically considered separate from the vehicle structure, habitat outfitting, and life support systems. Consequently, crew item logistical mass is typically competing with vehicle systems for mass allocation. NASA's Advanced Exploration Systems (AES) Logistics Reduction and Repurposing (LRR) Project is developing five logistics technologies guided by a systems engineering cradle-to-grave approach to enable used crew items to augment vehicle systems. Specifically, AES LRR is investigating the direct reduction of clothing mass, the repurposing of logistical packaging, the use of autonomous logistics management technologies, the processing of spent crew items to benefit radiation shielding and water recovery, and the conversion of trash to propulsion gases. The systematic implementation of these types of technologies will increase launch mass efficiency by enabling items to be used for secondary purposes and improve the habitability of the vehicle as the mission duration increases. This paper provides a description and the challenges of the five technologies under development and the estimated overall mission benefits of each technology.

Software Reliability Estimation under Conditions of Incomplete Information.

DTIC Science & Technology

1979-10-01

6k) 1 I’a 1 aN+6d (k D N ae a a m a m where ae i Jl i-rnm ae Mem 0 i~m and -A.7- I pop ," -, (L 0 a o\\ a a(0 0 a) ( T n +L L0- (k0 B2 e e aL (0 -TA...zLLki2ZLK22 9o 10 LuNTINUL 97 METURN -D.7- I ,u~t(OUTLiNE H.TA(ABPeNA.T#VvRRPJJJ) .5 mEAL*b toA 𔃾 HLAL kAeX~ oHP #RNiAtR7#DPRZ thEAL RO a Ia$GL(hiR) Kb

On the Relation between Automated Essay Scoring and Modern Views of the Writing Construct

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Deane, Paul

2013-01-01

This paper examines the construct measured by automated essay scoring (AES) systems. AES systems measure features of the text structure, linguistic structure, and conventional print form of essays; as such, the systems primarily measure text production skills. In the current state-of-the-art, AES provide little direct evidence about such matters…

Bioecology and vectorial capacity of Aedes albopictus (Diptera: Culicidae) in Macao, China, in relation to dengue virus transmission.

PubMed

Almeida, A Paulo G; Baptista, Susana S S G; Sousa, Carla A G C C; Novo, M Teresa L M; Ramos, Helena C; Panella, Nicholas A; Godsey, Marvin; Simões, M João; Anselmo, M Luisa; Komar, Nicholas; Mitchell, Carl J; Ribeiro, Henrique

2005-05-01

Until 2001, the Chinese Territory of Macao had not registered any autochthonous dengue cases, despite the abundance of Aedes albopictus (Skuse), a known vector. This work describes a bioecological characterization of the local Ae. albopictus adult population, with the purpose of estimating the receptivity of Macao to dengue introduction. In the wet seasons of 1997 and 1998 and the dry season of 1998, Ae. albopictus was the most abundant human-biting mosquito. Daily biting rates of 314 mosquitoes per person were recorded in the wet season with a reduction to 94 in the dry season. Ae. albopictus was mainly exophagic and exophilic and had a human blood index of 44%. The parity rate of field-collected mosquitoes was 57%. Daily survival rate ranged from 91 to 97%. Estimates of vectorial capacity ranged from 144 to 880, depending on what parameter values were used. These estimates indicated a great receptivity for the introduction of dengue viruses, as the 2001 outbreak came to prove.

Detritus Type Alters the Outcome of Interspecific Competition Between Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus (Diptera: Culicidae)

PubMed Central

MURRELL, EBONY G.; JULIANO, STEVEN A.

2008-01-01

Many studies of interspecific competition between Aedes albopictus (Skuse) and Aedes aegypti (L.) (Diptera: Culicidae) larvae show that Ae. albopictus are superior resource competitors to Ae. aegypti. Single-species studies indicate that growth and survival of Ae. albopictus and Ae. aegypti larvae are affected by the type of detritus present in containers, which presumably affects the amount and quality of microorganisms that the mosquito larvae consume. We tested whether different detritus types alter the intensity of larval competition by raising 10 different density/species combinations of Ae. albopictus and Ae. aegypti larvae under standard laboratory conditions, with one of four detritus types (oak, pine, grass, or insect) provided as a nutrient base. Intraspecific competitive effects on survival were present with all detritus types. Ae. albopictus survivorship was unaffected by interspecific competition in all treatments. Negative interspecific effects on Ae. aegypti survivorship were present with three of four detritus types, but absent with grass. Estimated finite rate of increase (λ’) was lower with pine detritus than with any other detritus type for both species. Furthermore, Ae. aegypti λ’ was negatively affected by high interspecific density in all detritus types except grass. Thus, our experiment confirms competitive asymmetry in favor of Ae. albopictus with oak, pine, or insect detritus, but also demonstrates that certain detritus types may eliminate interspecific competition among the larvae of these species, which may allow for stable coexistence. Such variation in competitive outcome with detritus type may help to account for observed patterns of coexistence/exclusion of Ae. albopictus and Ae. aegypti in the field. PMID:18533429

Global Dispersal Pattern of HIV Type 1 Subtype CRF01_AE: A Genetic Trace of Human Mobility Related to Heterosexual Sexual Activities Centralized in Southeast Asia.

PubMed

Angelis, Konstantinos; Albert, Jan; Mamais, Ioannis; Magiorkinis, Gkikas; Hatzakis, Angelos; Hamouda, Osamah; Struck, Daniel; Vercauteren, Jurgen; Wensing, Annemarie M J; Alexiev, Ivailo; Åsjö, Birgitta; Balotta, Claudia; Camacho, Ricardo J; Coughlan, Suzie; Griskevicius, Algirdas; Grossman, Zehava; Horban, Andrzej; Kostrikis, Leondios G; Lepej, Snjezana; Liitsola, Kirsi; Linka, Marek; Nielsen, Claus; Otelea, Dan; Paredes, Roger; Poljak, Mario; Puchhammer-Stöckl, Elisabeth; Schmit, Jean-Claude; Sönnerborg, Anders; Staneková, Danica; Stanojevic, Maja; Boucher, Charles A B; Kaplan, Lauren; Vandamme, Anne-Mieke; Paraskevis, Dimitrios

2015-06-01

Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) subtype CRF01_AE originated in Africa and then passed to Thailand, where it established a major epidemic. Despite the global presence of CRF01_AE, little is known about its subsequent dispersal pattern. We assembled a global data set of 2736 CRF01_AE sequences by pooling sequences from public databases and patient-cohort studies. We estimated viral dispersal patterns, using statistical phylogeographic analysis run over bootstrap trees estimated by the maximum likelihood method. We show that Thailand has been the source of viral dispersal to most areas worldwide, including 17 of 20 sampled countries in Europe. Japan, Singapore, Vietnam, and other Asian countries have played a secondary role in the viral dissemination. In contrast, China and Taiwan have mainly imported strains from neighboring Asian countries, North America, and Africa without any significant viral exportation. The central role of Thailand in the global spread of CRF01_AE can be probably explained by the popularity of Thailand as a vacation destination characterized by sex tourism and by Thai emigration to the Western world. Our study highlights the unique case of CRF01_AE, the only globally distributed non-B clade whose global dispersal did not originate in Africa. © The Author 2014. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the Infectious Diseases Society of America. All rights reserved. For Permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com.

Ecological interactions in Aedes species on Reunion Island.

PubMed

Bagny Beilhe, L; Delatte, H; Juliano, S A; Fontenille, D; Quilici, S

2013-12-01

Two invasive, container-breeding mosquito species, Aedes aegypti (Stegomyia aegypti) and Aedes albopictus (Stegomyia albopicta) (Diptera: Culicidae), have different distribution patterns on Reunion Island. Aedes albopictus occurs in all areas and Ae. aegypti colonizes only some restricted areas already occupied by Ae. albopictus. This study investigates the abiotic and biotic ecological mechanisms that determine the distribution of Aedes species on Reunion Island. Life history traits (duration of immature stages, survivorship, fecundity, estimated finite rate of increase) in Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus were compared at different temperatures. These fitness measures were characterized in both species in response to competitive interactions among larvae. Aedes aegypti was drastically affected by temperature, performing well only at around 25 °C, at which it achieved its highest survivorship and greatest estimated rate of increase. The narrow distribution of this species in the field on Reunion Island may thus relate to its poor ability to cope with unfavourable temperatures. Aedes aegypti was also more negatively affected by high population densities and to some extent by interactions with Ae. albopictus, particularly in the context of limited food supplies. Aedes albopictus exhibited better population performance across a range of environmental conditions. Its ecological plasticity and its superior competitive ability relative to its congener may further enhance its invasion success on Reunion Island. © 2012 The Royal Entomological Society.

Preliminary Development of Online Monitoring Acoustic Emission System for the Integrity of Research Reactor Components

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bakhri, S.; Sumarno, E.; Himawan, R.; Akbar, T. Y.; Subekti, M.; Sunaryo, G. R.

2018-02-01

Three research reactors owned by BATAN have been more than 25 years. Aging of (Structure, System and Component) SSC which is mainly related to mechanical causes become the most important issue for the sustainability and safety operation. Acoustic Emission (AE) is one of the appropriate and recommended methods by the IAEA for inspection as well as at the same time for the monitoring of mechanical SSC related. However, the advantages of AE method in detecting the acoustic emission both for the inspection and the online monitoring require a relatively complex measurement system including hardware software system for the signal detection and analysis purposes. Therefore, aim of this work was to develop an AE system based on an embedded system which capable for doing both the online monitoring and inspection of the research reactor’s integrity structure. An embedded system was selected due to the possibility to install the equipment on the field in extreme environmental condition with capability to store, analyses, and send the required information for further maintenance and operation. The research was done by designing the embedded system based on the Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) platform, because of their execution speed and system reconfigurable opportunities. The AE embedded system is then tested to identify the AE source location and AE characteristic under tensile material testing. The developed system successfully acquire the AE elastic waveform and determine the parameter-based analysis such as the amplitude, peak, duration, rise time, counts and the average frequency both for the source location test and the tensile test.

Joule heat production rate and the particle energy injection rate as a function of the geomagnetic indices AE and AL

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

Ahn, B.; Akasofu, S.; Kamide, Y.

1983-08-01

As a part of the joint efforts of operating six meridian chains of magnetometers during the IMS, magnetic records from 71 stations are used to deduce the distribution of electric fields and currents in the polar ionosphere for March 17, 18, and 19, 1978. As a continuation of this project, we have constructed hourly distribution maps of the Joule heat production rate and their sum over the entire polar region on the three days. For this purpose the conductivity distribution is inferred at each instant partially on the basis of an empirical method devised by Ahn et al. (1982). Themore » particle energy injection rate is estimated similarly by using an empirical method. The data set thus obtained allows us to estimate also the global Joule heat production rate U/sub J/, the global particle energy injection rate U/sub A/ and the sum U/sub Gamma/ of the two quantities. It is found that three global quantities (watt) are related almost linearly to the AE(nT) and AL(nT) indices. Our present estimates give the following relationships: U/sub J/ = 2.3 times 10/sup 8/ x AE/sub 8/ U/sub A/ = 0.6 times 10/sup 8/ x AE/sub 8/ and U/sub I/ = 2.9 times 10/sup 8/ x AE: U/sub J/ = 3.0 times 10/sup 8/ x AL/sub 8/ U/sub A/ = 0.8 times 10/sup 8/ x AL, and U/sub I/ = 3.8 times 10/sup 8/ x AL.« less

Relationship between mono-hydroxy-carbazepine serum concentrations and adverse effects in patients on oxcarbazepine monotherapy.

PubMed

Sattler, Annika; Schaefer, Marion; May, Theodor W

2015-09-01

To evaluate the relationship between serum concentrations of mono-hydroxy-carbazepine (MHD), the main metabolite of oxcarbazepine (OXC), and the occurrence of adverse effects (AE) in a large group of patients on OXC monotherapy. An antiepileptic drug (AED) therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) database was analyzed especially with regard to OXC dosage, MHD serum concentration, and the occurrence of AE. In total, 893 blood samples of 442 patients were included in this retrospective study. The statistical evaluation was performed by means of Kaplan-Meier estimates, log-rank tests and generalized estimating equations (GEE). At least one AE was reported in 78 (17.6%) of the 442 patients. At MHD serum concentrations of 30.0 μg/ml and 43.7 μg/ml and OXC dosages of 33.1 mg/kg and 62.3 mg/kg, 25% and 75% of patients, respectively, experienced at least one AE. Log-rank tests indicated that younger patients (<18 years) may be able to tolerate higher MHD serum levels (p = 0.006) and higher OXC dosages per body weight (p < 0.001) compared to adult patients (≥ 18 years). Furthermore, AEs occurred at higher body-weight adjusted OXC dosages of extended release formulations compared to immediate-release formulations (p = 0.010), whereas MHD serum levels at which AEs occurred did not differ significantly between formulations (p = 0.125). Multivariate GEE confirmed the results. The occurrence of AEs is significantly (and non-linearly) dependent on MHD serum level, whereas the dependence of OXC dosage is less distinctive. But, tolerability of OXC seems to depend on age of the patients as well as on pharmaceutical formulation of OXC. Copyright © 2015 British Epilepsy Association. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Adverse Effects (AEs) of Topical NSAIDs in Older Adults with Osteoarthritis (OA): a Systematic Review of the Literature

PubMed Central

Makris, UE.; Kohler, MJ.; Fraenkel, L.

2010-01-01

Objective To systematically review the literature on reported adverse effects (AEs) associated with topical NSAID use in older adults with osteoarthritis (OA). Methods A systematic search of Medline (1950 to November 2009), Scopus, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane databases, Dissertation and American College of Rheumatology Meeting Abstracts was performed to identify original randomized controlled trials, case reports, observational studies, editorials or dissertations reporting AEs from topical NSAIDs in older adults with OA. Information was sought on study and participant characteristics, detailed recording of application site and systemic AEs as well as withdrawals due to AEs. Results The initial search yielded 953 articles of which 19 met eligibility criteria. Subjects receiving topical NSAIDs reported up to 39.3% application site AEs, and up to 17.5% systemic AEs. Five cases of warfarin potentiation with topical agents were reported; 1 resulting in gastrointestinal bleeding. In formal trials, the withdrawal rate from AEs ranged from 0-21% in the topical agents, 0-25% in the oral NSAIDs, and 0-16% in the placebo group. Conclusion In summary, although topical NSAIDs are safer than oral NSAIDs (fewer severe gastrointestinal AEs), a substantial proportion of older adults report systemic AEs with topical agents. Moreover, the withdrawal rate due to AEs with topical agents is comparable to that of oral NSAIDs. Given the safety profile and withdrawal rates described in this study, further data are needed to determine the incremental benefits of topical NSAIDs compared to other treatment modalities in older adults with OA. PMID:20360183

Chemical analysis and giardicidal effectiveness of the aqueous extract of Cymbopogon citratus Stapf.

PubMed

Méabed, Eman M H; Abou-Sreea, Alaa I B; Roby, Mohamed H H

2018-06-01

Searching for new effective and safe treatment of Giardia lamblia (G. lamblia) parasite is mandatory. The aim was to evaluate the in vitro and in vivo effectiveness of an aqueous extract prepared from the leaves of Cymbagogon citratus (CcAE) against G. lamblia and to reveal the phenolic and antioxidant properties of CcAE. CcAE (25, 50, 100, 200, 400, and 500 μg/ml) was in vitro incubated with G. lamblia trophozoites in comparison with metronidazole (MTZ 10 and 25 μg/ml). Growth inhibition was evaluated after 3, 24, and 48 h of drug exposure. Infected groups of mice were orally treated for 7 days with CcAE at 125, 250, and 500 mg/kg/day/mouse, in comparison with a group treated with 15 mg/kg/day/mouse MTZ for the same period. The total phenolic components (TPC), the total flavonoid components (TFC), the 2,2,diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging activity, and the high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) for quantitative and qualitative phenolic content were chemically estimated. After 24 and 48 h of in vitro incubation, the estimated minimal inhibitory concentrations (MIC) were 500 and 400 μg/ml, respectively, and the concentrations that induced 50% growth inhibition (IC 50 ) were 93.8 and 60.4 μg/ml, respectively (P < 0.001). Mice given 500 mg/kg CcAE showed 100% stool clearance of G. lamblia stages, similar to MTZ-treated control group (P < 0.001). The TPC was 10.7 ± 0.2 mg GAE/g and the TFC was 23.9 ± 0.3 mg quercetin/g, and the estimated IC 50 for DPPH free radical scavenging was 16.4 ± 0.1 mg/ml. HPLC revealed the major phenolic components of CcAE to be carnosic acid, p-coumaric acid, cinnamiac acid, quercetin, rutin, and chlorogenic acid. In conclusion, CcAE is significantly effective against G. lamblia in vitro and in vivo, and has considerable phenolic and antioxidant properties.

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

Kosch, M.J.; Nielsen, E.

The Scandinavian Twin Auroral Radar Experiment (STARE) and Sweden and Britain Radar Experiment (SABRE) bistatic coherent radar systems have been employed to estimate the spatial and temporal variation of the ionospheric Joule heating in the combined geographic latitude range 63.8 deg - 72.6 deg (corrected geomagnetic latitude 61.5 deg - 69.3 deg) over Scandinavia. The 173 days of good observations with all four radars have been analyzed during the period 1982 to 1986 to estimate the average ionospheric electric field versus time and latitude. The AE dependent empirical model of ionospheric Pedersen conductivity of Spiro et al. (1982) has beenmore » used to calculate the Joule heating. The latitudinal and diurnal variation of Joule heating as well as the estimated mean hemispherical heating of 1.7 x 10(exp 11) W are in good agreement with earlier results. Average Joule heating was found to vary linearly with the AE, AU, and AL indices and as a second-order power law with Kp. The average Joule heating was also examined as a function of the direction and magnitude of the interplanetary magnetic field. It has been shown for the first time that the ionospheric electric field magnitude as well as the Joule heating increase with increasingly negative (southward) Bz.« less

Basic determinants of epicardial transudation.

PubMed

Stewart, R H; Rohn, D A; Allen, S J; Laine, G A

1997-09-01

Myocardial edema formation, which has been shown to compromise cardiac function, and increased epicardial transudation (pericardial effusion) have been shown to occur after elevation of myocardial venous and lymphatic outflow pressures. The purposes of this study were to estimate the hydraulic conductance and osmotic reflection coefficient for the epicardium and to determine the effect of coronary sinus hypertension and cardiac lymphatic obstruction on epicardial fluid flux (JV,e/Ae). A Plexiglas hemispheric capsule was attached to the left ventricular epicardial surface of anesthetized dogs. JV,e/Ae was determined over 30-min periods for three intracapsular pressures (-5, -15, and -25 mmHg) and two intracapsular solutions exerting colloid osmotic pressures of 7.0 and 2.0 mmHg. Hydraulic conductance was estimated to be 3.7 +/- 0.5 microliters.h-1.cm-2.mmHg-1. An osmotic reflection coefficient of 0.9 was calculated from the difference in JV,e/Ae of 16.5 +/- 8.4 microliters.h-1.cm-2 between the two solutions. Graded coronary sinus hypertension induced a linear increase in JV,e/Ae, which was significantly greater in dogs without cardiac lymphatic occlusion than in those with occlusion.

Relationship between exposure to vector bites and antibody responses to mosquito salivary gland extracts.

PubMed

Fontaine, Albin; Pascual, Aurélie; Orlandi-Pradines, Eve; Diouf, Ibrahima; Remoué, Franck; Pagès, Frédéric; Fusaï, Thierry; Rogier, Christophe; Almeras, Lionel

2011-01-01

Mosquito-borne diseases are major health problems worldwide. Serological responses to mosquito saliva proteins may be useful in estimating individual exposure to bites from mosquitoes transmitting these diseases. However, the relationships between the levels of these IgG responses and mosquito density as well as IgG response specificity at the genus and/or species level need to be clarified prior to develop new immunological markers to assess human/vector contact. To this end, a kinetic study of antibody levels against several mosquito salivary gland extracts from southeastern French individuals living in three areas with distinct ecological environments and, by implication, distinct Aedes caspius mosquito densities were compared using ELISA. A positive association was observed between the average levels of IgG responses against Ae. caspius salivary gland extracts and spatial Ae. caspius densities. Additionally, the average level of IgG responses increased significantly during the peak exposure to Ae. caspius at each site and returned to baseline four months later, suggesting short-lived IgG responses. The species-specificity of IgG antibody responses was determined by testing antibody responses to salivary gland extracts from Cx. pipiens, a mosquito that is present at these three sites at different density levels, and from two other Aedes species not present in the study area (Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus). The IgG responses observed against these mosquito salivary gland extracts contrasted with those observed against Ae. caspius salivary gland extracts, supporting the existence of species-specific serological responses. By considering different populations and densities of mosquitoes linked to environmental factors, this study shows, for the first time, that specific IgG antibody responses against Ae. caspius salivary gland extracts may be related to the seasonal and geographical variations in Ae. caspius density. Characterisation of such immunological-markers may allow the evaluation of the effectiveness of vector-control strategies or estimation of the risk of vector-borne disease transmission.

Phylodynamic Analysis Reveals CRF01_AE Dissemination between Japan and Neighboring Asian Countries and the Role of Intravenous Drug Use in Transmission

PubMed Central

Shiino, Teiichiro; Hattori, Junko; Yokomaku, Yoshiyuki; Iwatani, Yasumasa; Sugiura, Wataru

2014-01-01

Background One major circulating HIV-1 subtype in Southeast Asian countries is CRF01_AE, but little is known about its epidemiology in Japan. We conducted a molecular phylodynamic study of patients newly diagnosed with CRF01_AE from 2003 to 2010. Methods Plasma samples from patients registered in Japanese Drug Resistance HIV-1 Surveillance Network were analyzed for protease-reverse transcriptase sequences; all sequences undergo subtyping and phylogenetic analysis using distance-matrix-based, maximum likelihood and Bayesian coalescent Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) phylogenetic inferences. Transmission clusters were identified using interior branch test and depth-first searches for sub-tree partitions. Times of most recent common ancestor (tMRCAs) of significant clusters were estimated using Bayesian MCMC analysis. Results Among 3618 patient registered in our network, 243 were infected with CRF01_AE. The majority of individuals with CRF01_AE were Japanese, predominantly male, and reported heterosexual contact as their risk factor. We found 5 large clusters with ≥5 members and 25 small clusters consisting of pairs of individuals with highly related CRF01_AE strains. The earliest cluster showed a tMRCA of 1996, and consisted of individuals with their known risk as heterosexual contacts. The other four large clusters showed later tMRCAs between 2000 and 2002 with members including intravenous drug users (IVDU) and non-Japanese, but not men who have sex with men (MSM). In contrast, small clusters included a high frequency of individuals reporting MSM risk factors. Phylogenetic analysis also showed that some individuals infected with HIV strains spread in East and South-eastern Asian countries. Conclusions Introduction of CRF01_AE viruses into Japan is estimated to have occurred in the 1990s. CFR01_AE spread via heterosexual behavior, then among persons connected with non-Japanese, IVDU, and MSM. Phylogenetic analysis demonstrated that some viral variants are largely restricted to Japan, while others have a broad geographic distribution. PMID:25025900

Relationship between Exposure to Vector Bites and Antibody Responses to Mosquito Salivary Gland Extracts

PubMed Central

Orlandi-Pradines, Eve; Diouf, Ibrahima; Remoué, Franck; Pagès, Frédéric; Fusaï, Thierry; Rogier, Christophe; Almeras, Lionel

2011-01-01

Mosquito-borne diseases are major health problems worldwide. Serological responses to mosquito saliva proteins may be useful in estimating individual exposure to bites from mosquitoes transmitting these diseases. However, the relationships between the levels of these IgG responses and mosquito density as well as IgG response specificity at the genus and/or species level need to be clarified prior to develop new immunological markers to assess human/vector contact. To this end, a kinetic study of antibody levels against several mosquito salivary gland extracts from southeastern French individuals living in three areas with distinct ecological environments and, by implication, distinct Aedes caspius mosquito densities were compared using ELISA. A positive association was observed between the average levels of IgG responses against Ae. caspius salivary gland extracts and spatial Ae. caspius densities. Additionally, the average level of IgG responses increased significantly during the peak exposure to Ae. caspius at each site and returned to baseline four months later, suggesting short-lived IgG responses. The species-specificity of IgG antibody responses was determined by testing antibody responses to salivary gland extracts from Cx. pipiens, a mosquito that is present at these three sites at different density levels, and from two other Aedes species not present in the study area (Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus). The IgG responses observed against these mosquito salivary gland extracts contrasted with those observed against Ae. caspius salivary gland extracts, supporting the existence of species-specific serological responses. By considering different populations and densities of mosquitoes linked to environmental factors, this study shows, for the first time, that specific IgG antibody responses against Ae. caspius salivary gland extracts may be related to the seasonal and geographical variations in Ae. caspius density. Characterisation of such immunological-markers may allow the evaluation of the effectiveness of vector-control strategies or estimation of the risk of vector-borne disease transmission. PMID:22195000

Validation of the French version of the Acceptability E-scale (AES) for mental E-health systems.

PubMed

Micoulaud-Franchi, Jean-Arthur; Sauteraud, Alain; Olive, Jérôme; Sagaspe, Patricia; Bioulac, Stéphanie; Philip, Pierre

2016-03-30

Despite the increasing use of E-health systems for mental-health organizations, there is a lack of psychometric tools to evaluate their acceptability by patients with mental disorders. Thus, this study aimed to translate and validate a French version of the Acceptability E-scale (AES), a 6-item self-reported questionnaire that evaluates the extent to which patients find E-health systems acceptable. A forward-backward translation of the AES was performed. The psychometric properties of the French AES version, with construct validity, internal structural validity and external validity (Pearson's coefficient between AES scores and depression symptoms on the Beck Depression Inventory II) were analyzed. In a sample of 178 patients (mean age=46.51 years, SD=12.91 years), the validation process revealed satisfactory psychometric properties: factor analysis revealed two factors: "Satisfaction" (3 items) and "Usability" (3 items) and Cronbach's alpha was 0.7. No significant relation was found between AES scores and depression symptoms. The French version of the AES revealed a two-factor scale that differs from the original version. In line with the importance of acceptability in mental health and with a view to E-health systems for patients with mental disorders, the use of the AES in psychiatry may provide important information on acceptability (i.e., satisfaction and usability). Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Heat of Formation of OBrO: An Experiment Photoionization Study

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Klemm, R. Bruce; Thorn, R. Peyton; Stief, Louis J.; Buckley, Thomas J.; Vondrak, Richard R. (Technical Monitor)

2000-01-01

The potential importance of OBrO in atmospheric chemistry has been suggested recently. Although there appear to be no experimental measurements of deltaH(OBrO), estimated values range from 70 to 152 kJ/mol. In the present investigation, the appearance energy (AE) of BrO+ from OBrO was measured by employing a discharge flow-photoionization mass spectrometer that is operated at beamline U-11. The heat of formation was derived from the AE result and the ionization energy of OBrO [IE = 10.29 eV]. The AE experiments yield a threshold at about 98.7 nm that gives, in turn, a value for AH(OBrO) of 180 +/- 10 kJ/mol. The difference with the estimated values mentioned above and the concomitant implications for the atmospheric reactions of OBrO will be discussed.

Laser Self-Mixing Fiber Bragg Grating Sensor for Acoustic Emission Measurement.

PubMed

Liu, Bin; Ruan, Yuxi; Yu, Yanguang; Xi, Jiangtao; Guo, Qinghua; Tong, Jun; Rajan, Ginu

2018-06-16

Fiber Bragg grating (FBG) is considered a good candidate for acoustic emission (AE) measurement. The sensing and measurement in traditional FBG-based AE systems are based on the variation in laser intensity induced by the Bragg wavelength shift. This paper presents a sensing system by combining self-mixing interference (SMI) in a laser diode and FBG for AE measurement, aiming to form a new compact and cost-effective sensing system. The measurement model of the overall system was derived. The performance of the presented system was investigated from both aspects of theory and experiment. The results show that the proposed system is able to measure AE events with high resolution and over a wide dynamic frequency range.

Acoustic emission monitoring and critical failure identification of bridge cable damage

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Dongsheng; Ou, Jinping

2008-03-01

Acoustic emission (AE) characteristic parameters of bridge cable damage were obtained on tensile test. The testing results show that the AE parameter analysis method based on correlation figure of count, energy, duration time, amplitude and time can express the whole damage course, and can correctly judge the signal difference of broken wire and unbroken wire. It found the bridge cable AE characteristics aren't apparent before yield deformation, however they are increasing after yield deformation, at the time of breaking, and they reach to maximum. At last, the bridge cable damage evolution law is studied applying the AE characteristic parameter time series fractal theory. In the initial and middle stage of loading, the AE fractal value of bridge cable is unsteady. The fractal value reaches to the minimum at the critical point of failure. According to this changing law, it is approached how to make dynamic assessment and estimation of damage degrees.

Detection of adverse events in general surgery using the " Trigger Tool" methodology.

PubMed

Pérez Zapata, Ana Isabel; Gutiérrez Samaniego, María; Rodríguez Cuéllar, Elías; Andrés Esteban, Eva María; Gómez de la Cámara, Agustín; Ruiz López, Pedro

2015-02-01

Surgery is one of the high-risk areas for the occurrence of adverse events (AE). The purpose of this study is to know the percentage of hospitalisation-related AE that are detected by the «Global Trigger Tool» methodology in surgical patients, their characteristics and the tool validity. Retrospective, observational study on patients admitted to a general surgery department, who underwent a surgical operation in a third level hospital during the year 2012. The identification of AE was carried out by patient record review using an adaptation of «Global Trigger Tool» methodology. Once an AE was identified, a harm category was assigned, including the grade in which the AE could have been avoided and its relation with the surgical procedure. The prevalence of AE was 36,8%. There were 0,5 AE per patient. 56,2% were deemed preventable. 69,3% were directly related to the surgical procedure. The tool had a sensitivity of 86% and a specificity of 93,6%. The positive predictive value was 89% and the negative predictive value 92%. Prevalence of AE is greater than the estimate of other studies. In most cases the AE detected were related to the surgical procedure and more than half were also preventable. The adapted «Global Trigger Tool» methodology has demonstrated to be highly effective and efficient for detecting AE in surgical patients, identifying all the serious AE with few false negative results. Copyright © 2014 AEC. Publicado por Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.

Management of alcohol misuse in Scotland: the role of A&E nurses.

PubMed

Anderson, S; Eadie, D R; MacKintosh, A M; Haw, S

2001-04-01

Despite national targets to reduce excessive drinking in Scotland, rates have increased dramatically since the mid-eighties. The role of Accident and Emergency (A&E) departments in the management of alcohol misuse is much debated. This postal survey was conducted with senior medical and nursing staff in A&E departments and minor injury units throughout Scotland to examine the prevalence of alcohol-related attendances and staff's attitudes towards identifying and responding to alcohol-related attendances. A 57% response rate was achieved, representing 87% of all A&E institutions in Scotland (n = 84). The results reveal an estimated 1 in 7 attendances in A&E in Scotland are alcohol-related, and 1 in 5 of these result in admission. However, over two-fifths of departments do not routinely screen for, or keep records of, patients who attend with alcohol problems. Intervention is normally limited to a brief dialogue and referral to the patient's GP. Despite considerable barriers, A&E nursing staff express a willingness to assume a preventive role, but acknowledge lack of appropriate training and sources of support. It is concluded that there is scope for developing identification and brief intervention services within A&E. However, such developments are dependent upon alcohol issues assuming a higher priority among senior A&E staff.

Assessment of the integrity of concrete bridge structures by acoustic emission technique

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yoon, Dong-Jin; Park, Philip; Jung, Juong-Chae; Lee, Seung-Seok

2002-06-01

This study was aimed at developing a new method for assessing the integrity of concrete structures. Especially acoustic emission technique was used in carrying out both laboratory experiment and field application. From the previous laboratory study, we confirmed that AE analysis provided a promising approach for estimating the level of damage and distress in concrete structures. The Felicity ratio, one of the key parameter for assessing damage, exhibits a favorable correlation with the overall damage level. The total number of AE events under stepwise cyclic loading also showed a good agreement with the damage level. In this study, a new suggested technique was applied to several concrete bridges in Korea in order to verify the applicability in field. The AE response was analyzed to obtain key parameters such as the total number and rate of AE events, AE parameter analysis for each event, and the characteristic features of the waveform as well as Felicity ratio analysis. Stepwise loading-unloading procedure for AE generation was introduced in field test by using each different weight of vehicle. According to the condition of bridge, for instance new or old bridge, AE event rate and AE generation behavior indicated many different aspects. The results showed that the suggested analyzing method would be a promising approach for assessing the integrity of concrete structures.

Safety Experience During Real-World Use of Injectable Artesunate in Public Health Facilities in Ghana and Uganda: Outcomes of a Modified Cohort Event Monitoring Study (CEMISA).

PubMed

Ampadu, H Hilda; Dodoo, Alexander N O; Bosomprah, Samuel; Akakpo, Samantha; Hugo, Pierre; Gardarsdottir, Helga; Leufkens, H G M; Kajungu, Dan; Asante, Kwaku Poku

2018-04-25

Injectable artesunate (Inj AS) is the World Health Organization (WHO)-recommended product for treating severe malaria. However, despite widespread usage, there are few published safety studies involving large populations in real-world settings. In this study, we sought to assess the incidence of common adverse events (AEs) following the intake of Inj AS in real-life settings. This is a modified cohort event monitoring study involving patients who were administered with Inj AS at eight sites (four each in Ghana and Uganda) between May and December 2016. Patients were eligible for inclusion if they had severe/complicated malaria and were able and willing to participate in the study. Eligible patients were followed up by telephone or hospital or home visit on Days 7, 14, 21 and 28 after drug administration to document AEs and serious AEs (SAEs). Patients were also encouraged to report all AEs at any time during the study period. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to estimate the proportion of patients with any AEs by end of Day 28. Causality assessment was made on all AEs/SAEs using the WHO/UMC (Uppsala Monitoring Centre) causality method. A total of 1103 eligible patients were administered Inj AS, of which 360 patients were in Ghana and 743 in Uganda. The incidence of any AE by the end of follow-up among patients treated with AS was estimated to be 17.9% (197/1103) (95% confidence interval [CI] 15.8-20.3). The median time-to-onset of any AEs was 9 days (interquartile range (IQR) = 4, 14). The top five AEs recorded among patients treated with AS were pyrexia (3.5%), abdominal pain (2.5%), diarrhoea (1.7%), cough (1.5%) and asthenia (1.5%). Most of these top five AEs occurred in the first 14 days following treatment. Regarding the relatedness of these AEs to Inj AS, 78.9% of pyrexia (30/38), 63.0% of pain (17/27), 68.4% of diarrhoea (13/19), 85.5% of cough (14/16) and 75.0% of asthenia (12/16) were assessed as 'possibly' related. There were 17 SAEs including 13 deaths. Two of the deaths are 'possibly' related to Inj AS, as were three non-fatal SAEs: severe abdominal pain, failure of therapy and severe anaemia. The incidence of common AEs among patients treated with Inj AS in real-world settings was found to be relatively low. Future studies should consider larger cohorts to document rare AEs as well. CLINICALTRIALS. NCT02817919.

15 CFR 740.15 - Aircraft and vessels (AVS).

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-01-01

... Automated Export System (AES) record is filed in accordance with the requirements of the Foreign Trade Statistics Regulations (15 CFR part 30), except that an SED or AES record is not required when any of the...'s Export Declaration (SED) or Automated Export System (AES) record is filed in accordance with the...

15 CFR 740.15 - Aircraft and vessels (AVS).

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-01-01

... Automated Export System (AES) record is filed in accordance with the requirements of the Foreign Trade Statistics Regulations (15 CFR part 30), except that an SED or AES record is not required when any of the...'s Export Declaration (SED) or Automated Export System (AES) record is filed in accordance with the...

15 CFR 740.15 - Aircraft and vessels (AVS).

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-01-01

... Automated Export System (AES) record is filed in accordance with the requirements of the Foreign Trade Statistics Regulations (15 CFR part 30), except that an SED or AES record is not required when any of the...'s Export Declaration (SED) or Automated Export System (AES) record is filed in accordance with the...

Incidence of adverse events in Sweden during 2013–2016: a cohort study describing the implementation of a national trigger tool

PubMed Central

Nilsson, Lena; Borgstedt-Risberg, Madeleine; Soop, Michael; Nylén, Urban; Ålenius, Carina; Rutberg, Hans

2018-01-01

Objectives To describe the implementation of a trigger tool in Sweden and present the national incidence of adverse events (AEs) over a 4-year period during which an ongoing national patient safety initiative was terminated. Design Cohort study using retrospective record review based on a trigger tool methodology. Setting and participants Patients ≥18 years admitted to all somatic acute care hospitals in Sweden from 2013 to 2016 were randomised into the study. Primary and secondary outcome measures Primary outcome measure was the incidence of AEs, and secondary measures were type of injury, severity of harm, preventability of AEs, estimated healthcare cost of AEs and incidence of AEs in patients cared for in another type of unit than the one specialised for their medical needs (‘off-site’). Results In a review of 64 917 admissions, the average AE rates in 2014 (11.6%), 2015 (10.9%) and 2016 (11.4%) were significantly lower than in 2013 (13.1%). The decrease in the AE rates was seen in different age groups, in both genders and for preventable and non-preventable AEs. The decrease comprised only the least severe AEs. The types of AEs that decreased were hospital-acquired infections, urinary bladder distention and compromised vital signs. Patients cared for ‘off-site’ had 84% more preventable AEs than patients cared for in the appropriate units. The cost of increased length of stay associated with preventable AEs corresponded to 13%–14% of the total cost of somatic hospital care in Sweden. Conclusions The rate of AEs in Swedish somatic hospitals has decreased from 2013 to 2016. Retrospective record review can be used to monitor patient safety over time, to assess the effects of national patient safety interventions and analyse challenges to patient safety such as the increasing care of patients ‘off-site’. It was found that the economic burden of preventable AEs is high. PMID:29602858

AE monitoring instrumentation for high performance superconducting dipoles and quadrupoles, Phase 2

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Iwasa, Y.

1986-01-01

In the past year and a half, attention has been focused on the development of instrumentation for on-line monitoring of high-performance superconducting dipoles and quadrupoles. This instrumentation has been completed and satisfactorily demonstrated on a prototype Fermi dipole. Conductor motion is the principal source of acoustic emission (AE) and the major cause of quenches in the dipole, except during the virgin run when other sources are also present. The motion events are mostly microslips. The middle of the magnet is most susceptible to quenches. This result agrees with the peak field location in the magnet. In the virgin state the top and bottom of the magnet appeared acoustically similar but diverged after training, possibly due to minute structural asymmetry, for example differences in clamping and welding strength; however, the results do not indicate any major structural defects. There is good correlation between quench current and AE starting current. The correlation is reasonable if mechanical disturbances are indeed responsible for quench. Based on AE cumulative history, the average frictional power dissipation in the whole dipole winding is estimated to be approx. 10 (MU)W cm(-3). We expect to implement the following in the next phase of this project: Application of room-temperature techniques to detecting structural defects in the dipole; application of the system to other dipoles and quadrupoles in the same series to compare their performances; and further investigation of AE starting current approx. quench current relationship. Work has begun on the room temperature measurements. Preliminary Stress Wave Factor measurements have been made on a model dipole casing.

Preslip and cascade processes initiating laboratory stick slip

USGS Publications Warehouse

McLaskey, Gregory C.; Lockner, David A.

2014-01-01

Recent modeling studies have explored whether earthquakes begin with a large aseismic nucleation process or initiate dynamically from the rapid growth of a smaller instability in a “cascade-up” process. To explore such a case in the laboratory, we study the initiation of dynamic rupture (stick slip) of a smooth saw-cut fault in a 76mm diameter cylindrical granite laboratory sample at 40–120MPa confining pressure. We use a high dynamic range recording system to directly compare the seismic waves radiated during the stick-slip event to those radiated from tiny (M _6) discrete seismic events, commonly known as acoustic emissions (AEs), that occur in the seconds prior to each large stick slip. The seismic moments, focal mechanisms, locations, and timing of the AEs all contribute to our understanding of their mechanics and provide us with information about the stick-slip nucleation process. In a sequence of 10 stick slips, the first few microseconds of the signals recorded from stick-slip instabilities are nearly indistinguishable from those of premonitory AEs. In this sense, it appears that each stick slip begins as an AE event that rapidly (~20 μs) grows about 2 orders of magnitude in linear dimension and ruptures the entire 150mm length of the simulated fault. We also measure accelerating fault slip in the final seconds before stick slip. We estimate that this slip is at least 98% aseismic and that it both weakens the fault and produces AEs that will eventually cascade-up to initiate the larger dynamic rupture.

[Comparison of the "Trigger" tool with the minimum basic data set for detecting adverse events in general surgery].

PubMed

Pérez Zapata, A I; Gutiérrez Samaniego, M; Rodríguez Cuéllar, E; Gómez de la Cámara, A; Ruiz López, P

Surgery is a high risk for the occurrence of adverse events (AE). The main objective of this study is to compare the effectiveness of the Trigger tool with the Hospital National Health System registration of Discharges, the minimum basic data set (MBDS), in detecting adverse events in patients admitted to General Surgery and undergoing surgery. Observational and descriptive retrospective study of patients admitted to general surgery of a tertiary hospital, and undergoing surgery in 2012. The identification of adverse events was made by reviewing the medical records, using an adaptation of "Global Trigger Tool" methodology, as well as the (MBDS) registered on the same patients. Once the AE were identified, they were classified according to damage and to the extent to which these could have been avoided. The area under the curve (ROC) were used to determine the discriminatory power of the tools. The Hanley and Mcneil test was used to compare both tools. AE prevalence was 36.8%. The TT detected 89.9% of all AE, while the MBDS detected 28.48%. The TT provides more information on the nature and characteristics of the AE. The area under the curve was 0.89 for the TT and 0.66 for the MBDS. These differences were statistically significant (P<.001). The Trigger tool detects three times more adverse events than the MBDS registry. The prevalence of adverse events in General Surgery is higher than that estimated in other studies. Copyright © 2017 SECA. Publicado por Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.

Environmentally induced acoustic emission from reinforced concrete

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pollock, Adrian A.; Gonzalez-Nunez, Miguel; Shokri, Tala

2011-04-01

A system is being developed to monitor in-service deterioration of reinforced concrete (RC) in highway bridges. The system includes the monitoring of acoustic emission (AE). To develop a preliminary understanding of AE source mechanisms and their causes while also getting closer to the challenges of separating relevant AE from noise, a 6ft long RC test article was monitored in the outdoors environment of a New Jersey summer. There were indications of daily swings in the AE rate, coinciding with the daily swings in temperature. However this correlation was not consistent or reproducible. As the monitoring was extended into the winter and the test site was buried in snow, the AE rate dropped drastically. It was concluded that temperature changes were instrumental in stimulating AE from this damaged concrete. Implications for the formulation of AE evaluation criteria are discussed. Also, the summer swings provoked consideration of the underlying stress field, the fractal nature of the heterogeneous material and the stochastic AE phenomenon. An analysis of calm time distributions yielded results similar to those found by Abe and Suzuki for earthquake time distributions. Analysis of this kind may help to differentiate relevant AE from some kinds of noise.

Acoustic emission-based sensor analysis and damage classification for structural health monitoring of composite structures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Uprety, Bibhisha

Within the aerospace industry the need to detect and locate impact events, even when no visible damage is present, is important both from the maintenance and design perspectives. This research focused on the use of Acoustic Emission (AE) based sensing technologies to identify impact events and characterize damage modes in composite structures for structural health monitoring. Six commercially available piezoelectric AE sensors were evaluated for use with impact location estimation algorithms under development at the University of Utah. Both active and passive testing were performed to estimate the time of arrival and plate wave mode velocities for impact location estimation. Four sensors were recommended for further comparative investigations. Furthermore, instrumented low-velocity impact experiments were conducted on quasi-isotropic carbon/epoxy composite laminates to initiate specific types of damage: matrix cracking, delamination and fiber breakage. AE signal responses were collected during impacting and the test panels were ultrasonically C-scanned after impact to identify the internal damage corresponding to the AE signals. Matrix cracking and delamination damage produced using more compliant test panels and larger diameter impactor were characterized by lower frequency signals while fiber breakage produced higher frequency responses. The results obtained suggest that selected characteristics of sensor response signals can be used both to determine whether damage is produced during impacting and to characterize the types of damage produced in an impacted composite structure.

Development of an integrated electronic platform for patient self-report and management of adverse events during cancer treatment.

PubMed

Holch, P; Warrington, L; Bamforth, L C A; Keding, A; Ziegler, L E; Absolom, K; Hector, C; Harley, C; Johnson, O; Hall, G; Morris, C; Velikova, G

2017-09-01

Significant adverse events (AE) during cancer therapy disrupt treatment and escalate to emergency admissions. Approaches to improve the timeliness and accuracy of AE reporting may improve safety and reduce health service costs. Reporting AE via patient reported outcomes (PROs), can improve clinician-patient communication and making data available to clinicians in 'real-time' using electronic PROs (ePROs) could potentially transform clinical practice by providing easily accessible records to guide treatment decisions. This manuscript describes the development of eRAPID (electronic patient self-Reporting of Adverse-events: Patient Information and aDvice) is a National Institute for Health Research-funded programme, a system for patients to self-report and manage AE online during and after cancer treatment. A multidisciplinary team of IT experts, staff and patients developed using agile principles a secure web application interface (QStore) between an existing online questionnaire builder (QTool) displaying real-time ePRO data to clinicians in the electronic patient record at Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust. Hierarchical algorithms were developed corresponding to Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events grading using the QTool question dependency function. Patient advocates (N = 9), patients (N = 13), and staff (N = 19) usability tested the system reporting combinations of AE. The eRAPID system allows patients to report AE from home on PC, tablet or any web enabled device securely during treatment. The system generates immediate self-management advice for low or moderate AE and for severe AE advice to contact the hospital immediately. Clinicians can view patient AE data in the electronic patient record and receive email notifications when patients report severe AE. Evaluation of the system in a randomised controlled trial in breast, gynaecological and colorectal cancer patients undergoing systemic therapy is currently underway. To adapt eRAPID for different treatment groups, pilot studies are being undertaken with patients receiving pelvic radiotherapy and upper gastrointestinal surgery. ISRCTN88520246. © The Author 2017. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the European Society for Medical Oncology. All rights reserved. For Permissions, please email: journals.permissions@oup.com.

Present Day and Future Population Dynamics of the Dengue Vector Mosquito Aedes aegypti Using a Water Container Energy Balance Model

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Steinhoff, D.

2017-12-01

Dengue infections are estimated to total nearly 400 million per year worldwide, with both the geographic range and the magnitude of infections having increased in the past 50 years. The primary dengue vector mosquito Aedes aegypti is closely associated with humans. It lives exclusively in urban and semi-urban areas, preferentially bites humans, and spends its developmental stages in artificial water containers. Climate regulates the development of Ae. aegypti immature mosquitoes in artificial containers. Potential containers for Ae. aegypti immature development include, but are not limited to, small sundry items (e.g., bottles, cans, plastic containers), buckets, tires, barrels, tanks, and cisterns. Successful development of immature mosquitoes from eggs to larvae, pupae, and adults is largely dependent on the availability of water and the thermal properties of the water in the containers. An energy balance container model termed the Water Height And Temperature in Container Habitats Energy Model (WHATCH'EM) solves for water temperature and height for user-specified containers with readily available meteorological data. Output from WHATCH'EM is used to estimate development parameters for the immature life stages of the Ae. aegypti mosquito, allowing for assessment of habitat suitability across varying natural environments. Variability amongst different artificial containers (e.g., size, color, material, shape), shading scenarios, and water availability scenarios is also addressed. WHATCH'EM is also coupled with an Ae. aegypti life cycle model to include the effects of the aforementioned factors on survival. Projections of future climate scenarios that take into account changes not only in temperature but also precipitation, humidity, and radiative effects are used in WHATCH'EM to estimate how Ae. aegypti population dynamics may change.

19 CFR 192.13 - Revocation of participants' AES post-departure (Option 4) filing privileges; appeal procedures.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-04-01

... 19 Customs Duties 2 2011-04-01 2011-04-01 false Revocation of participants' AES post-departure... Filing of Export Information Through the Automated Export System (AES) § 192.13 Revocation of participants' AES post-departure (Option 4) filing privileges; appeal procedures. (a) Reasons for revocation...

19 CFR 192.13 - Revocation of participants' AES post-departure (Option 4) filing privileges; appeal procedures.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-04-01

... 19 Customs Duties 2 2012-04-01 2012-04-01 false Revocation of participants' AES post-departure... Filing of Export Information Through the Automated Export System (AES) § 192.13 Revocation of participants' AES post-departure (Option 4) filing privileges; appeal procedures. (a) Reasons for revocation...

19 CFR 192.13 - Revocation of participants' AES post-departure (Option 4) filing privileges; appeal procedures.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-04-01

... 19 Customs Duties 2 2014-04-01 2014-04-01 false Revocation of participants' AES post-departure... Filing of Export Information Through the Automated Export System (AES) § 192.13 Revocation of participants' AES post-departure (Option 4) filing privileges; appeal procedures. (a) Reasons for revocation...

19 CFR 192.13 - Revocation of participants' AES post-departure (Option 4) filing privileges; appeal procedures.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-04-01

... 19 Customs Duties 2 2013-04-01 2013-04-01 false Revocation of participants' AES post-departure... Filing of Export Information Through the Automated Export System (AES) § 192.13 Revocation of participants' AES post-departure (Option 4) filing privileges; appeal procedures. (a) Reasons for revocation...

How does competition among wild type mosquitoes influence the performance of Aedes aegypti and dissemination of Wolbachia pipientis?

PubMed Central

de Oliveira, Suellen; Villela, Daniel Antunes Maciel; Dias, Fernando Braga Stehling; Moreira, Luciano Andrade

2017-01-01

Background Wolbachia has been deployed in several countries to reduce transmission of dengue, Zika and chikungunya viruses. During releases, Wolbachia-infected females are likely to lay their eggs in local available breeding sites, which might already be colonized by local Aedes sp. mosquitoes. Therefore, there is an urgent need to estimate the deleterious effects of intra and interspecific larval competition on mosquito life history traits, especially on the duration of larval development time, larval mortality and adult size. Methodology/principal findings Three different mosquito populations were used: Ae. aegypti infected with Wolbachia (wMelBr strain), wild Ae. aegypti and wild Ae. albopictus. A total of 21 treatments explored intra and interspecific larval competition with varying larval densities, species proportions and food levels. Each treatment had eight replicates with two distinct food levels: 0.25 or 0.50 g of Chitosan and fallen avocado leaves. Overall, overcrowding reduced fitness correlates of the three populations. Ae. albopictus larvae presented lower larval mortality, shorter development time to adult and smaller wing sizes than Ae. aegypti. The presence of Wolbachia had a slight positive effect on larval biology, since infected individuals had higher survivorship than uninfected Ae. aegypti larvae. Conclusions/significance In all treatments, Ae. albopictus outperformed both wild Ae. aegypti and the Wolbachia-infected group in larval competition, irrespective of larval density and the amount of food resources. The major force that can slow down Wolbachia invasion is the population density of wild mosquitoes. Given that Ae. aegypti currently dominates in Rio, in comparison with Ae. albopictus frequency, additional attention must be given to the population density of Ae. aegypti during releases to increase the likelihood of Wolbachia invasion. PMID:28991902

Secretome of transmissible Pseudomonas aeruginosa AES-1R grown in a cystic fibrosis lung-like environment.

PubMed

Scott, Nichollas E; Hare, Nathan J; White, Melanie Y; Manos, Jim; Cordwell, Stuart J

2013-12-06

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is the predominant cause of mortality in patients with cystic fibrosis (CF). We examined the secretome of an acute, transmissible CF P. aeruginosa (Australian epidemic strain 1-R; AES-1R) compared with laboratory-adapted PAO1. Culture supernatant proteins from rich (LB) and minimal (M9) media were compared using 2-DE and 2DLC-MS/MS, which revealed elevated abundance of PasP protease and absence of AprA protease in AES-1R. CF lung-like artificial sputum medium (ASMDM) contains serum and mucin that generally preclude proteomics of secreted proteins. ASMDM culture supernatants were subjected to 2DLC-MS/MS, which allowed the identification of 57 P. aeruginosa proteins, and qualitative spectral counting was used to estimate relative abundance. AES-1R-specific AES_7139 and PasP were more abundant in AES-1R ASMDM culture supernatants, while AprA could only be identified in PAO1. Relative quantitation was performed using selected reaction monitoring. Significantly elevated levels of PasP, LasB, chitin-binding protein (CbpD), and PA4495 were identified in AES-1R ASMDM supernatants. Quantitative PCR showed elevated pasP in AES-1R during early (18 h) ASMDM growth, while no evidence of aprA expression could be observed. Genomic screening of CF isolates revealed aes_7139 was present in all AES-1 and one pair of sequential nonepidemic isolates. Secreted proteins may be crucial in aiding CF-associated P. aeruginosa to establish infection and for adaptation to the CF lung.

Prevalence of epilepsy in China between 1990 and 2015: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

PubMed

Song, Peige; Liu, Yezhou; Yu, Xinwei; Wu, Jingjing; Poon, Adrienne N; Demaio, Alessandro; Wang, Wei; Rudan, Igor; Chan, Kit Yee

2017-12-01

Epilepsy is a major neurological disorder that affects approximately 65 million people worldwide. Globally, the burden of epilepsy is not evenly distributed, with more than 80% of sufferers residing in low- and middle-income countries. This study estimates the burden of epilepsy in mainland China from 1990 to 2015 and explores the variations of burden by age and gender. We conducted a systematic review of the peer-reviewed literature from 1990 to 2015 using Chinese and English academic databases (CNKI, WanFang, VIP and PubMed) to identify population-based prospective studies on the prevalence of epilepsy in mainland Chinese. Multilevel mixed-effects logistic regression was used to estimate the prevalence of lifetime epilepsy (LTE), and restricted cubic regression splines were applied to model the functional forms of the non-linear effects of age and LTE prevalence. Random-effect meta-analysis was used to obtain the pooled prevalence of 1-year active epilepsy (AE), 2-year AE and 5-year AE separately. To estimate the number of people with LTE and AE in the years 1990, 2000, and 2015, LTE and AE prevalence were multiplied by the total population of mainland China of the corresponding year. Analyses were conducted using 39 prevalence studies that met the inclusion criteria and comprised 77 separate data points (37 on LTE, 16 on 1-year AE, 12 on 2-year AE and 12 on 5-year AE). In 1990, the prevalence of LTE ranged from 1.31‰ (95% CI = 0.85-2.00) in the 0-4 age group to 2.42‰ (95% confidence interval CI = 1.60-3.65) in the 30-34 age group. By 2015, the LTE prevalence had increased to 4.57‰ (95% CI = 2.52-8.27) in the 0-4 group and 8.43‰ (95% CI = 4.71-15.04) in the 30-34 group. Over the 25-year period, the overall prevalence of LTE had steadily increased by 259%, from 1.99‰ (95% CI = 1.31-3.02) in 1990 to 7.15‰ (95% CI = 3.98-12.82) in 2015. The rates of increase were similar across the whole age spectrum, fluctuating around 250%. Between 1990 and 2015, the total number of people with LTE in mainland China increased by 328%, from 2.30 million (95% CI = 1.51-3.49) in 1990 to 9.84 million (95% CI = 5.48-17.64) in 2015. The pooled 1-year, 2-year, and 5-year AE prevalence were 3.79‰ (95% CI = 3.31-4.34), 4.08‰ (95% CI = 3.41-4.89) and 4.19‰ (95% CI = 3.42-5.15). The burden of LTE in China has increased substantially between 1990 and 2015, with the prevalence of LTE having more than doubled and the number of people with LTE more than tripled. The large amount of AE cases in China calls for optimal management and treatment. More high-quality epidemiological studies on LTE and AE prevalence are still needed.

Acoustic Emission Characteristics of Red Sandstone Specimens Under Uniaxial Cyclic Loading and Unloading Compression

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Meng, Qingbin; Zhang, Mingwei; Han, Lijun; Pu, Hai; Chen, Yanlong

2018-04-01

To explore the acoustic emission (AE) characteristics of rock materials during the deformation and failure process under periodic loads, a uniaxial cyclic loading and unloading compression experiment was conducted based on an MTS 815 rock mechanics test system and an AE21C acoustic emissions test system. The relationships among stress, strain, AE activity, accumulated AE activity and duration for 180 rock specimens under 36 loading and unloading rates were established. The cyclic AE evolutionary laws with rock stress-strain variation at loading and unloading stages were analyzed. The Kaiser and Felicity effects of rock AE activity were disclosed, and the impact of the significant increase in the scale of AE events on the Felicity effect was discussed. It was observed that the AE characteristics are closely related to the stress-strain properties of rock materials and that they are affected by the developmental state and degree of internal microcracks. AE events occur in either the loading or unloading stages if the strain is greater than zero. Evolutionary laws of AE activity agree with changes in rock strain. Strain deformation is accompanied by AE activity, and the density and intensity of AE events directly reflect the damage degree of the rock mass. The Kaiser effect exists in the linear elastic stage of rock material, and the Felicity effect is effective in the plastic yield and post-peak failure stages, which are divided by the elastic yield strength. This study suggests that the stress level needed to determine a significant increase in AE activity was 70% of the i + 1 peak stress. The Felicity ratio of rock specimens decreases with the growth of loading-unloading cycles. The cycle magnitude and variation of the Felicity effect, in which loading and unloading rates play a weak role, are almost consistent.

19 CFR 192.12 - Criteria for denial of applications requesting AES post-departure (Option 4) filing status...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-04-01

... 19 Customs Duties 2 2012-04-01 2012-04-01 false Criteria for denial of applications requesting AES...) EXPORT CONTROL Filing of Export Information Through the Automated Export System (AES) § 192.12 Criteria for denial of applications requesting AES post-departure (Option 4) filing status; appeal procedures...

19 CFR 192.12 - Criteria for denial of applications requesting AES post-departure (Option 4) filing status...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-04-01

... 19 Customs Duties 2 2011-04-01 2011-04-01 false Criteria for denial of applications requesting AES...) EXPORT CONTROL Filing of Export Information Through the Automated Export System (AES) § 192.12 Criteria for denial of applications requesting AES post-departure (Option 4) filing status; appeal procedures...

19 CFR 192.12 - Criteria for denial of applications requesting AES post-departure (Option 4) filing status...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-04-01

... 19 Customs Duties 2 2014-04-01 2014-04-01 false Criteria for denial of applications requesting AES...) EXPORT CONTROL Filing of Export Information Through the Automated Export System (AES) § 192.12 Criteria for denial of applications requesting AES post-departure (Option 4) filing status; appeal procedures...

19 CFR 192.12 - Criteria for denial of applications requesting AES post-departure (Option 4) filing status...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-04-01

... 19 Customs Duties 2 2010-04-01 2010-04-01 false Criteria for denial of applications requesting AES...) EXPORT CONTROL Filing of Export Information Through the Automated Export System (AES) § 192.12 Criteria for denial of applications requesting AES post-departure (Option 4) filing status; appeal procedures...

19 CFR 192.12 - Criteria for denial of applications requesting AES post-departure (Option 4) filing status...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-04-01

... 19 Customs Duties 2 2013-04-01 2013-04-01 false Criteria for denial of applications requesting AES...) EXPORT CONTROL Filing of Export Information Through the Automated Export System (AES) § 192.12 Criteria for denial of applications requesting AES post-departure (Option 4) filing status; appeal procedures...

Impact of triage in accident and emergency departments in Bahrain.

PubMed

Fateha, B E; Hamza, A Y

2001-01-01

We aimed to assess the impact of triage by physicians on the workload and expenditure of the Accident and Emergency (AE) Department of Salmaniya Medical Complex, Bahrain. We analysed three sets of data: patient visits to the AE Department over a 9-month period; patient visits 1 year previously; and forecast patient visits over 9 months starting from July 1999. The referral of patients to AE cubicles was reduced by 54.4% after the implementation of the triage, and reduction in the workload was statistically significant. The reduction in health care expenditure was estimated at between 15.3% and 17.3%. We conclude that triage by physicians can be cost-effective and can reduce the AE Department workload, freeing more time to manage life-threatening and urgent cases.

Comments on the origin of acoustic emission in fatigue testing of aluminum alloys

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Heiple, C. R.; Carpenter, S. H.; Armentrout, D. L.

The size of acoustic emission (AE) signals expected from inclusion fracture during fatigue testing of 7075 aluminum has been estimated on the basis of previous measurements of AE produced by the fracture of boron particles incorporated into 2219 aluminum. The AF signal size expected from deformation in the plastic zone ahead of the fatigue crack was estimated from the results of tensile tests on 7075 aluminum. The signals predicted from both processes are near or below the noise level in the fatigue experiments and are therefore far too small to account for the signals actually observed. Nearly simultaneous fracture of multiple inclusions could produce signals as large as those observed in fatigue tests of 7075 aluminum, however, fatigue tests of 7050 aluminum produced signals as large or larger than in 7075. Since 7050 has substantially fewer inclusions than 7075, the simultaneous failure of multiple inclusions is unlikely to be a major AE source in fatigue testing of either aluminum alloy. Thus, the most probable source of acoustic emission during fatigue testing of 7075 and 7050 aluminum is the crack advance itself. The measured crack advance per cycle is large enough to release sufficient elastic energy to account for the AE signals observed.

Neurological adverse events of new generation sodium blocker antiepileptic drugs. Meta-analysis of randomized, double-blinded studies with eslicarbazepine acetate, lacosamide and oxcarbazepine.

PubMed

Zaccara, Gaetano; Giovannelli, Fabio; Maratea, Dario; Fadda, Valeria; Verrotti, Alberto

2013-09-01

Analysis of overall tolerability and neurological adverse effects (AEs) of eslicarbazepine acetate (ESL), lacosamide (LCM) and oxcarbazepine (OXC) from double-blind, placebo-controlled trials. Indirect comparisons of patients withdrawing because of AEs, and the incidence of some vestibulocerebellar AEs between these three antiepileptic dugs (AEDs). We searched MEDLINE for all randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials investigating therapeutic effects of fixed oral doses of ESL, LCM and OXC in patients with drug resistant epilepsy. Withdrawal rate due to AEs, percentages of patients with serious AEs, and the proportion of patients experiencing any neurological AE, nausea and vomiting were assessed for their association with the experimental drug. Analyses were performed between recommended daily doses of each AED according to the approved summary of product characteristics (SPC). Risk differences were used to evaluate the association of any AE [99% confidence intervals (CIs)] or study withdrawals because of AEs (95% CIs) with the experimental drug. Indirect comparisons between withdrawal rate and AEs dizziness, coordination abnormal/ataxia and diplopia were estimated according to network meta-analysis (Net-MA). Eight randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind trials (4 with ESL, 3 with LCM, and 1 with OXC) were included in our analysis. At high doses (OXC 1200mg, ESL 1200mg and LCM 400mg) there was an increased risk of AE-related study withdrawals compared to placebo for all drugs. Several AEs were associated with the experimental drug. Both number and frequency of AEs were dose-related. At high recommended doses, patients treated with OXC withdrew from the experimental treatment significantly more frequently than patients treated with ESL and LCM. Furthermore, the AEs coordination abnormal/ataxia and diplopia were significantly more frequently observed in patients treated with OXC compared to patients treated with LCM and ESL. The overall tolerability of AEDs and the incidence of several neurological AEs were clearly dose-dependent. Indirect comparisons between these AEDs, taking into account dose-effect, showed that OXC may be associated with more frequent neurological AEs than LCM and ESL. Copyright © 2013 British Epilepsy Association. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Large-scale deployment of the Global Trigger Tool across a large hospital system: refinements for the characterisation of adverse events to support patient safety learning opportunities.

PubMed

Good, V S; Saldaña, M; Gilder, R; Nicewander, D; Kennerly, D A

2011-01-01

The Institute for Healthcare Improvement encourages use of the Global Trigger Tool to objectively determine and monitor adverse events (AEs). Baylor Health Care System (BHCS) is an integrated healthcare delivery system in North Texas. The Global Trigger Tool was applied to BHCS's eight general acute care hospitals, two inpatient cardiovascular hospitals and two rehabilitation/long-term acute care hospitals. Data were collected from a monthly random sample of charts for each facility for patients discharged between 1 July 2006 and 30 June 2007 by external professional nurse auditors using an MS Access Tool developed for this initiative. In addition to the data elements recommended by Institute for Healthcare Improvement, BHCS developed fields to permit further characterisation of AEs to identify learning opportunities. A structured narrative description of each identified AE facilitated text mining to further characterise AEs. INITIAL FINDINGS: Based on this sample, AE rates were found to be 68.1 per 1000 patient days, or 50.8 per 100 encounters, and 39.8% of admissions were found to have ≥1 AE. Of all AEs identified, 61.2% were hospital-acquired, 10.1% of which were associated with a National Coordinating Council - Medical Error Reporting and Prevention harm score of "H or I" (near death or death). To enhance learning opportunities and guide quality improvement, BHCS collected data-such as preventability and AE source-to characterise the nature of AEs. Data are provided regularly to hospital teams to direct quality initiatives, moving from a general focus on reducing AEs to more specific programmes based on patterns of harm and preventability.

Integrated design and manufacturing for the high speed civil transport

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1993-01-01

In June 1992, Georgia Tech's School of Aerospace Engineering was awarded a NASA University Space Research Association (USRA) Advanced Design Program (ADP) to address 'Integrated Design and Manufacturing for the High Speed Civil Transport (HSCT)' in its graduate aerospace systems design courses. This report summarizes the results of the five courses incorporated into the Georgia Tech's USRA ADP program. It covers AE8113: Introduction to Concurrent Engineering, AE4360: Introduction to CAE/CAD, AE4353: Design for Life Cycle Cost, AE6351: Aerospace Systems Design One, and AE6352: Aerospace Systems Design Two. AE8113: Introduction to Concurrent Engineering was an introductory course addressing the basic principles of concurrent engineering (CE) or integrated product development (IPD). The design of a total system was not the objective of this course. The goal was to understand and define the 'up-front' customer requirements, their decomposition, and determine the value objectives for a complex product, such as the high speed civil transport (HSCT). A generic CE methodology developed at Georgia Tech was used for this purpose. AE4353: Design for Life Cycle Cost addressed the basic economic issues for an HSCT using a robust design technique, Taguchi's parameter design optimization method (PDOM). An HSCT economic sensitivity assessment was conducted using a Taguchi PDOM approach to address the robustness of the basic HSCT design. AE4360: Introduction to CAE/CAD permitted students to develop and utilize CAE/CAD/CAM knowledge and skills using CATIA and CADAM as the basic geometric tools. AE6351: Aerospace Systems Design One focused on the conceptual design refinement of a baseline HSCT configuration as defined by Boeing, Douglas, and NASA in their system studies. It required the use of NASA's synthesis codes FLOPS and ACSYNT. A criterion called the productivity index (P.I.) was used to evaluate disciplinary sensitivities and provide refinements of the baseline HSCT configuration. AE6352: Aerospace Systems Design Two was a continuation of Aerospace Systems Design One in which wing concepts were researched and analyzed in more detail. FLOPS and ACSYNT were again used at the system level while other off-the-shelf computer codes were used for more detailed wing disciplinary analysis and optimization. The culmination of all efforts and submission of this report conclude the first year's efforts of Georgia Tech's NASA USRA ADP. It will hopefully provide the foundation for next year's efforts concerning continuous improvement of integrated design and manufacturing for the HSCT.

Immune-Related Adverse Events Associated with Anti-PD-1/PD-L1 Treatment for Malignancies: A Meta-Analysis

PubMed Central

Wang, Peng-Fei; Chen, Yang; Song, Si-Ying; Wang, Ting-Jian; Ji, Wen-Jun; Li, Shou-Wei; Liu, Ning; Yan, Chang-Xiang

2017-01-01

Background: Treatment of cancers with programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) pathway inhibitors can lead to immune-related adverse events (irAEs), which could be serious and even fetal. Therefore, clinicians should be aware of the characteristics of irAEs associated with the use of such drugs. Methods: The MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane databases were searched to find potential studies using the following strategies: anti-PD-1/PD-L1 treatment; irAEs; and cancer. R© package Meta was used to pool incidence. Results: Forty-six studies representing 12,808 oncologic patients treated with anti-PD-1/PD-L1 agents were included in the meta-analysis. The anti-PD-1/PD-L1 agents included nivolumab, pembrolizumab, atezolizumab, durvalumab, avelumab, and BMS-936559. The tumor types were melanomas, Hodgkin lymphomas, urothelial carcinomas, breast cancers, non-small cell lung cancers, renal cell carcinomas (RCC), colorectal cancers, and others. We described irAEs according to organ systems, namely, the skin (pruritus, rash, maculopapular rash, vitiligo, and dermatitis), endocrine system (hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, hypophysitis, thyroiditis, and adrenal insufficiency), digestive system (colitis, diarrhea, pancreatitis, and increased AST/ALT/bilirubin), respiratory system (pneumonitis, lung infiltration, and interstitial lung disease), and urinary system (increased creatinine, nephritis, and renal failure). In patients treated with the PD-1 signaling inhibitors, the overall incidence of irAEs was 26.82% (95% CI, 21.73–32.61; I2, 92.80) in any grade and 6.10% (95% CI, 4.85–7.64; I2, 52.00) in severe grade, respectively. The development of irAEs was unrelated to the dose of anti-PD-1/PD-L1 agents. The incidence of particular irAEs varied when different cancers were treated with different drugs. The incidence of death due to irAEs was around 0.17%. Conclusion: The occurrence of irAEs was organ-specific and related to drug and tumor types. PMID:29093678

Effects and bioavailability of 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene in spiked and field-contaminated soils to indigenous microorganisms

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

Gong, P.; Siciliano, S.D.; Greer, C.W.

1999-12-01

The response of potential nitrification activity (PNA), nitrogen-fixation activity (NFA), and dehydrogenase activity (DHA) in soil to 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene (TNT) was assessed. Two garden soils of contrasting texture were spiked with TNT. Soil microbial activities and TNT residues were analyzed 1 week later. The estimated IC50 ranged from 39 to 533 mg/kg of the acetonitrile-extractable (AE) TNT, depending on indicators and soils. The lowest LOEC (lowest-observed-effect concentration) was 1 mg AE TNT/kg. Field soil was collected from three known contaminated sites in an abandoned TNT manufacturing facility. Microbial toxicity significantly correlated to TNT levels in these soils. The LOEC and NOECmore » (no-observed-effect concentration) values were site and indicator specific, with the lowest LOEC being 1 mg AE TNT/kg and the lowest NOEC being 0.4 mg AE TNT/kg. The IC50 of the pooled field samples was 51 mg AE TNT/kg for PNA or 157 mg AE TNT/kg for DHA. These results indicate that microbial responses were consistent and comparable between the laboratory and the field and that TNT could significantly inhibit soil microbial activities at very low levels. Both AE TNT and deionized water-extractable (DW) TNT concentrations correlated well with microbial toxicity, but AE TNT provided a better evaluation of TNT bioavailability than did DW TNT.« less

Identification and classification of failure modes in laminated composites by using a multivariate statistical analysis of wavelet coefficients

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Baccar, D.; Söffker, D.

2017-11-01

Acoustic Emission (AE) is a suitable method to monitor the health of composite structures in real-time. However, AE-based failure mode identification and classification are still complex to apply due to the fact that AE waves are generally released simultaneously from all AE-emitting damage sources. Hence, the use of advanced signal processing techniques in combination with pattern recognition approaches is required. In this paper, AE signals generated from laminated carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) subjected to indentation test are examined and analyzed. A new pattern recognition approach involving a number of processing steps able to be implemented in real-time is developed. Unlike common classification approaches, here only CWT coefficients are extracted as relevant features. Firstly, Continuous Wavelet Transform (CWT) is applied to the AE signals. Furthermore, dimensionality reduction process using Principal Component Analysis (PCA) is carried out on the coefficient matrices. The PCA-based feature distribution is analyzed using Kernel Density Estimation (KDE) allowing the determination of a specific pattern for each fault-specific AE signal. Moreover, waveform and frequency content of AE signals are in depth examined and compared with fundamental assumptions reported in this field. A correlation between the identified patterns and failure modes is achieved. The introduced method improves the damage classification and can be used as a non-destructive evaluation tool.

15 CFR 744.7 - Restrictions on certain exports to and for the use of certain foreign vessels or aircraft.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-01-01

... Export System (AES) record is filed in accordance with the requirements of the Foreign Trade Statistics Regulations (15 CFR part 30), except that an SED or AES record is not required when any of the commodities... as cargo for which a Shipper's Export Declaration (SED) or Automated Export System (AES) record is...

15 CFR 744.7 - Restrictions on certain exports to and for the use of certain foreign vessels or aircraft.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-01-01

... Export System (AES) record is filed in accordance with the requirements of the Foreign Trade Statistics Regulations (15 CFR part 30), except that an SED or AES record is not required when any of the commodities... as cargo for which a Shipper's Export Declaration (SED) or Automated Export System (AES) record is...

15 CFR 744.7 - Restrictions on certain exports to and for the use of certain foreign vessels or aircraft.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-01-01

... Export System (AES) record is filed in accordance with the requirements of the Foreign Trade Statistics Regulations (15 CFR part 30), except that an SED or AES record is not required when any of the commodities... as cargo for which a Shipper's Export Declaration (SED) or Automated Export System (AES) record is...

15 CFR 744.7 - Restrictions on certain exports to and for the use of certain foreign vessels or aircraft.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... Export System (AES) record is filed in accordance with the requirements of the Foreign Trade Statistics Regulations (15 CFR part 30), except that an SED or AES record is not required when any of the commodities... as cargo for which a Shipper's Export Declaration (SED) or Automated Export System (AES) record is...

Modified Multiple Model Adaptive Estimation (M3AE) for Simultaneous Parameter and State Estimation

DTIC Science & Technology

1998-03-01

Contents Page Dedication : iv Acknowledgments v Table Of Contents vi List of Figures . . ; x List of Tables xv Abstract xvii Chapter 1 ...INTRODUCTION 1 1.1 Overview 1 1.2 Background 7 1.2.1 The Chi-Square Test 9 1.2.2 Generalized Likelihood Ratio (GLR) Testing 10 1.2.3 Multiple...M3AE Covariance Analysis 115 4.1.3 Simulations and Performance Analysis 121 4.1.3.1 Test Case 1 : aT = 32.0 124 4.1.3.2 Test Case 2: aT = 37.89, and

New Secure E-mail System Based on Bio-Chaos Key Generation and Modified AES Algorithm

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hoomod, Haider K.; Radi, A. M.

2018-05-01

The E-mail messages exchanged between sender’s Mailbox and recipient’s Mailbox over the open systems and insecure Networks. These messages may be vulnerable to eavesdropping and itself poses a real threat to the privacy and data integrity from unauthorized persons. The E-mail Security includes the following properties (Confidentiality, Authentication, Message integrity). We need a safe encryption algorithm to encrypt Email messages such as the algorithm Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) or Data Encryption Standard DES, as well as biometric recognition and chaotic system. The proposed E-mail system security uses modified AES algorithm and uses secret key-bio-chaos that consist of biometric (Fingerprint) and chaotic system (Lu and Lorenz). This modification makes the proposed system more sensitive and random. The execution time for both encryption and decryption of the proposed system is much less from original AES, in addition to being compatible with all Mail Servers.

Improving patient safety via automated laboratory-based adverse event grading.

PubMed

Niland, Joyce C; Stiller, Tracey; Neat, Jennifer; Londrc, Adina; Johnson, Dina; Pannoni, Susan

2012-01-01

The identification and grading of adverse events (AEs) during the conduct of clinical trials is a labor-intensive and error-prone process. This paper describes and evaluates a software tool developed by City of Hope to automate complex algorithms to assess laboratory results and identify and grade AEs. We compared AEs identified by the automated system with those previously assessed manually, to evaluate missed/misgraded AEs. We also conducted a prospective paired time assessment of automated versus manual AE assessment. We found a substantial improvement in accuracy/completeness with the automated grading tool, which identified an additional 17% of severe grade 3-4 AEs that had been missed/misgraded manually. The automated system also provided an average time saving of 5.5 min per treatment course. With 400 ongoing treatment trials at City of Hope and an average of 1800 laboratory results requiring assessment per study, the implications of these findings for patient safety are enormous.

Realization and optimization of AES algorithm on the TMS320DM6446 based on DaVinci technology

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jia, Wen-bin; Xiao, Fu-hai

2013-03-01

The application of AES algorithm in the digital cinema system avoids video data to be illegal theft or malicious tampering, and solves its security problems. At the same time, in order to meet the requirements of the real-time, scene and transparent encryption of high-speed data streams of audio and video in the information security field, through the in-depth analysis of AES algorithm principle, based on the hardware platform of TMS320DM6446, with the software framework structure of DaVinci, this paper proposes the specific realization methods of AES algorithm in digital video system and its optimization solutions. The test results show digital movies encrypted by AES128 can not play normally, which ensures the security of digital movies. Through the comparison of the performance of AES128 algorithm before optimization and after, the correctness and validity of improved algorithm is verified.

Phase II Trial of Combined High-Dose-Rate Brachytherapy and External Beam Radiotherapy for Adenocarcinoma of the Prostate: Preliminary Results of RTOG 0321

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

Hsu, I-Chow, E-mail: ihsu@radonc.ucsf.ed; Bae, Kyounghwa; Shinohara, Katsuto

2010-11-01

Purpose: To estimate the rate of late Grade 3 or greater genitourinary (GU) and gastrointestinal (GI) adverse events (AEs) after treatment with external beam radiotherapy and prostate high-dose-rate (HDR) brachytherapy. Methods and Materials: Each participating institution submitted computed tomography-based HDR brachytherapy dosimetry data electronically for credentialing and for each study patient. Patients with locally confined Stage T1c-T3b prostate cancer were eligible for the present study. All patients were treated with 45 Gy in 25 fractions using external beam radiotherapy and one HDR implant delivering 19 Gy in two fractions. All AEs were graded according to the Common Terminology Criteria formore » Adverse Events, version 3.0. Late GU/GI AEs were defined as those occurring >9 months from the start of the protocol treatment, in patients with {>=}18 months of potential follow-up. Results: A total of 129 patients from 14 institutions were enrolled in the present study. Of the 129 patients, 125 were eligible, and AE data were available for 112 patients at analysis. The pretreatment characteristics of the patients were as follows: Stage T1c-T2c, 91%; Stage T3a-T3b, 9%; prostate-specific antigen level {<=}10 ng/mL, 70%; prostate-specific antigen level >10 but {<=}20 ng/mL, 30%; and Gleason score 2-6, 10%; Gleason score 7, 72%; and Gleason score 8-10, 18%. At a median follow-up of 29.6 months, three acute and four late Grade 3 GU/GI AEs were reported. The estimated rate of late Grade 3-5 GU and GI AEs at 18 months was 2.56%. Conclusion: This is the first prospective, multi-institutional trial of computed tomography-based HDR brachytherapy and external beam radiotherapy. The technique and doses used in the present study resulted in acceptable levels of AEs.« less

Safety, tolerability, and immunogenicity of zoster vaccine in subjects on chronic/maintenance corticosteroids.

PubMed

Russell, Amy F; Parrino, Janie; Fisher, Chester L; Spieler, Wolfgang; Stek, Jon E; Coll, Kathleen E; Su, Shu-Chih; Xu, Jin; Li, Xiaoming; Schlienger, Katia; Silber, Jeffrey L

2015-06-17

This randomized, placebo-controlled study assessed the safety, tolerability, and immunogenicity of live virus zoster vaccine (ZV) in individuals receiving chronic/maintenance systemic corticosteroid therapy (daily dose equivalent of 5-20mg prednisone) for ≥2 weeks prior to vaccination and ≥6 weeks postvaccination. Subjects were followed for adverse experiences (AEs), exposure to varicella or herpes zoster (HZ), or development of varicella/varicella-like or HZ/HZ-like rashes for 42 days postvaccination (primary safety follow-up period) and for serious AEs (SAEs) through Day 182 postvaccination (secondary follow-up period). Varicella-zoster virus (VZV) antibody titers by glycoprotein enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (gpELISA) were measured at baseline and at Week 6 postvaccination. The proportions of subjects reporting systemic AEs and SAEs were similar in both groups. A higher percentage of subjects reported injection-site AEs in the ZV group (21.5%) than in the placebo group (12.1%). One SAE of ophthalmic HZ (onset Day 16 postvaccination) was reported in the ZV group and deemed vaccine-related by the study investigator; however, PCR testing confirmed the presence of wild-type (not vaccine strain) VZV. Geometric mean titer (GMT) at 6 weeks postvaccination was higher for ZV recipients than placebo recipients, with estimated geometric mean fold rises (GMFR) of 2.3 (CI: 2.0, 2.7) and 1.1 (CI: 1.0, 1.2) respectfully. In adults ≥60 years old on chronic/maintenance corticosteroids, ZV was generally well tolerated and immunogenic. The VZV-specific gpELISA antibody GMT at 6 weeks postvaccination and the GMFR from baseline to 6 weeks postvaccination were higher in the ZV group than in the placebo group. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Bridging data models and terminologies to support adverse drug event reporting using EHR data.

PubMed

Declerck, G; Hussain, S; Daniel, C; Yuksel, M; Laleci, G B; Twagirumukiza, M; Jaulent, M-C

2015-01-01

This article is part of the Focus Theme of METHODs of Information in Medicine on "Managing Interoperability and Complexity in Health Systems". SALUS project aims at building an interoperability platform and a dedicated toolkit to enable secondary use of electronic health records (EHR) data for post marketing drug surveillance. An important component of this toolkit is a drug-related adverse events (AE) reporting system designed to facilitate and accelerate the reporting process using automatic prepopulation mechanisms. To demonstrate SALUS approach for establishing syntactic and semantic interoperability for AE reporting. Standard (e.g. HL7 CDA-CCD) and proprietary EHR data models are mapped to the E2B(R2) data model via SALUS Common Information Model. Terminology mapping and terminology reasoning services are designed to ensure the automatic conversion of source EHR terminologies (e.g. ICD-9-CM, ICD-10, LOINC or SNOMED-CT) to the target terminology MedDRA which is expected in AE reporting forms. A validated set of terminology mappings is used to ensure the reliability of the reasoning mechanisms. The percentage of data elements of a standard E2B report that can be completed automatically has been estimated for two pilot sites. In the best scenario (i.e. the available fields in the EHR have actually been filled), only 36% (pilot site 1) and 38% (pilot site 2) of E2B data elements remain to be filled manually. In addition, most of these data elements shall not be filled in each report. SALUS platform's interoperability solutions enable partial automation of the AE reporting process, which could contribute to improve current spontaneous reporting practices and reduce under-reporting, which is currently one major obstacle in the process of acquisition of pharmacovigilance data.

Durable Clinical Benefit in Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma Patients Who Discontinue PD-1/PD-L1 Therapy for Immune-Related Adverse Events.

PubMed

Martini, Dylan J; Hamieh, Lana; McKay, Rana R; Harshman, Lauren C; Brandao, Raphael; Norton, Craig K; Steinharter, John A; Krajewski, Katherine M; Gao, Xin; Schutz, Fabio A; McGregor, Bradley; Bossé, Dominick; Lalani, Aly-Khan A; De Velasco, Guillermo; Michaelson, M Dror; McDermott, David F; Choueiri, Toni K

2018-04-01

The current standard of care for treatment of metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) patients is PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors until progression or toxicity. Here, we characterize the clinical outcomes for 19 mRCC patients who experienced an initial clinical response (any degree of tumor shrinkage), but after immune-related adverse events (irAE) discontinued all systemic therapy. Clinical baseline characteristics, outcomes, and survival data were collected. The primary endpoint was time to progression from the date of treatment cessation (TTP). Most patients had clear cell histology and received anti-PD-1/PD-L1 therapy as second-line or later treatment. Median time on PD-1/PD-L1 therapy was 5.5 months (range, 0.7-46.5) and median TTP was 18.4 months (95% CI, 4.7-54.3) per Kaplan-Meier estimation. The irAEs included arthropathies, ophthalmopathies, myositis, pneumonitis, and diarrhea. We demonstrate that 68.4% of patients ( n = 13) experienced durable clinical benefit off treatment (TTP of at least 6 months), with 36% ( n = 7) of patients remaining off subsequent treatment for over a year after their last dose of anti-PD-1/PD-L1. Three patients with tumor growth found in a follow-up visit, underwent subsequent surgical intervention, and remain off systemic treatment. Nine patients (47.4%) have ongoing irAEs. Our results show that patients who benefitted clinically from anti-PD-1/PD-L1 therapy can experience sustained beneficial responses, not needing further therapies after the initial discontinuation of treatment due to irAEs. Investigation of biomarkers indicating sustained benefit to checkpoint blockers are needed. Cancer Immunol Res; 6(4); 402-8. ©2018 AACR . ©2018 American Association for Cancer Research.

19 CFR 4.76 - Procedures and responsibilities of carriers filing outbound vessel manifest information via the AES.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-04-01

... outbound vessel manifest information via the AES. 4.76 Section 4.76 Customs Duties U.S. CUSTOMS AND BORDER... manifest information via the AES. (a) The sea carrier's module. The Sea Carrier's Module is a component of the Automated Export System (AES) (see, part 192, subpart B, of this chapter) that allows for the...

19 CFR 4.76 - Procedures and responsibilities of carriers filing outbound vessel manifest information via the AES.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-04-01

... outbound vessel manifest information via the AES. 4.76 Section 4.76 Customs Duties U.S. CUSTOMS AND BORDER... manifest information via the AES. (a) The sea carrier's module. The Sea Carrier's Module is a component of the Automated Export System (AES) (see, part 192, subpart B, of this chapter) that allows for the...

19 CFR 4.76 - Procedures and responsibilities of carriers filing outbound vessel manifest information via the AES.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-04-01

... outbound vessel manifest information via the AES. 4.76 Section 4.76 Customs Duties U.S. CUSTOMS AND BORDER... manifest information via the AES. (a) The sea carrier's module. The Sea Carrier's Module is a component of the Automated Export System (AES) (see, part 192, subpart B, of this chapter) that allows for the...

19 CFR 4.76 - Procedures and responsibilities of carriers filing outbound vessel manifest information via the AES.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-04-01

... outbound vessel manifest information via the AES. 4.76 Section 4.76 Customs Duties U.S. CUSTOMS AND BORDER... manifest information via the AES. (a) The sea carrier's module. The Sea Carrier's Module is a component of the Automated Export System (AES) (see, part 192, subpart B, of this chapter) that allows for the...

19 CFR 4.76 - Procedures and responsibilities of carriers filing outbound vessel manifest information via the AES.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-04-01

... outbound vessel manifest information via the AES. 4.76 Section 4.76 Customs Duties U.S. CUSTOMS AND BORDER... manifest information via the AES. (a) The sea carrier's module. The Sea Carrier's Module is a component of the Automated Export System (AES) (see, part 192, subpart B, of this chapter) that allows for the...

Comparative evidence on harms in pediatric randomized clinical trials from less developed versus more developed countries is limited.

PubMed

Tedesco, Dario; Farid-Kapadia, Mufiza; Offringa, Martin; Bhutta, Zulfiqar A; Maldonado, Yvonne; Ioannidis, John P A; Contopoulos-Ioannidis, Despina G

2018-03-01

Evaluate comparative harm rates from medical interventions in pediatric randomized clinical trials (RCTs) from more developed (MDCs) and less developed countries (LDCs). Meta-epidemiologic empirical evaluation of Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews (June 2014) meta-analyses reporting clinically important harm-outcomes (severe adverse events [AEs], discontinuations due to AEs, any AE, and mortality) that included at least one pediatric RCT from MDCs and at least one from LDCs. We estimated relative odds ratios (RORs) for each harm, within each meta-analysis, between RCTs from MDCs and LDCs and calculated random-effects-summary-RORs (sRORs) for each harm across multiple meta-analyses. Only 1% (26/2,363) of meta-analyses with clinically important harm-outcomes in the entire Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews included pediatric RCTs both from MDCs and LDCs. We analyzed 26 meta-analyses with 244 data sets from pediatric RCTs, 116 from MDCs and 128 from LDCs (64 and 66 unique RCTs respectively). The summary ROR was 0.92 (95% confidence intervals: 0.78-1.08) for severe AEs; 1.13 (0.54-2.34) for discontinuations due to AEs; 1.10 (0.77-1.59) for any AE; and 0.99 (0.61-1.61) for mortality and for the all-harms-combined-end point 0.96 (0.83-1.10). Differences of ROR-point-estimates ≥2-fold between MDCs and LDCs were identified in 35% of meta-analyses. We found no major systematic differences in harm rates in pediatric trials between MDCs and LDCs, but data on harms in children were overall very limited. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Risk of transmission of viral haemorrhagic fevers and the insecticide susceptibilitystatus of aedes aegypti (linnaeus) in some sites in Accra, Ghana.

PubMed

Suzuki, Takashi; Osei, Joseph H; Sasaki, Akihiro; Adimazoya, Michelle; Appawu, Maxwell; Boakye, Daniel; Ohta, Nobuo; Dadzie, Samuel

2016-09-01

Dengue is one of the emerging diseases that can mostly only be controlled by vector control since there is no vaccine for the disease. Although, Dengue has not been reported in Ghana, movement of people from neighbouring countries where the disease has been reported can facilitate transmission of the disease. This study was carried on the University of Ghana campus to determine the risk of transmission of viral haemorrhagic fevers and the insecticide susceptibility status of Ae. aegypti in some sites in Accra, Ghana. Larval surveys were carried to inspect containers within households and estimate larval indices and adult Aedes mosquitoes were collected using human landing collection technique. WHO tube assays was used to assess the insecticide susceptibility status of Aedes mosquitoes. Ae. aegypti were the most prevalent species, 75.5% and followed by Ae. vittatus , 23.9 %. Ae. albopictus and Ae. granti were in smaller numbers. Household index (HI), Breteau index (BI), and container index were calculated as 8.2%, 11.2% and 10.3% respectively with man-vector contact rate of 0.67 bites/man-hour estimated for the area. The mortalities recorded for Ae. aegypti from WHO tube assays was 88%, 94%, 80% and 99% for DDT (4%), deltamethrin (0.05%), lambdacyhalothrin (0.05%) and permethrin (0.75%) respectively. The survey results indicated that the density of Aedes mosquitoes was considered to be sufficient to promote an outbreak of viral haemorrhagic fevers on Legon Campus. Aedes mosquitoes were found to be resistant to DDT, deltamethrin and lamdacyhalothrin, but susceptible to permethrin. This study was supported in part by Japan Initiative for Global Research Network on Infectious Diseases (J-Grid).

Methods for Factor Screening in Computer Simulation Experiments

DTIC Science & Technology

1979-03-01

are generally of two types: 1. Factors that are centrollable or subject to de .-ign in the "real world" system being modeled, such as inventory...62! La 2j L -2 J The least squares estimates of the parameters become o0[30.50 4.50 K2 15.50 06121 -0.50 From examining the estimates of the effects...BDF ACDEF F ACD BDE ABCEF AB CE BCDF ADEF AC BE DF ABCDEF AD CF BCDE ABDF AE BC CDEF ABPE A? CD BCEF ABDE BD E.F ACDE ABCF BF DE ABCD ACEF ABF CEP BCD

Design and process of the EMA Cohort Study: the value of antenatal education in childbirth and breastfeeding

PubMed Central

Paz-Pascual, Carmen; Pinedo, Isabel Artieta; Grandes, Gonzalo; de Gamboa, Gurutze Remiro Fernandez; Hermosilla, Itziar Odriozola; de la Hera, Amaia Bacigalupe; Gordon, Janire Payo; Garcia, Guadalupe Manzano; de Pedro, Magdalena Ureta

2008-01-01

Background Antenatal education (AE) started more than 30 years ago with the purpose of decreasing pain during childbirth. Epidural anaesthesia has achieved this objective, and the value of AE is therefore currently questioned. This article describes the protocol and process of a study designed to assess AE results today. Methods/Design A prospective study was designed in which a cohort of 616 nulliparous pregnant women attending midwife offices of the Basque Health Service were followed for 13 months. Three exposure groups were considered based on the number of AE sessions attended: (a) women attending no session, (b) women attending 1 to 4, and (c) women attending 5 or more sessions. Sociodemographic, personality, and outcome variables related to childbirth and breastfeeding were measured. It was expected 40% of pregnant women not to have participated in any AE session. However, 93% had attended at least one session. This low exposure variability decreased statistical power of the study as compared to the initially planned power. Despite this, there was a greater than 80% power for detecting as significant differences between exposure groups of, for instance, 10% in continuation of breastfeeding at one and a half months and in visits for false labour. Women attending more sessions were seen to have a mean higher age and educational level, and to belong to a higher socioeconomic group (p < 0.01). Follow-up was completed in 99% of participants. Discussion Adequate prior estimation of variability in the exposure under study is essential for designing cohort studies. Sociodemographic characteristics may play a confounding role in studies assessing AE and should be controlled in design and analyses. Quality control during the study process and continued collaboration from both public system midwives and eligible pregnant women resulted in a negligible loss rate. PMID:18435856

Optimal regimens of sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim for chemoprophylaxis of Pneumocystis pneumonia in patients with systemic rheumatic diseases: results from a non-blinded, randomized controlled trial.

PubMed

Utsunomiya, Masako; Dobashi, Hiroaki; Odani, Toshio; Saito, Kazuyoshi; Yokogawa, Naoto; Nagasaka, Kenji; Takenaka, Kenchi; Soejima, Makoto; Sugihara, Takahiko; Hagiyama, Hiroyuki; Hirata, Shinya; Matsui, Kazuo; Nonomura, Yoshinori; Kondo, Masahiro; Suzuki, Fumihito; Tomita, Makoto; Kihara, Mari; Yokoyama, Waka; Hirano, Fumio; Yamazaki, Hayato; Sakai, Ryoko; Nanki, Toshihiro; Koike, Ryuji; Kohsaka, Hitoshi; Miyasaka, Nobuyuki; Harigai, Masayoshi

2017-01-18

Sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim (SMX/TMP) is a standard drug for the prophylaxis of Pneumocystis pneumonia (PJP) in immunosuppressed patients with systemic rheumatic diseases, but is sometimes discontinued due to adverse events (AEs). The objective of this non-blinded, randomized, 52-week non-inferiority trial was to quest an effective chemoprophylaxis regimen for PJP with a low drug discontinuation rate. Results at week 24 were reported. Adult patients with systemic rheumatic diseases who started prednisolone ≥0.6 mg/kg/day were randomized into three dosage groups: a single-strength group (SS, SMX/TMP of 400/80 mg daily), half-strength group (HS, 200/40 mg daily), and escalation group (ES, started with 40/8 mg daily, increasing incrementally to 200/40 mg daily). The primary endpoint was non-incidence rates (non-IR) of PJP at week 24. Of 183 patients randomly allocated at a 1:1:1 ratio into the three groups, 58 patients in SS, 59 in HS, and 55 in ES started SMX/TMP. A total of 172 patients were included in the analysis. No cases of PJP were reported up to week 24. Estimated non-IR of PJP in patients who received daily SMX/TMP of 200/40 mg, either starting at this dose or increasing incrementally, was 96.8-100% using the exact confidence interval as a post-hoc analysis. The overall discontinuation rate was significantly lower with HS compared to SS (p = 0.007). The discontinuation rates due to AEs were significantly lower with HS (p = 0.006) and ES (p = 0.004) compared to SS. The IR of AEs requiring reduction in the dose of SMX/TMP (p = 0.009) and AEs of special interest (p = 0.003) were different among the three groups with significantly higher IR in SS compared to HS and ES. Although there were no PJP cases, the combined group of HS and ES had an excellent estimated non-IR of PJP and both were superior in safety to SS. From the perspective of feasibility and drug discontinuation rates, the daily half-strength regimen was suggested to be optimal for prophylaxis of PJP in patients with systemic rheumatic diseases. The University Hospital Medical Information Network Clinical Trials Registry number is UMIN000007727 , registered 10 April 2012.

Mapping Copper and Lead Concentrations at Abandoned Mine Areas Using Element Analysis Data from ICP–AES and Portable XRF Instruments: A Comparative Study

PubMed Central

Lee, Hyeongyu; Choi, Yosoon; Suh, Jangwon; Lee, Seung-Ho

2016-01-01

Understanding spatial variation of potentially toxic trace elements (PTEs) in soil is necessary to identify the proper measures for preventing soil contamination at both operating and abandoned mining areas. Many studies have been conducted worldwide to explore the spatial variation of PTEs and to create soil contamination maps using geostatistical methods. However, they generally depend only on inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry (ICP–AES) analysis data, therefore such studies are limited by insufficient input data owing to the disadvantages of ICP–AES analysis such as its costly operation and lengthy period required for analysis. To overcome this limitation, this study used both ICP–AES and portable X-ray fluorescence (PXRF) analysis data, with relatively low accuracy, for mapping copper and lead concentrations at a section of the Busan abandoned mine in Korea and compared the prediction performances of four different approaches: the application of ordinary kriging to ICP–AES analysis data, PXRF analysis data, both ICP–AES and transformed PXRF analysis data by considering the correlation between the ICP–AES and PXRF analysis data, and co-kriging to both the ICP–AES (primary variable) and PXRF analysis data (secondary variable). Their results were compared using an independent validation data set. The results obtained in this case study showed that the application of ordinary kriging to both ICP–AES and transformed PXRF analysis data is the most accurate approach when considers the spatial distribution of copper and lead contaminants in the soil and the estimation errors at 11 sampling points for validation. Therefore, when generating soil contamination maps for an abandoned mine, it is beneficial to use the proposed approach that incorporates the advantageous aspects of both ICP–AES and PXRF analysis data. PMID:27043594

Mapping Copper and Lead Concentrations at Abandoned Mine Areas Using Element Analysis Data from ICP-AES and Portable XRF Instruments: A Comparative Study.

PubMed

Lee, Hyeongyu; Choi, Yosoon; Suh, Jangwon; Lee, Seung-Ho

2016-03-30

Understanding spatial variation of potentially toxic trace elements (PTEs) in soil is necessary to identify the proper measures for preventing soil contamination at both operating and abandoned mining areas. Many studies have been conducted worldwide to explore the spatial variation of PTEs and to create soil contamination maps using geostatistical methods. However, they generally depend only on inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-AES) analysis data, therefore such studies are limited by insufficient input data owing to the disadvantages of ICP-AES analysis such as its costly operation and lengthy period required for analysis. To overcome this limitation, this study used both ICP-AES and portable X-ray fluorescence (PXRF) analysis data, with relatively low accuracy, for mapping copper and lead concentrations at a section of the Busan abandoned mine in Korea and compared the prediction performances of four different approaches: the application of ordinary kriging to ICP-AES analysis data, PXRF analysis data, both ICP-AES and transformed PXRF analysis data by considering the correlation between the ICP-AES and PXRF analysis data, and co-kriging to both the ICP-AES (primary variable) and PXRF analysis data (secondary variable). Their results were compared using an independent validation data set. The results obtained in this case study showed that the application of ordinary kriging to both ICP-AES and transformed PXRF analysis data is the most accurate approach when considers the spatial distribution of copper and lead contaminants in the soil and the estimation errors at 11 sampling points for validation. Therefore, when generating soil contamination maps for an abandoned mine, it is beneficial to use the proposed approach that incorporates the advantageous aspects of both ICP-AES and PXRF analysis data.

Measuring Regional Changes in Damaged Tendon

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Frisch, Catherine Kayt Vincent

Mechanical properties of tendon predict tendon health and function, but measuring these properties in vivo is difficult. An ultrasound-based (US) analysis technique called acoustoelastography (AE) uses load-dependent changes in the reflected US signal to estimate tissue stiffness non-invasively. This thesis explores whether AE can provide information about stiffness alteration resulting from tendon tears both ex vivo and in vivo. An ex vivo ovine infraspinatus tendon model suggests that the relative load transmitted by the different tendon layers transmit different fractions of the load and that ultrasound echo intensity change during cyclic loading decreases, becoming less consistent once the tendon is torn. An in vivo human tibialis anterior tendon model using electrically stimulated twitch contractions investigated the feasibility of measuring the effect in vivo. Four of the five subjects showed the expected change and that the muscle contraction times calculated using the average grayscale echo intensity change compared favorably with the times calculated based on the force data. Finally an AE pilot study with patients who had rotator cuff tendon tears found that controlling the applied load and the US view of the system will be crucial to a successful in vivo study.

Active Electrodes for Wearable EEG Acquisition: Review and Electronics Design Methodology.

PubMed

Xu, Jiawei; Mitra, Srinjoy; Van Hoof, Chris; Yazicioglu, Refet Firat; Makinwa, Kofi A A

2017-01-01

Active electrodes (AEs), i.e., electrodes with built-in readout circuitry, are increasingly being implemented in wearable healthcare and lifestyle applications due to AEs' robustness to environmental interference. An AE locally amplifies and buffers μV-level EEG signals before driving any cabling. The low output impedance of an AE mitigates cable motion artifacts, thus enabling the use of high-impedance dry electrodes for greater user comfort. However, developing a wearable EEG system, with medical grade signal quality on noise, electrode offset tolerance, common-mode rejection ratio, input impedance, and power dissipation, remains a challenging task. This paper reviews state-of-the-art bio-amplifier architectures and low-power analog circuits design techniques intended for wearable EEG acquisition, with a special focus on an AE system interfaced with dry electrodes.

Power Consumption and Calculation Requirement Analysis of AES for WSN IoT.

PubMed

Hung, Chung-Wen; Hsu, Wen-Ting

2018-05-23

Because of the ubiquity of Internet of Things (IoT) devices, the power consumption and security of IoT systems have become very important issues. Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) is a block cipher algorithm is commonly used in IoT devices. In this paper, the power consumption and cryptographic calculation requirement for different payload lengths and AES encryption types are analyzed. These types include software-based AES-CB, hardware-based AES-ECB (Electronic Codebook Mode), and hardware-based AES-CCM (Counter with CBC-MAC Mode). The calculation requirement and power consumption for these AES encryption types are measured on the Texas Instruments LAUNCHXL-CC1310 platform. The experimental results show that the hardware-based AES performs better than the software-based AES in terms of power consumption and calculation cycle requirements. In addition, in terms of AES mode selection, the AES-CCM-MIC64 mode may be a better choice if the IoT device is considering security, encryption calculation requirement, and low power consumption at the same time. However, if the IoT device is pursuing lower power and the payload length is generally less than 16 bytes, then AES-ECB could be considered.

Ultrasonic emissions during ice nucleation and propagation in plant xylem.

PubMed

Charrier, Guillaume; Pramsohler, Manuel; Charra-Vaskou, Katline; Saudreau, Marc; Améglio, Thierry; Neuner, Gilbert; Mayr, Stefan

2015-08-01

Ultrasonic acoustic emission analysis enables nondestructive monitoring of damage in dehydrating or freezing plant xylem. We studied acoustic emissions (AE) in freezing stems during ice nucleation and propagation, by combining acoustic and infrared thermography techniques and controlling the ice nucleation point. Ultrasonic activity in freezing samples of Picea abies showed two distinct phases: the first on ice nucleation and propagation (up to 50 AE s(-1) ; reversely proportional to the distance to ice nucleation point), and the second (up to 2.5 AE s(-1) ) after dissipation of the exothermal heat. Identical patterns were observed in other conifer and angiosperm species. The complex AE patterns are explained by the low water potential of ice at the ice-liquid interface, which induced numerous and strong signals. Ice propagation velocities were estimated via AE (during the first phase) and infrared thermography. Acoustic activity ceased before the second phase probably because the exothermal heating and the volume expansion of ice caused decreasing tensions. Results indicate cavitation events at the ice front leading to AE. Ultrasonic emission analysis enabled new insights into the complex process of xylem freezing and might be used to monitor ice propagation in natura. © 2015 The Authors. New Phytologist © 2015 New Phytologist Trust.

Molecular Detection of Legionella spp. and their associations with Mycobacterium spp., Pseudomonas aeruginosa and amoeba hosts in a drinking water distribution system

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

Quantity of Legionella spp., Mycobacterium spp., Acanthamoeba,Vermamoeba vermiformis and Pseudomonas aeruginosa were estimated using qPCR methods.This dataset is associated with the following publication:Lu , J., I. Struewing, E. Vereen, A.E. Kirby, K. Levy, C. Moe, and N. Ashbolt. Molecular detection of Legionella spp. and their associations with Mycobacterium spp., Pseudomonas aeruginosa and amoeba hosts in a drinking water distribution system (Journal Article). JOURNAL OF APPLIED MICROBIOLOGY. Blackwell Publishing, Malden, MA, USA, 120(2): 509-521, (2016).

Some performance tests of a microarea AES. [Auger Electron Spectroscopy

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Todd, G.; Poppa, H.

1978-01-01

An Auger electron spectroscopy (AES) system which has a submicron analysis capability is described. The system provides secondary electron imaging, as well as micro- and macro-area AES. The resolution of the secondary electron image of an oxidized Al contact pad on a charge-coupled device chip indicates a primary beam size of about 1000 A. For Auger mapping, a useful resolution of about 4000 A is reported

Prevalence of epilepsy in China between 1990 and 2015: A systematic review and meta–analysis

PubMed Central

Song, Peige; Liu, Yezhou; Yu, Xinwei; Wu, Jingjing; Poon, Adrienne N; Demaio, Alessandro; Wang, Wei; Rudan, Igor; Chan, Kit Yee

2017-01-01

Background Epilepsy is a major neurological disorder that affects approximately 65 million people worldwide. Globally, the burden of epilepsy is not evenly distributed, with more than 80% of sufferers residing in low– and middle–income countries. This study estimates the burden of epilepsy in mainland China from 1990 to 2015 and explores the variations of burden by age and gender. Methods We conducted a systematic review of the peer–reviewed literature from 1990 to 2015 using Chinese and English academic databases (CNKI, WanFang, VIP and PubMed) to identify population–based prospective studies on the prevalence of epilepsy in mainland Chinese. Multilevel mixed–effects logistic regression was used to estimate the prevalence of lifetime epilepsy (LTE), and restricted cubic regression splines were applied to model the functional forms of the non–linear effects of age and LTE prevalence. Random–effect meta–analysis was used to obtain the pooled prevalence of 1–year active epilepsy (AE), 2–year AE and 5–year AE separately. To estimate the number of people with LTE and AE in the years 1990, 2000, and 2015, LTE and AE prevalence were multiplied by the total population of mainland China of the corresponding year. Findings Analyses were conducted using 39 prevalence studies that met the inclusion criteria and comprised 77 separate data points (37 on LTE, 16 on 1–year AE, 12 on 2–year AE and 12 on 5–year AE). In 1990, the prevalence of LTE ranged from 1.31‰ (95% CI = 0.85–2.00) in the 0–4 age group to 2.42‰ (95% confidence interval CI = 1.60–3.65) in the 30–34 age group. By 2015, the LTE prevalence had increased to 4.57‰ (95% CI = 2.52–8.27) in the 0–4 group and 8.43‰ (95% CI = 4.71–15.04) in the 30–34 group. Over the 25–year period, the overall prevalence of LTE had steadily increased by 259%, from 1.99‰ (95% CI = 1.31–3.02) in 1990 to 7.15‰ (95% CI = 3.98–12.82) in 2015. The rates of increase were similar across the whole age spectrum, fluctuating around 250%. Between 1990 and 2015, the total number of people with LTE in mainland China increased by 328%, from 2.30 million (95% CI = 1.51–3.49) in 1990 to 9.84 million (95% CI = 5.48–17.64) in 2015. The pooled 1–year, 2–year, and 5–year AE prevalence were 3.79‰ (95% CI = 3.31–4.34), 4.08‰ (95% CI = 3.41–4.89) and 4.19‰ (95% CI = 3.42–5.15). Conclusions The burden of LTE in China has increased substantially between 1990 and 2015, with the prevalence of LTE having more than doubled and the number of people with LTE more than tripled. The large amount of AE cases in China calls for optimal management and treatment. More high–quality epidemiological studies on LTE and AE prevalence are still needed. PMID:29302325

Synthesis of pH-sensitive poly(β-amino ester)-coated mesoporous silica nanoparticles for the controlled release of drugs

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Talavera-Pech, William A.; Esparza-Ruiz, Adriana; Quintana-Owen, Patricia; Vilchis-Nestor, Alfredo R.; Barrón-Zambrano, Jesus A.; Ávila-Ortega, Alejandro

2018-03-01

This report describes the synthesis of a controlled drug delivery system that was obtained by coating mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) with poly(β-amino ester) (PbAE), which is a solid and stable material at physiological pH, but is dissolved at acidic pH values, such as those in tumor tissues (from 5.0 to 6.5). To synthesize the system, PbAE chains were grafted onto amino-functionalized MSNs through a reaction between the surface amino groups of MSNs and the ends of acrylate chains of a PbAE. The system was physicochemically characterized by dynamic light scattering (DLS), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, X-ray photoelectron spectrometry, and X-ray diffraction analyses. In addition, the in vitro release of doxorubicin (DOX) and doxycycline (DXY) in acidic and physiological media was evaluated. It was observed that the PbAE modification did not affect the mesoporous structure of MSNs. When the amount of 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane was increased during functionalization, the amount of PbAE binding to MSNs increased as well. With respect to drug release, the sample with the highest amount of PbAE showed better control in the delivery of DXY and DOX in acidic media, because at pH 5.5, the release of both drugs was 40% higher than that at pH 7.4. These results reveal two aspects about the presence of PbAE in MSNs: PbAE does not affect the mesoporous structure of the nanoparticles, and PbAE is the main factor controlling the delivery of drugs in acidic media.

Effect of database profile variation on drug safety assessment: an analysis of spontaneous adverse event reports of Japanese cases

PubMed Central

Nomura, Kaori; Takahashi, Kunihiko; Hinomura, Yasushi; Kawaguchi, Genta; Matsushita, Yasuyuki; Marui, Hiroko; Anzai, Tatsuhiko; Hashiguchi, Masayuki; Mochizuki, Mayumi

2015-01-01

Background The use of a statistical approach to analyze cumulative adverse event (AE) reports has been encouraged by regulatory authorities. However, data variations affect statistical analyses (eg, signal detection). Further, differences in regulations, social issues, and health care systems can cause variations in AE data. The present study examined similarities and differences between two publicly available databases, ie, the Japanese Adverse Drug Event Report (JADER) database and the US Food and Drug Administration Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS), and how they affect signal detection. Methods Two AE data sources from 2010 were examined, ie, JADER cases (JP) and Japanese cases extracted from the FAERS (FAERS-JP). Three methods for signals of disproportionate reporting, ie, the reporting odds ratio, Bayesian confidence propagation neural network, and Gamma Poisson Shrinker (GPS), were used on drug-event combinations for three substances frequently recorded in both systems. Results The two databases showed similar elements of AE reports, but no option was provided for a shareable case identifier. The average number of AEs per case was 1.6±1.3 (maximum 37) in the JP and 3.3±3.5 (maximum 62) in the FAERS-JP. Between 5% and 57% of all AEs were signaled by three quantitative methods for etanercept, infliximab, and paroxetine. Signals identified by GPS for the JP and FAERS-JP, as referenced by Japanese labeling, showed higher positive sensitivity than was expected. Conclusion The FAERS-JP was different from the JADER. Signals derived from both datasets identified different results, but shared certain signals. Discrepancies in type of AEs, drugs reported, and average number of AEs per case were potential contributing factors. This study will help those concerned with pharmacovigilance better understand the use and pitfalls of using spontaneous AE data. PMID:26109846

Cascade Distillation System Development

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Callahan, Michael R.; Sargushingh, Miriam; Shull, Sarah

2014-01-01

NASA's Advanced Exploration Systems (AES) Life Support System (LSS) Project is chartered with de-veloping advanced life support systems that will ena-ble NASA human exploration beyond low Earth orbit (LEO). The goal of AES is to increase the affordabil-ity of long-duration life support missions, and to re-duce the risk associated with integrating and infusing new enabling technologies required to ensure mission success. Because of the robust nature of distillation systems, the AES LSS Project is pursuing develop-ment of the Cascade Distillation Subsystem (CDS) as part of its technology portfolio. Currently, the system is being developed into a flight forward Generation 2.0 design.

Modeling the Frequency and Costs Associated with Postsurgical Gastrointestinal Adverse Events for Tapentadol IR versus Oxycodone IR

PubMed Central

Paris, Andrew; Kozma, Chris M.; Chow, Wing; Patel, Anisha M.; Mody, Samir H.; Kim, Myoung S.

2013-01-01

Background Few studies have estimated the economic effect of using an opioid that is associated with lower rates of gastrointestinal (GI) adverse events (AEs) than another opioid for postsurgical pain. Objective To estimate the number of postsurgical GI events and incremental hospital costs, including potential savings, associated with lower GI AE rates, for tapentadol immediate release (IR) versus oxycodone IR, using a literature-based calculator. Methods An electronic spreadsheet–based cost calculator was developed to estimate the total number of GI AEs (ie, nausea, vomiting, or constipation) and incremental costs to a hospital when using tapentadol IR 100 mg versus oxycodone IR 15 mg, in a hypothetical cohort of 1500 hospitalized patients requiring short-acting opioids for postsurgical pain. Data inputs were chosen from recently published, well-designed studies, including GI AE rates from a previously published phase 3 clinical trial of postsurgical patients who received these 2 opioids; GI event–related incremental length of stay from a large US hospital database; drug costs using wholesale acquisition costs in 2011 US dollars; and average hospitalization cost from the 2009 Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project database. The base case assumed that 5% (chosen as a conservative estimate) of patients admitted to the hospital would shift from oxycodone IR to tapentadol IR. Results In this hypothetical cohort of 1500 hospitalized patients, replacing 5% of oxycodone IR 15-mg use with tapentadol IR 100-mg use predicted reductions in the total number of GI events from 1095 to 1085, and in the total cost of GI AEs from $2,978,400 to $2,949,840. This cost reduction translates to a net savings of $22,922 after factoring in drug cost. For individual GI events, the net savings were $26,491 for nausea; $12,212 for vomiting; and $7187 for constipation. Conclusion Using tapentadol IR in place of a traditional μ-opioid shows the potential for reduced GI events and subsequent cost-savings in the postsurgical hospital setting. In the absence of sufficient real-world data, this literature-based cost calculator may assist hospital Pharmacy & Therapeutics committees in their evaluation of the costs of opioid-related GI events. PMID:24991383

Strategies to increase patient safety in Hemodialysis: Application of the modal analysis system of errors and effects (FEMA system).

PubMed

Arenas Jiménez, María Dolores; Ferre, Gabriel; Álvarez-Ude, Fernando

Haemodialysis (HD) patients are a high-risk population group. For these patients, an error could have catastrophic consequences. Therefore, systems that ensure the safety of these patients in an environment with high technology and great interaction of the human factor is a requirement. To show a systematic working approach, reproducible in any HD unit, which consists of recording the complications and errors that occurred during the HD session; defining which of those complications could be considered adverse event (AE), and therefore preventable; and carrying out a systematic analysis of them, as well as of underlying real or potential errors, evaluating their severity, frequency and detection; as well as establishing priorities for action (Failure Mode and Effects Analysis system [FMEA systems]). Retrospective analysis of the graphs of all HD sessions performed during one month (October 2015) on 97 patients, analysing all recorded complications. The consideration of these complications as AEs was based on a consensus among 13 health professionals and 2 patients. The severity, frequency and detection of each AE was evaluated by the FMEA system. We analysed 1303 HD treatments in 97 patients. A total of 383 complications (1 every 3.4 HD treatments) were recorded. Approximately 87.9% of them was deemed AEs and 23.7% complications related with patients' underlying pathology. There was one AE every 3.8 HD treatments. Hypertension and hypotension were the most frequent AEs (42.7 and 27.5% of all AEs recorded, respectively). Vascular-access related AEs were one every 68.5 HD treatments. A total of 21 errors (1 every 62 HD treatments), mainly related to the HD technique and to the administration of prescribed medication, were registered. The highest risk priority number, according to the FMEA, corresponded to errors related to patient body weight; dysfunction/rupture of the catheter; and needle extravasation. HD complications are frequent. Consideration of some of them as AEs could improve safety by facilitating the implementation of preventive measures. The application of the FMEA system allows stratifying real and potential errors in dialysis units and acting with the appropriate degree of urgency, developing and implementing the necessary preventive and improvement measures. Copyright © 2017 Sociedad Española de Nefrología. Published by Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.

Sources and characteristics of acoustic emissions from mechanically stressed geologic granular media — A review

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Michlmayr, Gernot; Cohen, Denis; Or, Dani

2012-05-01

The formation of cracks and emergence of shearing planes and other modes of rapid macroscopic failure in geologic granular media involve numerous grain scale mechanical interactions often generating high frequency (kHz) elastic waves, referred to as acoustic emissions (AE). These acoustic signals have been used primarily for monitoring and characterizing fatigue and progressive failure in engineered systems, with only a few applications concerning geologic granular media reported in the literature. Similar to the monitoring of seismic events preceding an earthquake, AE may offer a means for non-invasive, in-situ, assessment of mechanical precursors associated with imminent landslides or other types of rapid mass movements (debris flows, rock falls, snow avalanches, glacier stick-slip events). Despite diverse applications and potential usefulness, a systematic description of the AE method and its relevance to mechanical processes in Earth sciences is lacking. This review is aimed at providing a sound foundation for linking observed AE with various micro-mechanical failure events in geologic granular materials, not only for monitoring of triggering events preceding mass mobilization, but also as a non-invasive tool in its own right for probing the rich spectrum of mechanical processes at scales ranging from a single grain to a hillslope. We review first studies reporting use of AE for monitoring of failure in various geologic materials, and describe AE generating source mechanisms in mechanically stressed geologic media (e.g., frictional sliding, micro-crackling, particle collisions, rupture of water bridges, etc.) including AE statistical features, such as frequency content and occurrence probabilities. We summarize available AE sensors and measurement principles. The high sampling rates of advanced AE systems enable detection of numerous discrete failure events within a volume and thus provide access to statistical descriptions of progressive collapse of systems with many interacting mechanical elements such as the fiber bundle model (FBM). We highlight intrinsic links between AE characteristics and established statistical models often used in structural engineering and material sciences, and outline potential applications for failure prediction and early-warning using the AE method in combination with the FBM. The biggest challenge to application of the AE method for field applications is strong signal attenuation. We provide an outlook for overcoming such limitations considering emergence of a class of fiber-optic based distributed AE sensors and deployment of acoustic waveguides as part of monitoring networks.

AECM-4; Proceedings of the 4th International Symposium on Acoustic Emission from Composite Materials, Seattle, WA, July 27-31, 1992

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Various papers on AE from composite materials are presented. Among the individual topics addressed are: acoustic analysis of tranverse lamina cracking in CFRP laminates under tensile loading, characterization of fiber failure in graphite-epoxy (G/E) composites, application of AE in the study of microfissure damage to composite used in the aeronautic and space industries, interfacial shear properties and AE behavior of model aluminum and titanium matrix composites, amplitude distribution modelling and ultimate strength prediction of ASTM D-3039 G/E tensile specimens, AE prefailure warning system for composite structural tests, characterization of failure mechanisms in G/E tensile tests specimens using AE data, development of a standard testing procedure to yield an AE vs. strain curve, benchmark exercise on AE measurements from carbon fiber-epoxy composites. Also discussed are: interpretation of optically detected AE signals, acoustic emission monitoring of fracture process of SiC/Al composites under cyclic loading, application of pattern recognition techniques to acousto-ultrasonic testing of Kevlar composite panels, AE for high temperature monitoring of processing of carbon/carbon composite, monitoring the resistance welding of thermoplastic composites through AE, plate wave AE composite materials, determination of the elastic properties of composite materials using simulated AE signals, AE source location in thin plates using cross-correlation, propagation of flexural mode AE signals in Gr/Ep composite plates.

Fatigue crack localization with near-field acoustic emission signals

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhou, Changjiang; Zhang, Yunfeng

2013-04-01

This paper presents an AE source localization technique using near-field acoustic emission (AE) signals induced by crack growth and propagation. The proposed AE source localization technique is based on the phase difference in the AE signals measured by two identical AE sensing elements spaced apart at a pre-specified distance. This phase difference results in canceling-out of certain frequency contents of signals, which can be related to AE source direction. Experimental data from simulated AE source such as pencil breaks was used along with analytical results from moment tensor analysis. It is observed that the theoretical predictions, numerical simulations and the experimental test results are in good agreement. Real data from field monitoring of an existing fatigue crack on a bridge was also used to test this system. Results show that the proposed method is fairly effective in determining the AE source direction in thick plates commonly encountered in civil engineering structures.

Development of a thick film PZT foil sensor for use in structural health monitoring applications.

PubMed

Pickwell, Andrew J; Dorey, Robert A; Mba, David

2013-02-01

Acoustic emission (AE) monitoring is a technique of growing interest in the field of nondestructive testing (NDT). The use of AE devices to monitor the health of structural components is currently limited by the cost of AE equipment, which prohibits the permanent placement of AE devices on structures for the purposes of continuous monitoring and the monitoring of areas with limited access. Micro electromechanical systems (MEMS) can provide solutions to these problems. We present the manufacture of a 4.4-μm-thick lead zirconate titanate (PZT) film on a 110-μm-thick titanium foil substrate for use as an AE sensor. The thick-film sensor is benchmarked against commercially available AE sensors in static and dynamic monitoring applications. The thick-film AE device is found to perform well in the detection of AE in static applications. A low signal-to-noise ratio is found to prohibit the detection of AE in a dynamic application.

The Price of Tumor Control: An Analysis of Rare Side Effects of Anti-CTLA-4 Therapy in Metastatic Melanoma from the Ipilimumab Network

PubMed Central

Voskens, Caroline J.; Goldinger, Simone M.; Loquai, Carmen; Robert, Caroline; Kaehler, Katharina C.; Berking, Carola; Bergmann, Tanja; Bockmeyer, Clemens L.; Eigentler, Thomas; Fluck, Michael; Garbe, Claus; Gutzmer, Ralf; Grabbe, Stephan; Hauschild, Axel; Hein, Rüdiger; Hundorfean, Gheorghe; Justich, Armin; Keller, Ullrich; Klein, Christina; Mateus, Christine; Mohr, Peter; Paetzold, Sylvie; Satzger, Imke; Schadendorf, Dirk; Schlaeppi, Marc; Schuler, Gerold; Schuler-Thurner, Beatrice; Trefzer, Uwe; Ulrich, Jens; Vaubel, Julia; von Moos, Roger; Weder, Patrik; Wilhelm, Tabea; Göppner, Daniela; Dummer, Reinhard; Heinzerling, Lucie M.

2013-01-01

Background Ipilimumab, a cytotoxic T-lymphocyte antigen-4 (CTLA-4) blocking antibody, has been approved for the treatment of metastatic melanoma and induces adverse events (AE) in up to 64% of patients. Treatment algorithms for the management of common ipilimumab-induced AEs have lead to a reduction of morbidity, e.g. due to bowel perforations. However, the spectrum of less common AEs is expanding as ipilimumab is increasingly applied. Stringent recognition and management of AEs will reduce drug-induced morbidity and costs, and thus, positively impact the cost-benefit ratio of the drug. To facilitate timely identification and adequate management data on rare AEs were analyzed at 19 skin cancer centers. Methods and Findings Patient files (n = 752) were screened for rare ipilimumab-associated AEs. A total of 120 AEs, some of which were life-threatening or even fatal, were reported and summarized by organ system describing the most instructive cases in detail. Previously unreported AEs like drug rash with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS), granulomatous inflammation of the central nervous system, and aseptic meningitis, were documented. Obstacles included patientś delay in reporting symptoms and the differentiation of steroid-induced from ipilimumab-induced AEs under steroid treatment. Importantly, response rate was high in this patient population with tumor regression in 30.9% and a tumor control rate of 61.8% in stage IV melanoma patients despite the fact that some patients received only two of four recommended ipilimumab infusions. This suggests that ipilimumab-induced antitumor responses can have an early onset and that severe autoimmune reactions may reflect overtreatment. Conclusion The wide spectrum of ipilimumab-induced AEs demands doctor and patient awareness to reduce morbidity and treatment costs and true ipilimumab success is dictated by both objective tumor responses and controlling severe side effects. PMID:23341990

Thermal protection system (TPS) monitoring using acoustic emission

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hurley, D. A.; Huston, D. R.; Fletcher, D. G.; Owens, W. P.

2011-04-01

This project investigates acoustic emission (AE) as a tool for monitoring the degradation of thermal protection systems (TPS). The AE sensors are part of an array of instrumentation on an inductively coupled plasma (ICP) torch designed for testing advanced thermal protection aerospace materials used for hypervelocity vehicles. AE are generated by stresses within the material, propagate as elastic stress waves, and can be detected with sensitive instrumentation. Graphite (POCO DFP-2) is used to study gas-surface interaction during degradation of thermal protection materials. The plasma is produced by a RF magnetic field driven by a 30kW power supply at 3.5 MHz, which creates a noisy environment with large spikes when powered on or off. AE are waveguided from source to sensor by a liquid-cooled copper probe used to position the graphite sample in the plasma stream. Preliminary testing was used to set filters and thresholds on the AE detection system (Physical Acoustics PCI-2) to minimize the impact of considerable operating noise. Testing results show good correlation between AE data and testing environment, which dictates the physics and chemistry of the thermal breakdown of the sample. Current efforts for the project are expanding the dataset and developing statistical analysis tools. This study shows the potential of AE as a powerful tool for analysis of thermal protection material thermal degradations with the unique capability of real-time, in-situ monitoring.

A COMPARISON OF AEROSOL OPTICAL DEPTH SIMULATED USING CMAQ WITH SATELLITE ESTIMATES

EPA Science Inventory

Satellite data provide new opportunities to study the regional distribution of particulate matter.

The aerosol optical depth (AOD) - a derived estimate from the satellite-measured radiance, can be compared against model estimates to provide an evaluation of the columnar ae...

NASA, Navy, and AES/York sea ice concentration comparison of SSM/I algorithms with SAR derived values

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Jentz, R. R.; Wackerman, C. C.; Shuchman, R. A.; Onstott, R. G.; Gloersen, Per; Cavalieri, Don; Ramseier, Rene; Rubinstein, Irene; Comiso, Joey; Hollinger, James

1991-01-01

Previous research studies have focused on producing algorithms for extracting geophysical information from passive microwave data regarding ice floe size, sea ice concentration, open water lead locations, and sea ice extent. These studies have resulted in four separate algorithms for extracting these geophysical parameters. Sea ice concentration estimates generated from each of these algorithms (i.e., NASA/Team, NASA/Comiso, AES/York, and Navy) are compared to ice concentration estimates produced from coincident high-resolution synthetic aperture radar (SAR) data. The SAR concentration estimates are produced from data collected in both the Beaufort Sea and the Greenland Sea in March 1988 and March 1989, respectively. The SAR data are coincident to the passive microwave data generated by the Special Sensor Microwave/Imager (SSM/I).

The influence of different native language systems on vowel discrimination and identification

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kewley-Port, Diane; Bohn, Ocke-Schwen; Nishi, Kanae

2005-04-01

The ability to identify the vowel sounds of a language reliably is dependent on the ability to discriminate between vowels at a more sensory level. This study examined how the complexity of the vowel systems of three native languages (L1) influenced listeners perception of American English (AE) vowels. AE has a fairly complex vowel system with 11 monophthongs. In contrast, Japanese has only 5 spectrally different vowels, while Swedish has 9 and Danish has 12. Six listeners, with exposure of less than 4 months in English speaking environments, participated from each L1. Their performance in two tasks was compared to 6 AE listeners. As expected, there were large differences in a linguistic identification task using 4 confusable AE low vowels. Japanese listeners performed quite poorly compared to listeners with more complex L1 vowel systems. Thresholds for formant discrimination for the 3 groups were very similar to those of native AE listeners. Thus it appears that sensory abilities for discriminating vowels are only slightly affected by native vowel systems, and that vowel confusions occur at a more central, linguistic level. [Work supported by funding from NIHDCD-02229 and the American-Scandinavian Foundation.

[Incidence and preventability of adverse events in patients hospitalised in three Colombian hospitals during 2006].

PubMed

Gaitán-Duarte, Hernando; Eslava-Schmalbach, Javier; Rodríguez-Malagon, Nelcy; Forero-Supelano, Víctor; Santofimio-Sierra, Dagoberto; Altahona, Hernando

2008-01-01

Determining adverse event (AE) incidence, preventability, classification and impact for establishing their importance as a public health problem within the Colombian Social Security System. This was a study of a prospective inpatient cohort from three Colombian general-practice institutions. at least 12 hours' length of hospital stay during 2006. suffering psychiatric disorders and AE which had occurred before hospitalisation indexing. The sample consisted of 6 557 patients. clinical charts. Being a three-phase design, the first phase consisted of translating and standardising screening and causation formats, phase II of actively monitoring screening criteria and phase III of evaluating causation regarding the care being provided, based on specialist committee concept on a 0-6 scale. The variables measured were age, gender, social security affiliation, cumulative AE incidence, temporality, preventability of AE and disability resulting from them. 6,688 patients were evaluated; 505 of them fulfilled positive screening criteria (95 % CI=7,9;7,3-8,6), 310 presented at least one AE during their hospitalisation (95 %CI for accumulated incidence=4,6; 4,1-5,1). AE were considered to have been preventable in 189 cases (95 % CI=61;55-66) and permanent disability occurred in 1,3 % of them. AE-associated mortality was 6,4 % (20/310). Hospitalisation became increased to 1 072 days as a direct consequence of AE. This study revealed an important incidence of AE in three Colombian hospitals, these being mainly preventable. Their ongoing monitoring as a part of risk management systems could reduce costs and AE-associated morbidity and mortality.

Aggregated adverse-events outcomes in oncology phase III reports: A systematic review.

PubMed

Maillet, Denis; Gan, Hui K; Blay, Jean-Yves; You, Benoit; Péron, Julien

2016-01-01

Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) represent a major source of information on treatment-related adverse events (AEs). In this study, we reviewed the use and the reporting methods of aggregated-AEs (A-AEs) outcomes in RCTs reports published in oncology and compared that to the expectations of European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) membership. RCTs reports published between 2007 and 2011 were reviewed regarding the reporting of A-AEs-outcomes. A-AEs were defined as summary outcome combining several related AEs, usually grouped by organ system e.g. cardiac-AEs, dermatologic-AEs. Trial characteristics associated with the use of A-AEs outcomes were investigated. The expectation of EORTC members concerning A-AEs utilisation was queried through a survey. Among 325 RCTs published between 2007 and 2011, 94 (29%) included one or more A-AE outcomes. A clear description of the nature of AEs included in such aggregations was provided in 19 articles (20%). No description of A-AEs was conversely provided in the other 75 articles (80%). The most commonly used A-AEs-outcomes were dermatologic-AEs (45%) and cardiac-AEs (33%). In multivariate analysis, the use of A-AEs outcomes was more frequent when trials were conducted in Europe (p = 0.038) and in trials performed on colon/rectal cancers (p = 0.016). Finally, there is no consensus of EORTC members regarding the utilisation of A-AEs but a majority of them (88%) felt that a clear description of A-AEs should systematically be reported. The use of A-AEs is infrequent in oncology RCT manuscripts although their use is accepted by most clinicians. However, a clear definition of A-AEs is strongly recommended if they are to be used in order to avoid a loss of important details about drug toxicities that is useful to clinicians. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Digital drug safety surveillance: monitoring pharmaceutical products in twitter.

PubMed

Freifeld, Clark C; Brownstein, John S; Menone, Christopher M; Bao, Wenjie; Filice, Ross; Kass-Hout, Taha; Dasgupta, Nabarun

2014-05-01

Traditional adverse event (AE) reporting systems have been slow in adapting to online AE reporting from patients, relying instead on gatekeepers, such as clinicians and drug safety groups, to verify each potential event. In the meantime, increasing numbers of patients have turned to social media to share their experiences with drugs, medical devices, and vaccines. The aim of the study was to evaluate the level of concordance between Twitter posts mentioning AE-like reactions and spontaneous reports received by a regulatory agency. We collected public English-language Twitter posts mentioning 23 medical products from 1 November 2012 through 31 May 2013. Data were filtered using a semi-automated process to identify posts with resemblance to AEs (Proto-AEs). A dictionary was developed to translate Internet vernacular to a standardized regulatory ontology for analysis (MedDRA(®)). Aggregated frequency of identified product-event pairs was then compared with data from the public FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) by System Organ Class (SOC). Of the 6.9 million Twitter posts collected, 4,401 Proto-AEs were identified out of 60,000 examined. Automated, dictionary-based symptom classification had 86 % recall and 72 % precision [corrected]. Similar overall distribution profiles were observed, with Spearman rank correlation rho of 0.75 (p < 0.0001) between Proto-AEs reported in Twitter and FAERS by SOC. Patients reporting AEs on Twitter showed a range of sophistication when describing their experience. Despite the public availability of these data, their appropriate role in pharmacovigilance has not been established. Additional work is needed to improve data acquisition and automation.

Statistical and Ontological Analysis of Adverse Events Associated with Monovalent and Combination Vaccines against Hepatitis A and B Diseases

PubMed Central

Xie, Jiangan; Zhao, Lili; Zhou, Shangbo; He, Yongqun

2016-01-01

Vaccinations often induce various adverse events (AEs), and sometimes serious AEs (SAEs). While many vaccines are used in combination, the effects of vaccine-vaccine interactions (VVIs) on vaccine AEs are rarely studied. In this study, AE profiles induced by hepatitis A vaccine (Havrix), hepatitis B vaccine (Engerix-B), and hepatitis A and B combination vaccine (Twinrix) were studied using the VAERS data. From May 2001 to January 2015, VAERS recorded 941, 3,885, and 1,624 AE case reports where patients aged at least 18 years old were vaccinated with only Havrix, Engerix-B, and Twinrix, respectively. Using these data, our statistical analysis identified 46, 69, and 82 AEs significantly associated with Havrix, Engerix-B, and Twinrix, respectively. Based on the Ontology of Adverse Events (OAE) hierarchical classification, these AEs were enriched in the AEs related to behavioral and neurological conditions, immune system, and investigation results. Twenty-nine AEs were classified as SAEs and mainly related to immune conditions. Using a logistic regression model accompanied with MCMC sampling, 13 AEs (e.g., hepatosplenomegaly) were identified to result from VVI synergistic effects. Classifications of these 13 AEs using OAE and MedDRA hierarchies confirmed the advantages of the OAE-based method over MedDRA in AE term hierarchical analysis. PMID:27694888

Root causes, clinical effects, and outcomes of unintentional exposures to buprenorphine by young children.

PubMed

Lavonas, Eric J; Banner, William; Bradt, Pamela; Bucher-Bartelson, Becki; Brown, Kimberly R; Rajan, Pradeep; Murrelle, Lenn; Dart, Richard C; Green, Jody L

2013-11-01

To characterize the rates, root causes, and clinical effects of unintentional exposures to buprenorphine sublingual formulations among young children and to determine whether exposure characteristics differ between formulations. Unintentional exposures to buprenorphine-containing products among children 28 days to less than 6 years old were collected from the Researched Abuse, Diversion, and Addiction-Related Surveillance System Poison Center Program and Reckitt Benckiser Pharmaceuticals' pharmacovigilance system from October 2009-March 2012. After adjustment for drug availability, negative binomial regression was used to estimate average exposure rates. Root cause assessment was conducted, and an expert clinician panel adjudicated causality and severity of moderate to severe adverse events (AEs). A total of 2380 cases were reviewed, including 4 deaths. Exposures to buprenorphine-naloxone combination film were significantly less frequent than exposures to buprenorphine tablets (rate ratio 3.5 [95% CI, 2.7-4.5]) and buprenorphine-naloxone combination tablets (rate ratio 8.8 [7.2-10.6]). The most commonly identified root causes were medication stored in sight, accessed from a bag or purse, and not stored in the original packaging. Among 536 panel review cases, the most common AEs reported for all formulations were lethargy, respiratory depression, miosis, and vomiting. The highest level AE severity did not differ significantly by formulation. Unintentional exposure to buprenorphine can cause central nervous system depression, respiratory depression, and death in young children. Exposure rates to film formulations are significantly less than to tablet formulations. Package and storage deficiencies contribute to unintentional exposures in young children. Copyright © 2013 Mosby, Inc. All rights reserved.

[Systemic safety following intravitreal injections of anti-VEGF].

PubMed

Baillif, S; Levy, B; Girmens, J-F; Dumas, S; Tadayoni, R

2018-03-01

The goal of this manuscript is to assess data suggesting that intravitreal injection of anti-vascular endothelial growth factors (anti-VEGFs) could result in systemic adverse events (AEs). The class-specific systemic AEs should be similar to those encountered in cancer trials. The most frequent AE observed in oncology, hypertension and proteinuria, should thus be the most common expected in ophthalmology, but their severity should be lower because of the much lower doses of anti-VEGFs administered intravitreally. Such AEs have not been frequently reported in ophthalmology trials. In addition, pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic data describing systemic diffusion of anti-VEGFs should be interpreted with caution because of significant inconsistencies reported. Thus, safety data reported in ophthalmology trials and pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic data provide robust evidence that systemic events after intravitreal injection are very unlikely. Additional studies are needed to explore this issue further, as much remains to be understood about local and systemic side effects of anti-VEGFs. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

Examination of coating failure by acoustic emission

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Berndt, Christopher C.

1985-01-01

Coatings of NiCrAlY bond coat with a zirconia - 12 wt percent yttria overlay were applied to disc-shaped specimens of U-700 alloy. A waveguide of 1 mm diameter platinum was TIG welded to the specimen and allowed it to be suspended in a tubular furnace. The specimen was thermally cycled to 1150 C, and the acoustic emission (AE) monitored. The weight gain per thermal cycle was also measured. A computer system based on the IBM-XT microcomputer was used extensively to acquire the AE data with respect to temperature. This system also controlled the temperature by using a PD software loop. Several different types of AE analyses were performed. A major feature of these tests, not addressed by previous work in this area, was that the coatings covered 100 percent of the specimen and also that the AE was amplified at two different levels. It is believed that this latter feature allows a qualitative appraisal of the relative number of cracks per AE event. The difference in AE counts between the two channels is proportional to the number of cracks per AE event, and this parameter may be thought of as the crack density. The ratio of the AE count difference to the AE count magnitude of one channel is inversely proportional to the crack growth. Both of these parameters allow the crack distribution and crack growth within each specimen to be qualitatively followed during the thermal cycling operation. Recent results which used these principles will be presented.

19 CFR 192.11 - Description of the AES.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-04-01

... 19 Customs Duties 2 2010-04-01 2010-04-01 false Description of the AES. 192.11 Section 192.11 Customs Duties U.S. CUSTOMS AND BORDER PROTECTION, DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY; DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY (CONTINUED) EXPORT CONTROL Filing of Export Information Through the Automated Export System (AES...

Methods for measuring serum activity levels of the 192 Q and R isoenzymes of paraoxonase 1 in QR heterozygous individuals.

PubMed

Teiber, John F; Kramer, Gerald L; Haley, Robert W

2013-08-01

Paraoxonase 1 (PON1), an esterase that hydrolyzes toxic organophosphates and has antioxidative and antiatherogenic properties, contains a common polymorphism at position 192: glutamine (Q) or arginine (R). The Q and R isoenzymes exhibit different physical and protective properties. We describe 2 methods for quantifying their serum activity levels. We measured serum hydrolytic activity with paraoxon [paraoxonase (PXN) activity], phenylacetate [arylesterase (AE) activity], and diazoxon [diazoxonase (DZN) activity] with standard automated assays. We determined PON1 Q192R genotypes with PCR and Q192R phenotypes using the PXN/AE and PXN/DZN ratios. Interpolation equations were empirically derived to predict the percentage of total PON1 hydrolytic activity due to the Q isoenzyme (%Q) from the PXN/AE and PXN/DZN ratios; %R is 100 - %Q. We estimated Q and R isoenzyme activity levels in sera from 2095 veterans by multiplying AE activity, a measure of total PON1 hydrolytic activity, by %Q and %R. In all 2095 samples, the PXN/AE and PXN/DZN ratios predicted Q192R phenotypes with nearly identical accuracy (κ = 0.997). In the 925 QR heterozygotes, the 2 interpolation methods predicted Q and R isoenzyme activity levels with excellent agreement (intraclass correlation 0.94). After excluding a few genotype/phenotype-discordant samples, the percentage of total PON1 activity due to the Q isoenzyme ranged from 22% to 70%. These new interpolation methods allow accurate estimation of PON1 192 Q and R isoenzyme activity levels, increasing specificity and power for studying susceptibility to disease.

Pharmacokinetic characteristics of formulated alendronate transdermal delivery systems in rats and humans.

PubMed

Choi, Ahyoung; Gang, Hyesil; Whang, Jiae; Gwak, Hyesun

2010-05-01

The objective of this study was to examine the absorption of alendronate from formulated transdermal delivery systems in rats and humans. When alendronate was applied to rats by transdermal delivery systems (7.2 mg) and oral administration (30 mg/kg), a statistically significant difference was found in the amount remaining to be excreted at time t (Ae(t)) and the amount remaining to be excreted at time 0 (Ae(infinity)) (p < 0.01). The highest Ae(infinity) (1267.7+/-65.2 ng) was found in the formulation containing 6% caprylic acid in propylene glycol (PG), which was 5.4- and 2.0-times higher than the PG only formulation and oral administration, respectively. Compared to oral administration, significantly delayed half-life values were obtained from all the formulated transdermal delivery systems. There was a linear relationship (r(2) = 0.9854) between the drug loading dose and Ae(infinity). The Ae(infinity) values from the transdermal delivery system containing 6% caprylic acid (53.8 mg as alendronate) and an oral product (Fosamax), 70 mg as alendronate) in humans were 127.0 +/- 34.2 microg and 237.2 +/- 56.3 microg, respectively. The dose-adjusted relative Ae(infinity) ratio of the transdermal delivery system to oral product was calculated to be 69.7%. The long half-life of alendronate in the transdermal delivery system (50.6 +/- 6.4 h), compared to that of the oral product (3.5 +/- 1.1 h) could allow less-frequent dosing. In conclusion, this study showed that a transdermal delivery system containing 6% caprylic acid in PG could be a favorable alternative for alendronate administration.

Estimating Daily Evapotranspiration Based on A Model of Evapotranspiration Fraction (EF) for Mixed Pixels

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xin, X.; Li, F.; Peng, Z.; Qinhuo, L.

2017-12-01

Land surface heterogeneities significantly affect the reliability and accuracy of remotely sensed evapotranspiration (ET), and it gets worse for lower resolution data. At the same time, temporal scale extrapolation of the instantaneous latent heat flux (LE) at satellite overpass time to daily ET are crucial for applications of such remote sensing product. The purpose of this paper is to propose a simple but efficient model for estimating daytime evapotranspiration considering heterogeneity of mixed pixels. In order to do so, an equation to calculate evapotranspiration fraction (EF) of mixed pixels was derived based on two key assumptions. Assumption 1: the available energy (AE) of each sub-pixel equals approximately to that of any other sub-pixels in the same mixed pixel within acceptable margin of bias, and as same as the AE of the mixed pixel. It's only for a simpification of the equation, and its uncertainties and resulted errors in estimated ET are very small. Assumption 2: EF of each sub-pixel equals to the EF of the nearest pure pixel(s) of same land cover type. This equation is supposed to be capable of correcting the spatial scale error of the mixed pixels EF and can be used to calculated daily ET with daily AE data.The model was applied to an artificial oasis in the midstream of Heihe River. HJ-1B satellite data were used to estimate the lumped fluxes at the scale of 300 m after resampling the 30-m resolution datasets to 300 m resolution, which was used to carry on the key step of the model. The results before and after correction were compare to each other and validated using site data of eddy-correlation systems. Results indicated that the new model is capable of improving accuracy of daily ET estimation relative to the lumped method. Validations at 12 sites of eddy-correlation systems for 9 days of HJ-1B overpass showed that the R² increased to 0.82 from 0.62; the RMSE decreased to 1.60 MJ/m² from 2.47MJ/m²; the MBE decreased from 1.92 MJ/m² to 1.18MJ/m², which is a quite significant enhancement.The model is easy to apply. And the moduler of inhomogeneous surfaces is independent and easy to be embedded in the traditional remote sensing algorithms of heat fluxes to get daily ET, which were mainly designed to calculate LE or ET under unsaturated conditions and did not consider heterogeneities of land surface.

Implementation of the AES as a Hash Function for Confirming the Identity of Software on a Computer System

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

Hansen, Randy R.; Bass, Robert B.; Kouzes, Richard T.

2003-01-20

This paper provides a brief overview of the implementation of the Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) as a hash function for confirming the identity of software resident on a computer system. The PNNL Software Authentication team chose to use a hash function to confirm software identity on a system for situations where: (1) there is limited time to perform the confirmation and (2) access to the system is restricted to keyboard or thumbwheel input and output can only be displayed on a monitor. PNNL reviewed three popular algorithms: the Secure Hash Algorithm - 1 (SHA-1), the Message Digest - 5 (MD-5),more » and the Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) and selected the AES to incorporate in software confirmation tool we developed. This paper gives a brief overview of the SHA-1, MD-5, and the AES and sites references for further detail. It then explains the overall processing steps of the AES to reduce a large amount of generic data-the plain text, such is present in memory and other data storage media in a computer system, to a small amount of data-the hash digest, which is a mathematically unique representation or signature of the former that could be displayed on a computer's monitor. This paper starts with a simple definition and example to illustrate the use of a hash function. It concludes with a description of how the software confirmation tool uses the hash function to confirm the identity of software on a computer system.« less

Safety monitoring of ophthalmic biologics: a systematic review of pre- and postmarketing safety data.

PubMed

Penedones, Ana; Mendes, Diogo; Alves, Carlos; Batel Marques, Francisco

2014-11-01

The present study evaluates the safety of the biologics approved for the treatment of ocular diseases. The European medicines agency Website was searched to identify biologics with approved ophthalmologic therapeutic indications. A systematic search was performed using MEDLINE, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) and the International Clinical Trials Registry Platform up to December 2013. Pre-marketing, phase III randomized controlled trials (RCT), postmarketing clinical trials, observational longitudinal studies, and case reports involving adverse events (AE) were included. Methodological quality was assessed by Downs & Black checklist. All European spontaneous reports of AE included in the Eudravigilance up to December 2013 were also considered. AE were classified as ocular (related and non-related with the injection procedure) and non-ocular (related or non-related with vascular endothelial growth factor inhibition). Incidences of all reported AEs were estimated. Pegaptanib, ranibizumab, and aflibercept were identified as ophthalmic biologics. Fourteen premarketing RCT, 7 postmarketing clinical trials, 31 observational studies, along with 31 case reports and 7,720 spontaneous reports were identified and included in this study. Both in pre- and postmarketing settings, ocular AEs were more frequent than non-ocular AEs. Premarketing safety data inform the most common AEs. Postmarketing studies suggest an increased number of events such as retinal pigmented epithelium tears (0.6%-24%), thromboembolic events (0.8%-5%), and mortality (2.8%-4%). This study highlights the need to properly evaluate the risk for rare, serious, and long-term AEs, such as thromboembolic events, since they can lead to imbalances in the benefit-risk ratio of biologics in ophthalmology.

The application of compressed sensing to long-term acoustic emission-based structural health monitoring

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cattaneo, Alessandro; Park, Gyuhae; Farrar, Charles; Mascareñas, David

2012-04-01

The acoustic emission (AE) phenomena generated by a rapid release in the internal stress of a material represent a promising technique for structural health monitoring (SHM) applications. AE events typically result in a discrete number of short-time, transient signals. The challenge associated with capturing these events using classical techniques is that very high sampling rates must be used over extended periods of time. The result is that a very large amount of data is collected to capture a phenomenon that rarely occurs. Furthermore, the high energy consumption associated with the required high sampling rates makes the implementation of high-endurance, low-power, embedded AE sensor nodes difficult to achieve. The relatively rare occurrence of AE events over long time scales implies that these measurements are inherently sparse in the spike domain. The sparse nature of AE measurements makes them an attractive candidate for the application of compressed sampling techniques. Collecting compressed measurements of sparse AE signals will relax the requirements on the sampling rate and memory demands. The focus of this work is to investigate the suitability of compressed sensing techniques for AE-based SHM. The work explores estimating AE signal statistics in the compressed domain for low-power classification applications. In the event compressed classification finds an event of interest, ι1 norm minimization will be used to reconstruct the measurement for further analysis. The impact of structured noise on compressive measurements is specifically addressed. The suitability of a particular algorithm, called Justice Pursuit, to increase robustness to a small amount of arbitrary measurement corruption is investigated.

Sorption, degradation and transport phenomena of alcohol ethoxysulfates in agricultural soils. Laboratory studies.

PubMed

Fernández-Ramos, C; Rodríguez-Gómez, R; Reis, M S; Zafra-Gómez, A; Verge, C; de Ferrer, J A; Pérez-Pascual, M; Vílchez, J L

2017-03-01

In the present work, laboratory studies were conducted in order to determine and model the sorption, degradation and transport processes of alcohol ethoxysulfates (AES), one of the most important groups of anionic surfactants. Adsorption/desorption isotherms were obtained for several structurally related AES ethoxymers (homologue AES-C 12 E n with n = 0-10 ethoxymer units and homologue AES-C 14 E n with n = 0-7 ethoxymer units) using a batch equilibrium method. Data were fitted to a linear and a Freundlich isotherm models. Additionally, experiments in continuous-flow soil columns were also carried out and the breakthrough curves observed for each compound were studied. Breakthrough curves were used to determine the fundamental parameters of the transport model (hydrodynamic dispersion coefficient, degradation rate constant and adsorption/desorption isotherm slope), that is the main phenomena that take place simultaneously when AES move through agricultural soil. When the results obtained for the AES ethoxymers are combined, they reveal a clear and consistent trend towards a sorption increase with the number of ethoxylated units and with the length of the alkyl chain that opens the possibility to estimate the values of the transport parameters for other structurally related ethoxymers. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Statin Adverse Effects: A Review of the Literature and Evidence for a Mitochondrial Mechanism

PubMed Central

Golomb, Beatrice A.; Evans, Marcella A.

2009-01-01

HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors (statins) are a widely used class of drug, and like all medications have potential for adverse effects (AEs). Here we review the statin AE literature, first focusing on muscle AEs as the most reported problem both in the literature and by patients. Evidence regarding the statin muscle AE mechanism, dose effect, drug interactions, and genetic predisposition is examined. We hypothesize, and provide evidence, that the demonstrated mitochondrial mechanisms for muscle AEs have implications to other nonmuscle AEs in patients treated with statins. In meta-analyses of randomized controlled trials (RCTs), muscle AEs are more frequent with statins than with placebo. A number of manifestations of muscle AEs have been reported, with rhabdomyolysis the most feared. AEs are dose dependent, and risk is amplified by drug interactions that functionally increase statin potency, often through inhibition of the cytochrome P450 (CYP)3A4 system. An array of additional risk factors for statin AEs are those that amplify (or reflect) mitochondrial or metabolic vulnerability, such as metabolic syndrome factors, thyroid disease, and genetic mutations linked to mitochondrial dysfunction. Converging evidence supports a mitochondrial foundation for muscle AEs associated with statins, and both theoretical and empirical considerations suggest that mitochondrial dysfunction may also underlie many non-muscle statin AEs. Evidence from RCTs and studies of other designs indicates existence of additional statin-associated AEs, such as cognitive loss, neuropathy, pancreatic and hepatic dysfunction, and sexual dysfunction. Physician awareness of statin AEs is reportedly low even for the AEs most widely reported by patients. Awareness and vigilance for AEs should be maintained to enable informed treatment decisions, treatment modification if appropriate, improved quality of patient care, and reduced patient morbidity. PMID:19159124

Environmental Control and Life Support System Reliability for Long-Duration Missions Beyond Lower Earth Orbit

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sargusingh, Miriam J.; Nelson, Jason R.

2014-01-01

NASA has highlighted reliability as critical to future human space exploration, particularly in the area of environmental controls and life support systems. The Advanced Exploration Systems (AES) projects have been encouraged to pursue higher reliability components and systems as part of technology development plans. However, no consensus has been reached on what is meant by improving on reliability, or on how to assess reliability within the AES projects. This became apparent when trying to assess reliability as one of several figures of merit for a regenerable water architecture trade study. In the spring of 2013, the AES Water Recovery Project hosted a series of events at Johnson Space Center with the intended goal of establishing a common language and understanding of NASA's reliability goals, and equipping the projects with acceptable means of assessing the respective systems. This campaign included an educational series in which experts from across the agency and academia provided information on terminology, tools, and techniques associated with evaluating and designing for system reliability. The campaign culminated in a workshop that included members of the Environmental Control and Life Support System and AES communities. The goal of this workshop was to develop a consensus on what reliability means to AES and identify methods for assessing low- to mid-technology readiness level technologies for reliability. This paper details the results of that workshop.

Ability of the VITEK 2 Advanced Expert System To Identify β-Lactam Phenotypes in Isolates of Enterobacteriaceae and Pseudomonas aeruginosa

PubMed Central

Sanders, Christine C.; Peyret, Michel; Moland, Ellen Smith; Shubert, Carole; Thomson, Kenneth S.; Boeufgras, Jean-Marc; Sanders, W. Eugene

2000-01-01

The Advanced Expert System (AES) was used in conjunction with the VITEK 2 automated antimicrobial susceptibility test system to ascertain the β-lactam phenotypes of 196 isolates of the family Enterobacteriaceae and the species Pseudomonas aeruginosa. These isolates represented a panel of strains that had been collected from laboratories worldwide and whose β-lactam phenotypes had been characterized by biochemical and molecular techniques. The antimicrobial susceptibility of each isolate was determined with the VITEK 2 instrument, and the results were analyzed with the AES to ascertain the β-lactam phenotype. The results were then compared to the β-lactam resistance mechanism determined by biochemical and molecular techniques. Overall, the AES was able to ascertain a β-lactam phenotype for 183 of the 196 (93.4%) isolates tested. For 111 of these 183 (60.7%) isolates, the correct β-lactam phenotype was identified definitively in a single choice by the AES, while for an additional 46 isolates (25.1%), the AES identified the correct β-lactam phenotype provisionally within two or more choices. For the remaining 26 isolates (14.2%), the β-lactam phenotype identified by the AES was incorrect. However, for a number of these isolates, the error was due to remediable problems. These results suggest that the AES is capable of accurate identification of the β-lactam phenotypes of gram-negative isolates and that certain modifications can improve its performance even further. PMID:10655347

A method for reduction of Acoustic Emission (AE) data with application in machine failure detection and diagnosis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vicuña, Cristián Molina; Höweler, Christoph

2017-12-01

The use of AE in machine failure diagnosis has increased over the last years. Most AE-based failure diagnosis strategies use digital signal processing and thus require the sampling of AE signals. High sampling rates are required for this purpose (e.g. 2 MHz or higher), leading to streams of large amounts of data. This situation is aggravated if fine resolution and/or multiple sensors are required. These facts combine to produce bulky data, typically in the range of GBytes, for which sufficient storage space and efficient signal processing algorithms are required. This situation probably explains why, in practice, AE-based methods consist mostly in the calculation of scalar quantities such as RMS and Kurtosis, and the analysis of their evolution in time. While the scalar-based approach offers the advantage of maximum data reduction; it has the disadvantage that most part of the information contained in the raw AE signal is lost unrecoverably. This work presents a method offering large data reduction, while keeping the most important information conveyed by the raw AE signal, useful for failure detection and diagnosis. The proposed method consist in the construction of a synthetic, unevenly sampled signal which envelopes the AE bursts present on the raw AE signal in a triangular shape. The constructed signal - which we call TriSignal - also permits the estimation of most scalar quantities typically used for failure detection. But more importantly, it contains the information of the time of occurrence of the bursts, which is key for failure diagnosis. Lomb-Scargle normalized periodogram is used to construct the TriSignal spectrum, which reveals the frequency content of the TriSignal and provides the same information as the classic AE envelope. The paper includes application examples in planetary gearbox and low-speed rolling element bearing.

Problems Associated with Statistical Pattern Recognition of Acoustic Emission Signals in a Compact Tension Fatigue Specimen

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hinton, Yolanda L.

1999-01-01

Acoustic emission (AE) data were acquired during fatigue testing of an aluminum 2024-T4 compact tension specimen using a commercially available AE system. AE signals from crack extension were identified and separated from noise spikes, signals that reflected from the specimen edges, and signals that saturated the instrumentation. A commercially available software package was used to train a statistical pattern recognition system to classify the signals. The software trained a network to recognize signals with a 91-percent accuracy when compared with the researcher's interpretation of the data. Reasons for the discrepancies are examined and it is postulated that additional preprocessing of the AE data to focus on the extensional wave mode and eliminate other effects before training the pattern recognition system will result in increased accuracy.

19 CFR 192.13 - Revocation of participants' AES post-departure (Option 4) filing privileges; appeal procedures.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-04-01

... (Option 4) filing privileges; appeal procedures. 192.13 Section 192.13 Customs Duties U.S. CUSTOMS AND... Filing of Export Information Through the Automated Export System (AES) § 192.13 Revocation of participants' AES post-departure (Option 4) filing privileges; appeal procedures. (a) Reasons for revocation...

Chemiluminescence accompanied by the reaction of acridinium ester and manganese (II).

PubMed

Ren, Lingling; Cui, Hua

2014-11-01

An acridinium ester (AE) alkaline solution can react with Mn(II) to generate a strong chemiluminescence (CL) centered at 435 nm. The effects of reaction conditions such as pH and Mn(II) concentration on CL intensity were examined. In order to explore the CL mechanism, the effect of oxygen on the CL reaction was examined and an X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy study of the reaction precipitate was carried out. The results indicated that oxygen participated in the CL reaction and Mn(IV) was the primary product in the system. A possible mechanism was proposed that involved two pathways: (1) dissolved oxygen was reduced to reactive oxygen radicals by Mn(II), these reactive intermediates then reacted with AE to produce excited state acridone; (2) Mn(II) could reduce AE to partly reduced AE, which then reacted with oxygen to form excited state acridone. The reactions of other metal ions with AE were also tested, and only Mn(II) was shown to trigger strong CL emission of AE, which indicated that the system had good selectivity for Mn(II). Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

A study of aluminum-lithium alloy solidification using acoustic emission techniques. Ph.D. Thesis, 1991

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Henkel, Daniel P.

1992-01-01

Physical phenomena associated with the solidification of an aluminum lithium alloy was characterized using acoustic emission (AE) techniques. It is shown that repeatable patterns of AE activity may be correlated to microstructural changes that occur during solidification. The influence of the experimental system on generated signals was examined in the time and frequency domains. The analysis was used to show how an AE signal from solidifying aluminum is changed by each component in the detection system to produce a complex waveform. Conventional AE analysis has shown that a period of high AE activity occurs in pure aluminum, an Al-Cu alloy, and the Al-Li alloy, as the last fraction of solid forms. A model attributes this to the internal stresses of grain boundary formation. An additional period of activity occurs as the last fraction of solid forms, but only in the two alloys. A model attributes this to the formation of interdendritic porosity which was not present in the pure aluminum. The AE waveforms were dominated by resonant effects of the waveguide and the transducer.

Quantitative Analysis Of Acoustic Emission From Rock Fracture Experiments

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Goodfellow, Sebastian David

This thesis aims to advance the methods of quantitative acoustic emission (AE) analysis by calibrating sensors, characterizing sources, and applying the results to solve engi- neering problems. In the first part of this thesis, we built a calibration apparatus and successfully calibrated two commercial AE sensors. The ErgoTech sensor was found to have broadband velocity sensitivity and the Panametrics V103 was sensitive to surface normal displacement. These calibration results were applied to two AE data sets from rock fracture experiments in order to characterize the sources of AE events. The first data set was from an in situ rock fracture experiment conducted at the Underground Research Laboratory (URL). The Mine-By experiment was a large scale excavation response test where both AE (10 kHz - 1 MHz) and microseismicity (MS) (1 Hz - 10 kHz) were monitored. Using the calibration information, magnitude, stress drop, dimension and energy were successfully estimated for 21 AE events recorded in the tensile region of the tunnel wall. Magnitudes were in the range -7.5 < Mw < -6.8, which is consistent with other laboratory AE results, and stress drops were within the range commonly observed for induced seismicity in the field (0.1 - 10 MPa). The second data set was AE collected during a true-triaxial deformation experiment, where the objectives were to characterize laboratory AE sources and identify issues related to moving the analysis from ideal in situ conditions to more complex laboratory conditions in terms of the ability to conduct quantitative AE analysis. We found AE magnitudes in the range -7.8 < Mw < -6.7 and as with the in situ data, stress release was within the expected range of 0.1 - 10 MPa. We identified four major challenges to quantitative analysis in the laboratory, which in- hibited our ability to study parameter scaling (M0 ∝ fc -3 scaling). These challenges were 0c (1) limited knowledge of attenuation which we proved was continuously evolving, (2) the use of a narrow frequency band for acquisition, (3) the inability to identify P and S waves given the small sample size, and (4) acquisition using a narrow amplitude range given a low signal to noise ratio. Moving forward to the final stage of this thesis, with the ability to characterize the sources of AE, we applied our method to study an engineering problem. We chose hydraulic fracturing because of its obvious importance in the future of Canadian energy production. During a hydraulic fracture treatment, whether in a lab or in the field, energy is added to the system via hydraulic pressure. The injection energy, which is on the order of 10 J in the lab and and 100 GJ in the field, is used in the creation of new fracture surface area, the radiation of elastic waves, and aseismic deformation. In the field, it has been consistently shown that the amount of induced seismic energy radiated is between 1e-7 % and 1e-3 % of the injection energy. We tested these findings by calculating the AE energy as a percentage of the injection energy and found that for eight laboratory hydraulic fracture experiments, the seismic energy ranged from 7.02e-08 % to 1.24e-04 % of the injection energy. These results support those made in the field, which concludes that seismic energy projection is a very small component of the hydraulic fracture energy budget and that the dominant energy budget term is aseismic deformation.

The signatures of acoustic emission waveforms from fatigue crack advancing in thin metallic plates

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yeasin Bhuiyan, Md; Giurgiutiu, Victor

2018-01-01

The acoustic emission (AE) waveforms from a fatigue crack advancing in a thin metallic plate possess diverse and complex spectral signatures. In this article, we analyze these waveform signatures in coordination with the load level during cyclic fatigue. The advancing fatigue crack may generate numerous AE hits while it grows under fatigue loading. We found that these AE hits can be sorted into various groups based on their AE waveform signatures. Each waveform group has a particular time-domain signal pattern and a specific frequency spectrum. This indicates that each group represents a certain AE event related to the fatigue crack growth behavior. In situ AE-fatigue experiments were conducted to monitor the fatigue crack growth with simultaneous measurement of AE signals, fatigue loading, and optical crack growth measurement. An in situ microscope was installed in the load-frame of the mechanical testing system (MTS) to optically monitor the fatigue crack growth and relate the AE signals with the crack growth measurement. We found the AE signal groups at higher load levels (75%-85% of maximum load) were different from the AE signal groups that happened at lower load levels (below 60% of load level). These AE waveform groups are highly related to the fatigue crack-related AE events. These AE signals mostly contain the higher frequency peaks (100 kHz, 230 kHz, 450 kHz, 550 kHz). Some AE signal groups happened as a clustered form that relates a sequence of small AE events within the fatigue crack. They happened at relatively lower load level (50%-60% of the maximum load). These AE signal groups may be related to crack friction and micro-fracture during the friction process. These AE signals mostly contain the lower frequency peaks (60 kHz, 100 kHz, 200 kHz). The AE waveform based analysis may give us comprehensive information of the metal fatigue.

The effector gene xopAE of Xanthomonas euvesicatoria 85-10 is part of an operon and encodes an E3 ubiquitin ligase.

PubMed

Popov, Georgy; Majhi, Bharat Bhusan; Sessa, Guido

2018-05-21

The type III effector XopAE from the Xanthomonas euvesicatoria strain 85-10 ( Xe 85-10) was previously shown to inhibit plant immunity and enhance pathogen-induced disease symptoms. Evolutionary analysis of 60 xopAE alleles ( AEal ) revealed that the xopAE locus is conserved in multiple Xanthomonas species. The majority of xopAE alleles (55 out of 60) encodes a single ORF ( xopAE ), while in 5 alleles, including AEal 37 of the Xe 85-10 strain, a frame-shift splits the locus into two ORFs ( hpaF and a truncated xopAE ). To test whether the second ORF of AEal 37 ( xopAE 85-10 ) is translated, we examined expression of YFP fused downstream to truncated or mutant forms of the locus in Xanthomonas bacteria. YFP fluorescence was detected at maximal levels when the reporter was in proximity of an internal ribosome-binding site upstream to a rare ATT start codon in the xopAE 85-10 ORF, but severely reduced when these elements were abolished. In agreement with the notion that xopAE 85- 10 is a functional gene, its protein product was translocated into plant cells by the type III secretion system and translocation was dependent on its upstream ORF hpaF. Homology modeling predicted that XopAE 85-10 contains an E3 ligase XL-box domain at the C-terminus, and in vitro assays demonstrated that this domain displays mono-ubiquitination activity. Remarkably, the XL-box was essential for XopAE 85-10 to inhibit PAMP-induced gene expression in Arabidopsis protoplasts. Together, these results indicate that the xopAE 85-10 gene resides in a functional operon, which utilizes the alternative start codon ATT, and encodes a novel XL-box E3 ligase. Importance Xanthomonas bacteria utilize a type III secretion system to cause disease in many crops. This study provides insights into evolution, translocation and biochemical function of the XopAE type III secreted effector contributing to the understanding of Xanthomonas-host interactions. We establish XopAE as core effector of seven Xanthomonas species and elucidate evolution of the Xanthomonas euvesicatoria xopAE locus, which contains an operon encoding a truncated effector. Our findings indicate that this operon evolved from the split of a multi-domains gene into two ORFs that conserved the original domain function. Analysis of xopAE 85-10 translation provides the first evidence for translation initiation from an ATT codon in Xanthomonas Our data demonstrate that XopAE 85-10 is an XL-box E3 ubiquitin ligase and provide insights into structure and function of this effector family. Copyright © 2018 American Society for Microbiology.

A shared synapse architecture for efficient FPGA implementation of autoencoders.

PubMed

Suzuki, Akihiro; Morie, Takashi; Tamukoh, Hakaru

2018-01-01

This paper proposes a shared synapse architecture for autoencoders (AEs), and implements an AE with the proposed architecture as a digital circuit on a field-programmable gate array (FPGA). In the proposed architecture, the values of the synapse weights are shared between the synapses of an input and a hidden layer, and between the synapses of a hidden and an output layer. This architecture utilizes less of the limited resources of an FPGA than an architecture which does not share the synapse weights, and reduces the amount of synapse modules used by half. For the proposed circuit to be implemented into various types of AEs, it utilizes three kinds of parameters; one to change the number of layers' units, one to change the bit width of an internal value, and a learning rate. By altering a network configuration using these parameters, the proposed architecture can be used to construct a stacked AE. The proposed circuits are logically synthesized, and the number of their resources is determined. Our experimental results show that single and stacked AE circuits utilizing the proposed shared synapse architecture operate as regular AEs and as regular stacked AEs. The scalability of the proposed circuit and the relationship between the bit widths and the learning results are also determined. The clock cycles of the proposed circuits are formulated, and this formula is used to estimate the theoretical performance of the circuit when the circuit is used to construct arbitrary networks.

A shared synapse architecture for efficient FPGA implementation of autoencoders

PubMed Central

Morie, Takashi; Tamukoh, Hakaru

2018-01-01

This paper proposes a shared synapse architecture for autoencoders (AEs), and implements an AE with the proposed architecture as a digital circuit on a field-programmable gate array (FPGA). In the proposed architecture, the values of the synapse weights are shared between the synapses of an input and a hidden layer, and between the synapses of a hidden and an output layer. This architecture utilizes less of the limited resources of an FPGA than an architecture which does not share the synapse weights, and reduces the amount of synapse modules used by half. For the proposed circuit to be implemented into various types of AEs, it utilizes three kinds of parameters; one to change the number of layers’ units, one to change the bit width of an internal value, and a learning rate. By altering a network configuration using these parameters, the proposed architecture can be used to construct a stacked AE. The proposed circuits are logically synthesized, and the number of their resources is determined. Our experimental results show that single and stacked AE circuits utilizing the proposed shared synapse architecture operate as regular AEs and as regular stacked AEs. The scalability of the proposed circuit and the relationship between the bit widths and the learning results are also determined. The clock cycles of the proposed circuits are formulated, and this formula is used to estimate the theoretical performance of the circuit when the circuit is used to construct arbitrary networks. PMID:29543909

Boron detection from blood samples by ICP-AES and ICP-MS during boron neutron capture therapy.

PubMed

Linko, S; Revitzer, H; Zilliacus, R; Kortesniemi, M; Kouri, M; Savolainen, S

2008-01-01

The concept of boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT) involves infusion of a (10)B containing tracer into the patient's bloodstream followed by local neutron irradiation(s). Accurate estimation of the blood boron level for the treatment field before irradiation is required. Boron concentration can be quantified by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-AES), mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), spectrofluorometric and direct current atomic emission spectrometry (DCP-AES) or by prompt gamma photon detection methods. The blood boron concentrations were analysed and compared using ICP-AES and ICP-MS to ensure congruency of the results if the analysis had to be changed during the treatment, e.g. for technical reasons. The effect of wet-ashing on the results was studied in addition. The mean of all samples analysed with ICP-MS was 5.8 % lower than with ICP-AES coupled to wet-ashing (R (2) = 0.88). Without wet-ashing, the mean of all samples analysed with ICP-MS was 9.1 % higher than with ICP-AES (R (2) = 0.99). Boron concentration analysed from whole blood samples with ICP-AES correlated well with the values of ICP-MS with wet-ashing of the sample matrix, which is generally considered the reference method. When using these methods in parallel at certain intervals during the treatments, reliability of the blood boron concentration values remains satisfactory, taking into account the required accuracy of dose determination in the irradiation of cancer patients.

Annular erythema in primary Sjogren's syndrome: description of 43 non-Asian cases.

PubMed

Brito-Zerón, P; Retamozo, S; Akasbi, M; Gandía, M; Perez-De-Lis, M; Soto-Cardenas, M-J; Diaz-Lagares, C; Kostov, B; Bove, A; Bosch, X; Perez-Alvarez, R; Siso, A; Ramos-Casals, M

2014-02-01

The objective of this paper is to evaluate the prevalence and characterize the main epidemiological, clinical and immunological features of annular erythema (AE) in non-Asian patients with primary Sjögren's syndrome (SS). We carried out a retrospective study searching for AE in 377 Spanish patients with primary SS fulfilling the 2002 American-European criteria. In addition, we searched PubMed (1994-2012) using the MeSH terms "annular erythema" and "primary Sjögren's syndrome" for additional cases. All cases with AE reported in patients with SS associated with systemic lupus erythematosus were excluded. In our Spanish cohort, we found 35 (9%) patients diagnosed with AE. All were white females, with a mean age of 47 years at diagnosis of AE. AE preceded diagnosis of SS in 27 (77%) patients. Cutaneous AE lesions involved principally the face and upper extremities. All patients reported photosensitivity, with cutaneous flares being reported during the warmest months in 93% of patients. Immunological markers consisted of anti-Ro/La antibodies in 31 (89%) patients. In the literature search, we identified eight additional non-Asian patients with primary SS diagnosed with AE. In comparison with 52 Asian patients, the 43 non-Asian patients with AE related to primary SS were more frequently women (100% vs 78%, p=0.008), and cutaneous lesions were less frequently reported in the face (55% vs 81%, p=0.045) and more frequently in the neck (40% vs 14%, p=0.041). Immunologically, non-Asian patients had a lower frequency of anti-Ro antibodies and a higher frequency of negative Ro/La antibodies, although the differences were not statistically significant. AE is not an exclusive cutaneous feature of Asian patients with primary SS. In addition to the characteristic cutaneous expression, AE has a very specific clinical and immunological profile: often presenting before the fulfillment of SS criteria, overwhelmingly associated with anti-Ro antibodies but weakly associated with other immunological markers and the main systemic SS-related features.

Monitoring the aeration efficiency and carbon footprint of a medium-sized WWTP: experimental results on oxidation tank and aerobic digester.

PubMed

Caivano, Marianna; Bellandi, Giacomo; Mancini, Ignazio M; Masi, Salvatore; Brienza, Rosanna; Panariello, Simona; Gori, Riccardo; Caniani, Donatella

2017-03-01

The efficiency of aeration systems should be monitored to guarantee suitable biological processes. Among the available tools for evaluating the aeration efficiency, the off-gas method is one of the most useful. Increasing interest towards reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from biological processes has resulted in researchers using this method to quantify N 2 O and CO 2 concentrations in the off-gas. Experimental measurements of direct GHG emissions from aerobic digesters (AeDs) are not available in literature yet. In this study, the floating hood technique was used for the first time to monitor AeDs. The floating hood technique was used to evaluate oxygen transfer rates in an activated sludge (AS) tank of a medium-sized municipal wastewater treatment plant located in Italy. Very low values of oxygen transfer efficiency were found, confirming that small-to-medium-sized plants are often scarcely monitored and wrongly managed. Average CO 2 and N 2 O emissions from the AS tank were 0.14 kg CO2 /kg bCOD and 0.007 kg CO2,eq /kg bCOD , respectively. For an AeD, 3 × 10 -10  kg CO2 /kg bCOD direct CO 2 emissions were measured, while CO 2,eq emissions from N 2 O were 4 × 10 -9  kg CO2,eq /kg bCOD . The results for the AS tank and the AeD were used to estimate the net carbon and energy footprint of the entire plant.

Predictive Software Cost Model Study. Volume II. Software Package Detailed Data.

DTIC Science & Technology

1980-06-01

will not be limited to: a. ASN-91 NWDS Computer b. Armament System Control Unit ( ASCU ) c. AN/ASN-90 IMS 6. CONFIGURATION CONTROL. OFP/OTP...planned approach. 3. Detailed analysis and study; impacts on hardware, manuals, data, AGE , etc; alternatives with pros and cons; cost estimates; ECP...WAIT UNTIL RESOURCE REQUEST FOR * : HAG TAPE HAS BEEN FULFILLED )MTS 0 RI * Ae* NESDIIRCE MAG TAPE (SHORT FORM)I:TST IN I" . TEST " AG TAPE RESOURCE

Origin of stereocontrol in the construction of the 12-oxatricyclo[6.3.1.0(2,7)]dodecane ring system by Prins-pinacol reactions.

PubMed

Overman, Larry E; Tanis, Paul S

2010-01-15

Polycyclic products containing the 12-oxatricyclo[6.3.1.0(2,7)]dodecane moiety having either the trans (8a-e) or cis (9a-e) relative configuration of the oxacyclic bridge and the cis angular substituents are formed stereospecifically by Prins-pinacol cyclizations of unsaturated alpha-dithianyl acetals 14a-e or 15a-e. These results show that the topography (boat or chair) of the Prins cyclization of the sulfur-stabilized oxocarbenium ions generated from acetals 14a-e or 15a-e is controlled by the stereoelectronic influence of the allylic substituents, with steric effects playing a minor role. A complex molecular rearrangement that is terminated by a thio-Prins-pinacol reaction is also identified.

Safety of intranasal corticosteroids in acute rhinosinusitis.

PubMed

Demoly, Pascal

2008-01-01

Treatment guidelines for acute rhinosinusitis (RS) recommend the use of intranasal corticosteroids (INSs) as monotherapy or adjunctive therapy. However, the adverse event (AE) profiles of oral glucocorticoids, which result largely from the systemic absorption of those agents, have engendered concerns about the safety of INSs. These concerns persist for INSs despite significant or marked clinical differences between them and systemic corticosteroids in systemic absorption and among the INSs in bioavailability, mechanism of action, and lipophilicity, which may contribute to differences in AEs. For example, the systemic bioavailability of the INSs as a percentage of the administered drug is less than 0.1% for mometasone furoate, less than 1% for fluticasone propionate, 46% for triamcinolone acetonide, and 44% for beclomethasone dipropionate. A review of the safety profiles of INSs, as reported in clinical trials in acute and chronic RS and allergic rhinitis, shows primarily local AEs (eg, epistaxis and headache) that are generally classified as mild to moderate, with occurrence rates that are similar to those with placebo. Studies of the safety of mometasone furoate, fluticasone propionate, budesonide, and triamcinolone acetonide did not identify any evidence of systemic AEs, such as growth retardation in children due to suppression of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, bone mineral density loss, or cataracts, which suggests that INSs can be safely administered in patients with acute RS without concern for systemic AEs.

High security chaotic multiple access scheme for visible light communication systems with advanced encryption standard interleaving

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Qiu, Junchao; Zhang, Lin; Li, Diyang; Liu, Xingcheng

2016-06-01

Chaotic sequences can be applied to realize multiple user access and improve the system security for a visible light communication (VLC) system. However, since the map patterns of chaotic sequences are usually well known, eavesdroppers can possibly derive the key parameters of chaotic sequences and subsequently retrieve the information. We design an advanced encryption standard (AES) interleaving aided multiple user access scheme to enhance the security of a chaotic code division multiple access-based visible light communication (C-CDMA-VLC) system. We propose to spread the information with chaotic sequences, and then the spread information is interleaved by an AES algorithm and transmitted over VLC channels. Since the computation complexity of performing inverse operations to deinterleave the information is high, the eavesdroppers in a high speed VLC system cannot retrieve the information in real time; thus, the system security will be enhanced. Moreover, we build a mathematical model for the AES-aided VLC system and derive the theoretical information leakage to analyze the system security. The simulations are performed over VLC channels, and the results demonstrate the effectiveness and high security of our presented AES interleaving aided chaotic CDMA-VLC system.

76 FR 41859 - Agency Information Collection Activities: Requests for Comments; Clearance of Renewed Approval of...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-07-15

.... Estimated Average Burden per Response: 22 hours. Estimated Total Annual Burden: 100,132 hours. ADDRESSES... Business Services Division, AES-300. [FR Doc. 2011-17209 Filed 7-14-11; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P ...

Cost-effectiveness of acupuncture care as an adjunct to exercise-based physical therapy for osteoarthritis of the knee.

PubMed

Whitehurst, David G T; Bryan, Stirling; Hay, Elaine M; Thomas, Elaine; Young, Julie; Foster, Nadine E

2011-05-01

The delivery of acupuncture alongside mainstream interventions and the cost-effectiveness of "alternative" treatments remain areas of controversy. The aim of this study was to assess the cost-utility of adding acupuncture to a course of advice and exercise delivered by UK National Health Service (NHS) physical therapists to people with osteoarthritis of the knee. A cost-utility analysis was performed alongside a randomized controlled trial. A total of 352 adults (aged 50 years or older) were randomly assigned to receive 1 of 3 interventions. The primary analysis focused on participants receiving advice and exercise (AE) or advice and exercise plus true acupuncture (AE+TA). A secondary analysis considered participants receiving advice and exercise plus nonpenetrating acupuncture (AE+NPA). The main outcome measures were quality-adjusted life years (QALYs), measured by the EQ-5D, and UK NHS costs. were expressed as the incremental cost per QALY gained over 12 months. Sensitivity analyses included a broader cost perspective to incorporate private out-of-pocket costs. Results NHS costs were higher for AE+TA (£314 [British pounds sterling]) than for AE alone (£229), and the difference in mean QALYs favored AE+TA (mean difference=0.022). The base-case cost per QALY gained was £3,889; this value was associated with a 77% probability that AE+TA would be more cost-effective than AE at a threshold of £20,000 per QALY. Cost-utility data for AE+NPA provided cost-effectiveness estimates similar to those for AE+TA. As with all trial-based economic evaluations, caution should be exercised when generalizing results beyond the study perspectives. A package of AE+TA delivered by NHS physical therapists provided a cost-effective use of health care resources despite an associated increase in costs. However, the economic benefits could not be attributed to the penetrating nature of conventional acupuncture; therefore, further research regarding the mechanisms of acupuncture is needed. An analysis of alternative cost perspectives suggested that the results are generalizable to other health care settings.

Decadal-scale sediment dynamics and environmental change in the Albemarle Estuarine System, North Carolina

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Corbett, D. Reide; Vance, Dave; Letrick, Erin; Mallinson, David; Culver, Stephen

2007-02-01

During the summer of 2001, several short cores (<50 cm) were collected in the Albemarle Estuarine System (AES). Down-core measurements for radiochemical tracers ( 210Pb, 137Cs) and organic matter signatures (δ 13C, δ 15N, C:N ratio, and LOI) have been used to elucidate potential temporal changes in fluxes and cycles of organic matter in the AES. Pb-210 geochronology indicates temporal and spatial variations in sediment deposition rates (0.08-0.57 cm y -1) with highest rates near the AES western limit relative to the rest of the estuary. Low accumulation rates, deficient excess 210Pb inventories, and near linear 137Cs profiles throughout the AES suggest that sediments are resuspended by wind-generated waves and currents and flushed from the system by river discharge and wind-tides, probably to Pamlico Sound to the south. Sediments in the AES are accumulating at rates less than the current rate of relative sea-level rise for this region except in protected portions of the estuary. Thus sediment accumulation in the AES is controlled in the short term by storm wave-base and in the long term by the creation of accommodation space by basin subsidence and sea-level rise. The geochemical and sedimentological data characterize the evolution of the Albemarle Sound and associated tributaries over the past 200-300 years. The majority of cores collected throughout the system show a significant decrease in 13C and increase in 15N isotopic signatures up-core. Thus, the estuarine system of eastern North Carolina has changed from a marine-influenced, high brackish environment to the modern-day system, which is a highly variable, terrestrially influenced, low brackish environment.

Safety of Systemic Agents for the Treatment of Pediatric Psoriasis.

PubMed

Bronckers, Inge M G J; Seyger, Marieke M B; West, Dennis P; Lara-Corrales, Irene; Tollefson, Megha; Tom, Wynnis L; Hogeling, Marcia; Belazarian, Leah; Zachariae, Claus; Mahé, Emmanuel; Siegfried, Elaine; Philipp, Sandra; Szalai, Zsuzsanna; Vleugels, Ruth Ann; Holland, Kristen; Murphy, Ruth; Baselga, Eulalia; Cordoro, Kelly; Lambert, Jo; Alexopoulos, Alex; Mrowietz, Ulrich; Kievit, Wietske; Paller, Amy S

2017-11-01

Use of systemic therapies for moderate to severe psoriasis in children is increasing, but comparative data on their use and toxicities are limited. To assess patterns of use and relative risks of systemic agents for moderate to severe psoriasis in children. A retrospective review was conducted at 20 centers in North America and Europe, and included all consecutive children with moderate to severe psoriasis who used systemic medications or phototherapy for at least 3 months from December 1, 1990, to September 16, 2014. The minimal core data set included age, sex, severity of psoriasis, systemic interventions, monitoring, adverse events (AEs), and reason for discontinuation. For 390 children (203 girls and 187 boys; mean [SD] age at diagnosis, 8.4 [3.7] years) with psoriasis who used 1 or more systemic medications, the mean interval between diagnosis and starting systemic therapy was 3.0 years. Methotrexate was used by 270 patients (69.2%), biologic agents (primarily etanercept) by 106 (27.2%), acitretin by 57 (14.6%), cyclosporine by 30 (7.7%), fumaric acid esters by 19 (4.9%), and more than 1 medication was used by 73 (18.7%). Of 270 children taking methotrexate, 130 (48.1%) reported 1 or more AEs associated with methotrexate, primarily gastrointestinal (67 [24.8%]). Folic acid 6 days per week (odds ratio, 0.16; 95% CI, 0.06-0.41; P < .001) or 7 days per week (OR, 0.21; 95% CI, 0.08-0.58; P = .003) protected against gastrointestinal AEs more than once-weekly folic acid, regardless of the total weekly dosage. Methotrexate-associated hepatic transaminase elevations were associated with obesity (35 of 270 patients [13.0%]), but a folic acid regimen was not. Injection site reactions occurred in 20 of 106 patients (18.9%) treated with tumor necrosis factor inhibitors, but did not lead to discontinuation of treatment. Having 1 or more AEs related to medication, gastrointestinal AE, laboratory abnormality, or AE leading to discontinuation of the drug was more likely with methotrexate than tumor necrosis factor inhibitors, but having 1 or more infections related to medication (predominantly upper airway) was less likely. Six patients developed a serious treatment-related AE (methotrexate, 3; fumaric acid esters, 2; and adalimumab, 1), but methotrexate and biologic agents were taken for a mean duration that was 2-fold greater than the mean duration for cyclosporine or fumaric acid esters. No patient developed tuberculosis or a malignant neoplasm. Medication-related AEs occur less often with tumor necrosis factor inhibitors than with methotrexate. Folic acid administration 6 or 7 times per week protected more against methotrexate-induced gastrointestinal AEs than did weekly administration. A prospective registry is needed to track the long-term risks of systemic agents for pediatric psoriasis.

Blood Feeding Status, Gonotrophic Cycle and Survivorship of Aedes (Stegomyia) aegypti (L.) (Diptera: Culicidae) Caught in Churches from Merida, Yucatan, Mexico.

PubMed

Baak-Baak, C M; Ulloa-Garcia, A; Cigarroa-Toledo, N; Tzuc Dzul, J C; Machain-Williams, C; Torres-Chable, O M; Navarro, J C; Garcia-Rejon, J E

2017-12-01

Blood-feeding status, gonotrophic cycle, and survival rates of Aedes (Stegmyia) aegypti (L.) was investigated in catholic churches from Merida, Yucatan. Female Ae. aegypti were caught using backpack aspirator during 25 consecutive days in rainy (2015) and dry season (2016). Blood-feeding status was determined by external examination of the abdomen and classified as unfed, fed, and gravid. Daily changes in the parous-nulliparous ratio were recorded, and the gonotrophic cycle length was estimated by a time series analysis. Also, was observed the vitellogenesis to monitoring egg maturity. In total, 408 females Ae. aegypti were caught, and there was a significant difference in the number of females collected per season (Z = -6.729, P ≤ 0.05). A great number was caught in the rainy season (n = 329). In the dry season, 79 females were caught, which the fed females were twice greatest than the unfed. The length of gonotrophic cycle was estimated on the base of a high correlation coefficient value appearing every 4 days in rainy at 26.7 ± 1.22°C, and 3 days in dry season at 29.8 ± 1.47°C. The daily survival rate of the Ae. aegypti population was higher in both seasons, 0.94 and 0.93 for the rainy and dry season, respectively. The minimum time estimated for developing mature eggs after blood feeding was similar in both seasons (3.5 days in rainy versus 3.25 days in dry). The measurement of the vectorial capacity of Ae. aegypti in catholic churches could help to understand the dynamics of transmission of arboviruses in sites with high human aggregation.

Coda Wave Interferometry Method Applied in Structural Monitoring to Assess Damage Evolution in Masonry and Concrete Structures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Masera, D.; Bocca, P.; Grazzini, A.

2011-07-01

In this experimental program the main goal is to monitor the damage evolution in masonry and concrete structures by Acoustic Emission (AE) signal analysis applying a well-know seismic method. For this reason the concept of the coda wave interferometry is applied to AE signal recorded during the tests. Acoustic Emission (AE) are very effective non-destructive techniques applied to identify micro and macro-defects and their temporal evolution in several materials. This technique permits to estimate the velocity of ultrasound waves propagation and the amount of energy released during fracture propagation to obtain information on the criticality of the ongoing process. By means of AE monitoring, an experimental analysis on a set of reinforced masonry walls under variable amplitude loading and strengthening reinforced concrete (RC) beams under monotonic static load has been carried out. In the reinforced masonry wall, cyclic fatigue stress has been applied to accelerate the static creep and to forecast the corresponding creep behaviour of masonry under static long-time loading. During the tests, the evaluation of fracture growth is monitored by coda wave interferometry which represents a novel approach in structural monitoring based on AE relative change velocity of coda signal. In general, the sensitivity of coda waves has been used to estimate velocity changes in fault zones, in volcanoes, in a mining environment, and in ultrasound experiments. This method uses multiple scattered waves, which travelled through the material along numerous paths, to infer tiny temporal changes in the wave velocity. The applied method has the potential to be used as a "damage-gauge" for monitoring velocity changes as a sign of damage evolution into masonry and concrete structures.

Costs associated with febrile neutropenia in Japanese patients with primary breast cancer: post-hoc analysis of a randomized clinical trial.

PubMed

Miyake, Osamu; Murata, Kyoko; Tanaka, Shiro; Ishiguro, Hiroshi; Toi, Masakazu; Tamura, Kazuo; Kawakami, Koji

2018-05-01

Febrile neutropenia (FN), a decrease in blood neutrophils accompanied by fever, is a major adverse event (AE) associated with cancer chemotherapy. We aimed to estimate the direct medical costs associated with FN management in breast cancer patients within a clinical trial with pegfilgrastim, a pegylated form of recombinant granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF). We obtained data from 346 Japanese breast cancer patients in a randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial comparing FN incidence due to TC adjuvant chemotherapy (docetaxel 75 mg/m2, cyclophosphamide 600 mg/m2) between pegfilgrastim-treated and placebo groups. We estimated mean costs for chemotherapy drugs, drugs for all AEs and FN, and hospitalization for all AEs and FN. We also calculated mean costs associated with drugs and hospitalization for FN specifically for patients who developed FN in the placebo group. For the pegfilgrastim and placebo groups, the total cost during the first cycle of chemotherapy was ¥189 135 and ¥98 106. This difference is associated with prophylactic use of pegfilgrastim. Our analysis clarified in the placebo group that FN incidents of 119/173 (68.6%), the mean drug cost related to all AEs and hospitalization caused by the first cycle of chemotherapy were ¥14 411and ¥11 180, respectively. The cost of each for FN treatment was ¥16 429 for the placebo group. The mean treatment cost for patients who developed FN in placebo group, was ¥11 145 for drugs and ¥28 420 for drugs and hospitalization. Pegfilgrastim reduced the costs incurred for both drugs and hospitalization for AEs as well as FN, although the total medical cost during the chemotherapy increased. Our study constitutes baseline data for further health economic evaluations of pegfilgrastim.

Numerical simulation and experimental validation of Lamb wave propagation behavior in composite plates

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kim, Sungwon; Uprety, Bibhisha; Mathews, V. John; Adams, Daniel O.

2015-03-01

Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) based on Acoustic Emission (AE) is dependent on both the sensors to detect an impact event as well as an algorithm to determine the impact location. The propagation of Lamb waves produced by an impact event in thin composite structures is affected by several unique aspects including material anisotropy, ply orientations, and geometric discontinuities within the structure. The development of accurate numerical models of Lamb wave propagation has important benefits towards the development of AE-based SHM systems for impact location estimation. Currently, many impact location algorithms utilize the time of arrival or velocities of Lamb waves. Therefore the numerical prediction of characteristic wave velocities is of great interest. Additionally, the propagation of the initial symmetric (S0) and asymmetric (A0) wave modes is important, as these wave modes are used for time of arrival estimation. In this investigation, finite element analyses were performed to investigate aspects of Lamb wave propagation in composite plates with active signal excitation. A comparative evaluation of two three-dimensional modeling approaches was performed, with emphasis placed on the propagation and velocity of both the S0 and A0 wave modes. Results from numerical simulations are compared to experimental results obtained from active AE testing. Of particular interest is the directional dependence of Lamb waves in quasi-isotropic carbon/epoxy composite plates. Numerical and experimental results suggest that although a quasi-isotropic composite plate may have the same effective elastic modulus in all in-plane directions, the Lamb wave velocity may have some directional dependence. Further numerical analyses were performed to investigate Lamb wave propagation associated with circular cutouts in composite plates.

Targeting Bruton tyrosine kinase with ibrutinib in relapsed/refractory marginal zone lymphoma

PubMed Central

de Vos, Sven; Thieblemont, Catherine; Martin, Peter; Flowers, Christopher R.; Morschhauser, Franck; Collins, Graham P.; Ma, Shuo; Coleman, Morton; Peles, Shachar; Smith, Stephen; Barrientos, Jacqueline C.; Smith, Alina; Munneke, Brian; Dimery, Isaiah; Beaupre, Darrin M.; Chen, Robert

2017-01-01

Marginal zone lymphoma (MZL) is a heterogeneous B-cell malignancy for which no standard treatment exists. MZL is frequently linked to chronic infection, which may induce B-cell receptor (BCR) signaling, resulting in aberrant B-cell survival and proliferation. We conducted a multicenter, open-label, phase 2 study to evaluate the efficacy and safety of ibrutinib in previously treated MZL. Patients with histologically confirmed MZL of all subtypes who received ≥1 prior therapy with an anti-CD20 antibody–containing regimen were treated with 560 mg ibrutinib orally once daily until progression or unacceptable toxicity. The primary end point was independent review committee–assessed overall response rate (ORR) by 2007 International Working Group criteria. Among 63 enrolled patients, median age was 66 years (range, 30-92). Median number of prior systemic therapies was 2 (range, 1-9), and 63% received ≥1 prior chemoimmunotherapy. In 60 evaluable patients, ORR was 48% (95% confidence interval [CI], 35-62). With median follow-up of 19.4 months, median duration of response was not reached (95% CI, 16.7 to not estimable), and median progression-free survival was 14.2 months (95% CI, 8.3 to not estimable). Grade ≥3 adverse events (AEs; >5%) included anemia, pneumonia, and fatigue. Serious AEs of any grade occurred in 44%, with grade 3-4 pneumonia being the most common (8%). Rates of discontinuation and dose reductions due to AEs were 17% and 10%, respectively. Single-agent ibrutinib induced durable responses with a favorable benefit–risk profile in patients with previously treated MZL, confirming the role of BCR signaling in this malignancy. As the only approved therapy, ibrutinib provides a treatment option without chemotherapy for MZL. This study is registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov as #NCT01980628. PMID:28167659

Acoustic emission localization based on FBG sensing network and SVR algorithm

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sai, Yaozhang; Zhao, Xiuxia; Hou, Dianli; Jiang, Mingshun

2017-03-01

In practical application, carbon fiber reinforced plastics (CFRP) structures are easy to appear all sorts of invisible damages. So the damages should be timely located and detected for the safety of CFPR structures. In this paper, an acoustic emission (AE) localization system based on fiber Bragg grating (FBG) sensing network and support vector regression (SVR) is proposed for damage localization. AE signals, which are caused by damage, are acquired by high speed FBG interrogation. According to the Shannon wavelet transform, time differences between AE signals are extracted for localization algorithm based on SVR. According to the SVR model, the coordinate of AE source can be accurately predicted without wave velocity. The FBG system and localization algorithm are verified on a 500 mm×500 mm×2 mm CFRP plate. The experimental results show that the average error of localization system is 2.8 mm and the training time is 0.07 s.

Ontology-Based Combinatorial Comparative Analysis of Adverse Events Associated with Killed and Live Influenza Vaccines

PubMed Central

Sarntivijai, Sirarat; Xiang, Zuoshuang; Shedden, Kerby A.; Markel, Howard; Omenn, Gilbert S.; Athey, Brian D.; He, Yongqun

2012-01-01

Vaccine adverse events (VAEs) are adverse bodily changes occurring after vaccination. Understanding the adverse event (AE) profiles is a crucial step to identify serious AEs. Two different types of seasonal influenza vaccines have been used on the market: trivalent (killed) inactivated influenza vaccine (TIV) and trivalent live attenuated influenza vaccine (LAIV). Different adverse event profiles induced by these two groups of seasonal influenza vaccines were studied based on the data drawn from the CDC Vaccine Adverse Event Report System (VAERS). Extracted from VAERS were 37,621 AE reports for four TIVs (Afluria, Fluarix, Fluvirin, and Fluzone) and 3,707 AE reports for the only LAIV (FluMist). The AE report data were analyzed by a novel combinatorial, ontology-based detection of AE method (CODAE). CODAE detects AEs using Proportional Reporting Ratio (PRR), Chi-square significance test, and base level filtration, and groups identified AEs by ontology-based hierarchical classification. In total, 48 TIV-enriched and 68 LAIV-enriched AEs were identified (PRR>2, Chi-square score >4, and the number of cases >0.2% of total reports). These AE terms were classified using the Ontology of Adverse Events (OAE), MedDRA, and SNOMED-CT. The OAE method provided better classification results than the two other methods. Thirteen out of 48 TIV-enriched AEs were related to neurological and muscular processing such as paralysis, movement disorders, and muscular weakness. In contrast, 15 out of 68 LAIV-enriched AEs were associated with inflammatory response and respiratory system disorders. There were evidences of two severe adverse events (Guillain-Barre Syndrome and paralysis) present in TIV. Although these severe adverse events were at low incidence rate, they were found to be more significantly enriched in TIV-vaccinated patients than LAIV-vaccinated patients. Therefore, our novel combinatorial bioinformatics analysis discovered that LAIV had lower chance of inducing these two severe adverse events than TIV. In addition, our meta-analysis found that all previously reported positive correlation between GBS and influenza vaccine immunization were based on trivalent influenza vaccines instead of monovalent influenza vaccines. PMID:23209624

Antibiotics-related adverse events in the infectious diseases department of a French teaching hospital: a prospective study.

PubMed

Courjon, J; Pulcini, C; Cua, E; Risso, K; Guillouet, F; Bernard, E; Roger, P-M

2013-12-01

Antibiotics are a significant cause of adverse events (AE), but few studies have focused on prescriptions in hospitalized patients. In infectious diseases departments, the high frequency and diversity of antibiotics prescribed makes AE post-marketing monitoring easier. The aim of our study was to assess the incidence and type of AE in the infectious diseases department of a French teaching tertiary-care hospital. The main characteristics of each hospitalization, including all antibiotics prescribed and any significant AE were recorded prospectively in the medical dashboard of the department. We included all patients having suffered an AE due to systemic antibiotics between January 2008 and March 2011. Among the 3963 hospitalized patients, 2682 (68%) received an antibiotic and 151/2682 (5.6%) suffered an AE. Fifty-two (34%) AE were gastrointestinal disorders, 32 (21%) dermatological, 20 (13%) hepatobiliary, 16 (11%) renal and urinary disorders, 13 (9%) neurological and 11 (7%) blood disorders. Rifampin, fosfomycin, cotrimoxazole and linezolid were the leading causes of AE. Sixty-two percent of the antibiotics causing an AE were stopped and 38% were continued (including 11% with a dose modification). Patients suffering from AE had an increased length of stay (18 vs 10 days, P < 0.001). Our data could help choosing the safest antibiotic when several options are possible.

A new data management system for the French National Registry of human alveolar echinococcosis cases.

PubMed

Charbonnier, Amandine; Knapp, Jenny; Demonmerot, Florent; Bresson-Hadni, Solange; Raoul, Francis; Grenouillet, Frédéric; Millon, Laurence; Vuitton, Dominique Angèle; Damy, Sylvie

2014-01-01

Alveolar echinococcosis (AE) is an endemic zoonosis in France due to the cestode Echinococcus multilocularis. The French National Reference Centre for Alveolar Echinococcosis (CNR-EA), connected to the FrancEchino network, is responsible for recording all AE cases diagnosed in France. Administrative, epidemiological and medical information on the French AE cases may currently be considered exhaustive only on the diagnosis time. To constitute a reference data set, an information system (IS) was developed thanks to a relational database management system (MySQL language). The current data set will evolve towards a dynamic surveillance system, including follow-up data (e.g. imaging, serology) and will be connected to environmental and parasitological data relative to E. multilocularis to better understand the pathogen transmission pathway. A particularly important goal is the possible interoperability of the IS with similar European and other databases abroad; this new IS could play a supporting role in the creation of new AE registries. © A. Charbonnier et al., published by EDP Sciences, 2014.

A new data management system for the French National Registry of human alveolar echinococcosis cases

PubMed Central

Charbonnier, Amandine; Knapp, Jenny; Demonmerot, Florent; Bresson-Hadni, Solange; Raoul, Francis; Grenouillet, Frédéric; Millon, Laurence; Vuitton, Dominique Angèle; Damy, Sylvie

2014-01-01

Alveolar echinococcosis (AE) is an endemic zoonosis in France due to the cestode Echinococcus multilocularis. The French National Reference Centre for Alveolar Echinococcosis (CNR-EA), connected to the FrancEchino network, is responsible for recording all AE cases diagnosed in France. Administrative, epidemiological and medical information on the French AE cases may currently be considered exhaustive only on the diagnosis time. To constitute a reference data set, an information system (IS) was developed thanks to a relational database management system (MySQL language). The current data set will evolve towards a dynamic surveillance system, including follow-up data (e.g. imaging, serology) and will be connected to environmental and parasitological data relative to E. multilocularis to better understand the pathogen transmission pathway. A particularly important goal is the possible interoperability of the IS with similar European and other databases abroad; this new IS could play a supporting role in the creation of new AE registries. PMID:25526544

Initiation and Activation of Faults in Dry and Wet Rock by Fluid Injection

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Stanchits, S.; Mayr, S.; Shapiro, S. A.; Dresen, G.

2008-12-01

We studied fracturing of rock samples induced by water injection in axial compression tests on cylindrical specimens of Flechtingen sandstone and Aue granite of 50 mm diameter and 105-125 mm length. Samples were intact solid rock cylinders and cylinders with central boreholes of 5 mm diameter and 52 mm length or through-boreholes of 2.5 mm diameter. To monitor acoustic emissions (AE) and ultrasonic velocities, twelve P-wave and six polarized S-wave sensors were glued to the cylindrical surface of the rock. Full waveforms were stored in a 12 channel transient recording system (PROEKEL, Germany). Polarity of AE first motion was used to discriminate source types associated with tensile, shear and pore-collapse cracking. To monitor strain, two pairs of orthogonally oriented strain-gages were glued onto the specimen surface. Samples were deformed in two consecutive loading steps: 1) Initial triaxial loading was performed at 20-50 MPa confining pressure on dry (under vacuum) or fully saturated samples until the yield point was reached. 2) In a second stage distilled water was injected into the samples with pore pressure increasing up to 20 MPa. For saturated samples the pore pressure was increased in steps and in periodic pulses. Injection of water into dry porous sandstone resulted in propagation of an AE hypocenter cloud closely linked to propagation of the water front. Position of the migrating water front was estimated from ultrasonic velocity measurements and measurements of the injected water volume. Propagation rate of AE-induced cloud parallel to bedding was higher than perpendicular to bedding, possibly related to permeability anisotropy. Nucleation of a brittle shear fault occurred at a critical pore pressure level with a nucleation patch located at the central borehole. Micro-structural analysis of fractured samples shows excellent agreement between location of AE hypocenters and macroscopic faults.

Acute exacerbation of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis triggered by Aspergillus empyema.

PubMed

Suzuki, Atsushi; Kimura, Tomoki; Kataoka, Kensuke; Matsuda, Toshiaki; Yokoyama, Toshiki; Mori, Yuta; Kondoh, Yasuhiro

2018-01-01

Acute exacerbation (AE) is a severe and life-threatening complication of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). In 2016, the definition and diagnostic criteria for AE-IPF were updated by an international working group. The new definition includes any acute, clinically significant respiratory deterioration (both idiopathic and triggered events) characterized by evidence of new widespread alveolar abnormality in patients with IPF. There are no currently proven beneficial management strategies for idiopathic and triggered AE-IPF. This is the first report describing AE-IPF triggered by Aspergillus empyema, which was improved by a combination of corticosteroid, systemic antifungal therapy, local antifungal therapy, and additional pharmacological therapies. Future research may reveal optimal strategies for both idiopathic and triggered AE-IPF.

Age estimation by modified Demirjian's method (2004) and its applicability in Tibetan young adults: A digital panoramic study.

PubMed

Bijjaragi, Shobha C; Sangle, Varsha A; Saraswathi, F K; Patil, Veerendra S; Ashwini Rani, S R; Bapure, Sunil K

2015-01-01

Estimation of the age is a procedure adopted by anthropologists, archeologists and forensic scientists. Different methods have been undertaken. However none of them meet the standards as Demirjian's method since 1973. Various researchers have applied this method, in both original and modified form (Chaillet and Demirjian in 2004) in different ethnic groups and the results obtained were not satisfactory. To determine the applicability and accuracy of modified Demirjian's method of dental age estimation (AE) in 8-18 year old Tibetan young adults to evaluate the interrelationship between dental and chronological age and the reliability between intra- and inter observer relationship. Clinical setting and computerized design. A total of 300 Tibetan young adults with an age range from 8 to 18 years were recruited in the study. Digital panoramic radiographs (DPRs) were evaluated as per the modified Demirjian's method (2004). Pearson correlation, paired t-test, linear regression analysis. Inter -and intraobserver reliability revealed a strong agreement. A positive and strong association was found between chronological age and estimated dental age (r = 0.839) with P < 0.01. Modified Demirjian method (2004) overestimated the age by 0.04 years (2.04 months)in Tibetan young adults. Results suggest that, the modified Demirjian method of AE is not suitable for Tibetan young adults. Further studies: With larger sample size and comparision with different methods of AE in a given population would be an interesting area for future research.

Identification and characteristics of victims of violence identified by emergency physicians, triage nurses, and the police

PubMed Central

Howe, A; Crilly, M

2002-01-01

Objectives: The objectives of the study were threefold—to evaluate the identification and characteristics of victims of assault who attend an accident and emergency (A&E) department; to compare the total number of assaults recorded in the A&E department with the number recorded by the police; and to assess a system for collecting the location and method of assault. Setting: The A&E department of Chorley and South Ribble Hospital Trust, Lancashire, England. Methods: A three month prospective study was performed. Victims of violence recorded on computer by doctors at discharge were compared with those identified at initial nurse triage. A comparison of police data with the A&E data relating to Chorley residents was performed. Additional information on the method and location of assault was also collected. Results: During the period 305 (2.6%) of the patients attending A&E were identified as having been assaulted. Of the 305 individuals, 236 (77%) were identified by a doctor while 173 (57%) such patients were identified by a triage nurse. A&E identified twice the number of assaults involving Chorley residents as the police. Both men and women were most likely to have been injured on the street (44% and 37% respectively), although a greater proportion of women were injured at home (24%) than men (10%). The majority of injuries were sustained by blows from fists, feet, and heads (73%). Conclusions: A&E doctors identify significantly more patients as the victims of violence than do nurses at triage. Using A&E data identifies assaulted individuals not identified by the police. Computer systems can be used in A&E to provide a more complete picture of the occurrence of violence in the community. PMID:12460971

Decisive Routing and Admission Control According to Quality of Service Constraints

DTIC Science & Technology

2009-03-01

Level &(Key Size) 1 1 RSA (1280); RSA (1536); Elg-E (1280) 1 2 Elg-E ( 768 ); Elg-E(1024); RSA (1024) 1 3 3DES, BlowFish, CAST5 2 1 Elg-E(1536); Elg-E(1792...upon the intractibility of the discrete logarithm problem [11] RSA A public key encryption scheme named after inventors R. Rivest, A. Shamir, and L...gpgTester would make system calls to the GNU Privacy Guard to choose from system and public key algorithms, ElGamal, RSA , AES, AES192, AES256, TwoFish

Waveform Based Acoustic Emission Detection and Location of Matrix Cracking in Composites

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Prosser, W. H.

1995-01-01

The operation of damage mechanisms in a material or structure under load produces transient acoustic waves. These acoustic waves are known as acoustic emission (AE). In composites they can be caused by a variety of sources including matrix cracking, fiber breakage, and delamination. AE signals can be detected and analyzed to determine the location of the acoustic source by triangulation. Attempts are also made to analyze the signals to determine the type and severity of the damage mechanism. AE monitoring has been widely used for both laboratory studies of materials, and for testing the integrity of structures in the field. In this work, an advanced, waveform based AE system was used in a study of transverse matrix cracking in cross-ply graphite/epoxy laminates. This AE system featured broad band, high fidelity sensors, and high capture rate digital acquisition and storage of acoustic signals. In addition, analysis techniques based on plate wave propagation models were employed. These features provided superior source location and noise rejection capabilities.

Post-Marketing Surveillance of Human Rabies Diploid Cell Vaccine (Imovax) in the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS) in the United States, 1990‒2015.

PubMed

Moro, Pedro L; Woo, Emily Jane; Paul, Wendy; Lewis, Paige; Petersen, Brett W; Cano, Maria

2016-07-01

In 1980, human diploid cell vaccine (HDCV, Imovax Rabies, Sanofi Pasteur), was licensed for use in the United States. To assess adverse events (AEs) after HDCV reported to the US Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS), a spontaneous reporting surveillance system. We searched VAERS for US reports after HDCV among persons vaccinated from January 1, 1990-July 31, 2015. Medical records were requested for reports classified as serious (death, hospitalization, prolonged hospitalization, disability, life-threatening-illness), and those suggesting anaphylaxis and Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS). Physicians reviewed available information and assigned a primary clinical category to each report using MedDRA system organ classes. Empirical Bayesian (EB) data mining was used to identify disproportional AE reporting after HDCV. VAERS received 1,611 reports after HDCV; 93 (5.8%) were serious. Among all reports, the three most common AEs included pyrexia (18.2%), headache (17.9%), and nausea (16.5%). Among serious reports, four deaths appeared to be unrelated to vaccination. This 25-year review of VAERS did not identify new or unexpected AEs after HDCV. The vast majority of AEs were non-serious. Injection site reactions, hypersensitivity reactions, and non-specific constitutional symptoms were most frequently reported, similar to findings in pre-licensure studies.

Disclosure of Adverse Events in Pediatrics.

PubMed

2016-12-01

Despite increasing attention to issues of patient safety, preventable adverse events (AEs) continue to occur, causing direct and consequential injuries to patients, families, and health care providers. Pediatricians generally agree that there is an ethical obligation to inform patients and families about preventable AEs and medical errors. Nonetheless, barriers, such as fear of liability, interfere with disclosure regarding preventable AEs. Changes to the legal system, improved communications skills, and carefully developed disclosure policies and programs can improve the quality and frequency of appropriate AE disclosure communications. Copyright © 2016 by the American Academy of Pediatrics.

15 CFR 30.71 - False or fraudulent reporting on or misuse of the Automated Export System.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-01-01

... or indirectly, to the U.S. Government, false or misleading export information through the AES, shall... through or otherwise uses the AES to further any illegal activity shall be subject to a fine not to exceed... discovers that there is no AES record for an export transaction by the applicable period prescribed in § 30...

75 FR 52801 - Agency Information Collection Activities: Request for Comments; Clearance of a New Information...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-08-27

.... Estimated Average Burden per Response: Approximately 10 minutes per survey. Estimated Total Annual Burden: An estimated 1016.6 hours. ADDRESSES: Send comments to the FAA at the following address: Ms. Carla... Business Services Division, AES-200. [FR Doc. 2010-21214 Filed 8-26-10; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P ...

ECLSS Reliability for Long Duration Missions Beyond Lower Earth Orbit

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sargusingh, Miriam J.; Nelson, Jason

2014-01-01

Reliability has been highlighted by NASA as critical to future human space exploration particularly in the area of environmental controls and life support systems. The Advanced Exploration Systems (AES) projects have been encouraged to pursue higher reliability components and systems as part of technology development plans. However there is no consensus on what is meant by improving on reliability; nor on how to assess reliability within the AES projects. This became apparent when trying to assess reliability as one of several figures of merit for a regenerable water architecture trade study. In the spring of 2013, the AES Water Recovery Project (WRP) hosted a series of events at the NASA Johnson Space Center (JSC) with the intended goal of establishing a common language and understanding of our reliability goals, and equipping the projects with acceptable means of assessing our respective systems. This campaign included an educational series in which experts from across the agency and academia provided information on terminology, tools and techniques associated with evalauating and designing for system reliability. The campaign culminated in a workshop at JSC with members of the ECLSS and AES communities with the goal of developing a consensus on what reliability means to AES and identifying methods for assessing our low to mid-technology readiness level (TRL) technologies for reliability. This paper details the results of the workshop.

ECLSS Reliability for Long Duration Missions Beyond Lower Earth Orbit

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sargusingh, Miriam J.; Nelson, Jason

2014-01-01

Reliability has been highlighted by NASA as critical to future human space exploration particularly in the area of environmental controls and life support systems. The Advanced Exploration Systems (AES) projects have been encouraged to pursue higher reliability components and systems as part of technology development plans. However, there is no consensus on what is meant by improving on reliability; nor on how to assess reliability within the AES projects. This became apparent when trying to assess reliability as one of several figures of merit for a regenerable water architecture trade study. In the Spring of 2013, the AES Water Recovery Project (WRP) hosted a series of events at the NASA Johnson Space Center (JSC) with the intended goal of establishing a common language and understanding of our reliability goals and equipping the projects with acceptable means of assessing our respective systems. This campaign included an educational series in which experts from across the agency and academia provided information on terminology, tools and techniques associated with evaluating and designing for system reliability. The campaign culminated in a workshop at JSC with members of the ECLSS and AES communities with the goal of developing a consensus on what reliability means to AES and identifying methods for assessing our low to mid-technology readiness level (TRL) technologies for reliability. This paper details the results of the workshop.

Daytime variation of aerosol optical depth in North China and its impact on aerosol direct radiative effects

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Song, Jingjing; Xia, Xiangao; Che, Huizheng; Wang, Jun; Zhang, Xiaoling; Li, Xiaojing

2018-06-01

Daytime cycles of aerosol optical depth (AOD) and Angstrom exponent (AE) climatology were analyzed based on long-term (5-15 years) measurements at 18 stations of the China Aerosol Remote Sensing Network (CARSNET) in North China. AOD in Northwest China (NWC) exhibits a daytime trend with negative departures in the early morning and later afternoon while positive departures at midday. Daytime AOD relative departure in different sites and seasons varies from -30.26% to 30.28%. AE in NWC shows an opposite pattern to daytime variation of AOD. Daytime variation of AE is negligible in North China Plain (NCP), AOD increases steadily throughout the day. This trend is consistent and repeatable in four seasons. Such pronounced variability in AOD and AE should be taken accounted for in the estimation of diurnal aerosol direct radiative effects (ADRE), as suggested by the radiative transfer model simulations. The replacement of the observed daytime variation of AOD and AE by daytime mean values in NWC results in ADRE differences of 0.31 Wm-2 at the surface and 0.05 Wm-2 at the top of the atmosphere (TOA). ADRE in NWC will be underestimated by -0.47 Wm-2 and -0.25 Wm-2 at the surface and TOA, respectively, if instantaneous AOD and AE during the overpass time of Terra and Aqua are taken as the daytime mean values. The annual mean ADRE at the surface and TOA will be underestimated by -0.17 Wm-2 and -0.03 Wm-2 if daytime variations of AOD and AE are replaced by daytime mean values in NCP. ADRE will be underestimated by -0.07 Wm-2 at the surface and -0.06 Wm-2 at the TOA if instantaneous AOD and AE during the overpass time of Terra and Aqua other than daytime variation of AOD and AE are used in the calculations.

Families as Partners in Hospital Error and Adverse Event Surveillance

PubMed Central

Khan, Alisa; Coffey, Maitreya; Litterer, Katherine P.; Baird, Jennifer D.; Furtak, Stephannie L.; Garcia, Briana M.; Ashland, Michele A.; Calaman, Sharon; Kuzma, Nicholas C.; O’Toole, Jennifer K.; Patel, Aarti; Rosenbluth, Glenn; Destino, Lauren A.; Everhart, Jennifer L.; Good, Brian P.; Hepps, Jennifer H.; Dalal, Anuj K.; Lipsitz, Stuart R.; Yoon, Catherine S.; Zigmont, Katherine R.; Srivastava, Rajendu; Starmer, Amy J.; Sectish, Theodore C.; Spector, Nancy D.; West, Daniel C.; Landrigan, Christopher P.

2017-01-01

IMPORTANCE Medical errors and adverse events (AEs) are common among hospitalized children. While clinician reports are the foundation of operational hospital safety surveillance and a key component of multifaceted research surveillance, patient and family reports are not routinely gathered. We hypothesized that a novel family-reporting mechanism would improve incident detection. OBJECTIVE To compare error and AE rates (1) gathered systematically with vs without family reporting, (2) reported by families vs clinicians, and (3) reported by families vs hospital incident reports. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS We conducted a prospective cohort study including the parents/caregivers of 989 hospitalized patients 17 years and younger (total 3902 patient-days) and their clinicians from December 2014 to July 2015 in 4 US pediatric centers. Clinician abstractors identified potential errors and AEs by reviewing medical records, hospital incident reports, and clinician reports as well as weekly and discharge Family Safety Interviews (FSIs). Two physicians reviewed and independently categorized all incidents, rating severity and preventability (agreement, 68%–90%; κ, 0.50–0.68). Discordant categorizations were reconciled. Rates were generated using Poisson regression estimated via generalized estimating equations to account for repeated measures on the same patient. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES Error and AE rates. RESULTS Overall, 746 parents/caregivers consented for the study. Of these, 717 completed FSIs. Their median (interquartile range) age was 32.5 (26–40) years; 380 (53.0%) were nonwhite, 566 (78.9%) were female, 603 (84.1%) were English speaking, and 380 (53.0%) had attended college. Of 717 parents/caregivers completing FSIs, 185 (25.8%) reported a total of 255 incidents, which were classified as 132 safety concerns (51.8%), 102 nonsafety-related quality concerns (40.0%), and 21 other concerns (8.2%). These included 22 preventable AEs (8.6%), 17 nonharmful medical errors (6.7%), and 11 nonpreventable AEs (4.3%) on the study unit. In total, 179 errors and 113 AEs were identified from all sources. Family reports included 8 otherwise unidentified AEs, including 7 preventable AEs. Error rates with family reporting (45.9 per 1000 patient-days) were 1.2-fold (95%CI, 1.1–1.2) higher than rates without family reporting (39.7 per 1000 patient-days). Adverse event rates with family reporting (28.7 per 1000 patient-days) were 1.1-fold (95%CI, 1.0–1.2; P=.006) higher than rates without (26.1 per 1000 patient-days). Families and clinicians reported similar rates of errors (10.0 vs 12.8 per 1000 patient-days; relative rate, 0.8; 95%CI, .5–1.2) and AEs (8.5 vs 6.2 per 1000 patient-days; relative rate, 1.4; 95%CI, 0.8–2.2). Family-reported error rates were 5.0-fold (95%CI, 1.9–13.0) higher and AE rates 2.9-fold (95% CI, 1.2–6.7) higher than hospital incident report rates. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE Families provide unique information about hospital safety and should be included in hospital safety surveillance in order to facilitate better design and assessment of interventions to improve safety. PMID:28241211

Quantifying women's stated benefit-risk trade-off preferences for IBS treatment outcomes.

PubMed

Johnson, F Reed; Hauber, A Brett; Ozdemir, Semra; Lynd, Larry

2010-01-01

The Food and Drug Administration, currently, is exploring quantitative benefit-risk methods to support regulatory decision-making. A scientifically valid method for assessing patients' benefit-risk trade-off preferences is needed to compare risks and benefits in a common metric. The study aims to quantify the maximum acceptable risk (MAR) of treatment-related adverse events (AEs) that women with diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) are willing to accept in exchange for symptom relief. A stated-choice survey was used to elicit trade-off preferences among constructed treatment profiles, each defined by symptom severity and treatment-related AEs. Symptom attributes included frequency of abdominal pain and discomfort, frequency of diarrhea, and frequency of urgency. AE attributes included frequency of mild-to-moderate constipation and the risk of four possible serious AEs. A Web-enabled survey was administered to 589 female US residents at least 18 years of age with a self-reported diagnosis of diarrhea-predominant IBS. Preference weights and MAR were estimated using mixed-logit methods. SUBJECTS were willing to accept higher risks of serious AEs in return for treatments offering better symptom control. For an improvement from the lowest to the highest of four benefit levels, subjects were willing to tolerate a 2.65% increase in impacted-bowel risk, but only a 1.34% increase in perforated-bowel risk. Variation in MARs across AE types is consistent with the relative seriousness of the AEs. Stated-preference methods offer a scientifically valid approach to quantifying benefit-risk trade-off preferences that can be used to inform regulatory decision-making.

Patient safety and adverse events related with obstetric care.

PubMed

Aibar, Laura; Rabanaque, María José; Aibar, Carlos; Aranaz, Jesús María; Mozas, Juan

2015-04-01

To determine the frequency and distribution of Adverse Events (AE) in obstetrics departments at Spanish hospitals. We present a retrospective cohort study including 816 women admitted to the obstetrics departments at 41 hospitals that took part in the National Adverse Effects Study in Spain (ENEAS) and an extension of this study in all hospitals located in two Autonomous Regions. To identify AE, nurses from each participating hospital examined all medical records, and completed a validated screening guide. A team of external reviewers evaluated the medical records of all women who met at least one of the criteria in the screening guide to verify all AE. The main outcome measure was the incidence of AE during hospitalization. The cumulative incidence of patients with obstetric care-related AE was 3.6% (95% CI 2.3-4.8). The most frequent AE were those related with surgical interventions or procedures (59.4%). None of the AE detected were considered severe. 36.7% of the AE lengthened the woman's hospital stay, and 13.3% led to hospital admission. Additional procedures were needed after 71.9% of the AE, and additional treatment was needed after 59.4%. 56.3% of the AE were considered preventable. Obstetric care is characterized by generally younger ages among patients, their low frequency of comorbidities and high expectations for successful outcomes of care. However, some factors can increase obstetric risk and favor the appearance of preventable incidents and AE. Systems are needed to detect preventable AE, and measures are needed to reduce risks or attenuate their consequences.

Use of the false discovery rate for evaluating clinical safety data.

PubMed

Mehrotra, Devan V; Heyse, Joseph F

2004-06-01

Clinical adverse experience (AE) data are routinely evaluated using between group P values for every AE encountered within each of several body systems. If the P values are reported and interpreted without multiplicity considerations, there is a potential for an excess of false positive findings. Procedures based on confidence interval estimates of treatment effects have the same potential for false positive findings as P value methods. Excess false positive findings can needlessly complicate the safety profile of a safe drug or vaccine. Accordingly, we propose a novel method for addressing multiplicity in the evaluation of adverse experience data arising in clinical trial settings. The method involves a two-step application of adjusted P values based on the Benjamini and Hochberg false discovery rate (FDR). Data from three moderate to large vaccine trials are used to illustrate our proposed 'Double FDR' approach, and to reinforce the potential impact of failing to account for multiplicity. This work was in collaboration with the late Professor John W. Tukey who coined the term 'Double FDR'.

Regulation of Aedes aegypti Population Dynamics in Field Systems: Quantifying Direct and Delayed Density Dependence

PubMed Central

Walsh, Rachael K.; Aguilar, Cristobal L.; Facchinelli, Luca; Valerio, Laura; Ramsey, Janine M.; Scott, Thomas W.; Lloyd, Alun L.; Gould, Fred

2013-01-01

Transgenic strains of Aedes aegypti have been engineered to help control transmission of dengue virus. Although resources have been invested in developing the strains, we lack data on the ecology of mosquitoes that could impact the success of this approach. Although studies of intra-specific competition have been conducted using Ae. aegypti larvae, none of these studies examine mixed age cohorts at densities that occur in the field, with natural nutrient levels. Experiments were conducted in Mexico to determine the impact of direct and delayed density dependence on Ae. aegypti populations. Natural water, food, and larval densities were used to estimate the impacts of density dependence on larval survival, development, and adult body size. Direct and delayed density-dependent factors had a significant impact on larval survival, larval development, and adult body size. These results indicate that control methods attempting to reduce mosquito populations may be counteracted by density-dependent population regulation. PMID:23669230

Lifelong Aerobic Exercise Reduces the Stress Response in Rats.

PubMed

Pietrelli, A; Di Nardo, M; Masucci, A; Brusco, A; Basso, N; Matkovic, L

2018-04-15

The aim of this study was to analyze the effects of lifelong aerobic exercise (AE) on the adaptive response of the stress system in rats. It is well known that hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis (HPA) activity differs when triggered by voluntary or forced exercise models. Male Wistar rats belonging to exercise (E) or control (C) groups were subjected to chronic AE, and two cutoff points were established at 8 (middle age) and 18 months (old age). Behavioral, biochemical and histopathological studies were performed on the main components/targets of the stress system. AE increased adrenal sensitivity (AS), brain corticosterone (CORT) and corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF), but had no effect on the thymus, adrenal glands (AGs) weight or plasma CORT. In addition, AE exerted no effect on the sympathetic tone, but significantly reduced anxiety-related behavior and emotionality. Aging decreased AS and deregulated neuroendocrine feedback, leading to an anxiogenic state which was mitigated by AE. Histopathological and morphometric analysis of AGs showed no alterations in middle-aged rats but adrenal vacuolization in approximately 20% old rats. In conclusion, lifelong AE did not produce adverse effects related to a chronic stress state. On the contrary, while AE upregulated some components of the HPA axis, it generated an adaptive response to cumulative changes, possibly through different compensatory and/or super compensatory mechanisms, modulated by age. The long-term practice of AE had a strong positive impact on stress resilience so that it could be recommended as a complementary therapy in stress and depression disease. Copyright © 2018 IBRO. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Types, frequencies, and burden of nonspecific adverse events of drugs: analysis of randomized placebo-controlled clinical trials.

PubMed

Mahr, Alfred; Golmard, Clara; Pham, Emilie; Iordache, Laura; Deville, Laure; Faure, Pierre

2017-07-01

Scarce studies analyzing adverse event (AE) data from randomized placebo-controlled clinical trials (RPCCTs) of selected illnesses suggested that a substantial proportion of collected AEs are unrelated to the drug taken. This study analyzed the nonspecific AEs occurring with active-drug exposure in RPCCTs for a large range of medical conditions. Randomized placebo-controlled clinical trials published in five prominent medical journals during 2006-2012 were searched. Only trials that evaluated orally or parenterally administered active drugs versus placebo in a head-to-head setting were selected. For AEs reported from ≥10 RPCCTs, Pearson's correlation coefficients (r) were calculated to determine the relationship between AE rates in placebo and active-drug recipients. Random-effects meta-analyses were used to compute proportions of nonspecific AEs, which were truncated at a maximum of 100%, in active-drug recipients. We included 231 trials addressing various medical domains or healthy participants. For the 88 analyzed AE variables, AE rates for placebo and active-drug recipients were in general strongly correlated (r > 0.50) or very strongly correlated (r > 0.80). The pooled proportions of nonspecific AEs for the active-drug recipients were 96.8% (95%CI: 95.5-98.1) for any AEs, 100% (97.9-100) for serious AEs, and 77.7% (72.7-83.2) for drug-related AEs. Results were similar for individual medical domains and healthy participants. The pooled proportion of nonspecificity of 82 system organ class and individual AE types ranged from 38% to 100%. The large proportion of nonspecific AEs reported in active-drug recipients of RPCCTs, including serious and drug-related AEs, highlights the limitations of clinical trial data to determine the tolerability of drugs. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Aloe-emodin (AE) nanoparticles suppresses proliferation and induces apoptosis in human lung squamous carcinoma via ROS generation in vitro and in vivo.

PubMed

Wu, Yuan-Yuan; Zhang, Jing-Hua; Gao, Jing-Hua; Li, Yong-Sheng

2017-08-26

Human lung squamous cell carcinoma is a deadly cancer for which present therapeutic strategies are inadequate. And traditional chemotherapy results in severe systemic toxicity. Compounds from living organisms often exert a biological activity, triggering several targets, which may be useful for the improvement of novel pharmaceuticals. Aloe-emodin (AE), a well-known natural compound, is a primary component of anthraquinones in Aloe vera and exhibits anti-proliferative and apoptotic effects on various tumor cells. However, the translational and clinical use of AE has been limited owing to its rapid degradation and poor bioavailability. To improve its efficacy, a poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) based AE nanoparticle formulation (NanoAE) was prepared. Our study indicated that compared to the free AE, nanoAE significantly suppressed cancer cell proliferation, induced cell cycle arrest and apoptosis, evidenced by high cleavage of Caspase-3, poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP), Caspase-8 and Caspase-9. NanoAE enhanced reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, along with Mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) activation and PI3K/AKT inactivation. Cell proliferation, apoptosis and MAPKs and PI3K/AKT were dependent on ROS production in nanoAE-treated groups. In vivo, nanoAE exhibited inhibitory effects on the tumor growth with little toxicity. Together, our results indicated that nanoAE might be an effective treatment for human lung squamous cell carcinoma. Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier Inc.

Influence of movement regime of stick-slip process on the size distribution of accompanying acoustic emission characteristics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Matcharashvili, Teimuraz; Chelidze, Tamaz; Zhukova, Natalia; Mepharidze, Ekaterine; Sborshchikov, Alexander

2010-05-01

Many scientific works on dynamics of earthquake generation are devoted to qualitative and quantitative reproduction of behavior of seismic faults. Number of theoretical, numerical or physical models are already designed for this purpose. Main assumption of these works is that the correct model must be capable to reproduce power law type relation for event sizes with magnitudes greater than or equal to a some threshold value, similar to Gutenberg-Richter (GR) law for the size distribution of earthquakes. To model behavior of a seismic faults in laboratory conditions spring-block experimental systems are often used. They enable to generate stick-slip movement, intermittent behavior occurring when two solids in contact slide relative to each other driven at a constant velocity. Wide interest to such spring-block models is caused by the fact that stick-slip is recognized as a basic process underlying earthquakes generation along pre-existing faults. It is worth to mention, that in stick slip experiments reproduction of power law, in slip events size distribution, with b values close or equal to the one found for natural seismicity is possible. Stick-slip process observed in these experimental models is accompanied by a transient elastic waves propagation generated during the rapid release of stress energy in spring-block system. Oscillations of stress energy can be detected as a characteristic acoustic emission (AE). Accompanying stick slip AE is the subject of intense investigation, but many aspects of this process are still unclear. In the present research we aimed to investigate dynamics of stick slip AE in order to find whether its distributional properties obey power law. Experiments have been carried out on spring-block system consisting of fixed and sliding plates of roughly finished basalt samples. The sliding block was driven with a constant velocity. Experiments have been carried out for five different stiffness of pulling spring. Thus five different regimes of stick slip movement has been maintained. The AE accompanying the elementary slip events of stick-slip process were recorded on a PC sound card. The sensor for the AE was a lead circonate-titanate with a natural frequency of 100 KHz. In order to ensure standard conditions in each experiment, sliding surfaces were sanded up by sandpaper and cleaned of a dust. AE data analysis consisted of signal conditioning, filtering, and correct wave trains separation. Onset time of AE was determined at a minimun of Akaike Information Criterion. Afterwards time series of AE characteristics such as: recurrence times between consecutive AE bursts as well as time intervals between their maximums, duration of AE bursts, energy and power of AE, max by modulus of AE wave train amplitudes, etc. have been compiled. Cumulative probability distributions for all these data sets have been constructed and tested on the subject of GR type power law relation. It was found that characteristics of AE of stick slip process are strongly depending on the movement regime. Number of registered AE essentially increased for stiffer spring. At the same time recurrence times and emitted AE energy decreases. Power law type relation have not been observed for all AE characteristics and not for all considered regimes of movement. Power law relation, close to observed for real seismicity, was found for power of AE time series at stiffer springs. It is interesting that recurrence times between maximums of consecutive AE bursts and duration of AE bursts, reveal b in the range of 0.6-1.65. These results point that experimental conditions of stick slip process including movement regimes should be selected with care to ensure similarity between model and natural seismicity distributional characteristics.

An Analysis of Adverse Events in the Rehabilitation Department: Using the Veterans Affairs Root Cause Analysis System.

PubMed

Hagley, Gregory W; Mills, Peter D; Shiner, Brian; Hemphill, Robin R

2018-04-01

Root cause analyses (RCA) are often completed in health care settings to determine causes of adverse events (AEs). RCAs result in action plans designed to mitigate future patient harm. National reviews of RCA reports have assessed the safety of numerous health care settings and suggested opportunities for improvement. However, few studies have assessed the safety of receiving care from physical therapists, occupational therapists, or speech and language pathology pathologists. The objective of this study was to determine the types of AEs, root causes, and action plans for risk mitigation that exist within the disciplines of rehabilitation medicine. This study is a retrospective, cross-sectional review. A national search of the Veterans Health Administration RCA database was conducted to identify reports describing AEs associated with physical therapy, occupational therapy, or speech and language pathology services between 2009 and May 2016. Twenty-five reports met the inclusion requirements. The reports were classified by the event type, root cause, action plans, and strength of action plans. Delays in care (32.0%) and falls (28.0%) were the most common type of AE. Three AEs resulted in death. RCA teams identified deficits regarding policy and procedures as the most common root cause. Eighty-eight percent of RCA reports included strong or intermediate action plans to mitigate risk. Strong action plans included standardizing emergency terminology and implementing a dedicated line to call for an emergency response. These data are self-reported and only AEs that are scored as a safety assessment code 3 in the system receive a full RCA, so there are likely AEs that were not captured in this study. In addition, the RCA reports are deidentified and so do not include all patient characteristics. As the Veterans Health Administration system services mostly men, the data might not generalize to non-Veterans Health Administration systems with a different patient mix. Care provided by rehabilitation professionals is generally safe, but AEs do occur. Based on this RCA review, the safety of rehabilitation services can be improved by implementing strong practices to mitigate risk to patients. Checklists should be considered to aid timely decision making when initiating an emergency response.

Rb-Sr-analyses of apollo 16 melt rocks and a new age estimate for the imbrium basin: lunar basin chronology and the early heavy bombardment of the moon

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

Deutsch, A.; Stoeffler, D.

1987-07-01

Rb-Sr-model ages on 7 impact glass-bombs and internal Rb-Sr isochrons for two crystalline impact melt rocks from the Apollo 16 collection have been determined. The post-Cayley glass-bombs with model ages between 4.75 +- 0.45 AE and 3.97 +- 0.08 AE can be classified according to their calculated single stage (/sup 87/Rb/sup 86/Sr)/sub I/-ratios: 67728, 67946, and 67627.8 point to a KREEP-free precursor terrain - the Descartes highlands; whereas 63566, 67567, 67627.10 and 67629 are derived from the more heterogeneous Cayley plains. The very feldspar-rich impact melt rock 65795, which is compositionally similar to the group of feldspathic microporphyritic melt brecciasmore » (FM-suite), yields a crystallization age of 3.81 +- 0.04 AE (2sigma; lambda/sup 87/Rb = 1.42/sup -11/ yr/sup -1/) and I/sub Sr/ of .69929 +- 3. The authors suggest that the Imbrium basin and the related Fra Mauro and Cayley formations were formed 3.77 +- 0.02 AE ago and could be even as young as 3.75 AE. As a consequence, they adopt 3.92 +- 0.03 AE, 3.87 +- 0.03 AE, and 3.84 +- 0.04 AE as ages for the Nectaris, Serenitatis, and Crisium basins, respectively, in agreement with the relative crater densities measured on the ejecta blankets of these basins. The proposed age sequence leads to an average formation interval for the observed 12-13 Nectarian basins of 7 to 14 m.y. leaving approx. 30 pre-Nectarian basins of unknown age. These facts suggest that there is no late terminal lunar cataclysm in the sense of a culmination of the lunar impact rate at approx. 3.8 AE ago. Rather, the observations are compatible with a steeply and steadily decreasing flux of impactors in the sense of an early heavy bombardment which started at the time of the moon's accretion and terminated around 3.75 AE ago.« less

Food System Support of the Relocation Strategy in California. Volume II. Prototype Plans and Revised Guidance.

DTIC Science & Technology

1980-09-01

FmHA Red Bluff * LOS ANGELES/SAN Louis Pryor, Chairman ASCS BERNARDINO Donald Rosedale, M’erber AES 45116 n.orth 13th West George Rendell , "er-ter AES...Nelson, Member AES Yreka, CA. 96097 Edward Anderson, Member SCS 916-842-3360 County Supervisor, Yreka FnHA George McClusky, Member FS * SONOMA/MARIN Ruthe

Crack classification in concrete beams using AE parameters

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bahari, N. A. A. S.; Shahidan, S.; Abdullah, S. R.; Ali, N.; Zuki, S. S. Mohd; Ibrahim, M. H. W.; Rahim, M. A.

2017-11-01

The acoustic emission (AE) technique is an effective tool for the evaluation of crack growth. The aim of this study is to evaluate crack classification in reinforced concrete beams using statistical analysis. AE has been applied for the early monitoring of reinforced concrete structures using AE parameters such as average frequency, rise time, amplitude counts and duration. This experimental study focuses on the utilisation of this method in evaluating reinforced concrete beams. Beam specimens measuring 150 mm × 250 mm × 1200 mm were tested using a three-point load flexural test using Universal Testing Machines (UTM) together with an AE monitoring system. The results indicated that RA value can be used to determine the relationship between tensile crack and shear movement in reinforced concrete beams.

The costs associated with adverse event procedures for an international HIV clinical trial determined by activity-based costing.

PubMed

Chou, Victoria B; Omer, Saad B; Hussain, Hamidah; Mugasha, Christine; Musisi, Maria; Mmiro, Francis; Musoke, Philippa; Jackson, J Brooks; Guay, Laura A

2007-12-01

To determine costs for adverse event (AE) procedures for a large HIV perinatal trial by analyzing actual resource consumption using activity-based costing (ABC) in an international research setting. The AE system for an ongoing clinical trial in Uganda was evaluated using ABC techniques to determine costs from the perspective of the study. Resources were organized into cost categories (eg, personnel, patient care expenses, laboratory testing, equipment). Cost drivers were quantified, and unit cost per AE was calculated. A subset of time and motion studies was performed prospectively to observe clinic personnel time required for AE identification. In 18 months, there were 9028 AEs, with 970 (11%) reported as serious adverse events. Unit cost per AE was $101.97. Overall, AE-related costs represented 32% ($920,581 of $2,834,692) of all study expenses. Personnel ($79.30) and patient care ($11.96) contributed the greatest proportion of component costs. Reported AEs were predominantly nonserious (mild or moderate severity) and unrelated to study drug(s) delivery. Intensive identification and management of AEs to conduct clinical trials ethically and protect human subjects require expenditure of substantial human and financial resources. Better understanding of these resource requirements should improve planning and funding of international HIV-related clinical trials.

Estimation of Fine and Oversize Particle Ratio in a Heterogeneous Compound with Acoustic Emissions.

PubMed

Nsugbe, Ejay; Ruiz-Carcel, Cristobal; Starr, Andrew; Jennions, Ian

2018-03-13

The final phase of powder production typically involves a mixing process where all of the particles are combined and agglomerated with a binder to form a single compound. The traditional means of inspecting the physical properties of the final product involves an inspection of the particle sizes using an offline sieving and weighing process. The main downside of this technique, in addition to being an offline-only measurement procedure, is its inability to characterise large agglomerates of powders due to sieve blockage. This work assesses the feasibility of a real-time monitoring approach using a benchtop test rig and a prototype acoustic-based measurement approach to provide information that can be correlated to product quality and provide the opportunity for future process optimisation. Acoustic emission (AE) was chosen as the sensing method due to its low cost, simple setup process, and ease of implementation. The performance of the proposed method was assessed in a series of experiments where the offline quality check results were compared to the AE-based real-time estimations using data acquired from a benchtop powder free flow rig. A designed time domain based signal processing method was used to extract particle size information from the acquired AE signal and the results show that this technique is capable of estimating the required ratio in the washing powder compound with an average absolute error of 6%.

75 FR 4343 - Estimates of the Voting Age Population for 2009

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-01-27

... AGENCY: Office of the Secretary, Commerce. ACTION: General Notice Announcing Population Estimates... the District of Columbia. We are providing this notice in accordance with the 1976 amendment to the Federal Election Campaign Act, Title 2, United States Code, Section 441a(e). FOR FURTHER INFORMATION...

77 FR 4000 - Estimates of the Voting Age Population for 2011

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-01-26

... AGENCY: Office of the Secretary, Commerce. ACTION: General Notice Announcing Population Estimates... the District of Columbia. We are providing this notice in accordance with the 1976 amendment to the Federal Election Campaign Act, Title 2, United States Code, Section 441a(e). FOR FURTHER INFORMATION...

Fatigue crack monitoring with coupled piezoelectric film acoustic emission sensors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhou, Changjiang

Fatigue-induced cracking is a commonly seen problem in civil infrastructures reaching their original design life. A number of high-profile accidents have been reported in the past that involved fatigue damage in structures. Such incidences often happen without prior warnings due to lack of proper crack monitoring technique. In order to detect and monitor the fatigue crack, acoustic emission (AE) technique, has been receiving growing interests recently. AE can provide continuous and real-time monitoring data on damage progression in structures. Piezoelectric film AE sensor measures stress-wave induced strain in ultrasonic frequency range and its feasibility for AE signal monitoring has been demonstrated recently. However, extensive work in AE monitoring system development based on piezoelectric film AE sensor and sensor characterization on full-scale structures with fatigue cracks, have not been done. A lack of theoretical formulations for understanding the AE signals also hinders the use of piezoelectric film AE sensors. Additionally, crack detection and source localization with AE signals is a very important area yet to be explored for this new type of AE sensor. This dissertation presents the results of both analytical and experimental study on the signal characteristics of surface stress-wave induced AE strain signals measured by piezoelectric film AE sensors in near-field and an AE source localization method based on sensor couple theory. Based on moment tensor theory, generalized expression for AE strain signal is formulated. A special case involving the response of piezoelectric film AE sensor to surface load is also studied, which could potentially be used for sensor calibration of this type of sensor. A new concept of sensor couple theory based AE source localization technique is proposed and validated with both simulated and experimental data from fatigue test and field monitoring. Two series of fatigue tests were conducted to perform fatigue crack monitoring on large-scale steel test specimens using piezoelectric film AE sensors. Continuous monitoring of fatigue crack growth in steel structures is demonstrated in these fatigue test specimens. The use of piezoelectric film AE sensor for field monitoring of existing fatigue crack is also demonstrated in a real steel I-girder bridge located in Maryland. The sensor couple theory based AE source localization is validated using a limited number of piezoelectric film AE sensor data from both fatigue test specimens and field monitoring bridge. Through both laboratory fatigue test and field monitoring of steel structures with active fatigue cracks, the signal characteristics of piezoelectric film AE sensor have been studied in real-world environment.

Blood glucose monitoring during aerobic and anaerobic physical exercise using a new artificial pancreas system.

PubMed

Quirós, Carmen; Bertachi, Arthur; Giménez, Marga; Biagi, Lyvia; Viaplana, Judith; Viñals, Clara; Vehí, Josep; Conget, Ignacio; Bondia, Jorge

To assess an artificial pancreas system during aerobic (AeE) and anaerobic exercise (AnE). A pilot clinical trial on five subjects with type 1 diabetes (4 males) aged 37±10.9 years, diabetes diagnosed 21.2±12.2 years before, insulin pump users, and with a mean HbA 1c level of 7.8±0.5%. Every subject did three AeE and three AnE sessions. Blood glucose levels were monitored by the artificial pancreas system during exercise and up to four hours later. Before the start of exercise, 23g of carbohydrates were administered orally. The mean glucose level was 124.0±25.1mg/dL in the AeE studies and 152.1±34.1mg/dL in the AnE studies. Percent times in the different glucose ranges of 70-180, >180 and <70mg/dL were 89.8±18.6% and 75.9±27.6%; 7.7±18.4% and 23.2±28.0%; and 2.5±6.3% and 1.0±3.6% during the AeE and AnE sessions, respectively. Only six rescues with carbohydrates (15g) were required during the studies (4 in AeE and 2 in AnE). Total insulin dose during the five hours of the study was 3.1±1.0IU in the AeE studies and 3.5±1.3IU in the AnE studies. Blood glucose response to AeE and AnE exercise is different. The evaluated artificial pancreas system appeared to achieve effective and safe blood glucose control during exercise and up to four hours later. However, new control strategies that minimize patient intervention should be designed. Copyright © 2018 SEEN y SED. Publicado por Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.

Leading lights.

PubMed

2001-06-01

Christine Hancock led a delegation of nurses to Surrey Ambulance Service NHS Trust last month as one of her last engagements as RCN general secretary. Leading nurses from across the south east visited the trust, which has established a traffic light system so that A&E nurses divert ambulance crews from busy units. Trust managers also hope to cut referrals to A&E by 40 per cent by using a 'whole-system' approach to treating patients. (Left to right) RCN council member for Oxford region Debbie Pearman, senior call co-ordinator Linda Tee, Miss Hancock and RCN A&E Nursing Association chair Lynda Holt.

Comparison of Estimates from the 1995 National Household Education Survey (NHES:95). Working Paper Series.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kim, Kwang; Loomis, Laura S.; Collins, Mary A.

This report compares selected estimates from the two components of the 1995 National Household Education Survey (NHES:95) with estimates from other survey data. The two different components of the NHES:95, the Adult Education (AE) and the Early Childhood Program Participation (ECPP) components, cover a variety of topics related to participation in…

Organizing for empowerment: an interview with AES's Roger Sant and Dennis Bakke. Interview by Suzy Wetlaufer.

PubMed

Sant, R; Bakke, D

1999-01-01

The topic of empowerment is receiving a lot of attention, but how many employees are truly empowered? At the global electricity giant AES Corporation, the answer is all 40,000 of them. In this interview, chairman Roger Sant and CEO Dennis Bakke reflect on their trials and triumphs in creating an exceptional company and explain how their employee-run company works. When they founded AES in 1981, Sant and Bakke set out to create a company where people could have engaging experiences on a daily basis--a company that embodied the principles of fairness, integrity, social responsibility, and fun. Putting those principles into action has created something unique--an ecosystem of real empowerment. What does that system look like? Rather than having a traditional hierarchical chain of command, AES is organized around small teams that are responsible for operations and maintenance. Moreover, AES has eliminated functional departments; there's no corporate marketing division or human resources department. For the system to work, every person must become a well-rounded generalist--a mini-CEO. That, in turn, redefines the jobs of the people at headquarters. Instead of setting strategy and making the "the big decisions," Sant and Bakke act as advisers, guardians of the principles, accountability officers, and chief encouragers. Can other companies successfully adopt the mechanics of such a system? Not unless they first adopt the shared principles that have guided AES since its inception. "Empowerment without values isn't empowerment," says Sant. "It's just technique," adds Bakke.

Hyperbranched exopolysaccharide-enhanced foam properties of sodium fatty alcohol polyoxyethylene ether sulfate.

PubMed

Deng, Quanhua; Li, Haiping; Sun, Haoyang; Sun, Yange; Li, Ying

2016-05-01

The foam properties, such as the foamability, foam stability, drainage, coalescence and bulk rheology, of aqueous solutions containing an eco-friendly exopolysaccharide (EPS) secreted by a deep-sea mesophilic bacterium, Wangia profunda SM-A87, and an anionic surfactant, sodium fatty alcohol polyoxyethylene ether sulfate (AES), were studied. Both the foamability and foam stability of the EPS/AES solutions are considerably higher than those of single AES solutions, even at very low AES concentrations, although pure EPS solutions cannot foam. The improved foamability and foam stability arise from the formation of the EPS/AES complex via hydrogen bonds at the interfaces. The synergism between the EPS and AES decreases the surface tension, increases the interfacial elasticity and water-carrying capacity, and suppresses the coalescence and collapse of the foams. The EPS/AES foams are more salt-resistant than the AES foams. This work provides not only a new eco-friendly foam with great potential for use in enhanced oil recovery and health-care products but also useful guidance for designing other environmentally friendly foam systems that exhibit high performance. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

A new qualitative acoustic emission parameter based on Shannon's entropy for damage monitoring

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chai, Mengyu; Zhang, Zaoxiao; Duan, Quan

2018-02-01

An important objective of acoustic emission (AE) non-destructive monitoring is to accurately identify approaching critical damage and to avoid premature failure by means of the evolutions of AE parameters. One major drawback of most parameters such as count and rise time is that they are strongly dependent on the threshold and other settings employed in AE data acquisition system. This may hinder the correct reflection of original waveform generated from AE sources and consequently bring difficulty for the accurate identification of the critical damage and early failure. In this investigation, a new qualitative AE parameter based on Shannon's entropy, i.e. AE entropy is proposed for damage monitoring. Since it derives from the uncertainty of amplitude distribution of each AE waveform, it is independent of the threshold and other time-driven parameters and can characterize the original micro-structural deformations. Fatigue crack growth test on CrMoV steel and three point bending test on a ductile material are conducted to validate the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed parameter. The results show that the new parameter, compared to AE amplitude, is more effective in discriminating the different damage stages and identifying the critical damage.

Global dust model intercomparison in AeroCom phase I

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Huneeus, N.; Schulz, M.; Balkanski, Y.; Griesfeller, J.; Kinne, S.; Prospero, J.; Bauer, S.; Boucher, O.; Chin, M.; Dentener, F.; Diehl, T.; Easter, R.; Fillmore, D.; Ghan, S.; Ginoux, P.; Grini, A.; Horowitz, L.; Koch, D.; Krol, M. C.; Landing, W.; Liu, X.; Mahowald, N.; Miller, R.; Morcrette, J.-J.; Myhre, G.; Penner, J. E.; Perlwitz, J.; Stier, P.; Takemura, T.; Zender, C.

2010-10-01

Desert dust plays an important role in the climate system through its impact on Earth's radiative budget and its role in the biogeochemical cycle as a source of iron in high-nutrient-low-chlorophyll regions. A large degree of diversity exists between the many global models that simulate the dust cycle to estimate its impact on climate. We present the results of a broad intercomparison of a total of 15 global aerosol models within the AeroCom project. Each model is compared to observations focusing on variables responsible for the uncertainties in estimating the direct radiative effect and the dust impact on the biogeochemical cycle, i.e., aerosol optical depth (AOD) and dust deposition. Additional comparisons to Angström Exponent (AE), coarse mode AOD and dust surface concentration are included to extend the assessment of model performance. These datasets form a benchmark data set which is proposed for model inspection and future dust model developments. In general, models perform better in simulating climatology of vertically averaged integrated parameters (AOD and AE) in dusty sites than they do with total deposition and surface concentration. Almost all models overestimate deposition fluxes over Europe, the Indian Ocean, the Atlantic Ocean and ice core data. Differences among the models arise when simulating deposition at remote sites with low fluxes over the Pacific and the Southern Atlantic Ocean. This study also highlights important differences in models ability to reproduce the deposition flux over Antarctica. The cause of this discrepancy could not be identified but different dust regimes at each site and issues with data quality should be considered. Models generally simulate better surface concentration at stations downwind of the main sources than at remote ones. Likewise, they simulate better surface concentration at stations affected by Saharan dust than at stations affected by Asian dust. Most models simulate the gradient in AOD and AE between the different dusty regions, however the seasonality and magnitude of both variables is better simulated at African stations than Middle East ones. The models also reproduce the dust transport across the Atlantic in terms of both AOD and AE; they simulate the offshore transport of West Africa throughout the year and limit the transport across the Atlantic to the summer months, yet overestimating the AOD and transporting too fine particles. However, most of the models do not reproduce the southward displacement of the dust cloud during the winter responsible of the transport of dust into South America. Based on the dependency of AOD on aerosol burden and size distribution we use model data bias with respect to AOD and AE and infer on the over/under estimation of the dust emissions. According to this we suggest the emissions in the Sahara be between 792 and 2271 Tg/yr and the one in the Middle East between 212 and 329 Tg/yr.

Post-Marketing Surveillance of Human Rabies Diploid Cell Vaccine (Imovax) in the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS) in the United States, 1990‒2015

PubMed Central

Moro, Pedro L.; Woo, Emily Jane; Paul, Wendy; Lewis, Paige; Petersen, Brett W.; Cano, Maria

2016-01-01

Background In 1980, human diploid cell vaccine (HDCV, Imovax Rabies, Sanofi Pasteur), was licensed for use in the United States. Objective To assess adverse events (AEs) after HDCV reported to the US Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS), a spontaneous reporting surveillance system. Methods We searched VAERS for US reports after HDCV among persons vaccinated from January 1, 1990–July 31, 2015. Medical records were requested for reports classified as serious (death, hospitalization, prolonged hospitalization, disability, life-threatening-illness), and those suggesting anaphylaxis and Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS). Physicians reviewed available information and assigned a primary clinical category to each report using MedDRA system organ classes. Empirical Bayesian (EB) data mining was used to identify disproportional AE reporting after HDCV. Results VAERS received 1,611 reports after HDCV; 93 (5.8%) were serious. Among all reports, the three most common AEs included pyrexia (18.2%), headache (17.9%), and nausea (16.5%). Among serious reports, four deaths appeared to be unrelated to vaccination. Conclusions This 25-year review of VAERS did not identify new or unexpected AEs after HDCV. The vast majority of AEs were non-serious. Injection site reactions, hypersensitivity reactions, and non-specific constitutional symptoms were most frequently reported, similar to findings in pre-licensure studies. PMID:27410239

[Recommendations for institutional response to an adverse event].

PubMed

2016-01-01

The organizational response after an Adverse Event (AE) is critical for the patient recovery and trust restoration in the health system. It is also crucial for the involved caregiver psychological recovery. To design a frame of recommendations to help the healthcare services, institutions and organizations to provide a systematic approach to an AE. A reduced group of authors performed a non-systematic review of the literature and developed an initial draft. The draft was sent to the rest of authors, who suggested modifications in structure, content, references and style throughout successive manuscript versions until a final one was accepted. AE response includes the patient's clinical stabilization and a therapeutic plan to mitigate harm, the safeguard of used materials or health products involved, the appropriate disclosure to patient and family, the support of affected staff and their replacement if needed, the report to appropriate clinical and management heads, the event circumstances documentation and the starting of the AE investigation and analysis. Besides the professional, family and patient's trust and health recovery, the ultimate target of a correct AE response is the improvement of healthcare processes to prevent its repetition considering the AE as a system failure and learning and improving through its analysis. Copyright © 2015 SECA. Published by Elsevier Espana. All rights reserved.

Aerobic exercise upregulates the BDNF-Serotonin systems and improves the cognitive function in rats.

PubMed

Pietrelli, A; Matković, L; Vacotto, M; Lopez-Costa, J J; Basso, N; Brusco, A

2018-05-23

Aerobic exercise (AE) benefits brain health and behavior. Serotonin (5-HT) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) are known to mediate and shape cognitive processes. Both systems share some actions: BDNF is involved in the maturation and function of 5-HT neurons. In turn, 5-HT is involved in neuroplasticity phenomena mediated by BDNF and stimulated by exercise. The aim of this work was to study the long-term effects of AE on BDNF- 5-HT systems and cognitive function in rats at different ages. A lifelong moderate-intensity aerobic training program was designed, in which aerobically exercised (E) and sedentary control (C) rats were studied at middle (8 months) and old age (18 months) by means of biochemical, immunohistochemical and behavioral assays. The levels and expression of BDNF, 5-HT, serotonin transporter (SERT) and 5-HT 1A receptor were determined in selected brain areas involved in memory and learning. Immunopositive cells to neuronal nuclear protein (NeuN) in the hippocampus CA1 area were also quantified. The cognitive function was evaluated by the object recognition test (ORT). Results indicate that AE enhanced spatial and non-spatial memory systems, modulated by age. This outcome temporarily correlated with a significant upregulation of cortical, hippocampal and striatal BDNF levels in parallel with an increase in the number of hippocampal CA1-mature neurons. AE also increased brain and raphe 5-HT levels, as well as the expression of SERT and 5-HT 1A receptor in the cortex and hippocampus. Old AE rats showed a highly conserved response, indicating a remarkable protective effect of exercise on both systems. In summary, lifelong AE positively affects BDNF-5-HT systems, improves cognitive function and protects the brain against the deleterious effects of sedentary life and aging. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Community Ecology of Container Mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae) in Virginia Following Invasion by Aedes japonicus

PubMed Central

ARMISTEAD, JENNIFER S.; NISHIMURA, NAOYA; ARIAS, JORGE R.; LOUNIBOS, L. PHILIP

2012-01-01

The success of an invasive species in a new region depends on its interactions with ecologically similar resident species. Invasions by disease vector mosquitoes are important as they may have ecological and epidemiological consequences. Potential interactions of a recent invasive mosquito, Aedes japonicus Theobald, with resident species in Virginia were evaluated by sampling larvae from containers and trapping adults. Distinct species compositions were observed for artificial containers and rock pools, with Ae. albopictus most abundant in the former and Ae. japonicus in the latter. However, these two species were found to co-occur in 21.2% of containers sampled. Among the six mosquito species most common in containers from May through September, 2006, only interspecific associations of Ae.japonicus with Aedesalbopictus(Skuse) and Aedestriseriatus(Say) were significant, and both were negative. In addition to differences in habitat preference, mean crowding estimates suggest that interspecific repulsion may contribute to the significant negative associations observed between these species. High relative abundances of late instars and pupae of Ae. japonicus seem to provide this species with a mechanism of evading competition with Ae. albopictus, facilitating their coexistence in artificial containers. Although annual fluctuations were observed, trends in adult populations over a 6-yr period provide no evidence of declines. In summary, this survey of diverse container types and all life stages provided only limited evidence for competitive displacements or reductions of resident container species by Ae. japonicus, as observed elsewhere in its invasive range. PMID:23270159

Atmosphere Explorer (AE) spacecraft system description

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1972-01-01

The principal design and performance characteristics of the AE spacecraft system designed to support the Atmosphere Explorer C, D, and E missions are summarized. It has been prepared for the information of experimenters and other participants in the Atmosphere Explorer program as a general guide for design and operational planning. The description represents the spacecraft system as defined at the conclusion of the interface definition study.

Acylethanolamides and endocannabinoid signaling system in dorsal striatum of rats exposed to perinatal asphyxia.

PubMed

Holubiec, Mariana I; Romero, Juan I; Blanco, Eduardo; Tornatore, Tamara Logica; Suarez, Juan; Rodríguez de Fonseca, Fernando; Galeano, Pablo; Capani, Francisco

2017-07-13

Endocannabinoids (eCBs) and acylethanolamides (AEs) have lately received more attention due to their neuroprotective functions in neurological disorders. Here we analyze the alterations induced by perinatal asphyxia (PA) in the main metabolic enzymes and receptors of the eCBs/AEs in the dorsal striatum of rats. To induce PA, we used a model developed by Bjelke et al. (1991). Immunohistochemical techniques were carried out to determine the expression of neuronal and glial markers (NeuN and GFAP), eCBs/AEs synthesis and degradation enzymes (DAGLα, NAPE-PLD and FAAH) and their receptors (CB1 and PPARα). We found a decrease in NAPE-PLD and PPARα expression. Since NAPE-PLD and PPARα take part in the production and reception of biochemical actions of AEs, such as oleoylethanolamide, these results may suggest that PA plays a key role in the regulation of this system. These data agree with previous results obtained in the hippocampus and encourage us to develop further studies using AEs as potential neuroprotective compounds. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Design and Specification of Low Pressure Sewer Systems for Recreation Areas.

DTIC Science & Technology

1985-02-01

holding tank receives wastewater Iflows by gravity. Level scitsors act ivate the grinder pump operation pump at preset levels. Emergency 40 overf low aid...above the septic 0 Lank floor, the septic tank should be secured against flotation . Test in. 70. Septir t.ank s shouldt Ihe wat’rtight and must be...8217 , pump i rig je,j , aind powt, r cost . Annual power cost can he estimated using the fo I I owi rig express ion: APC =ae PC (4) whe -e 0 APIC annual

Observations of Herbig Ae/Be Stars with Herschel/PACS: The Atomic and Molecular Contents of Their Protoplanetary Discs

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Meeus, G.; Montesinos, B.; Mendigutia, I.; Kamp, I.; Thi, W. F.; Eiroa, C.; Grady, C. A.; Mathews, G.; Sandell, G.; Martin-Zaidi, C.;

The reliability of a severity rating scale to measure stuttering in an unfamiliar language.

PubMed

Hoffman, Laura; Wilson, Linda; Copley, Anna; Hewat, Sally; Lim, Valerie

2014-06-01

With increasing multiculturalism, speech-language pathologists (SLPs) are likely to work with stuttering clients from linguistic backgrounds that differ from their own. No research to date has estimated SLPs' reliability when measuring severity of stuttering in an unfamiliar language. Therefore, this study was undertaken to estimate the reliability of SLPs' use of a 9-point severity rating (SR) scale, to measure severity of stuttering in a language that was different from their own. Twenty-six Australian SLPs rated 20 speech samples (10 Australian English [AE] and 10 Mandarin) of adults who stutter using a 9-point SR scale on two separate occasions. Judges showed poor agreement when using the scale to measure stuttering in Mandarin samples. Results also indicated that 50% of individual judges were unable to reliably measure the severity of stuttering in AE. The results highlight the need for (a) SLPs to develop intra- and inter-judge agreement when using the 9-point SR scale to measure severity of stuttering in their native language (in this case AE) and in unfamiliar languages; and (b) research into the development and evaluation of practice and/or training packages to assist SLPs to do so.

Piezoelectric micromachined acoustic emission sensors for early stage damage detection in structures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kabir, Minoo; Kazari, Hanie; Ozevin, Didem

2018-03-01

Acoustic emission (AE) is a passive nondestructive evaluation (NDE) method that relies on the energy release of active flaws. The passive nature of this NDE method requires highly sensitive transducers in addition to low power and lightweight characteristics. With the advancement of micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS), acoustic emission (AE) transducers can be developed in low power and miniaturized. In this paper, the AE transducers operating in plate flexural mode driven piezoelectrically known as Piezoelectric Micromachined Ultrasonic Transducers (PMUTs) are presented. The AE PMUTs are manufactured using PiezoMUMPS process by MEMSCAP and tuned to 46 kHz and 200 kHz. The PiezoMUMPs is a 5-mask level SOI (silicon-on-insulator) patterning and etching process followed by deposition of 0.5 micron Aluminum Nitride (AlN) to form piezoelectric layer to form the transducers. The AE transducers are numerically modeled using COMSOL Multiphysics software in order to optimize the performance before manufacturing. The electrometrical characterization experiments are presented. The efficiency of the proposed AE PMUTs compared to the conventional AE transducers in terms of power consumption, weight and sensitivity is presented.

Coherent radar estimates of high latitude field-aligned currents: the importance of conductance gradients

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kosch, M.; Nielsen, E.

Two bi-static VHF radar systems STARE and SABRE have been employed to estimate ionospheric electric field distributions in the geomagnetic latitude range 61 1 - 69 3 degrees over Scandinavia corresponding to the global Region 2 current system 173 days of data from all four radars have been analysed during the period 1982 to 1986 The average magnetic field-aligned currents have been computed as a function of the Kp and Ae indices using an empirical model of ionospheric Pedersen and Hall conductance taking into account conductance gradients The divergence of horizontal Pedersen currents and Hall conductance gradients have approximately the same importance for generating the Region 2 field-aligned currents Pedersen conductance gradients have a significant modifying effect A case study of field-aligned currents has been performed using the STARE radar system to obtain the instantaneous ionospheric electric field distribution in the vicinity of an auroral arc The instantaneous Hall conductance was estimated from the Scandinavian Magnetometer Array This study clearly shows that even for quiet steady state geomagnetic conditions conductance gradients are important modifiers of magnetic field-aligned currents

ILD-NSCLC-GAP index scoring and staging system for patients with non-small cell lung cancer and interstitial lung disease.

PubMed

Kobayashi, Haruki; Naito, Tateaki; Omae, Katsuhiro; Omori, Shota; Nakashima, Kazuhisa; Wakuda, Kazushige; Ono, Akira; Kenmotsu, Hirotsugu; Murakami, Haruyasu; Endo, Masahiro; Takahashi, Toshiaki

2018-07-01

Patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and interstitial lung disease (ILD) are commonly excluded from most clinical trials because of acute exacerbation (AE) of ILD triggered by chemotherapy. Data on the efficacy and feasibility of chemotherapy are limited in this patient population. Recently, the ILD-GAP index and staging system was reported as a clinical prognostic factor associated with mortality in patients with ILD. Therefore, we evaluated the incidence of ILD-AE during the surveillance term in this study and the prognosis in patients with NSCLC and ILD using a modified ILD-GAP (ILD-NSCLC-GAP) index scoring system. The medical records of patients with NSCLC and ILD who underwent a pulmonary function test before initiation of platinum-based chemotherapy as first-line treatment at the Shizuoka Cancer Center between September 2002 and December 2014 were reviewed retrospectively. Among these patients, we compared the incidence of ILD-AE, one-year survival rate, and overall survival (OS) between the ILD-NSCLC-GAP index scores and stages. Of the 78 patients included, 21 (27%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 18%-38%) had ILD-AE during the surveillance term in this study. The one-year survival and median OS rates were 49% and 11.3 months, respectively. The incidence of ILD-AE increased gradually and the one-year survival and median OS rates decreased gradually with increasing ILD-NSCLC-GAP index scores and stages. The ILD-NSCLC-GAP index scoring and staging system may be a useful tool to calculate a prediction of the incidence of ILD-AE and its prognosis for patients with NSCLC and ILD. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Improvement of Accuracy for Background Noise Estimation Method Based on TPE-AE

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Itai, Akitoshi; Yasukawa, Hiroshi

This paper proposes a method of a background noise estimation based on the tensor product expansion with a median and a Monte carlo simulation. We have shown that a tensor product expansion with absolute error method is effective to estimate a background noise, however, a background noise might not be estimated by using conventional method properly. In this paper, it is shown that the estimate accuracy can be improved by using proposed methods.

Division I College Football Concussion Rates Are Higher at Higher Altitudes.

PubMed

Lynall, Robert C; Kerr, Zachary Y; Parr, Matthew S; Hackney, Anthony C; Mihalik, Jason P

2016-02-01

Retrospective cohort. Participating in sports at high altitude may have a protective effect on the brain, according to research studies. Research using validated data-collection methods in a previously unexplored cohort may better estimate the association between concussion injury risk and altitude. To determine the association between concussion rates and altitude during college football games. Athletic trainers from 21 Division I football programs provided exposure and injury data to the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Injury Surveillance Program (ISP) from the 2009-2010 to 2013-2014 academic years. The elevation of each stadium was determined. Concussion rates per 1000 athlete-exposures (AEs) were compared in 2 ways, based on the sample of stadium elevations: (1) median split (elevation higher than 178 m or lower than 178 m), and (2) quartile split. Rate ratios (RRs), rate differences, and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were computed. One hundred sixty-nine concussions were reported over 49 040 AEs (3.45/1000 AEs). Using the median split, the concussion rate above 178 m (RR = 4.18/1000 AEs) was 1.47 times the concussion rate below 178 m (RR = 2.84/1000 AEs; 95% CI: 1.09, 2.00; P = .01). The concussion rate at the highest altitude quartile (higher than 284 m; RR = 5.01/1000 AEs) was 1.67 times greater than the concussion rate at the lowest altitude quartile (lower than 43 m; RR = 3.00/1000 AEs; 95% CI: 1.13, 2.48; P = .01). College football game concussion rates appear to increase at higher altitudes. The clinical significance of this relatively small increase is unknown. Future research should explore potential physiologic underpinnings associated with concussion risk at relatively higher and lower altitudes. Prognosis, level 2b.

A new method to estimate location and slip of simulated rock failure events

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Heinze, Thomas; Galvan, Boris; Miller, Stephen Andrew

2015-05-01

At the laboratory scale, identifying and locating acoustic emissions (AEs) is a common method for short term prediction of failure in geomaterials. Above average AE typically precedes the failure process and is easily measured. At larger scales, increase in micro-seismic activity sometimes precedes large earthquakes (e.g. Tohoku, L'Aquilla, oceanic transforms), and can be used to assess seismic risk. The goal of this work is to develop a methodology and numerical algorithms for extracting a measurable quantity analogous to AE arising from the solution of equations governing rock deformation. Since there is no physical property to quantify AE derivable from the governing equations, an appropriate rock-mechanical analog needs to be found. In this work, we identify a general behavior of the AE generation process preceding rock failure. This behavior includes arbitrary localization of low magnitude events during pre-failure stage, followed by increase in number and amplitude, and finally localization around the incipient failure plane during macroscopic failure. We propose deviatoric strain rate as the numerical analog that mimics this behavior, and develop two different algorithms designed to detect rapid increases in deviatoric strain using moving averages. The numerical model solves a fully poro-elasto-plastic continuum model and is coupled to a two-phase flow model. We test our model by comparing simulation results with experimental data of drained compression and of fluid injection experiments. We find for both cases that occurrence and amplitude of our AE analog mimic the observed general behavior of the AE generation process. Our technique can be extended to modeling at the field scale, possibly providing a mechanistic basis for seismic hazard assessment from seismicity that occasionally precedes large earthquakes.

The NICROSIL versus NISIL Type N Thermocouple: A Commercial Reality,

DTIC Science & Technology

1983-10-01

2. foda where Ae, the component of the total thermal emf e, due to inhomogeneity, Ae = e - eO , where e0 is the ’ideal’ emf, S a is the ’ideal’ Seebeck...are moderately stable and not greatly elevated. Appendix VI presents an analysis of the estimated errors that are to be expected when nicrosil versus...section 5.4.1, page 23, para. 1. Title: ANALYSIS OF ERRORS INTRODUCED BY THE USE OF CONVENTIONAL (ANSI TYPES J, K, R, S, or T) LEADWIRES WITH

Signal frequency distribution and natural-time analyses from acoustic emission monitoring of an arched structure in the Castle of Racconigi

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Niccolini, Gianni; Manuello, Amedeo; Marchis, Elena; Carpinteri, Alberto

2017-07-01

The stability of an arch as a structural element in the thermal bath of King Charles Albert (Carlo Alberto) in the Royal Castle of Racconigi (on the UNESCO World Heritage List since 1997) was assessed by the acoustic emission (AE) monitoring technique with application of classical inversion methods to recorded AE data. First, damage source location by means of triangulation techniques and signal frequency analysis were carried out. Then, the recently introduced method of natural-time analysis was preliminarily applied to the AE time series in order to reveal a possible entrance point to a critical state of the monitored structural element. Finally, possible influence of the local seismic and microseismic activity on the stability of the monitored structure was investigated. The criterion for selecting relevant earthquakes was based on the estimation of the size of earthquake preparation zones. The presented results suggest the use of the AE technique as a tool for detecting both ongoing structural damage processes and microseismic activity during preparation stages of seismic events.

Estimation of Deeper Structure at the Soultz Hot Dry Rock Field by Means of Reflection Method Using 3C AE as Wave Source

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Soma, N.; Niitsuma, H.; Baria, R.

1997-12-01

We investigate the deep subsurface structure below the artificial reservoir at the Soultz Hot Dry Rock (HDR) site in France by a reflection method which uses acoustic emission (AE) as a wave source. In this method, we can detect reflected waves by examining the linearity of a three-dimensional hodogram. Additionally for imaging a deep subsurface structure, we employ a three-dimensional inversion with a restriction of wave polarization angles and with a compensation for a heterogeneous source distribution.¶We analyzed 101 AE wave forms observed at the Soultz site during the hydraulic testing in 1993. Some deep reflectors were revealed by this method. The bottom of the artificial reservoir that is presumed from all of the AE locations in 1993 was delineated at the depth of about 3900 m as a reflector. Other deeper reflectors were detected below the reservoir, which would not have been detected using conventional methods. Furthermore these reflectors agreed with the results of the tri-axial drill-bit VSP (Asanuma et al., 1996).

True-Triaxial Experimental Study of the Evolutionary Features of the Acoustic Emissions and Sounds of Rockburst Processes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Su, Guoshao; Shi, Yanjiong; Feng, Xiating; Jiang, Jianqing; Zhang, Jie; Jiang, Quan

2018-02-01

Rockbursts are markedly characterized by the ejection of rock fragments from host rocks at certain speeds. The rockburst process is always accompanied by acoustic signals that include acoustic emissions (AE) and sounds. A deep insight into the evolutionary features of AE and sound signals is important to improve the accuracy of rockburst prediction. To investigate the evolutionary features of AE and sound signals, rockburst tests on granite rock specimens under true-triaxial loading conditions were performed using an improved rockburst testing system, and the AE and sounds during rockburst development were recorded and analyzed. The results show that the evolutionary features of the AE and sound signals were obvious and similar. On the eve of a rockburst, a `quiescent period' could be observed in both the evolutionary process of the AE hits and the sound waveform. Furthermore, the time-dependent fractal dimensions of the AE hits and sound amplitude both showed a tendency to continuously decrease on the eve of the rockbursts. In addition, on the eve of the rockbursts, the main frequency of the AE and sound signals both showed decreasing trends, and the frequency spectrum distributions were both characterized by low amplitudes, wide frequency bands and multiple peak shapes. Thus, the evolutionary features of sound signals on the eve of rockbursts, as well as that of AE signals, can be used as beneficial information for rockburst prediction.

The co-movement of monetary policy and its time-varying nature: A DCCA approach

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rohit, Abhishek; Mitra, Subrata Kumar

2018-02-01

Employing a novel methodology of DCCA cross-correlation coefficient (ρDCCA), this study attempts to provide fresh evidences for the co-movement of monetary policies of the advanced (AEs) as well as the emerging economies (EMEs) vis-à-vis the United States. A higher degree of monetary co-movement as measured by ρDCCA values, is identified for the AEs as compared to the EMEs. Lower co-movement of monetary policy is especially noticeable in the short run for EMEs. We further investigate the time-varying nature of such co-movements for the AEs by splitting the period (1980-2014) into four sub periods and also by performing a rolling window estimation for the entire period to reveal smoother dynamics. Significant evidence of higher monetary coordination is revealed for sub-periods with stronger trade and financial linkages.

How safe are our paediatric emergency departments? Protocol for a national prospective cohort study.

PubMed

Plint, Amy C; Newton, Amanda; Stang, Antonia; Bhatt, Maala; Barrowman, Nick; Calder, Lisa

2014-12-04

Adverse events (AEs), defined as unintended patient harm related to healthcare provided rather than an underlying medical condition, represent a significant threat to patient safety and public health. The emergency department (ED) is a high-risk patient safety setting for many reasons including presentation 'outside of regular hours', high patient volumes, and a chaotic work environment. Children have also been identified as particularly vulnerable to AEs. Despite the identification of the ED as a high-risk setting and the vulnerability of the paediatric population, little research has been conducted regarding paediatric patient safety in the ED. The study objective is to generate an estimate of the risk and type of AEs, as well as their preventability and severity, for children seen in Canadian paediatric EDs. This multicentre, prospective cohort study will enrol patients under 18 years of age from nine paediatric EDs across Canada. A stratified cluster random sampling scheme will be used to ensure patients recruited are representative of the overall ED population. A rigorous, standardised two-stage process will be used for AE identification. The primary outcome will be the proportion of children with AEs associated with ED care in the 3 weeks following the ED visit. Secondary outcomes will include the proportion of children with preventable AEs and the types and severity of AEs. We will aim to recruit 5632 patients over 1 year and this will allow us to detect a proportion of patients with an AE of 5% (to within an absolute margin of error of 0.6%). Ethics approval has been obtained from participating sites. Results will be disseminated through presentations, peer review publications, linkages with emergency research network and a webinars for key knowledge user groups. This study is registered at Clinicaltrials.gov (NCT02162147; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02162147). Published by the BMJ Publishing Group Limited. For permission to use (where not already granted under a licence) please go to http://group.bmj.com/group/rights-licensing/permissions.

Feasibility and early outcome of high-dose-rate Ir-192 brachytherapy as monotherapy in two fractions within 1 day for high-/very high-risk prostate cancer.

PubMed

Ashida, Shingo; Yamasaki, Ichiro; Tamura, Kenji; Shimamoto, Tsutomu; Inoue, Keiji; Kariya, Shinji; Kobayashi, Kana; Yamagami, Takuji; Shuin, Taro

2016-05-01

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the feasibility and preliminary outcomes of high-dose-rate (HDR)-brachytherapy as a monotherapy in two fractions within 1 day for localized prostate cancer, including high-/very high-risk cases. Among the 68 patients treated with HDR monotherapy between July 2011 and December 2014, 65 had a minimal follow-up of 12 months without adjuvant androgen deprivation therapy and were enrolled in the present study [42/65 (64.6%) exhibited high-/very high-risk diseases]. HDR monotherapy was performed in two fractions with a minimal interval of 6 h and the prescribed dose was 13.5 Gy (×2). Adverse events (AEs) were assessed using Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (version 4; http://ctep.cancer.gov/protocolDevelopment/electronic_applications/ctc.htm#ctc_40), and biochemical failure was assessed by the Phoenix definition. The median follow-up time was 30.1 months. The majority of patients had Grade 0-1 acute AEs. Four patients (6.2%) exhibited urinary retention, requiring a Foley catheter. Grade 3 acute AEs occurred at a frequency of 3.1% and hematuria at 1.5%. The majority of patients also exhibited Grade 0-1 chronic AEs. Grade 3 chronic AEs occurred at a frequency of 1.5% and urethral stricture at 1.5%, for which endoscopic treatment was indicated. Acute and chronic gastrointestinal AEs were uncommon, and no Grade 3 or above AEs developed. Biochemical failure occurred in 4 patients who all exhibited high-/very high-risk diseases. Kaplan-Meier estimated that 3 year biochemical failure-free survival was 91.6% overall and 88.0% in high-/very high-risk cases. The present two-fraction 1 day HDR monotherapy is feasible with minimal AEs and achieved acceptable biochemical control of localized prostate cancer, including high-/very high-risk cases, although long-term follow-up is required.

19 CFR 192.14 - Electronic information for outward cargo required in advance of departure.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-04-01

... Information Through the Automated Export System (AES) § 192.14 Electronic information for outward cargo... Automated Export System (AES)). (b) Presentation of data—(1) Time for presenting data. USPPIs or their... regulatory authority to do so. The CBP will also continue to require 72-hour advance notice for used vehicle...

19 CFR 192.14 - Electronic information for outward cargo required in advance of departure.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-04-01

... Information Through the Automated Export System (AES) § 192.14 Electronic information for outward cargo... Automated Export System (AES)). (b) Presentation of data—(1) Time for presenting data. USPPIs or their... regulatory authority to do so. The CBP will also continue to require 72-hour advance notice for used vehicle...

19 CFR 192.14 - Electronic information for outward cargo required in advance of departure.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-04-01

... Information Through the Automated Export System (AES) § 192.14 Electronic information for outward cargo... Automated Export System (AES)). (b) Presentation of data—(1) Time for presenting data. USPPIs or their... regulatory authority to do so. The CBP will also continue to require 72-hour advance notice for used vehicle...

19 CFR 192.14 - Electronic information for outward cargo required in advance of departure.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-04-01

... Information Through the Automated Export System (AES) § 192.14 Electronic information for outward cargo... Automated Export System (AES)). (b) Presentation of data—(1) Time for presenting data. USPPIs or their... regulatory authority to do so. The CBP will also continue to require 72-hour advance notice for used vehicle...

Subprograms for integrating the equations of motion of satellites. FORTRAN 4

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Prokhorenko, V. I.

1980-01-01

The subprograms for the formation of the right members of the equations of motion of artificial Earth satellites (AES), integration of systems of differential equations by Adams' method, and the calculation of the values of various functions from the AES parameters of motion are described. These subprograms are written in the FORTRAN 4 language and constitute an essential part of the package of applied programs for the calculation of navigational parameters AES.

Adverse events in vaccinations for travelers - a 1-year prospective survey in a travel clinic in Germany.

PubMed

Slesak, Günther; Fleck, Ralf; Scherbaum, Helmut; Blumenstock, Gunnar; Schäfer, Johannes

2018-01-01

The study goal was to assess and compare adverse events (AE) of current vaccinations for travelers under 'real-life conditions'. A prospective observational online questionnaire study was performed from May 2015 till April 2016 in a travel clinic in Germany. Online questionnaire links were sent 1 week after the first vaccination date. Severity was rated on a scale from 1 to 5 (minor to very severe AE). Of 1357 vaccinees 781 (57.6%) responded to the questionnaire, corresponding to 1415 vaccinations (1-7 simultaneous vaccinations). Responders were more often female (f:m = 1.29:1). Main age groups were 20-29 years old (36.1%). Most frequent vaccinations were against rabies (277; chick embryo cell vaccine (CEC): 97, human diploid cell vaccine (HDC): 180), yellow fever (250), typhoid fever (198), meningococcal meningitis (126) and Japanese encephalitis (104). A total of 217 vaccinees (27.8%) reported AE; 82 (10.5%) rated AE as more severe (grade 3: 61, grade 4: 18, grade 5: 3). No life-threatening AE was reported. Of 157 systemic AE the most frequent were: fatigue (75), headaches (46) and pyrexia (31). Of 94 local AE most frequently reported were pain (66), myalgia (25) and swelling (12). AE after single vaccinations were more often associated with rabies vaccine (OR 2.2; 1.2-4.2). AE increased with the number of simultaneous vaccinations (single vaccination: 24.1%, 88/365; 2 vaccinations: 26.6%, 73/274, ≥3 vaccinations: 39.4%, 56/142, χ2 = 12.24, P = 0.002, CCorr = 0.18), but more severe AE showed no association with the number of vaccinations (χ2 = 5.55, P = 0.06, CCorr = 0.12). Single and simultaneous vaccinations were overall well tolerated. AE were reported more frequently with rabies vaccinations in single vaccinations. Increased numbers of simultaneous vaccinations led to some incremental AE but not to more severe AE. Simultaneous vaccinations should be encouraged to reduce missed opportunities for immunizations.

Enhancement of the BG-sentinel trap with varying number of mice for field sampling of male and female Aedes albopictus mosquitoes.

PubMed

Le Goff, Gilbert; Damiens, David; Payet, Laurent; Ruttee, Abdoul-Hamid; Jean, Frédéric; Lebon, Cyrille; Dehecq, Jean-Sébastien; Gouagna, Louis-Clément

2016-09-22

Trapping male mosquitoes in the field is essential for the development of area-wide vector control programs with a sterile insect technique (SIT) component. To determine the optimal temporal and spatial release strategy, an estimation of the wild population density and its temporal dynamics is essential. Among the traps available for such data collection, the BG-Sentinel trap developed by the Biogents company uses a combination of visual cues, convection currents and olfactory signals. Although in numerous cases, this trap has shown high efficiency in sampling Aedes albopictus, in some cases low capture rates of Ae. albopictus males were recorded for the BG-sentinel mosquito trap baited with synthetic attractants. The effects of modifying the BG-sentinel trap (by adding one mouse, two or three live mice to the trap) on the efficiency of trapping Ae. albopictus males and females was tested. The experiment was carried out in three distinct areas on La Réunion that have been selected for pilot field testing of the release of sterile male Ae. albopictus mosquitoes. The effect of four types of attractant (including the generic BG-Lure, one mouse or two to three mice) in baited BGS traps was tested with a Latin square design in order to control for the variability of different sampling positions and dates. At the three studied sites, the number of Ae. albopictus adults caught and the proportion of males per trap consistently increased with the number of mice present in the trap. The results from this study suggest that some new attractants derived from, or similar to, mouse odors could be developed and tested in combination with other existing attractive components, such as CO 2 and heat, in order to provide a reliable estimation method for Ae. albopictus adult male abundance in the wild.

Nurses in Northern Ireland feel blamed for A&E problems, says RCN.

PubMed

2014-08-05

Emergency nurses in Northern Ireland believe they are being scapegoated for delays in A&E departments when these are the result of broader failings in the health and social care system, the RCN has warned.

Sorbent Structural Impacts Due to Humidity on Carbon Dioxide Removal Sorbents for Advanced Exploration Systems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Watson, David; Knox, James C.; West, Phillip; Stanley, Christine M.; Bush, Richard

2015-01-01

The Life Support Systems Project (LSSP) under the Advanced Exploration Systems (AES) program builds upon the work performed under the AES Atmosphere Resource Recovery and Environmental Monitoring (ARREM) project focusing on the numerous technology development areas. The CO2 removal and associated air drying development efforts are focused on improving the current state-of-the-art system on the International Space Station (ISS) utilizing fixed beds of sorbent pellets by seeking more robust pelletized sorbents, evaluating structured sorbents, and examining alternate bed configurations to improve system efficiency and reliability. A component of the CO2 removal effort encompasses structural stability testing of existing and emerging sorbents. Testing will be performed on dry sorbents and sorbents that have been conditioned to three humidity levels. This paper describes the sorbent structural stability screening efforts in support of the LSS Project within the AES Program.

Surgeons' Perceptions of the Causes of Preventable Harm in Arterial Surgery: A Mixed-Methods Study.

PubMed

Lear, Rachael; Godfrey, Anthony D; Riga, Celia; Norton, Christine; Vincent, Charles; Bicknell, Colin D

2017-12-01

System factors contributing to preventable harm in vascular patients have not been previously reported in detail. The aim of this exploratory mixed-methods study was to describe vascular surgeons' perceptions of factors contributing to adverse events (AEs) in arterial surgery. A secondary aim was to report recommendations to improve patient safety. Vascular consultants/registrars working in the British National Health Service were questioned about the causes of preventable AEs through survey and semi-structured interview (response rates 77% and 83%, respectively). Survey respondents considered a recent AE, indicating on a 5 point Likert scale the extent to which various factors from a validated framework contributed toward the incident. Semi-structured interviews were conducted to obtain detailed accounts of contributory factors, and to elicit recommendations to improve safety. Seventy-seven surgeons completed the survey on 77 separate AEs occurring during open surgery (n = 41) and in endovascular procedures (n = 36). Ten interviewees described 15 AEs. The causes of AEs were multifactorial (median number of factors/AE = 5, IQR 3-9, range 0-25). Factors frequently reported by survey respondents were communication failures (36.4%; n = 28/77); inadequate staffing levels/skill mix (32.5%; n = 25/77); lack of knowledge/skill (37.3%; n = 28/75). Themes emerging from interviews were team factors (communication failure, lack of team continuity, lack of clarity over roles/responsibilities); work environment factors (poor staffing levels, equipment problems, distractions); inadequate training/supervision. Knowledge/skill (p = .034) and competence (p = .018) appeared to be more prominent in causing AEs in open procedures compared with endovascular procedures; organisational structure was more frequently implicated in AEs occurring in endovascular procedures (p = .017). To improve safety, interviewees proposed team training programmes (5/10 interviewees); additional protocols/checklists (4/10); improved escalation procedures (3/10). Vascular surgeons believe that AEs in arterial operations are caused by multiple, modifiable system factors. Larger studies are needed to establish the relative importance of these factors and to determine strategies that can effectively address system failures. Copyright © 2017 European Society for Vascular Surgery. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Locating the origin of stick slip instabilities in sheared granular layers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Korkolis, Evangelos; Niemeijer, André

2017-04-01

Acoustic emission (AE) monitoring is a non-invasive technique widely used to evaluate the state of materials and structures. We have developed a system that can locate the source of AE events associated with unstable sliding (stick-slip) of sheared granular layers during laboratory friction experiments. Our aim is to map the spatial distribution of energy release due to permanent microstructural changes, using AE source locations as proxies. This will allow us to determine the distribution of applied work in a granular medium, which will be useful in developing constitutive laws that describe the frictional behavior of such materials. The AE monitoring system is installed on a rotary shear apparatus. This type of apparatus is used to investigate the micromechanical processes responsible for the macroscopic frictional behavior of granular materials at large shear displacements. Two arrays of 8 piezoelectric sensors each are installed into the ring-shaped steel pistons that confine our samples. The sensors are connected to a high-speed, multichannel oscilloscope that can record full waveforms. The apparatus is also equipped with a system that continuously records normal and lateral (shear) loads and displacements, as well as pore fluid pressure. Thus, we can calculate the frictional and volumetric response of our granular aggregates, as well as the location of AE sources. Here, we report on the results of room temperature experiments on granular aggregates consisting of glass beads or segregated mixtures of glass beads and calcite, at up to 5 MPa normal stress and sliding velocities between 1 and 100 μm/s. Under these conditions, glass beads exhibit unstable sliding behavior accompanied by significant AE activity, whereas calcite exhibits stable sliding and produces no AEs. We recorded a range of unstable sliding behaviors, from fast, regular stick slip at high normal stress (> 4 MPa) and sliding velocities below 20 μm/s, to irregular stick slip at low normal stress or sliding velocities above 20 μm/s. We calculated the source location of each AE associated with significant stress drops (slip events). A very prominent feature, particularly among the large shear displacement experiments, was the development of regions that sustained increased AE activity. Some of these regions remained fixed in space, whereas others kept migrating with increasing shear displacement. We observed that for an arbitrarily small number of consecutive slip events, their associated AEs did not necessarily nucleate in the same region. We believe that the calculated AE source locations reveal the sites where load-bearing microstructures, known as force chains, begin to fail, leading to slip instabilities. The existence of regions of increased AE activity suggests that triggering of force chain failure is controlled to some extent by the loading conditions imposed on the sample by the machine, but may also indicate the lasting influence of previous particle re-organization events on the particles populating these regions.

Advanced Clinical Decision Support for Vaccine Adverse Event Detection and Reporting.

PubMed

Baker, Meghan A; Kaelber, David C; Bar-Shain, David S; Moro, Pedro L; Zambarano, Bob; Mazza, Megan; Garcia, Crystal; Henry, Adam; Platt, Richard; Klompas, Michael

2015-09-15

Reporting of adverse events (AEs) following vaccination can help identify rare or unexpected complications of immunizations and aid in characterizing potential vaccine safety signals. We developed an open-source, generalizable clinical decision support system called Electronic Support for Public Health-Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (ESP-VAERS) to assist clinicians with AE detection and reporting. ESP-VAERS monitors patients' electronic health records for new diagnoses, changes in laboratory values, and new allergies following vaccinations. When suggestive events are found, ESP-VAERS sends the patient's clinician a secure electronic message with an invitation to affirm or refute the message, add comments, and submit an automated, prepopulated electronic report to VAERS. High-probability AEs are reported automatically if the clinician does not respond. We implemented ESP-VAERS in December 2012 throughout the MetroHealth System, an integrated healthcare system in Ohio. We queried the VAERS database to determine MetroHealth's baseline reporting rates from January 2009 to March 2012 and then assessed changes in reporting rates with ESP-VAERS. In the 8 months following implementation, 91 622 vaccinations were given. ESP-VAERS sent 1385 messages to responsible clinicians describing potential AEs. Clinicians opened 1304 (94.2%) messages, responded to 209 (15.1%), and confirmed 16 for transmission to VAERS. An additional 16 high-probability AEs were sent automatically. Reported events included seizure, pleural effusion, and lymphocytopenia. The odds of a VAERS report submission during the implementation period were 30.2 (95% confidence interval, 9.52-95.5) times greater than the odds during the comparable preimplementation period. An open-source, electronic health record-based clinical decision support system can increase AE detection and reporting rates in VAERS. © The Author 2015. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the Infectious Diseases Society of America. All rights reserved. For Permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com.

Modeling Dengue Vector Dynamics under Imperfect Detection: Three Years of Site-Occupancy by Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus in Urban Amazonia

PubMed Central

Padilla-Torres, Samael D.; Ferraz, Gonçalo; Luz, Sergio L. B.; Zamora-Perea, Elvira; Abad-Franch, Fernando

2013-01-01

Aedes aegypti and Ae. albopictus are the vectors of dengue, the most important arboviral disease of humans. To date, Aedes ecology studies have assumed that the vectors are truly absent from sites where they are not detected; since no perfect detection method exists, this assumption is questionable. Imperfect detection may bias estimates of key vector surveillance/control parameters, including site-occupancy (infestation) rates and control intervention effects. We used a modeling approach that explicitly accounts for imperfect detection and a 38-month, 55-site detection/non-detection dataset to quantify the effects of municipality/state control interventions on Aedes site-occupancy dynamics, considering meteorological and dwelling-level covariates. Ae. aegypti site-occupancy estimates (mean 0.91; range 0.79–0.97) were much higher than reported by routine surveillance based on ‘rapid larval surveys’ (0.03; 0.02–0.11) and moderately higher than directly ascertained with oviposition traps (0.68; 0.50–0.91). Regular control campaigns based on breeding-site elimination had no measurable effects on the probabilities of dwelling infestation by dengue vectors. Site-occupancy fluctuated seasonally, mainly due to the negative effects of high maximum (Ae. aegypti) and minimum (Ae. albopictus) summer temperatures (June-September). Rainfall and dwelling-level covariates were poor predictors of occupancy. The marked contrast between our estimates of adult vector presence and the results from ‘rapid larval surveys’ suggests, together with the lack of effect of local control campaigns on infestation, that many Aedes breeding sites were overlooked by vector control agents in our study setting. Better sampling strategies are urgently needed, particularly for the reliable assessment of infestation rates in the context of control program management. The approach we present here, combining oviposition traps and site-occupancy models, could greatly contribute to that crucial aim. PMID:23472194

Musculoskeletal and rheumatic diseases induced by immune checkpoint inhibitors: a review of the literature.

PubMed

Benfaremo, Devis; Manfredi, Lucia; Luchetti, Michele Maria; Gabrielli, Armando

2018-05-08

Immune checkpoint inhibitors are a new promising class of antitumor drugs that have been associated to a number of immune-related adverse events (AEs), including musculoskeletal and rheumatic disease. We searched Medline reviewing reports of musculoskeletal and rheumatic AEs induced by immune checkpoint inhibitors. Several musculoskeletal and rheumatic AEs associated with immune checkpoint inhibitors treatment are reported in literature. In particular, arthralgia and myalgia were the most common reported AEs, whereas the prevalence of arthritis, myositis and vasculitis is less characterized and mainly reported in case series and case reports. Other occasionally described AEs are sicca syndrome, polymyalgia rheumatica, systemic lupus erythematosus and sarcoidosis. Newly induced musculoskeletal and rheumatic diseases are a frequent adverse event associated with immune checkpoint inhibitors treatment. Copyright© Bentham Science Publishers; For any queries, please email at epub@benthamscience.org.

Monitoring damage growth in titanium matrix composites using acoustic emission

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bakuckas, J. G., Jr.; Prosser, W. H.; Johnson, W. S.

1993-01-01

The application of the acoustic emission (AE) technique to locate and monitor damage growth in titanium matrix composites (TMC) was investigated. Damage growth was studied using several optical techniques including a long focal length, high magnification microscope system with image acquisition capabilities. Fracture surface examinations were conducted using a scanning electron microscope (SEM). The AE technique was used to locate damage based on the arrival times of AE events between two sensors. Using model specimens exhibiting a dominant failure mechanism, correlations were established between the observed damage growth mechanisms and the AE results in terms of the events amplitude. These correlations were used to monitor the damage growth process in laminates exhibiting multiple modes of damage. Results revealed that the AE technique is a viable and effective tool to monitor damage growth in TMC.

Dietary supplements: physician knowledge and adverse event reporting.

PubMed

Cellini, Matthew; Attipoe, Selasi; Seales, Paul; Gray, Robert; Ward, Andrew; Stephens, Mark; Deuster, Patricia A

2013-01-01

Dietary supplement (DS) use among US military personnel is widespread. Many consume several different DS with multiple ingredients one or more times each week, representing a potential public health concern. The overall purpose of the study was to assess the knowledge and behaviors of health professionals and physicians regarding patterns of DS use and possible adverse events (AE) associated with DS use. We also determined how providers address the issue of DS with patients and evaluated provider knowledge regarding reporting systems. Two prospective, cross-sectional, web-based questionnaires were administered. First, health care providers who accessed the Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database to gather evidenced-based information on DS and herbal products were queried. Second, physicians who had graduated from the Uniformed Services University were sent a web-based questionnaire regarding DS knowledge, AE knowledge and reporting, and communication with patients about DS. The frequencies of responses were evaluated. Although 60% of the military physicians who responded to the questionnaires believed they had observed AE in association with a DS, only 18% actually reported them. Three of four physician respondents (approximately 73%) did not know how or where to report AE associated with DS. The majority of physicians (66%) routinely asked most of their patients about DS use, and 65% did not have a reliable source of information for herbal and DS products. Information gaps in DS information and AE reporting were identified. A centralized AE reporting system could serve to identify potentially harmful DS for further evaluation. Health professionals need to remain vigilant for AE associated with DS use and better informed on how to report these events.

Narrowing the agronomic yield gap with improved nitrogen use efficiency: a modeling approach.

PubMed

Ahrens, T D; Lobell, D B; Ortiz-Monasterio, J I; Li, Y; Matson, P A

2010-01-01

Improving nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) in the major cereals is critical for more sustainable nitrogen use in high-input agriculture, but our understanding of the potential for NUE improvement is limited by a paucity of reliable on-farm measurements. Limited on-farm data suggest that agronomic NUE (AE(N)) is lower and more variable than data from trials conducted at research stations, on which much of our understanding of AE(N) has been built. The purpose of this study was to determine the magnitude and causes of variability in AE(N) across an agricultural region, which we refer to as the achievement distribution of AE(N). The distribution of simulated AE(N) in 80 farmers' fields in an irrigated wheat system in the Yaqui Valley, Mexico, was compared with trials at a local research center (International Wheat and Maize Improvement Center; CIMMYT). An agroecosystem simulation model WNMM was used to understand factors controlling yield, AE(N), gaseous N emissions, and nitrate leaching in the region. Simulated AE(N) in the Yaqui Valley was highly variable, and mean on-farm AE(N) was 44% lower than trials with similar fertilization rates at CIMMYT. Variability in residual N supply was the most important factor determining simulated AE(N). Better split applications of N fertilizer led to almost a doubling of AE(N), increased profit, and reduced N pollution, and even larger improvements were possible with technologies that allow for direct measurement of soil N supply and plant N demand, such as site-specific nitrogen management.

Experimental Investigation of Mechanical Properties of Black Shales after CO2-Water-Rock Interaction

PubMed Central

Lyu, Qiao; Ranjith, Pathegama Gamage; Long, Xinping; Ji, Bin

2016-01-01

The effects of CO2-water-rock interactions on the mechanical properties of shale are essential for estimating the possibility of sequestrating CO2 in shale reservoirs. In this study, uniaxial compressive strength (UCS) tests together with an acoustic emission (AE) system and SEM and EDS analysis were performed to investigate the mechanical properties and microstructural changes of black shales with different saturation times (10 days, 20 days and 30 days) in water dissoluted with gaseous/super-critical CO2. According to the experimental results, the values of UCS, Young’s modulus and brittleness index decrease gradually with increasing saturation time in water with gaseous/super-critical CO2. Compared to samples without saturation, 30-day saturation causes reductions of 56.43% in UCS and 54.21% in Young’s modulus for gaseous saturated samples, and 66.05% in UCS and 56.32% in Young’s modulus for super-critical saturated samples, respectively. The brittleness index also decreases drastically from 84.3% for samples without saturation to 50.9% for samples saturated in water with gaseous CO2, to 47.9% for samples saturated in water with super-critical carbon dioxide (SC-CO2). SC-CO2 causes a greater reduction of shale’s mechanical properties. The crack propagation results obtained from the AE system show that longer saturation time produces higher peak cumulative AE energy. SEM images show that many pores occur when shale samples are saturated in water with gaseous/super-critical CO2. The EDS results show that CO2-water-rock interactions increase the percentages of C and Fe and decrease the percentages of Al and K on the surface of saturated samples when compared to samples without saturation. PMID:28773784

Experimental Investigation of Mechanical Properties of Black Shales after CO₂-Water-Rock Interaction.

PubMed

Lyu, Qiao; Ranjith, Pathegama Gamage; Long, Xinping; Ji, Bin

2016-08-06

The effects of CO₂-water-rock interactions on the mechanical properties of shale are essential for estimating the possibility of sequestrating CO₂ in shale reservoirs. In this study, uniaxial compressive strength (UCS) tests together with an acoustic emission (AE) system and SEM and EDS analysis were performed to investigate the mechanical properties and microstructural changes of black shales with different saturation times (10 days, 20 days and 30 days) in water dissoluted with gaseous/super-critical CO₂. According to the experimental results, the values of UCS, Young's modulus and brittleness index decrease gradually with increasing saturation time in water with gaseous/super-critical CO₂. Compared to samples without saturation, 30-day saturation causes reductions of 56.43% in UCS and 54.21% in Young's modulus for gaseous saturated samples, and 66.05% in UCS and 56.32% in Young's modulus for super-critical saturated samples, respectively. The brittleness index also decreases drastically from 84.3% for samples without saturation to 50.9% for samples saturated in water with gaseous CO₂, to 47.9% for samples saturated in water with super-critical carbon dioxide (SC-CO₂). SC-CO₂ causes a greater reduction of shale's mechanical properties. The crack propagation results obtained from the AE system show that longer saturation time produces higher peak cumulative AE energy. SEM images show that many pores occur when shale samples are saturated in water with gaseous/super-critical CO₂. The EDS results show that CO₂-water-rock interactions increase the percentages of C and Fe and decrease the percentages of Al and K on the surface of saturated samples when compared to samples without saturation.

A practical technique for quantifying the performance of acoustic emission systems on plate-like structures.

PubMed

Scholey, J J; Wilcox, P D; Wisnom, M R; Friswell, M I

2009-06-01

A model for quantifying the performance of acoustic emission (AE) systems on plate-like structures is presented. Employing a linear transfer function approach the model is applicable to both isotropic and anisotropic materials. The model requires several inputs including source waveforms, phase velocity and attenuation. It is recognised that these variables may not be readily available, thus efficient measurement techniques are presented for obtaining phase velocity and attenuation in a form that can be exploited directly in the model. Inspired by previously documented methods, the application of these techniques is examined and some important implications for propagation characterisation in plates are discussed. Example measurements are made on isotropic and anisotropic plates and, where possible, comparisons with numerical solutions are made. By inputting experimentally obtained data into the model, quantitative system metrics are examined for different threshold values and sensor locations. By producing plots describing areas of hit success and source location error, the ability to measure the performance of different AE system configurations is demonstrated. This quantitative approach will help to place AE testing on a more solid foundation, underpinning its use in industrial AE applications.

In-flight fiber optic acoustic emission sensor (FAESense) system for the real time detection, localization, and classification of damage in composite aircraft structures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mendoza, Edgar; Prohaska, John; Kempen, Connie; Esterkin, Yan; Sun, Sunjian

2013-05-01

Acoustic emission sensing is a leading structural health monitoring technique use for the early warning detection of structural damage associated with impacts, cracks, fracture, and delaminations in advanced materials. Current AE systems based on electronic PZT transducers suffer from various limitations that prevent its wide dynamic use in practical avionics and aerospace applications where weight, size and power are critical for operation. This paper describes progress towards the development of a wireless in-flight distributed fiber optic acoustic emission monitoring system (FAESense™) suitable for the onboard-unattended detection, localization, and classification of damage in avionics and aerospace structures. Fiber optic AE sensors offer significant advantages over its counterpart electronic AE sensors by using a high-density array of micron-size AE transducers distributed and multiplex over long lengths of a standard single mode optical fiber. Immediate SHM applications are found in commercial and military aircraft, helicopters, spacecraft, wind mil turbine blades, and in next generation weapon systems, as well as in the petrochemical and aerospace industries, civil structures, power utilities, and a wide spectrum of other applications.

Characterizing the Aedes aegypti Population in a Vietnamese Village in Preparation for a Wolbachia-Based Mosquito Control Strategy to Eliminate Dengue

PubMed Central

Jeffery, Jason A. L.; Thi Yen, Nguyen; Nam, Vu Sinh; Nghia, Le Trung; Hoffmann, Ary A.; Kay, Brian H.; Ryan, Peter A.

2009-01-01

Background A life-shortening strain of the obligate intracellular bacteria Wolbachia, called wMelPop, is seen as a promising new tool for the control of Aedes aegypti. However, developing a vector control strategy based on the release of mosquitoes transinfected with wMelPop requires detailed knowledge of the demographics of the target population. Methodology/Principal Findings In Tri Nguyen village (611 households) on Hon Mieu Island in central Vietnam, we conducted nine quantitative entomologic surveys over 14 months to determine if Ae. aegypti populations were spatially and temporally homogenous, and to estimate population size. There was no obvious relationship between mosquito (larval, pupal or adult) abundance and temperature and rainfall, and no area of the village supported consistently high numbers of mosquitoes. In almost all surveys, key premises produced high numbers of Ae. aegypti. However, these premises were not consistent between surveys. For an intervention based on a single release of wMelPop-infected Ae. aegypti, release ratios of infected to uninfected adult mosquitoes of all age classes are estimated to be 1.8–6.7∶1 for gravid females (and similarly aged males) or teneral adults, respectively. We calculated that adult female mosquito abundance in Tri Nguyen village could range from 1.1 to 43.3 individuals of all age classes per house. Thus, an intervention could require the release of 2–78 wMelPop-infected gravid females and similarly aged males per house, or 7–290 infected teneral female and male mosquitoes per house. Conclusions/Significance Given the variability we encountered, this study highlights the importance of multiple entomologic surveys when evaluating the spatial structure of a vector population or estimating population size. If a single release of wMelPop-infected Ae. aegypti were to occur when wild Ae. aegypti abundance was at its maximum, a preintervention control program would be necessary to ensure that there was no net increase in mosquito numbers. However, because of the short-term temporal heterogeneity, the inconsistent spatial structure and the impact of transient key premises that we observed, the feasibility of multiple releases of smaller numbers of mosquitoes also needs to be considered. In either case, fewer wMelPop-infected mosquitoes would then need to be released, which will likely be more acceptable to householders. PMID:19956588

Acoustic emission monitoring of composite containment systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Maguire, John R.

2011-07-01

This paper considers two different types of composite containment system, and two different types of acoustic emission (AE) monitoring approach. The first system is a composite reinforced pressure vessel (CRPV) which is monitored both during construction and in-service using a broadband modal acoustic emission (MAE) technique. The second system is a membrane cargo containment system which is monitored using both a global as well as a local AE technique. For the CRPV, the damage assessment is concerned mainly with the integrity of the composite outer layer at the construction stage, and possible fatigue cracking of the inner steel liner at the in-service stage. For the membrane tank, the damage assessment is concerned with locating and quantifying any abnormal porosities that might develop in-service. By comparing and contrasting the different types of structural system and different monitoring approaches inferences are drawn as to what role AE monitoring could take in the damage assessment of other types of composite containment system. (Detailed technical data have not been included, due to client confidentiality constraints.)

[Domestic water hardness and prevalence of atopic eczema in Castellon (Spain) school children].

PubMed

Arnedo-Pena, Alberto; Bellido-Blasco, Juan; Puig-Barbera, Joan; Artero-Civera, Adrián; Campos-Cruañes, Joan Baptista; Pac-Sa, M Rosario; Villamarín-Vázquez, Jose Luis; Felis-Dauder, Carlos

2007-01-01

Water hardness has been associated with atopic eczema (AE) prevalence in two epidemiologic studies carried out on schoolchildren in England and Japan. To estimate the association between the prevalence of AE and domestic water hardness. The prevalence of AE was obtained from The International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood, carried out in six towns in the province of Castellón on schoolchildren 6-7 and 13-14 years of age, using a standard questionnaire in 2002. Three zones were defined according to domestic water hardness of the six study localities: <200 mg/l, 200-250 mg/l, and >300 mg/l. A logistic regression analysis was performed. The lifetime prevalence of AE in schoolchildren 6-7 years of age was higher with the increment of water hardness, 28.6, 30.5 and 36.5% respectively for each zone; between zone 1 and zone 3, the adjusted odds ratios (ORa) were 1.58 (95% Confidence Intervals [CI] 1.04-2.39) (adjusted tendency test p=0.034). Prevalence of symptoms of AE within the past year were 4.7, 4.5, and 10.4%, respectively by zone; between zone 1 and zone 3, the ORa was 2.29 (95% CI 1.19-4.42) (adjusted tendency test p=0,163). For 13-14 year-old schoolchildren, tendencies to lifetime prevalence of AE at any time or in the past year were not significant. This study suggests that in 6-7 year-old schoolchildren, water hardness in the area where they live has some relevance to the development of the disease.

Adverse events following quadrivalent meningococcal CRM-conjugate vaccine (Menveo®) reported to the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting system (VAERS), 2010-2015.

PubMed

Myers, Tanya R; McNeil, Michael M; Ng, Carmen S; Li, Rongxia; Lewis, Paige W; Cano, Maria V

2017-03-27

Limited data are available describing the post-licensure safety of meningococcal vaccines, including Menveo®. We reviewed reports of adverse events (AEs) to the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS) to assess safety in all age groups. VAERS is a national spontaneous vaccine safety surveillance system co-administered by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the US Food and Drug Administration. We searched the VAERS database for US reports of adverse events in persons who received Menveo from 1 January 2010 through 31 December 2015. We clinically reviewed reports and available medical records for serious AEs, selected pre-specified outcomes, and vaccination during pregnancy. We used empirical Bayesian data mining to identify AEs that were disproportionately reported after receipt of Menveo. During the study period, VAERS received 2614 US reports after receipt of Menveo. Of these, 67 were classified as serious, including 1 report of death. Adolescents (aged 11-18years) accounted for 74% of reports. Most of the reported AEs were non-serious and described AEs consistent with data from pre-licensure studies. Anaphylaxis and syncope were the two most common events in the serious reports. We did not identify any new safety concerns after review of AEs that exceeded the data mining threshold, although we did observe disproportionate reporting for terms that were not associated with an adverse event (e.g., "incorrect drug dosage form administered", "wrong technique in drug usage process"). Although reports were limited, we did not find any evidence for concern regarding the use of Menveo during pregnancy. In our review of VAERS reports, findings of AEs were consistent with the data from pre-licensure studies. Vaccine providers should continue to emphasize and adhere to proper administration of the vaccine. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

EPA Region 7 Aquatic Focus Areas (ECO_RES.R7_AQUATIC_FOCUS_AREAS)

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

This shapefile consists of 347 individual Aquatic Ecological System (AES) polygons that are the Aquatic Conservation Focus Areas for EPA Region 7. The focus areas are those areas within each aquatic ecological system types that, if preserved, would maintain the biological and ecological diversity extant within that ecological system type. The layer consists of those polygons from the R7_AES.shp shapefile that had the highest ranks. The AES polygons in the Missouri portion of the file were appended and are those that contain the 158 aquatic conservation opportunity areas identified in Missouri as part of another project (Missouri Department of Conservation Aquatic Biodiversity Assessment 2005). Note that the identifiers in the Missouri portion of this file will not match the ID's in any Missouri specific files.

[Health services research the example of atopic dermatitis].

PubMed

Schmitt, J

2011-03-01

Within the past years, health services research projects have analyzed critically the management of atopic eczema (AE) in routine care, quantified the utility of controlling severe AE, and introduced an international standardization of core outcome measures for AE. With a prevalence of 16%, AE is the most frequent chronic condition at all among children and adolescents seeking medical care. Despite lower prevalence in adults, about 60% of patients with AE in routine care are adults. There is a clinically relevant comorbidity of AE and psychiatric conditions. Independent of patient's age and physician's medical discipline topical corticosteroids dominate outpatient treatment of AE. However, there is considerable heterogeneity in the management of AE between treating physicians. Despite a lack of clinical trials, systemic corticosteroids are most frequently prescribed for severe AE. In contrast, cyclosporine only plays a minor role in routine care of severe AE although its efficacy is well-documented in trials. This observation stimulated a head-to-head trial that indicated superiority of cyclosporine over prednisolone for severe adult AE. The control of severe AE has high priority from the perspective of the general population and from the patients' perspective. Competence of the treating physician, disease severity and patient's competence to adjust treatment to disease activity are the main determinants of patient satisfaction. Aiming for a better comparability of clinical trials and better translation of trial evidence into clinical practice, we conducted a Delphi exercise including clinical experts from 11 countries, editors of international dermatological journals, regulatory agencies, and patient representatives. The preliminary core set of outcome domains for eczema trials as defined by the panel included symptoms, physician-assessed clinical signs, and a measurement for long-term control of flares. Symptoms such as itching should be regularly assessed in clinical practice. The presented studies indicate that health services research not only describes and critically analyzes the effectiveness of routine clinical care, but is also translational research in that it may stimulate clinical trials and generate new, clinically relevant hypotheses for experimental studies.

Human kidney anion exchanger 1 interacts with adaptor-related protein complex 1 {mu}1A (AP-1 mu1A)

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

Sawasdee, Nunghathai; Junking, Mutita; Ngaojanlar, Piengpaga

Research highlights: {yields} Trafficking defect of kAE1 is a cause of dRTA but trafficking pathway of kAE1 has not been clearly described. {yields} Adaptor-related protein complex 1 {mu}1A (AP-1 mu1A) was firstly reported to interact with kAE1. {yields} The interacting site for AP-1 mu1A on Ct-kAE1 was found to be Y904DEV907, a subset of YXXO motif. {yields} AP-1 mu1A knockdown showed a marked reduction of kAE1 on the cell membrane and its accumulation in endoplasmic reticulum. {yields} AP-1 mu1A has a critical role in kAE1 trafficking to the plasma membrane. -- Abstract: Kidney anion exchanger 1 (kAE1) mediates chloride (Cl{supmore » -}) and bicarbonate (HCO{sub 3}{sup -}) exchange at the basolateral membrane of kidney {alpha}-intercalated cells. Impaired trafficking of kAE1 leads to defect of the Cl{sup -}/HCO{sub 3}{sup -} exchange at the basolateral membrane and failure of proton (H{sup +}) secretion at the apical membrane, causing a kidney disease - distal renal tubular acidosis (dRTA). To gain a better insight into kAE1 trafficking, we searched for proteins physically interacting with the C-terminal region of kAE1 (Ct-kAE1), which contains motifs crucial for intracellular trafficking, by a yeast two-hybrid (Y2H) system. An adaptor-related protein complex 1 {mu}1A (AP-1 mu1A) subunit was found to interact with Ct-kAE1. The interaction between either Ct-kAE1 or full-length kAE1 and AP-1 mu1A were confirmed in human embryonic kidney (HEK) 293T by co-immunoprecipitation, affinity co-purification, co-localization, yellow fluorescent protein (YFP)-based protein fragment complementation assay (PCA) and GST pull-down assay. The interacting site for AP-1 mu1A on Ct-kAE1 was found to be Y904DEV907, a subset of YXXO motif. Interestingly, suppression of endogenous AP-1 mu1A in HEK 293T by small interfering RNA (siRNA) decreased membrane localization of kAE1 and increased its intracellular accumulation, suggesting for the first time that AP-1 mu1A is involved in the kAE1 trafficking of kidney {alpha}-intercalated cells.« less

Assimilation efficiency for sediment-sorbed benzo(a)pyrene by Diporeia spp.

USGS Publications Warehouse

Lydy, M.J.; Landrum, P.F.

1993-01-01

Two methods are currently available for determining contaminant assimilation efficiencies (AE) from ingested material in benthic invertebrates. These methods were compared using the Great Lakes amphipod Diporeia spp. and [14C]benzo(a)pyrene (BaP) sorbed to Florissant sediment (< 63 µm). The first approach, the direct measurement method, uses total organic carbon as a tracer and yielded AE values ranging from 45.9~50.4%. The second approach, the dual-labeled method, uses 51Cr as a non-assimilated tracer and did not yield AE values for our data. The inability of the dual-labeled approach to estimate AEs was due, in part, to the selective feeding by Diporeia resulting in a failure of the non-assimilated tracer (51Cr) to track with the assimilated tracer ([14C]BaP). The failure of the dual-labeled approach was not a result of an uneven distribution of the labels among particle size classes, but more likely resulted from differential sorption of the two isotopically labeled materials to particles of differing composition. The [14C]BaP apparently sorbs to organic particles that are selectively ingested, while the 51Cr apparently sorbs to particles which are selectively excluded by Diporeia. The dual-labeled approach would be a viable and easier experimental approach for determining AE values if the characteristics that govern selective feeding can be determined.

Evidence for possible biological advantages of the newly emerging HIV-1 circulating recombinant form from Malaysia - CRF33_01B in comparison to its progenitors - CRF01_AE and subtype B.

PubMed

Lau, Katherine A; Wang, Bin; Miranda-Saksena, Monica; Boadle, Ross; Kamarulzaman, Adeeba; Ng, Kee-Peng; Saksena, Nitin K

2010-04-01

In Malaysia, co-circulation of CRF01_AE and subtype B has resulted in the emergence of the second generation derivative; CRF33_01B in approximately 20% of its HIV-1 infected individuals. Our objective was to identify possible biological advantages that CRF33_01B possesses over its progenitors. Biological and molecular comparisons of CRF33_01B against its parental subtypes clearly show that CRF33_01B replicated better in activated whole peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and CD4+ T-lymphocytes, but not monocyte-derived macrophages (MDMs). Also, its acquired fitness was greater than CRF01_AE but not subtype B. Moreover, CRF33_01B has higher rate of apoptotic cell death and syncytia induction compared to subtype B. These adaptive and survival abilities could have been acquired by CRF33_01B due to the incorporation of subtype B fragments into the gag-RT region of its full-length genome. Our studies confirm the previously held belief that HIV-1 strains may harbor enhanced biological fitness upon recombination. We therefore estimate a possible gradual replacement of the current predominance of CRF01_AE, as well as wider dissemination of CRF33_01B, together with the identification of other new CRF01_AE/B inter-subtype recombinants in Malaysia.

Detection of active corrosion in reinforced and prestressed concrete: overview of NIST TIP project

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gonzalez-Nunez, M. A.; Nanni, A.; Matta, F.; Ziehl, P.

2011-04-01

The US transportation infrastructure has been receiving intensive public and private attention in recent years. The Federal Highway Administration estimates that 42 percent of the nearly 600,000 bridges in the Unites States are in need of structural or functional rehabilitation1. Corrosion of reinforcement steel is the main durability issue for reinforced and prestressed concrete structures, especially in coastal areas and in regions where de-icing salts are regularly used. Acoustic Emission (AE) has proved to be a promising method for detecting corrosion in steel reinforced and prestressed concrete members. This type of non-destructive test method primarily measures the magnitude of energy released within a material when physically strained. The expansive ferrous byproducts resulting from corrosion induce pressure at the steel-concrete interface, producing longitudinal and radial microcracks that can be detected by AE sensors. In the experimental study presented herein, concrete block specimens with embedded steel reinforcing bars and strands were tested under accelerated corrosion to relate the AE activity with the onset and propagation stages of corrosion. AE data along with half cell potential measurements and galvanic current were recorded to examine the deterioration process. Finally, the steel strands and bars were removed from the specimens, cleaned and weighed. The results were compared vis-à-vis Faraday's law to correlate AE measurements with degree of corrosion in each block.

Experimental Evidence of Accelerated Seismic Release without Critical Failure in Acoustic Emissions of Compressed Nanoporous Materials

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Baró, Jordi; Dahmen, Karin A.; Davidsen, Jörn; Planes, Antoni; Castillo, Pedro O.; Nataf, Guillaume F.; Salje, Ekhard K. H.; Vives, Eduard

2018-06-01

The total energy of acoustic emission (AE) events in externally stressed materials diverges when approaching macroscopic failure. Numerical and conceptual models explain this accelerated seismic release (ASR) as the approach to a critical point that coincides with ultimate failure. Here, we report ASR during soft uniaxial compression of three silica-based (SiO2 ) nanoporous materials. Instead of a singular critical point, the distribution of AE energies is stationary, and variations in the activity rate are sufficient to explain the presence of multiple periods of ASR leading to distinct brittle failure events. We propose that critical failure is suppressed in the AE statistics by mechanisms of transient hardening. Some of the critical exponents estimated from the experiments are compatible with mean field models, while others are still open to interpretation in terms of the solution of frictional and fracture avalanche models.

Analytical, experimental, and Monte Carlo system response matrix for pinhole SPECT reconstruction

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

Aguiar, Pablo, E-mail: pablo.aguiar.fernandez@sergas.es; Pino, Francisco; Silva-Rodríguez, Jesús

2014-03-15

Purpose: To assess the performance of two approaches to the system response matrix (SRM) calculation in pinhole single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) reconstruction. Methods: Evaluation was performed using experimental data from a low magnification pinhole SPECT system that consisted of a rotating flat detector with a monolithic scintillator crystal. The SRM was computed following two approaches, which were based on Monte Carlo simulations (MC-SRM) and analytical techniques in combination with an experimental characterization (AE-SRM). The spatial response of the system, obtained by using the two approaches, was compared with experimental data. The effect of the MC-SRM and AE-SRM approachesmore » on the reconstructed image was assessed in terms of image contrast, signal-to-noise ratio, image quality, and spatial resolution. To this end, acquisitions were carried out using a hot cylinder phantom (consisting of five fillable rods with diameters of 5, 4, 3, 2, and 1 mm and a uniform cylindrical chamber) and a custom-made Derenzo phantom, with center-to-center distances between adjacent rods of 1.5, 2.0, and 3.0 mm. Results: Good agreement was found for the spatial response of the system between measured data and results derived from MC-SRM and AE-SRM. Only minor differences for point sources at distances smaller than the radius of rotation and large incidence angles were found. Assessment of the effect on the reconstructed image showed a similar contrast for both approaches, with values higher than 0.9 for rod diameters greater than 1 mm and higher than 0.8 for rod diameter of 1 mm. The comparison in terms of image quality showed that all rods in the different sections of a custom-made Derenzo phantom could be distinguished. The spatial resolution (FWHM) was 0.7 mm at iteration 100 using both approaches. The SNR was lower for reconstructed images using MC-SRM than for those reconstructed using AE-SRM, indicating that AE-SRM deals better with the projection noise than MC-SRM. Conclusions: The authors' findings show that both approaches provide good solutions to the problem of calculating the SRM in pinhole SPECT reconstruction. The AE-SRM was faster to create and handle the projection noise better than MC-SRM. Nevertheless, the AE-SRM required a tedious experimental characterization of the intrinsic detector response. Creation of the MC-SRM required longer computation time and handled the projection noise worse than the AE-SRM. Nevertheless, the MC-SRM inherently incorporates extensive modeling of the system and therefore experimental characterization was not required.« less

Avionics Architectures for Exploration: Wireless Technologies and Human Spaceflight

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Goforth, Montgomery B.; Ratliff, James E.; Barton, Richard J.; Wagner, Raymond S.; Lansdowne, Chatwin

2014-01-01

The authors describe ongoing efforts by the Avionics Architectures for Exploration (AAE) project chartered by NASA's Advanced Exploration Systems (AES) Program to evaluate new avionics architectures and technologies, provide objective comparisons of them, and mature selected technologies for flight and for use by other AES projects. The AAE project team includes members from most NASA centers and from industry. This paper provides an overview of recent AAE efforts, with particular emphasis on the wireless technologies being evaluated under AES to support human spaceflight.

The Urgent Need for a Comprehensive, Fully Integrated, Joint Intra-Theater Aeromedical Evacuation System

DTIC Science & Technology

2017-04-06

future demands for intra-theater AE for all services and coalition partners in accordance with DoD Directive 5100.01 and the SECDEF’s Memorandum for... demand signal for AE assets approximately doubled. In 2009, the Medical Evacuation Proponency Directorate at Fort Rucker, AL conducted an...Analysis (TAA), but the Army only possessed 38 Air Ambulance Companies in its force structure to meet all of DoD’s AE demands .9 These results included nine

Targeting Bruton tyrosine kinase with ibrutinib in relapsed/refractory marginal zone lymphoma.

PubMed

Noy, Ariela; de Vos, Sven; Thieblemont, Catherine; Martin, Peter; Flowers, Christopher R; Morschhauser, Franck; Collins, Graham P; Ma, Shuo; Coleman, Morton; Peles, Shachar; Smith, Stephen; Barrientos, Jacqueline C; Smith, Alina; Munneke, Brian; Dimery, Isaiah; Beaupre, Darrin M; Chen, Robert

2017-04-20

Marginal zone lymphoma (MZL) is a heterogeneous B-cell malignancy for which no standard treatment exists. MZL is frequently linked to chronic infection, which may induce B-cell receptor (BCR) signaling, resulting in aberrant B-cell survival and proliferation. We conducted a multicenter, open-label, phase 2 study to evaluate the efficacy and safety of ibrutinib in previously treated MZL. Patients with histologically confirmed MZL of all subtypes who received ≥1 prior therapy with an anti-CD20 antibody-containing regimen were treated with 560 mg ibrutinib orally once daily until progression or unacceptable toxicity. The primary end point was independent review committee-assessed overall response rate (ORR) by 2007 International Working Group criteria. Among 63 enrolled patients, median age was 66 years (range, 30-92). Median number of prior systemic therapies was 2 (range, 1-9), and 63% received ≥1 prior chemoimmunotherapy. In 60 evaluable patients, ORR was 48% (95% confidence interval [CI], 35-62). With median follow-up of 19.4 months, median duration of response was not reached (95% CI, 16.7 to not estimable), and median progression-free survival was 14.2 months (95% CI, 8.3 to not estimable). Grade ≥3 adverse events (AEs; >5%) included anemia, pneumonia, and fatigue. Serious AEs of any grade occurred in 44%, with grade 3-4 pneumonia being the most common (8%). Rates of discontinuation and dose reductions due to AEs were 17% and 10%, respectively. Single-agent ibrutinib induced durable responses with a favorable benefit-risk profile in patients with previously treated MZL, confirming the role of BCR signaling in this malignancy. As the only approved therapy, ibrutinib provides a treatment option without chemotherapy for MZL. This study is registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov as #NCT01980628. © 2017 by The American Society of Hematology.

Effect of Spindle Parameters of Woodworking Band Saw on the AE Value of Crack Band Saw Blade in Compound Material Processing (1)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gao, Jin-gui; Jiang, Zhao-fang; Luo, Lai-peng

2017-04-01

Taking the MJ3210A motion band saw as the research object, the AE value of the band saw blade vibration was obtained by analyzing the VIBSYS vibration signal acquisition and analysis software system in Beijing, and the change of the AE value of the band saw and the crack was found out. The experimental results show that in the MJ3210A sports car sawing machine, the band saw blade with width of 130 mm is used, and the AE value of the cracked band saw blade is well in the high band saw blade AE value. Under the best working condition of the band saw, the band saw blade AE If the value exceeds 104.7 dB (A) above, it means that the band saw blade has at least one crack length greater than 1.38 mm for the crack defect and the need to replace the band saw blade in time. Different species with saw blade of the AE value is different, white pine wood minimum, the largest oak wood; according to a variety of wood processing AE instrument value to determine the band saw blade crack to the situation; so as to fully rational use of band saw blade, The failure and the degree of development to find a new method.

The Quasimonotonicity of Linear Differential Systems -The Complex Spectrum

DTIC Science & Technology

2001-09-12

proper, simplicial cone determined by the columns of B (see [10]) and that C is essentially nonnegative (see [11]). In [6], Heikkilä used Perron ...a B ≥ 0 such that Ae = B−1AB is essentially nonnegative and ir- reducible, then Perron - Frobenius theory tells us that Ae has a real eigenvalue λ1 with...systems requires that the comparison system be quasimonotone nondecreasing with respect to a cone contained in the nonnegative orthant. For linear

Ammonia Excretion in an Osmoregulatory Syncytium Is Facilitated by AeAmt2, a Novel Ammonia Transporter in Aedes aegypti Larvae

PubMed Central

Durant, Andrea C.; Donini, Andrew

2018-01-01

The larvae of the mosquito Aedes aegypti inhabit ammonia rich septic tanks in tropical regions of the world that make extensive use of these systems, explaining the prevalence of disease during dry seasons. Since ammonia (NH3/NH4+) is toxic to animals, an understanding of the physiological mechanisms of ammonia excretion permitting the survival of A. aegypti larvae in high ammonia environments is important. We have characterized a novel ammonia transporter, AeAmt2, belonging to the Amt/MEP/Rh family of ammonia transporters. Based on the amino acid sequence, the predicted topology of AeAmt2 consists of 11 transmembrane helices with an extracellular N-terminus and a cytoplasmic C-terminus region. Alignment of the predicted AeAmt2 amino acid sequence with other Amt/MEP proteins from plants, bacteria, and yeast highlights the presence of conserved residues characteristic of ammonia conducting channels in this protein. AeAmt2 is expressed in the ionoregulatory anal papillae of A. aegypti larvae where it is localized to the apical membrane of the epithelium. dsRNA-mediated knockdown of AeAmt2 results in a significant decrease in NH4+ efflux from the anal papillae, suggesting a key role in facilitating ammonia excretion. The effect of high environmental ammonia (HEA) on expression of AeAmt2, along with previously characterized AeAmt1, AeRh50-1, and AeRh50-2 in the anal papillae was investigated. We show that changes in expression of ammonia transporters occur in response to acute and chronic exposure to HEA, which reflects the importance of these transporters in the physiology of life in high ammonia habitats. PMID:29695971

Aerosol optical properties and radiative effect under different weather conditions in Harbin, China

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mao, Qianjun; Huang, Chunlin; Zhang, Hengxing; Chen, Qixiang; Yuan, Yuan

2018-03-01

The aerosol optical properties and radiative effect under different weather conditions in Harbin (126.63°E, 45.75°N) were analyzed based on ground-based Sun/Sky radiometric (CE-318) measurements during September 2016-April 2017. The means values of aerosol optical depth (AOD500) and Angstrom exponent (AE440-870) were 0.37 ± 0.27 and 1.08 ± 0.33, respectively. The mean AOD500 under four weather conditions are apparently higher in severe pollution (Se-Po) days (0.80 ± 0.31) and moderate pollution (Mo-Po) days (0.53 ± 0.25) but lower in slight pollution (Sl-Po) days (0.37 ± 0.26) and no pollution (No-Po) days (0.26 ± 0.20), while the mean values of AE440-870 maintain high, varying from 0.98 to 1.25. The higher AE440-870 indicated that the air quality in Harbin is mainly affected by aerosols originated from anthropogenic sources. The daily values of shortwave (0.25-4 μm) direct aerosol radiative forcing (DARF) at top/bottom of atmosphere (TOA/BOA) were estimated through Santa Barbara DISORT Atmosphere Radiative Transfer (SBDART) model. Further, the aerosol radiative forcing efficiency (ARFE), radiation flux (RF) and atmosphere heating rate (HR) in Harbin were also estimated by the SBDART model.

In vitro and ex vivo anticholinesterase activities of Erythrina velutina leaf extracts.

PubMed

Santos, Wanderson Praxedes; da Silva Carvalho, Ana Carla; dos Santos Estevam, Charles; Santana, Antônio Euzébio Goulart; Marçal, Rosilene Moretti

2012-07-01

Erythrina velutina (EV) Willd (Fabaceae-Faboideae) is a medicinal tree that is commonly used in Brazil for the treatment of several central nervous system disorders. The anticholinesterase activity of EV is described in this work. Concentration-response curves (0-1.6 mg/mL) for EV leaf aqueous extract (AE) and alkaloid-rich extracts (AKEs) were performed in vitro. Cholinesterase inhibition was examined in mouse brains, as the cholinesterase source, and in pure acetylcholinesterase (AChE) or butyrylcholinesterase (BuChE). Mice were treated with AE or AKE (100, 200, and 400 mg/kg, p.o.) and their brains were used for the measurement of cholinesterase activity (CA) ex vivo. CA was inhibited by AE (IC(50) = 0.57 [0.43-0.75] mg/mL) and AKE (IC(50) = 0.52 [0.39-0.70] mg/mL) in brain homogenates in a concentration-dependent manner. The ex vivo experiments indicated that AE (400 mg/kg, p < 0.05, 32.2 ± 3.9% of inhibition) and AKE (all doses: p < 0.05-p < 0.001, 29.6 ± 3.2% as the maximum inhibition) significantly inhibited CA in the central nervous system after oral administration. AE and AKE inhibited AChE and BuChE activities in a concentration-dependent manner (AE: IC(50AChE) = 0.56 [0.38-0.81] mg/mL, IC(50BuChE) = 2.95 [1.51-5.76] mg/mL, AKE: IC(50AChE) = 0.87 [0.60-12.5] mg/mL, IC(50BuChE) = 2.67 [0.87-8.11] mg/mL). These data indicated that AE and AKE crossed the blood-brain barrier to inhibit CA in the brain. AE and AKE also exhibited a dual inhibitory action on acetyl- and BuChE.

Performance evaluation of the Fiber Bragg Grating (FBG) sensing device and comparison with piezoelectric sensors for AE detection

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Chuang; Bond, Leonard J.

2017-02-01

Structural health monitoring (SHM) of engineering structures in service has assumed a significant role in assessing their safety and integrity. Several sensing modalities have been developed to monitor cracking, using acoustic emission (AE). Piezoelectric sensors are commonly used in AE systems, however, for some applications there are limitations and challenges. One alternative approach that is being investigated is using Fiber Bragg Grating (FBG) sensors which have emerged as a reliable, in situ and nondestructive tool in some applications for monitoring and diagnostics in large-scale structure. The main objective of this work is to evaluate and compare the AE sensing characteristics for FBG and piezoelectric sensors. A ball drop impact is used as the source for generating waves in an Aluminum plate. The source repeatability was verified and a 4-channel FBG AE detection device was used to compare with the response of PZT sensors, investigating amplitude and frequency response which can indicate sensitivity. The low sensitivity and slow sampling rate are identified, for the unit investigated, as the main factors limiting FBG engineering AE applications.

15 CFR 30.71 - False or fraudulent reporting on or misuse of the Automated Export System.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-01-01

... or indirectly, to the U.S. Government, false or misleading export information through the AES, shall... through or otherwise uses the AES to further any illegal activity shall be subject to a fine not to exceed...

15 CFR 30.71 - False or fraudulent reporting on or misuse of the Automated Export System.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... or indirectly, to the U.S. Government, false or misleading export information through the AES, shall... through or otherwise uses the AES to further any illegal activity shall be subject to a fine not to exceed...

15 CFR 30.71 - False or fraudulent reporting on or misuse of the Automated Export System.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-01-01

... or indirectly, to the U.S. Government, false or misleading export information through the AES, shall... through or otherwise uses the AES to further any illegal activity shall be subject to a fine not to exceed...

Vector competence of populations of Aedes aegypti from three distinct cities in Kenya for chikungunya virus.

PubMed

Agha, Sheila B; Chepkorir, Edith; Mulwa, Francis; Tigoi, Caroline; Arum, Samwel; Guarido, Milehna M; Ambala, Peris; Chelangat, Betty; Lutomiah, Joel; Tchouassi, David P; Turell, Michael J; Sang, Rosemary

2017-08-01

In April, 2004, chikungunya virus (CHIKV) re-emerged in Kenya and eventually spread to the islands in the Indian Ocean basin, South-East Asia, and the Americas. The virus, which is often associated with high levels of viremia in humans, is mostly transmitted by the urban vector, Aedes aegypti. The expansion of CHIKV presents a public health challenge both locally and internationally. In this study, we investigated the ability of Ae. aegypti mosquitoes from three distinct cities in Kenya; Mombasa (outbreak prone), Kisumu, and Nairobi (no documented outbreak) to transmit CHIKV. Aedes aegypti mosquito populations were exposed to different doses of CHIKV (105.6-7.5 plaque-forming units[PFU]/ml) in an infectious blood meal. Transmission was ascertained by collecting and testing saliva samples from individual mosquitoes at 5, 7, 9, and 14 days post exposure. Infection and dissemination were estimated by testing body and legs, respectively, for individual mosquitoes at selected days post exposure. Tissue culture assays were used to determine the presence of infectious viral particles in the body, leg, and saliva samples. The number of days post exposure had no effect on infection, dissemination, or transmission rates, but these rates increased with an increase in exposure dose in all three populations. Although the rates were highest in Ae. aegypti from Mombasa at titers ≥106.9 PFU/ml, the differences observed were not statistically significant (χ2 ≤ 1.04, DF = 1, P ≥ 0.31). Overall, about 71% of the infected mosquitoes developed a disseminated infection, of which 21% successfully transmitted the virus into a capillary tube, giving an estimated transmission rate of about 10% for mosquitoes that ingested ≥106.9 PFU/ml of CHIKV. All three populations of Ae. aegypti were infectious as early as 5-7 days post exposure. On average, viral dissemination only occurred when body titers were ≥104 PFU/ml in all populations. Populations of Ae. aegypti from Mombasa, Nairobi, and Kisumu were all competent laboratory vectors of CHIKV. Viremia of the infectious blood meal was an important factor in Ae. aegypti susceptibility and transmission of CHIKV. In addition to viremia levels, temperature and feeding behavior of Ae. aegypti may also contribute to the observed disease patterns.

Glycerophosphate is interchangeable with inorganic phosphate in terms of safety and serum pharmacokinetics.

PubMed

Topp, Heinrich; Hochfeld, Olena; Bark, Staffan; Grossmann, Matthias; Joukhadar, Christian; Westphal, Martin; Straatsma, Harald; Rothenburger, Markus

2011-01-01

The primary aim of the present investigation was to determine and compare the pharmacokinetic (PK) profiles of inorganic phosphate in serum and urine after intravenous administration of sodium glycerophosphate and inorganic sodium phosphate. Additionally, study product safety profiles were evaluated. In total, 27 healthy, white volunteers (17 male/10 female) were enrolled in this double-blinded, randomized, 2-sequence, crossover study and were assigned to receive an organic test drug (sodium glycerophosphate) and an inorganic reference preparation (sodium phosphate) on 2 occasions. Validated analytical methods were used, and concentrations of total inorganic phosphate in serum and urine were determined over 24 h following a single 4-hour continuous intravenous infusion of test and reference drugs at a dose of 80 mmol. Study days were separated by washout periods of 7 days. An analysis of variance, based on population means and 90% confidence intervals (CIs), was used for testing bioequivalence (BE; range 0.8-1.25) between investigational products. The geometric means of the ratio of the point estimates and corresponding 90% CIs for the area under the concentration-versus-time curve of inorganic serum phosphate from 0 to 24 h (AUC(0-24)), the phosphate's maximum concentration in serum (C(max)) and the total amount of inorganic phosphate excreted in urine over 24 h corrected for individual baseline values (Ae(0-24 bc)) were estimated. The test/reference ratios for inorganic phosphate were 1.04 (CI 1.00-1.07), 0.85 (CI 0.84-0.87) and 0.84 (CI 0.77-0.92) for AUC(0-24), C(max) in serum and Ae(0-24 bc) in urine, respectively. Hence, standard BE criteria were met for AUC(0-24) and C(max) in serum, while Ae(0-24 bc) marginally failed to demonstrate BE. After drug administration, a total of 15 subjects reported the occurrence of at least 1 treatment emergent adverse event (AE). All AEs were classified as mild to moderate in severity, and the two treatment groups were equally affected. No serious AEs occurred. The serum PK profiles of inorganic phosphate were almost superimposable following intravenous administration of equimolar doses of test and reference drugs. Thus, we conclude that the two study drugs are essentially similar in terms of serum PK profiles, safety and tolerability. Copyright © 2011 S. Karger AG, Basel.

Yellow fever risk assessment in the Central African Republic

PubMed Central

Staples, J. Erin; Diallo, Mawlouth; Janusz, Kristen B.; Manengu, Casimir; Lewis, Rosamund F.; Perea, William; Yactayo, Sergio; Sall, Amadou A.

2015-01-01

Background Starting in 2008, the Central African Republic (CAR) experienced an unprecedented number of reported yellow fever (YF) cases. A risk assessment of YF virus (YFV) activity was conducted to estimate potential disease risk and vaccine needs. Methods A multistage cluster sampling design was used to sample humans, non-human primates, and mosquitoes in distinct ecologic zones. Humans and non-human primates were tested for YFV-specific antibodies; mosquitoes were tested for YFV RNA. Results Overall, 13.3% (125/938) of humans were found to have naturally-acquired YFV antibodies. Antibody levels were higher in zones in the southern and south central regions of CAR. All sampled non-human primates (n=56) were known YFV reservoirs; one tested positive for YFV antibodies. Several known YF vectors were identified including Aedes africanus, Ae. aegypti, Ae. luteocephalus, and Ae. simpsoni. Several more urban locations were found to have elevated Breateau and Container indices for Ae. aegypti. Conclusions A country-wide assessment of YF risk found YFV to be endemic in CAR. The potential for future YF cases and outbreaks, however, varied by ecologic zone. Improved vaccination coverage through mass campaign and childhood immunization was recommended to mitigate the YF risk. PMID:24947520

[Interventional effects of different management programs on the outcomes of stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients].

PubMed

Zhang, Rong-bao; Tan, Xing-yu; He, Quan-ying; Chen, Qing; Gai, Jun; Wei, Jing-an; Wang, Yan

2012-11-27

To evaluate the interventional effects of different management programs on the outcomes of stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients. Systemic education, follow-up and control groups were divided according to the frequency of follow-ups and the profile of participating in education. A total of 157 patients were enrolled into the COPD database from May 2002 to May 2010. They were interviewed face-to-face at our department. The investigation contained general conditions, the frequency of acute exacerbations (AE) the previous year, COPD Assessment Test (CAT), Modified British Medical Research Council Dyspnea Scale (mMRC) and spirometric classification. A combined assessment was conducted. The frequency of AE and rate of AE < once the previous year in systemic education group was 0.9 ± 1.1 and 71.2%, 1.0 ± 0.8 and 68.6% in follow-up group and 1.4 ± 1.1 and 44.4% in control group. And the frequency of AE in systemic education and follow-up groups was significantly less than that in control group (P < 0.05). Rate of AE < once in systemic education and follow-up groups was significantly higher than that in control group (P < 0.01). CAT and rate of CAT ≤ 20 in systemic education, follow-up and control groups were 10.0 ± 5.0 and 96.2%, 11.1 ± 6.0 and 88.2%, 15.3 ± 6.8 and 64.8% respectively. CAT in systemic education and follow-up groups was significantly lower than that in control group (P < 0.01). Rate of CAT ≤ 20 in systemic education and follow-up groups was significantly higher than that in control group (P < 0.01). mMRC in systemic education, follow-up and control groups was 1.5 ± 0.8, 1.6 ± 0.9 and 2.1 ± 1.0 respectively. mMRC in systemic education and follow-up groups was significantly lower than that in control group (P < 0.05). Combined assessment showed that no significant difference existed in Types A and B among three groups (P > 0.05). Type C in the systemic education group was significantly higher than that of the control (P < 0.05). Type D in the systemic education and follow-up groups was significantly lower than that of the control (P < 0.01). Long-term systemic education and follow-up management program can reduce the frequency of AE of COPD effectively and improve the health status of COPD patients.

Observations of Herbig Ae/Be stars with Herschel/PACS. The atomic and molecular contents of their protoplanetary discs

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Meeus, G.; Montesinos, B.; Mendigutía, I.; Kamp, I.; Thi, W. F.; Eiroa, C.; Grady, C. A.; Mathews, G.; Sandell, G.; Martin-Zaïdi, C.; Brittain, S.; Dent, W. R. F.; Howard, C.; Ménard, F.; Pinte, C.; Roberge, A.; Vandenbussche, B.; Williams, J. P.

2012-08-01

We observed a sample of 20 representative Herbig Ae/Be stars and 5 A-type debris discs with PACS onboard Herschel, as part of the GAS in Protoplanetary Systems (GASPS) project. The observations were done in spectroscopic mode, and cover the far-infrared lines of [O i], [C ii], CO, CH+, H2O, and OH. We have a [O i] 63 μm detection rate of 100% for the Herbig Ae/Be and 0% for the debris discs. The [O i] 145 μm line is only detected in 25% and CO J = 18-17 in 45% (and fewer cases for higher J transitions) of the Herbig Ae/Be stars, while for [C ii] 157 μm, we often find spatially variable background contamination. We show the first detection of water in a Herbig Ae disc, HD 163296, which has a settled disc. Hydroxyl is detected as well in this disc. First seen in HD 100546, CH+ emission is now detected for the second time in a Herbig Ae star, HD 97048. We report fluxes for each line and use the observations as line diagnostics of the gas properties. Furthermore, we look for correlations between the strength of the emission lines and either the stellar or disc parameters, such as stellar luminosity, ultraviolet and X-ray flux, accretion rate, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) band strength, and flaring. We find that the stellar ultraviolet flux is the dominant excitation mechanism of [O i] 63 μm, with the highest line fluxes being found in objects with a large amount of flaring and among the largest PAH strengths. Neither the amount of accretion nor the X-ray luminosity has an influence on the line strength. We find correlations between the line flux of [O i] 63 μm and [O i] 145 μm, CO J = 18-17 and [O i] 6300 Å, and between the continuum flux at 63 μm and at 1.3 mm, while we find weak correlations between the line flux of [O i] 63 μm and the PAH luminosity, the line flux of CO J = 3-2, the continuum flux at 63 μm, the stellar effective temperature, and the Brγ luminosity. Finally, we use a combination of the[O i] 63 μm and 12CO J = 2-1 line fluxes to obtain order of magnitude estimates of the disc gas masses, in agreement with the values that we find from detailed modelling of two Herbig Ae/Be stars, HD 163296 and HD 169142. Herschel is an ESA space observatory with science instruments provided by European-led Principal Investigator consortia and with important participation from NASA.

Clinical audit in gynecological cancer surgery: development of a risk scoring system to predict adverse events.

PubMed

Kondalsamy-Chennakesavan, Srinivas; Bouman, Chantal; De Jong, Suzanne; Sanday, Karen; Nicklin, Jim; Land, Russell; Obermair, Andreas

2009-12-01

Advanced gynecological surgery undertaken in a specialized gynecologic oncology unit may be associated with significant perioperative morbidity. Validated risk prediction models are available for general surgical specialties but currently not for gynecological cancer surgery. The objective of this study was to evaluate risk factors for adverse events (AEs) of patients treated for suspected or proven gynecological cancer and to develop a clinical risk score (RS) to predict such AEs. AEs were prospectively recorded and matched with demographical, clinical and histopathological data on 369 patients who had an abdominal or laparoscopic procedure for proven or suspected gynecological cancer at a tertiary gynecological cancer center. Stepwise multiple logistic regression was used to determine the best predictors of AEs. For the risk score (RS), the coefficients from the model were scaled using a factor of 2 and rounded to the nearest integer to derive the risk points. Sum of all the risk points form the RS. Ninety-five patients (25.8%) had at least one AE. Twenty-nine (7.9%) and 77 (20.9%) patients experienced intra- and postoperative AEs respectively with 11 patients (3.0%) experiencing both. The independent predictors for any AE were complexity of the surgical procedure, elevated SGOT (serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase, > or /=35 U/L), higher ASA scores and overweight. The risk score can vary from 0 to 14. The risk for developing any AE is described by the formula 100 / (1 + e((3.697 - (RS /2)))). RS allows for quantification of the risk for AEs. Risk factors are generally not modifiable with the possible exception of obesity.

Acute exacerbation of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis: lessons learned from acute respiratory distress syndrome?

PubMed

Marchioni, Alessandro; Tonelli, Roberto; Ball, Lorenzo; Fantini, Riccardo; Castaniere, Ivana; Cerri, Stefania; Luppi, Fabrizio; Malerba, Mario; Pelosi, Paolo; Clini, Enrico

2018-03-23

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a fibrotic lung disease characterized by progressive loss of lung function and poor prognosis. The so-called acute exacerbation of IPF (AE-IPF) may lead to severe hypoxemia requiring mechanical ventilation in the intensive care unit (ICU). AE-IPF shares several pathophysiological features with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), a very severe condition commonly treated in this setting.A review of the literature has been conducted to underline similarities and differences in the management of patients with AE-IPF and ARDS.During AE-IPF, diffuse alveolar damage and massive loss of aeration occurs, similar to what is observed in patients with ARDS. Differently from ARDS, no studies have yet concluded on the optimal ventilatory strategy and management in AE-IPF patients admitted to the ICU. Notwithstanding, a protective ventilation strategy with low tidal volume and low driving pressure could be recommended similarly to ARDS. The beneficial effect of high levels of positive end-expiratory pressure and prone positioning has still to be elucidated in AE-IPF patients, as well as the precise role of other types of respiratory assistance (e.g., extracorporeal membrane oxygenation) or innovative therapies (e.g., polymyxin-B direct hemoperfusion). The use of systemic drugs such as steroids or immunosuppressive agents in AE-IPF is controversial and potentially associated with an increased risk of serious adverse reactions.Common pathophysiological abnormalities and similar clinical needs suggest translating to AE-IPF the lessons learned from the management of ARDS patients. Studies focused on specific therapeutic strategies during AE-IPF are warranted.

Specification of ISS Plasma Environment Variability

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Minow, Joseph I.; Neergaard, Linda F.; Bui, Them H.; Mikatarian, Ronald R.; Barsamian, H.; Koontz, Steven L.

2004-01-01

Quantifying spacecraft charging risks and associated hazards for the International Space Station (ISS) requires a plasma environment specification for the natural variability of ionospheric temperature (Te) and density (Ne). Empirical ionospheric specification and forecast models such as the International Reference Ionosphere (IRI) model typically only provide long term (seasonal) mean Te and Ne values for the low Earth orbit environment. This paper describes a statistical analysis of historical ionospheric low Earth orbit plasma measurements from the AE-C, AE-D, and DE-2 satellites used to derive a model of deviations of observed data values from IRI-2001 estimates of Ne, Te parameters for each data point to provide a statistical basis for modeling the deviations of the plasma environment from the IRI model output. Application of the deviation model with the IRI-2001 output yields a method for estimating extreme environments for the ISS spacecraft charging analysis.

Two different solicitation methods for obtaining information on adverse events associated with methylphenidate in adolescents: a 12-week multicenter, open-label study.

PubMed

Lee, Moon-Soo; Lee, Soyoung I; Hong, Sungdo D; Kim, Ji-Hoon; Choi, Jeewook; Joung, Yoo-Sook

2013-02-01

We explored two different methods of determining adverse events (AEs) among methylphenidate (MPH)-treated adolescents with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). We performed a 12-week open label study of osmotic-release oral system (OROS) MPH in adolescents with ADHD who were recruited from four child and adolescent psychiatric outpatient clinics. The AEs were evaluated via a two-step procedure at weeks 1, 3, 6, and 12. The first step was to ask a general question to subjects and their parents regarding AEs. The second step included an AE evaluation process by the investigators, which was performed using a drug-specific checklist. One-way repeated measures ANOVA were used to compare the number of AEs reported by patients and their parents compared with the number reported by clinicians. This statistical technique was also used to compare the number of AEs reported by various sources (i.e., patients, parents, and clinicians) at weeks 1, 3, 6, and 12. Of the 55 participants (43 males, 12 females) between the ages of 12 and 18 enrolled in this study, 47 participants completed the trial. When the number of AEs reported by patients, parents and clinicians were compared, there were no statistically significant differences. When the numbers of AEs obtained from the three different information sources at each study visit were compared, we noted differences. At week 6, the number of AEs evaluated by clinical investigators was higher than those reported by patients and their parents (p=0.003). Although the results did not reach statistical significance, the number of AEs reported by clinical investigators appeared to be greater than those obtained from patients or parents at weeks 3 and 12. The number of AEs reported by patients and their parents were similar at every visit. There were some differences in the pattern of AEs reported between patients and their parents. Clinicians should supplement the subjective report on AEs from patients or their parents with a more drug-specific checklist to obtain drug side effects more effectively. As there are some differences in the pattern of AEs reported by patients and their parents, it is generally recommended that clinicians obtain information from both parties when possible.

Questionnaire about the adverse events and side effects following botulinum toxin A treatment in patients with cerebral palsy.

PubMed

Blaszczyk, Izabela; Foumani, Nazli Poorsafar; Ljungberg, Christina; Wiberg, Mikael

2015-11-06

Botulinum toxin A (BoNT-A) injections for treatment of spasticity in patients with cerebral palsy (CP) have been used for about two decades. The treatment is considered safe but a low frequency of adverse events (AE) has been reported. A good method to report AEs is necessary to verify the safety of the treatment. We decided to use an active surveillance of treatment-induced harm using a questionnaire we created. We studied the incidence of reported AEs and side effects in patients with CP treated with BoNT-A. We investigated the relationship between the incidence of AEs or side effects and gender, age, weight, total dose, dose per body weight, Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) and number of treated body parts. Seventy-four patients with CP participated in our study. In 54 (51%) of 105 BoNT-A treatments performed in 45 (61%) patients, there were 95 AEs and side effects reported, out of which 50 were generalized and/or focal distant. Severe AEs occurred in three patients (4%), and their BoNT-A treatment was discontinued. Consecutive collection of the AE and side-effect incidence using our questionnaire can increase the safety of BoNT-A treatment in patients with CP.

A comparative modeling study on non-climatic and climatic risk assessment on Asian Tiger Mosquito (Aedes albopictus)

PubMed Central

Shafapour Tehrany, Mahyat; Solhjouy-fard, Samaneh; Kumar, Lalit

2018-01-01

Aedes albopictus, the Asian Tiger Mosquito, vector of Chikungunya, Dengue Fever and Zika viruses, has proven its hardy adaptability in expansion from its natural Asian, forest edge, tree hole habitat on the back of international trade transportation, re-establishing in temperate urban surrounds, in a range of water receptacles and semi-enclosures of organic matter. Conventional aerial spray mosquito vector controls focus on wetland and stagnant water expanses, proven to miss the protected hollows and crevices favoured by Ae. albopictus. New control or eradication strategies are thus essential, particular in light of potential expansions in the southeastern and eastern USA. Successful regional vector control strategies require risk level analysis. Should strategies prioritize regions with non-climatic or climatic suitability parameters for Ae. albopictus? Our study used current Ae. albopictus distribution data to develop two independent models: (i) regions with suitable non-climatic factors, and (ii) regions with suitable climate for Ae. albopictus in southeastern USA. Non-climatic model processing used Evidential Belief Function (EBF), together with six geographical conditioning factors (raster data layers), to establish the probability index. Validation of the analysis results was estimated with area under the curve (AUC) using Ae. albopictus presence data. Climatic modeling was based on two General Circulation Models (GCMs), Miroc3.2 and CSIRO-MK30 running the RCP 8.5 scenario in MaxEnt software. EBF non-climatic model results achieved a 0.70 prediction rate and 0.73 success rate, confirming suitability of the study site regions for Ae. albopictus establishment. The climatic model results showed the best-fit model comprised Coldest Quarter Mean Temp, Precipitation of Wettest Quarter and Driest Quarter Precipitation factors with mean AUC value of 0.86. Both GCMs showed that the whole study site is highly suitable and will remain suitable climatically, according to the prediction for 2055, for Ae. albopictus expansion. PMID:29576954

Network Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials: Efficacy and Safety of UDCA-Based Therapies in Primary Biliary Cirrhosis

PubMed Central

Zhu, Gui-Qi; Shi, Ke-Qing; Huang, Sha; Huang, Gui-Qian; Lin, Yi-Qian; Zhou, Zhi-Rui; Braddock, Martin; Chen, Yong-Ping; Zheng, Ming-Hua

2015-01-01

Abstract Major ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA)-based therapies for primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) include UDCA only, or combined with either methotrexate (MTX), corticosteroids (COT), colchicine (COC), or bezafibrate (BEF). As the optimum treatment regimen is unclear and warrants exploration, we aimed to compare these therapies in terms of patient mortality or liver transplantation (MOLT) and adverse events (AE). PubMed, the Cochrane Library, and Scopus were searched for randomized controlled trials up to August 31, 2014. We estimated the hazard ratios (HRs) for MOLT and odds ratios (ORs) for AE. A sensitivity analysis based on the dose of UDCA was also executed. Thirty-one eligible articles were included. Compared with COT plus UDCA, UDCA (HR 0.38, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.09–1.39), BEF plus UDCA (HR 0.29, 95% CI 0.02–4.83), COC plus UDCA (HR 0.39, 95% CI 0.07–2.25), MTX plus UDCA (HR 0.28, 95% CI 0.05–1.63), or OBS (HR 0.49, 95% CI 0.11–2.01) all provided an increased risk of MOLT. With respect to drug AE profile, although not differing appreciably, BEF plus UDCA was associated with more AEs compared with UDCA (OR 3.16, 95% CI 0.59–20.67), COT plus UDCA (OR 2.27, 95% CI 0.15–33.36), COC plus UDCA (OR 1.00, 95% CI 0.09–12.16), MTX plus UDCA (OR 2.03, 95% CI 0.23–17.82), or OBS (OR 3.00, 95% CI 0.53–20.75). The results of sensitivity analyses were highly consistent with previous analyses. COT plus UDCA was the optimal UDCA-based regimen for both MOLT and AEs. BEF plus UDCA was most likely to cause AEs, whereas monotherapy with UDCA and coadministriation of COT plus UDCA appeared to be associated with the fewest AEs for PBC treatment. PMID:25789951

A comparative modeling study on non-climatic and climatic risk assessment on Asian Tiger Mosquito (Aedes albopictus).

PubMed

Shabani, Farzin; Shafapour Tehrany, Mahyat; Solhjouy-Fard, Samaneh; Kumar, Lalit

2018-01-01

Aedes albopictus , the Asian Tiger Mosquito, vector of Chikungunya, Dengue Fever and Zika viruses, has proven its hardy adaptability in expansion from its natural Asian, forest edge, tree hole habitat on the back of international trade transportation, re-establishing in temperate urban surrounds, in a range of water receptacles and semi-enclosures of organic matter. Conventional aerial spray mosquito vector controls focus on wetland and stagnant water expanses, proven to miss the protected hollows and crevices favoured by Ae. albopictus. New control or eradication strategies are thus essential, particular in light of potential expansions in the southeastern and eastern USA. Successful regional vector control strategies require risk level analysis. Should strategies prioritize regions with non-climatic or climatic suitability parameters for Ae. albopictus ? Our study used current Ae. albopictus distribution data to develop two independent models: (i) regions with suitable non-climatic factors, and (ii) regions with suitable climate for Ae. albopictus in southeastern USA. Non-climatic model processing used Evidential Belief Function (EBF), together with six geographical conditioning factors (raster data layers), to establish the probability index. Validation of the analysis results was estimated with area under the curve (AUC) using Ae. albopictus presence data. Climatic modeling was based on two General Circulation Models (GCMs), Miroc3.2 and CSIRO-MK30 running the RCP 8.5 scenario in MaxEnt software. EBF non-climatic model results achieved a 0.70 prediction rate and 0.73 success rate, confirming suitability of the study site regions for Ae. albopictus establishment. The climatic model results showed the best-fit model comprised Coldest Quarter Mean Temp, Precipitation of Wettest Quarter and Driest Quarter Precipitation factors with mean AUC value of 0.86. Both GCMs showed that the whole study site is highly suitable and will remain suitable climatically, according to the prediction for 2055, for Ae. albopictus expansion.

Drug-Associated Adverse Events and Their Relationship with Outcomes in Patients Receiving Treatment for Extensively Drug-Resistant Tuberculosis in South Africa

PubMed Central

Shean, Karen; Streicher, Elizabeth; Pieterson, Elize; Symons, Greg; van Zyl Smit, Richard; Theron, Grant; Lehloenya, Rannakoe; Padanilam, Xavier; Wilcox, Paul; Victor, Tommie C.; van Helden, Paul; Groubusch, Martin; Warren, Robin; Badri, Motasim; Dheda, Keertan

2013-01-01

Background Treatment-related outcomes in patients with extensively drug-resistant tuberculosis (XDR-TB) are poor. However, data about the type, frequency and severity of presumed drug-associated adverse events (AEs) and their association with treatment-related outcomes in patients with XDR-TB are scarce. Methods Case records of 115 South-African XDR-TB patients were retrospectively reviewed by a trained researcher. AEs were estimated and graded according to severity [grade 0 = none; grade 1–2 = mild to moderate; and grade 3–5 = severe (drug stopped, life-threatening or death)]. Findings 161 AEs were experienced by 67/115(58%) patients: 23/67(34%) required modification of treatment, the offending drug was discontinued in 19/67(28%), reactions were life-threatening in 2/67(3.0%), and 6/67(9.0%) died. ∼50% of the patients were still on treatment at the time of data capture. Sputum culture-conversion was less likely in those with severe (grade 3–5) vs. grade 0–2 AEs [2/27(7%) vs. 24/88(27%); p = 0.02]. The type, frequency and severity of AEs was similar in HIV-infected and uninfected patients. Capreomycin, which was empirically administered in most cases, was withdrawn in 14/104(14%) patients, implicated in (14/34) 41% of the total drug withdrawals, and was associated with all 6 deaths in the severe AE group (renal failure in five patients and hypokalemia in one patient). Conclusion Drug-associated AEs occur commonly with XDR-TB treatment, are often severe, frequently interrupt therapy, and negatively impact on culture conversion outcomes. These preliminary data inform on the need for standardised strategies (including pre-treatment counselling, early detection, monitoring, and follow-up) and less toxic drugs to optimally manage patients with XDR-TB. PMID:23667572

NUDT15 codon 139 is the best pharmacogenetic marker for predicting thiopurine-induced severe adverse events in Japanese patients with inflammatory bowel disease: a multicenter study.

PubMed

Kakuta, Yoichi; Kawai, Yosuke; Okamoto, Daisuke; Takagawa, Tetsuya; Ikeya, Kentaro; Sakuraba, Hirotake; Nishida, Atsushi; Nakagawa, Shoko; Miura, Miki; Toyonaga, Takahiko; Onodera, Kei; Shinozaki, Masaru; Ishiguro, Yoh; Mizuno, Shinta; Takahara, Masahiro; Yanai, Shunichi; Hokari, Ryota; Nakagawa, Tomoo; Araki, Hiroshi; Motoya, Satoshi; Naito, Takeo; Moroi, Rintaro; Shiga, Hisashi; Endo, Katsuya; Kobayashi, Taku; Naganuma, Makoto; Hiraoka, Sakiko; Matsumoto, Takayuki; Nakamura, Shiro; Nakase, Hiroshi; Hisamatsu, Tadakazu; Sasaki, Makoto; Hanai, Hiroyuki; Andoh, Akira; Nagasaki, Masao; Kinouchi, Yoshitaka; Shimosegawa, Tooru; Masamune, Atsushi; Suzuki, Yasuo

2018-06-19

Despite NUDT15 variants showing significant association with thiopurine-induced adverse events (AEs) in Asians, it remains unclear which variants of NUDT15 or whether additional genetic variants should be tested to predict AEs. To clarify the best pharmacogenetic test to be used clinically, we performed association studies of NUDT15 variants and haplotypes with AEs, genome-wide association study (GWAS) to discover additional variants, and ROC analysis to select the model to predict severe AEs. Overall, 2630 patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) were enrolled and genotyped for NUDT15 codon 139; 1291 patients were treated with thiopurines. diplotypes were analyzed in 970 patients, and GWASs of AEs were performed with 1221 patients using population-optimized genotyping array and imputation. We confirmed the association of NUDT15 p.Arg139Cys with leukopenia and alopecia (p = 2.20E-63, 1.32E-69, OR = 6.59, 12.1, respectively), and found a novel association with digestive symptoms (p = 6.39E-04, OR = 1.89). Time to leukopenia was significantly shorter, and when leukopenia was diagnosed, thiopurine doses were significantly lower in Arg/Cys and Cys/Cys than in Arg/Arg. In GWASs, no additional variants were found to be associated with thiopurine-induced AEs. Despite strong correlation of leukopenia frequency with estimated enzyme activities based on the diplotypes (r 2  = 0.926, p = 0.0087), there were no significant differences in the AUCs of diplotypes from those of codon 139 to predict severe AEs (AUC = 0.916, 0.921, for acute severe leukopenia, AUC = 0.990, 0.991, for severe alopecia, respectively). Genotyping of NUDT15 codon 139 was sufficient to predict acute severe leukopenia and alopecia in Japanese patients with IBD.

Risk Factors for GI Adverse Events in a Phase III Randomized Trial of Bevacizumab in First-Line Therapy of Advanced Ovarian Cancer: A Gynecologic Oncology Group Study

PubMed Central

Burger, Robert A.; Brady, Mark F.; Bookman, Michael A.; Monk, Bradley J.; Walker, Joan L.; Homesley, Howard D.; Fowler, Jeffrey; Greer, Benjamin E.; Boente, Matthew; Fleming, Gini F.; Lim, Peter C.; Rubin, Stephen C.; Katsumata, Noriyuki; Liang, Sharon X.

2014-01-01

Purpose To evaluate risk factors for GI adverse events (AEs) within a phase III trial of bevacizumab in first-line ovarian cancer therapy. Patients and Methods Women with previously untreated advanced disease after surgery were randomly allocated to six cycles of platinum-taxane chemotherapy plus placebo cycles (C)2 to C22 (R1); chemotherapy plus bevacizumab C2 to C6 plus placebo C7 to C22 (R2); or chemotherapy plus bevacizumab C2 to C22 (R3). Patients were evaluated for history or on-study development of potential risk factors for GI AEs defined as grade ≥ 2 perforation, fistula, necrosis, or hemorrhage. Results Of 1,873 patients enrolled, 1,759 (94%) were evaluable, and 2.8% (50 of 1,759) experienced a GI AE: 10 of 587 (1.7%, R1), 20 of 587 (3.4%, R2), and 20 of 585 (3.4%, R3). Univariable analyses indicated that previous treatment of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD; P = .005) and small bowel resection (SBR; P = .032) or large bowel resection (LBR; P = .012) at primary surgery were significantly associated with a GI AE. The multivariable estimated relative odds of a GI AE were 13.4 (95% CI, 3.44 to 52.3; P < .001) for IBD; 2.05 (95% CI, 1.09 to 3.88; P = .026) for LBR; 1.95 (95% CI, 0.894 to 4.25; P = .093) for SBR; and 2.15 for bevacizumab exposure (aggregated 95% CI, 1.05 to 4.40; P = .036). Conclusion History of treatment for IBD, and bowel resection at primary surgery, increase the odds of GI AEs in patients receiving first-line platinum-taxane chemotherapy for advanced ovarian cancer. After accounting for these risk factors, concurrent bevacizumab doubles the odds of a GI AE, but is not appreciably increased by continuation beyond chemotherapy. PMID:24637999

An Overview of Automated Scoring of Essays

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Dikli, Semire

2006-01-01

Automated Essay Scoring (AES) is defined as the computer technology that evaluates and scores the written prose (Shermis & Barrera, 2002; Shermis & Burstein, 2003; Shermis, Raymat, & Barrera, 2003). AES systems are mainly used to overcome time, cost, reliability, and generalizability issues in writing assessment (Bereiter, 2003; Burstein,…

Aedes aegypti Global Suitability Maps Using a Water Container Energy Balance Model for Dengue Risk Applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Steinhoff, D.

2015-12-01

Dengue infections are estimated to total nearly 400 million per year worldwide, with both the geographic range and the magnitude of infections having increased in the past 50 years. The primary dengue vector mosquito Aedes aegypti is closely associated with humans. It lives exclusively in urban and semi-urban areas, preferentially bites humans, and spends its developmental stages in artificial water containers. Climate regulates the development of Ae. aegypti immature mosquitoes in artificial containers. Potential containers for Ae. aegypti immature development include, but are not limited to, small sundry items (e.g., bottles, cans, plastic containers), buckets, tires, barrels, tanks, and cisterns. Successful development of immature mosquitoes from eggs to larvae, pupae, and eventually adults is largely dependent on the availability of water and the thermal properties of the water in the containers. Recent work has shown that physics-based approaches toward modeling container water properties are promising for resolving the complexities of container water dynamics and the effects on immature mosquito development. An energy balance container model developed by the author, termed the Water Height And Temperature in Container Habitats Energy Model (WHATCH'EM), solves for water temperature and height for user-specified containers with readily available weather data. Here we use WHATCH'EM with NASA Earth Science products used as input to construct global suitability maps based on established water temperature ranges for immature Ae. aegypti mosquitoes. A proxy for dengue risk is provided from habitat suitability, but also population estimates, as Ae. aegypti is closely associated with human activity. NASA gridded Global Population of the World data is used to mask out rural areas with low dengue risk. Suitability maps are illustrated for a variety of containers (size, material, color) and shading scenarios.

Trends in adverse events of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) in the USA, 1998 to 2008.

PubMed

Stroup, Sean P; Palazzi-Churas, Kerrin; Kopp, Ryan P; Parsons, J Kellogg

2012-01-01

To determine if the adverse events (AEs) of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) have declined in tandem with increased use of oral therapy. We used the Nationwide Inpatient Sample, a 20% sample of USA community hospitals, weighted to estimate national numbers to characterize the prevalence of AEs of BPH from 1998 to 2008. We calculated the age-adjusted prevalence of BPH and associated conditions and analyzed prevalence trends with regression modelling. Of 134 million estimated eligible discharges during the study period, 7,464,730 (5.6%) had either a primary or secondary diagnosis of BPH. The age-adjusted prevalence of BPH among all hospitalizations, irrespective of primary diagnosis, increased from 4.3% to 8% (P < 0.001) during the study period. The age-adjusted prevalence of BPH as a primary diagnosis decreased from 0.88% to 0.48% (P < 0.001). Discharges for BPH surgery decreased 51% (odds ratio [OR] 0.49, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.45-0.54, P-trend <0.001) over time. Discharges for primary BPH with acute renal failure increased >400% (OR 4.28, 95% CI 3.22-5.71, P-trend <0.001). There were no significant changes in discharges for primary BPH with urinary retention (P-trend = 0.636), bladder stones (P-trend = 0.117), or urinary infection (P-trend = 0.101) over time. Increased hospitalizations for BPH with acute renal failure and stable hospitalizations for other AEs of BPH indicate that severe AEs of BPH persist despite widespread use of oral therapies in the USA. Further studies are needed to explain these trends. © 2011 THE AUTHORS. BJU INTERNATIONAL © 2011 BJU INTERNATIONAL.

Inflammatory gastrointestinal diseases associated with PD-1 blockade antibodies.

PubMed

Collins, M; Michot, J M; Danlos, F X; Mussini, C; Soularue, E; Mateus, C; Loirat, D; Buisson, A; Rosa, I; Lambotte, O; Laghouati, S; Chaput, N; Coutzac, C; Voisin, A L; Soria, J C; Marabelle, A; Champiat, S; Robert, C; Carbonnel, F

2017-11-01

Immune check-point blockade agents have shown clinical activity in cancer patients but are associated with immune-related adverse events that could limit their development. The aim of this study was to describe the gastrointestinal immune-related adverse events (GI-irAE) in patients with cancer treated with anti-PD-1. this is a retrospective study of consecutive adult patients who had a suspected GI-irAE due to anti-PD-1 antibodies between 2013 and 2016. Patients were recruited through a pharmacovigilance registry. Patients' data were reviewed by a multidisciplinary committee that included gastroenterologists, oncologists and a pathologist. Quantitative variables are described by median (range), qualitative variable by frequency (percentage). Forty-four patients were addressed to a Gastroenterology unit for a suspected GI-IrAE. Twenty patients had a confirmed GI-irAE related to anti-PD-1, which occurred 4.2 months (0.2; 22.1) after the initiation of anti-PD-1. GI-IrAE incidence rate under anti-PD-1 treatment was estimated to be 1.5%. Among patients with GI-IrAE, main symptoms were diarrhoea (n = 16, 80%), abdominal pain (n = 13, 65%), nausea and vomiting (n = 11, 55%), intestinal obstruction (n = 1, 5%), and haematochezia (n = 2, 10%). No patient had colectomy. Four distinct categories of GI-irAE were observed: acute colitis (n = 8, 40%), microscopic colitis (n = 7, 35%), upper gastrointestinal tract inflammation (n = 4, 20%) and pseudo-obstruction (n = 1, 5%). Response rates to corticosteroids were 87.5% (7/8) in acute colitis, 57% (4/7) in microscopic colitis and 75% (3/4) in upper gastrointestinal tract inflammation. Median time to resolution was 36 days (6-172) in acute colitis, and 98 days (42-226) in microscopic colitis. This study suggests that GI-irAE are different and less frequent with anti PD-1 than with anti CTLA-4. © The Author 2017. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the European Society for Medical Oncology. All rights reserved. For permissions, please email: journals.permissions@oup.com.

Population genomics reveals that an anthropophilic population of Aedes aegypti mosquitoes in West Africa recently gave rise to American and Asian populations of this major disease vector.

PubMed

Crawford, Jacob E; Alves, Joel M; Palmer, William J; Day, Jonathan P; Sylla, Massamba; Ramasamy, Ranjan; Surendran, Sinnathamby N; Black, William C; Pain, Arnab; Jiggins, Francis M

2017-02-28

The mosquito Aedes aegypti is the main vector of dengue, Zika, chikungunya and yellow fever viruses. This major disease vector is thought to have arisen when the African subspecies Ae. aegypti formosus evolved from being zoophilic and living in forest habitats into a form that specialises on humans and resides near human population centres. The resulting domestic subspecies, Ae. aegypti aegypti, is found throughout the tropics and largely blood-feeds on humans. To understand this transition, we have sequenced the exomes of mosquitoes collected from five populations from around the world. We found that Ae. aegypti specimens from an urban population in Senegal in West Africa were more closely related to populations in Mexico and Sri Lanka than they were to a nearby forest population. We estimate that the populations in Senegal and Mexico split just a few hundred years ago, and we found no evidence of Ae. aegypti aegypti mosquitoes migrating back to Africa from elsewhere in the tropics. The out-of-Africa migration was accompanied by a dramatic reduction in effective population size, resulting in a loss of genetic diversity and rare genetic variants. We conclude that a domestic population of Ae. aegypti in Senegal and domestic populations on other continents are more closely related to each other than to other African populations. This suggests that an ancestral population of Ae. aegypti evolved to become a human specialist in Africa, giving rise to the subspecies Ae. aegypti aegypti. The descendants of this population are still found in West Africa today, and the rest of the world was colonised when mosquitoes from this population migrated out of Africa. This is the first report of an African population of Ae. aegypti aegypti mosquitoes that is closely related to Asian and American populations. As the two subspecies differ in their ability to vector disease, their existence side by side in West Africa may have important implications for disease transmission.

18 CFR 3b.250 - Specific exemptions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-04-01

... individual in the public notice of the system of -records; (5) 5 U.S.C. 552a(e)(4)(H); 18 CFR 3b.3(a)(9... public notice of the system of -records; (6) 5 U.S.C. 552a(e)(4)(I); 18 CFR 3b.3(a)(10)—Requiring a... of a confidential source who furnished the information to the Government under an express promise...

Design of acoustic emission monitoring system based on VC++

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yu, Yang; He, Wei

2015-12-01

At present, a lot of companies at home and abroad have researched and produced a batch of specialized monitoring instruments for acoustic emission (AE). Most of them cost highly and the system function exists in less stable and less portability for the testing environment and transmission distance and other aspects. Depending on the research background and the status quo, a dual channel intelligent acoustic emission monitoring system was designed based on Microsoft Foundation Classes in Visual Studio C++ to solve some of the problems in the acoustic emission research and meet the needs of actual monitoring task. It contains several modules such as main module, acquisition module, signal parameters setting module and so on. It could give out corrosion AE waveform and signal parameters results according to the main menu selected parameters. So the needed information could be extracted from the experiments datum to solve the problem deeply. This soft system is the important part of AE detection g system.

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

Willis-Richards, J.; Watanable, K.; Yamaguchi, T.

A set of models of HDR systems is presented which attempts to explain the formation and operation of HDR systems using only the in-situ properties of the fractured rock mass, the earth stress field, the engineering intervention applied by way of stimulation and the relative positions and pressures of the well(s). A statistical and rock mechanics description of fractures in low permeability rocks provides the basis for modeling of stimulation, circulation and water loss in HDR systems. The model uses a large number of parameters, chiefly simple directly measurable quantities, describing the rock mass and fracture system. The effect ofmore » stimulation (raised fluid pressure allowing slip) on fracture apertures is calculated, and the volume of rock affected per volume of fluid pumped estimated. The total rock volume affected by stimulation is equated with the rock volume containing the associated AE (microseismicity). The aperture and compliance properties of the stimulated fractures are used to estimate impedance and flow within the reservoir. Fluid loss from the boundary of the stimulated volume is treated using radial leak-off with pressure-dependent permeability.« less

A novel chimeric low-molecular-weight glutenin subunit gene from the wild relatives of wheat Aegilops kotschyi and Ae. juvenalis: evolution at the Glu-3 loci.

PubMed

Li, Xiaohui; Ma, Wujun; Gao, Liyan; Zhang, Yanzhen; Wang, Aili; Ji, Kangmin; Wang, Ke; Appels, Rudi; Yan, Yueming

2008-09-01

Four LMW-m and one novel chimeric (between LMW-i and LMW-m types) low-molecular-weight glutenin subunit (LMW-GS) genes from Aegilops neglecta (UUMM), Ae. kotschyi (UUSS), and Ae. juvenalis (DDMMUU) were isolated and characterized. Sequence structures showed that the 4 LMW-m-type genes, assigned to the M genome of Ae. neglecta, displayed a high homology with those from hexaploid common wheat. The novel chimeric gene, designed as AjkLMW-i, was isolated from both Ae. kotschyi and Ae. juvenalis and shown to be located on the U genome. Phylogentic analysis demonstrated that it had higher identity to the LMW-m-type than the LMW-i-type genes. A total of 20 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were detected among the 4 LMW-m genes, with 13 of these being nonsynonymous SNPs that resulted in amino acid substitutions in the deduced mature proteins. Phylogenetic analysis demonstrated that it had higher identity to the LMW-m-type than the LMW-i-type genes. The divergence time estimation showed that the M and D genomes were closely related and diverged at 5.42 million years ago (MYA) while the differentiation between the U and A genomes was 6.82 MYA. We propose that, in addition to homologous recombination, an illegitimate recombination event on the U genome may have occurred 6.38 MYA and resulted in the generation of the chimeric gene AjkLMW-i, which may be an important genetic mechanism for the origin and evolution of LMW-GS Glu-3 alleles as well as other prolamin genes.

[Perception of clinical practice derived risks compared to adverse effects detected in an internal medicine service].

PubMed

Jiménez Muñoz, A B; Muiño Miguez, A; Quintás Viqueira, A; Pinilla Llorente, B; Durán García, M E; Rodríguez Pérez, M P

2008-01-01

To know how the health care workers perceive the risks derived from the care practice. To estimate the most frequent adverse effects (AE) and establish differences and similarities between the perception of risks and the AE produced. A self-administered questionnaire was applied to all the workers of an Internal Medicine Department of a General University Hospital on perception of risks and safety of the patient. After, and by using the screening guide of the IDEA project, edition 1, the clinical histories of the patients selected were analyzed by medical residents of preventive Medicine and Internal Medicine. Questionnaire. Fifty questionnaires we sent with a 42% response rate. Risks prioritized by obtaining a lower mean score: there is not action plan against catastrophes (2.79/10) and lack of spaces to report (3/10); those having greater percentage of open questions: long maintenance of urinary probes (47.61%) and inadequate prescription of antibiotics (33.33%). Study of AE. Incidence of patients with AE: 25% (95% CI 11.06-38.9). Incidence of AE: 26.6% (95% CI 12.6-40.6). 41.6% of AE was related to medication, 25% to nosocomial infection, 16.66% to technical problems in procedures and 16.66% were related to nursing cares. The perception of the health care workers on health care practice derived risks is different from the adverse events that really appear. The professionals are concerned about the information to patients than about scientific and technical quality. The most frequent adverse events produced are those related with medication. The only common point is concern for nosocomial infection.

Fracture in Westerly granite under AE feedback and constant strain rate loading: Nucleation, quasi-static propagation, and the transition to unstable fracture propagation

USGS Publications Warehouse

Thompson, B.D.; Young, R.P.; Lockner, D.A.

2006-01-01

New observations of fracture nucleation are presented from three triaxial compression experiments on intact samples of Westerly granite, using Acoustic Emission (AE) monitoring. By conducting the tests under different loading conditions, the fracture process is demonstrated for quasi-static fracture (under AE Feedback load), a slowly developing unstable fracture (loaded at a 'slow' constant strain rate of 2.5 ?? 10-6/s) and an unstable fracture that develops near instantaneously (loaded at a 'fast' constant strain rate of 5 ?? 10-5/s). By recording a continuous ultrasonic waveform during the critical period of fracture, the entire AE catalogue can be captured and the exact time of fracture defined. Under constant strain loading, three stages are observed: (1) An initial nucleation or stable growth phase at a rate of ??? 1.3 mm/s, (2) a sudden increase to a constant or slowly accelerating propagation speed of ??? 18 mm/s, and (3) unstable, accelerating propagation. In the ??? 100 ms before rupture, the high level of AE activity (as seen on the continuous record) prevented the location of discrete AE events. A lower bound estimate of the average propagation velocity (using the time-to-rupture and the existing fracture length) suggests values of a few m/s. However from a low gain acoustic record, we infer that in the final few ms, the fracture propagation speed increased to 175 m/s. These results demonstrate similarities between fracture nucleation in intact rock and the nucleation of dynamic instabilities in stick slip experiments. It is suggested that the ability to constrain the size of an evolving fracture provides a crucial tool in further understanding the controls on fracture nucleation. ?? Birkha??user Verlag, Basel, 2006.

TEMPEST Level-0 Theory

DTIC Science & Technology

2011-11-01

trajectory of the ship-fixed reference system relative to an earth-fixed reference system. The earth-fixed reference frame, EEE ZYX O , is assumed to be...the ship and moves with all the motions of the ship. The EEE ZYX O axis system is fixed to the earth. A third axis system, ’’’ zyxO , is required...added to account for the turbulence in the propeller slipstream: 2075.0445.0225.1 eeS aa  radians for aeɛ.0 565.0S radians for ae

Experimental realization of a highly secure chaos communication under strong channel noise

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ye, Weiping; Dai, Qionglin; Wang, Shihong; Lu, Huaping; Kuang, Jinyu; Zhao, Zhenfeng; Zhu, Xiangqing; Tang, Guoning; Huang, Ronghuai; Hu, Gang

2004-09-01

A one-way coupled spatiotemporally chaotic map lattice is used to construct cryptosystem. With the combinatorial applications of both chaotic computations and conventional algebraic operations, our system has optimal cryptographic properties much better than the separative applications of known chaotic and conventional methods. We have realized experiments to practice duplex voice secure communications in realistic Wired Public Switched Telephone Network by applying our chaotic system and the system of Advanced Encryption Standard (AES), respectively, for cryptography. Our system can work stably against strong channel noise when AES fails to work.

Experimental Data from the Benchmark SuperCritical Wing Wind Tunnel Test on an Oscillating Turntable

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Heeg, Jennifer; Piatak, David J.

2013-01-01

The Benchmark SuperCritical Wing (BSCW) wind tunnel model served as a semi-blind testcase for the 2012 AIAA Aeroelastic Prediction Workshop (AePW). The BSCW was chosen as a testcase due to its geometric simplicity and flow physics complexity. The data sets examined include unforced system information and forced pitching oscillations. The aerodynamic challenges presented by this AePW testcase include a strong shock that was observed to be unsteady for even the unforced system cases, shock-induced separation and trailing edge separation. The current paper quantifies these characteristics at the AePW test condition and at a suggested benchmarking test condition. General characteristics of the model's behavior are examined for the entire available data set.

Reports to the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System after hepatitis A and hepatitis AB vaccines in pregnant women.

PubMed

Moro, Pedro L; Museru, Oidda I; Niu, Manette; Lewis, Paige; Broder, Karen

2014-06-01

To characterize adverse events (AEs) after hepatitis A vaccines (Hep A) and hepatitis A and hepatitis B combination vaccine (Hep AB) in pregnant women reported to the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS), a spontaneous reporting surveillance system. We searched VAERS for AEs reports in pregnant women who received Hep A or Hep AB from Jan. 1, 1996-April 5, 2013. Clinicians reviewed all reports and available medical records. VAERS received 139 reports of AEs in pregnant women; 7 (5.0%) were serious; no maternal or infant deaths were identified. Sixty-five (46.8%) did not describe any AEs. For those women whose gestational age was available, most were vaccinated during the first trimester, 50/60 (83.3%) for Hep A and 18/21 (85.7%) for Hep AB. The most common pregnancy-specific outcomes following Hep A or Hep AB vaccinations were spontaneous abortion in 15 (10.8%) reports, elective termination in 10 (7.2%), and preterm delivery in 7 (5.0%) reports. The most common nonpregnancy specific outcome was urinary tract infection and nausea/vomiting with 3 (2.2%) reports each. One case of amelia of the lower extremities was reported in an infant following maternal Hep A immunization. This review of VAERS reports did not identify any concerning pattern of AEs in pregnant women or their infants following maternal Hep A or Hep AB immunizations during pregnancy. Published by Mosby, Inc.

Acoustic emission transducers--development of a facility for traceable out-of-plane displacement calibration.

PubMed

Theobald, P D; Esward, T J; Dowson, S P; Preston, R C

2005-03-01

Acoustic emission (AE) is a widely used technique that has been employed for the integrity testing of a range of vessels and structures for many years. The last decade has seen advances in signal processing, such that the reliability of AE technology is now being recognised by a wider range of industries. Furthermore, the need for quality control at the manufacturing stage, and requirements of in-service testing, is encouraging the issue of traceable measurements to be addressed. Currently, no independent calibration service for acoustic emission transducers is available within Europe. The UKs National Physical Laboratory (NPL) is undertaking work to develop a measurement facility for the traceable calibration of AE sensors. Such calibrations can contribute to greater acceptance of AE techniques in general, by meeting quality system and other traceability requirements. In this paper the key issues surrounding the development of such a facility are reviewed, including the need to establish repeatable AE sources, select suitable test blocks and to understand the limitations imposed by AE sensors themselves. To provide an absolute measurement of the displacement on the surface of a test block, laser interferometry is employed. In this way the output voltage of an AE sensor can be directly related to the displacement detected at the block surface. A possible calibration methodology is discussed and preliminary calibration results are presented for a commercially available AE sensor, showing its response to longitudinal wave modes.

Prevalence and prognostic significance of adrenergic escape during chronic beta-blocker therapy in chronic heart failure.

PubMed

Frankenstein, Lutz; Zugck, Christian; Schellberg, Dieter; Nelles, Manfred; Froehlich, Hanna; Katus, Hugo; Remppis, Andrew

2009-02-01

Like aldosterone escape to ACE-inhibitors, adrenergic escape (AE) to beta-blockers appears conceivable in chronic heart failure (CHF), as generalized systemic neurohumoral activation has been described as the pathophysiological basis of this syndrome. The aim of this study was to examine the prevalence and prognostic value of AE with respect to different beta-blocker agents and doses. This was a prospective, observational study of 415 patients with systolic CHF receiving chronic stable beta-blocker therapy. AE was defined by norepinephrine levels above the upper limit of normal. Irrespective of the individual beta-blocker agents used and the dose equivalent taken, the prevalence of AE was 31-39%. Norepinephrine levels neither correlated with heart rate (r=0.02; 95% CI: -0.08-0.11; P=0.74) nor were they related to underlying rhythm (P=0.09) or the individual beta-blocker agent used (P=0.87). The presence of AE was a strong and independent indicator of mortality (adjusted HR: 1.915; 95% CI: 1.387-2.645; chi2: 15.60). We verified the presence of AE in CHF patients on chronic stable beta-blocker therapy, irrespective of the individual beta-blocker agent and the dose equivalent. As AE might indicate therapeutic failure, the determination of AE could help to identify those patients with CHF that might benefit from more aggressive treatment modalities. Heart rate, however, is not a surrogate for adrenergic escape.

Prevalence and prognostic significance of adrenergic escape during chronic β-blocker therapy in chronic heart failure

PubMed Central

Frankenstein, Lutz; Zugck, Christian; Schellberg, Dieter; Nelles, Manfred; Froehlich, Hanna; Katus, Hugo; Remppis, Andrew

2009-01-01

Aims Like aldosterone escape to ACE-inhibitors, adrenergic escape (AE) to β-blockers appears conceivable in chronic heart failure (CHF), as generalized systemic neurohumoral activation has been described as the pathophysiological basis of this syndrome. The aim of this study was to examine the prevalence and prognostic value of AE with respect to different β-blocker agents and doses. Methods and results This was a prospective, observational study of 415 patients with systolic CHF receiving chronic stable β-blocker therapy. AE was defined by norepinephrine levels above the upper limit of normal. Irrespective of the individual β-blocker agents used and the dose equivalent taken, the prevalence of AE was 31–39%. Norepinephrine levels neither correlated with heart rate (r = 0.02; 95% CI: −0.08–0.11; P = 0.74) nor were they related to underlying rhythm (P = 0.09) or the individual β-blocker agent used (P = 0.87). The presence of AE was a strong and independent indicator of mortality (adjusted HR: 1.915; 95% CI: 1.387–2.645; χ2: 15.60). Conclusion We verified the presence of AE in CHF patients on chronic stable β-blocker therapy, irrespective of the individual β-blocker agent and the dose equivalent. As AE might indicate therapeutic failure, the determination of AE could help to identify those patients with CHF that might benefit from more aggressive treatment modalities. Heart rate, however, is not a surrogate for adrenergic escape. PMID:19168516

Dispersion and oviposition of Aedes albopictus in a Brazilian slum: Initial evidence of Asian tiger mosquito domiciliation in urban environments.

PubMed

Ayllón, Tania; Câmara, Daniel Cardoso Portela; Morone, Fernanda Cristina; Gonçalves, Larissa da Silva; Saito Monteiro de Barros, Fábio; Brasil, Patrícia; Carvalho, Marilia Sá; Honório, Nildimar Alves

2018-01-01

Aedes albopictus, originally considered as a secondary vector for arbovirus transmission, especially in areas where this species co-exist with Aedes aegypti, has been described in most regions of the world. Dispersion and domiciliation of Ae. albopictus in a complex of densely urbanized slums in Rio de Janeiro, Southeastern Brazil, was evidenced. In this study, we tested the hypotheses that 1) Ae. albopictus distribution in urban slums is negatively related to distance from vegetation, and 2) these vectors have taken on a domestic life style with a portion of the population feeding, ovipositing, and resting indoors. To do this, we developed an integrated surveillance proposal, aiming to detect the presence and abundance of Aedes mosquitoes. The study, based on a febrile syndrome surveillance system in a cohort of infants living in the slum complex, was performed on a weekly basis between February 2014 and April 2017. A total of 8,418 adult mosquitoes (3,052 Ae. aegypti, 44 Ae. albopictus, 16 Ae. scapularis, 4 Ae. fluviatilis and 5,302 Culex quinquefasciatus) were collected by direct aspiration and 46,047 Aedes spp. eggs were collected by oviposition traps. The Asian tiger mosquito, Ae. albopictus, was aspirated in its adult form (n = 44), and immature forms of this species (n = 12) were identified from the eggs collected by the ovitraps. In most collection sites, co-occurrence of Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus was observed. Key-sites, such as junkyards, thrift stores, factories, tire repair shops and garages, had the higher abundance of Ae. albopictus, followed by schools and households. We collected Ae. albopictus at up to 400 meters to the nearest vegetation cover. The log transformed (n+1) number of females Ae. albopictus captured at each collection point was inversely related to the distance to the nearest vegetation border. These results show that Ae. albopictus, a competent vector for important arboviruses and more commonly found in areas with higher vegetation coverage, is present and spread in neglected and densely urbanized areas, being collected at a long distance from the typical encounter areas for this species. Besides, as Ae. albopictus can easily move between sylvatic and urban environment, the entomological monitoring of Ae. albopictus should be an integral part of mosquito surveillance and control. Finally, key-sites, characterized by high human influx and presence of potential Aedes breeding sites, should be included in entomological monitoring.

Dispersion and oviposition of Aedes albopictus in a Brazilian slum: Initial evidence of Asian tiger mosquito domiciliation in urban environments

PubMed Central

Câmara, Daniel Cardoso Portela; Morone, Fernanda Cristina; Gonçalves, Larissa da Silva; Saito Monteiro de Barros, Fábio; Brasil, Patrícia; Carvalho, Marilia Sá; Honório, Nildimar Alves

2018-01-01

Aedes albopictus, originally considered as a secondary vector for arbovirus transmission, especially in areas where this species co-exist with Aedes aegypti, has been described in most regions of the world. Dispersion and domiciliation of Ae. albopictus in a complex of densely urbanized slums in Rio de Janeiro, Southeastern Brazil, was evidenced. In this study, we tested the hypotheses that 1) Ae. albopictus distribution in urban slums is negatively related to distance from vegetation, and 2) these vectors have taken on a domestic life style with a portion of the population feeding, ovipositing, and resting indoors. To do this, we developed an integrated surveillance proposal, aiming to detect the presence and abundance of Aedes mosquitoes. The study, based on a febrile syndrome surveillance system in a cohort of infants living in the slum complex, was performed on a weekly basis between February 2014 and April 2017. A total of 8,418 adult mosquitoes (3,052 Ae. aegypti, 44 Ae. albopictus, 16 Ae. scapularis, 4 Ae. fluviatilis and 5,302 Culex quinquefasciatus) were collected by direct aspiration and 46,047 Aedes spp. eggs were collected by oviposition traps. The Asian tiger mosquito, Ae. albopictus, was aspirated in its adult form (n = 44), and immature forms of this species (n = 12) were identified from the eggs collected by the ovitraps. In most collection sites, co-occurrence of Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus was observed. Key-sites, such as junkyards, thrift stores, factories, tire repair shops and garages, had the higher abundance of Ae. albopictus, followed by schools and households. We collected Ae. albopictus at up to 400 meters to the nearest vegetation cover. The log transformed (n+1) number of females Ae. albopictus captured at each collection point was inversely related to the distance to the nearest vegetation border. These results show that Ae. albopictus, a competent vector for important arboviruses and more commonly found in areas with higher vegetation coverage, is present and spread in neglected and densely urbanized areas, being collected at a long distance from the typical encounter areas for this species. Besides, as Ae. albopictus can easily move between sylvatic and urban environment, the entomological monitoring of Ae. albopictus should be an integral part of mosquito surveillance and control. Finally, key-sites, characterized by high human influx and presence of potential Aedes breeding sites, should be included in entomological monitoring. PMID:29684029

78 FR 16392 - Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-03-14

... Broadcast messaging system to a self-managed software with almost immediate dissemination; and (9) upgraded... exporting used self-propelled vehicles. The requirement to file in the AES for all used self- propelled... the AES are for used self-propelled vehicles. The Census Bureau does not capture statistics for used...

Examining Play Counts and Measurements of Injury Incidence in Youth Football.

PubMed

Kerr, Zachary Y; Yeargin, Susan W; Djoko, Aristarque; Dalton, Sara L; Baker, Melissa M; Dompier, Thomas P

2017-10-01

  Whereas researchers have provided estimates for the number of head impacts sustained within a youth football season, less is known about the number of plays across which such impact exposure occurs.   To estimate the number of plays in which youth football players participated during the 2013 season and to estimate injury incidence through play-based injury rates.   Descriptive epidemiology study.   Youth football.   Youth football players (N = 2098; age range, 5-15 years) from 105 teams in 12 recreational leagues across 6 states.   We calculated the average number of athlete-plays per season and per game using independent-samples t tests to compare age groups (5-10 years old versus 11-15 years old) and squad sizes (<20 versus ≥20 players); game injury rates per 1000 athlete-exposures (AEs) and per 10 000 athlete-plays; and injury rate ratios (IRRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) to compare age groups.   On average, youth football players participated in 333.9 ± 178.5 plays per season and 43.9 ± 24.0 plays per game. Age groups (5- to 10-year-olds versus 11- to 15-year-olds) did not differ in the average number of plays per season (335.8 versus 332.3, respectively; t 2086.4 = 0.45, P = .65) or per game (44.1 versus 43.7, respectively; t 2092.3 = 0.38, P = .71). However, players from smaller teams participated in more plays per season (373.7 versus 308.0; t 1611.4 = 8.15, P < .001) and per game (47.7 versus 41.4; t 1523.5 = 5.67, P < .001). Older players had a greater game injury rate than younger players when injury rates were calculated per 1000 AEs (23.03 versus 17.86/1000 AEs; IRR = 1.29; 95% CI = 1.04, 1.60) or per 10 000 athlete-plays (5.30 versus 4.18/10 000 athlete-plays; IRR = 1.27; 95% CI = 1.02, 1.57).   A larger squad size was associated with a lower average number of plays per season and per game. Increasing youth football squad sizes may help reduce head-impact exposure for individual players. The AE-based injury rates yielded effect estimates similar to those of play-based injury rates.

Diagnostic accuracy of the Kampala Trauma Score using estimated Abbreviated Injury Scale scores and physician opinion.

PubMed

Gardner, Andrew; Forson, Paa Kobina; Oduro, George; Stewart, Barclay; Dike, Nkechi; Glover, Paul; Maio, Ronald F

2017-01-01

The Kampala Trauma Score (KTS) has been proposed as a triage tool for use in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). This study aimed to examine the diagnostic accuracy of KTS in predicting emergency department outcomes using timely injury estimation with Abbreviated Injury Scale (AIS) score and physician opinion to calculate KTS scores. This was a diagnostic accuracy study of KTS among injured patients presenting to Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital A&E, Ghana. South African Triage Scale (SATS); KTS component variables, including AIS scores and physician opinion for serious injury quantification; and ED disposition were collected. Agreement between estimated AIS score and physician opinion were analyzed with normal, linear weighted, and maximum kappa. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis of KTS-AIS and KTS-physician opinion was performed to evaluate each measure's ability to predict A&E mortality and need for hospital admission to the ward or theatre. A total of 1053 patients were sampled. There was moderate agreement between AIS criteria and physician opinion by normal (κ=0.41), weighted (κ lin =0.47), and maximum (κ max =0.53) kappa. A&E mortality ROC area for KTS-AIS was 0.93, KTS-physician opinion 0.89, and SATS 0.88 with overlapping 95% confidence intervals (95%CI). Hospital admission ROC area for KTS-AIS was 0.73, KTS-physician opinion 0.79, and SATS 0.71 with statistical similarity. When evaluating only patients with serious injuries, KTS-AIS (ROC 0.88) and KTS-physician opinion (ROC 0.88) performed similarly to SATS (ROC 0.78) in predicting A&E mortality. The ROC area for KTS-AIS (ROC 0.71; 95%CI 0.66-0.75) and KTS-physician opinion (ROC 0.74; 95%CI 0.69-0.79) was significantly greater than SATS (ROC 0.57; 0.53-0.60) with regard to need for admission. KTS predicted mortality and need for admission from the ED well when early estimation of the number of serious injuries was used, regardless of method (i.e. AIS criteria or physician opinion). This study provides evidence for KTS to be used as a practical and valid triage tool to predict patient prognosis, ED outcomes and inform referral decision-making from first- or second-level hospitals in LMICs. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Diagnostic accuracy of the Kampala Trauma Score using estimated Abbreviated Injury Scale scores and physician opinion

PubMed Central

Gardner, Andrew; Forson, Paa Kobina; Oduro, George; Stewart, Barclay; Dike, Nkechi; Glover, Paul; Maio, Ronald F.

2016-01-01

Background The Kampala Trauma Score (KTS) has been proposed as a triage tool for use in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). This study aimed to examine the diagnostic accuracy of KTS in predicting emergency department outcomes using timely injury estimation with Abbreviated Injury Scale (AIS) score and physician opinion to calculate KTS scores. Methods This was a diagnostic accuracy study of KTS among injured patients presenting to Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital A&E, Ghana. South African Triage Scale (SATS); KTS component variables, including AIS scores and physician opinion for serious injury quantification; and ED disposition were collected. Agreement between estimated AIS score and physician opinion were analyzed with normal, linear weighted, and maximum kappa. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis of KTS-AIS and KTS-physician opinion was performed to evaluate each measure’s ability to predict A&E mortality and need for hospital admission to the ward or theatre. Results A total of 1,053 patients were sampled. There was moderate agreement between AIS criteria and physician opinion by normal (κ=0.41), weighted (κlin=0.47), and maximum (κmax=0.53) kappa. A&E mortality ROC area for KTS-AIS was 0.93, KTS-physician opinion 0.89, and SATS 0.88 with overlapping 95% confidence intervals (95%CI). Hospital admission ROC area for KTS-AIS was 0.73, KTS-physician opinion 0.79, and SATS 0.71 with statistical similarity. When evaluating only patients with serious injuries, KTS-AIS (ROC 0.88) and KTS-physician opinion (ROC 0.88) performed similarly to SATS (ROC 0.78) in predicting A&E mortality. The ROC area for KTS-AIS (ROC 0.71; 95%CI 0.66–0.75) and KTS-physician opinion (ROC 0.74; 95%CI 0.69–0.79) was significantly greater than SATS (ROC 0.57; 0.53–0.60) with regard to need for admission. Conclusions KTS predicted mortality and need for admission from the ED well when early estimation of the number of serious injuries was used, regardless of method (i.e. AIS criteria or physician opinion). This study provides evidence for KTS to be used as a practical and valid triage tool to predict patient prognosis, ED outcomes and inform referral decision-making from first- or second-level hospitals in LMICs. PMID:27908493

Discordance between living and death assemblages as evidence for anthropogenic ecological change

PubMed Central

Kidwell, Susan M.

2007-01-01

Mismatches between the composition of a time-averaged death assemblage (dead remains sieved from the upper mixed-zone of the sedimentary column) and the local living community are typically attributed to natural postmortem processes. However, statistical analysis of 73 molluscan data sets from estuaries and lagoons reveals significantly poorer average “live-dead agreement” in settings of documented anthropogenic eutrophication (AE) than in areas where AE and other human impacts are negligible. Taxonomic similarity of paired live and dead species lists declines steadily among areas as a function of AE severity, and, for data sets comprising only adults, rank-order agreement in species abundance drops where AE is suspected. The observed live-dead differences in composition are consistent with eutrophication (anomalous abundance of seagrass-dwellers and/or scarcity of organic-loving species in the death assemblage), suggesting compositional inertia of death assemblages to recent environmental change. Molluscan data sets from open shelf settings (n = 34) also show higher average live-dead discordance in areas of AE. These results indicate that (i) live-dead discordance in surficial grab samples provides valuable evidence for strong anthropogenic modification of benthic communities, (ii) actualistic estimates of the ecological fidelity of molluscan death assemblages tend to be erroneously pessimistic when conducted in nonpristine settings, and (iii) based on their high fidelity in pristine study areas, death assemblages are a promising means of reconstructing otherwise elusive preimpact ecological baselines from sedimentary records. PMID:17965231

Characterizing environmental suitability of Aedes albopictus (Diptera: Culicidae) in Mexico based on regional and global niche models.

PubMed

Yañez-Arenas, Carlos; Rioja-Nieto, Rodolfo; Martín, Gerardo A; Dzul-Manzanilla, Felipe; Chiappa-Carrara, Xavier; Buenfil-Ávila, Aura; Manrique-Saide, Pablo; Correa-Morales, Fabián; Díaz-Quiñónez, José Alberto; Pérez-Rentería, Crescencio; Ordoñez-Álvarez, José; Vazquez-Prokopec, Gonzalo; Huerta, Herón

2018-01-10

The Asian tiger mosquito, Aedes albopictus (Skuse) (Diptera: Culicidae), is an invasive species and a vector of numerous human pathogens, including chikungunya, dengue, yellow fever, and Zika viruses. This mosquito had been reported from 36 geographic locations in Mexico by 2005, increasing to 101 locations by 2010 and 501 locations (spanning 16 states) by 2016. Here we modeled the occupied niche for Ae. albopictus in Mexico to characterize the environmental conditions related to its presence, and to generate updated environmental suitability maps. The predictors with the greatest contribution to characterizing the occupied niche for Ae. albopictus were NDVI and annual mean temperature. We also estimated the environmental suitability for Ae. albopictus in regions of the country where it has not been documented yet, by means of: 1) transferring its occupied niche model to these regions and 2) modeling its fundamental niche using global data. Our models will help vector control and public health institutions to identify areas where Ae. albopictus has not yet been recorded but where it may be present. We emphasize that most of Mexico has environmental conditions that potentially allow the survival of Ae. albopictus, which underscores the need for systematic mosquito monitoring in all states of the country. © The Author(s) 2017. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of Entomological Society of America. All rights reserved. For permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com.

Density Dependence, Landscape, and Weather Impacts on Aquatic Aedes japonicus japonicus (Diptera: Culicidae) Abundance Along an Urban Altitudinal Gradient.

PubMed

Chaves, Luis Fernando; Moji, Kazuhiko

2018-02-28

The Asian Bush Mosquito, Aedes (Finlaya) japonicus japonicus (Theobald) is an important globally invasive mosquito species. In comparison with other major invasive mosquitoes, relatively little is known about Ae. j. japonicus population dynamics in the field. Here, we present results from a 54-biweek long study of Ae. j. japonicus abundance in ovitraps set across the altitudinal gradient of Mt. Konpira, Nagasaki, Japan. Spatially, we found that Ae. j. japonicus fourth instar larvae (Aj4il) were more abundant at the base and top of Mt. Konpira and in ovitraps with more platykurtic water temperature (WT) distributions. In contrast, we found that temporally Aj4il were more abundant when ovitrap WT was more leptokurtic with 2 weeks of lag, and with high relative humidity SD with 2 months of lag. We also found that Aj4il were unlikely present when ovitrap WT was below 12.41°C. Parameter estimates for the Ricker model suggested that Ae. j. japonicus population growth was under density-dependence regulation, with a stable population dynamics whose fluctuations were associated with changes in ovitrap WT kurtosis and demographic stochasticity. Our results suggest that Aj4il abundance is more sensitive to temperature changes in kurtosis than mean values, potentially limiting the predictive ability of Ae. j. japonicus niche models based on the increase of average temperatures with global warming, and suggesting this mosquito species has a relatively coarse-grained response to temperature changes.

Effective population sizes of a major vector of human diseases, Aedes aegypti.

PubMed

Saarman, Norah P; Gloria-Soria, Andrea; Anderson, Eric C; Evans, Benjamin R; Pless, Evlyn; Cosme, Luciano V; Gonzalez-Acosta, Cassandra; Kamgang, Basile; Wesson, Dawn M; Powell, Jeffrey R

2017-12-01

The effective population size ( N e ) is a fundamental parameter in population genetics that determines the relative strength of selection and random genetic drift, the effect of migration, levels of inbreeding, and linkage disequilibrium. In many cases where it has been estimated in animals, N e is on the order of 10%-20% of the census size. In this study, we use 12 microsatellite markers and 14,888 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) to empirically estimate N e in Aedes aegypti , the major vector of yellow fever, dengue, chikungunya, and Zika viruses. We used the method of temporal sampling to estimate N e on a global dataset made up of 46 samples of Ae. aegypti that included multiple time points from 17 widely distributed geographic localities. Our N e estimates for Ae. aegypti fell within a broad range (~25-3,000) and averaged between 400 and 600 across all localities and time points sampled. Adult census size (N c ) estimates for this species range between one and five thousand, so the N e / N c ratio is about the same as for most animals. These N e values are lower than estimates available for other insects and have important implications for the design of genetic control strategies to reduce the impact of this species of mosquito on human health.

Acoustic emission detection of macro-cracks on engraving tool steel inserts during the injection molding cycle using PZT sensors.

PubMed

Svečko, Rajko; Kusić, Dragan; Kek, Tomaž; Sarjaš, Andrej; Hančič, Aleš; Grum, Janez

2013-05-14

This paper presents an improved monitoring system for the failure detection of engraving tool steel inserts during the injection molding cycle. This system uses acoustic emission PZT sensors mounted through acoustic waveguides on the engraving insert. We were thus able to clearly distinguish the defect through measured AE signals. Two engraving tool steel inserts were tested during the production of standard test specimens, each under the same processing conditions. By closely comparing the captured AE signals on both engraving inserts during the filling and packing stages, we were able to detect the presence of macro-cracks on one engraving insert. Gabor wavelet analysis was used for closer examination of the captured AE signals' peak amplitudes during the filling and packing stages. The obtained results revealed that such a system could be used successfully as an improved tool for monitoring the integrity of an injection molding process.

Acoustic Emission Detection of Macro-Cracks on Engraving Tool Steel Inserts during the Injection Molding Cycle Using PZT Sensors

PubMed Central

Svečko, Rajko; Kusić, Dragan; Kek, Tomaž; Sarjaš, Andrej; Hančič, Aleš; Grum, Janez

2013-01-01

This paper presents an improved monitoring system for the failure detection of engraving tool steel inserts during the injection molding cycle. This system uses acoustic emission PZT sensors mounted through acoustic waveguides on the engraving insert. We were thus able to clearly distinguish the defect through measured AE signals. Two engraving tool steel inserts were tested during the production of standard test specimens, each under the same processing conditions. By closely comparing the captured AE signals on both engraving inserts during the filling and packing stages, we were able to detect the presence of macro-cracks on one engraving insert. Gabor wavelet analysis was used for closer examination of the captured AE signals' peak amplitudes during the filling and packing stages. The obtained results revealed that such a system could be used successfully as an improved tool for monitoring the integrity of an injection molding process. PMID:23673677

Green Is the New Black: The Need for a New Currency That Values Water Resources in Rapidly Developing Landscapes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Creed, I. F.; Webster, K. L.; Kreutzweiser, D. P.; Beall, F.

2014-12-01

Canada's boreal forest supports many aquatic ecosystem services (AES) due to the intimate linkage between aquatic systems and their surrounding terrestrial watersheds in forested landscapes. There is an increasing risk to AES because natural development activities (forest management, mining, energy) have resulted in disruptions that deteriorate aquatic ecosystems at local (10s of km2) to regional (100s of km2) scales. These activities are intensifying and expanding, placing at risk the healthy aquatic ecosystems that provide AES and may threaten the continued development of the energy, forest, and mining sectors. Remarkably, we know little about the consequences of these activities on AES. The idea that AES should be explicitly integrated into modern natural resource management regulations is gaining broad acceptance. A major need is the ability to measure cumulative effects and determine thresholds (the points where aquatic ecosystems and their services cannot recover to a desired state within a reasonable time frame) in these cumulative effects. However, there is no single conceptual approach to assessing cumulative effects that is widely accepted by both scientists and managers. We present an integrated science-policy framework that enables the integration of AES into forest management risk assessment and prevention/mitigation strategies. We use this framework to explore the risk of further deterioration of AES by (1) setting risk criteria; (2) using emerging technologies to map process-based indicators representing causes and consequences of risk events to the deterioration of AES; (3) assessing existing prevention and mitigation policies in place to avoid risk events; and (4) identifying priorities for policy change needed to reduce risk event. Ultimately, the success of this framework requires that higher value be placed on AES, and in turn to improve the science and management of the boreal forest.

Acoustic Emission Monitoring of Multicell Reinforced Concrete Box Girders Subjected to Torsion

PubMed Central

Bagherifaez, Marya; Behnia, Arash; Majeed, Abeer Aqeel; Hwa Kian, Chai

2014-01-01

Reinforced concrete (RC) box girders are a common structural member for road bridges in modern construction. The hollow cross-section of a box girder is ideal in carrying eccentric loads or torques introduced by skew supports. This study employed acoustic emission (AE) monitoring on multicell RC box girder specimens subjected to laboratory-based torsion loading. Three multicell box girder specimens with different cross-sections were tested. The aim is to acquire AE analysis data indicative for characterizing torsion fracture in the box girders. It was demonstrated through appropriate parametric analysis that the AE technique could be utilized to effectively classify fracture developed in the specimens for describing their mechanical behavior under torsion. AE events localization was presented to illustrate the trend of crack and damage propagation in different stages of fracture. It could be observed that spiral-like patterns of crack were captured through AE damage localization system and damage was quantified successfully in different stages of fracture by using smoothed b-value analysis. PMID:25180203

Continuous AE crack monitoring of a dissimilar metal weldment at Limerick Unit 1

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

Hutton, P.H.; Friesel, M.A.; Dawson, J.F.

1993-12-01

Acoustic emission (AE) technology for continuous surveillance of a reactor component(s) to detect crack initiation and/or crack growth has been developed at Pacific Northwest Laboratory (PNL). The technology was validated off-reactor in several major tests, but it had not been validated by monitoring crack growth on an operating reactor system. A flaw indication was identified during normal inservice inspection of piping at Philadelphia Electric Company (PECO) Limerick Unit 1 reactor during the 1989 refueling outage. Evaluation of the flaw indication showed that it could remain in place during the subsequent fuel cycle without compromising safety. The existence of this flawmore » indication offered a long sought opportunity to validate AE surveillance to detect and evaluate crack growth during reactor operation. AE instrumentation was installed by PNL and PECO to monitor the flaw indication during two complete fuel cycles. This report discusses the results obtained from the AE monitoring over the period May 1989 to March 1992 (two fuel cycles).« less

Perinatal asphyxia results in altered expression of the hippocampal acylethanolamide/endocannabinoid signaling system associated to memory impairments in postweaned rats.

PubMed

Blanco, Eduardo; Galeano, Pablo; Holubiec, Mariana I; Romero, Juan I; Logica, Tamara; Rivera, Patricia; Pavón, Francisco J; Suarez, Juan; Capani, Francisco; Rodríguez de Fonseca, Fernando

2015-01-01

Perinatal asphyxia (PA) is an obstetric complication that strongly affects the CNS. The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is a lipid transmitter system involved in several physiological processes including synaptic plasticity, neurogenesis, memory, and mood. Endocannabinoids, and other acylethanolamides (AEs) without endocannabinoid activity, have recently received growing attention due to their potential neuroprotective functions in neurological disorders, including cerebral ischemia. In the present study, we aimed to analyze the changes produced by PA in the major metabolic enzymes and receptors of the ECS/AEs in the hippocampus using a rodent model of PA. To induce PA, we removed uterine horns from ready-to-deliver rats and immersed them into a water bath during 19 min. Animals delivered spontaneously or by cesarean section were employed as controls. At 1 month of age, cognitive functions were assessed and immunohistochemical procedures were carried out to determine the expression of NeuN and glial fibrillary acidic protein, enzymes responsible for synthesis (DAGLα and NAPE-PLD) and degradation (FAAH) of ECS/AEs and their receptors (CB1 and PPARα) in the hippocampus. Postweaned asphyctic rats showed impaired recognition and spatial reference memory that were accompanied by hippocampal astrogliosis and changes in the expression of enzymes and receptors. The most remarkable findings in asphyctic rats were a decrease in the expression of NAPE-PLD and PPARα in both hippocampal areas CA1 and CA3. In addition, postweaned cesarean delivery rats showed an increase in the immunolabeling for FAAH in the hippocampal CA3 area. Since, NAPE-PLD and PPARα are proteins that participate in the biochemical process of AEs, specially the neuroprotective oleoylethanolamide, these results suggest that PA dysregulates this system. These data encourage conducting future studies using AEs as potential neuroprotective compounds in animal models of PA.

Adverse Events to Food Supplements Containing Red Yeast Rice: Comparative Analysis of FAERS and CAERS Reporting Systems.

PubMed

Raschi, Emanuel; Girardi, Anna; Poluzzi, Elisabetta; Forcesi, Emanuele; Menniti-Ippolito, Francesca; Mazzanti, Gabriela; De Ponti, Fabrizio

2018-03-26

Food supplements containing red yeast rice (RYR) are proposed as an alternative in statin-intolerant patients, although they actually contain natural statin(s) and their safety in clinical practice is still incompletely characterized. We described and compared adverse events (AEs) associated with RYR products submitted to reporting systems maintained by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), with a focus on liver and muscular events. We extracted RYR-related AEs from the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) [first quarter (Q1)-2004 to Q2-2016], a drug-based archive, and the Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition Adverse Event Reporting System (CAERS) (Q1-2004 to Q1-2017). Disproportionality via reporting odds ratio (ROR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) calculation and case-by-case inspection were performed, with a focus on muscular and hepatic AEs. One thousand three hundred AEs were extracted from FAERS (RYR mainly reported as a concomitant agent), whereas only 159 AEs were found in CAERS (RYR recorded mainly as a suspect agent). In FAERS, a large number of reports emerged for "general disorders and administration site conditions," whereas CAERS received also a high number of reports for "investigations" and "musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders". Disproportionality analyses confirmed higher reporting of serious muscular and liver injuries: in FAERS, five cases of hepatic disorders (ROR = 13.71; 95% CI 5.44-34.57); in CAERS, 27 cases of rhabdomyolysis/myopathy (8.44; 5.44-13.10). Notwithstanding recognized limitations, these findings strengthen the importance of exploring multiple databases in safety assessment of RYR products, which should be monitored by clinicians for muscular and hepatic safety, and call for urgent review by policymakers to harmonize their regulatory status.

On the predictability of individual events in power-law systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

de, Rumi

2006-11-01

We consider a modified Burridge-Knopoff model with a view to understand results of acoustic emission (AE) relevant to earthquakes by adding a dissipative term which mimics bursts of acous- tic signals. Interestingly, we find a precursor effect in the cumulative energy dissipated which allows identification of a large slip event. Further, the AE activity for several large slip events follows a universal stretched exponential behavior with corrections in terms of time-to-failure. We find that many features of the statistics of AE signals such as their amplitudes, durations and the intervals between successive AE bursts obey power laws consistent with recent experimental results. Large magnitude events have different power law from that of the small ones, the latter being sensitive to the pulling speed.

Towards a global system of vigilance and surveillance in unrelated donors of haematopoietic progenitor cells for transplantation.

PubMed

Shaw, B E; Chapman, J; Fechter, M; Foeken, L; Greinix, H; Hwang, W; Phillips-Johnson, L; Korhonen, M; Lindberg, B; Navarro, W H; Szer, J

2013-11-01

Safety of living donors is critical to the success of blood, tissue and organ transplantation. Structured and robust vigilance and surveillance systems exist as part of some national entities, but historically no global systems are in place to ensure conformity, harmonisation and the recognition of rare adverse events (AEs). The World Health Assembly has recently resolved to require AE/reaction (AE/R) reporting both nationally and globally. The World Marrow Donor Association (WMDA) is an international organisation promoting the safety of unrelated donors and progenitor cell products for use in haematopoietic progenitor cell (HPC) transplantation. To address this issue, we established a system for collecting, collating, analysing, distributing and reacting to serious adverse events and reactions (SAE/R) in unrelated HPC donors. The WMDA successfully instituted this reporting system with 203 SAE/R reported in 2011. The committee generated two rapid reports, reacting to specific SAE/R, resulting in practice changing policies. The system has a robust governance structure, formal feedback to the WMDA membership and transparent information flows to other agencies, specialist physicians and transplant programs and the general public.

Multiplexing Technology for Acoustic Emission Monitoring of Aerospace Vehicles

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Prosser, William; Percy, Daniel

2003-01-01

The initiation and propagation of damage mechanisms such as cracks and delaminations generate acoustic waves, which propagate through a structure. These waves can be detected and analyzed to provide the location and severity of damage as part of a structural health monitoring (SHM) system. This methodology of damage detection is commonly known as acoustic emission (AE) monitoring, and is widely used on a variety of applications on civil structures. AE has been widely considered for SHM of aerospace vehicles. Numerous successful ground and flight test demonstrations have been performed, which show the viability of the technology for damage monitoring in aerospace structures. However, one significant current limitation for application of AE techniques on aerospace vehicles is the large size, mass, and power requirements for the necessary monitoring instrumentation. To address this issue, a prototype multiplexing approach has been developed and demonstrated in this study, which reduces the amount of AE monitoring instrumentation required. Typical time division multiplexing techniques that are commonly used to monitor strain, pressure and temperature sensors are not applicable to AE monitoring because of the asynchronous and widely varying rates of AE signal occurrence. Thus, an event based multiplexing technique was developed. In the initial prototype circuit, inputs from eight sensors in a linear array were multiplexed into two data acquisition channels. The multiplexer rapidly switches, in less than one microsecond, allowing the signals from two sensors to be acquired by a digitizer. The two acquired signals are from the sensors on either side of the trigger sensor. This enables the capture of the first arrival of the waves, which cannot be accomplished with the signal from the trigger sensor. The propagation delay to the slightly more distant neighboring sensors makes this possible. The arrival time from this first arrival provides a more accurate source location determination. The multiplexer also identifies which channels are acquired by encoding TTL logic pulses onto the latter portion of the signals. This prototype system was demonstrated using pencil lead break (Hsu-Neilsen) sources on an aluminum plate. It performed as designed providing rapid low noise trigger based switching with encoded channel identification. this multiplexing approach is not limited to linear arrays, but can be easily extended to monitor sensors in planar ot three dimensional arrays. A 32 channel multiplexing system is under development that will allow arbitrary sensor placement. Another benefit of this multiplexing system is the reduction in the expense of data acquisition hardware. In addition, the reduced weight and power requirements are of extreme importance for proposed AE systems on aerospace vehicles.

Adverse Events Associated with Hospitalization or Detected through the RAI-HC Assessment among Canadian Home Care Clients

PubMed Central

Doran, Diane; Hirdes, John P.; Blais, Régis; Baker, G. Ross; Poss, Jeff W.; Li, Xiaoqiang; Dill, Donna; Gruneir, Andrea; Heckman, George; Lacroix, Hélène; Mitchell, Lori; O'Beirne, Maeve; Foebel, Andrea; White, Nancy; Qian, Gan; Nahm, Sang-Myong; Yim, Odilia; Droppo, Lisa; McIsaac, Corrine

2013-01-01

Background: The occurrence of adverse events (AEs) in care settings is a patient safety concern that has significant consequences across healthcare systems. Patient safety problems have been well documented in acute care settings; however, similar data for clients in home care (HC) settings in Canada are limited. The purpose of this Canadian study was to investigate AEs in HC, specifically those associated with hospitalization or detected through the Resident Assessment Instrument for Home Care (RAI-HC). Method: A retrospective cohort design was used. The cohort consisted of HC clients from the provinces of Nova Scotia, Ontario, British Columbia and the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority. Results: The overall incidence rate of AEs associated with hospitalization ranged from 6% to 9%. The incidence rate of AEs determined from the RAI-HC was 4%. Injurious falls, injuries from other than fall and medication-related events were the most frequent AEs associated with hospitalization, whereas new caregiver distress was the most frequent AE identified through the RAI-HC. Conclusion: The incidence of AEs from all sources of data ranged from 4% to 9%. More resources are needed to target strategies for addressing safety risks in HC in a broader context. Tools such as the RAI-HC and its Clinical Assessment Protocols, already available in Canada, could be very useful in the assessment and management of HC clients who are at safety risk. PMID:23968676

10-Year analysis of adverse event reports to the Food and Drug Administration for phosphodiesterase type-5 inhibitors.

PubMed

Lowe, Gregory; Costabile, Raymond A

2012-01-01

To ensure public safety all Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved medications undergo postapproval safety analysis. Phosphodiesterase type-5 inhibitors (PDE5-i) are generally regarded as safe and effective. We performed a nonindustry-sponsored analysis of FDA reports for sildenafil, tadalafil, and vardenafil to evaluate the reported cardiovascular and mortality events over the past 10 years. Summarized reports of adverse events (AEs) for each PDE5-i were requested from the Center for Drug Evaluation and Research within the FDA. These data are available under the Freedom of Information Act and document industry and nonindustry reports of AEs entered into the computerized system maintained by the Office of Surveillance and Epidemiology. The data were analyzed for the number of AE reports, number of objective cardiovascular events, and reported deaths. Overall, 14,818 AEs were reported for sildenafil. There were 1,824 (12.3%) reported deaths, and reports of cardiovascular AEs numbered 2,406 (16.2%). Tadalafil was associated with 5,548 AEs and 236 deaths were reported. Vardenafil was associated with 6,085 AEs and 121 reports of deaths. The percentage of reported severe cardiovascular disorders has stabilized at 10% to 15% of all AE reports for sildenafil and tadalafil and 5% to 10% for vardenafil. Only 10% of AE reports sent to the FDA for PDE5-i were from pharmaceutical manufacturers. Reports of deaths associated with PDE5-i remain around 5% of total reported events. Despite inherent limitations from evaluating FDA reports of AEs, it is important that these reports be reviewed outside pharmaceutical industry support in order to provide due diligence and transparency. Lowe G and Costabile RA. 10-year analysis of adverse event reports to the Food and Drug Administration for phosphodiesterase type-5 inhibitors. J Sex Med 2012;9:265-270. © 2011 International Society for Sexual Medicine.

A Neural Network/Acoustic Emission Analysis of Impact Damaged Graphite/Epoxy Pressure Vessels

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Walker, James L.; Hill, Erik v. K.; Workman, Gary L.; Russell, Samuel S.

1995-01-01

Acoustic emission (AE) signal analysis has been used to measure the effects of impact damage on burst pressure in 5.75 inch diameter, inert propellant filled, filament wound pressure vessels. The AE data were collected from fifteen graphite/epoxy pressure vessels featuring five damage states and three resin systems. A burst pressure prediction model was developed by correlating the AE amplitude (frequency) distribution, generated during the first pressure ramp to 800 psig (approximately 25% of the average expected burst pressure for an undamaged vessel) to known burst pressures using a four layered back propagation neural network. The neural network, trained on three vessels from each resin system, was able to predict burst pressures with a worst case error of 5.7% for the entire fifteen bottle set.

Descriptive Epidemiology of Collegiate Men's Football Injuries: National Collegiate Athletic Association Injury Surveillance System, 1988–1989 Through 2003–2004

PubMed Central

Dick, Randall; Ferrara, Michael S; Agel, Julie; Courson, Ron; Marshall, Stephen W; Hanley, Michael J; Reifsteck, Fred

2007-01-01

Objective: To review 16 years of National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) injury surveillance data for men's football and identify potential areas for injury prevention initiatives. Background: Football is a high-velocity collision sport in which injuries are expected. Football tends to have one of the highest injury rates in sports. Epidemiologic data helps certified athletic trainers and other clinicians identify injury trends and patterns to appropriately design and institute injury prevention protocols and then measure their effects. Main Results: During the 16-year reporting period, about 19% of the Division I, II, and III NCAA institutions sponsoring football participated in the Injury Surveillance System. The results from the 16-year study period show little variation in the injury rates over time: games averaged 36 injuries per 1000 athlete-exposures (A-Es); fall practice, approximately 4 injuries per 1000 A-Es; and spring practice, about 10 injuries per 1000 A-Es. The game injury rate was more than 9 times higher than the in-season practice injury rate (35.90 versus 3.80 injuries per 1000 A-Es, rate ratio = 9.1, 95% confidence interval = 9.0, 9.2), and the spring practice injury rate was more than 2 times higher than the fall practice injury rate (9.62 versus 3.80 injuries per 1000 A-Es, rate ratio = 2.5, 95% confidence interval = 2.5, 2.6). The rate ratio for games versus fall practices was greatest for upper leg contusions (18.1 per 1000 A-Es), acromioclavicular joint sprains (14.0 per 1000 A-Es), knee internal derangements (13.4 per 1000 A-Es), ankle ligament sprains (12.0 per 1000 A-Es), and concussions (11.1 per 1000 A-Es). Recommendations: Football is a complex sport that requires a range of skills performed by athletes with a wide variety of body shapes and types. Injury risks are greatest during games. Thus, injury prevention measures should focus on position-specific activities to reduce the injury rate. As equipment technology improves for the helmet, shoulder pads, and other protective devices, appropriate injury surveillance procedures should be performed to determine the effect of the new equipment on injury rates. A consistent evaluation of injury trends and patterns will assist decision makers in designing injury prevention techniques in areas that warrant the greatest attention and suggesting rule changes and modifications based on the data. PMID:17710170

Action stations to relieve A&E.

PubMed

Moore, Alison

Trusts have taken steps to avoid a repeat of list winter's pressures on A&E. Work is also under way on an NHS England blueprint to transform urgent and emergency care. Nurses will play a part in reshaping the system, but all the moment many are stressed by working under excessive pressure all year round.

76 FR 1427 - AES Wind Generation, Inc. v. California Independent System Operator Corporation; Notice of...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-01-10

... DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY Federal Energy Regulatory Commission [Docket No. EL11-14-000] AES Wind... the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (Commission), 18 CFR 385.206 (2010) and sections 206 and 306... required to post its second financial security for the CAISO Transition Cluster. By this notice, the date...

Dispersal of Male Aedes aegypti in a Coastal Village in Southern Mexico

PubMed Central

Valerio, Laura; Facchinelli, Luca; Ramsey, Janine M.; Scott, Thomas W.

2012-01-01

Most Aedes aegypti dispersal studies have focused on females because of their central role in dengue virus transmission. Only a few mark-release-recapture (MRR) studies provided insights into male Ae. aegypti dispersal. To fill this knowledge gap, we conducted five male Ae. aegypti MRR experiments in a coastal village in southern Mexico. Small and large male cohorts were marked with fluorescent dusts, released outside buildings, and recaptures were carried out by using backpack aspirators. Recapture rates ranged between 0.35% and 6.55% and median distance traveled was 12–166 meters. A statistically significant difference in median distance traveled with large males dispersing farther than small ones was detected only in one experiment (MRR5: U = 3.5, P < 0.01). Male dispersal data will be useful for constructing and estimating parameter values and validating models that will be used to plan the most effective release strategies for genetically modified male Ae. aegypti. PMID:22492152

Low-latitude thermospheric neutral winds determined from AE-E measurements of the 6300-A nightglow at solar maximum

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Burrage, M. D.; Abreu, V. J.; Fesen, C. G.

1990-01-01

Atmosphere Explorer E (AE-E) measurements of the O(1D) 6300-A emission in the nighttime equatorial thermosphere are used to infer the height of the F2 layer peak as a function of latitude and local time. The investigation is conducted both for northern hemisphere winter solstice and for spring equinox, under solar maximum conditions. The layer heights are used to derive magnetic meridional components of the transequatorial neutral wind, in conjunction with the MSIS-86 model and previous Jicamarca incoherent scatter measurements of the zonal electric field. The AE-E wind estimates indicate a predominant summer to winter flow for the winter solstice case. Comparisons are made with the empirical horizontal wind model HWM87 and with winds generated by the thermospheric general circulation model. The model predictions and experimental results are generally in good agreement, confirming the applicability of visible airglow data to studies of the global neutral wind pattern.

Acceptance Equipment System Data Acquisition and Processing Utility

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

Fakhro, Rowan

2015-02-01

My internship at Sandia National Laboratories took place in the Department of Sensors and Embedded Systems, which is tasked with, among many things, the non-destructive testing of thermal batteries. The Acceptance Equipment System (AES) is a flexible rack system designed to electrically test thermal batteries individually for internal defects before they are stored in the battery stock pile. Aside from individual testing, data acquired by the AES is used for many things including trending and catching outliers within the tolerance levels of a particular battery type, allowing for the development of more refined acceptance requirements and testing procedures.

Desktop system for accounting, audit, and research in A&E.

PubMed Central

Taylor, C J; Brain, S G; Bull, F; Crosby, A C; Ferguson, D G

1997-01-01

The development of a database for audit, research, and accounting in accident and emergency (A&E) is described. The system uses a desktop computer, an optical scanner, sophisticated optical mark reader software, and workload management data. The system is highly flexible, easy to use, and at a cost of around 16,000 pounds affordable for larger departments wishing to move towards accounting. For smaller departments, it may be an alternative to full computerisation. Images Figure 1 Figure 2 Figure 3 Figure 5 Figure 6 PMID:9132200

Simultaneous observations of reaction kinetics, creep behavior, and AE activities during syndeformational antigorite dehydration at high pressures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kubo, T.; Iwasato, T.; Higo, Y.; Kato, T.; Kaneshima, S.; Uehara, S.; Koizumi, S.; Imamura, M.; Tange, Y.

2015-12-01

Intermediate-depth earthquakes are seismic activities in Wadati-Benioff zone at depths from 60 km to 300 km, where subducting plates deform plastically rather than brittle failure. Although it has been reported that unstable faulting occurred during antigorite dehydration even at higher pressures than ~2 GPa (e.g., Jung et al., 2009), the recent study by Chernak and Hirth (2011) revealed that the syndefromational antigorite dehydration does not produces stick-slip instabilities but stable fault slip. In the present study, we newly developed an AE monitoring system for high-pressure reaction-deformation processes combined with D-DIA and synchrotron monochromatic X-ray to observe reaction kinetics, creep behaviors, and AE activities simultaneously. We applied this technique to investigate shear instability during syndeformational antigorite dehydration. High-pressure deformation experiments were conducted up to ~8 GPa, ~1050 K, and strain rates of 3.4-9.2 x 10-5 s-1 in compression using a D-DIA type apparatus installed at BL-04B1, SPring-8. 50 keV mono X-ray were used to measure reaction kinetics and stress-strain data. To monitor shear instabilities by detecting AEs, six piezoelectric devices were positioned between first and second stage anvils of MA 6-6 type system. We used three kinds of starting materials of polycrystalline antigorite, fine-grained forsterite polycrystal, and two-phase mixtures of antigorite and San Carlos olivine (10%, 30%, and 50%atg). Clear contrasts were observed in AE activities between forsterite and antigorite samples. AE activities detected within the forsterite polycrystal suggested (semi) brittle behaviors at low pressures during the cold compression stage.
Almost no AEs were detected within the antigorite samples during any stages of cold compression, ramping, deformation, and syndeformational dehydration although localized deformation textures were observed in recovered samples. Instead, we detected some AEs outside the sample, indicating the stick slipping at the boundaries of cylindrical parts. Our results suggest that localized deformation and dehydration of antigorite do not enhance shear instability at high pressures at least in compression under drained condition.

Post-licensure, phase IV, safety study of a live attenuated Japanese encephalitis recombinant vaccine in children in Thailand.

PubMed

Chotpitayasunondh, Tawee; Pruekprasert, Pornpimol; Puthanakit, Thanyawee; Pancharoen, Chitsanu; Tangsathapornpong, Auchara; Oberdorfer, Peninnah; Kosalaraksa, Pope; Prommalikit, Olarn; Tangkittithaworn, Suwimon; Kerdpanich, Phirangkul; Techasaensiri, Chonnamet; Korejwo, Joanna; Chuenkitmongkol, Sunate; Houillon, Guy

2017-01-05

Japanese encephalitis is a mosquito-borne viral disease endemic in most countries in Asia. A recombinant live, attenuated Japanese encephalitis virus vaccine, JE-CV, is licensed in 14 countries, including Thailand, for the prevention of Japanese encephalitis in adults and children. This was a prospective, phase IV, open-label, multicentre, safety study of JE-CV conducted from November 2013 to April 2015, to evaluate rare serious adverse events (AEs). JE-CV was administered to 10,000 healthy children aged 9months to <5years in Thailand as a primary (Group 1) or booster (Group 2) vaccination. Serious AEs (SAEs), including AEs of special interest, up to 60days after administration were evaluated. Immediate Grade 3 systemic AEs up to 30min after JE-CV administration were also described. The median age of participants was 1.1years in Group 1 and 3.8years in Group 2. SAEs were reported in 204 (3.0%) participants in Group 1 and 59 (1.9%) participants in Group 2. Among a total of 294 SAEs in 263 participants, only three events occurring in two participants were considered related to vaccination. All three cases were moderate urticaria, none of which met the definition of AEs of special interest for hypersensitivity. AEs of special interest were reported in 28 (0.4%) participants in Group 1 and 4 (0.1%) participants in Group 2; none were considered related to vaccination. Febrile convulsion was the most frequently reported AE of special interest: 25 (0.4%) participants in Group 1; and 2 (<0.1%) in Group 2. There were no cases of Japanese encephalitis reported. No Grade 3 immediate systemic AEs were reported after any JE-CV vaccination. Our study did not identify any new safety concerns with JE-CV and confirms its good safety profile. This study was registered on www.clinicaltrials.gov (NCT01981967; Universal Trial Number: U1111-1127-7052). Copyright © 2016 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.

Safety and Side Effect Profile of Liposome Bupivacaine (Exparel) in Peripheral Nerve Blocks.

PubMed

Ilfeld, Brian M; Viscusi, Eugene R; Hadzic, Admir; Minkowitz, Harold S; Morren, Michael D; Lookabaugh, Janice; Joshi, Girish P

2015-01-01

Liposome bupivacaine (Exparel) is a multivesicular liposomal formulation of bupivacaine currently approved in the United States for single-dose administration into the surgical site to provide postsurgical analgesia. This retrospective analysis examined safety data from clinical trials involving the off-label use of this formulation in peripheral nerve blocks. Data from 6 controlled (phases I-III) studies were compiled involving single-injection ankle, femoral nerve, and intercostal nerve blocks (2 each). Adverse events (AEs) were monitored for 1 to 30 days after study drug administration. Of 575 subjects, 335 received liposome bupivacaine (2-310 mg), 33 received bupivacaine HCl (75-125 mg), and 207 received normal saline (placebo). Overall, 76% of subjects receiving liposome bupivacaine experienced 1 or more AEs compared with 61% receiving bupivacaine HCl and 76% receiving placebo. The most frequently reported AEs among subjects receiving liposome bupivacaine were nausea, pyrexia, pruritus, constipation, and vomiting. The most common treatment-related AE was hypesthesia among subjects treated with liposome bupivacaine or bupivacaine HCl. Incidence of nervous system AEs for liposome bupivacaine, bupivacaine HCl, and placebo was 21%, 27%, and 21%, respectively. Similarly, incidence of cardiac AEs was 9%, 0%, and 12%, respectively. At least 1 serious AE occurred in 8% of subjects receiving liposome bupivacaine compared with 10% of those receiving placebo (none assessed by investigators as related to study medication). Liposome bupivacaine has a similar safety and side effect profile to bupivacaine HCl and normal saline, suggesting that most of the more common AEs are related to either opioid rescue or the surgical procedure itself.

Crustal stress, seismicity, acoustic emission (AE), and tectonics: the Kefallinì;a (Greece) case study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gregori, G. P.; Poscolieri, M.; Paparo, G.; Ventrice, G.; de Simone, S.; Rafanelli, C.

2009-04-01

New inferences - confirming previous results (see references)- are presented dealing with a few years Acoustic Emission (AE) records collected at Kefallinìa (Ionian Islands, Greece). A physical distinction between HF (high frequency) vs. LF (low frequency) AE is required. Step-wise changes of the AE underground conductivity are evidenced, and can be suitably handled. "Smooth" results concern (i) the annual variation, (ii) some long-lasting stress "solitons" crossing through the area, and (iii) tidal effects. In particular, every AE station can be operated like a monitoring station both for Earth's tides and for the free oscillations of the Earth. In addition, Kefallinìa exhibits a much peculiar groundwater circulation, in which conduit flow is dominant, that originates a specific (and unique) AE effect. By means of AE time-series analysis, "extreme" or "catastrophic" events can be also monitored and possibly related to relevant tectonic occurrences (either earthquakes, or maybe other occasional phenomena). They can be investigated, and have a regional - rather than local - character. Therefore, every interpretation based on a single station record - being biased by some arbitrariness - can only result indicative. A standardized procedure and software is proposed for routine AE data handling and analysis. References.: Lagios et al., 2004. In Proc. SCI 2004 (The 8th World Multi-Conference on Systemics, Cybernetics and Informatic), Orlando, Florida, July 1004, 6 pp. Poscolieri et al., 2006. In. G. Cello and B. D. Malamud, (eds), 2006. Geol. Soc. London, Special Publ., 261, 63-78. Poscolieri et al., 2006a. Nat. Hazards Earth Syst. Sci., 6, 961-971.

Proposal of a New Adverse Event Classification by the Society of Interventional Radiology Standards of Practice Committee.

PubMed

Khalilzadeh, Omid; Baerlocher, Mark O; Shyn, Paul B; Connolly, Bairbre L; Devane, A Michael; Morris, Christopher S; Cohen, Alan M; Midia, Mehran; Thornton, Raymond H; Gross, Kathleen; Caplin, Drew M; Aeron, Gunjan; Misra, Sanjay; Patel, Nilesh H; Walker, T Gregory; Martinez-Salazar, Gloria; Silberzweig, James E; Nikolic, Boris

2017-10-01

To develop a new adverse event (AE) classification for the interventional radiology (IR) procedures and evaluate its clinical, research, and educational value compared with the existing Society of Interventional Radiology (SIR) classification via an SIR member survey. A new AE classification was developed by members of the Standards of Practice Committee of the SIR. Subsequently, a survey was created by a group of 18 members from the SIR Standards of Practice Committee and Service Lines. Twelve clinical AE case scenarios were generated that encompassed a broad spectrum of IR procedures and potential AEs. Survey questions were designed to evaluate the following domains: educational and research values, accountability for intraprocedural challenges, consistency of AE reporting, unambiguity, and potential for incorporation into existing quality-assurance framework. For each AE scenario, the survey participants were instructed to answer questions about the proposed and existing SIR classifications. SIR members were invited via online survey links, and 68 members participated among 140 surveyed. Answers on new and existing classifications were evaluated and compared statistically. Overall comparison between the two surveys was performed by generalized linear modeling. The proposed AE classification received superior evaluations in terms of consistency of reporting (P < .05) and potential for incorporation into existing quality-assurance framework (P < .05). Respondents gave a higher overall rating to the educational and research value of the new compared with the existing classification (P < .05). This study proposed an AE classification system that outperformed the existing SIR classification in the studied domains. Copyright © 2017 SIR. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Phenotyping for patient safety: algorithm development for electronic health record based automated adverse event and medical error detection in neonatal intensive care.

PubMed

Li, Qi; Melton, Kristin; Lingren, Todd; Kirkendall, Eric S; Hall, Eric; Zhai, Haijun; Ni, Yizhao; Kaiser, Megan; Stoutenborough, Laura; Solti, Imre

2014-01-01

Although electronic health records (EHRs) have the potential to provide a foundation for quality and safety algorithms, few studies have measured their impact on automated adverse event (AE) and medical error (ME) detection within the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) environment. This paper presents two phenotyping AE and ME detection algorithms (ie, IV infiltrations, narcotic medication oversedation and dosing errors) and describes manual annotation of airway management and medication/fluid AEs from NICU EHRs. From 753 NICU patient EHRs from 2011, we developed two automatic AE/ME detection algorithms, and manually annotated 11 classes of AEs in 3263 clinical notes. Performance of the automatic AE/ME detection algorithms was compared to trigger tool and voluntary incident reporting results. AEs in clinical notes were double annotated and consensus achieved under neonatologist supervision. Sensitivity, positive predictive value (PPV), and specificity are reported. Twelve severe IV infiltrates were detected. The algorithm identified one more infiltrate than the trigger tool and eight more than incident reporting. One narcotic oversedation was detected demonstrating 100% agreement with the trigger tool. Additionally, 17 narcotic medication MEs were detected, an increase of 16 cases over voluntary incident reporting. Automated AE/ME detection algorithms provide higher sensitivity and PPV than currently used trigger tools or voluntary incident-reporting systems, including identification of potential dosing and frequency errors that current methods are unequipped to detect. Published by the BMJ Publishing Group Limited. For permission to use (where not already granted under a licence) please go to http://group.bmj.com/group/rights-licensing/permissions.

AES Water Architecture Study Interim Results

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sarguisingh, Miriam J.

2012-01-01

The mission of the Advanced Exploration System (AES) Water Recovery Project (WRP) is to develop advanced water recovery systems in order to enable NASA human exploration missions beyond low earth orbit (LEO). The primary objective of the AES WRP is to develop water recovery technologies critical to near term missions beyond LEO. The secondary objective is to continue to advance mid-readiness level technologies to support future NASA missions. An effort is being undertaken to establish the architecture for the AES Water Recovery System (WRS) that meets both near and long term objectives. The resultant architecture will be used to guide future technical planning, establish a baseline development roadmap for technology infusion, and establish baseline assumptions for integrated ground and on-orbit environmental control and life support systems (ECLSS) definition. This study is being performed in three phases. Phase I of this study established the scope of the study through definition of the mission requirements and constraints, as well as indentifying all possible WRS configurations that meet the mission requirements. Phase II of this study focused on the near term space exploration objectives by establishing an ISS-derived reference schematic for long-duration (>180 day) in-space habitation. Phase III will focus on the long term space exploration objectives, trading the viable WRS configurations identified in Phase I to identify the ideal exploration WRS. The results of Phases I and II are discussed in this paper.

Interpreter use in an inner city accident and emergency department.

PubMed Central

Leman, P

1997-01-01

OBJECTIVE: To determine the extent of communication problems that arose from patients whose primary language was non-English presenting to an inner city accident and emergency (A&E) department. METHODS: A prospective survey over seven consecutive days during September 1995. All adult patients other than those directly referred by their general practitioner to an inpatient team had a questionnaire completed by the A&E doctor first seeing the patient. The doctor recorded language ability and form of interpreter used, and estimated any prolongation of the consultation and ability to improve communication by the use of additional services. RESULTS: 103 patients (17%) did not speak English as their primary language; 55 patients (9.1% of the study population) had an English language ability rated as other than good, and 16 (29%) of these consultations could have been improved by the use of additional interpreter services; 28 patients overall (4.6% of the study population) required the use of an interpreter, who was usually a relative. CONCLUSIONS: A significant number of patients presenting to A&E have difficulty in communicating in English. These consultations could often have been improved by the use of additional interpreter services. Telephone interpreter services may provide the answer for use in A&E departments because of their instant and 24 hour availability. Images p99-a PMID:9132201

[Effect of processing on the antioxidant capacity of the plum (Prunus domestica)].

PubMed

Valero, Yolmar; Colina, Jhoana; Ineichen, Emilio

2012-12-01

Fruits are considered sources of antioxidant compounds whose properties could impair due to processing. The objective of this work was to determine the effect of blanching and osmotic dehydration on the total polyphenols content, tannins and antioxidant capacity of plums (Prunus domestica) in yellow and red varieties. The total phenolic content in plums was determined according to the Folin-Ciocalteu assay and tannins were determined by vanillin assay. The antiradical efficiency (AE) and ferric reducing power (FRP) were used to estimate the total antioxidant capacity. The content of total polyphenols and tannins were higher in the red plum. The content of polyphenols in the pulp was higher that the peel while for tannins the opposite was observed in both varieties. The red plum had higher antioxidant capacity. The AE was low and slow kinetics for the two varieties. There was a linear correlation between polyphenols and tannins with antiradical efficiency; however, there was no correlation with the reducing power. The total polyphenols content was increased with blanching, while the tannins and the AE decreased, ferric reducing power is unaffected. For osmotic dehydration, the tannins and the AE were decreased, while the total polyphenols content and ferric reducing power are unaffected. It is recommended the blanched as an alternative to consumption and conservation in the plum.

Continuous acoustic emission monitoring of reinforced concrete under accelerated corrosion

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Di Benedetti, M.; Loreto, G.; Nanni, A.; Matta, F.; Gonzalez-Nunez, M. A.

2011-04-01

The development of techniques capable of evaluating deterioration of reinforced concrete (RC) structures is instrumental to the advancement of techniques for the structural health monitoring (SHM) and service life estimate for constructed facilities. One of the main causes leading to degradation of RC is the corrosion of the steel reinforcement. This process can be modeled phenomenologically, while laboratory tests aimed at studying durability responses are typically accelerated in order to provide useful results within a realistic period of time. To assess the condition of damage in RC, a number of nondestructive methods have been recently studied. Acoustic emission (AE) is emerging as a nondestructive tool to detect the onset and progression of deterioration mechanisms. In this paper, the development of accelerated corrosion and continuous AE monitoring test set-up for RC specimens are presented. Relevant information are provided with regard to the characteristics of the corrosion circuit, continuous measurement and acquisition of corrosion potential, selection of AE sensors and AE parameter setting. The effectiveness of the setup in detecting and characterizing the initiation and progression of the corrosion phenomenon is discussed on the basis of preliminary results from small-scale, pre-cracked RC specimens, which are representative of areas near the clear cover in typical RC bridge members.

The Estimation of a Rigid Body Motion in the Presence of Noise.

DTIC Science & Technology

1987-07-31

Rigid Body Motion in the Presence of Noise 12. PERSONAL AUTHOR(S) 1S. AYOFDREPRTy 13b.e ad COVRE C4. 10AOUTE OF FUNPING NUBERSlAE...8217, .,_, .,,.. .\\ ..: ., : ’ *-: ,:,.,,. .’ 4 /. .’.’ ’, ’ ,. 9) 7 TRACT The problem of estimating a rigid body motion from two noisy images of an...SI ... ... Cs . I ,-’ ’".’ 1 -, ED 1, D:;.;i,1q L HARVARD UNIVERSITY DzPAILTMNT OP STATIMCS THE ESTIMATION OF A RIGID BODY MOTION IN THE

Wear detection by means of wavelet-based acoustic emission analysis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Baccar, D.; Söffker, D.

2015-08-01

Wear detection and monitoring during operation are complex and difficult tasks especially for materials under sliding conditions. Due to the permanent contact and repetitive motion, the material surface remains during tests non-accessible for optical inspection so that attrition of the contact partners cannot be easily detected. This paper introduces the relevant scientific components of reliable and efficient condition monitoring system for online detection and automated classification of wear phenomena by means of acoustic emission (AE) and advanced signal processing approaches. The related experiments were performed using a tribological system consisting of two martensitic plates, sliding against each other. High sensitive piezoelectric transducer was used to provide the continuous measurement of AE signals. The recorded AE signals were analyzed mainly by time-frequency analysis. A feature extraction module using a novel combination of Short-Time Fourier Transform (STFT) and Continuous Wavelet Transform (CWT) were used for the first time. A detailed correlation analysis between complex signal characteristics and the surface damage resulting from contact fatigue was investigated. Three wear process stages were detected and could be distinguished. To obtain quantitative and detailed information about different wear phases, the AE energy was calculated using STFT and decomposed into a suitable number of frequency levels. The individual energy distribution and the cumulative AE energy of each frequency components were analyzed using CWT. Results show that the behavior of individual frequency component changes when the wear state changes. Here, specific frequency ranges are attributed to the different wear states. The study reveals that the application of the STFT-/CWT-based AE analysis is an appropriate approach to distinguish and to interpret the different damage states occurred during sliding contact. Based on this results a new generation of condition monitoring systems can be build, able to evaluate automatically the surface condition of machine components with sliding surfaces.

Post-licensure surveillance of 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV13) in adults aged ⩾19years old in the United States, Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS), June 1, 2012-December 31, 2015.

PubMed

Haber, Penina; Arana, Jorge; Pilishvili, Tamara; Lewis, Paige; Moro, Pedro L; Cano, Maria

2016-12-07

The 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV13) was first recommended for use in adults aged ⩾19years with immunocompromising conditions in June 2012. On August 2014, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommended routine use of PCV13 among adults aged ⩾65years. We assessed adverse events (AEs) reports following PCV13 in adults aged ⩾19years reported to the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS) from June 2012 to December 2015. VAERS is a national spontaneous reporting system for monitoring AEs following vaccination. Our assessment included automated data analysis, clinical review of all serious reports and reports of special interest. We conducted empirical Bayesian data mining to assess for disproportionate reporting. VAERS received 2976 US PCV13 adult reports; 2103 (71%) of these reports were from PCV13 administered alone. Fourteen percent were in persons aged 19-64years and 86% were in persons aged ⩾65years. Injection site erythema (28%), injection site pain (24%) and fever (22%) were the most frequent AEs among persons aged 19-64years; injection site erythema (30%), erythema (20%) and injection site swelling (18%) were the most frequent among persons aged ⩾65years who were given the vaccine alone. The most frequently reported AEs among non-death serious reports were injection site reactions and general malaise among persons 19-64years old; injection site reactions, general malaise and Guillain-Barré syndrome among those ⩾65years (Table 2). Data mining did not detect disproportional reporting for any unexpected AE. The results of this study were consistent with safety data from pre-licensure studies of PCV13. We did not detect any new or unexpected AEs. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Household cereal crop harvest and children's nutritional status in rural Burkina Faso.

PubMed

Belesova, Kristine; Gasparrini, Antonio; Sié, Ali; Sauerborn, Rainer; Wilkinson, Paul

2017-06-20

Reduction of child undernutrition is one of the Sustainable Development Goals for 2030. Achievement of this goal may be made more difficult in some settings by climate change through adverse impact on agricultural productivity. However, there is only limited quantitative evidence on the link between household crop harvests and child nutrition. We examined this link in a largely subsistence farming population in rural Burkina Faso. Data on the middle-upper arm circumference (MUAC) of 975 children ≤5 years of age, household crop yields, and other parameters were obtained from the Nouna Health and Demographic Surveillance System. Multilevel modelling was used to assess the relationship between MUAC and the household crop harvest in the year 2009 estimated in terms of kilocalories per adult equivalent per day (kcal/ae/d). Fourteen percent of children had a MUAC <125 mm (a value indicative of acute undernutrition). The relationship between MUAC and annual household food energy production adjusted for age, sex, month of MUAC measurement, household wealth, whether a household member had a non-agricultural occupation, garden produce, village infrastructure and market presence, suggested a decline in MUAC below around 3000 kcal/ae/d. The mean MUAC was 2.49 (95% CI 0.45, 4.52) mm less at 1000 than at 3000 kcal/ae/d. Low per capita household crop production is associated with poorer nutritional status of children in a rural farming population in Burkina Faso. This and similar populations may thus be vulnerable to the adverse effects of weather on agricultural harvest, especially in the context of climate change.

The Geothermic Fatigue Hydraulic Fracturing Experiment in Äspö Hard Rock Laboratory, Sweden: New Insights Into Fracture Process through In-situ AE Monitoring

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kwiatek, G.; Plenkers, K.; Zang, A.; Stephansson, O.; Stenberg, L.

2016-12-01

The geothermic Fatigue Hydraulic Fracturing (FHF) in situ experiment (Nova project 54-14-1) took place in the Äspö Hard Rock Laboratory/Sweden in a 1.8 Ma old granitic to dioritic rock mass. The experiment aims at optimizing geothermal heat exchange in crystalline rock mass by multistage hydraulic fracturing at 10 m scale. Six fractures are driven by three different water injection schemes (continuous, cyclic, pulse pressurization) inside a 28 m long, horizontal borehole at depth level 410 m. The rock volume subject to hydraulic fracturing and monitored by three different networks with acoustic emission (AE), micro-seismicity and electromagnetic sensors is about 30 m x 30 m x 30 m in size. The 16-channel In-situ AE monitoring network by GMuG monitored the rupture generation and propagation in the frequency range 1000 Hz to 100,000 Hz corresponding to rupture dimensions from cm- to dm-scale. The in-situ AE monitoring system detected and analyzed AE activity in-situ (P- and S-wave picking, localization). The results were used to review the ongoing microfracturing activity in near real-time. The in-situ AE monitoring network successfully recorded and localized 196 seismic events for most, but not all, hydraulic fractures. All AE events detected in-situ occurred during fracturing time periods. The source parameters (fracture sizes, moment magnitudes, static stress drop) of AE events framing injection periods were calculated using the combined spectral fitting/spectra ratio techniques. The AE activity is clustered in space and clearly outline the fractures location, its orientation, and expansion as well as their temporal evolution. The outward migration of AE events away from the borehole is observed. Fractures extend up to 7 m from the injection interval in the horizontal borehole. The fractures orientation and location correlate for most fractures roughly with the results gained by image packer. Clear differences in seismic response between hydraulic fractures in different formations and injection schemes are visible which need further investigation. For further analysis all AE data of fracturing time periods were recorded continuously with 1 MHz sampling frequency per channel.

Management of adverse events related to new cancer immunotherapy (immune checkpoint inhibitors).

PubMed

Bourke, Jack M; O'Sullivan, Michael; Khattak, Muhammad A

2016-11-07

New immunotherapies have significantly improved survival in certain advanced cancers in recent years, particularly metastatic melanoma and lung cancer. The most effective of these therapies are the immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) such as ipilimumab, nivolumab and pembrolizumab. The use of ICIs will continue to increase in the coming years as evidence of their benefit in a range of other cancers builds. ICIs are associated with novel immune-related adverse events (irAEs), which can involve a wide range of organs. The most common irAEs involve the skin (rash, pruritus), gastrointestinal tract (diarrhoea, colitis) and endocrine system (thyroid, pituitary). While severity is generally mild, life-threatening complications can occur if not recognised and treated promptly. Due to the diverse manifestations of irAEs, patients may present to doctors who are not familiar with these drugs, which creates the potential for delays in management. Management of irAEs depends on severity and the organ affected. Systemic steroids are often required and ICI therapy may be withheld or discontinued. Additional immunosuppressive medications may be necessary in steroid-refractory cases. This review provides an overview of the potential toxicities and their management for general clinicians. Broader awareness of these issues among medical professionals will hopefully reduce unnecessary delays in diagnosis and treatment. Patient and carer education regarding irAEs is extremely important; patients and carers should be advised to seek urgent medical attention if required.

Health impact of the Buncefield oil depot fire, December 2005: study of accident and emergency case records.

PubMed

Hoek, M R; Bracebridge, S; Oliver, I

2007-09-01

On Sunday 11th of December 2005, an explosion occurred at the Buncefield oil depot, Hertfordshire, resulting in a large fire that blazed for several days. Two Accident and Emergency (A&E) departments were placed on stand-by to receive casualties. A simple surveillance system was put in place during the acute phase of the incident, but this was not adequate to fully examine the health impact of the fire. Retrospective study of A&E records at Hemel Hempstead and Watford A&E departments for the period that the fire burnt. Two hundred and forty-four people attended A&E as a result of the fire: 187 were members of the emergency services; 17 were oil depot workers; and 40 were members of the public. The most common presenting complaints were respiratory symptoms (n = 66) and injuries (n = 38). Twenty-five (21%) individuals were referred for medical follow-up. There were no fatalities. There was a significant impact on local health services, with many emergency service personnel attending A&E asymptomatically. Alternative health service provision for these individuals, possibly near to the scene of the incident, should be considered. This incident has also highlighted an urgent need to develop surveillance systems that enable real-time monitoring of the acute public health impact of major incidents.

Angioedema Triggered by Medication Blocking the Renin/Angiotensin System: Retrospective Study Using the French National Pharmacovigilance Database.

PubMed

Faisant, Charles; Armengol, Guillaume; Bouillet, Laurence; Boccon-Gibod, Isabelle; Villier, Céline; Lévesque, Hervé; Cottin, Judith; Massy, Nathalie; Benhamou, Ygal

2016-01-01

Bradykinin-mediated angioedema (AE) is a rare side effect of some medications, including angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEi) and angiotensin receptor blockers (ARB). In France, side-effects to treatments are reported to the national pharmacovigilance database. The national MedDRA database was searched using the term "angioedema". Patients were included if they met the clinical criteria corresponding to bradykinin-mediated AE, if their C1-inhibitor levels were normal, and if they were treated with an ACEi or an ARB. 7998 cases of AE were reported between 1994 and 2013. Among these, 112 met the criteria for bradykinin-mediated AE with normal C1-inhibitor levels. On the 112 drug-AE, patients were treated with an ARB in 21% of cases (24 patients), or an ACEi in 77% of cases (88 patients), in combination with another treatment in 17 cases (mTORi for 3 patients, iDPP-4 for 1 patient, hormonal treatment for 7 patients). ENT involvement was reported in 90% of cases (tongue: 48.2%, larynx: 23.2%). The median duration of treatment before the first attack was 720 days, and the mean duration of attacks was 36.6 h. Forty-one percent (19/46) of patients relapsed after discontinuing treatment. Angioedema triggered by medication blocking the renin/angiotensin system is rare but potentially severe, with a high risk of recurrence despite cessation of the causative drug.

Systemic therapy for intermediate and advanced hepatocellular carcinoma: Sorafenib and beyond.

PubMed

Raoul, Jean-Luc; Kudo, Masatoshi; Finn, Richard S; Edeline, Julien; Reig, Maria; Galle, Peter R

2018-05-17

The hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) treatment landscape changed a decade ago, with sorafenib demonstrating survival benefit in the first-line setting and becoming the first systemic therapy to be approved for HCC. More recently, regorafenib and nivolumab have received approval in the second-line setting after sorafenib, with further positive phase 3 studies emerging in the first line (lenvatinib non-inferior to sorafenib) and second line versus placebo (cabozantinib and ramucirumab). A key recommendation in the management of patients receiving sorafenib is to promote close communication between the patient and the physician so that adverse events (AEs) are detected early and severe AEs can be prevented. Sorafenib-related AEs have been identified as clinical biomarkers for sorafenib efficacy. Healthcare professionals have become more efficient in managing AEs, identifying patients who are likely to benefit from treatment, and assessing response to treatment, resulting in a trend towards increased overall survival in the sorafenib arms of clinical studies. The rapidly changing treatment landscape due to the emergence of new treatment options (sorafenib and lenvatinib equally effective in first line; regorafenib, cabozantinib, and ramucirumab showing OS benefit in second line with nivolumab approved by the FDA based on response rate) underscores the importance of re-assessing the role of the first approved systemic agent in HCC, sorafenib. Copyright © 2018. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Cradle-to-Grave Logistic Technologies for Exploration Missions

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Broyan, James L.; Ewert, Michael K.; Shull, Sarah

2013-01-01

Human exploration missions under study are very limited by the launch mass capacity of exiting and planned vehicles. The logistical mass of crew items is typically considered separate from the vehicle structure, habitat outfitting, and life support systems. Consequently, crew item logistical mass is typically competing with vehicle systems for mass allocation. NASA is Advanced Exploration Systems (AES) Logistics Reduction and Repurposing (LRR) Project is developing four logistics technologies guided by a systems engineering cradle-to-grave approach to enable used crew items to augment vehicle systems. Specifically, AES LRR is investigating the direct reduction of clothing mass, the repurposing of logistical packaging, the processing of spent crew items to benefit radiation shielding and water recovery, and the conversion of trash to propulsion supply gases. The systematic implementation of these types of technologies will increase launch mass efficiency by enabling items to be used for secondary purposes and improve the habitability of the vehicle as the mission duration increases. This paper provides a description, benefits, and challenges of the four technologies under development and a status of progress at the mid ]point of the three year AES project.

A wireless data acquisition system for acoustic emission testing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zimmerman, A. T.; Lynch, J. P.

2013-01-01

As structural health monitoring (SHM) systems have seen increased demand due to lower costs and greater capabilities, wireless technologies have emerged that enable the dense distribution of transducers and the distributed processing of sensor data. In parallel, ultrasonic techniques such as acoustic emission (AE) testing have become increasingly popular in the non-destructive evaluation of materials and structures. These techniques, which involve the analysis of frequency content between 1 kHz and 1 MHz, have proven effective in detecting the onset of cracking and other early-stage failure in active structures such as airplanes in flight. However, these techniques typically involve the use of expensive and bulky monitoring equipment capable of accurately sensing AE signals at sampling rates greater than 1 million samples per second. In this paper, a wireless data acquisition system is presented that is capable of collecting, storing, and processing AE data at rates of up to 20 MHz. Processed results can then be wirelessly transmitted in real-time, creating a system that enables the use of ultrasonic techniques in large-scale SHM systems.

Punch stretching process monitoring using acoustic emission signal analysis. II - Application of frequency domain deconvolution

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Liang, Steven Y.; Dornfeld, David A.; Nickerson, Jackson A.

1987-01-01

The coloring effect on the acoustic emission signal due to the frequency response of the data acquisition/processing instrumentation may bias the interpretation of AE signal characteristics. In this paper, a frequency domain deconvolution technique, which involves the identification of the instrumentation transfer functions and multiplication of the AE signal spectrum by the inverse of these system functions, has been carried out. In this way, the change in AE signal characteristics can be better interpreted as the result of the change in only the states of the process. Punch stretching process was used as an example to demonstrate the application of the technique. Results showed that, through the deconvolution, the frequency characteristics of AE signals generated during the stretching became more distinctive and can be more effectively used as tools for process monitoring.

Validation of the new trapped environment AE9/AP9/SPM at low Earth orbit

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Badavi, Francis F.

2014-09-01

The completion of the international space station (ISS) in 2011 has provided the space research community an ideal proving ground for future long duration human activities in space. Ionizing radiation measurements in ISS form the ideal tool for the validation of radiation environmental models, nuclear transport codes and nuclear reaction cross sections. Indeed, prior measurements on the space transportation system (STS; shuttle) provided vital information impacting both the environmental models and the nuclear transport code developments by indicating the need for an improved dynamic model of the low Earth orbit (LEO) trapped environment. Additional studies using thermo-luminescent detector (TLD), tissue equivalent proportional counter (TEPC) area monitors, and computer aided design (CAD) model of earlier ISS configurations, confirmed STS observations that, as input, computational dosimetry requires an environmental model with dynamic and directional (anisotropic) behavior, as well as an accurate six degree of freedom (DOF) definition of the vehicle attitude and orientation along the orbit of ISS. At LEO, a vehicle encounters exposure from trapped particles and attenuated galactic cosmic rays (GCR). Within the trapped field, a challenge arises from properly estimating the amount of exposure acquired. There exist a number of models to define the intensities of the trapped particles during the solar quiet and active times. At active times, solar energetic particles (SEP) generated by solar flare or coronal mass ejection (CME) also contribute to the exposure at high northern and southern latitudes. Among the more established trapped models are the historic and popular AE8/AP8, dating back to the 1980s, the historic and less popular CRRES electron/proton, dating back to 1990s and the recently released AE9/AP9/SPM. The AE9/AP9/SPM model is a major improvement over the older AE8/AP8 and CRRES models. This model is derived from numerous measurements acquired over four solar cycles dating back to the 1970s, roughly representing 40 years of data collection. In contrast, the older AE8/AP8 and CRRES models were limited to only a few months of measurements taken during the prior solar minima and maxima. The dual goal of this paper is to first validate the AE8/AP8 and AE9/AP9/SPM trapped models against ISS dosemetric measurements for a silicon based detector, to assess the improvements in the AE9/AP9/SPM model as compared to AE8/AP8 model. The validation is done at selected target points within ISS-6A configuration during its passage through the south Atlantic anomaly (SAA). For such validation, only the isotropic spectrum of either model is needed. As a second goal, the isotropic spectra of both trapped models are re-casted into anisotropic spectra by modulating them with a measurement derived angular formalism which is applicable to trapped protons. Since at LEO electrons have minimal exposure contribution, the paper ignores the AE8 and AE9 component of the models and presents the angular validation of AP8 and AP9 against measurements from the compact environment anomaly sensor (CEASE) science instrument package, flown onboard the tri-service experiment-5 (TSX-5) satellite during the period of June 2000-July 2006. The spin stabilized satellite was flown in a 410 × 1710 km, 69° inclination orbit, allowing it to be exposed to a broad range of LEO regime. Particular emphasize is put on the validation of proton flux profiles at differential 40 MeV and integral >40 MeV, in the vicinity of SAA where protons exhibit east-west (EW) anisotropy and have a relatively narrow pitch angle distribution. Within SAA, the EW anisotropy results in different level of exposure to each side of CEASE instrument package, allowing the extraction of anisotropic proton spectra from the measurements. While the magnitude of the EW effect at LEO depends on a multitude of factors such as trapped proton energy, orientation of the spacecraft along the velocity vector and altitude of the spacecraft, for this part, the paper draws quantitative conclusions on the combined effect of proton pitch angle and EW anomaly.

[Estimation of Aedes aegypti (L.) (Diptera: Culicidae) productivity in households and public spaces in a dengue endemic city in Colombia].

PubMed

Alcalá, Lucas; Quintero, Juliana; González-Uribe, Catalina; Brochero, Helena

2015-01-01

Aedes aegypti is a vector for the dengue virus in Colombia. Its productivity can be estimated using pupal counts. To determine Ae. aegypti productivity in households and public spaces in Girardot (Colombia) during both wet and dry seasons. The amount of Ae. aegypti pupae was evaluated in 20 randomly selected clusters in Girardot, each consisting of 100 households and public spaces. Inspections were performed during the rainy (February-May, 2011), and dry (August-September, 2011) seasons. House, container, Breteau, person and hectare pupae indices were estimated. During the rainy season households contributed 94% to the total number of pupae (n=7,098) while only 6% (n=482) were found in public spaces. In the dry season, 98% (n=9,138) of pupae were found in households and 2% (n=223), in public spaces. Low water-storage tanks and tanks for washing purposes provided >87% of pupae in households, whereas jars, tires and sinks contained most pupae in public spaces. High pupal densities were observed in public spaces during the rainy season and in streets and schools in the dry season. There were no significant differences in the index per person (rainy season=1.0; dry season=1.3) or per hectare (rainy season=0.96, dry season=0.45) between seasons. High Ae. aegypti pupal densities were found inside households in low water-storage tanks and tanks for washing purposes during both the dry and rainy seasons. Public spaces provided more aquatic habitats during the rainy season. Vector control strategies targeting these containers could allow a more rational use of resources and increase efficiency.

Review of risk factors for human echinococcosis prevalence on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, China: a prospective for control options

PubMed Central

2014-01-01

Objective Echinococcosis is a major parasitic zoonosis of public health importance in western China. In 2004, the Chinese Ministry of Health estimated that 380,000 people had the disease in the region. The Qinghai-Tibet Plateau is highly co-endemic with both alveolar echinococcosis (AE) and cystic echinococcosis (CE). In the past years, the Chinese government has been increasing the financial support to control the diseases in this region. Therefore, it is very important to identify the significant risk factors of the diseases by reviewing studies done in the region in the past decade to help policymakers design appropriate control strategies. Review Selection criteria for which literature to review were firstly defined. Medline, CNKI (China National Knowledge Infrastructure), and Google Scholar were systematically searched for literature published between January 2000 and July 2011. Significant risk factors found by single factor and/or multiple factors analysis were listed, counted, and summarized. Literature was examined to check the comparability of the data; age and sex specific prevalence with same data structures were merged and used for further analysis. A variety of assumed social, economical, behavioral, and ecological risk factors were studied on the Plateau. Those most at risk were Tibetan herdsmen, the old and female in particular. By analyzing merged comparable data, it was found that females had a significant higher prevalence, and a positive linearity relationship existed between echinococcosis prevalence and increasing age. In terms of behavioral risk factors, playing with dogs was mostly correlated with CE and/or AE prevalence. In terms of hygiene, employing ground water as the drinking water source was significantly correlated with CE and AE prevalence. For definitive hosts, dog related factors were most frequently identified with prevalence of CE or/and AE; fox was a potential risk factor for AE prevalence only. Overgrazing and deforestation were significant for AE prevalence only. Conclusion Tibetan herdsmen communities were at the highest risk of echinococcosis prevalence and should be the focus of echinococcosis control. Deworming both owned and stray dogs should be a major measure for controlling echinococcosis; treatment of wild definitive hosts should also be considered for AE endemic areas. Health education activities should be in concert with the local people’s education backgrounds and languages in order to be able to improve behaviors. Further researches are needed to clarify the importance of wild hosts for AE/CE prevalence, the extent and range of the impacts of ecologic changes (overgrazing and deforestation) on the AE prevalence, and risk factors in Tibet. PMID:24475907

Review of risk factors for human echinococcosis prevalence on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, China: a prospective for control options.

PubMed

Wang, Qian; Huang, Yan; Huang, Liang; Yu, Wenjie; He, Wei; Zhong, Bo; Li, Wei; Zeng, Xiangman; Vuitton, Dominique A; Giraudoux, Patrick; Craig, Philip S; Wu, Weiping

2014-01-29

Echinococcosis is a major parasitic zoonosis of public health importance in western China. In 2004, the Chinese Ministry of Health estimated that 380,000 people had the disease in the region. The Qinghai-Tibet Plateau is highly co-endemic with both alveolar echinococcosis (AE) and cystic echinococcosis (CE). In the past years, the Chinese government has been increasing the financial support to control the diseases in this region. Therefore, it is very important to identify the significant risk factors of the diseases by reviewing studies done in the region in the past decade to help policymakers design appropriate control strategies. Selection criteria for which literature to review were firstly defined. Medline, CNKI (China National Knowledge Infrastructure), and Google Scholar were systematically searched for literature published between January 2000 and July 2011. Significant risk factors found by single factor and/or multiple factors analysis were listed, counted, and summarized. Literature was examined to check the comparability of the data; age and sex specific prevalence with same data structures were merged and used for further analysis.A variety of assumed social, economical, behavioral, and ecological risk factors were studied on the Plateau. Those most at risk were Tibetan herdsmen, the old and female in particular. By analyzing merged comparable data, it was found that females had a significant higher prevalence, and a positive linearity relationship existed between echinococcosis prevalence and increasing age. In terms of behavioral risk factors, playing with dogs was mostly correlated with CE and/or AE prevalence. In terms of hygiene, employing ground water as the drinking water source was significantly correlated with CE and AE prevalence. For definitive hosts, dog related factors were most frequently identified with prevalence of CE or/and AE; fox was a potential risk factor for AE prevalence only. Overgrazing and deforestation were significant for AE prevalence only. Tibetan herdsmen communities were at the highest risk of echinococcosis prevalence and should be the focus of echinococcosis control. Deworming both owned and stray dogs should be a major measure for controlling echinococcosis; treatment of wild definitive hosts should also be considered for AE endemic areas. Health education activities should be in concert with the local people's education backgrounds and languages in order to be able to improve behaviors. Further researches are needed to clarify the importance of wild hosts for AE/CE prevalence, the extent and range of the impacts of ecologic changes (overgrazing and deforestation) on the AE prevalence, and risk factors in Tibet.

Parameterizing the dust around Herbig Ae/Be stars: Multiwavelength imaging radiative transfer modeling, and near-infrared instrumentation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Doering, Ryan Lee

Herbig Ae/Be stars are considered the intermediate-mass analogs of the low-mass pre-main sequence T Tauri stars. Observations reveal that they are surrounded by dusty matter that may provide the solid-state material for building planets. Determining the dust parameters provides constraints for planet formation theory, and yields information about the matter around intermediate-mass stars as they approach the main sequence. In this dissertation, I present the results of a multiwavelength imaging and radiative transfer modeling study of Herbig Ae/Be stars, and a near-infrared instrumentation project, with the aim of parameterizing the dust in these systems. The Hubble Space Telescope was used to search for optical light scattered by dust in a sample of young stars. This survey provided the first scattered-light image of the circumstellar environment around the Herbig Ae/Be star HD 97048. Structure is observed in the dust distribution similar to that seen in other Herbig Ae/Be systems. A ground-based near-infrared imaging study of Herbig Ae/ Be candidates was also carried out. Photometry was collected for spectral energy distribution construction, and binary candidates were resolved. A mid- infrared image of the low-mass debris system, AU Microscopii, is presented, being relevant to the study of Herbig Ae/Be stars. Detailed dust modeling of HD 97048 and HD 100546 was carried out with a two- component geometry consisting of a flared disk and an extended envelope. The models achieve a reasonable global fit to the spectral energy distributions, and produce images with the desired geometry. The disk midplane densities are found to go as r -0.5 and r -1.8 , giving disk dust masses of 3.0 × 10^-4 and 5.9 × 10 ^5 [Special characters omitted.] for HD 97048 and HD 100546, respectively. A gas-to-dust mass ratio lower limit of 3.2 was calculated for HD 97048. In order to advance the imaging capabilities available for observations of Herbig Ae/Be stars, I have participated in the development of the WIYN High Resolution Infrared Camera. The instrument operates in the near-infrared (~0.8 - 2.5 mm), includes 13 filters, and has a pixel size of ~0.1 inches, resulting in a field of view of ~3' × 3'. An angular resolution of ~0.25 inches is anticipated. I provide an overview of the instrument, and report performance results with an emphasis on detector characterization.

General Models for Automated Essay Scoring: Exploring an Alternative to the Status Quo

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kelly, P. Adam

2005-01-01

Powers, Burstein, Chodorow, Fowles, and Kukich (2002) suggested that automated essay scoring (AES) may benefit from the use of "general" scoring models designed to score essays irrespective of the prompt for which an essay was written. They reasoned that such models may enhance score credibility by signifying that an AES system measures the same…

Matt Rogers on AES Energy Storage

ScienceCinema

Rogers, Matt

2017-12-29

The Department of Energy and AES Energy Storage recently agreed to a $17.1M conditional loan guarantee commitment. This project will develop the first battery-based energy storage system to provide a more stable and efficient electrical grid for New York State's high-voltage transmission network. Matt Rogers is the Senior Advisor to the Secretary for Recovery Act Implementation.

Matt Rogers on AES Energy Storage

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

Rogers, Matt

2010-08-02

The Department of Energy and AES Energy Storage recently agreed to a $17.1M conditional loan guarantee commitment. This project will develop the first battery-based energy storage system to provide a more stable and efficient electrical grid for New York State's high-voltage transmission network. Matt Rogers is the Senior Advisor to the Secretary for Recovery Act Implementation.

Delamination of plasters applied to historical masonry walls: analysis by acoustic emission technique and numerical model

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Grazzini, A.; Lacidogna, G.; Valente, S.; Accornero, F.

2018-06-01

Masonry walls of historical buildings are subject to rising damp effects due to capillary or rain infiltrations, which in the time produce decay and delamination of historical plasters. In the restoration of masonry buildings, the plaster detachment frequently occurs because of mechanical incompatibility in repair mortar. An innovative laboratory procedure is described for test mechanical adhesion of new repair mortars. Compression static tests were carried out on composite specimens stone block-repair mortar, which specific geometry can test the de-bonding process of mortar in adherence with a stone masonry structure. The acoustic emission (AE) technique was employed for estimating the amount of energy released from fracture propagation in adherence surface between mortar and stone. A numerical simulation was elaborated based on the cohesive crack model. The evolution of detachment process of mortar in a coupled stone brick-mortar system was analysed by triangulation of AE signals, which can improve the numerical model and predict the type of failure in the adhesion surface of repair plaster. Through the cohesive crack model, it was possible to interpret theoretically the de-bonding phenomena occurring at the interface between stone block and mortar. Therefore, the mechanical behaviour of the interface is characterized.

The role of environmental variables on Aedes albopictus biology and chikungunya epidemiology

PubMed Central

Waldock, Joanna; Chandra, Nastassya L; Lelieveld, Jos; Proestos, Yiannis; Michael, Edwin; Christophides, George; Parham, Paul E

2013-01-01

Aedes albopictus is a vector of dengue and chikungunya viruses in the field, along with around 24 additional arboviruses under laboratory conditions. As an invasive mosquito species, Ae. albopictus has been expanding in geographical range over the past 20 years, although the poleward extent of mosquito populations is limited by winter temperatures. Nonetheless, population densities depend on environmental conditions and since global climate change projections indicate increasing temperatures and altered patterns of rainfall, geographic distributions of previously tropical mosquito species may change. Although mathematical models can provide explanatory insight into observed patterns of disease prevalence in terms of epidemiological and entomological processes, understanding how environmental variables affect transmission is possible only with reliable model parameterisation, which, in turn, is obtained only through a thorough understanding of the relationship between mosquito biology and environmental variables. Thus, in order to assess the impact of climate change on mosquito population distribution and regions threatened by vector-borne disease, a detailed understanding (through a synthesis of current knowledge) of the relationship between climate, mosquito biology, and disease transmission is required, but this process has not yet been undertaken for Ae. albopictus. In this review, the impact of temperature, rainfall, and relative humidity on Ae. albopictus development and survival are considered. Existing Ae. albopictus populations across Europe are mapped with current climatic conditions, considering whether estimates of climatic cutoffs for Ae. albopictus are accurate, and suggesting that environmental thresholds must be calibrated according to the scale and resolution of climate model outputs and mosquito presence data. PMID:23916332

Solar activity variations of equatorial spread F occurrence and sustenance during different seasons over Indian longitudes: Empirical model and causative mechanisms

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Madhav Haridas, M. K.; Manju, G.; Arunamani, T.

2018-05-01

A comprehensive analysis using nearly two decades of ionosonde data is carried out on the seasonal and solar cycle variations of Equatorial Spread F (ESF) irregularities over magnetic equatorial location Trivandrum (8.5°N, 77°E). The corresponding Rayleigh Taylor (RT) instability growth rates (γ) are also estimated. A seasonal pattern of ESF occurrence and the corresponding γ is established for low solar (LSA), medium solar (MSA) and high solar (HSA) activity periods. For LSA, it is seen that the γ maximizes during post sunset time with comparable magnitudes for autumnal equinox (AE), vernal equinox (VE) and winter solstice (WS), while for summer solstice (SS) it maximizes in the post-midnight period. Concurrent responses are seen in the ESF occurrence pattern. For MSA, γ maximizes during post-sunset for VE followed by WS and AE while SS maximises during post-midnight period. The ESF occurrence for MSA is highest for VE (80%), followed by AE (70%), WS (60%) and SS (50%). In case of HSA, maximum γ occurs for VE followed by AE, WS and SS. The concurrent ESF occurrence maximizes for VE and AE (90%), WS and SS at 70%. The solar cycle variation of γ is examined. γ shows a linear variation with F10.7 cm flux. Further, ESF percentage occurrence and duration show an exponential and linear variation respectively with γ. An empirical model on the solar activity dependence of ESF occurrence and sustenance time over Indian longitudes is arrived at using the database spanning two solar cycles for the first time.

Suppression of a Field Population of Aedes aegypti in Brazil by Sustained Release of Transgenic Male Mosquitoes

PubMed Central

Garziera, Luiza; Lacroix, Renaud; Donnelly, Christl A.; Alphey, Luke; Malavasi, Aldo; Capurro, Margareth L.

2015-01-01

The increasing burden of dengue, and the relative failure of traditional vector control programs highlight the need to develop new control methods. SIT using self-limiting genetic technology is one such promising method. A self-limiting strain of Aedes aegypti, OX513A, has already reached the stage of field evaluation. Sustained releases of OX513A Ae. aegypti males led to 80% suppression of a target wild Ae. aegypti population in the Cayman Islands in 2010. Here we describe sustained series of field releases of OX513A Ae. aegypti males in a suburb of Juazeiro, Bahia, Brazil. This study spanned over a year and reduced the local Ae. aegypti population by 95% (95% CI: 92.2%-97.5%) based on adult trap data and 81% (95% CI: 74.9-85.2%) based on ovitrap indices compared to the adjacent no-release control area. The mating competitiveness of the released males (0.031; 95% CI: 0.025-0.036) was similar to that estimated in the Cayman trials (0.059; 95% CI: 0.011 – 0.210), indicating that environmental and target-strain differences had little impact on the mating success of the OX513A males. We conclude that sustained release of OX513A males may be an effective and widely useful method for suppression of the key dengue vector Ae. aegypti. The observed level of suppression would likely be sufficient to prevent dengue epidemics in the locality tested and other areas with similar or lower transmission. PMID:26135160

The hidden mechanism beyond ginger (Zingiber officinale Rosc.) potent in vivo and in vitro anti-inflammatory activity.

PubMed

Ezzat, Shahira M; Ezzat, Marwa I; Okba, Mona M; Menze, Esther T; Abdel-Naim, Ashraf B

2018-03-25

Ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe) is a well known anti-inflammatory drug in the Egyptian, Indian and Chinese folk medicines, yet its mechanism of action is unclear. To explore its mechanism of action and to correlate it to its biophytochemicals. Various extracts viz. water, 50%, 70%, 80%, and 90% ethanol were prepared from ginger rhizomes. Fractionation of the aqueous extract (AE) was accomplished using Diaion HP-20. In vitro anti-inflammatory activity of the different extracts and isolated compounds was evaluated using protein denaturation inhibition, membrane stabilization, protease inhibition, and anti-lipoxygenase assays. In vivo anti-inflammatory activity of AE was estimated using carrageenan-induced rat paw edema in rats at doses 25, 50, 100 and 200mg/kg b.wt. All the tested extracts showed significant (p< 0.1) in vitro anti-inflammatory activities. The strongest anti-lipoxygenase activity was observed for AE that was more significant than that of diclofenac (58% and 52%, respectively) at the same concentration (125μg/ml). Purification of AE led to the isolation of 6-poradol (G1), 6-shogaol (G2); methyl 6- gingerol (G3), 5-gingerol (G4), 6-gingerol (G5), 8-gingerol (G6), 10-gingerol (G7), and 1-dehydro-6-gingerol (G8). G1, G2 and G8 exhibited potent activity in all the studied assays, while G4 and G5 exhibited moderate activity. In vivo administration of AE ameliorated rat paw edema in a dose-dependent manner. AE (at 200mg/kg) showed significant reduction in production of PGE2, TNF-α, IL-6, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), regulated upon activation, normal T-cell expressed and secreted (RANTES), myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity by 60%, 57%, 60%, 41%, 32% and 67%, respectively. AE at 100 and 200mg/kg was equipotent to indomethacin in reduction of NO x level and in increasing the total antioxidant capacity (TAC). Histopathological examination revealed very few inflammatory cells infiltration and edema after administration of AE (200mg/kg) prior to carrageenan. Ginger anti-inflammatory activity is mediated by inhibiting macrophage and neutrophils activation as well as negatively affecting monocyte and leukocyte migration. This was evidenced by the dose-dependent decrease in pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines and replenishment the total antioxidant capacity. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Athena: Advanced air launched space booster

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Booker, Corey G.; Ziemer, John; Plonka, John; Henderson, Scott; Copioli, Paul; Reese, Charles; Ullman, Christopher; Frank, Jeremy; Breslauer, Alan; Patonis, Hristos

1994-06-01

The infrastructure for routine, reliable, and inexpensive access of space is a goal that has been actively pursued over the past 50 years, but has yet not been realized. Current launch systems utilize ground launching facilities which require the booster vehicle to plow up through the dense lower atmosphere before reaching space. An air launched system on the other hand has the advantage of being launched from a carrier aircraft above this dense portion of the atmosphere and hence can be smaller and lighter compared to its ground based counterpart. The goal of last year's Aerospace Engineering Course 483 (AE 483) was to design a 227,272 kg (500,000 lb.) air launched space booster which would beat the customer's launch cost on existing launch vehicles by at least 50 percent. While the cost analysis conducted by the class showed that this goal could be met, the cost and size of the carrier aircraft make it appear dubious that any private company would be willing to invest in such a project. To avoid this potential pitfall, this year's AE 483 class was to design as large an air launched space booster as possible which can be launched from an existing or modification to an existing aircraft. An initial estimate of the weight of the booster is 136,363 kg (300,000 lb.) to 159,091 kg (350,000 lb.).

Implementation of Injury and Illness Surveillance Protocols in Varsity Athletes.

PubMed

Gamble, Alexander Shand Davis; Mountjoy, Margo Lynn; Bigg, Jessica Lynne; Spriet, Lawrence Leon

2018-05-02

To develop and implement a prospective varsity athlete surveillance system to identify injury and illness trends in a multisport varsity-level university setting. Longitudinal prospective surveillance study. Varsity-level sport program at the University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada. Athletic therapists (ATs) (n = 35) from 17 varsity sports provided injury and illness information on 624 varsity-level athletes (381 men and 243 women) during the 2016/2017 competitive season. Team ATs reported athlete health complaints weekly. Athletes reported additional details on the injury or illness that was reported. The outcome measurements included when the injury or illness occurred, anatomical location, diagnosis, cause, perceived severity, treatment, estimated athlete exposure (AE) to training and competition, and time loss from sport. Measures were recorded from the teams' first competition through to end their season and/or playoffs. Twenty-nine of 30 varsity sports teams participated in this injury and illness surveillance protocol. The compliance of team ATs and varsity athletes was 89% (men: 94%, women: 82%). The overall injury and illness rates were 5.5 injuries and 1.7 illnesses per 1000 AEs, respectively. Men's injury rates were greater than women's, and injury rates of contact sports were greater than noncontact sports. The utilization of a prospective injury and illness surveillance protocol in the Canadian University sport system is feasible with good athlete, AT, and coach acceptance. The surveillance data should inform future injury and illness prevention strategies.

Athena: Advanced air launched space booster

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Booker, Corey G.; Ziemer, John; Plonka, John; Henderson, Scott; Copioli, Paul; Reese, Charles; Ullman, Christopher; Frank, Jeremy; Breslauer, Alan; Patonis, Hristos

1994-01-01

The infrastructure for routine, reliable, and inexpensive access of space is a goal that has been actively pursued over the past 50 years, but has yet not been realized. Current launch systems utilize ground launching facilities which require the booster vehicle to plow up through the dense lower atmosphere before reaching space. An air launched system on the other hand has the advantage of being launched from a carrier aircraft above this dense portion of the atmosphere and hence can be smaller and lighter compared to its ground based counterpart. The goal of last year's Aerospace Engineering Course 483 (AE 483) was to design a 227,272 kg (500,000 lb.) air launched space booster which would beat the customer's launch cost on existing launch vehicles by at least 50 percent. While the cost analysis conducted by the class showed that this goal could be met, the cost and size of the carrier aircraft make it appear dubious that any private company would be willing to invest in such a project. To avoid this potential pitfall, this year's AE 483 class was to design as large an air launched space booster as possible which can be launched from an existing or modification to an existing aircraft. An initial estimate of the weight of the booster is 136,363 kg (300,000 lb.) to 159,091 kg (350,000 lb.).

The impact of long-term systemic glucocorticoid use in severe asthma: A UK retrospective cohort analysis.

PubMed

Daugherty, Jonas; Lin, Xiwu; Baxter, Richard; Suruki, Robert; Bradford, Eric

2018-06-01

Systemic glucocorticoids (SGCs) are a treatment option for severe asthma but are associated with the development of adverse events (AEs). Evidence on the extent of SGC use and the relationship between SGC dose and AE risk in severe asthma is limited. Patients with severe asthma (Global Initiative for Asthma step 4/5), with no SGC use during the <6-12 months before severe asthma determination (index date) were identified in the UK-based Clinical Practice Research Datalink database (2004-2012). Patients were assessed for SGC exposure and an incident diagnosis of an SGC-related AE (cataracts, diabetes, myocardial infarction [MI], osteoporosis, peptic ulcer or stroke) during the 8-year observation phase. The dose-related risk of an SGC-related AE was determined using AE-specific Cox proportional hazards models. Overall, 75% of 60,418 patients identified with severe asthma received SGC during the 8-year follow-up, with the majority receiving an average of >0-≤2.5 mg/day. The risk of diabetes (hazard ratio [HR]:1.20 [95% confidence interval (CI): 1.11, 1.30]), MI (HR: 1.25 [95% CI: 1.09, 1.43]) and osteoporosis (HR: 1.64 [95% CI: 1.51, 1.78]) was increased at low SGC doses (0-2.5 mg/day), with further risk increases at doses >2.5 mg/day versus no SGC use. Compared with no SGC use, SGC increased the risk of peptic ulcer in a non-dose-dependent manner, but the risk of stroke was unchanged. Most patients with severe asthma are exposed to SGC, which increases SGC-related AE risk. This suggests that SGC exposure should be minimized as recommended by asthma treatment guidelines.

Perceptions, practices and health seeking behaviour constrain JE/AES interventions in high endemic district of North India.

PubMed

Chaturvedi, Sanjay; Sharma, Neha; Kakkar, Manish

2017-08-08

Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES) and Japanese Encephalitis (JE) stay as poorly understood phenomena in India. Multiple linkages to determinants such as poverty, socio-economic status, gender, environment, and population distribution, make it a greater developmental issue than just a zoonotic disease. A qualitative study was conducted to map knowledge, perceptions and practices of community and health systems level stakeholders. Seventeen interviews with utilizers of AES care, care givers from human and veterinary sectors, Non-governmental Organizations (NGOs), and pig owners and 4 Focused Group Discussions (FGDs) with farmers, community leaders, and students were conducted in an endemic north Indian district-Kushinagar. Core themes that emerged were: JE/AES been perceived as a deadly disease, but not a major health problem; filthy conditions, filthy water and mosquitoes seen to be associated with JE/AES; pigs not seen as a source of infection; minimal role of government health workers in the first-contact care of acute Illness; no social or cultural resistance to JE vaccination or mosquito control; no gender-based discrimination in the care of acute Illness; and non-utilization of funds available with local self govt. Serious challenges and systematic failures in delivery of care during acute illness, which can critically inform the health systems, were also identified. There is an urgent need for promotive interventions to address lack of awareness about the drivers of JE/AES. Delivery of care during acute illness suffers with formidable challenges and systematic failures. A large portion of mortality can be prevented by early institution of rational management at primary and secondary level, and by avoiding wastage of time and resources for investigations and medications that are not actually required.

A systematic review and meta-analysis on the safety of newly adjuvanted vaccines among children.

PubMed

Stassijns, Jorgen; Bollaerts, Kaatje; Baay, Marc; Verstraeten, Thomas

2016-02-03

New adjuvants such as the AS- or the MF59-adjuvants improve vaccine efficacy and facilitate dose-sparing. Their use in influenza and malaria vaccines has resulted in a large body of evidence on their clinical safety in children. We carried out a systematic search for safety data from published clinical trials on newly adjuvanted vaccines in children ≤10 years of age. Serious adverse events (SAEs), solicited AEs, unsolicited AEs and AEs of special interest were evaluated for four new adjuvants: the immuno-stimulants containing adjuvant systems AS01 and AS02, and the squalene containing oil-in-water emulsions AS03 and MF59. Relative risks (RR) were calculated, comparing children receiving newly adjuvanted vaccines to children receiving other vaccines with a variety of antigens, both adjuvanted and unadjuvanted. Twenty-nine trials were included in the meta-analysis, encompassing 25,056 children who received at least one dose of the newly adjuvanted vaccines. SAEs did not occur more frequently in adjuvanted groups (RR 0.85, 95%CI 0.75-0.96). Our meta-analyses showed higher reactogenicity following administration of newly adjuvanted vaccines, however, no consistent pattern of solicited AEs was observed across adjuvant systems. Pain was the most prevalent AE, but often mild and of short duration. No increased risks were found for unsolicited AEs, febrile convulsions, potential immune mediated diseases and new onset of chronic diseases. Our meta-analysis did not show any safety concerns in clinical trials of the newly adjuvanted vaccines in children ≤10 years of age. An unexplained increase of meningitis in one Phase III AS01-adjuvanted malaria trial and the link between narcolepsy and the AS03-adjuvanted pandemic vaccine illustrate that continued safety monitoring is warranted. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Safety and immunogenicity of a modified process hepatitis B vaccine in healthy neonates.

PubMed

Minervini, Gianmaria; McCarson, Barbara J; Reisinger, Keith S; Martin, Jason C; Stek, Jon E; Atkins, Barbara M; Nadig, Karin B; Liska, Vladimir; Schödel, Florian P; Bhuyan, Prakash K

2012-02-14

A manufacturing process using a modified adjuvant was developed to optimize the consistency and immunogenicity for recombinant hepatitis B vaccine (control: RECOMBIVAX-HB™). This modified process hepatitis B vaccine (mpHBV), which was previously shown to have an acceptable safety and immunogenicity profile in young adults, has now been studied in newborn infants. Healthy 1-10-day-old neonates (N=566) received 3 intramuscular doses (5μg hepatitis B surface antigen [HBsAg] per dose) of either mpHBV or control at Day 1, and Months 1 and 6. Serum antibody to HBsAg (anti-HBs) was assayed at Month 7 (1 month Postdose 3). Anti-HBs geometric mean titers (GMTs) and seroprotection rates (SPRs) (% of subjects with an anti-HBs titer ≥10mIU/mL) were compared at Month 7. After each dose, injection-site adverse experiences (AEs) and axillary temperatures were recorded for 5 days; systemic AEs were recorded for Days 1-14. Month 7 SPR was 97.9% for the mpHBV group and 98.9% for the control. The GMT was 843.7mIU/mL for the mpHBV group and 670.1mIU/mL for the control. The GMT ratio (mpHBV/control) was 1.26 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.94, 1.69), meeting the prespecified non-inferiority criteria. The percentages of subjects reporting any AE, injection-site AEs, or systemic AEs were similar across the 2 vaccination groups. There were no serious AEs. The safety profile of mpHBV was comparable to that of the control vaccine. The geometric mean antibody titer for mpHBV was higher than control vaccine in this infant population, but the difference did not meet the predefined statistical criterion for superiority. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

The work of the American emergency physician.

PubMed Central

Wyatt, J P; Weber, J E; Chudnofsky, C

1998-01-01

The organisation of the American emergency health care system has changed rapidly during recent years, but it remains very different to the system in the United Kingdom. American emergency departments are organised around an attending physician based service, rather than a consultant led service. As a result, the work of the American emergency physician differs considerably from that of the United Kingdom A&E consultant. The problems associated with working in an attending physician based service include antisocial hours of work, sleep deprivation, decreased job satisfaction, and "burn out," all in the context of a relatively hostile medicolegal climate. Although there appear to be no easy answers to some of these problems, the A&E specialist should be aware of the potential future difficulties for A&E medicine as it develops within the United Kingdom. PMID:9639179

Fiber-Optic Sensor-Based Remote Acoustic Emission Measurement in a 1000 °C Environment.

PubMed

Yu, Fengming; Okabe, Yoji

2017-12-14

Recently, the authors have proposed a remote acoustic emission (AE) measurement configuration using a sensitive fiber-optic Bragg grating (FBG) sensor. In the configuration, the FBG sensor was remotely bonded on a plate, and an optical fiber was used as the waveguide to propagate AE waves from the adhesive point to the sensor. The previous work (Yu et al., Smart Materials and Structures 25 (10), 105,033 (2016)) has clarified the sensing principle behind the special remote measurement system that enables accurate remote sensing of AE signals. Since the silica-glass optical fibers have a high heat-resistance exceeding 1000 °C, this work presents a preliminary high-temperature AE detection method by using the optical fiber-based ultrasonic waveguide to propagate the AE from a high-temperature environment to a room-temperature environment, in which the FBG sensor could function as the receiver of the guided wave. As a result, the novel measurement configuration successfully achieved highly sensitive and stable AE detection in an alumina plate at elevated temperatures in the 100 °C to 1000 °C range. Due to its good performance, this detection method will be potentially useful for the non-destructive testing that can be performed in high-temperature environments to evaluate the microscopic damage in heat-resistant materials.

Localization of quenches and mechanical disturbances in the Mu2e transport solenoid prototype using acoustic emission technique

DOE PAGES

Marchevsky, M.; Ambrosio, G.; Lamm, M.; ...

2016-02-12

Acoustic emission (AE) detection is a noninvasive technique allowing the localization of the mechanical events and quenches in superconducting magnets. Application of the AE technique is especially advantageous in situations where magnet integrity can be jeopardized by the use of voltage taps or inductive pickup coils. As the prototype module of the transport solenoid (TS) for the Mu2e experiment at Fermilab represents such a special case, we have developed a dedicated six-channel AE detection system and accompanying software aimed at localizing mechanical events during the coil cold testing. The AE sensors based on transversely polarized piezoceramic washers combined with cryogenicmore » preamplifiers were mounted at the outer surface of the solenoid aluminum shell, with a 60° angular step around the circumference. Acoustic signals were simultaneously acquired at a rate of 500 kS/s, prefiltered and sorted based on their arrival time. Next, based on the arrival timing, angular and axial coordinates of the AE sources within the magnet structure were calculated. Furthermore, we present AE measurement results obtained during cooldown, spot heater firing, and spontaneous quenching of the Mu2e TS module prototype and discuss their relevance for mechanical stability assessment and quench localization.« less

Using nonlinear least squares to assess relative expression and its uncertainty in real-time qPCR studies.

PubMed

Tellinghuisen, Joel

2016-03-01

Relative expression ratios are commonly estimated in real-time qPCR studies by comparing the quantification cycle for the target gene with that for a reference gene in the treatment samples, normalized to the same quantities determined for a control sample. For the "standard curve" design, where data are obtained for all four of these at several dilutions, nonlinear least squares can be used to assess the amplification efficiencies (AE) and the adjusted ΔΔCq and its uncertainty, with automatic inclusion of the effect of uncertainty in the AEs. An algorithm is illustrated for the KaleidaGraph program. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Chemoradiotherapy With or Without AE-941 in Stage III Non–Small Cell Lung Cancer: A Randomized Phase III Trial

PubMed Central

Lee, J. Jack; Komaki, Ritsuko; Herbst, Roy S.; Feng, Lei; Evans, William K.; Choy, Hak; Desjardins, Pierre; Esparaz, Benjamin T.; Truong, Mylene T.; Saxman, Scott; Kelaghan, Joseph; Bleyer, Archie; Fisch, Michael J.

2010-01-01

Background AE-941 is a standardized aqueous shark cartilage extract with antiangiogenic properties that has previously been evaluated in phase I and II clinical trials. Our objective was to determine the effect of adding AE-941 to chemoradiotherapy on overall survival of patients with unresectable stage III non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Methods A randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled, phase III clinical trial was designed to test the efficacy of AE-941 in unresectable stage III NSCLC patients who were treated with chemoradiotherapy. Between June 5, 2000, and February 6, 2006, 379 eligible patients were enrolled in community and academic oncology centers across the United States and Canada. In February 2006, the trial was closed to new patient entry before meeting the target sample size because of insufficient accrual. All subjects received induction chemotherapy followed by concurrent chemotherapy with chest radiotherapy. Each participating center administered one of the two chemotherapy regimens, either carboplatin and paclitaxel, or cisplatin and vinorelbine. The primary endpoint was overall survival, and secondary endpoints were time to progression, progression-free survival, tumor response rate, and toxic effects. Event–time distributions were estimated by the Kaplan–Meier method. All statistical tests were two-sided. Results There was no statistically significant difference in overall survival between the chemoradiotherapy plus AE-941 group (n = 188; median survival = 14.4 months, 95% confidence interval = 12.6 to 17.9 months) and the chemoradiotherapy plus placebo group (n = 191; median survival = 15.6 months, 95% confidence interval = 13.8 to 18.1 months) (P = .73). Time to progression, progression-free survival, and tumor response rates were not statistically significantly different between the AE-941 and the placebo groups. No differences between the two groups were observed in common grade 3 or higher toxic effects attributable to chemoradiotherapy. Conclusions The addition of AE-941 to chemoradiotherapy did not improve overall survival in patients with unresectable stage III NSCLC. This study does not support the use of shark cartilage–derived products as therapy for lung cancer. PMID:20505152

Potential Risk Areas of Aedes albopictus in South-Eastern Iran: A Vector of Dengue Fever, Zika, and Chikungunya

PubMed Central

Nejati, Jalil; Bueno-Marí, Rubén; Collantes, Francisco; Hanafi-Bojd, Ahmad A.; Vatandoost, Hassan; Charrahy, Zabihollah; Tabatabaei, Seyed M.; Yaghoobi-Ershadi, Mohammad R.; Hasanzehi, Abdolghafar; Shirzadi, Mohammad R.; Moosa-Kazemi, Seyed H.; Sedaghat, Mohammad M.

2017-01-01

The possibility of the rapid and global spread of Zika, chikungunya, yellow fever, and dengue fever by Aedes albopictus is well documented and may be facilitated by changes in climate. To avert and manage health risks, climatic and topographic information can be used to model and forecast which areas may be most prone to the establishment of Ae. albopictus. We aimed to weigh and prioritize the predictive value of various meteorological and climatic variables on distributions of Ae. albopictus in south-eastern Iran using the Analytical Hierarchy Process. Out of eight factors used to predict the presence of Ae. albopictus, the highest weighted were land use, followed by temperature, altitude, and precipitation. The inconsistency of this analysis was 0.03 with no missing judgments. The areas predicted to be most at risk of Ae. albopictus-borne diseases were mapped using Geographic Information Systems and remote sensing data. Five-year (2011–2015) meteorological data was collected from 11 meteorological stations and other data was acquired from Landsat and Terra satellite images. Southernmost regions were at greatest risk of Ae. albopictus colonization as well as more urban sites connected by provincial roads. This is the first study in Iran to determine the regional probability of Ae. albopictus establishment. Monitoring and collection of Ae. albopictus from the environment confirmed our projections, though on-going field work is necessary to track the spread of this vector of life-threatening disease. PMID:28928720

[Adverse events in general surgery. A prospective analysis of 13,950 consecutive patients].

PubMed

Rebasa, Pere; Mora, Laura; Vallverdú, Helena; Luna, Alexis; Montmany, Sandra; Romaguera, Andreu; Navarro, Salvador

2011-11-01

Adverse event (AE) rates in General Surgery vary, according to different authors and recording methods, between 2% and 30%. Six years ago we designed a prospective AE recording system to change patient safety culture in our Department. We present the results of this work after a 6 year follow-up. The AE, sequelae and health care errors in a University Hospital surgery department were recorded. An analysis of each incident recorded was performed by a reviewer. The data was entered into data base for rapid access and consultation. The results were routinely presented in Departmental morbidity-mortality sessions. A total of 13,950 patients had suffered 11,254 AE, which affected 5142 of them (36.9% of admissions). A total of 920 patients were subjected to at least one health care error (6.6% of admissions). This meant that 6.6% of our patients suffered an avoidable AE. The overall mortality at 5 years in our department was 2.72% (380 deaths). An adverse event was implicated in the death of the patient in 180 cases (1.29% of admissions). In 49 cases (0.35% of admissions), mortality could be attributed to an avoidable AE. After 6 years there tends to be an increasingly lower incidence of errors. The exhaustive and prospective recording of AE leads to changes in patient safety culture in a Surgery Department and helps decrease the incidence of health care errors. Copyright © 2011 AEC. Published by Elsevier Espana. All rights reserved.

Characterization of the spatial and temporal dynamics of the dengue vector population established in urban areas of Fernando de Noronha, a Brazilian oceanic island.

PubMed

Regis, Lêda N; Acioli, Ridelane Veiga; Silveira, José Constantino; de Melo-Santos, Maria Alice Varjal; da Cunha, Mércia Cristiane Santana; Souza, Fátima; Batista, Carlos Alberto Vieira; Barbosa, Rosângela Maria Rodrigues; de Oliveira, Cláudia Maria Fontes; Ayres, Constância Flávia Junqueira; Monteiro, Antonio Miguel Vieira; Souza, Wayner Vieira

2014-09-01

Aedes aegypti has played a major role in the dramatic expansion of dengue worldwide. The failure of control programs in reducing the rhythm of global dengue expansion through vector control suggests the need for studies to support more appropriated control strategies. We report here the results of a longitudinal study on Ae. aegypti population dynamics through continuous egg sampling aiming to characterize the infestation of urban areas of a Brazilian oceanic island, Fernando de Noronha. The spatial and temporal distribution of the dengue vector population in urban areas of the island was described using a monitoring system (SMCP-Aedes) based on a 103-trap network for Aedes egg sampling, using GIS and spatial statistics analysis tools. Mean egg densities were estimated over a 29-month period starting in 2011 and producing monthly maps of mosquito abundance. The system detected continuous Ae. aegypti oviposition in most traps. The high global positive ovitrap index (POI=83.7% of 2815 events) indicated the frequent presence of blood-fed-egg laying females at every sampling station. Egg density (eggs/ovitrap/month) reached peak values of 297.3 (0 - 2020) in May and 295 (0 - 2140) in August 2012. The presence of a stable Ae. aegypti population established throughout the inhabited areas of the island was demonstrated. A strong association between egg abundance and rainfall with a 2-month lag was observed, which combined with a first-order autocorrelation observed in the series of egg counts can provide an important forecasting tool. This first description of the characteristics of the island infestation by the dengue vector provides baseline information to analyze relationships between the spatial distribution of the vector and dengue cases, and to the development of integrated vector control strategies. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

HPLC/ESI-quadrupole ion trap mass spectrometry for characterization and direct quantification of amphoteric and nonionic surfactants in aqueous samples

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Levine, Lanfang H.; Garland, Jay L.; Johnson, Jodie V.

2002-01-01

An amphoteric (cocamidopropylbetaine, CAPB) and a nonionic (alcohol polyethoxylate, AE) surfactant were characterized by electrospray ionization quadrupole ion trap mass spectrometry (ESI-MS) as to their homologue distribution and ionization/fragmentation chemistry. Quantitative methods involving reversed-phase gradient HPLC and (+)ESI-MSn were developed to directly determine these surfactants in hydroponic plant growth medium that received simulated graywater. The predominant homologues, 12 C alkyl CAPB and 9 EO AE, were monitored to represent the total amount of the respective surfactants. The methods demonstrated dynamic linear ranges of 0.5-250 ng (r2 > 0.996) for CAPB and 8-560 ng (r2 > 0.998) for AE homologue mixture, corresponding to minimum quantification limits of 25 ppb CAPB and 0.4 ppm AE with 20-microL injections. This translated into an even lower limit for individual components due to the polydispersive nature of the surfactants. The procedure was successfully employed for the assessment of CAPB and AE biodegradation in a hydroponic plant growth system used as a graywater bioreactor.

Alfven Eigenmode Control in DIII-D

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hu, W.; Olofsson, E.; Welander, A.; van Zeeland, M.; Collins, C.; Heidbrink, W.

2017-10-01

Alfven eigenmodes (AE) driven by fast ions from neutral beam and ion cyclotron heating are common in present day tokamak plasmas and are expected to be destabilized by alpha particles in future burning plasma experiments. Because these waves have been shown to cause loss and redistribution of fast ions which can impact plasma performance and potentially device integrity, developing control techniques for AEs is of paramount importance. In the DIII-D plasma control system, spectral analysis of real-time ECE data is used as a monitor of AE amplitude, frequency, and location. These values are then used for feedback control of the neutral beam power to control Alfven waves and reduce fast ion loss. This work describes tests of AE control experiments in the current ramp up phase, during which multiple Alfven eigenmodes are typically unstable and fast ion confinement is degraded significantly. Comparisons of neutron emission and confined fast ion profiles with and without active AE control will be made. Work supported by the U.S. Dept. of Energy under Award Number DE-FC02-04ER54698.

Productivity and population density estimates of the dengue vector mosquito Aedes aegypti (Stegomyia aegypti) in Australia.

PubMed

Williams, C R; Johnson, P H; Ball, T S; Ritchie, S A

2013-09-01

New mosquito control strategies centred on the modifying of populations require knowledge of existing population densities at release sites and an understanding of breeding site ecology. Using a quantitative pupal survey method, we investigated production of the dengue vector Aedes aegypti (L.) (Stegomyia aegypti) (Diptera: Culicidae) in Cairns, Queensland, Australia, and found that garden accoutrements represented the most common container type. Deliberately placed 'sentinel' containers were set at seven houses and sampled for pupae over 10 weeks during the wet season. Pupal production was approximately constant; tyres and buckets represented the most productive container types. Sentinel tyres produced the largest female mosquitoes, but were relatively rare in the field survey. We then used field-collected data to make estimates of per premises population density using three different approaches. Estimates of female Ae. aegypti abundance per premises made using the container-inhabiting mosquito simulation (CIMSiM) model [95% confidence interval (CI) 18.5-29.1 females] concorded reasonably well with estimates obtained using a standing crop calculation based on pupal collections (95% CI 8.8-22.5) and using BG-Sentinel traps and a sampling rate correction factor (95% CI 6.2-35.2). By first describing local Ae. aegypti productivity, we were able to compare three separate population density estimates which provided similar results. We anticipate that this will provide researchers and health officials with several tools with which to make estimates of population densities. © 2012 The Royal Entomological Society.

Determination of Minor and Trace Metals in Aluminum and Aluminum Alloys by ICP-AES; Evaluation of the Uncertainty and Limit of Quantitation from Interlaboratory Testing.

PubMed

Uemoto, Michihisa; Makino, Masanori; Ota, Yuji; Sakaguchi, Hiromi; Shimizu, Yukari; Sato, Kazuhiro

2018-01-01

Minor and trace metals in aluminum and aluminum alloys have been determined by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-AES) as an interlaboratory testing toward standardization. The trueness of the measured data was successfully investigated to improve the analytical protocols, using certified reference materials of aluminum. Their precision could also be evaluated, feasible to estimate the uncertainties separately. The accuracy (trueness and precision) of the data were finally in good agreement with the certified values and assigned uncertainties. Repeated measurements of aluminum solutions with different concentrations of the analytes revealed the relative standard deviations of the measurements with concentrations, thus enabling their limits of quantitation. They differed separately and also showed slightly higher values with an aluminum matrix than those without one. In addition, the upper limit of the detectable concentration of silicon with simple acid digestion was estimated to be 0.03 % in the mass fraction.

Comparative study of adverse events after yellow fever vaccination between elderly and non-elderly travellers: questionnaire survey in Japan over a 1-year period.

PubMed

Tanizaki, Ryutaro; Ujiie, Mugen; Hori, Narumi; Kanagawa, Shuzo; Kutsuna, Satoshi; Takeshita, Nozomi; Hayakawa, Kayoko; Kato, Yasuyuki; Ohmagari, Norio

2016-03-01

A live attenuated yellow fever (YF) vaccination is required of all travellers visiting countries where YF virus is endemic. Although the risk of serious adverse events (AEs) after YF vaccination is known to be greater in elderly people than in younger people, information about other AEs among elderly travellers is lacking. A prospective observational questionnaire study was conducted to investigate the occurrence of AEs after YF vaccination in travellers who attended a designated YF vaccination centre in Tokyo, Japan, from 1 November 2011 to 31 October 2012. A questionnaire enquiring about any AEs experienced in the 2 weeks following YF vaccination was distributed to all vaccinees enrolled in this study, and responses were collected subsequently by mail or phone. For child vaccinees, their parents were allowed to respond in their stead. Of the 1298 vaccinees who received the YF vaccine, 1044 (80.4%) were enrolled in the present study and 666 (63.8%) responded to the questionnaire. Of these 666 respondents, 370 (55.6%) reported AEs, of which 258 (38.7%) were systemic and 230 (34.5%) were local. No severe AEs associated with YF vaccination were reported. Elderly vaccinees (aged ≥60 years) reported fewer total AEs than those aged <60 years (42.9% vs 60.3%;P < 0.001). Our study showed that fewer general AEs after yellow vaccination reported among elderly vaccinees than among non-elderly vaccinees. These results could provide supplementary information for judging the adaptation of vaccination in elderly travellers. © International Society of Travel Medicine, 2016. All rights reserved. Published by Oxford University Press. For permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com.

Olivopontocerebellar atrophy

MedlinePlus

... degeneration; Multiple system atrophy cerebellar predominance; MSA-C Images Central nervous system and peripheral nervous system References Jankovic J, Lang AE. Diagnosis and assessment of Parkinson disease ...

Low-dimensional chaos in magnetospheric activity from AE time series

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Vassiliadis, D. V.; Sharma, A. S.; Eastman, T. E.; Papadopoulos, K.

1990-01-01

The magnetospheric response to the solar-wind input, as represented by the time-series measurements of the auroral electrojet (AE) index, has been examined using phase-space reconstruction techniques. The system was found to behave as a low-dimensional chaotic system with a fractal dimension of 3.6 and has Kolmogorov entropy less than 0.2/min. These indicate that the dynamics of the system can be adequately described by four independent variables, and that the corresponding intrinsic time scale is of the order of 5 min. The relevance of the results to magnetospheric modeling is discussed.

Can social media data lead to earlier detection of drug‐related adverse events?

PubMed Central

Cremieux, Pierre; Audenrode, Marc Van; Vekeman, Francis; Karner, Paul; Zhang, Haimin; Greenberg, Paul

2016-01-01

Abstract Purpose To compare the patient characteristics and the inter‐temporal reporting patterns of adverse events (AEs) for atorvastatin (Lipitor®) and sibutramine (Meridia®) in social media (AskaPatient.com) versus the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS). Methods We identified clinically important AEs associated with atorvastatin (muscle pain) and sibutramine (cardiovascular AEs), compared their patterns in social media postings versus FAERS and used Granger causality tests to assess whether social media postings were useful in forecasting FAERS reports. Results We analyzed 998 and 270 social media postings between 2001 and 2014, 69 003 and 7383 FAERS reports between 1997 and 2014 for atorvastatin and sibutramine, respectively. Social media reporters were younger (atorvastatin: 53.9 vs. 64.0 years, p < 0.001; sibutramine: 36.8 vs. 43.8 years, p < 0.001). Social media reviews contained fewer serious AEs (atorvastatin, pain: 2.5% vs. 38.2%; sibutramine, cardiovascular issues: 7.9% vs. 63.0%; p < 0.001 for both) and concentrated on fewer types of AEs (proportion comprising the top 20 AEs: atorvastatin, 88.7% vs. 55.4%; sibutramine, 86.3% vs. 65.4%) compared with FAERS. While social media sibutramine reviews mentioning cardiac issues helped predict those in FAERS 11 months later (p < 0.001), social media atorvastatin reviews did not help predict FAERS reports. Conclusions Social media AE reporters were younger and focused on less‐serious and fewer types of AEs than FAERS reporters. The potential for social media to provide earlier indications of AEs compared with FAERS is uncertain. Our findings highlight some of the promises and limitations of online social media versus conventional pharmacovigilance sources and the need for careful interpretation of the results. © 2016 The Authors. Pharmacoepidemiology and Drug Safety published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd. PMID:27601271

Can social media data lead to earlier detection of drug-related adverse events?

PubMed

Duh, Mei Sheng; Cremieux, Pierre; Audenrode, Marc Van; Vekeman, Francis; Karner, Paul; Zhang, Haimin; Greenberg, Paul

2016-12-01

To compare the patient characteristics and the inter-temporal reporting patterns of adverse events (AEs) for atorvastatin (Lipitor ® ) and sibutramine (Meridia ® ) in social media (AskaPatient.com) versus the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS). We identified clinically important AEs associated with atorvastatin (muscle pain) and sibutramine (cardiovascular AEs), compared their patterns in social media postings versus FAERS and used Granger causality tests to assess whether social media postings were useful in forecasting FAERS reports. We analyzed 998 and 270 social media postings between 2001 and 2014, 69 003 and 7383 FAERS reports between 1997 and 2014 for atorvastatin and sibutramine, respectively. Social media reporters were younger (atorvastatin: 53.9 vs. 64.0 years, p < 0.001; sibutramine: 36.8 vs. 43.8 years, p < 0.001). Social media reviews contained fewer serious AEs (atorvastatin, pain: 2.5% vs. 38.2%; sibutramine, cardiovascular issues: 7.9% vs. 63.0%; p < 0.001 for both) and concentrated on fewer types of AEs (proportion comprising the top 20 AEs: atorvastatin, 88.7% vs. 55.4%; sibutramine, 86.3% vs. 65.4%) compared with FAERS. While social media sibutramine reviews mentioning cardiac issues helped predict those in FAERS 11 months later (p < 0.001), social media atorvastatin reviews did not help predict FAERS reports. Social media AE reporters were younger and focused on less-serious and fewer types of AEs than FAERS reporters. The potential for social media to provide earlier indications of AEs compared with FAERS is uncertain. Our findings highlight some of the promises and limitations of online social media versus conventional pharmacovigilance sources and the need for careful interpretation of the results. © 2016 The Authors. Pharmacoepidemiology and Drug Safety published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd. © 2016 The Authors. Pharmacoepidemiology and Drug Safety published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Utility of social media and crowd-intelligence data for pharmacovigilance: a scoping review.

PubMed

Tricco, Andrea C; Zarin, Wasifa; Lillie, Erin; Jeblee, Serena; Warren, Rachel; Khan, Paul A; Robson, Reid; Pham, Ba'; Hirst, Graeme; Straus, Sharon E

2018-06-14

A scoping review to characterize the literature on the use of conversations in social media as a potential source of data for detecting adverse events (AEs) related to health products. Our specific research questions were (1) What social media listening platforms exist to detect adverse events related to health products, and what are their capabilities and characteristics? (2) What is the validity and reliability of data from social media for detecting these adverse events? MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, and relevant websites were searched from inception to May 2016. Any type of document (e.g., manuscripts, reports) that described the use of social media data for detecting health product AEs was included. Two reviewers independently screened citations and full-texts, and one reviewer and one verifier performed data abstraction. Descriptive synthesis was conducted. After screening 3631 citations and 321 full-texts, 70 unique documents with 7 companion reports available from 2001 to 2016 were included. Forty-six documents (66%) described an automated or semi-automated information extraction system to detect health product AEs from social media conversations (in the developmental phase). Seven pre-existing information extraction systems to mine social media data were identified in eight documents. Nineteen documents compared AEs reported in social media data with validated data and found consistent AE discovery in all except two documents. None of the documents reported the validity and reliability of the overall system, but some reported on the performance of individual steps in processing the data. The validity and reliability results were found for the following steps in the data processing pipeline: data de-identification (n = 1), concept identification (n = 3), concept normalization (n = 2), and relation extraction (n = 8). The methods varied widely, and some approaches yielded better results than others. Our results suggest that the use of social media conversations for pharmacovigilance is in its infancy. Although social media data has the potential to supplement data from regulatory agency databases; is able to capture less frequently reported AEs; and can identify AEs earlier than official alerts or regulatory changes, the utility and validity of the data source remains under-studied. Open Science Framework ( https://osf.io/kv9hu/ ).

New SECAA/ NSSDC Capabilities for Accessing ITM Data

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bilitza, D.; Papitashvili, N.; McGuire, R.

NASA's National Space Science Data Center (NSSDC) archives a large volume of data and models that are of relevance to the International Living with a Star (ILWS) project. Working with NSSDC its sister organization the Sun Earth Connection Active Archive (SECAA) has developed a number of data access and browse tools to facilitate user access to this important data source. For the most widely used empirical models (IRI, IGRF, MSIS/CIRA, AE/AP-8) Java-based web interfaces let users compute, list, plot, and download model parameters. We will report about recent enhancements and extensions of these data and model services in the area of ionospheric-thermospheric-mesospheric (ITM) physics. The ATMOWeb system (http://nssdc.gsfc.nasa.gov/atmoweb/) includes data from many of the ITM satellite missions of the sixties, seventies, and eighties (BE-B, DME-A, Alouette 2, AE-B, OGO-6, ISIS-1, ISIS-2, AEROS-A, AE-C, AE-D, AE-E, DE-2, and Hinotori). New capabilities of the ATMOWeb system include in addition to time series plots and data retrievals, ATMOWeb now lets user generate scatter plots and linear regression fits for any pair of parameters. Optional upper and lower boundaries let users filter out specific segments of the data and/or certain ranges of orbit parameters (altitude, longitude, local time, etc.). Data from TIMED is being added to the CDAWeb system, including new web service capabilities, to be available jointly with the broad scope of space physics data already served by CDAWeb. We will also present the newest version of the NSSDC/SECAA models web pages. The layout and sequence of these entry pages to the models catalog, archive, and web interfaces was greatly simplified and broad up-to-date.

A Comparison of Van Allen Belt Radiation Environment Modeling Programs: AE8/AP8 Legacy, AE9/AP9, and SPENVIS

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Reed, Evan; Pellish, Jonathan

2016-01-01

In the space surrounding Earth there exists an active radiation environment consisting mostly of electrons and protons that have been trapped by Earths magnetic field. This radiation, also known as the Van Allen Belts, has the potential to damage man-made satellites in orbit; thus, proper precautions must be taken to shield NASA assets from this phenomenon. Data on the Van Allen Belts has been collected continuously by a multitude of space-based instruments since the beginning of space exploration. Subsequently, using theory to fill in the gaps in the collected data, computer models have been developed that take in the orbital information of a hypothetical mission and output the expected particle fluence and flux for that orbit. However, as new versions of the modeling system are released, users are left wondering how the new version differs from the old. Therefore, we performed a comparison of three different editions of the modeling system: AE8/AP8 (legacy), which is included in the model 9 graphical user interface as an option for ones calculations, AE9/AP9, and the Space Environment Information System (SPENVIS), which is an online-based form of AE8/AP8 developed by NASA and the European Space Agency that changed the code to allow the program to extrapolate data to predict fluence and flux at higher energies. Although this evaluation is still ongoing, it is predicted that the model 8 (legacy) and SPENVIS version will have identical outputs with the exception of the extended energy levels from SPENVIS, while model 9 will provide different fluences than model 8 based on additional magnetic field descriptions and on-orbit data.

The safety and tolerability of rotigotine transdermal system over a 6-year period in patients with early-stage Parkinson's disease.

PubMed

Giladi, Nir; Boroojerdi, Babak; Surmann, Erwin

2013-09-01

This open-label extension (SP716; NCT00599196) of a 6-month, double-blind, randomized study (SP513) investigated the safety and tolerability of rotigotine transdermal system over up to ~6 years in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD; early-stage PD at double-blind enrollment). Eligible patients completing the 6-month study received optimal dose open-label rotigotine (≤ 16 mg/24 h) for up to ~6 years. Adjunctive levodopa was permitted. Primary outcomes included adverse events (AEs) and extent of rotigotine exposure. Analysis of adjunctive levodopa use, dyskinesias [unified Parkinson's disease rating scale (UPDRS) IV], and efficacy (UPDRS II + III total score) were also assessed. Of 381 patients enrolled in the open-label extension, 52 % were still in the study at time of closure; 24 % withdrew because of AEs and 6 % because of lack of efficacy. Patients received rotigotine for a median duration of 1,564.5 days (~4 years, 3 months; range 5-2, 145 days). 69 % of patients started supplemental levodopa; median time to levodopa was 485 days (~1 year, 4 months). Most common AEs (% per patient-year) were somnolence (18 %), application site reactions (12 %), nausea (9 %), peripheral edema (7 %), and fall (7 %). AEs indicative of impulsive-compulsive behavior were recorded in 25 (7 %) patients. Dyskinesias were experienced by 65 (17 %) patients; the majority [47 of 65 (72 %)] reported first dyskinesia after starting levodopa. Mean UPDRS II + III total scores remained below double-blind baseline for 4 years (assessment of all patients). In conclusion, rotigotine was generally well tolerated for up to ~6 years in patients with early-stage PD. The AEs reported were in line with previous studies of rotigotine transdermal system, with typical dopaminergic side effects and application site reactions seen.

Ecological Modeling of Aedes aegypti (L.) Pupal Production in Rural Kamphaeng Phet, Thailand

PubMed Central

Aldstadt, Jared; Koenraadt, Constantianus J. M.; Fansiri, Thanyalak; Kijchalao, Udom; Richardson, Jason; Jones, James W.; Scott, Thomas W.

2011-01-01

Background Aedes aegypti (L.) is the primary vector of dengue, the most important arboviral infection globally. Until an effective vaccine is licensed and rigorously administered, Ae. aegypti control remains the principal tool in preventing and curtailing dengue transmission. Accurate predictions of vector populations are required to assess control methods and develop effective population reduction strategies. Ae. aegypti develops primarily in artificial water holding containers. Release recapture studies indicate that most adult Ae. aegypti do not disperse over long distances. We expect, therefore, that containers in an area of high development site density are more likely to be oviposition sites and to be more frequently used as oviposition sites than containers that are relatively isolated from other development sites. After accounting for individual container characteristics, containers more frequently used as oviposition sites are likely to produce adult mosquitoes consistently and at a higher rate. To this point, most studies of Ae. aegypti populations ignore the spatial density of larval development sites. Methodology Pupal surveys were carried out from 2004 to 2007 in rural Kamphaeng Phet, Thailand. In total, 84,840 samples of water holding containers were used to estimate model parameters. Regression modeling was used to assess the effect of larval development site density, access to piped water, and seasonal variation on container productivity. A varying-coefficients model was employed to account for the large differences in productivity between container types. A two-part modeling structure, called a hurdle model, accounts for the large number of zeroes and overdispersion present in pupal population counts. Findings The number of suitable larval development sites and their density in the environment were the primary determinants of the distribution and abundance of Ae. aegypti pupae. The productivity of most container types increased significantly as habitat density increased. An ecological approach, accounting for development site density, is appropriate for predicting Ae. aegypti population levels and developing efficient vector control programs. PMID:21267055

Unreduced gamete formation in wheat × Aegilops spp. hybrids is genotype specific and prevented by shared homologous subgenomes.

PubMed

Fakhri, Zhaleh; Mirzaghaderi, Ghader; Ahmadian, Samira; Mason, Annaliese S

2016-05-01

The presence of homologous subgenomes inhibited unreduced gamete formation in wheat × Aegilops interspecific hybrids. Unreduced gamete rates were under the control of the wheat nuclear genome. Production of unreduced gametes is common among interspecific hybrids, and may be affected by parental genotypes and genomic similarity. In the present study, five cultivars of Triticum aestivum and two tetraploid Aegilops species (i.e. Ae. triuncialis and Ae. cylindrica) were reciprocally crossed to produce 20 interspecific hybrid combinations. These hybrids comprised two different types: T. aestivum × Aegilops triuncialis; 2n = ABDU(t)C(t) (which lack a common subgenome) and T. aestivum × Ae. cylindrica; 2n = ABDD(c)C(c) (which share a common subgenome). The frequency of unreduced gametes in F1 hybrids was estimated in sporads from the frequency of dyads, and the frequency of viable pollen, germinated pollen and seed set were recorded. Different meiotic abnormalities recorded in the hybrids included precocious chromosome migration to the poles at metaphase I and II, laggards in anaphase I and II, micronuclei and chromosome stickiness, failure in cell wall formation, premature cytokinesis and microspore fusion. The mean frequency of restitution meiosis was 10.1 %, and the mean frequency of unreduced viable pollen was 4.84 % in T. aestivum × Ae. triuncialis hybrids. By contrast, in T. aestivum × Ae. cylindrica hybrids no meiotic restitution was observed, and a low rate of viable gametes (0.3 %) was recorded. This study present evidence that high levels of homologous pairing between the D and D(c) subgenomes may interfere with meiotic restitution and the formation of unreduced gametes. Variation in unreduced gamete production was also observed between T. aestivum × Ae. triuncialis hybrid plants, suggesting genetic control of this trait.

Air embolism during CT-guided transthoracic needle biopsy

PubMed Central

Lederer, Wolfgang; Schlimp, Christoph J; Glodny, Bernhard; Wiedermann, Franz J

2011-01-01

Air embolism (AE) is a potential complication during transthoracic needle biopsy (TNB). The authors report on venous and systemic AE during CT-guided TNB under general anaesthesia. During the intervention, the radiologist observed accumulation of air bubbles in the left heart chambers, in the right subclavian vein, the superior vena cava and the right atrium. This was presumably due to pressure infusion of contrast medium (CM) air entrained via a stop-cock improperly fixed to the venous cannula or via the injection valve of the cannula by Venturi forces. Prevention of AE related to CM infusion is a subject for institutional risk management. Stop-cocks and injection valves should not be used in intravenous lines supplied by pressure infusions. Adverse outcome may be avoided by placing the patient head down, increasing FiO2 to 1.0, administering antithrombotic therapy and immobilizing the patient on the intervention table until CT has proved complete remission of AE. PMID:22693299

Bearing Fault Detection Based on Empirical Wavelet Transform and Correlated Kurtosis by Acoustic Emission.

PubMed

Gao, Zheyu; Lin, Jing; Wang, Xiufeng; Xu, Xiaoqiang

2017-05-24

Rolling bearings are widely used in rotating equipment. Detection of bearing faults is of great importance to guarantee safe operation of mechanical systems. Acoustic emission (AE), as one of the bearing monitoring technologies, is sensitive to weak signals and performs well in detecting incipient faults. Therefore, AE is widely used in monitoring the operating status of rolling bearing. This paper utilizes Empirical Wavelet Transform (EWT) to decompose AE signals into mono-components adaptively followed by calculation of the correlated kurtosis (CK) at certain time intervals of these components. By comparing these CK values, the resonant frequency of the rolling bearing can be determined. Then the fault characteristic frequencies are found by spectrum envelope. Both simulation signal and rolling bearing AE signals are used to verify the effectiveness of the proposed method. The results show that the new method performs well in identifying bearing fault frequency under strong background noise.

Full waveform approach for the automatic detection and location of acoustic emissions from hydraulic fracturing at Äspö (Sweden)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ángel López Comino, José; Cesca, Simone; Heimann, Sebastian; Grigoli, Francesco; Milkereit, Claus; Dahm, Torsten; Zang, Arno

2017-04-01

A crucial issue to analyse the induced seismicity for hydraulic fracturing is the detection and location of massive microseismic or acoustic emissions (AE) activity, with robust and sufficiently accurate automatic algorithms. Waveform stacking and coherence analysis have been tested for local seismic monitoring and mining induced seismicity improving the classical detection and location methods (e.g. short-term-average/long-term-average and automatic picking of the P and S waves first arrivals). These techniques are here applied using a full waveform approach for a hydraulic fracturing experiment (Nova project 54-14-1) that took place 410 m below surface in the Äspö Hard Rock Laboratory (Sweden). Continuous waveform recording with a near field network composed by eleven AE sensors are processed. The piezoelectric sensors have their highest sensitive in the frequency range 1 to 100 kHz, but sampling rates were extended to 1 MHz. We present the results obtained during the conventional, continuous water-injection experiment HF2 (Hydraulic Fracture 2). The event detector is based on the stacking of characteristic functions. It follows a delay-and-stack approach, where the likelihood of the hypocenter location in a pre-selected seismogenic volume is mapped by assessing the coherence of the P onset times at different stations. A low detector threshold is chosen, in order not to loose weaker events. This approach also increases the number of false detections. Therefore, the dataset has been revised manually, and detected events classified in terms of true AE events related to the fracturing process, electronic noise related to 50 Hz overtones, long period and other signals. The location of the AE events is further refined using a more accurate waveform stacking method which uses both P and S phases. A 3D grid is generated around the hydraulic fracturing volume and we retrieve a multidimensional matrix, whose absolute maximum corresponds to the spatial coordinates of the seismic event. The relative location accuracy is improved using a master event approach to correct for travel time perturbations. The master event is selected based on a good signal to noise ratio leading to a robust location with small uncertainties. Relative magnitudes are finally estimated upon the decay of the maximal recorded amplitude from the AE location. The resulting catalogue is composed of more than 4000 AEs. Their hypocenters are spatially clustered in a planar region, resembling the main fracture plane; its orientation and size are estimated from the spatial distribution of AEs. This work is funded by the EU H2020 SHEER project. Nova project 54-14-1 was financially supported by the GFZ German Research Center for Geosciences (75%), the KIT Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (15%) and the Nova Center for University Studies, Research and Development (10%). An additional in-kind contribution of SKB for using Äspö Hard Rock Laboratory as test site for geothermal research is greatly acknowledged.

Automated Assessment of Non-Native Learner Essays: Investigating the Role of Linguistic Features

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Vajjala, Sowmya

2018-01-01

Automatic essay scoring (AES) refers to the process of scoring free text responses to given prompts, considering human grader scores as the gold standard. Writing such essays is an essential component of many language and aptitude exams. Hence, AES became an active and established area of research, and there are many proprietary systems used in…

34 CFR 5b.11 - Exempt systems.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... information from the subject individual. (6) 5 U.S.C. 552a(e)(3) and § 5b.4(a)(3) of this part, regarding notice to individuals asked to provide information to the Department. (7) 5 U.S.C. 552a(e)(4) (G), (H... notice on subject individual if a record is made available under compulsory legal process if that process...

34 CFR 5b.11 - Exempt systems.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... information from the subject individual. (6) 5 U.S.C. 552a(e)(3) and § 5b.4(a)(3) of this part, regarding notice to individuals asked to provide information to the Department. (7) 5 U.S.C. 552a(e)(4) (G), (H... notice on subject individual if a record is made available under compulsory legal process if that process...

34 CFR 5b.11 - Exempt systems.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... information from the subject individual. (6) 5 U.S.C. 552a(e)(3) and § 5b.4(a)(3) of this part, regarding notice to individuals asked to provide information to the Department. (7) 5 U.S.C. 552a(e)(4) (G), (H... notice on subject individual if a record is made available under compulsory legal process if that process...

34 CFR 5b.11 - Exempt systems.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... information from the subject individual. (6) 5 U.S.C. 552a(e)(3) and § 5b.4(a)(3) of this part, regarding notice to individuals asked to provide information to the Department. (7) 5 U.S.C. 552a(e)(4) (G), (H... notice on subject individual if a record is made available under compulsory legal process if that process...

34 CFR 5b.11 - Exempt systems.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... information from the subject individual. (6) 5 U.S.C. 552a(e)(3) and § 5b.4(a)(3) of this part, regarding notice to individuals asked to provide information to the Department. (7) 5 U.S.C. 552a(e)(4) (G), (H... notice on subject individual if a record is made available under compulsory legal process if that process...

Enhanced inhibitory control by neuropeptide Y Y5 receptor blockade in rats.

PubMed

Bari, A; Dec, A; Lee, A W; Lee, J; Song, D; Dale, E; Peterson, J; Zorn, S; Huang, X; Campbell, B; Robbins, T W; West, A R

2015-03-01

The neuropeptide Y (NPY) system acts in synergy with the classic neurotransmitters to regulate a large variety of functions including autonomic, affective, and cognitive processes. Research on the effects of NPY in the central nervous system has focused on food intake control and affective processes, but growing evidence of NPY involvement in attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and other psychiatric conditions motivated the present study. We tested the effects of the novel and highly selective NPY Y5 receptor antagonist Lu AE00654 on impulsivity and the underlying cortico-striatal circuitry in rats to further explore the possible involvement of the NPY system in pathologies characterized by inattention and impulsive behavior. A low dose of Lu AE00654 (0.03 mg/kg) selectively facilitated response inhibition as measured by the stop-signal task, whereas no effects were found at higher doses (0.3 and 3 mg/kg). Systemic administration of Lu AE00654 also enhanced the inhibitory influence of the dorsal frontal cortex on neurons in the caudate-putamen, this fronto-striatal circuitry being implicated in the executive control of behavior. Finally, by locally injecting a Y5 agonist, we observed reciprocal activation between dorsal frontal cortex and caudate-putamen neurons. Importantly, the effects of the Y5 agonist were attenuated by pretreatment with Lu AE00654, confirming the presence of Y5 binding sites modulating functional interactions within frontal-subcortical circuits. These results suggest that the NPY system modulates inhibitory neurotransmission in brain areas important for impulse control, and may be relevant for the treatment of pathologies such as ADHD and drug abuse.

Vector Competence of Mosquitoes for Arboviruses

DTIC Science & Technology

1989-07-30

dose required to infect 50% of the Rockefeller strain of Ae. aegypti, following feeding on a pledget , has now been more accurately estimated to be...greater surface area for feeding, when compared to gauze pledgets , thus reducing competition between mosquitoes for access to feeding sites. The volume of

Independent Production Cost Estimate: XM1 Tank Main Armament Evaluation

DTIC Science & Technology

1977-11-01

r V. REFERtNCfcS 1. Ammunition Cost Research Study, Gerald W. Kalal and Patrick Gannon, Jun 76, AD-A-029330. 2. Ammunition Cost Research: Medium...Bore Cannon Ammunition, Annexes A-E, Patrick Gannon, Celestino George, Gerald Kalal , Kathleen Keleher, Paul Riedesel, Joseph Robinson, Sep 75, AD-A...016104. 3. Cost Estimating Relationships for Manufacturing Hardware Cost of Gun/Howitzer Cannons, Gerald W. Kalal , Aug 72, AD-75-7163. 4. ARRCOM

Hydrogen ion dynamics in human red blood cells

PubMed Central

Swietach, Pawel; Tiffert, Teresa; Mauritz, Jakob M A; Seear, Rachel; Esposito, Alessandro; Kaminski, Clemens F; Lew, Virgilio L; Vaughan-Jones, Richard D

2010-01-01

Our understanding of pH regulation within red blood cells (RBCs) has been inferred mainly from indirect experiments rather than from in situ measurements of intracellular pH (pHi). The present work shows that carboxy-SNARF-1, a pH fluorophore, when used with confocal imaging or flow cytometry, reliably reports pHi in individual, human RBCs, provided intracellular fluorescence is calibrated using a ‘null-point’ procedure. Mean pHi was 7.25 in CO2/HCO3−-buffered medium and 7.15 in Hepes-buffered medium, and varied linearly with extracellular pH (slope of 0.77). Intrinsic (non-CO2/HCO3−-dependent) buffering power, estimated in the intact cell (85 mmol (l cell)−1 (pH unit)−1 at resting pHi), was somewhat higher than previous estimates from cell lysates (50–70 mmol (l cell)−1 (pH unit)−1). Acute displacement of pHi (superfusion of weak acids/bases) triggered rapid pHi recovery. This was mediated via membrane Cl−/HCO3− exchange (the AE1 gene product), irrespective of whether recovery was from an intracellular acid or base load, and with no evident contribution from other transporters such as Na+/H+ exchange. H+-equivalent flux through AE1 was a linear function of [H+]i and reversed at resting pHi, indicating that its activity is not allosterically regulated by pHi, in contrast to other AE isoforms. By simultaneously monitoring pHi and markers of cell volume, a functional link between membrane ion transport, volume and pHi was demonstrated. RBC pHi is therefore tightly regulated via AE1 activity, but modulated during changes of cell volume. A comparable volume–pHi link may also be important in other cell types expressing anion exchangers. Direct measurement of pHi should be useful in future investigations of RBC physiology and pathology. PMID:20962000

First-in-Human Study of PF-05212384 (PKI-587), a Small-Molecule, Intravenous, Dual Inhibitor of PI3K and mTOR in Patients with Advanced Cancer.

PubMed

Shapiro, Geoffrey I; Bell-McGuinn, Katherine M; Molina, Julian R; Bendell, Johanna; Spicer, James; Kwak, Eunice L; Pandya, Susan S; Millham, Robert; Borzillo, Gary; Pierce, Kristen J; Han, Lixin; Houk, Brett E; Gallo, Jorge D; Alsina, Maria; Braña, Irene; Tabernero, Josep

2015-04-15

To evaluate safety (primary endpoint), tolerability, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamic profile, and preliminary activity of the intravenous, pan-class I isoform PI3K/mTOR inhibitor PF-05212384 in patients with advanced solid tumors. Part 1 of this open-label phase I study was designed to estimate the maximum-tolerated dose (MTD) in patients with nonselected solid tumors, using a modified continual reassessment method to guide dose escalation. Objectives of part 2 were MTD confirmation and assessment of preliminary activity in patients with selected tumor types and PI3K pathway dysregulation. Seventy-seven of the 78 enrolled patients received treatment. The MTD for PF-05212384, administered intravenously once weekly, was estimated to be 154 mg. The most common treatment-related adverse events (AE) were mucosal inflammation/stomatitis (58.4%), nausea (42.9%), hyperglycemia (26%), decreased appetite (24.7%), fatigue (24.7%), and vomiting (24.7%). The majority of patients treated at the MTD experienced only grade 1 treatment-related AEs. Grade 3 treatment-related AEs occurred in 23.8% of patients at the MTD. No treatment-related grade 4-5 AEs were reported at any dose level. Antitumor activity was noted in this heavily pretreated patient population, with two partial responses (PR) and an unconfirmed PR. Eight patients had long-lasting stable disease (>6 months). Pharmacokinetic analyses showed a biphasic concentration-time profile for PF-05212384 (half-life, 30-37 hours after multiple dosing). PF-05212384 inhibited downstream effectors of the PI3K pathway in paired tumor biopsies. These findings demonstrate the manageable safety profile and antitumor activity of the PI3K/mTOR inhibitor PF-05212384, supporting further clinical development for patients with advanced solid malignancies. ©2015 American Association for Cancer Research.

Modeling the habitat suitability for the arbovirus vector Aedes albopictus (Diptera: Culicidae) in Germany.

PubMed

Koch, Lisa K; Cunze, Sarah; Werblow, Antje; Kochmann, Judith; Dörge, Dorian D; Mehlhorn, Heinz; Klimpel, Sven

2016-03-01

Climatic changes raise the risk of re-emergence of arthropod-borne virus outbreaks globally. These viruses are transmitted by arthropod vectors, often mosquitoes. Due to increasing worldwide trade and tourism, these vector species are often accidentally introduced into many countries beyond their former distribution range. Aedes albopictus, a well-known disease vector, was detected for the first time in Germany in 2007, but seems to have failed establishment until today. However, the species is known to occur in other temperate regions and a risk for establishment in Germany remains, especially in the face of predicted climate change. Thus, the goal of the study was to estimate the potential distribution of Ae. albopictus in Germany. We used ecological niche modeling in order to estimate the potential habitat suitability for this species under current and projected future climatic conditions. According to our model, there are already two areas in western and southern Germany that appear suitable for Ae. albopictus under current climatic conditions. One of these areas lies in Baden-Wuerttemberg, the other in North-Rhine Westphalia in the Ruhr region. Furthermore, projections under future climatic conditions show an increase of the modeled habitat suitability throughout Germany. Ae. albopictus is supposed to be better acclimated to colder temperatures than other tropical vectors and thus, might become, triggered by climate change, a serious threat to public health in Germany. Our modeling results can help optimizing the design of monitoring programs currently in place in Germany.

Cascade Distiller System Performance Testing Interim Results

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Callahan, Michael R.; Pensinger, Stuart; Sargusingh, Miriam J.

2014-01-01

The Cascade Distillation System (CDS) is a rotary distillation system with potential for greater reliability and lower energy costs than existing distillation systems. Based upon the results of the 2009 distillation comparison test (DCT) and recommendations of the expert panel, the Advanced Exploration Systems (AES) Water Recovery Project (WRP) project advanced the technology by increasing reliability of the system through redesign of bearing assemblies and improved rotor dynamics. In addition, the project improved the CDS power efficiency by optimizing the thermoelectric heat pump (TeHP) and heat exchanger design. Testing at the NASA-JSC Advanced Exploration System Water Laboratory (AES Water Lab) using a prototype Cascade Distillation Subsystem (CDS) wastewater processor (Honeywell d International, Torrance, Calif.) with test support equipment and control system developed by Johnson Space Center was performed to evaluate performance of the system with the upgrades as compared to previous system performance. The system was challenged with Solution 1 from the NASA Exploration Life Support (ELS) distillation comparison testing performed in 2009. Solution 1 consisted of a mixed stream containing human-generated urine and humidity condensate. A secondary objective of this testing is to evaluate the performance of the CDS as compared to the state of the art Distillation Assembly (DA) used in the ISS Urine Processor Assembly (UPA). This was done by challenging the system with ISS analog waste streams. This paper details the results of the AES WRP CDS performance testing.

MMR immunisation status among Dublin paediatric A&E attenders.

PubMed

Murphy, A W; Power, R; Kinlen, D M; Johnson, Z

1994-01-01

The objectives of this study were to establish the need for opportunistic MMR immunisation among paediatric A&E attenders to the three Dublin paediatric hospitals and to examine the relationship between immunisation status and socioeconomic factors. Design was that of a two month cross sectional study. Survey data was then compared with information on the Eastern Health Board (EHB) records system. Small area and multiple regression analysis of socioeconomic factors derived from participants addresses was also performed. Subjects were 337 children who attended these departments and were aged between fifteen months and five years. For 66% of cases there was a history of MMR immunisation, 30% gave a negative history and 4% did not know. Of those giving a negative history, one third said immunisation had been omitted for no specific reason. EHB records suggested that 39% were immunised, 41% were not and 20% were not on file. Eligibility for the GMS was not associated with failure to immunise. Small area and multiple regression analysis showed little association between immunisation uptake and socioeconomic factors. An opportunistic MMR immunisation policy in A&E Departments would make an important contribution to increasing overall uptake figures. Parental knowledge of the implications of measles and the effectiveness of immunisation needs to be improved. Computerised child health systems must have high data quality standards and access to these systems should be made available in A&E departments.