Ultrasensitive electrochemical immunoassay of staphylococcal enterotoxin B in food using enzyme-nanosilica-doped carbon nanotubes for signal amplification.

PubMed

Tang, Dianping; Tang, Juan; Su, Biling; Chen, Guonan

2010-10-27

A new sandwich-type electrochemical immunoassay for ultrasensitive detection of staphylococcal enterotoxin B (SEB) in food was developed using horseradish peroxidase-nanosilica-doped multiwalled carbon nanotubes (HRPSiCNTs) for signal amplification. Rabbit polyclonal anti-SEB antibodies immobilized on the screen-printed carbon electrode (SPCE) and covalently bound to the HRPSiCNTs were used as capture antibodies and detection antibodies, respectively. In the presence of SEB analyte, the sandwich-type immunocomplex could be formed between the immobilized anti-SEB on the SPCE and anti-SEB-labeled HRPSiCNTs, and the carried HRP could catalyze the electrochemical reduction of H2O2 with the help of thionine. The high content of HRP in the HRPSiCNTs could greatly amplify the electrochemical signal. Under optimal conditions, the reduction current increased with the increase of SEB in the sample, and exhibited a dynamic range of 0.05-15 ng/mL with a low detection limit (LOD) of 10 pg/mL SEB (at 3σ). Intra- and interassay coefficients of variation were below 10%. In addition, the assay was evaluated with SEB spiked samples including watermelon juice, soymilk, apple juice, and pork food, receiving excellent correlation with results from commercially available enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).

Staphylococcal enterotoxin-specific IgE antibodies in atopic dermatitis.

PubMed

Ide, Fumihito; Matsubara, Tomoyo; Kaneko, Miho; Ichiyama, Takashi; Mukouyama, Tokuko; Furukawa, Susumu

2004-06-01

The authors clarified the clinical significance of the measurement of serum concentrations of specific IgE antibodies to staphylococcal enterotoxin (SE) A- and SEB in atopic dermatitis (AD). The serum concentrations of SEA- and SEB-specific IgE antibodies in 140 pediatric patients with AD were measured with an immuno CAP -radioallergosorbent test system (RAST). To check the cross-reaction of specific IgE antibodies to SEA/SEB and other allergens, the CAP RAST fluorescent enzyme immunoassay inhibition test was performed. Forty-seven patients (33.6%) tested positive for either SEA- or SEB-specific IgE antibodies. School children showed higher positive rates of SEA/SEB-specific IgE antibodies than infants or young children. The patients with severe AD and those with exacerbation of symptoms in summer, had higher positive rates of SEA/SEB-specific IgE antibodies than patients with mild AD or those with exacerbation in winter. In addition, the positive rates of specific IgE antibodies to both dog-dander and cat-dander were higher in patients with positive SEA/SEB-specific IgE antibodies than in patients with negative ones. No cross-reactions occurred among specific IgE antibodies to SEA/SEB and dog/cat dander with one patient's serum, which had positive IgE-specific antibodies against cat/dog dander and SEA/SEB. The positive rate of SEA/SEB-specific IgE antibodies in the patients with dogs and/or cats as pets was 48.4%, which was higher than in those with no pets. Atopic dermatitis patients who exhibit high positive rates of SEA/SEB-specific IgE antibodies were found to be school children, severe cases, cases with high serum concentrations of total IgE, cases with exacerbation in summer, and cases with dogs and/or cats as pets. The measurement of serum concentrations of specific IgE antibodies to SEA and SEB, thus has some value for evaluating AD patients.

Spectral surface plasmon resonance biosensor for detection of staphylococcal enterotoxin B in milk.

PubMed

Homola, Jirí; Dostálek, Jakub; Chen, Shengfu; Rasooly, Avraham; Jiang, Shaoyi; Yee, Sinclair S

2002-05-05

This work evaluates a newly developed wavelength modulation-based SPR biosensor for the detection of staphylococcal enterotoxin B (SEB) in milk. Two modes of operation of the SPR biosensor are described: direct detection of SEB and sandwich assay. In the sandwich assay detection mode, secondary antibodies are bound to the already captured toxin to amplify sensor response. Samples including SEB in buffer and SEB in milk were analyzed in this work. The SPR biosensor has been shown to be capable of directly detecting concentrations of SEB in buffer as low as 5 ng/ml. In sandwich detection mode, the lowest detection limit was determined to be 0.5 ng/ml for both buffer and milk samples. The reported wavelength modulation-based SPR sensor provides a generic platform which can be tailored for detection of various foodborne pathogens and agents for food analysis and testing.

Influence of processing sequence on the tribological properties of VGCF-X/PA6/SEBS composites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Osada, Yu; Nishitani, Yosuke; Kitano, Takeshi

2016-03-01

In order to develop the new tribomaterials for mechanical sliding parts with sufficient balance of mechanical and tribological properties, we investigated the influence of processing sequence on the tribological properties of the ternary nanocomposites: the polymer blends of polyamide 6 (PA6) and styrene-ethylene/butylene-styrene copolymer (SEBS) filled with vapor grown carbon fiber (VGCF-X), which is one of carbon nanofiber (CNF) and has 15nm diameter and 3μm length. Five different processing sequences: (1) VGCF-X, PA6 and SEBS were mixed simultaneously (Process A), (2) Re-mixing (Second compounding) of the materials prepared by Process A (Process AR),(3) SEBS was blended with PA6 (PA6/SEBS blends) and then these blends were mixed with VGCF-X (Process B), (4) VGCF-X was mixed with PA6 (VGCF-X/PA6 composites) and then these composites were blended with SEBS (Process C), and (5) VGCF-X were mixed with SEBS (VGCF-X/SEBS composites) and then these composites were blended with PA6 (Process D) were attempted for preparing of the ternary nanocomposites (VGCF-X/PA6/SEBS composites). These ternary polymer nanocomposites were extruded by a twin screw extruder and injection-molded. Their tribological properties were evaluated by using a ring-on-plate type sliding wear tester under dry condition. The tribological properties such as the frictional coefficient and the specific wear rate were influenced by the processing sequence. These results may be attributed to the change of internal structure formation, which is a dispersibility of SEBS particle and VGCF-X in ternary nanocomposites (VGCF-X/PA6/SEBS) by different processing sequences. In particular, the processing sequences of AR, B and D, which are those of re-mixing of VGCF-X, have a good dispersibility of VGCF-X for the improvement of tribological properties.

Evaluation of handheld assays for the detection of ricin and staphylococcal enterotoxin B in disinfected waters.

PubMed

Wade, Mary Margaret; Biggs, Tracey D; Insalaco, Joseph M; Neuendorff, Lisa K; Bevilacqua, Vicky L H; Schenning, Amanda M; Reilly, Lisa M; Shah, Saumil S; Conley, Edward K; Emanuel, Peter A; Zulich, Alan W

2011-01-01

Development of a rapid field test is needed capable of determining if field supplies of water are safe to drink by the warfighter during a military operation. The present study sought to assess the effectiveness of handheld assays (HHAs) in detecting ricin and Staphylococcal Enterotoxin B (SEB) in water. Performance of HHAs was evaluated in formulated tap water with and without chlorine, reverse osmosis water (RO) with chlorine, and RO with bromine. Each matrix was prepared, spiked with ricin or SEB at multiple concentrations, and then loaded onto HHAs. HHAs were allowed to develop and then read visually. Limits of detection (LOD) were determined for all HHAs in each water type. Both ricin and SEB were detected by HHAs in formulated tap water at or below the suggested health effect levels of 455 ng/mL and 4.55 ng/mL, respectively. However, in brominated or chlorinated waters, LODs for SEB increased to approximately 2,500 ng/mL. LODs for ricin increased in chlorinated water, but still remained below the suggested health effect level. In brominated water, the LOD for ricin increased to approximately 2,500 ng/mL. In conclusion, the HHAs tested were less effective at detecting ricin and SEB in disinfected water, as currently configured.

Bone marrow - mesenchymal stem cells impact on the U937 cells in the presence of staphylococcal enterotoxin B (SEB).

PubMed

Ejtehadifar, Mostafa; Halabian, Raheleh; Ghazavi, Ali; Khansarinejad, Behzad; Mosayebi, Ghasem; Imani Fooladi, Abbas Ali

2018-04-14

The growing resistance against conventional chemotherapy in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a noticeable clinical concern. Therefore, many researchers are looking for novel substances to overcome drug resistance in cancer. Staphylococcal enterotoxin B (SEB) is a superantigen (SAg) and a promising compound which has lethal effects on malignant cells. In this unprecedented study, SEB was used against U937 cells in a co-culture system in the presence of human bone marrow-mesenchymal stem cells (hBM-MSCs). The effects of hBM-MSCs on the proliferation and survival of U937 cell line with SEB was assessed using MTT assay and AnnexinV/PI flowcytometry, respectively. Moreover, the expression of IL-6, IL-10, TGF-β, and inhibitor of nuclear factor kappa-B kinase (IKKb) was evaluated by real-time PCR technique. The same experiments were also carried out using hBM-MSCs-conditioned medium (hBM-MSCs-CM). The results showed that SEB reduced the proliferation and survival of U937 cell line, but hBM-MSCs or hBM-MSCs-CM suppressed the effects of SEB. Furthermore, real-timePCR demonstrated that SEB could decrease the expression of IL-6, IL-10, and TGF-β in hBM-MSCs (P < .05), while the production of IKKb was increased in comparison with the control group. These findings help us to have a broader understanding ofthe usage of SEB in the treatment of haematological malignancies, especially if it is targeted against hBM-MSCs to disrupt their supportive effects on malignant cells. © 2018 John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd.

Evaluation of SEBS, SEBAL, and METRIC models in estimation of the evaporation from the freshwater lakes (Case study: Amirkabir dam, Iran)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zamani Losgedaragh, Saeideh; Rahimzadegan, Majid

2018-06-01

Evapotranspiration (ET) estimation is of great importance due to its key role in water resource management. Surface energy modeling tools such as Surface Energy Balance Algorithm for Land (SEBAL), Mapping Evapotranspiration with Internalized Calibration (METRIC), and the Surface Energy Balance System (SEBS) can estimate the amount of evapotranspiration for every pixel of the satellite images. The main objective of this research is evaporation investigation from the freshwater bodies using SEBAL, METRIC, and SEBS. For this purpose, the Amirkabir dam reservoir and its nearby agricultural lands in a semi-arid climate were selected and studied from 2011 to 2017 as the study area. The implementations of this study were accomplished on 16 satellite images of Landsat TM5 and OLI. Then, SEBAL, METRIC, and SEBS were implemented on the selected images. Moreover, the corresponding pan evaporate measurements on the reservoir bank were considered as the ground truth data. Regarding to the results, SEBAL is not a reliable method to evaluate freshwater evaporation with the coefficient of determination (R2) of 0.36 and the Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) of 5.1 mm. On the other hand, METRIC with RMSE and R2 of 0.57 and 2.02 mm and SEBS with RMSE and R2 of 0.93 and 0.62 demonstrated a relatively good performance.

Evaluation of Handheld Assays for the Detection of Ricin and Staphylococcal Enterotoxin B in Disinfected Waters

PubMed Central

Wade, Mary Margaret; Biggs, Tracey D.; Insalaco, Joseph M.; Neuendorff, Lisa K.; Bevilacqua, Vicky L. H.; Schenning, Amanda M.; Reilly, Lisa M.; Shah, Saumil S.; Conley, Edward K.; Emanuel, Peter A.; Zulich, Alan W.

2011-01-01

Development of a rapid field test is needed capable of determining if field supplies of water are safe to drink by the warfighter during a military operation. The present study sought to assess the effectiveness of handheld assays (HHAs) in detecting ricin and Staphylococcal Enterotoxin B (SEB) in water. Performance of HHAs was evaluated in formulated tap water with and without chlorine, reverse osmosis water (RO) with chlorine, and RO with bromine. Each matrix was prepared, spiked with ricin or SEB at multiple concentrations, and then loaded onto HHAs. HHAs were allowed to develop and then read visually. Limits of detection (LOD) were determined for all HHAs in each water type. Both ricin and SEB were detected by HHAs in formulated tap water at or below the suggested health effect levels of 455 ng/mL and 4.55 ng/mL, respectively. However, in brominated or chlorinated waters, LODs for SEB increased to approximately 2,500 ng/mL. LODs for ricin increased in chlorinated water, but still remained below the suggested health effect level. In brominated water, the LOD for ricin increased to approximately 2,500 ng/mL. In conclusion, the HHAs tested were less effective at detecting ricin and SEB in disinfected water, as currently configured. PMID:21792355

Fault-Tolerant Sequencer Using FPGA-Based Logic Designs for Space Applications

DTIC Science & Technology

2013-12-01

Prototype Board SBU single bit upset SDK software development kit SDRAM synchronous dynamic random-access memory SEB single-event burnout ...current VHDL VHSIC hardware description language VHSIC very-high-speed integrated circuits VLSI very-large- scale integration VQFP very...transient pulse, called a single-event transient (SET), or even cause permanent damage to the device in the form of a burnout or gate rupture. The SEE

Feasibility study for the Swaziland/Mozambique interconnector. Final report. Export trade information

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

NONE

1997-11-01

This study, conducted by Black & Veatch, was funded by the U.S. Trade and Development Agency. The report, produced for the Ministry of National Resources, Energy and Environment (MNRE) of Swaziland, determines the least cost capacity expansion option to meet the future power demand and system reliability criteria of Swaziland, with particular emphasis on the proposed interconnector between Swaziland and Mozambique. Volume 2, the Final Report, contains the following sections: (1.0) Introduction; (2.0) Review of SEB Power System; (3.0) SEB Load Forecast and Review; (4.0) SEB Load Forecast Revision; (5.0) The SEB Need for Power; (6.0) SEB System Development Planmore » Review; (7.0) Southern Mozambique EdM power System Review; (8.0) Southern Mozambique EdM Energy and Demand; (9.0) Supply Side Capacity Options for Swaziland and Mozambique; (10.0) SEB Expansion Plan Development; (11.0) EdM Expansion Plan Development; (12.0) Cost Sharing of the Interconnector; (13.0) Enviroinmental Evaluation of Interconnector Options; (14.0) Generation/Transmission Trade Offs; (15.0) Draft Interconnection Agreement and Contract Packages; (16.0) Transmission System Study; (17.0) Automatic General Control; (18.0) Automatic Startup and Shutdown of Hydro Electric Power Plants; (19.0) Communications and Metering; (20.0) Conclusions and Recommendations; Appendix A: Demand Side Management Primer; Appendix B. PURPA and Avoided Cost Calculations.« less

The Development of Carriers and Adjuvants for use with Peptides to Induce Mucosal and Systemic Immunity against Biologic Toxins

DTIC Science & Technology

1991-06-30

not toxic in vitro and is toxic at low doses only in man and monkey . In order to test the SEB vaccines made, new ideas for a mouse model for SEB...Secretory immunity experiments using shigella LPS with protaosones to evaluate oral and intranasal immunization using antigens of known military importance

Blood Selenium Concentration and Blood Cystatin C Concentration in a Randomly Selected Population of Healthy Children Environmentally Exposed to Lead and Cadmium.

PubMed

Gać, Paweł; Pawlas, Natalia; Wylężek, Paweł; Poręba, Rafał; Poręba, Małgorzata; Pawlas, Krystyna

2017-01-01

This study aimed at evaluation of a relationship between blood selenium concentration (Se-B) and blood cystatin C concentration (CST) in a randomly selected population of healthy children, environmentally exposed to lead and cadmium. The studies were conducted on 172 randomly selected children (7.98 ± 0.97 years). Among participants, the subgroups were distinguished, manifesting marginally low blood selenium concentration (Se-B 40-59 μg/l), suboptimal blood selenium concentration (Se-B: 60-79 μg/l) or optimal blood selenium concentration (Se-B ≥ 80 μg/l). At the subsequent stage, analogous subgroups of participants were selected separately in groups of children with BMI below median value (BMI <16.48 kg/m 2 ) and in children with BMI ≥ median value (BMI ≥16.48 kg/m 2 ). In all participants, values of Se-B and CST were estimated. In the entire group of examined children no significant differences in mean CST values were detected between groups distinguished on the base of normative Se-B values. Among children with BMI below 16.48 kg/m 2 , children with marginally low Se-B manifested significantly higher mean CST values, as compared to children with optimum Se-B (0.95 ± 0.07 vs. 0.82 ± 0.15 mg/l, p < 0.05). In summary, in a randomly selected population of healthy children no relationships could be detected between blood selenium concentration and blood cystatin C concentration. On the other hand, in children with low body mass index, a negative non-linear relationship was present between blood selenium concentration and blood cystatin C concentration.

Passive therapy with humanized anti-staphylococcal enterotoxin B antibodies attenuates systemic inflammatory response and protects from lethal pneumonia caused by staphylococcal enterotoxin B-producing Staphylococcus aureus.

PubMed

Karau, Melissa J; Tilahun, Mulualem E; Krogman, Ashton; Osborne, Barbara A; Goldsby, Richard A; David, Chella S; Mandrekar, Jayawant N; Patel, Robin; Rajagopalan, Govindarajan

2017-10-03

Drugs such as linezolid that inhibit bacterial protein synthesis may be beneficial in treating infections caused by toxigenic Staphylococcus aureus. As protein synthesis inhibitors have no effect on preformed toxins, neutralization of pathogenic exotoxins with anti-toxin antibodies may be beneficial in conjunction with antibacterial therapy. Herein, we evaluated the efficacy of human-mouse chimeric high-affinity neutralizing anti-staphylococcal enterotoxin B (SEB) antibodies in the treatment of experimental pneumonia caused by SEB-producing S. aureus. Since HLA class II transgenic mice mount a stronger systemic immune response following challenge with SEB and are more susceptible to SEB-induced lethal toxic shock than conventional mice strains, HLA-DR3 transgenic mice were used. Lethal pneumonia caused by SEB-producing S. aureus in HLA-DR3 transgenic mice was characterized by robust T cell activation and elevated systemic levels of several pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines. Prophylactic administration of a single dose of linezolid 30 min prior to the onset of infection attenuated the systemic inflammatory response and protected from mortality whereas linezolid administered 60 min after the onset of infection failed to confer significant protection. Human-mouse chimeric high-affinity neutralizing anti-SEB antibodies alone, but not polyclonal human IgG, mitigated this response and protected from death when administered immediately after initiation of infection. Further, anti-SEB antibodies as well as intact polyclonal human IgG, but not its Fab or Fc fragments, protected from lethal pneumonia when followed with linezolid therapy 60 min later. In conclusion, neutralization of superantigens with high-affinity antibodies may have beneficial effects in pneumonia.

Neutralization of Staphylococcal Enterotoxin B by an Aptamer Antagonist

PubMed Central

Wang, Kaiyu; Gan, Longjie; Jiang, Li; Zhang, Xianhui; Yang, Xiangyue; Chen, Min

2015-01-01

Staphylococcal enterotoxin B (SEB) is a major virulence factor for staphylococcal toxic shock syndrome (TSS). SEB activates a large subset of the T lymphocytic population, releasing proinflammatory cytokines. Blocking SEB-initiated toxicity may be an effective strategy for treating TSS. Using a process known as systematic evolution of ligands by exponential enrichment (SELEX), we identified an aptamer that can antagonize SEB with nanomolar binding affinity (Kd = 64 nM). The aptamer antagonist effectively inhibits SEB-mediated proliferation and cytokine secretion in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Moreover, a PEGylated aptamer antagonist significantly reduced mortality in a “double-hit” mouse model of SEB-induced TSS, established via sensitization with d-galactosamine followed by SEB challenge. Therefore, our novel aptamer antagonist may offer potential therapeutic efficacy against SEB-mediated TSS. PMID:25624325

Organization and ELISA-Based Results of the First Proficiency Testing to Evaluate the Ability of European Union Laboratories to Detect Staphylococcal Enterotoxin Type B (SEB) in Buffer and Milk

PubMed Central

Nia, Yacine; Rodriguez, Mélanie; Zeleny, Reinhard; Herbin, Sabine; Auvray, Frédéric; Fiebig, Uwe; Avondet, Marc-André; Munoz, Amalia; Hennekinne, Jacques-Antoine

2016-01-01

The aim of this work was to organize the first proficiency test (PT) dedicated to staphylococcal enterotoxin B (SEB) detection in milk and buffer solutions. This paper describes the organization of the PT trial according to EN ISO 17043 requirements. Characterization of the SEB stock solution was performed using SDS-PAGE and SE-specific ELISA, and amino acid analysis was used to assign its protein concentration. The solution was then used to prepare six PT materials (four milk and two buffer batches) at a ng/g toxin level, which included one blank and one SEA-containing milk as specificity control. Suitable material homogeneity and stability were assessed using screening and quantitative ELISAs. Among the methods used by the participants, ELISA-based methods demonstrated their efficiency for the detection of SEB in both simple and complex matrices. The results serve as a basis for further improving the detection capabilities in expert laboratories and can therefore be considered as a contribution to biopreparedness. PMID:27649244

Rapid and sensitive sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for detection of staphylococcal enterotoxin B in cheese.

PubMed Central

Morissette, C; Goulet, J; Lamoureux, G

1991-01-01

A rapid and sensitive screening sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was developed for the detection of staphylococcal enterotoxin B (SEB) in cheese by using a highly avid anti-SEB antibody (Ab) as the capture Ab (CAb) and as the biotinylated Ab conjugate. The glutaraldehyde fixation method for the immobilization of CAb on polystyrene dipsticks was superior to the adsorption fixation and the adsorption-glutaraldehyde fixation methods. The glutaraldehyde fixation method resulted in a higher surface-saturating CAb concentration as evaluated by the peroxidase saturation technique and by the ability of the CAb-coated dipstick to discriminate between positive and negative controls (index of discrimination). Of nine blocking agents used alone or in pairs, lysine-human serum albumin, bovine serum albumin, human serum albumin, and gelatin effectively saturated available sites on the CAb-coated dipsticks without causing interference with the antigen-Ab reactions. The addition of 1% polyethylene glycol to the diluent of the biotinylated anti-SEB Ab conjugate improved the detection of SEB. A concentration of 4% polyethylene glycol allowed a 5-min reaction time for the streptavidin-biotin-horseradish peroxidase conjugate. Cheddar cheese homogenate reduced the sensitivity of the SEB assay; however, the sensitivity was restored when 1.6% (wt/vol) of either a nonionic detergent (Mega-9) or two zwitterionic detergents (Zwittergent 3-10 and 3-12 detergent) was added to the diluent. By using the rapid sandwich ELISA, a minimum of 0.5 to 1.0 ng of SEB per ml was detected within 45 min. The whole procedure for the analysis of the cheddar cheese samples was completed within 1 h.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS) PMID:2039234

Prevalence of serum IgE antibodies to the Staphylococcus aureus enterotoxins (SAE, SEB, SEC, SED, TSST-1) in patients with persistent allergic rhinitis.

PubMed

Rossi, Renato Enzo; Monasterolo, Giorgio

2004-03-01

Enterotoxins produced by Staphylococcus aureus and their specific IgE antibodies were thought to be important in worsening atopic dermatitis. However, few studies have documented an association between S. aureus or its exotoxins and exacerbations of upper airway/nasal disease. In the current study, we determined the prevalence of serum-specific IgE towards staphylococcal enterotoxin A, B, C, D (SEA, SEB, SEC, SED) and toxic shock syndrome toxin 1 (TSST-1) in patients suffering from rhinitis and/or asthma due to allergy. Therefore, we examined whether SEA, SEB, SEC, SED and TSST-1 were important in worsening the clinical status of patients allergic to house dust mites by means of assessing serum eosinophil cationic protein (ECP), which is thought to be a reliable marker of asthma and rhinitis severity. 198 patients with persistent allergic rhinitis and/or asthma due to house dust mites were evaluated. Specific IgE towards SEA, SEB, SEC, SED, TSST-1, timothy grass and birch pollen recombinant allergens, and other aeroallergen extracts from common allergen sources were evaluated by the Pharmacia CAP System. Serum ECP was assessed, too. The percentages of sensitization to staphylococcal enterotoxins of 198 house dust mite-allergic patients were as follows: TSST-1-specific IgE 24.7% (n=49), SEC-specific IgE 22.2% (n=44), SEB-specific IgE 15.1% (n=30), SEA-specific IgE 9.1% (n=18), and SED-specific IgE 5.5% (n=11). Out of 198 individuals allergic to house dust mites 136 patients suffering from persistent rhinitis were subdivided into two subgroups: 53 patients with serum-specific IgE to at least one staphylococcal enterotoxin and 83 patients without specific IgE towards staphylococcal enterotoxins. Patients sensitive to staphylococcal enterotoxins had higher serum ECP levels than patients lacking specific IgE to SEA, SEB, SEC, SED and TSST-1(geometric mean 24.3 vs. 16.6 microg/100 ml; p=0.029), as well as total IgE levels (geometric mean 564 vs. 161 kU/l, p=0.00063) and specific IgE to Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (geometric mean 16.7 vs. 6.6 kU/l; p=0.0235) and Dermatophagoides farinae (geometric mean 18.6 vs. 7.8 kU/l; p=0.0246). A status of sensitization to staphylococcal enterotoxins seems to be a factor increasing serum ECP, which is thought to be a reliable marker of clinical severity of allergic disease. Therefore, the evaluation of SEA, SEB, SEC, SED and TSST-1-specific IgE antibodies may have additional significance for the prognosis of persistent allergic diseases of the upper airway. Copyright 2004 S. Karger AG, Basel

Effect of food-related stress conditions and loss of agr and sigB on seb promoter activity in S. aureus.

PubMed

Sihto, Henna-Maria; Stephan, Roger; Engl, Christoph; Chen, John; Johler, Sophia

2017-08-01

Staphylococcal enterotoxin B (SEB) causes staphylococcal food poisoning and is produced in up to ten times higher quantities than other major enterotoxins. While Staphylococcus aureus growth is often repressed by competing flora, the organism exhibits a decisive growth advantage under some stress conditions. So far, data on the influence of food-related stressors and regulatory mutations on seb expression is limited and largely based on laboratory strains, which were later reported to harbor mutations. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the influence of stress and regulatory mutations on seb promoter activity. To this end, transcriptional fusions were created in two strains, USA300 and HG003, carrying different seb upstream sequences fused to a blaZ reporter. NaCl, nitrite, and glucose stress led to significantly decreased seb promoter activity, while lactic acid stress resulted in significantly increased seb promoter activity. Loss of agr decreased seb promoter activity and loss of sigB increased promoter activity, with the magnitude of change depending on the strain. These results demonstrate that mild stress conditions encountered during food production and preservation can induce significant changes in seb promoter activity. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Surface modification of poly (styrene-b-(ethylene-co-butylene)-b-styrene) elastomer and its plasma protein adsorption by QCM-D

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Rui; Jin, Jing; Sun, Yingchun

2014-05-01

Protein adsorption is a dynamic process and plays a major role in determining the hemocompatibility of biomaterials. We have obtained different poly (ethylene glycol) (PEG) graft concentrations of SEBS-g-PEG and the surface chemical compositions are confirmed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Graft concentration is defined by peak-area ratio of [C--O]/[C] on modified SEBS surface. With increasing graft concentration, water contact angles of the modified SEBS have significantly decreased. The platelet adhesion and static protein adsorption demonstrate that the hemocompatibility of copolymers films are improved effectively and SEBS-g-PEG-2 with larger graft concentration has more superior anticoagulation than that of SEBS-g-PEG-1. Moreover, we have quantitatively investigated the adsorption process of bovine serum albumin (BSA) and fibrinogen (Fib) on the surfaces of pristine SEBS and modified SEBS using quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation (QCM-D) in real time. The results indicate that the inactivated BSA on the pristine SEBS can continuously induce the subsequent Fib adsorption. The hemocompatibility of SEBS-g-PEG-2 with the graft concentration of 0.207 has excellent anti-protein property and the bio-inert BSA layer on the film can resist the subsequent Fib adsorption.

Synthetic Human Monoclonal Antibodies toward Staphylococcal Enterotoxin B (SEB) Protective against Toxic Shock Syndrome*

PubMed Central

Karauzum, Hatice; Chen, Gang; Abaandou, Laura; Mahmoudieh, Mahta; Boroun, Atefeh R.; Shulenin, Sergey; Devi, V. Sathya; Stavale, Eric; Warfield, Kelly L.; Zeitlin, Larry; Roy, Chad J.; Sidhu, Sachdev S.; Aman, M. Javad

2012-01-01

Staphylococcal enterotoxin B (SEB) is a potent toxin that can cause toxic shock syndrome and act as a lethal and incapacitating agent when used as a bioweapon. There are currently no vaccines or immunotherapeutics available against this toxin. Using phage display technology, human antigen-binding fragments (Fabs) were selected against SEB, and proteins were produced in Escherichia coli cells and characterized for their binding affinity and their toxin neutralizing activity in vitro and in vivo. Highly protective Fabs were converted into full-length IgGs and produced in mammalian cells. Additionally, the production of anti-SEB antibodies was explored in the Nicotiana benthamiana plant expression system. Affinity maturation was performed to produce optimized lead anti-SEB antibody candidates with subnanomolar affinities. IgGs produced in N. benthamiana showed characteristics comparable with those of counterparts produced in mammalian cells. IgGs were tested for their therapeutic efficacy in the mouse toxic shock model using different challenge doses of SEB and a treatment with 200 μg of IgGs 1 h after SEB challenge. The lead candidates displayed full protection from lethal challenge over a wide range of SEB challenge doses. Furthermore, mice that were treated with anti-SEB IgG had significantly lower IFNγ and IL-2 levels in serum compared with mock-treated mice. In summary, these anti-SEB monoclonal antibodies represent excellent therapeutic candidates for further preclinical and clinical development. PMID:22645125

The SEB-1 Transcription Factor Binds to the STRE Motif in Neurospora crassa and Regulates a Variety of Cellular Processes Including the Stress Response and Reserve Carbohydrate Metabolism.

PubMed

Freitas, Fernanda Zanolli; Virgilio, Stela; Cupertino, Fernanda Barbosa; Kowbel, David John; Fioramonte, Mariana; Gozzo, Fabio Cesar; Glass, N Louise; Bertolini, Maria Célia

2016-05-03

When exposed to stress conditions, all cells induce mechanisms resulting in an attempt to adapt to stress that involve proteins which, once activated, trigger cell responses by modulating specific signaling pathways. In this work, using a combination of pulldown assays and mass spectrometry analyses, we identified the Neurospora crassa SEB-1 transcription factor that binds to the Stress Response Element (STRE) under heat stress. Orthologs of SEB-1 have been functionally characterized in a few filamentous fungi as being involved in stress responses; however, the molecular mechanisms mediated by this transcription factor may not be conserved. Here, we provide evidences for the involvement of N. crassa SEB-1 in multiple cellular processes, including response to heat, as well as osmotic and oxidative stress. The Δseb-1 strain displayed reduced growth under these conditions, and genes encoding stress-responsive proteins were differentially regulated in the Δseb-1 strain grown under the same conditions. In addition, the SEB-1-GFP protein translocated from the cytosol to the nucleus under heat, osmotic, and oxidative stress conditions. SEB-1 also regulates the metabolism of the reserve carbohydrates glycogen and trehalose under heat stress, suggesting an interconnection between metabolism control and this environmental condition. We demonstrated that SEB-1 binds in vivo to the promoters of genes encoding glycogen metabolism enzymes and regulates their expression. A genome-wide transcriptional profile of the Δseb-1 strain under heat stress was determined by RNA-seq, and a broad range of cellular processes was identified that suggests a role for SEB-1 as a protein interconnecting these mechanisms. Copyright © 2016 Freitas et al.

Highly Sensitive Colorimetric Biosensor for Staphylococcal Enterotoxin B by a Label-Free Aptamer and Gold Nanoparticles

PubMed Central

Mondal, Bhairab; Ramlal, Shylaja; Lavu, Padma S.; N, Bhavanashri; Kingston, Joseph

2018-01-01

A simple, sensitive and selective colorimetric biosensor for the detection of Staphylococcal enterotoxin B (SEB) was developed using SEB-binding aptamer (SEB2) as recognition element and unmodified gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) as colorimetric probes. The assay is based on color change from red to purple due to conformational change of aptamer in the presence of SEB, and the phenomenon of salt-induced AuNPs aggregation which could be monitored by naked eye or UV–vis spectrometer. Results showed that the AuNPs can effectively differentiate the SEB induced conformational change of the aptamer in the presence of a given high salt concentration. A linear response in the range of 50 μg/mL to 0.5 ng/mL of SEB concentration was obtained. The assay was highly specific to SEB as compared to other related toxins. The limit of detection (LOD) of SEB achieved within few minutes was 50 ng/mL visually and spectrometric method improved it to 0.5 ng/mL. Robustness of the assay was tested in artificially spiked milk samples and cross-checked using in house developed sandwich ELISA (IgY as capturing and SEB specific monoclonal as revealing antibody) and PCR. This colorimetric assay could be a suitable alternative over existing methods during biological emergencies due to its simplicity, sensitive and cost effectiveness. PMID:29487580

Induction of specific T helper-9 cells to inhibit glioma cell growth

PubMed Central

Zheng, Haiyan; Yang, Baohua; Xu, Dedong; Wang, Wenbo; Tan, Jie; Sun, Liyuan; Li, Qinghua; Sun, Li; Xia, Xuewei

2017-01-01

The effects of Staphylococcal enterotoxin B (SEB) on regulation of immune response have been recognized; whether SEB can enhance the effects of immunotherapy on glioma remains to be investigated. This study tests a hypothesis that administration with SEB enhances the effects of specific immunotherapy on glioma growth in mice. In this study, a glioma-bearing mouse model was developed by adoptive transfer with GL261 cells (a mouse glioma cell line). The mice were treated with the GL261 cell extracts (used as an Ag) with or without administration of SEB. We observed that treating glioma-bearing mice with the glioma Ag and SEB induced glioma-specific Th9 cells in both glioma tissue and the spleen. Treating CD4+ CD25− T cells with SEB increased p300 phosphorylation, histone H3K4 acetylation at the interleukin (IL)-9 promoter locus, and increased the IL-9 transcriptional factor binding to the IL-9 promoter. Treating CD4+ CD25− T cells with both SEB and glioma Ag induced glioma-specific Th9 cells. The glioma-specific Th9 cells induced glioma cell apoptosis in the culture. Treating the glioma-bearing mice with SEB and glioma Ag significantly inhibited the glioma growth. In conclusion, SEB plus glioma Ag immunotherapy inhibits the experimental glioma growth, which may be a novel therapeutic remedy for the treatment of glioma. PMID:28002799

Effect of thermal processing during yogurt production upon the detection of staphylococcal enterotoxin B.

PubMed

Principato, Maryann; Boyle, Thomas; Njoroge, Joyce; Jones, Robert L; O'Donnell, Michael

2009-10-01

This research was conducted to examine the inherent properties of yogurt contaminated with staphylococcal enterotoxin B (SEB). Two types of yogurts were produced for this study. Type I yogurts were produced by adding SEB at the start of yogurt production, and type II yogurts were produced by adding SEB after the milk base had been boiled. Biochemical characteristics inherent to yogurt, including pH, lactic acid and acetaldehyde concentrations, were analyzed weekly for each batch beginning at a time just after production and throughout a storage period of at least 4 weeks. The presence of toxin during yogurt production did not result in any significant biochemical or physical changes in yogurt. However, we were unable to detect SEB toxin in type I yogurt using a commercially available enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). In contrast, SEB was easily detectable by our ELISA in type II yogurt samples. Higher levels of SEB were recovered from type II yogurt that had been stored for 1 week than from type II yogurt that had been stored for any other length of time. These results indicate that the biochemical characteristics of yogurt did not change significantly (relative to control yogurt) in the presence of either thermally processed SEB or native SEB. However, the ability to detect SEB by ELISA was dependent on whether the toxin had been processed.

Quantifying the Uncertainty in Estimates of Surface Atmosphere Fluxes by Evaluation of SEBS and SCOPE Models

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Timmermans, J.; van der Tol, C.; Verhoef, A.; Wang, L.; van Helvoirt, M.; Verhoef, W.; Su, Z.

2009-11-01

An earth observation based evapotranspiration (ET) product is essential to achieving the GEWEX CEOP science objectives and to achieve the GEOSS water resources societal benefit areas. Conventional techniques that employ point measurements to estimate the components of the energy balance are only representative for local scales and cannot be extended to large areas because of the heterogeneity of the land surface and the dynamic nature of heat transfer processes.The objective of this research is to quantify the uncertainties of evapotranspiration estimates by the Surface Energy Balance System (SEBS) algorithm through validation against the detailed Soil Canopy Observation, Photochemistry and Energy fluxes process (SCOPE) model with site optimized parameters. This SCOPE model takes both radiative processes and biochemical processes into account; it combines the SAIL radiative transfer model with the energy balance at leaf level to simulate the interaction between surface and atmosphere. In this paper the validation results are presented for a semi long term dataset in Reading on 2002.The comparison between the two models showed a high correlation over the complete growth of maize capturing the daily variation to good extent. The absolute values of the SEBS model are however much lower compared to those of the SCOPE model. This is due to the fact the SEBS model uses a surface resistance parameterization that is unable to account of high vegetation. An update of the SEBS model will resolve this problem.

Discussions On Worst-Case Test Condition For Single Event Burnout

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Sandra; Zafrani, Max; Sherman, Phillip

2011-10-01

This paper discusses the failure characteristics of single- event burnout (SEB) on power MOSFETs based on analyzing the quasi-stationary avalanche simulation curves. The analyses show the worst-case test condition for SEB would be using the ion that has the highest mass that would result in the highest transient current due to charge deposition and displacement damage. The analyses also show it is possible to build power MOSFETs that will not exhibit SEB even when tested with the heaviest ion, which have been verified by heavy ion test data on SEB sensitive and SEB immune devices.

EXPERIMENTAL EVALUATION OF DEFORMATION AND CONSTRAINT CHARACTERISTICS IN PRECRACKED CHARPY AND OTHER THREE-POINT BEND SPECIMENS

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

Nanstad, Randy K; Sokolov, Mikhail A; Merkle, John Graham

2007-01-01

To enable determination of the fracture toughness reference temperature, T0, with reactor pressure vessel surveillance specimens, the precracked Charpy (PCVN) three-point bend, SE(B), specimen is of interest. Compared with the 25-mm (1 in.) thick compact, 1TC(T), specimen, tests with the PCVN specimen (10x10x55 mm) have resulted in T0 temperatures as much as 40 XC lower (a so-called specimen bias effect). The Heavy-Section Steel Irradiation (HSSI) Program at Oak Ridge National Laboratory developed a two-part project to evaluate the C(T) versus PCVN differences, (1) calibration experiments concentrating on test practices, and (2) a matrix of transition range tests with various specimenmore » geometries and sizes, including 1T SE(B) and 1TC(T). The test material selected was a plate of A533 grade B class 1 steel. The calibration experiments included assessment of the computational validity of J-integral determinations, while the constraint characteristics of various specimen types and sizes were evaluated using key curves and notch strength determinations. The results indicate that J-integral solutions for the small PCVN specimen are comparable in terms of J-integral validity with 1T bend specimens. Regarding constraint evaluations, Phase I deformation is defined where plastic deformation is confined to crack tip plastic zone development, whereas Phase II deformation is defined where plastic hinging deformation develops. In Phase II deformation, the 0.5T SE(B) B B specimen (slightly larger than the PCVN specimen) consistently showed the highest constraint of all SE(B) specimens evaluated for constraint comparisons. The PCVN specimen begins the Phase II type of deformation at relatively low KR levels, with the result that KJc values above about 70 MPa m from precracked Charpy specimens are under extensive plastic hinging deformation.« less

Probing the SEB Sensitive Depth of a Power MOSFET Using a Two-Photon Absorption Laser Method

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lauenstein, Jean-Marie; Liu, Sandra; Titus, Jeffrey L.; McMorrow, Dale; Casey, Megan C.; Buchner, Stephen P.; Warner, Jeffrey; Phan, Anthony M.; Topper, Alyson D.; Kim, Hak S.;

Surface Energy Balance System (SEBS) Handbook

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

Cook, D. R.

2016-01-01

A Surface Energy Balance System (SEBS) has been installed collocated with each deployed Eddy Correlation Flux Measurement System (ECOR) at the Atmospheric Radiation Measurement (ARM) Climate Research Facility’s Southern Great Plains (SGP) site, North Slope of Alaska (NSA) site, first ARM Mobile Facility (AMF1), second ARM Mobile Facility (AMF2), and third ARM Mobile Facility (AMF3) at Oliktok Point (OLI). A SEBS was also deployed with the Tropical Western Pacific (TWP) site, before it was decommissioned. Data from these sites, including the retired TWP, are available in the ARM Data Archive. The SEBS consists of upwelling and downwelling solar and infraredmore » radiometers within one net radiometer, a wetness sensor, and soil measurements. The SEBS measurements allow the comparison of ECOR sensible and latent heat fluxes with the energy balance determined from the SEBS and provide information on wetting of the sensors for data quality purposes.« less

Polypropylene/Short Glass Fibers Composites: Effects of Coupling Agents on Mechanical Properties, Thermal Behaviors, and Morphology

PubMed Central

Lin, Jia-Horng; Huang, Chien-Lin; Liu, Chi-Fan; Chen, Chih-Kuang; Lin, Zheng-Ian; Lou, Ching-Wen

2015-01-01

This study uses the melt compounding method to produce polypropylene (PP)/short glass fibers (SGF) composites. PP serves as matrix while SGF serves as reinforcement. Two coupling agents, maleic anhydride grafted polypropylene, (PP-g-MA) and maleic anhydride grafted styrene-ethylene-butylene-styrene block copolymer (SEBS-g-MA) are incorporated in the PP/SGF composites during the compounding process, in order to improve the interfacial adhesion and create diverse desired properties of the composites. According to the mechanical property evaluations, increasing PP-g-MA as a coupling agent provides the composites with higher tensile, flexural, and impact properties. In contrast, increasing SEBS-g-MA as a coupling agent provides the composites with decreasing tensile and flexural strengths, but also increasing impact strength. The DSC results indicate that using either PP-g-MA or SEBS-g-MA as the coupling agent increases the crystallization temperature. However, the melting temperature of PP barely changes. The spherulitic morphology results show that PP has a smaller spherulite size when it is processed with PP-g-MA or SEBS-g-MA as the coupling agent. The SEM results indicate that SGF is evenly distributed in PP matrices, but there are distinct voids between these two materials, indicating a poor interfacial adhesion. After PP-g-MA or SEBS-g-MA is incorporated, SGF can be encapsulated by PP, and the voids between them are fewer and indistinctive. This indicates that the coupling agents can effectively improve the interfacial compatibility between PP and SGF, and as a result improves the diverse properties of PP/SGF composites. PMID:28793710

Natural killer T cells are required for the development of a superantigen-driven T helper type 2 immune response in mice

PubMed Central

Nomizo, Auro; Postol, Edilberto; de Alencar, Raquel; Cardillo, Fabíola; Mengel, José

2005-01-01

We show, here, that one single injection or weekly injections of staphylococcal enterotoxin B (SEB), starting in 1-day-old newborn mice, induced a powerful immune response with a T helper type 2 (Th2) pattern, as judged by the isotype and cytokine profile, with the production of large amounts of SEB-specific immunoglobulin G1 (IgG1), detectable levels of SEB-specific IgE and increased production of interleukin-4 by spleen cells. These protocols also induced an increase in the levels of total IgE in the serum. Memory of SEB was transferred to secondary recipients by using total spleen cells from primed animals. The secondary humoral response in transferred mice was diminished if spleen cells from SEB-treated mice were previously depleted of CD3+ or Vβ8+ T cells or NK1.1+ cells. In vivo depletion of NK1.1+ cells in adult mice resulted in a marked reduction in the SEB-specific antibody response in both the primary and secondary immune responses. Additionally, purified NK1.1+ T cells were able to perform SEB-specific helper B-cell actions in vitro and in vivo. These results suggest that NK1.1+ T cells are required for the full development of humoral immunological memory, whilst making neonatal tolerance to SEB unachievable. PMID:16162272

Antimicrobial activities of secondary metabolites and phylogenetic study of sponge endosymbiotic bacteria, Bacillus sp. at Agatti Island, Lakshadweep Archipelago.

PubMed

Mohan, Gopi; Thipparamalai Thangappanpillai, Ajith Kumar; Ramasamy, Balagurunathan

2016-09-01

Twenty-one species of sponges were recorded under the class of Demospongiae and Calcareous sponges of which 19 species were new to Agatti reef. A total of 113 Sponge endosymbiotic bacterial strains were isolated from twenty-one species of sponges and screened for antimicrobial activity. Five bacterial strains of sponge endosymbiotic bacteria (SEB) namely SEB32, SEB33, SEB36, SEB43 and SEB51 showed antimicrobial activity against virulent marine fish pathogens such as Vibrio alginolyticus , Vibrio vulnificus , Vibrio parahaemolyticus , Aeromonas salmonicida , Flavobacterium sp., Edwardsiella sp., Proteus mirabilis and Citrobacter brackii . The secondary metabolites produced by SEB32 from sponge Dysidea fragilis (Montagu, 1818) [48] was selected with broad range of antibacterial activity and subjected for production, characterization by series of chromatography techniques and spectroscopic methods. Based on the results of FT-IR and mass spectrometry, the active molecule was tentatively predicted as "Pyrrol" and the structure is Pyrrolo[1,2 -a ]pyrazine-1,4-dione, hexahydro- with molecular formula of C7H10N2O2. The LC 50 of active molecule was 31 μg/ml and molecular weight of the metabolites was 154. The potential strain SEB32 was identified by gene sequence (GenBank Accession number JX985748) and identified as Bacillus sp. from GenBank database.

Determination of enterotoxigenic and methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus in ice cream.

PubMed

Gücükoğlu, Ali; Çadirci, Özgür; Terzi, Göknur; Kevenk, T Onur; Alişarli, Mustafa

2013-05-01

The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of enterotoxigenic and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in ice creams. After culture-based identification of isolates, the presence of 16S rRNA and nuc was confirmed by mPCR. S. aureus was identified in 18 of 56 fruity (32.1%), 4 of 32 vanilla (12.5%), and 1 of 12 chocolate (8.3%) ice creams. S. aureus was identified as 38 isolates in 23 ice cream samples by culture-based techniques, but only 35 isolates were confirmed by PCR as S. aureus. To determine the enterotoxigenic properties of PCR-confirmed S. aureus isolates, a toxin detection kit was used (SET RPLA®). Of the 12 enterotoxigenic S. aureus isolates, 9 SEB (75%), 1 SED (8.3%), 1 SEB+SED (8.3%), and 1 SEA+SEB+SED (8.3%) expressing isolates were found. The presence of enterotoxin genes (sea, seb, sed) was identified in 13 (37.1%) out of 35 isolates by the mPCR technique. In the ice cream isolates, the sea, seb, and sed genes were detected: 1 sea (7.6%), 9 seb (69.2%), 1 sed (7.6%), 1 seb+sed (7.6%), and 1 sea+seb+sed (7.6%), respectively. The sec gene was not detected in any of these isolates. One of the 35 (2.8%) S. aureus strain was mecA positive. © 2013 Institute of Food Technologists®

Natural indoles, indole-3-carbinol and 3,3′-diindolymethane, inhibit T cell activation by staphylococcal enterotoxin B through epigenetic regulation involving HDAC expression

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

Busbee, Philip B.; Nagarkatti, Mitzi; Nagarkatti, Prakash S., E-mail: prakash@mailbox.sc.edu

2014-01-01

Staphylococcal enterotoxin B (SEB) is a potent exotoxin produced by the Staphylococcus aureus. This toxin is classified as a superantigen because of its ability to directly bind with MHC-II class molecules followed by activation of a large proportion of T cells bearing specific Vβ-T cell receptors. Commonly associated with classic food poisoning, SEB has also been shown to induce toxic shock syndrome, and is also considered to be a potential biological warfare agent because it is easily aerosolized. In the present study, we assessed the ability of indole-3-carbinol (I3C) and one of its byproducts, 3,3′-diindolylmethane (DIM), found in cruciferous vegetables,more » to counteract the effects of SEB-induced activation of T cells in mice. Both I3C and DIM were found to decrease the activation, proliferation, and cytokine production by SEB-activated Vβ8{sup +} T cells in vitro and in vivo. Interestingly, inhibitors of histone deacetylase class I (HDAC-I), but not class II (HDAC-II), showed significant decrease in SEB-induced T cell activation and cytokine production, thereby suggesting that epigenetic modulation plays a critical role in the regulation of SEB-induced inflammation. In addition, I3C and DIM caused a decrease in HDAC-I but not HDAC-II in SEB-activated T cells, thereby suggesting that I3C and DIM may inhibit SEB-mediated T cell activation by acting as HDAC-I inhibitors. These studies not only suggest for the first time that plant-derived indoles are potent suppressors of SEB-induced T cell activation and cytokine storm but also that they may mediate these effects by acting as HDAC inhibitors. - Highlights: • I3C and DIM reduce SEB-induced T cell activation and inflammatory cytokines. • Inhibiting class I HDACs reduces T cell activation and inflammatory cytokines. • Inhibiting class II HDACs increases T cell activation and inflammatory cytokines. • I3C and DIM selectively reduce mRNA expression of class I HDACs. • Novel use and mechanism to counteract SEB with I3C and DIM.« less

Selection of staphylococcal enterotoxin B (SEB)-binding peptide using phage display technology

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

Soykut, Esra Acar; Dudak, Fahriye Ceyda; Boyaci, Ismail Hakki

In this study, peptides were selected to recognize staphylococcal enterotoxin B (SEB) which cause food intoxication and can be used as a biological war agent. By using commercial M13 phage library, single plaque isolation of 38 phages was done and binding affinities were investigated with phage-ELISA. The specificities of the selected phage clones showing high affinity to SEB were checked by using different protein molecules which can be found in food samples. Furthermore, the affinities of three selected phage clones were determined by using surface plasmon resonance (SPR) sensors. Sequence analysis was realized for three peptides showing high binding affinitymore » to SEB and WWRPLTPESPPA, MNLHDYHRLFWY, and QHPQINQTLYRM amino acid sequences were obtained. The peptide sequence with highest affinity to SEB was synthesized with solid phase peptide synthesis technique and thermodynamic constants of the peptide-SEB interaction were determined by using isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) and compared with those of antibody-SEB interaction. The binding constant of the peptide was determined as 4.2 {+-} 0.7 x 10{sup 5} M{sup -1} which indicates a strong binding close to that of antibody.« less

Processes Affecting the Annual Surface Energy Budget at High-Latitude Terrestrial Sites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Persson, P. O. G.; Stone, R. S.; Grachev, A.; Matrosova, L.

2012-04-01

Instrumentation at four Study of Environmental Arctic Change (SEARCH) sites (Barrow, Eureka, Alert, and Tiksi) have been enhanced in the past 6 years, including during the 2007-2008 IPY. Data from these sites are used to investigate the annual cycle of the surface energy budget (SEB), its coupling to atmospheric processes, and for Alert, its interannual variability. The comprehensive data sets are useful for showing interactions between the atmosphere, surface, and soil at high temporal resolution throughout the annual cycle. Processes that govern the SEB variability at each site are identified, and their impacts on the SEB are quantified. For example, mesoscale modulation of the SEB caused by forcing from the local terrain (downslope wind events) and coastlines (sea and land breezes) are significant at Alert and Eureka, with these processes affecting both radiative, turbulent, and ground heat flux terms in the SEB. Sub-seasonal and interannual variations in atmospheric processes and SEB impact soil thermal structures, such as the depth and timing of the summer active layer. These analyses provide an improved understanding of the processes producing changes in surface and soil temperature, linking them through the SEB as affected by atmospheric processes.

Leaf-Encapsulated Vaccines: Agroinfiltration and Transient Expression of the Antigen Staphylococcal Endotoxin B in Radish Leaves

PubMed Central

Liu, Pei-Feng; Wang, Yanhan; Ulrich, Robert G.; Simmons, Christopher W.; VanderGheynst, Jean S.; Gallo, Richard L.

2018-01-01

Transgene introgression is a major concern associated with transgenic plant-based vaccines. Agroinfiltration can be used to selectively transform nonreproductive organs and avoid introgression. Here, we introduce a new vaccine modality in which Staphylococcal enterotoxin B (SEB) genes are agroinfiltrated into radishes (Raphanw sativus L.), resulting in transient expression and accumulation of SEB in planta. This approach can simultaneously express multiple antigens in a single leaf. Furthermore, the potential of high-throughput vaccine production was demonstrated by simultaneously agroinfiltrating multiple radish leaves using a multichannel pipette. The expression of SEB was detectable in two leaf cell types (epidermal and guard cells) in agroinfiltrated leaves. ICR mice intranasally immunized with homogenized leaves agroinfiltrated with SEB elicited detectable antibody to SEB and displayed protection against SEB-induced interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) production. The concept of encapsulating antigens in leaves rather than purifying them for immunization may facilitate rapid vaccine production during an epidemic disease. PMID:29577048

Chinese elders' self-image and their perceived peer-image: possibility of self-enhancement bias.

PubMed

Bai, Xue; Chow, Nelson

2013-01-01

Decades of research with Western participants has documented that there is a pervasive motivation for people to view themselves as better off than others while evidence for the existence of such self-enhancement bias (SEB) among East Asians varies considerably across studies. Considering the traditional culture of Confucius on modesty, the present study hypothesizes that there should be no significant SEB among Chinese elders. Structured face-to-face interviews were conducted with 445 older people in China-Wuhan, in which the revised Chinese version of Image of Aging Scale (IAS-C) was filled out. SEB was calculated by subtracting participants' ratings of "Peer-Image" (P) from their ratings of Self-Image (S). However, inconsistent with our hypothesis, a significant SEB was observed among the Chinese older participants and significant differences in the magnitude of SEB were discerned among older people in different characteristic groups. Possible explanations were further provided for the mismatch between Chinese values and the existence of SEB.

Mechanisms Mediating Enhanced Neutralization Efficacy of Staphylococcal Enterotoxin B by Combinations of Monoclonal Antibodies*

PubMed Central

Dutta, Kaushik; Varshney, Avanish K.; Franklin, Matthew C.; Goger, Michael; Wang, Xiaobo; Fries, Bettina C.

2015-01-01

Staphylococcal enterotoxin B (SEB) is a superantigen that cross-links the major histocompatibility complex class II and specific V-β chains of the T-cell receptor, thus forming a ternary complex. Developing neutralizing mAb to disrupt the ternary complex and abrogate the resulting toxicity is a major therapeutic challenge because SEB is effective at very low concentrations. We show that combining two SEB-specific mAbs enhances their efficacy, even though one of the two mAbs by itself has no effect on neutralization. Crystallography was employed for fine-mapping conformational epitopes in binary and ternary complexes between SEB and Fab fragments. NMR spectroscopy was used to validate and identify subtle allosteric changes induced by mAbs binding to SEB. The mapping of epitopes established that a combination of different mAbs can enhance efficacy of mAb-mediated protection from SEB induced lethal shock by two different mechanisms: one mAb mixture promoted clearance of the toxin both in vitro and in vivo by FcR-mediated cross-linking and clearance, whereas the other mAb mixture induced subtle allosteric conformational changes in SEB that perturbed formation of the SEB·T-cell receptor·major histocompatibility complex class II trimer. Finally structural information accurately predicted mAb binding to other superantigens that share conformational epitopes with SEB. Fine mapping of conformational epitopes is a powerful tool to establish the mechanism and optimize the action of synergistic mAb combinations. PMID:25572397

Mechanisms mediating enhanced neutralization efficacy of Staphylococcal enterotoxin B by combinations of monoclonal antibodies

DOE PAGES

Dutta, Kaushik; Varshney, Avanish K.; Franklin, Matthew C.; ...

2015-01-08

Staphylococcal enterotoxin B (SEB) is a superantigen that cross-links the major histocompatibility complex class II and specific V-β chains of the T-cell receptor, thus forming a ternary complex. Developing neutralizing mAb to disrupt the ternary complex and abrogate the resulting toxicity is a major therapeutic challenge because SEB is effective at very low concentrations. We show that combining two SEB-specific mAbs enhances their efficacy, even though one of the two mAbs by itself has no effect on neutralization. Crystallography was employed for fine-mapping conformational epitopes in binary and ternary complexes between SEB and Fab fragments. NMR spectroscopy was used tomore » validate and identify subtle allosteric changes induced by mAbs binding to SEB. The mapping of epitopes established that a combination of different mAbs can enhance efficacy of mAb-mediated protection from SEB induced lethal shock by two different mechanisms: one mAb mixture promoted clearance of the toxin both in vitro and in vivo by FcR-mediated cross-linking and clearance, whereas the other mAb mixture induced subtle allosteric conformational changes in SEB that perturbed formation of the SEB·T-cell receptor·major histocompatibility complex class II trimer. Lastly structural information accurately predicted mAb binding to other superantigens that share conformational epitopes with SEB. Fine mapping of conformational epitopes is a powerful tool to establish the mechanism and optimize the action of synergistic mAb combinations.« less

Biodegradable and biocompatible poly(DL-lactide-co-glycolide) microspheres as an adjuvant for staphylococcal enterotoxin B toxoid which enhances the level of toxin-neutralizing antibodies.

PubMed Central

Eldridge, J H; Staas, J K; Meulbroek, J A; Tice, T R; Gilley, R M

1991-01-01

Microspheres composed of biocompatible, biodegradable poly(DL-lactide-co-glycolide) (DL-PLG) and staphylococcal enterotoxin B (SEB) toxoid were evaluated as a vaccine delivery system when subcutaneously injected into mice. As measured by circulating immunoglobulin G (IgG) antitoxin titers, the delivery of SEB toxoid via DL-PLG microspheres, 1 to 10 microns in diameter, induced an immune response which was approximately 500 times that seen with nonencapsulated toxoid. The kinetics, magnitude, and duration of the antitoxin response induced with microencapsulated toxoid were similar to those obtained when an equal toxoid dose was administered as an emulsion with complete Freund adjuvant. However, the microspheres did not induce the inflammation and granulomata formation seen with complete Freund adjuvant. The adjuvant activity of the microspheres was not dependent on the superantigenicity of SEB toxin and was equally effective at potentiating circulating IgG antitrinitrophenyl levels in response to microencapsulated trinitrophenyl-keyhole limpet hemocyanin. Empty DL-PLG microspheres were not mitogenic, and SEB toxoid injected as a mixture with empty DL-PLG microspheres was no more effective as an immunogen than toxoid alone. Antigen-containing microspheres 1 to 10 microns in diameter exhibited stronger adjuvant activity than those greater than 10 microns, which correlated with the delivery of the 1- to 10-microns, but not the greater than 10-microns, microspheres into the draining lymph nodes within macrophages. The antibody response induced through immunization with microencapsulated SEB toxoid was protective against the weight loss and splenic V beta 8+ T-cell expansion induced by intravenous toxin administration. These results show that DL-PLG microsphere vaccine delivery systems, which are composed of pharmaceutically acceptable components, possess a strong adjuvant activity for their encapsulated antigens. PMID:1879922

Reliability Design for Neutron Induced Single-Event Burnout of IGBT

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shoji, Tomoyuki; Nishida, Shuichi; Ohnishi, Toyokazu; Fujikawa, Touma; Nose, Noboru; Hamada, Kimimori; Ishiko, Masayasu

Single-event burnout (SEB) caused by cosmic ray neutrons leads to catastrophic failures in insulated gate bipolar transistors (IGBTs). It was found experimentally that the incident neutron induced SEB failure rate increases as a function of the applied collector voltage. Moreover, the failure rate increased sharply with an increase in the applied collector voltage when the voltage exceeded a certain threshold value (SEB cutoff voltage). In this paper, transient device simulation results indicate that impact ionization at the n-drift/n+ buffer boundary is a crucially important factor in the turning-on of the parasitic pnp transistor, and eventually latch-up of the parasitic thyristor causes SEB. In addition, the device parameter dependency of the SEB cutoff voltage was analytically derived from the latch-up condition of the parasitic thyristor. As a result, it was confirmed that reducing the current gain of the parasitic transistor, such as by increasing the n-drift region thickness d was effective in increasing the SEB cutoff voltage. Furthermore, `white' neutron-irradiation experiments demonstrated that suppressing the inherent parasitic thyristor action leads to an improvement of the SEB cutoff voltage. It was confirmed that current gain optimization of the parasitic transistor is a crucial factor for establishing highly reliable design against chance failures.

Efficacy and safety data of subsequent entry biologics pertinent to nephrology practice: a systematic review.

PubMed

Marin, Judith Genevieve; Leung, Marianna; Lo, Clifford; Tsao, Nicole W; Martinusen, Daniel J

2014-01-01

Subsequent entry biologics (SEBs) may soon be a reality in Canadian nephrology practice. Understanding the worldwide experience with these agents will be valuable to Canadian clinicians. To compare the efficacy and safety data between SEBs used in nephrology practice and their reference biologic. Systematic review. Ovid MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Database of Abstracts of Review of Effects, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials. Adult patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Our systematic review follows the process outlined by Cochrane Reviews. For efficacy data, all randomized controlled trials (RCTs), quasi-RCTs and observational trials in nephrology practice were included. For safety data, case series, case reports, review articles in nephrology practice and pharmacovigilance programs were included as well. Only epoetin SEBs trials were published in the literature. Ten studies involving three different epoetin SEBs (epoetin zeta, HX575 and epoetin theta) were included. The mean epoetin dose used did not differ significantly between the SEBs and the reference product. For epoetin zeta and epoetin theta, the mean hemoglobin levels achieved in the studies were similar between the SEBs and the reference epoetin. The HX 575 studies reported a mean absolute change in hemoglobin within the predefined equivalence margin, when compared with the reference biologic. In terms of safety data, 2 cases of pure-red-cell aplasia were linked to the subcutaneous administration of HX 575. Otherwise, the rate of adverse drug reactions was similar when epoetin SEBs were compared with the reference biologic. Our analysis is limited by the paucity of information available on SEB use in nephrology with the exception of epoetin SEBs. Methodological flaw was found in one of the epoetin zeta studies which accounted for 45% of pooled results. Little clinical difference was found between epoetin SEBs and the reference product. Although not deemed clinically important, the financial implication of a possible dose difference between epoetin zeta and reference product should be considered in pharmacoeconomic studies. Ongoing trials are expected to address the risk of pure-red-cell aplasia with HX 575.

Rapid purification of staphylococcal enterotoxin B by high-pressure liquid chromatography.

PubMed Central

Strickler, M P; Neill, R J; Stone, M J; Hunt, R E; Brinkley, W; Gemski, P

1989-01-01

The Staphylococcus aureus enterotoxins represent a group of proteins that cause emesis and diarrhea in humans and other primates. We have developed a rapid two-step high-pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) procedure for purification of staphylococcal enterotoxin B (SEB). Sterile filtrates (2.5 liters) of strain 10-275 were adsorbed directly onto a reversed-phase column (50 mm by 30 cm Delta Pak; 300 A [30 nm], 15 microns, C18). SEB was obtained by using a unique sequential gradient system. First, an aqueous ammonium acetate to acetonitrile gradient followed by an aqueous trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) wash was used to remove contaminants. A subsequent TFA to acetonitrile-TFA gradient eluted the bound SEB. Further purification was obtained by rechromatography on a cation-exchange column. From 35 to 45% of the SEB in starting filtrates was recovered. Analysis by immunoblotting of samples separated on sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gels indicated that HPLC-purified SEB exhibited immunological and biochemical properties similar to those of the SEB standard. Induction of an emetic response in rhesus monkeys showed that the HPLC-purified toxin also retained biological activity. Images PMID:2745678

Surface Energy Balance System (SEBS) Handbook

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

Cook, DR

2011-02-14

A Surface Energy Balance System (SEBS) has been installed collocated with each deployed ECOR system at the Southern Great Plains (SGP), North Slope of Alaska (NSA), Tropical Western Pacific (TWP), ARM Mobile Facility 1 (AMF1), and ARM Mobile Facility 2 (AMF2). The surface energy balance system consists of upwelling and downwelling solar and infrared radiometers within one net radiometer, a wetness sensor, and soil measurements. The SEBS measurements allow the comparison of ECOR sensible and latent heat fluxes with the energy balance determined from the SEBS and provide information on wetting of the sensors for data quality purposes.

Natural Indoles, Indole-3-Carbinol (I3C) and 3,3’-Diindolylmethane (DIM), Attenuate Staphylococcal Enterotoxin B-Mediated Liver Injury by Downregulating miR-31 Expression and Promoting Caspase-2-Mediated Apoptosis

PubMed Central

Busbee, Philip B.; Nagarkatti, Mitzi; Nagarkatti, Prakash S.

2015-01-01

Staphylococcal enterotoxin B (SEB) is a potent superantigen capable of inducing inflammation characterized by robust immune cell activation and proinflammatory cytokine release. Exposure to SEB can result in food poisoning as well as fatal conditions such as toxic shock syndrome. In the current study, we investigated the effect of natural indoles including indole-3-carbinol (I3C) and 3,3’-diindolylmethane (DIM) on SEB-mediated liver injury. Injection of SEB into D-galactosamine-sensitized female C57BL/6 mice resulted in liver injury as indicated by an increase in enzyme aspartate transaminase (AST) levels, induction of inflammatory cytokines, and massive infiltration of immune cells into the liver. Administration of I3C and DIM (40mg/kg), by intraperitonal injection, attenuated SEB-induced acute liver injury, as evidenced by decrease in AST levels, inflammatory cytokines and cellular infiltration in the liver. I3C and DIM triggered apoptosis in SEB-activated T cells primarily through activation of the intrinsic mitochondrial pathway. In addition, inhibitor studies involving caspases revealed that I3C and DIM-mediated apoptosis in these activated cells was dependent on caspase-2 but independent of caspase-8, 9 and 3. In addition, I3C and DIM caused a decrease in Bcl-2 expression. Both compounds also down-regulated miR-31, which directly targets caspase-2 and influences apoptosis in SEB-activated cells. Our data demonstrate for the first time that indoles can effectively suppress acute hepatic inflammation caused by SEB and that this may be mediated by decreased expression of miR-31 and consequent caspase-2-dependent apoptosis in T cells. PMID:25706292

Development of Bacterial Display Peptides for use in Biosensing Applications

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-09-01

performance. Specific results on peptides binders to Protective Antigen (PA) protein of Bacillus anthracis and Staphylococcal Enterotoxin B (SEB...reagent, affinity reagent, bacterial display, multi-scale modeling, docking, protective antigen , SEB, biosensing 16. SECURITY CLASSIFICATION OF: 17...performance. Specific results on peptides binders to Protective Antigen (PA) protein of Bacillus anthracis and Staphylococcal Enterotoxin B (SEB) will be

Assessment of the biophysical impacts of utility-scale photovoltaics through observations and modelling

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Broadbent, A. M.; Georgescu, M.; Krayenhoff, E. S.; Sailor, D.

2017-12-01

Utility-scale solar power plants are a rapidly growing component of the solar energy sector. Utility-scale photovoltaic (PV) solar power generation in the United States has increased by 867% since 2012 (EIA, 2016). This expansion is likely to continue as the cost PV technologies decrease. While most agree that solar power can decrease greenhouse gas emissions, the biophysical effects of PV systems on surface energy balance (SEB), and implications for surface climate, are not well understood. To our knowledge, there has never been a detailed observational study of SEB at a utility-scale solar array. This study presents data from an eddy covariance observational tower, temporarily placed above a utility-scale PV array in Southern Arizona. Comparison of PV SEB with a reference (unmodified) site, shows that solar panels can alter the SEB and near surface climate. SEB observations are used to develop and validate a new and more complete SEB PV model. In addition, the PV model is compared to simpler PV modelling methods. The simpler PV models produce differing results to our newly developed model and cannot capture the more complex processes that influence PV SEB. Finally, hypothetical scenarios of PV expansion across the continental United States (CONUS) were developed using various spatial mapping criteria. CONUS simulations of PV expansion reveal regional variability in biophysical effects of PV expansion. The study presents the first rigorous and validated simulations of the biophysical effects of utility-scale PV arrays.

Deriving hourly evapotranspiration (ET) rates with SEBS: A lysimetric evaluation

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Numerous energy balance (EB) algorithms have been developed to use remote sensing data for mapping evapotranspiration (ET) on a regional basis. Adopting any single or combination of these models for an operational ET remote sensing program requires a thorough evaluation. The Surface Energy Balance S...

Estimating surface fluxes over middle and upper streams of the Heihe River Basin with ASTER imagery

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ma, W.; Ma, Y.; Hu, Z.; Su, Z.; Wang, J.; Ishikawa, H.

2011-05-01

Land surface heat fluxes are essential measures of the strengths of land-atmosphere interactions involving energy, heat and water. Correct parameterization of these fluxes in climate models is critical. Despite their importance, state-of-the-art observation techniques cannot provide representative areal averages of these fluxes comparable to the model grid. Alternative methods of estimation are thus required. These alternative approaches use (satellite) observables of the land surface conditions. In this study, the Surface Energy Balance System (SEBS) algorithm was evaluated in a cold and arid environment, using land surface parameters derived from Advanced Spaceborne Thermal Emission and Reflection Radiometer (ASTER) data. Field observations and estimates from SEBS were compared in terms of net radiation flux (Rn), soil heat flux (G0), sensible heat flux (H) and latent heat flux (λE) over a heterogeneous land surface. As a case study, this methodology was applied to the experimental area of the Watershed Allied Telemetry Experimental Research (WATER) project, located on the mid-to-upstream sections of the Heihe River in northwest China. ASTER data acquired between 3 May and 4 June 2008, under clear-sky conditions were used to determine the surface fluxes. Ground-based measurements of land surface heat fluxes were compared with values derived from the ASTER data. The results show that the derived surface variables and the land surface heat fluxes furnished by SEBS in different months over the study area are in good agreement with the observed land surface status under the limited cases (some cases looks poor results). So SEBS can be used to estimate turbulent heat fluxes with acceptable accuracy in areas where there is partial vegetation cover in exceptive conditions. It is very important to perform calculations using ground-based observational data for parameterization in SEBS in the future. Nevertheless, the remote-sensing results can provide improved explanations of land surface fluxes over varying land coverage at greater spatial scales.

Temperature dependence of single-event burnout in n-channel power MOSFET's

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Johnson, G. H.; Schrimpf, R. D.; Galloway, K. F.; Koga, R.

1994-03-01

The temperature dependence of single-event burnout (SEB) in n-channel power metal-oxide-semiconductor field effect transistors (MOSFET's) is investigated experimentally and analytically. Experimental data are presented which indicate that the SEB susceptibility of the power MOSFET decreases with increasing temperature. A previously reported analytical model that describes the SEB mechanism is updated to include temperature variations. This model is shown to agree with the experimental trends.

An Analysis of High School Students' Performance on Five Integrated Science Process Skills

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Beaumont-Walters, Yvonne; Soyibo, Kola

2001-02-01

This study determined Jamaican high school students' level of performance on five integrated science process skills and if there were statistically significant differences in their performance linked to their gender, grade level, school location, school type, student type and socio-economic background (SEB). The 305 subjects comprised 133 males, 172 females, 146 ninth graders, 159 10th graders, 150 traditional and 155 comprehensive high school students, 164 students from the Reform of Secondary Education (ROSE) project and 141 non-ROSE students, 166 urban and 139 rural students and 110 students from a high SEB and 195 from a low SEB. Data were collected with the authors' constructed integrated science process skills test the results indicated that the subjects' mean score was low and unsatisfactory; their performance in decreasing order was: interpreting data, recording data, generalising, formulating hypotheses and identifying variables; there were statistically significant differences in their performance based on their grade level, school type, student type, and SEB in favour of the 10th graders, traditional high school students, ROSE students and students from a high SEB. There was a positive, statistically significant and fairly strong relationship between their performance and school type, but weak relationships among their student type, grade level and SEB and performance.

Attenuation of massive cytokine response to the staphylococcal enterotoxin B superantigen by the innate immunomodulatory protein lactoferrin

PubMed Central

Hayworth, J L; Kasper, K J; Leon-Ponte, M; Herfst, C A; Yue, D; Brintnell, W C; Mazzuca, D M; Heinrichs, D E; Cairns, E; Madrenas, J; Hoskin, D W; McCormick, J K; Haeryfar, S M M

2009-01-01

Staphylococcal enterotoxin B (SEB) is a pyrogenic exotoxin and a potent superantigen which causes massive T cell activation and cytokine secretion, leading to profound immunosuppression and morbidity. The inhibition of SEB-induced responses is thus considered a goal in the management of certain types of staphylococcal infections. Lactoferrin (LF) is a multi-functional glycoprotein with both bacteriostatic and bactericidal activities. In addition, LF is known to have potent immunomodulatory properties. Given the anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory properties of this protein, we hypothesized that LF can modulate T cell responses to SEB. Here, we report that bovine LF (bLF) was indeed able to attenuate SEB-induced proliferation, interleukin-2 production and CD25 expression by human leucocyte antigen (HLA)-DR4 transgenic mouse T cells. This inhibition was not due to bLF's iron-binding capacity, and could be mimicked by the bLF-derived peptide lactoferricin. Cytokine secretion by an engineered SEB-responsive human Jurkat T cell line and by peripheral blood mononuclear cells from healthy donors was also inhibited by bLF. These findings reveal a previously unrecognized property of LF in modulation of SEB-triggered immune activation and suggest a therapeutic potential for this naturally occurring protein during toxic shock syndrome. PMID:19659771

First observation of proton induced power MOSFET burnout in space: the CRUX experiment on APEX

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Adolphsen, J. W.; Barth, J. L.; Gee, G. B.

1996-12-01

Ground testing has shown that power MOSFETs are susceptible to burnout when irradiated with heavy ions and protons. Satellite data from the Cosmic Ray Upset Experiment (CRUX) demonstrate that single event burnouts (SEBs) on 100-volt and 200-volt power MOSFETs can and do occur in space. Few SEBs occurred on the 100-volt devices, all at L/sup 1/>3. The 200-volt devices experienced many SEBs at L<3 when drain-to-source voltage (V/sub D-S/) was greater than 85% of maximum rated voltage. CRUX flight lot devices were ground tested with protons. The SEB rates calculated with the cross-sections from the ground tests show close agreement with the measured rates.

Utility of remote sensing-based surface energy balance models to track water stress in rain-fed switchgrass under dry and wet conditions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bhattarai, Nishan; Wagle, Pradeep; Gowda, Prasanna H.; Kakani, Vijaya G.

2017-11-01

The ability of remote sensing-based surface energy balance (SEB) models to track water stress in rain-fed switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.) has not been explored yet. In this paper, the theoretical framework of crop water stress index (CWSI; 0 = extremely wet or no water stress condition and 1 = extremely dry or no transpiration) was utilized to estimate CWSI in rain-fed switchgrass using Landsat-derived evapotranspiration (ET) from five remote sensing based single-source SEB models, namely Surface Energy Balance Algorithm for Land (SEBAL), Mapping ET with Internalized Calibration (METRIC), Surface Energy Balance System (SEBS), Simplified Surface Energy Balance Index (S-SEBI), and Operational Simplified Surface Energy Balance (SSEBop). CWSI estimates from the five SEB models and a simple regression model that used normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), near-surface temperature difference, and measured soil moisture (SM) as covariates were compared with those derived from eddy covariance measured ET (CWSIEC) for the 32 Landsat image acquisition dates during the 2011 (dry) and 2013 (wet) growing seasons. Results indicate that most SEB models can predict CWSI reasonably well. For example, the root mean square error (RMSE) ranged from 0.14 (SEBAL) to 0.29 (SSEBop) and the coefficient of determination (R2) ranged from 0.25 (SSEBop) to 0.72 (SEBAL), justifying the added complexity in CWSI modeling as compared to results from the simple regression model (R2 = 0.55, RMSE = 0.16). All SEB models underestimated CWSI in the dry year but the estimates from SEBAL and S-SEBI were within 7% of the mean CWSIEC and explained over 60% of variations in CWSIEC. In the wet year, S-SEBI mostly overestimated CWSI (around 28%), while estimates from METRIC, SEBAL, SEBS, and SSEBop were within 8% of the mean CWSIEC. Overall, SEBAL was the most robust model under all conditions followed by METRIC, whose performance was slightly worse and better than SEBAL in dry and wet years, respectively. Underestimation of CWSI under extremely dry soil conditions and the substantial role of SM in the regression model suggest that integration of SM in SEB models could improve their performances under dry conditions. These insights will provide useful guidance on the broader applicability of SEB models for mapping water stresses in switchgrass under varying geographical and meteorological conditions.

Swarm intelligence application for optimization of CO2 diffusivity in polystyrene-b-polybutadiene-b-polystyrene (SEBS) foaming

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sharudin, Rahida Wati; Ajib, Norshawalina Muhamad; Yusoff, Marina; Ahmad, Mohd Aizad

2017-12-01

Thermoplastic elastomer SEBS foams were prepared by using carbon dioxide (CO2) as a blowing agent and the process is classified as physical foaming method. During the foaming process, the diffusivity of CO2 need to be controlled since it is one of the parameter that will affect the final cellular structure of the foam. Conventionally, the rate of CO2 diffusion was measured experimentally by using a highly sensitive device called magnetic suspension balance (MSB). Besides, this expensive MSB machine is not easily available and measurement of CO2 diffusivity is quite complicated as well as time consuming process. Thus, to overcome these limitations, a computational method was introduced. Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) is a part of Swarm Intelligence system which acts as a beneficial optimization tool where it can solve most of nonlinear complications. PSO model was developed for predicting the optimum foaming temperature and CO2 diffusion rate in SEBS foam. Results obtained by PSO model are compared with experimental results for CO2 diffusivity at various foaming temperature. It is shown that predicted optimum foaming temperature at 154.6 °C was not represented the best temperature for foaming as the cellular structure of SEBS foamed at corresponding temperature consisted pores with unstable dimension and the structure was not visibly perceived due to foam shrinkage. The predictions were not agreed well with experimental result when single parameter of CO2 diffusivity is considered in PSO model because it is not the only factor that affected the controllability of foam shrinkage. The modification on the PSO model by considering CO2 solubility and rigidity of SEBS as additional parameters needs to be done for obtaining the optimum temperature for SEBS foaming. Hence stable SEBS foam could be prepared.

3,3′-Diindolylmethane Ameliorates Staphylococcal Enterotoxin B–Induced Acute Lung Injury through Alterations in the Expression of MicroRNA that Target Apoptosis and Cell-Cycle Arrest in Activated T Cells

PubMed Central

Elliott, David M.; Nagarkatti, Mitzi

2016-01-01

3,3′-Diindolylmethane (DIM), a natural indole found in cruciferous vegetables, has significant anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory properties. In this current study, we investigated the effects of DIM on acute lung injury (ALI) induced by exposure to staphylococcal enterotoxin B (SEB). We found that pretreatment of mice with DIM led to attenuation of SEB-induced inflammation in the lungs, vascular leak, and IFN-γ secretion. Additionally, DIM could induce cell-cycle arrest and cell death in SEB-activated T cells in a concentration-dependent manner. Interestingly, microRNA (miRNA) microarray analysis uncovered an altered miRNA profile in lung-infiltrating mononuclear cells after DIM treatment of SEB-exposed mice. Moreover, computational analysis of miRNA gene targets and regulation networks indicated that DIM alters miRNA in the cell death and cell-cycle progression pathways. Specifically, DIM treatment significantly downregulated several miRNA and a correlative increase associated gene targets. Furthermore, overexpression and inhibition studies demonstrated that DIM-induced cell death, at least in part, used miR-222. Collectively, these studies demonstrate for the first time that DIM treatment attenuates SEB-induced ALI and may do so through the induction of microRNAs that promote apoptosis and cell-cycle arrest in SEB-activated T cells. PMID:26818958

Single-event burnout hardening of planar power MOSFET with partially widened trench source

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lu, Jiang; Liu, Hainan; Cai, Xiaowu; Luo, Jiajun; Li, Bo; Li, Binhong; Wang, Lixin; Han, Zhengsheng

2018-03-01

We present a single-event burnout (SEB) hardened planar power MOSFET with partially widened trench sources by three-dimensional (3D) numerical simulation. The advantage of the proposed structure is that the work of the parasitic bipolar transistor inherited in the power MOSFET is suppressed effectively due to the elimination of the most sensitive region (P-well region below the N+ source). The simulation result shows that the proposed structure can enhance the SEB survivability significantly. The critical value of linear energy transfer (LET), which indicates the maximum deposited energy on the device without SEB behavior, increases from 0.06 to 0.7 pC/μm. The SEB threshold voltage increases to 120 V, which is 80% of the rated breakdown voltage. Meanwhile, the main parameter characteristics of the proposed structure remain similar with those of the conventional planar structure. Therefore, this structure offers a potential optimization path to planar power MOSFET with high SEB survivability for space and atmospheric applications. Project supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Nos. 61404161, 61404068, 61404169).

Differential RNA regulation by staphylococcal enterotoxins A and B in murine macrophages

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Chapes, S. K.; Beharka, A. A.; Hart, M. E.; Smeltzer, M. S.; Iandolo, J. J.; Spooner, B. S. (Principal Investigator)

1994-01-01

Staphylococcal enterotoxin A (SEA) is significantly better than enterotoxin B (SEB) in activating tumor necrosis factor (TNF) secretion by B6MP102 cells. Both toxins bound to B6MP102 cells; however, SEB competed less effectively with SEA than SEA competed with SEB. This suggested that receptors unique to SEA were present on B6MP102 cells. Signal transduction occurred in response to both toxins. Within 30 s after addition, SEA and SEB significantly increased the F-actin concentration in B6MP102 cells. However, only SEA induced increased TNF mRNA levels. B6MP102 cells incubated with interferon-gamma and SEB secreted TNF. However, enhanced mRNA expression was delayed and the concentration of TNF secreted was less than that of B6MP102 cells stimulated with SEA. Although these data suggest that receptors unique to SEA are present on B6MP102 cells, they also indicate that staphylococcal enterotoxins differentially regulate TNF at the RNA level, perhaps because of differences in binding to the plasma membrane.

The location and extent of exfoliation of clay on the fracture mechanisms in nylon 66-based ternary nanocomposites.

PubMed

Dasari, Aravind; Yu, Zhong-Zhen; Mai, Yiu-Wing; Yang, Mingshu

2008-04-01

The primary focus of this work is to elucidate the location and extent of exfoliation of clay on fracture (under both static and dynamic loading conditions) of melt-compounded nylon 66/clay/SEBS-g-MA ternary nanocomposites fabricated by different blending sequences. Distinct microstructures are obtained depending on the blending protocol employed. The state of exfoliation and dispersion of clay in nylon 66 matrix and SEBS-g-MA phase are quantified and the presence of clay in rubber is shown to have a negative effect on the toughness of the nanocomposites. The level of toughness enhancement of ternary nanocomposites depends on the blending protocol and the capability of different fillers to activate the plastic deformation mechanisms in the matrix. These mechanisms include: cavitation of SEBS-g-MA phase, stretching of voided matrix material, interfacial debonding of SEBS-g-MA particles, debonding of intercalated clay embedded inside the SEBS-g-MA phase, and delamination of intercalated clay platelets. Based on these results, new insights and approaches for the processing of better toughened polymer ternary nanocomposites are discussed.

Tuning antiferromagnetic exchange interaction for spontaneous exchange bias in MnNiSnSi system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jia, Liyun; Shen, Jianlei; Li, Mengmeng; Wang, Xi; Ma, Li; Zhen, Congmian; Hou, Denglu; Liu, Enke; Wang, Wenhong; Wu, Guangheng

2017-12-01

Based on almost all the data from the literature on spontaneous exchange bias (SEB), it is expected that the system will show SEB if it meets two conditions simultaneously: (i) there are the coexistence and competition of antiferromagnetic (AFM) and ferromagnetic (FM) interactions and (ii) AFM interaction should dominate but not be too strong in this competition. In order to verify this view, a systematic study on SEB has been performed in this work. Mn50Ni40Sn10 with strong FM interaction and without SEB is chosen as the mother composition, and the negative chemical pressure is introduced by the substitution of Sn by Si to enhance AFM interaction. It is found that a long-range FM ordering window is closed, and a long-range AFM ordering window is opened. As a result, SEB is triggered and a continuous tuning of the spontaneous exchange bias field (HSEB) from 0 Oe to 1300 Oe has been realized in a Mn50Ni40Sn10-xSix system by the enhanced AFM interaction.

Molecular docking of superantigens with class II major histocompatibility complex proteins.

PubMed

Olson, M A; Cuff, L

1997-01-01

The molecular recognition of two superantigens with class II major histocompatibility complex molecules was simulated by using protein-protein docking. Superantigens studied were staphylococcal enterotoxin B (SEB) and toxic shock syndrome toxin-1 (TSST-1) in their crystallographic assemblies with HLA-DR1. Rigid-body docking was performed sampling configurational space of the interfacial surfaces by employing a strategy of partitioning the contact regions on HLA-DR1 into separate molecular recognition units. Scoring of docked conformations was based on an electrostatic continuum model evaluated with the finite-difference Poisson-Boltzmann method. Estimates of nonpolar contributions were derived from the buried molecular surface areas. We found for both superantigens that docking the HLA-DR1 surface complementary with the SEB and TSST-1 contact regions containing a homologous hydrophobic surface loop provided sufficient recognition for the reconstitution of native-like conformers exhibiting the highest-scoring free energies. For the SEB complex, the calculations were successful in reproducing the total association free energy. A comparison of the free-energy determinants of the conserved hydrophobic contact residue indicates functional similarity between the two proteins for this interface. Though both superantigens share a common global association mode, differences in binding topology distinguish the conformational specificities underlying recognition.

An Investigation of Language Environment Analysis Measures for Spanish-English Bilingual Preschoolers From Migrant Low-Socioeconomic-Status Backgrounds.

PubMed

Wood, Carla; Diehm, Emily A; Callender, Maya F

2016-04-01

The current study was designed to (a) describe average hourly Language Environment Analysis (LENA) data for preschool-age Spanish-English bilinguals (SEBs) and typically developing monolingual peers and (b) compare LENA data with mean length of utterance in words (MLUw) and total number of words (TNW) calculated on a selected sample of consecutive excerpts of audio files (CEAFs). Investigators examined average hourly child vocalizations from daylong LENA samples for 42 SEBs and 39 monolingual English-speaking preschoolers. The relationship between average hourly child vocalizations, conversational turns, and adult words from the daylong samples and MLUw from a 50-utterance CEAF was examined and compared between groups. MLUw, TNW, average hourly child vocalizations, and conversational turns were lower for young SEBs than monolingual English-speaking peers. Average hourly child vocalizations were not strongly related to MLUw performance for monolingual or SEB participants (r = .29, r = .25, respectively). In a similar manner, average hourly conversational turns were not strongly related to MLUw for either group (r = .22, r = .21, respectively). Young SEBs from socioeconomically disadvantaged backgrounds showed lower average performance on LENA measures, MLUw, and TNW than monolingual English-speaking peers. MLUw from monolinguals were also lower than typical expectations when derived from CEAFs. LENA technology may be a promising tool for communication sampling with SEBs; however, more research is needed to establish norms for interpreting MLUw and TNW from selected CEAF samples.

The Anti-Inflammatory Effect of Spray-Dried Plasma Is Mediated by a Reduction in Mucosal Lymphocyte Activation and Infiltration in a Mouse Model of Intestinal Inflammation.

PubMed

Pérez-Bosque, Anna; Miró, Lluïsa; Amat, Concepció; Polo, Javier; Moretó, Miquel

2016-10-22

Spray-dried preparations from porcine and bovine plasma can alleviate mucosal inflammation in experimental models and improve symptoms in patients with enteropathy. In rodents, dietary supplementation with porcine spray-dried plasma (SDP) attenuates intestinal inflammation and improves the epithelial barrier function during intestinal inflammation induced by Staphylococcus aureus enterotoxin B (SEB). The aim of this study was to discern the molecular mechanisms involved in the anti-inflammatory effects of SDP. Male C57BL/6 mice were fed with 8% SDP or control diet (based on milk proteins) for two weeks, from weaning until day 33. On day 32, the mice were given a SEB dose (i.p., 25 µg/mouse) or vehicle. SEB administration increased cell recruitment to mesenteric lymph nodes and the percentage of activated Th lymphocytes and SDP prevented these effects). SDP supplementation increased the expression of interleukin 10 (IL-10) or transforming growth factor- β (TGF-β) compared to the SEB group. The SEB challenge increased six-fold the expression of mucosal addressin cell adhesion molecule 1 (MAdCAM-1) and intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1); and these effects were attenuated by SDP supplementation. SEB also augmented NF-κB phosphorylation, an effect that was prevented by dietary SDP. Our results indicate that the anti-inflammatory effects of SDP involve the regulation of transcription factors and adhesion molecules that reduce intestinal cell infiltration and the degree of the inflammatory response.

Activation of mouse liver natural killer cells and NK1.1(+) T cells by bacterial superantigen-primed Kupffer cells.

PubMed

Dobashi, H; Seki, S; Habu, Y; Ohkawa, T; Takeshita, S; Hiraide, H; Sekine, I

1999-08-01

Although bacterial superantigens have been well characterized as potent stimulators of T cells, their role in natural killer (NK)-type cells remains largely unknown. In the present study, we examined the effect of bacterial superantigens on mouse liver NK cells and NK1.1 Ag(+) (NK1(+)) T cells. C57BL/6 mice were intravenously injected with staphylococcal enterotoxin B (SEB) or streptococcal pyrogenic exotoxin A (SPE-A), and mononuclear cells (MNC) of various organs were obtained from mice 4 hours after being injected with superantigen. MNC were cultured for 48 hours, and interferon gamma (IFN-gamma) levels of supernatants were measured. The antitumor cytotoxicities of the liver and spleen MNC were also evaluated 24 hours after the mice were injected with superantigen. Liver MNC produced more IFN-gamma than did splenocytes, and peripheral blood and lung MNC did not produce any detectable IFN-gamma. In addition, liver MNC acquired a potent antitumor cytotoxicity by the SEB injection, and both NK cells and NK1(+)T cells but not cluster of differentiation (CD)8(+) T cells were responsible for the cytotoxicity as demonstrated by either in vivo or in vitro cell depletion experiments, and the NK-type cells were partly responsible for the increased serum IFN-gamma. Activation of liver NK-type cells was also supported by the fact that liver NK cells proportionally increased and NK1(+) T cells augmented their CD11a expressions after SEB injection. The pretreatment of mice with anti-IFN-gamma Ab and/or with anti-interleukin-12 (IL-12) Ab diminished the SEB-induced cytotoxicity of liver MNC. Furthermore, the in vivo depletion of Kupffer cells decreased the SEB-induced cytotoxicity of liver MNC. Consistent with these results, liver MNC stimulated with superantigens in the presence of Kupffer cells in vitro produced a greater amount of IFN-gamma than did the liver MNC without Kupffer cells or splenocytes. Our results suggest that bacterial superantigen-primed Kupffer cells produce IL-12 and other monokines, while also nonspecifically activating both NK cells and NK1(+) T cells to produce IFN-gamma.

Lab-On-a-Chip for carbon nanotubes based immunoassay detection of Staphylococcal Enterotoxin B (SEB).

PubMed

Yang, Minghui; Sun, Steven; Kostov, Yordan; Rasooly, Avraham

2010-04-21

We describe a new eight channel Lab-On-a-Chip (LOC) for a Carbon Nanotube (CNT) based immunoassay with optical detection of Staphylococcal Enterotoxin B (SEB) for food safety applications. In this work, we combined four biosensing elements: (1) CNT technology for primary antibody immobilization, (2) Enhanced Chemiluminescence (ECL) for light signal generation, (3) a cooled charge-coupled device (CCD) for detection and (4) polymer lamination technology for developing a point of care immunological assay for SEB detection. Our concept for developing versatile LOCs, which can be used for many different applications, is to use a modular design with interchangeable recognition elements (e.g. various antibodies) to determine the specificity. Polymer lamination technology was used for the fabrication of a six layer, syringe operated LOC capable of analyzing eight samples simultaneously. An anti-SEB antibody-nanotube mixture was immobilized onto a polycarbonate strip, to serve as an interchangeable ligand surface that was then bonded onto the LOC. SEB samples are loaded into the device and detected by an ELISA assay using Horse Radish Peroxidase (HRP) conjugated anti-SEB IgG as a secondary antibody and ECL, with detection by a previously described portable cooled CCD detector. Eight samples of SEB in buffer or soy milk were assayed simultaneously with a limit of detection of 0.1 ng mL(-1). CNT immobilization of the antibody increased the sensitivity of detection six fold. Use of a simple interchangeable immunological surface allows this LOC to be adapted to any immunoassay by simply replacing the ligand surface. A syringe was used to move fluids for this assay so no power is needed to operate the device. Our versatile portable point-of-care CCD detector combined with the LOC immunoassay method described here can be used to reduce the exposure of users to toxins and other biohazards when working outside the lab, as well as to simplify and increase sensitivity for many other types of immunological diagnostics and detection assays.

Nanoshell-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy on a Microplate for Staphylococcal Enterotoxin B Sensing.

PubMed

Wang, Wenbin; Wang, Weiwei; Liu, Liqiang; Xu, Liguang; Kuang, Hua; Zhu, Jianping; Xu, Chuanlai

2016-06-22

A sensitive surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) immunosensor based on the Au nanoparticle (Au NP) shell structure was developed to detect staphylococcal enterotoxin B (SEB) on a microplate. Au NPs modified with 4-nitrothiophenol (4-NTP) and coated with Ag shell of controlled thickness at 6.6 nm exhibited excellent SERS intensity and were used as signal reporters in the detection of SEB. The engaged 4-NTP allowed the significant electromagnetic enhancement between Au NPs and the Ag shell and prevented the dissociation of the Raman reporter. More importantly, 4-NTP-differentiated SERS signals between the sample and microplate. The SERS-based immunosensor had a limit of detection of 1.3 pg/mL SEB. Analysis of SEB-spiked milk samples revealed that the developed method had high accuracy. Therefore, the SERS-encoded Au@Ag core-shell structure-based immunosensor is promising for the detection of biotoxins, pathogens, and environmental pollutants.

Impaired CD23 and CD62L expression and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases secretion by eosinophils in adults with atopic dermatitis.

PubMed

de Oliveira Titz, T; Orfali, R L; de Lollo, C; Dos Santos, V G; da Silva Duarte, A J; Sato, M N; Aoki, V

2016-12-01

Eosinophils are multifunctional, polymorphonuclear leucocytes that secrete proteins within cytoplasmic granules, such as cytokines, chemokines, metalloproteinases (MMPs) and metalloproteinases tissue inhibitors (TIMPs). Although eosinophilia is a hallmark of atopic dermatitis (AD), several functional aspects of eosinophils remain unknown. We aimed to evaluate the phenotype and functional response of eosinophils under staphylococcal enterotoxin B (SEB) and Toll-like receptor (TLR)-2/6 (FSL-1) stimulation in the secretion of CCL5, MMPs and TIMPs in adults with AD. Forty-one adult patients with AD and 45 healthy controls enrolled for the study. Phenotype of eosinophils from granulocytes of peripheral blood was analysed by flow cytometry. We performed evaluation of CCL5 (cytometric bead array), MMP and TIMP (ELISA) secretion, in culture supernatants of purified eosinophils stimulated with SEB or TLR2/6 agonist (FSL-1). We found a higher frequency of LIN1 - CCR3 + eosinophils, and decreased expression of CD23 and CD62L receptors in eosinophils of AD patients. There was no difference in MMP and TIMP serum levels between the evaluated groups. However, we detected decreased basal levels of TIMP-1, TIMP-2 and CCL5 in culture supernatants from purified, unstimulated eosinophils from AD patients. In adults with AD, phenotypical features of eosinophils reveal decreased expression of early activation and L-selectin receptors. Regarding the functional profile of purified eosinophils related to tissue remodelling in atopic dermatitis, innate immune stimulation (TLR2/6 agonist and SEB) did not affect the ratio of MMP/TIMPs secretion in AD. Our findings reinforce the potential breakdown in tissue remodelling process mediated by eosinophils in AD. © 2016 European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology.

Do child healthcare professionals and parents recognize social-emotional and behavioral problems in 1-year-old infants?

PubMed

Alakortes, Jaana; Kovaniemi, Susanna; Carter, Alice S; Bloigu, Risto; Moilanen, Irma K; Ebeling, Hanna E

2017-04-01

Growing evidence supports the existence of clinically significant social-emotional/behavioral (SEB) problems among as young as 1-year-old infants. However, a substantial proportion of early SEB problems remain unidentified during contacts with child healthcare professionals. In this study, child healthcare nurse (CHCN; N = 1008) and parental (N = 518) reports about SEB worries were gathered, along with the maternal and paternal Brief Infant-Toddler Social and Emotional Assessment (BITSEA) ratings, for 12-month-old infants randomly recruited through Finnish child health centers. Only 1.4-1.8 % of CHCNs, 3.9 % of mothers, and 3.2 % of fathers reported of being worried about the assessed child's SEB development. When the CHCNs' and parental reports were combined, 7.7 % (33/428) of the infants assessed each by all three adults had one (7.0 %), two (0.7 %) or three (0 %) worry reports. Even the combination of the CHCN's and parental worry reports identified only 7.0-13.8 % of the infants with the maternal and/or paternal BITSEA Problem or Competence rating in the of-concern range. Identified associations across the three informants' worry reports, parental BITSEA ratings and sociodemographic factors are discussed in the paper. Routine and frequent use of developmentally appropriate screening measures, such as the BITSEA, might enhance identification and intervening of early SEB problems in preventive child healthcare by guiding both professionals and parents to pay more attention to substantial aspects of young children's SEB development and encouraging them to discuss possible problems and worries.

Effect of bacterial collagenase on resin-dentin bonds degradation.

PubMed

Toledano, Manuel; Osorio, Raquel; Osorio, Estrella; Aguilera, Fátima S; Yamauti, Monica; Pashley, David H; Tay, Franklin

2007-12-01

The objective of this study is to evaluate the effect of a bacterial collagenase on the degradation of resin-dentin bonds. Human dentin surfaces were bonded with: an etch-&-rinse self-priming adhesive (SB), a two-step self-etching primer/adhesive (SEB), and a 1-step self-etching adhesive (OUB). Composite build-ups were constructed. The bonded teeth were stored (24 h, 3 months, 1 year) in distilled water or in a buffered bacterial collagenase solution. Half of the specimens were stored as intact bonded teeth (Indirect Exposure/IE). The other half were sectioned into beams prior to storage (Direct Exposure/DE). After storage the intact teeth were sectioned into beams and all specimens were tested for microtensile bond strengths (MTBS). ANOVA and multiple comparisons tests were performed. Fractographic analysis was performed by scanning electron microscopy. The inclusion of bacterial collagenase in the storing solution did not lower the MTBS values over those seen in specimens stored in water. SB and SEB bonds strength were equal, and were superior to OUB. After 3 months of DE, SB and OUB bonded specimens showed decreases in MTBS; similar reductions required 1 year for SEB/DE. MTBS did not decrease in IE specimens except for OUB. Resin and collagen dissolution were evident in DE groups after storing.

Surface-layer turbulence, energy balance and links to atmospheric circulations over a mountain glacier in the French Alps

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Litt, Maxime; Sicart, Jean-Emmanuel; Six, Delphine; Wagnon, Patrick; Helgason, Warren D.

2017-04-01

Over Saint-Sorlin Glacier in the French Alps (45° N, 6.1° E; ˜ 3 km2) in summer, we study the atmospheric surface-layer dynamics, turbulent fluxes, their uncertainties and their impact on surface energy balance (SEB) melt estimates. Results are classified with regard to large-scale forcing. We use high-frequency eddy-covariance data and mean air-temperature and wind-speed vertical profiles, collected in 2006 and 2009 in the glacier's atmospheric surface layer. We evaluate the turbulent fluxes with the eddy-covariance (sonic) and the profile method, and random errors and parametric uncertainties are evaluated by including different stability corrections and assuming different values for surface roughness lengths. For weak synoptic forcing, local thermal effects dominate the wind circulation. On the glacier, weak katabatic flows with a wind-speed maximum at low height (2-3 m) are detected 71 % of the time and are generally associated with small turbulent kinetic energy (TKE) and small net turbulent fluxes. Radiative fluxes dominate the SEB. When the large-scale forcing is strong, the wind in the valley aligns with the glacier flow, intense downslope flows are observed, no wind-speed maximum is visible below 5 m, and TKE and net turbulent fluxes are often intense. The net turbulent fluxes contribute significantly to the SEB. The surface-layer turbulence production is probably not at equilibrium with dissipation because of interactions of large-scale orographic disturbances with the flow when the forcing is strong or low-frequency oscillations of the katabatic flow when the forcing is weak. In weak forcing when TKE is low, all turbulent fluxes calculation methods provide similar fluxes. In strong forcing when TKE is large, the choice of roughness lengths impacts strongly the net turbulent fluxes from the profile method fluxes and their uncertainties. However, the uncertainty on the total SEB remains too high with regard to the net observed melt to be able to recommend one turbulent flux calculation method over another.

Dietary Animal Plasma Proteins Improve the Intestinal Immune Response in Senescent Mice.

PubMed

Miró, Lluïsa; Garcia-Just, Alba; Amat, Concepció; Polo, Javier; Moretó, Miquel; Pérez-Bosque, Anna

2017-12-11

Increased life expectancy has promoted research on healthy aging. Aging is accompanied by increased non-specific immune activation (inflammaging) which favors the appearance of several disorders. Here, we study whether dietary supplementation with spray-dried animal plasma (SDP), which has been shown to reduce the activation of gut-associated lymphoid tissue (GALT) in rodents challenged by S. aureus enterotoxin B (SEB), and can also prevent the effects of aging on immune system homeostasis. We first characterized GALT in a mouse model of accelerated senescence (SAMP8) at different ages (compared to mice resistant to accelerated senescence; SAMR1). Second, we analyzed the SDP effects on GALT response to an SEB challenge in SAMP8 mice. In GALT characterization, aging increased the cell number and the percentage of activated Th lymphocytes in mesenteric lymph nodes and Peyer's patches (all, p < 0.05), as well as the expression of IL-6 and TNF-α in intestinal mucosa (both, p < 0.05). With respect to GALT response to the SEB challenge, young mice showed increased expression of intestinal IL-6 and TNF-α, as well as lymphocyte recruitment and activation (all, p < 0.05). However, the immune response of senescent mice to the SEB challenge was weak, since SEB did not change cell recruitment or the percentage of activated Th lymphocytes. Mice supplemented with SDP showed improved capacity to respond to the SEB challenge, similar to the response of the young mice. These results indicate that senescent mice have an impaired mucosal immune response characterized by unspecific GALT activation and a weak specific immune response. SDP supplementation reduces non-specific basal immune activation, allowing for the generation of specific responses.

The relationship between environmental exposure to cadmium and lead and blood selenium concentration in randomly selected population of children inhabiting industrial regions of Silesian Voivodship (Poland).

PubMed

Gać, P; Pawlas, N; Poręba, R; Poręba, M; Pawlas, K

2014-06-01

This study aimed at determining the relationship between environmental exposure to lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd) and blood selenium (Se) concentration in randomly selected population of children inhabiting the industrial regions of Silesian Voivodship, Poland. The study was conducted on a group of consecutive randomly selected 349 children aged below 15 years and inhabiting the industrial regions in Upper Silesia. The examined variables included whole blood Cd concentration (Cd-B), whole blood Pb concentration (Pb-B) and whole blood Se concentration (Se-B). The concentration of Cd-B, Pb-B and Se-B in the studied group of children amounted to 0.26 ± 0.14, 37.62 ± 25.30 and 78.31 ± 12.82 μg/L, respectively. In the entire examined group a statistically significant negative linear relationship was noted between Pb-B and Se-B (r = -0.12, p < 0.05). Also, a statistically insignificant negative correlation was detected between Cd-B and Se-B (r = -0.02, p > 0.05) and a statistically insignificant positive correlation between Pb-B and Cd-B (r = 0.08, p > 0.05). A multivariate backward stepwise regression analysis demonstrated that in the studied group of children higher Pb-B and a more advanced age-represented independent risk factors for a decreased Se-B. Environmental exposure to Pb may represent an independent risk factor for Se deficit in blood of the studied population of children. In children, the lowered Se-B may create one of the mechanisms in which Pb unfavourably affects human body. © The Author(s) 2014.

Exposure to inorganic mercury in vivo attenuates extrinsic apoptotic signaling in Staphylococcal aureus enterotoxin B stimulated T-cells

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

Laiosa, Michael D.; Eckles, Kevin G.; Langdon, Margaret

2007-12-15

The heavy metal mercury (Hg) is known to have immunomodulatory properties affecting lymphocyte signal transduction, death receptor signaling and autoimmunity. In this study we tested the hypothesis that Hg exposure would attenuate T-cell activation and caspase 8 and 3 activity in response to antigenic stimuli. To test this hypothesis, BALB/cJ mice were exposed to 10 mg/l mercuric chloride (HgCl{sub 2}) in their drinking water for 2 weeks followed by injection with 20 {mu}g of the Staphylococcal aureus enterotoxin B (SEB) superantigen. Eighteen hours after SEB challenge, there was a statistically significant reduction in caspase 8 and caspase 3 enzyme activitymore » in the SEB reactive V{beta}8+ T-cells. The attenuated caspase activity in Hg-exposed mice persisted for 48 h after exposure. Moreover, activation of caspase 8 and caspase 3 was reduced by more than 60% in CD95 deficient MRL/MpJ-Fas{sup lpr} mice demonstrating that caspase 8 and 3 activation in response to SEB is CD95 dependent. In addition to the effects of Hg on caspase activity, expression of the T-cell activation marker CD69 was also attenuated in SEB reactive V{beta}8 T-cells in Hg-exposed mice. Moreover, CD69 expression in MRL/MpJ-Fas{sup lpr} mice was also reduced. Taken together the caspase and CD69 data support a role for CD95 in promoting a proapoptotic and activated state in SEB responsive T-lymphocytes and this state is attenuated by the autoimmune potentiating environmental agent mercury.« less

Triggering Mechanism for Neutron Induced Single-Event Burnout in Power Devices

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shoji, Tomoyuki; Nishida, Shuichi; Hamada, Kimimori

2013-04-01

Cosmic ray neutrons can trigger catastrophic failures in power devices. It has been reported that parasitic transistor action causes single-event burnout (SEB) in power metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistors (MOSFETs) and insulated gate bipolar transistors (IGBTs). However, power diodes do not have an inherent parasitic transistor. In this paper, we describe the mechanism triggering SEB in power diodes for the first time using transient device simulation. Initially, generated electron-hole pairs created by incident recoil ions generate transient current, which increases the electron density in the vicinity of the n-/n+ boundary. The space charge effect of the carriers leads to an increase in the strength of the electric field at the n-/n+ boundary. Finally, the onset of impact ionization at the n-/n+ boundary can trigger SEB. Furthermore, this failure is closely related to diode secondary breakdown. It was clarified that the impact ionization at the n-/n+ boundary is a key point of the mechanism triggering SEB in power devices.

Staphylococcal enterotoxins bind H-2Db molecules on macrophages

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Beharka, A. A.; Iandolo, J. J.; Chapes, S. K.; Spooner, B. S. (Principal Investigator)

1995-01-01

We screened a panel of monoclonal antibodies against selected macrophage cell surface molecules for their ability to inhibit enterotoxin binding to major histocompatibility complex class II-negative C2D (H-2b) macrophages. Two monoclonal antibodies, HB36 and TIB126, that are specific for the alpha 2 domain of major histocompatibility complex class I, blocked staphylococcal enterotoxins A and B (SEA and SEB, respectively) binding to C2D macrophages in a specific and concentration-dependent manner. Inhibitory activities were haplotype-specific in that SEA and SEB binding to H-2k or H-2d macrophages was not inhibited by either monoclonal antibody. HB36, but not TIB126, inhibited enterotoxin-induced secretion of cytokines by H-2b macrophages. Lastly, passive protection of D-galactosamine-sensitized C2D mice by injection with HB36 antibody prevented SEB-induced death. Therefore, SEA and SEB binding to the alpha 2 domain of the H-2Db molecule induces biological activity and has physiological consequences.

Simplified energy-balance model for pragmatic multi-dimensional device simulation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chang, Duckhyun; Fossum, Jerry G.

1997-11-01

To pragmatically account for non-local carrier heating and hot-carrier effects such as velocity overshoot and impact ionization in multi-dimensional numerical device simulation, a new simplified energy-balance (SEB) model is developed and implemented in FLOODS[16] as a pragmatic option. In the SEB model, the energy-relaxation length is estimated from a pre-process drift-diffusion simulation using the carrier-velocity distribution predicted throughout the device domain, and is used without change in a subsequent simpler hydrodynamic (SHD) simulation. The new SEB model was verified by comparison of two-dimensional SHD and full HD DC simulations of a submicron MOSFET. The SHD simulations yield detailed distributions of carrier temperature, carrier velocity, and impact-ionization rate, which agree well with the full HD simulation results obtained with FLOODS. The most noteworthy feature of the new SEB/SHD model is its computational efficiency, which results from reduced Newton iteration counts caused by the enhanced linearity. Relative to full HD, SHD simulation times can be shorter by as much as an order of magnitude since larger voltage steps for DC sweeps and larger time steps for transient simulations can be used. The improved computational efficiency can enable pragmatic three-dimensional SHD device simulation as well, for which the SEB implementation would be straightforward as it is in FLOODS or any robust HD simulator.

13-cis Retinoic acid induces apoptosis and cell cycle arrest in human SEB-1 sebocytes.

PubMed

Nelson, Amanda M; Gilliland, Kathryn L; Cong, Zhaoyuan; Thiboutot, Diane M

2006-10-01

Isotretinoin (13-cis retinoic acid (13-cis RA)) is the most potent inhibitor of sebum production, a key component in the pathophysiology of acne, yet its mechanism of action remains largely unknown. The effects of 13-cis RA, 9-cis retinoic acid (9-cis RA), and all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) on cell proliferation, apoptosis, and cell cycle proteins were examined in SEB-1 sebocytes and keratinocytes. 13-cis RA causes significant dose-dependent and time-dependent decreases in viable SEB-1 sebocytes. A portion of this decrease can be attributed to cell cycle arrest as evidenced by decreased DNA synthesis, increased p21 protein expression, and decreased cyclin D1. Although not previously demonstrated in sebocytes, we report that 13-cis RA induces apoptosis in SEB-1 sebocytes as shown by increased Annexin V-FITC staining, increased TUNEL staining, and increased cleaved caspase 3 protein. Furthermore, the ability of 13-cis RA to induce apoptosis cannot be recapitulated by 9-cis RA or ATRA, and it is not inhibited by the presence of a retinoid acid receptor (RAR) pan-antagonist AGN 193109. Taken together these data indicate that 13-cis RA causes cell cycle arrest and induces apoptosis in SEB-1 sebocytes by a RAR-independent mechanism, which contributes to its sebosuppressive effect and the resolution of acne.

Inhibitory effect of totarol on exotoxin proteins hemolysin and enterotoxins secreted by Staphylococcus aureus.

PubMed

Shi, Ce; Zhao, Xingchen; Li, Wenli; Meng, Rizeng; Liu, Zonghui; Liu, Mingyuan; Guo, Na; Yu, Lu

2015-10-01

Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) causes a wide variety of infections, which are of major concern worldwide. S. aureus produces multiple virulence factors, resulting in food infection and poisoning. These virulence factors include hyaluronidases, proteases, coagulases, lipases, deoxyribonucleases and enterotoxins. Among the extracellular proteins produced by S. aureus that contribute to pathogenicity, the exotoxins α-hemolysin, staphylococcal enterotoxin A (SEA) and staphylococcal enterotoxin B (SEB) are thought to be of major significance. Totarol, a plant extract, has been revealed to inhibit the proliferation of several pathogens effectively. However, there are no reports on the effects of totarol on the production of α-hemolysin, SEA or SEB secreted by S. aureus. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of totarol on these three exotoxins. Hemolysis assay, western blotting and real-time reverse transcriptase-PCR assay were performed to identify the influence of graded subinhibitory concentrations of totarol on the production of α-hemolysin and the two major enterotoxins, SEA and SEB, by S. aureus in a dose-dependent manner. Moreover, an enzyme linked immunosorbent assay showed that the TNF-α production of RAW264.7 cells stimulated by S. aureus supernatants was inhibited by subinhibitory concentrations of totarol. Form the data, we propose that totarol could potentially be used as a promising natural compound in the food and pharmaceutical industries.

The 2010-2011 Revival of Jupiter's South Equatorial Belt: Perturbations of Temperatures, Clouds and Composition from Infrared Observations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Orton, G.; Fletcher, L.; Yanamandra-Fisher, P.; Sanchez-Lavega, A.; Perez-Hoyos, S.; Baines, K.; de Pater, I.; Wong, M.; Goetz, R.; Valkov, S.;

Development of an Arm Phantom for Testing Non-Invasive Blood Pressure Monitors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Anderson-Jackson, LaTecia D.

Approximately one in every three adults age 20 older are diagnosed with high blood pressure or hypertension. It is estimated that hypertension affects 78 million people in the United States, is equally prevalent in both men and woman (Crabtree, Stuart-Shor, & McAllister, 2013). In the United States, around 78% of people suffering from hypertension are aware of their condition, with only 68% using hypertensive medications to control their blood pressure (Writing Group et al., 2010). Clinically, blood pressure measurements may lack accuracy, which can be attributed to various factors, including device limitations, cuff mis-sizing and misplacement, white-coat effect, masked hypertension, and lifestyle factors. The development of an arm phantom to simulate physiologic properties of a human arm and arterial BP waveforms may allow us to better assess the accuracy of non-invasive blood pressure (NIBP) monitors. The objective of this study are to: (1) Develop an arm phantom to replicate physiological properties of the human arm, and (2) Incorporate the arm phantom into a mock circulatory flow loop to simulate different physiological blood pressure readings on the bench. A tissue mimicking material, styrene-ethylene-butylene-styrene (SEBS), a co-block polymer was used to develop the arm phantom for in-vitro testing. To determine the optimal mechanical properties for the arm phantom, individual arm components were isolated and tested. A protocol was developed to evaluate various components for optimal arm phantom development. Mechanical testing was conducted on 10%, 15%, and 20% SEBS gel samples for modulus of elasticity measurements in order to simulate physiological properties of the human arm. As a result of the SEBS polymer being a new material for this application, this investigation will contribute to resolving the limitations that occurred during experimentation. In this study, we demonstrated that although SEBS polymer may be an ideal material to use for simulating tissue, further research on the material properties should be conducted.

Assisting Bulgarian Special Educators with Competency Development Online

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Peterson, Rob; Herrington, Jan; Konza, Deslea; Tzvetkova-Arsova, Mira; Stefanov, Krassen

2008-01-01

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to discuss an expansion of the Special Education Bulgaria (SEB) internet community that is required to pilot software created by the European Union's (EU's) Sixth Framework integrated project, TENCompetence. Design/methodology/approach: SEB is the product of a two-year research project designed to create a…

An intercomparison study of TSM, SEBS, and SEBAL using high-resolution imagery and lysimetric data

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Over the past three decades, numerous remote sensing based ET mapping algorithms were developed. These algorithms provided a robust, economical, and efficient tool for ET estimations at field and regional scales. The Two Source Model (TSM), Surface Energy Balance System (SEBS), and Surface Energy Ba...

An Updated Perspective of Single Event Gate Rupture and Single Event Burnout in Power MOSFETs

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Titus, Jeffrey L.

2013-06-01

Studies over the past 25 years have shown that heavy ions can trigger catastrophic failure modes in power MOSFETs [e.g., single-event gate rupture (SEGR) and single-event burnout (SEB)]. In 1996, two papers were published in a special issue of the IEEE Transaction on Nuclear Science [Johnson, Palau, Dachs, Galloway and Schrimpf, “A Review of the Techniques Used for Modeling Single-Event Effects in Power MOSFETs,” IEEE Trans. Nucl. Sci., vol. 43, no. 2, pp. 546-560, April. 1996], [Titus and Wheatley, “Experimental Studies of Single-Event Gate Rupture and Burnout in Vertical Power MOSFETs,” IEEE Trans. Nucl. Sci., vol. 43, no. 2, pp. 533-545, Apr. 1996]. Those two papers continue to provide excellent information and references with regard to SEB and SEGR in vertical planar MOSFETs. This paper provides updated references/information and provides an updated perspective of SEB and SEGR in vertical planar MOSFETs as well as provides references/information to other device types that exhibit SEB and SEGR effects.

Health Canada/BIOTECanada Summit on regulatory and clinical topics related to subsequent entry biologics (biosimilars), Ottawa, Canada, 14 May 2012.

PubMed

Kay, Jonathan; Feagan, Brian G; Guirguis, Micheal S; Keystone, Edward C; Klein, Agnes V; Lubiniecki, Anthony S; Mould, Diane R; Nyarko, Kwasi A; Ridgway, Anthony A G; Trudeau, Maureen E; Wang, Jian

2012-11-01

In May 2012, Health Canada and other participants held a National Summit on Subsequent Entry Biologics (SEBs). Health Canada released a guidance document in March 2010 describing policy positions and data requirements for approval of SEBs. While Health Canada and health agencies in other regulatory jurisdictions are aligned on many scientific principles related to biosimilar drugs, Health Canada's specific requirements may not be widely understood by many Canadian stakeholders. The Summit provided an opportunity for education and dialog among physicians who prescribe biologics, provincial payers, and industry on the following topics: preclinical and clinical comparability studies; manufacturing and other product differences; extrapolation of indications; substitution and interchangeability of SEBs with reference biologic drugs in clinical practice; payers' current perspective; pharmacovigilance and naming. It is anticipated that the consensus reached at this meeting will further educate Canadian healthcare professionals, provincial payers, and insurers about the appropriate use of SEBs, and may be of general interest to others internationally. Copyright © 2012 The International Alliance for Biological Standardization. All rights reserved.

Colorimetric DNAzyme Biosensor for Convenience Detection of Enterotoxin B Harboring Staphylococcus aureus from Food Samples.

PubMed

Mondal, Bhairab; N, Bhavanashri; Ramlal, Shylaja; Kingston, Joseph

2018-02-14

In the present study, a colorimetric DNAzymes biosensor strategy was devised in combination with immunomagnetic separation for rapid and easy detection of enterotoxin B harboring Staphylococcus aureus from food and clinical samples. The method employs immunocapture of S. aureus and amplification of seb gene by DNAzyme complementary sequence integrated forward primer and with specific reverse primer. The DNAzyme sequence integrated dsDNA PCR products when treated with hemin and TMB (3,3',5,5'-tetramethylbenzidine) in the presence of H 2 O 2 produce colorimetric signal. A linear relationship of optical signal with the initial template of seb was obtained which could be monitored by visually or spectrophotrometrically for qualitative and quantitative detection. The limit of detection for the assay was approximately 10 2 CFU/mL of seb gene harboring target. This method is convenient compared to gel based and ELISA systems. Further, spiking studies and analysis on natural samples emphasized the robustness and applicability of developed method. Altogether, the established assay could be a reliable alternative, low-cost, viable detection tool for the routine investigation of seb from food and clinical sources.

Stable phantom materials for ultrasound and optical imaging.

PubMed

Cabrelli, Luciana C; Pelissari, Pedro I B G B; Deana, Alessandro M; Carneiro, Antonio A O; Pavan, Theo Z

2017-01-21

Phantoms mimicking the specific properties of biological tissues are essential to fully characterize medical devices. Water-based materials are commonly used to manufacture phantoms for ultrasound and optical imaging techniques. However, these materials have disadvantages, such as easy degradation and low temporal stability. In this study, we propose an oil-based new tissue-mimicking material for ultrasound and optical imaging, with the advantage of presenting low temporal degradation. A styrene-ethylene/butylene-styrene (SEBS) copolymer in mineral oil samples was made varying the SEBS concentration between 5%-15%, and low-density polyethylene (LDPE) between 0%-9%. Acoustic properties, such as the speed of sound and the attenuation coefficient, were obtained using frequencies ranging from 1-10 MHz, and were consistent with that of soft tissues. These properties were controlled varying SEBS and LDPE concentration. To characterize the optical properties of the samples, the diffuse reflectance and transmittance were measured. Scattering and absorption coefficients ranging from 400 nm-1200 nm were calculated for each compound. SEBS gels are a translucent material presenting low optical absorption and scattering coefficients in the visible region of the spectrum, but the presence of LDPE increased the turbidity. Adding LDPE increased the absorption and scattering of the phantom materials. Ultrasound and photoacoustic images of a heterogeneous phantom made of LDPE/SEBS containing a spherical inclusion were obtained. Annatto dye was added to the inclusion to enhance the optical absorbance. The results suggest that copolymer gels are promising for ultrasound and optical imaging, making them also potentially useful for photoacoustic imaging.

Stable phantom materials for ultrasound and optical imaging

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cabrelli, Luciana C.; Pelissari, Pedro I. B. G. B.; Deana, Alessandro M.; Carneiro, Antonio A. O.; Pavan, Theo Z.

2017-01-01

Phantoms mimicking the specific properties of biological tissues are essential to fully characterize medical devices. Water-based materials are commonly used to manufacture phantoms for ultrasound and optical imaging techniques. However, these materials have disadvantages, such as easy degradation and low temporal stability. In this study, we propose an oil-based new tissue-mimicking material for ultrasound and optical imaging, with the advantage of presenting low temporal degradation. A styrene-ethylene/butylene-styrene (SEBS) copolymer in mineral oil samples was made varying the SEBS concentration between 5%-15%, and low-density polyethylene (LDPE) between 0%-9%. Acoustic properties, such as the speed of sound and the attenuation coefficient, were obtained using frequencies ranging from 1-10 MHz, and were consistent with that of soft tissues. These properties were controlled varying SEBS and LDPE concentration. To characterize the optical properties of the samples, the diffuse reflectance and transmittance were measured. Scattering and absorption coefficients ranging from 400 nm-1200 nm were calculated for each compound. SEBS gels are a translucent material presenting low optical absorption and scattering coefficients in the visible region of the spectrum, but the presence of LDPE increased the turbidity. Adding LDPE increased the absorption and scattering of the phantom materials. Ultrasound and photoacoustic images of a heterogeneous phantom made of LDPE/SEBS containing a spherical inclusion were obtained. Annatto dye was added to the inclusion to enhance the optical absorbance. The results suggest that copolymer gels are promising for ultrasound and optical imaging, making them also potentially useful for photoacoustic imaging.

Simultaneous integrated vs. sequential boost in VMAT radiotherapy of high-grade gliomas.

PubMed

Farzin, Mostafa; Molls, Michael; Astner, Sabrina; Rondak, Ina-Christine; Oechsner, Markus

2015-12-01

In 20 patients with high-grade gliomas, we compared two methods of planning for volumetric-modulated arc therapy (VMAT): simultaneous integrated boost (SIB) vs. sequential boost (SEB). The investigation focused on the analysis of dose distributions in the target volumes and the organs at risk (OARs). After contouring the target volumes [planning target volumes (PTVs) and boost volumes (BVs)] and OARs, SIB planning and SEB planning were performed. The SEB method consisted of two plans: in the first plan the PTV received 50 Gy in 25 fractions with a 2-Gy dose per fraction. In the second plan the BV received 10 Gy in 5 fractions with a dose per fraction of 2 Gy. The doses of both plans were summed up to show the total doses delivered. In the SIB method the PTV received 54 Gy in 30 fractions with a dose per fraction of 1.8 Gy, while the BV received 60 Gy in the same fraction number but with a dose per fraction of 2 Gy. All of the OARs showed higher doses (Dmax and Dmean) in the SEB method when compared with the SIB technique. The differences between the two methods were statistically significant in almost all of the OARs. Analysing the total doses of the target volumes we found dose distributions with similar homogeneities and comparable total doses. Our analysis shows that the SIB method offers advantages over the SEB method in terms of sparing OARs.

Cytokine secretion induced by superantigens in peripheral blood mononuclear cells, lamina propria lymphocytes, and intraepithelial lymphocytes.

PubMed Central

Sperber, K; Silverstein, L; Brusco, C; Yoon, C; Mullin, G E; Mayer, L

1995-01-01

Superantigens are potent inducers of T-cell proliferation and induce a broad range of cytokines, including tumor necrosis factor (TNF), gamma interferon, and interleukin 2 (IL-2). In the present study, we compared the abilities of different staphylococcal superantigens (staphylococcal enterotoxin B [SEB], staphylococcal enterotoxin E [SEE], and toxic shock syndrome toxin 1 [TSST-1]) to stimulate distinct cytokine profiles in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC), lamina propria lymphocytes (LPL), and intraepithelial lymphocytes (IEL). One million PBMC, LPL, and IEL were stimulated with various concentrations of superantigen (10 to 0.001 ng/ml) for 24, 48, and 72 h. Maximum cytokine production by PBMC, LPL, and IEL was observed for all three superantigens at 48 h at a concentration of 1 ng/ml. In PBMC, SEE and TSST-1 stimulated more IL-2 and gamma interferon than SEB. SEE and TSST-1 also stimulated more TNF and IL-4 production than SEB. In contrast, SEB stimulated more IL-6 than either SEE or TSST-1. In LPL, there was no SEE-induced IL-2 or IL-4 production, but IL-6, TNF, and gamma interferon were induced. SEB similarly induced no IL-2 or gamma interferon from the LPL, but IL-4, IL-6, and TNF were detected. TSST-1 stimulation of LPL resulted in IL-2 and TNF production but no IL-4, IL-6, or gamma interferon. In IEL, SEE induced no IL-2, IL-4, or gamma interferon but produced IL-6 and TNF, while SEB stimulation resulted in no IL-2 or gamma interferon but did result in detectable IL-4, IL-6, and TNF. Taken together, these data indicate that there are significant differences in the cytokine profiles induced by superantigens in LPL and IEL compared with those in PBMC, and these differences may relate to differences in activation requirements. PMID:7583927

Application of a SERS-based lateral flow immunoassay strip for the rapid and sensitive detection of staphylococcal enterotoxin B

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hwang, Joonki; Lee, Sangyeop; Choo, Jaebum

2016-06-01

A novel surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS)-based lateral flow immunoassay (LFA) biosensor was developed to resolve problems associated with conventional LFA strips (e.g., limits in quantitative analysis and low sensitivity). In our SERS-based biosensor, Raman reporter-labeled hollow gold nanospheres (HGNs) were used as SERS detection probes instead of gold nanoparticles. With the proposed SERS-based LFA strip, the presence of a target antigen can be identified through a colour change in the test zone. Furthermore, highly sensitive quantitative evaluation is possible by measuring SERS signals from the test zone. To verify the feasibility of the SERS-based LFA strip platform, an immunoassay of staphylococcal enterotoxin B (SEB) was performed as a model reaction. The limit of detection (LOD) for SEB, as determined with the SERS-based LFA strip, was estimated to be 0.001 ng mL-1. This value is approximately three orders of magnitude more sensitive than that achieved with the corresponding ELISA-based method. The proposed SERS-based LFA strip sensor shows significant potential for the rapid and sensitive detection of target markers in a simplified manner.A novel surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS)-based lateral flow immunoassay (LFA) biosensor was developed to resolve problems associated with conventional LFA strips (e.g., limits in quantitative analysis and low sensitivity). In our SERS-based biosensor, Raman reporter-labeled hollow gold nanospheres (HGNs) were used as SERS detection probes instead of gold nanoparticles. With the proposed SERS-based LFA strip, the presence of a target antigen can be identified through a colour change in the test zone. Furthermore, highly sensitive quantitative evaluation is possible by measuring SERS signals from the test zone. To verify the feasibility of the SERS-based LFA strip platform, an immunoassay of staphylococcal enterotoxin B (SEB) was performed as a model reaction. The limit of detection (LOD) for SEB, as determined with the SERS-based LFA strip, was estimated to be 0.001 ng mL-1. This value is approximately three orders of magnitude more sensitive than that achieved with the corresponding ELISA-based method. The proposed SERS-based LFA strip sensor shows significant potential for the rapid and sensitive detection of target markers in a simplified manner. Electronic supplementary information (ESI) available. See DOI: 10.1039/c5nr07243c

Single event burnout sensitivity of embedded field effect transistors

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

Koga, R.; Crain, S.H.; Crawford, K.B.

Observations of single event burnout (SEB) in embedded field effect transistors are reported. Both SEB and other single event effects are presented for several pulse width modulation and high frequency devices. The microscope has been employed to locate and to investigate the damaged areas. A model of the damage mechanism based on the results so obtained is described.

Single event burnout sensitivity of embedded field effect transistors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Koga, R.; Crain, S. H.; Crawford, K. B.; Yu, P.; Gordon, M. J.

1999-12-01

Observations of single event burnout (SEB) in embedded field effect transistors are reported. Both SEB and other single event effects are presented for several pulse width modulation and high frequency devices. The microscope has been employed to locate and to investigate the damaged areas. A model of the damage mechanism based on the results so obtained is described.

High School Students' Informal Reasoning Regarding a Socio-Scientific Issue, with Relation to Scientific Epistemological Beliefs and Cognitive Structures

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Wu, Ying-Tien; Tsai, Chin-Chung

2011-01-01

This study investigated the relationship among 68 high school students' scientific epistemological beliefs (SEBs), cognitive structures regarding nuclear power usage, and their informal reasoning regarding this issue. Moreover, the ability of students' SEBs as well as their cognitive structures for predicting their informal reasoning regarding…

Self-Efficacy Beliefs amongst Parents of Young Children: Validation of a Self-Report Measure

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Meunier, Jean-Christophe; Roskam, Isabelle

2009-01-01

The self-efficacy belief (SEB) concept is discussed in the context of parenting. A questionnaire, the "Echelle Globale du Sentiment de Competence Parentale" (EGSCP), assessing several domain-specific SEBs and three related cognitive constructs, was developed with 705 French-speaking parents of 3- to 7-year-old children. The EGSCP displayed good…

Gold nanoparticle-based enhanced chemiluminescence immunosensor for detection of Staphylococcal Enterotoxin B (SEB) in food.

PubMed

Yang, Minghui; Kostov, Yordan; Bruck, Hugh A; Rasooly, Avraham

2009-08-15

Staphylococcal enterotoxins (SEs) are major cause of foodborne diseases, so sensitive detection (<1 ng/ml) methods are needed for SE detection in food. The surface area, geometric and physical properties of gold nanoparticles make them well-suited for enhancing interactions with biological molecules in assays. To take advantage of the properties of gold nanoparticles for immunodetection, we have developed a gold nanoparticle-based enhanced chemiluminescence (ECL) immunosensor for detection of Staphylococcal Enterotoxin B (SEB) in food. Anti-SEB primary antibodies were immobilized onto a gold nanoparticle surface through physical adsorption and then the antibody-gold nanoparticle mixture was immobilized onto a polycarbonate surface. SEB was detected by a "sandwich-type" ELISA assay on the polycarbonate surface with a secondary antibody and ECL detection. The signal from ECL was read using a point-of-care detector based on a cooled charge-coupled device (CCD) sensor or a plate reader. The system was used to test for SEB in buffer and various foods (mushrooms, tomatoes, and baby food meat). The limit of detection was found to be approximately 0.01 ng/mL, which is approximately 10 times more sensitive than traditional ELISA. The gold nanoparticles were relatively easy to use for antibody immobilization because of their physical adsorption mechanism; no other reagents were required for immobilization. The use of our simple and inexpensive detector combined with the gold nanoparticle-based ECL method described here is adaptable to simplify and increase sensitivity of any immunological assay and for point-of-care diagnostics.

Gold nanoparticle-based enhanced chemiluminescence immunosensor for detection of Staphylococcal Enterotoxin B (SEB) in food

PubMed Central

Yang, Minghui; Kostov, Yordan; Bruck, Hugh A.; Rasooly, Avraham

2010-01-01

Staphylococcal enterotoxins (SEs) are major cause of foodborne diseases, so sensitive detection (<1 ng/ml) methods are needed for SE detection in food. The surface area, geometric and physical properties of gold nanoparticles make them well-suited for enhancing interactions with biological molecules in assays. To take advantage of the properties of gold nanoparticles for immunodetection, we have developed a gold nanoparticle-based enhanced chemiluminescence (ECL) immunosensor for detection of Staphylococcal Enterotoxin B (SEB) in food. Anti-SEB primary antibodies were immobilized onto a gold nanoparticle surface through physical adsorption and then the antibody–gold nanoparticle mixture was immobilized onto a polycarbonate surface. SEB was detected by a “sandwich-type” ELISA assay on the polycarbonate surface with a secondary antibody and ECL detection. The signal from ECL was read using a point-of-care detector based on a cooled charge-coupled device (CCD) sensor or a plate reader. The system was used to test for SEB in buffer and various foods (mushrooms, tomatoes, and baby food meat). The limit of detection was found to be ~0.01 ng/mL, which is ~10 times more sensitive than traditional ELISA. The gold nanoparticles were relatively easy to use for antibody immobilization because of their physical adsorption mechanism; no other reagents were required for immobilization. The use of our simple and inexpensive detector combined with the gold nanoparticle-based ECL method described here is adaptable to simplify and increase sensitivity of any immunological assay and for point-of-care diagnostics. PMID:19540011

Characterisation of the atmospheric surface layer over a debris cover glacier in the Nepal Himalayas.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Litt, M.; Steiner, J. F.; Stigter, E.; Bierkens, M. F.; Shea, J. M.; Immerzeel, W. W.

2017-12-01

A significant area of Himalayan glaciers tongues is covered by debris. Turbulent exchanges of sensible and latent heat at the debris surface directly act on its surface energy balance (SEB). At the same time, the large turbulent water vapour exchanges at high altitude modify the debris water content and thus its thermal properties. These must be correctly accounted for in SEB models and a proper characterisation of the atmospheric surface layer (ASL) is therefore needed. We installed an eddy-correlation system (Campbell IRGASON) during a period of 15 days over the Lirung glacier in the Langtang Valley in Nepal in the Nepal Himalaya, during the transition period between the monsoon and the dry season. We present the main characteristics of our set-up and the implication of our ASL characterisation on the parameterisation of the turbulent fluxes. During the day, moderate winds blow up-valley and the ASL is mostly unstable. Latent (sensible) heat fluxes scale between 50 and 150 (50 and 250) Wm-2 during the day, thus drying and cooling the debris and playing a significant role in the SEB. During the night, weak down-glacier winds are observed and fluxes remain weak. Spectral analysis of the turbulent data indicate that flow characteristics do not fulfil theoretical requirements needed to estimate turbulent fluxes using bulk methods and at this site our data show they would work only for the sensible heat flux evaluation.

Surface energy budget and thermal inertia at Gale Crater: Calculations from ground-based measurements.

PubMed

Martínez, G M; Rennó, N; Fischer, E; Borlina, C S; Hallet, B; de la Torre Juárez, M; Vasavada, A R; Ramos, M; Hamilton, V; Gomez-Elvira, J; Haberle, R M

2014-08-01

The analysis of the surface energy budget (SEB) yields insights into soil-atmosphere interactions and local climates, while the analysis of the thermal inertia ( I ) of shallow subsurfaces provides context for evaluating geological features. Mars orbital data have been used to determine thermal inertias at horizontal scales of ∼10 4  m 2 to ∼10 7  m 2 . Here we use measurements of ground temperature and atmospheric variables by Curiosity to calculate thermal inertias at Gale Crater at horizontal scales of ∼10 2  m 2 . We analyze three sols representing distinct environmental conditions and soil properties, sol 82 at Rocknest (RCK), sol 112 at Point Lake (PL), and sol 139 at Yellowknife Bay (YKB). Our results indicate that the largest thermal inertia I  = 452 J m -2  K -1  s -1/2 (SI units used throughout this article) is found at YKB followed by PL with I  = 306 and RCK with I  = 295. These values are consistent with the expected thermal inertias for the types of terrain imaged by Mastcam and with previous satellite estimations at Gale Crater. We also calculate the SEB using data from measurements by Curiosity's Rover Environmental Monitoring Station and dust opacity values derived from measurements by Mastcam. The knowledge of the SEB and thermal inertia has the potential to enhance our understanding of the climate, the geology, and the habitability of Mars.

Surface energy budget and thermal inertia at Gale Crater: Calculations from ground-based measurements

PubMed Central

Martínez, G M; Rennó, N; Fischer, E; Borlina, C S; Hallet, B; de la Torre Juárez, M; Vasavada, A R; Ramos, M; Hamilton, V; Gomez-Elvira, J; Haberle, R M

2014-01-01

The analysis of the surface energy budget (SEB) yields insights into soil-atmosphere interactions and local climates, while the analysis of the thermal inertia (I) of shallow subsurfaces provides context for evaluating geological features. Mars orbital data have been used to determine thermal inertias at horizontal scales of ∼104 m2 to ∼107 m2. Here we use measurements of ground temperature and atmospheric variables by Curiosity to calculate thermal inertias at Gale Crater at horizontal scales of ∼102 m2. We analyze three sols representing distinct environmental conditions and soil properties, sol 82 at Rocknest (RCK), sol 112 at Point Lake (PL), and sol 139 at Yellowknife Bay (YKB). Our results indicate that the largest thermal inertia I = 452 J m−2 K−1 s−1/2 (SI units used throughout this article) is found at YKB followed by PL with I = 306 and RCK with I = 295. These values are consistent with the expected thermal inertias for the types of terrain imaged by Mastcam and with previous satellite estimations at Gale Crater. We also calculate the SEB using data from measurements by Curiosity's Rover Environmental Monitoring Station and dust opacity values derived from measurements by Mastcam. The knowledge of the SEB and thermal inertia has the potential to enhance our understanding of the climate, the geology, and the habitability of Mars. PMID:26213666

High School Students' Scientific Epistemological Beliefs, Motivation in Learning Science, and Their Relationships: A Comparative Study within the Chinese Culture

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Lin, Tzung-Jin; Deng, Feng; Chai, Ching Sing; Tsai, Chin-Chung

2013-01-01

This study explored the differences in high school students' scientific epistemological beliefs (SEBs), motivation in learning science (MLS), and the different relationships between them in Taiwan and China. 310 Taiwanese and 302 Chinese high school students' SEBs and MLS were assessed quantitatively. Taiwanese students generally were more prone…

Associations between Expressive and Receptive Language and Internalizing and Externalizing Behaviours in a Community-Based Prospective Study of Slow-to-Talk Toddlers

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Conway, Laura J.; Levickis, Penny A.; Mensah, Fiona; McKean, Cristina; Smith, Kylie; Reilly, Sheena

2017-01-01

Background: Evidence suggests that language and social, emotional and behavioural (SEB) difficulties are associated in children and adolescents. When these associations emerge and whether they differ by language or SEB difficulty profile is unclear. This knowledge is crucial to guide prevention and intervention programmes for children with…

A Dynamic Analysis of the Effects of Intelligence and Socioeconomic Background on Job-Market Success

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ganzach, Yoav

2011-01-01

We compare the effects of socioeconomic background (SEB) and intelligence on wage trajectories in a dynamic growth modeling framework in a sample that had completed just 12 years of education. I show that the main difference between the two is that SEB affected wages solely by its effect on entry pay whereas intelligence affected wages primarily…

Application of LC-MS/MS MRM to Determine Staphylococcal Enterotoxins (SEB and SEA) in Milk.

PubMed

Andjelkovic, Mirjana; Tsilia, Varvara; Rajkovic, Andreja; De Cremer, Koen; Van Loco, Joris

2016-04-20

Staphylococcus aureus is one of the important aetiological agents of food intoxications in Europe and can cause gastro-enteritis through the production of various staphylococcal enterotoxins (SEs) in foods. Due to their stability and ease of production and dissemination, some SEs have also been studied as potential agents for bioterrorism. Therefore, specific and accurate analytical tools are required to detect and quantify SEs. Online solid-phase extraction liquid chromatography electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (online SPE-LC-ESI-MS/MS) based on multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) was used to detect and quantify two types of SE (A and B) spiked in milk and buffer solution. SE extraction and concentration was performed according to the European Screening Method developed by the European Reference Laboratory for Coagulase Positive Staphylococci. Trypsin digests were screened for the presence of SEs using selected proteotypic heavy-labeled peptides as internal standards. SEA and SEB were successfully detected in milk samples using LC-MS/MS in MRM mode. The selected SE peptides were proteotypic for each toxin, allowing the discrimination of SEA and SEB in a single run. The detection limit of SEA and SEB was approximately 8 and 4 ng/g, respectively.

Reduction of Non-Specific Protein Adsorption Using Poly(ethylene) Glycol (PEG) Modified Polyacrylate Hydrogels In Immunoassays for Staphylococcal Enterotoxin B Detection

PubMed Central

Charles, Paul T.; Stubbs, Veronte R.; Soto, Carissa M.; Martin, Brett D.; White, Brandy J.; Taitt, Chris R.

2009-01-01

Three PEG molecules (PEG-methacrylate, -diacrylate and -dimethacrylate) were incorporated into galactose-based polyacrylate hydrogels and their relative abilities to reduce non-specific protein adsorption in immunoassays were determined. Highly crosslinked hydrogels containing amine-terminated functionalities were formed and used to covalently attach antibodies specific for staphylococcal enterotoxin B (SEB). Patterned arrays of immobilized antibodies in the PEG-modified hydrogels were created with a PDMS template containing micro-channels for use in sandwich immunoassays to detect SEB. Different concentrations of the toxin were applied to the hydrogel arrays, followed with a Cy3-labeled tracer antibody specific for the two toxins. Fluorescence laser scanning confocal microscopy of the tracer molecules provided both qualitative and quantitative measurements on the detection sensitivity and the reduction in non-specific binding as a result of PEG incorporation. Results showed the PEG-modified hydrogel significantly reduced non-specific protein binding with a detection limit for SEB of 1 ng/mL. Fluorescence signals showed a 10-fold decrease in the non-specific binding and a 6-fold increase in specific binding of SEB. PMID:22389622

Sulfonated Styrene-(ethylene-co-butylene)-styrene/Montmorillonite Clay Nanocomposites: Synthesis, Morphology, and Properties

PubMed Central

2008-01-01

Sulfonated styrene-(ethylene-butylene)-styrene triblock copolymer (SSEBS) was synthesized by reaction of acetyl sulfate with SEBS. SSESB-clay nanocomposites were then prepared from hydrophilic Na-montmorillonite (MT) and organically (quaternary amine) modified hydrophobic nanoclay (OMT) at very low loading. SEBS did not show improvement in properties with MT-based nanocomposites. On sulfonation (3 and 6 weight%) of SEBS, hydrophilic MT clay-based nanocomposites exhibited better mechanical, dynamic mechanical, and thermal properties, and also controlled water–methanol mixture uptake and permeation and AC resistance. Microstructure determined by X-ray diffraction, atomic force microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy due to better dispersion of MT nanoclay particles and interaction of MT with SSEBS matrix was responsible for this effect. The resulting nanocomposites have potential as proton transfer membranes for Fuel Cell applications.

Reduction of Noise from Disc Brake Systems Using Composite Friction Materials Containing Thermoplastic Elastomers (TPEs)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Masoomi, Mohsen; Katbab, Ali Asghar; Nazockdast, Hossein

2006-09-01

Attempts have been made for the first time to prepare a friction material with the characteristic of thermal sensitive modulus, by the inclusion of thermoplastic elastomers (TPE) as viscoelastic polymeric materials into the formulation in order to the increase the damping behavior of the cured friction material. Styrene butadiene styrene (SBS), styrene ethylene butylene styrene (SEBS) and nitrile rubber/polyvinyl chloride (NBR/PVC) blend system were used as TPE materials. In order to evaluate the viscoelastic parameters such as loss factor (tan δ) and storage modulus (E‧) for the friction material, dynamic mechanical analyzer (DMA) were used. Natural frequencies and mode shapes of friction material and brake disc were determined by modal analysis. However, NBR/PVC and SEBS were found to be much more effective in damping behavior. The results from this comparative study suggest that the damping characteristics of commercial friction materials can be strongly affected by the TPE ingredients. This investigation also confirmed that the specimens with high TPE content had low noise propensity.

[Study of the mucociliary transport rate in evaluating the effectiveness of the treatment of suppurative endobronchitis by CO2 laser].

PubMed

Shesterina, M V; Khaĭtun, A A; Kirchik, O P

1990-01-01

The rate of mucociliary transport (MCT) in dogs with an experimental pulmonary tuberculosis and concurrent suppurative endobronchitis (SEB) and just with the latter was measured. The treatment effect was achieved by an endobronchial radiation with a CO2-laser unfocused beam of 3.56 and 5.3 w/cm2 power density, and the dogs in the control group were subjected to an endobronchial introduction of furagin. A comparison of the endoscopic picture and MCT rate findings made it possible to believe that the latter index appeared to be more reliable than a visual inspection of the bronchial mucous membrane. An active specific process in the lungs brings about MCT rate inhibition while the concurrent SEB aggravates these changes to a great extent. The radiation of the bronchial mucous membrane with the CO2-laser unfocused beam produces an immediate positive effect on MCT rate normalization. Better results were observed at a power density of 3.56 w/cm2.

Using local climate zone classifications to assess the influence of urban morphology on the urban heat island effect

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Satcher, P. S.; Brunsell, N. A.

2017-12-01

Alterations to land cover resulting from urbanization interact with the atmospheric boundary layer inducing elevated surface and air temperatures, changes to the surface energy balance (SEB), and modifications to regional circulations and climates. These changes pose risks to public health, ecological systems, and have the potential to affect economic interests. We used Google Earth Engine's Landsat archive to classify local climate zones (LCZ) that consist of ten urban and seven non-urban classes to examine the influence of urban morphology on the urban heat island (UHI) effect. We used geostatistical methods to determine the significance of the spatial distributions of LCZs to land surface temperatures (LST) and normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) products. We used the triangle method to assess the variability of SEB partitioning in relation to high, medium, and low density LCZ classes. Fractional vegetation cover (Fr) was calculated using NDVI data. Linear regressions of observations in Fr-LST space for select LCZ classes were compared for selected eight-day periods to determine changes in energy partitioning and relative soil moisture availability. The magnitude of each flux is not needed to determine changes to the SEB. The regressions will examine near surface soil moisture, which is indicative of how much radiation is partitioned into evaporation. To compare changes occurring over one decade, we used MODIS NDVI and LST data from 2005 and 2015. Results indicated that variations in the SEB can be detected using the LCZ classification method. The results from analysis in Fr-LST space of the annual cycles over several years can be used to detect changes in the SEB as urbanization increases.

Preparation and properties of banana fiber-reinforced composites based on high density polyethylene (HDPE)/Nylon-6 blends.

PubMed

Liu, H; Wu, Q; Zhang, Q

2009-12-01

Banana fiber (BaF)-filled composites based on high density polyethylene (HDPE)/Nylon-6 blends were prepared via a two-step extrusion method. Maleic anhydride grafted styrene/ethylene-butylene/styrene triblock polymer (SEBS-g-MA) and maleic anhydride grafted polyethylene (PE-g-MA) were used to enhance impact performance and interfacial bonding between BaF and the resins. Mechanical, crystallization/melting, thermal stability, water absorption, and morphological properties of the composites were investigated. In the presence of SEBS-g-MA, better strengths and moduli were found for HDPE/Nylon-6 based composites compared with corresponding HDPE based composites. At a fixed weight ratio of PE-g-MA to BaF, an increase of BaF loading up to 48.2 wt.% led to a continuous improvement in moduli and flexural strength of final composites, while impact toughness was lowered gradually. Predicted tensile modulus by the Hones-Paul model for three-dimensional random fiber orientation agreed well with experimental data at the BaF loading of 29.3 wt.%. However, the randomly-oriented fiber models underestimated experimental data at higher fiber levels. It was found that the presence of SEBS-g-MA had a positive influence on reinforcing effect of the Nylon-6 component in the composites. Thermal analysis results showed that fractionated crystallization of the Nylon-6 component in the composites was induced by the addition of both SEBS-g-MA and PE-g-MA. Thermal stability of both composite systems differed slightly, except an additional decomposition peak related to the minor Nylon-6 for the composites from the HDPE/Nylon-6 blends. In the presence of SEBS-g-MA, the addition of Nylon-6 and increased BaF loading level led to an increase in the water absorption value of the composites.

The Use of Multiplex PCR to Determine the Prevalence of Enterotoxigenic Staphylococcus aureus Isolated from Raw Milk, Feta Cheese, and Hand Swabs.

PubMed

Zeinhom, Mohamed M A; Abdel-Latef, Gihan K; Jordan, Kieran

2015-12-01

Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) can cause mastitis in cattle and, therefore, can be present in milk. This study was undertaken to determine the prevalence of coagulase positive S. aureus and its enterotoxin genes sea, seb, and sec in isolates recovered from raw milk, feta cheese, and human hand swabs of milk and cheese handlers in Beni-Suef province, Egypt. A total of 100 samples of raw milk and 50 samples of pasteurized-milk feta cheese were collected. In addition, 50 hand swabs from milk handlers and 25 hand swabs from cheese handlers were examined for the presence of coagulase positive S. aureus. The isolates were characterized by multiplex PCR for detection of sea, seb, and sec genes, and for resistance to 5 classes of commonly used antibiotics. Twelve (12/100), 12 (6/50), and 17% (13/75) of milk, cheese, and hand swab samples, respectively, were positive for coagulase positive S. aureus. One isolate was obtained from each positive sample (31 isolates), and none contained genes for SEA or SEC production. Twenty-five percent, 33%, and 31%, respectively, of the isolates contained the genes for SEB, resulting in 3%, 4%, and 5% of samples being positive for toxin producing coagulase positive S. aureus, respectively. At least one isolate was resistant to each of the antibiotics tested. Despite the low potential for SEB production shown, preventative measures, such as maintenance of the cold-chain and good hygienic practices should be implemented to further reduce the potential risk to public health from SEB, and to reduce the spread of antimicrobial resistance. © 2015 Institute of Food Technologists®

Late Multiple Organ Surge in Interferon-Regulated Target Genes Characterizes Staphylococcal Enterotoxin B Lethality

PubMed Central

Ferreyra, Gabriela A.; Elinoff, Jason M.; Demirkale, Cumhur Y.; Starost, Matthew F.; Buckley, Marilyn; Munson, Peter J.; Krakauer, Teresa; Danner, Robert L.

2014-01-01

Background Bacterial superantigens are virulence factors that cause toxic shock syndrome. Here, the genome-wide, temporal response of mice to lethal intranasal staphylococcal enterotoxin B (SEB) challenge was investigated in six tissues. Results The earliest responses and largest number of affected genes occurred in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC), spleen, and lung tissues with the highest content of both T-cells and monocyte/macrophages, the direct cellular targets of SEB. In contrast, the response of liver, kidney, and heart was delayed and involved fewer genes, but revealed a dominant genetic program that was seen in all 6 tissues. Many of the 85 uniquely annotated transcripts participating in this shared genomic response have not been previously linked to SEB. Nine of the 85 genes were subsequently confirmed by RT-PCR in every tissue/organ at 24 h. These 85 transcripts, up-regulated in all tissues, annotated to the interferon (IFN)/antiviral-response and included genes belonging to the DNA/RNA sensing system, DNA damage repair, the immunoproteasome, and the ER/metabolic stress-response and apoptosis pathways. Overall, this shared program was identified as a type I and II interferon (IFN)-response and the promoters of these genes were highly enriched for IFN regulatory matrices. Several genes whose secreted products induce the IFN pathway were up-regulated at early time points in PBMCs, spleen, and/or lung. Furthermore, IFN regulatory factors including Irf1, Irf7 and Irf8, and Zbp1, a DNA sensor/transcription factor that can directly elicit an IFN innate immune response, participated in this host-wide SEB signature. Conclusion Global gene-expression changes across multiple organs implicated a host-wide IFN-response in SEB-induced death. Therapies aimed at IFN-associated innate immunity may improve outcome in toxic shock syndromes. PMID:24551153

Health Promotion Outcomes of a Newly Developed Elastic Band Exercise Program for Older Adults in the Community: A Pilot Test.

PubMed

Chan, Shu-Ya; Kuo, Chang-Chih; Chen, Kuei-Min; Tseng, Wei-Shyuan; Huang, Hsin-Ting; Li, Chun-Huw

2016-06-01

Studies indicate that the incidence of disease, the mortality rate, and medical costs are significantly higher in people aged 65 years and over who do not engage in physical activities than in their peers who do engage in these activities. Therefore, promoting appropriate physical activity among older adults in the community is essential to delaying the health implications of aging. This pilot test was developed to assess the effectiveness of a newly developed Senior Elastic Band (SEB) exercise program on the health of older adults in community care stations. A quasiexperimental design was used. A convenience sample of 20 participants from a community care station was recruited. The SEB intervention included three phases (warm-up, aerobic motion, and static stretching) and was conducted three times per week, 40 minutes per session for 1 month. Twelve health indicators in three categories (functional fitness, self-perceived health status, and sleep quality) were examined before and immediately after 1 month of SEB exercises. Participants showed improved performance at the end of the 1-month study for the following indicators: lung capacity, cardiopulmonary fitness, upper and lower body flexibilities, upper limb muscle power, lower limb muscle endurance, and self-perceived physical health status (all ps < .05). No significant differences were identified for the other indicators. The SEB exercise program shows preliminary and promising effects on improving the health of older adults in a community care station. Healthcare professionals who work with older adults living in the community may consider the SEB exercise program as a health promotion modality to recommend and implement with this population. However, we recommend further testing the long-term effects of this program on a larger population.

Label-Free Toxin Detection by Means of Time-Resolved Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy

PubMed Central

Chai, Changhoon; Takhistov, Paul

2010-01-01

The real-time detection of trace concentrations of biological toxins requires significant improvement of the detection methods from those reported in the literature. To develop a highly sensitive and selective detection device it is necessary to determine the optimal measuring conditions for the electrochemical sensor in three domains: time, frequency and polarization potential. In this work we utilized a time-resolved electrochemical impedance spectroscopy for the detection of trace concentrations of Staphylococcus enterotoxin B (SEB). An anti-SEB antibody has been attached to the nano-porous aluminum surface using 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane/glutaraldehyde coupling system. This immobilization method allows fabrication of a highly reproducible and stable sensing device. Using developed immobilization procedure and optimized detection regime, it is possible to determine the presence of SEB at the levels as low as 10 pg/mL in 15 minutes. PMID:22315560

Deformational characteristics of thermoplastic elastomers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Indukuri, Kishore K.

This thesis focuses primarily on the structure-property relationships of poly (styrene-ethylene-butylene-styrene) triblock copolymer TPEs. First evidence for strain-induced crystallization occurring in certain SEBS block copolymers has been established using unique techniques like deformation calorimetry, combined in-situ small angle X-ray and wide angle X-ray diffraction (SAXD/WAXD). Also the ramifications of such strain-induced crystallization on the mechanical properties like cyclic hysteresis, stress relaxation/creep retention of these SEBS systems have been studied. In addition, the structural changes in the morphology of these systems on deformation have been investigated using combined SAXD/WAXD setup. Small angle X-ray diffraction probed the changes at the nano-scale of polystyrene (PS) cylinders, while wide angle X-ray diffraction probed the changes at molecular length scales of the amorphous/crystalline domains of the elastomeric mid-block in these systems. New structural features at both these length scales have been observed and incorporated into the overall deformation mechanisms of the material. Continuous processing techniques like extrusion have been used to obtain ultra long-range order and orientation in these SEBS systems. Thus well ordered crystal like hexagonal packing of cylinders, where in each element in this hexagonal lattice can be individually addressed without any grain boundaries can be realized using these robust techniques. The effect of long-range order/orientation on the mechanical properties has been studied. In addition, these well ordered systems serve as model systems for evaluating deformation mechanisms of these SEBS systems, where the relative contributions of each of the phases can be estimated. EPDM/i-PP thermoplastic vulcanizates (TPVs) have micron size scale phase separated morphologies of EPDM rubber dispersed in a semicrystalline i-PP matrix as a result of the dynamic vulcanization process. Confocal microscopy studies, along with scanning electron microscopy (SEM) studies show that the morphology of these EPDM/i-PP systems resembles a microcellular "filled" foam in which i-PP occupies the strut regions and EPDM the inner core. Based on this, an analytical model has been developed that takes into account composition information, molecular weight, cure state and morphology into account.

Pilot Scale Production and Testing of a Recombinant Staphylococcal Enterotoxin (SEB) Triple Mutant

DTIC Science & Technology

2017-09-01

1 PILOT-SCALE PRODUCTION AND TESTING OF A RECOMBINANT STAPHYLOCOCCAL ENTEROTOXIN (SEB) TRIPLE MUTANT ECBC...Disclaimer The findings in this report are not to be construed as an official Department of the Army position unless so designated by other authorizing...TYPE Final 3. DATES COVERED (From - To) Mar 2010 – Dec 2011 4. TITLE AND SUBTITLE Pilot-Scale Production and Testing of a Recombinant

Transcriptome analysis of Aspergillus niger grown on sugarcane bagasse

PubMed Central

2011-01-01

Background Considering that the costs of cellulases and hemicellulases contribute substantially to the price of bioethanol, new studies aimed at understanding and improving cellulase efficiency and productivity are of paramount importance. Aspergillus niger has been shown to produce a wide spectrum of polysaccharide hydrolytic enzymes. To understand how to improve enzymatic cocktails that can hydrolyze pretreated sugarcane bagasse, we used a genomics approach to investigate which genes and pathways are transcriptionally modulated during growth of A. niger on steam-exploded sugarcane bagasse (SEB). Results Herein we report the main cellulase- and hemicellulase-encoding genes with increased expression during growth on SEB. We also sought to determine whether the mRNA accumulation of several SEB-induced genes encoding putative transporters is induced by xylose and dependent on glucose. We identified 18 (58% of A. niger predicted cellulases) and 21 (58% of A. niger predicted hemicellulases) cellulase- and hemicellulase-encoding genes, respectively, that were highly expressed during growth on SEB. Conclusions Degradation of sugarcane bagasse requires production of many different enzymes which are regulated by the type and complexity of the available substrate. Our presently reported work opens new possibilities for understanding sugarcane biomass saccharification by A. niger hydrolases and for the construction of more efficient enzymatic cocktails for second-generation bioethanol. PMID:22008461

Quantitative Analysis of Staphylococcal Enterotoxins A and B in Food Matrices Using Ultra High-Performance Liquid Chromatography Tandem Mass Spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS).

PubMed

Muratovic, Aida Zuberovic; Hagström, Thomas; Rosén, Johan; Granelli, Kristina; Hellenäs, Karl-Erik

2015-09-11

A method that uses mass spectrometry (MS) for identification and quantification of protein toxins, staphylococcal enterotoxins A and B (SEA and SEB), in milk and shrimp is described. The analysis was performed using a tryptic peptide, from each of the toxins, as the target analyte together with the corresponding (13)C-labeled synthetic internal standard peptide. The performance of the method was evaluated by analyzing spiked samples in the quantification range 2.5-30 ng/g (R² = 0.92-0.99). The limit of quantification (LOQ) in milk and the limit of detection (LOD) in shrimp was 2.5 ng/g, for both SEA and SEB toxins. The in-house reproducibility (RSD) was 8%-30% and 5%-41% at different concentrations for milk and shrimp, respectively. The method was compared to the ELISA method, used at the EU-RL (France), for milk samples spiked with SEA at low levels, in the quantification range of 2.5 to 5 ng/g. The comparison showed good coherence for the two methods: 2.9 (MS)/1.8 (ELISA) and 3.6 (MS)/3.8 (ELISA) ng/g. The major advantage of the developed method is that it allows direct confirmation of the molecular identity and quantitative analysis of SEA and SEB at low nanogram levels using a label and antibody free approach. Therefore, this method is an important step in the development of alternatives to the immune-assay tests currently used for staphylococcal enterotoxin analysis.

Moist convection and the 2010-2011 revival of Jupiter's South Equatorial Belt

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fletcher, Leigh N.; Orton, G. S.; Rogers, J. H.; Giles, R. S.; Payne, A. V.; Irwin, P. G. J.; Vedovato, M.

2017-04-01

The transformation of Jupiter's South Equatorial Belt (SEB) from its faded, whitened state in 2009-2010 (Fletcher et al., 2011b) to its normal brown appearance is documented via comparisons of thermal-infrared (5-20 μm) and visible-light imaging between November 2010 and November 2011. The SEB revival consisted of convective eruptions triggered over ∼100 days, potentially powered by the latent heat released by the condensation of water. The plumes rise from the water cloud base and ultimately diverge and cool in the stably-stratified upper troposphere. Thermal-IR images from the Very Large Telescope (VLT) were acquired 2 days after the SEB disturbance was first detected as a small white spot by amateur observers on November 9th 2010. Subsequent images over several months revealed the cold, putatively anticyclonic and cloudy plume tops (area 2.5 × 106 km2) surrounded by warm, cloud-free conditions at their peripheries due to subsidence. The latent heating was not directly detectable in the 5-20 μm range. The majority of the plumes erupted from a single source near 140 -160∘ W, coincident with the remnant cyclonic circulation of a brown barge that had formed during the fade. The warm remnant of the cyclone could still be observed in IRTF imaging 5 days before the November 9th eruption. Additional plumes erupted from the leading edge of the central disturbance immediately east of the source, which propagated slowly eastwards to encounter the Great Red Spot. The tropospheric plumes were sufficiently vigorous to excite stratospheric thermal waves over the SEB with a 20 -30∘ longitudinal wavelength and 5-6 K temperature contrasts at 5 mbar, showing a direct connection between moist convection and stratospheric wave activity. The subsidence and compressional heating of dry, unsaturated air warmed the troposphere (particularly to the northwest of the central branch of the revival) and removed the aerosols that had been responsible for the fade. Dark, cloud-free lanes west of the plumes were the first to show the colour change, and elongated due to the zonal windshear to form the characteristic 'S-shape' of the revival complex. The aerosol-free air was redistributed and mixed throughout the SEB by the zonal flow, following a westward-moving southern branch and an eastward-moving northern branch that revived the brown colouration over ∼200 days. The transition from the cool conditions of the SEBZ during the fade to the revived SEB caused a 2-4 K rise in 500-mbar temperatures (leaving a particularly warm southern SEB) and a reduction of aerosol opacity by factors of 2-3. Newly-cleared gaps in the upper tropospheric aerosol layer appeared different in filters sensing the ∼700-mbar cloud deck and the 2-3 bar cloud deck, suggesting complex vertical structure in the downdrafts. The last stage of the revival was the re-establishment of normal convective activity northwest of the GRS in September 2011, ∼840 days after the last occurrence in June 2009. Moist convection may therefore play an important role in controlling the timescale and atmospheric variability during the SEB life cycle.

Fluorescent Pressure Response of Protein-Nanocluster Polymer Composites

DTIC Science & Technology

2016-05-01

composites as pressure sensitive indicators of brain damage. The PNC composites are made up of protein coated gold nanoclusters and a styrene- ethylene ...styrene- ethylene /butylene-styrene (SEBS):mineral oil composites that were developed as a brain tissue surrogate at ARL. Finally, we would like to...allowing us to use solid samples and create a model for brain damage. To this end, we used styrene- ethylene /butylene-styrene (SEBS) as the matrix to

Se-SAD serial femtosecond crystallography datasets from selenobiotinyl-streptavidin

PubMed Central

Yoon, Chun Hong; DeMirci, Hasan; Sierra, Raymond G.; Dao, E. Han; Ahmadi, Radman; Aksit, Fulya; Aquila, Andrew L.; Batyuk, Alexander; Ciftci, Halilibrahim; Guillet, Serge; Hayes, Matt J.; Hayes, Brandon; Lane, Thomas J.; Liang, Meng; Lundström, Ulf; Koglin, Jason E.; Mgbam, Paul; Rao, Yashas; Rendahl, Theodore; Rodriguez, Evan; Zhang, Lindsey; Wakatsuki, Soichi; Boutet, Sébastien; Holton, James M.; Hunter, Mark S.

2017-01-01

We provide a detailed description of selenobiotinyl-streptavidin (Se-B SA) co-crystal datasets recorded using the Coherent X-ray Imaging (CXI) instrument at the Linac Coherent Light Source (LCLS) for selenium single-wavelength anomalous diffraction (Se-SAD) structure determination. Se-B SA was chosen as the model system for its high affinity between biotin and streptavidin where the sulfur atom in the biotin molecule (C10H16N2O3S) is substituted with selenium. The dataset was collected at three different transmissions (100, 50, and 10%) using a serial sample chamber setup which allows for two sample chambers, a front chamber and a back chamber, to operate simultaneously. Diffraction patterns from Se-B SA were recorded to a resolution of 1.9 Å. The dataset is publicly available through the Coherent X-ray Imaging Data Bank (CXIDB) and also on LCLS compute nodes as a resource for research and algorithm development. PMID:28440794

Se-SAD serial femtosecond crystallography datasets from selenobiotinyl-streptavidin

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yoon, Chun Hong; Demirci, Hasan; Sierra, Raymond G.; Dao, E. Han; Ahmadi, Radman; Aksit, Fulya; Aquila, Andrew L.; Batyuk, Alexander; Ciftci, Halilibrahim; Guillet, Serge; Hayes, Matt J.; Hayes, Brandon; Lane, Thomas J.; Liang, Meng; Lundström, Ulf; Koglin, Jason E.; Mgbam, Paul; Rao, Yashas; Rendahl, Theodore; Rodriguez, Evan; Zhang, Lindsey; Wakatsuki, Soichi; Boutet, Sébastien; Holton, James M.; Hunter, Mark S.

2017-04-01

We provide a detailed description of selenobiotinyl-streptavidin (Se-B SA) co-crystal datasets recorded using the Coherent X-ray Imaging (CXI) instrument at the Linac Coherent Light Source (LCLS) for selenium single-wavelength anomalous diffraction (Se-SAD) structure determination. Se-B SA was chosen as the model system for its high affinity between biotin and streptavidin where the sulfur atom in the biotin molecule (C10H16N2O3S) is substituted with selenium. The dataset was collected at three different transmissions (100, 50, and 10%) using a serial sample chamber setup which allows for two sample chambers, a front chamber and a back chamber, to operate simultaneously. Diffraction patterns from Se-B SA were recorded to a resolution of 1.9 Å. The dataset is publicly available through the Coherent X-ray Imaging Data Bank (CXIDB) and also on LCLS compute nodes as a resource for research and algorithm development.

Structure of the superantigen staphylococcal enterotoxin B in complex with TCR and peptide-MHC demonstrates absence of TCR-peptide contacts.

PubMed

Rödström, Karin E J; Elbing, Karin; Lindkvist-Petersson, Karin

2014-08-15

Superantigens are immune-stimulatory toxins produced by Staphylococcus aureus, which are able to interact with host immune receptors to induce a massive release of cytokines, causing toxic shock syndrome and possibly death. In this article, we present the x-ray structure of staphylococcal enterotoxin B (SEB) in complex with its receptors, the TCR and MHC class II, forming a ternary complex. The structure, in combination with functional analyses, clearly shows how SEB adopts a wedge-like position when binding to the β-chain of TCR, allowing for an interaction between the α-chain of TCR and MHC. Furthermore, the binding mode also circumvents contact between TCR and the peptide presented by MHC, which enables SEB to initiate a peptide-independent activation of T cells. Copyright © 2014 by The American Association of Immunologists, Inc.

Spatiotemporal variability in surface energy balance across tundra, snow and ice in Greenland.

PubMed

Lund, Magnus; Stiegler, Christian; Abermann, Jakob; Citterio, Michele; Hansen, Birger U; van As, Dirk

2017-02-01

The surface energy balance (SEB) is essential for understanding the coupled cryosphere-atmosphere system in the Arctic. In this study, we investigate the spatiotemporal variability in SEB across tundra, snow and ice. During the snow-free period, the main energy sink for ice sites is surface melt. For tundra, energy is used for sensible and latent heat flux and soil heat flux leading to permafrost thaw. Longer snow-free period increases melting of the Greenland Ice Sheet and glaciers and may promote tundra permafrost thaw. During winter, clouds have a warming effect across surface types whereas during summer clouds have a cooling effect over tundra and a warming effect over ice, reflecting the spatial variation in albedo. The complex interactions between factors affecting SEB across surface types remain a challenge for understanding current and future conditions. Extended monitoring activities coupled with modelling efforts are essential for assessing the impact of warming in the Arctic.

Maternal immune activation with staphylococcal enterotoxin A produces unique behavioral changes in C57BL/6 mouse offspring.

PubMed

Glass, Ruthy; Norton, Sara; Fox, Nicholas; Kusnecov, Alexander W

2018-05-14

Stimulation of the immune system during pregnancy, known as maternal immune activation (MIA), can cause long-lasting neurobiological and behavioral changes in the offspring. This phenomenon has been implicated in the etiology of developmental psychiatric disorders, such as autism and schizophrenia. Much of this evidence is predicated on animal models using bacterial agents such as LPS and/or viral mimics such as Poly I:C, both of which act through toll-like receptors. However, fewer studies have examined the role of direct activation of maternal T-cells during pregnancy using microbial agents. Bacterial superantigens, such as Staphylococcal Enterotoxin A and B (SEA; SEB), are microbial proteins that activate CD4 + T-cells and cause prominent T-cell proliferation and cytokine production. We injected pregnant and non-pregnant adult female C57BL/6 mice with 200 μg/Kg of SEA, SEB, or 0.9% saline, and measured splenic T-cell-derived cytokine concentrations (viz., IL-2, IFN-γ, IL-6, and IL-4) 2 h later; animals injected with SEA were also measured for splenic concentrations of TNF-α and IL-17A. Half of the injected pregnant animals were brought to term, and their offspring were tested on a series of behavioral tasks starting at six weeks of age (postnatal day 42 [P42]). These tasks included social interaction, the elevated plus maze (EPM), an open field and object recognition (OR) task, prepulse inhibition (PPI) of sensorimotor gating, and the Morris water maze (MWM). Results showed that SEA and SEB induced significant concentrations of all measured cytokines, and in particular IFN-γ, although cytokine responses were greater following SEA exposure. In addition, pregnancy induced an inhibitory effect on cytokine production. Behavioral results showed distinct phenotypes among offspring from SEA- or SEB-injected mothers, very likely due to differences in the magnitude of cytokines generated in response to each toxin. Offspring from SEA-injected mothers displayed modest decreases in social behavior, but increased anxiety, locomotion, interest in a novel object, and short-term spatial memory, while offspring of SEB-injected mothers only exhibited increased anxiety and locomotion. There were no deficits in PPI, which was actually pronounced in SEA and SEB offspring. Overall, the novel use of SEA and SEB as prenatal immune challenges elicited distinct behavioral profiles in the offspring that both mirrors and diverges from previous models of maternal immune activation in important ways. We conclude that superantigen-induced T-cell-mediated maternal immune activation is a valid and valuable model for studying and expanding our understanding of the effects of prenatal immune challenge on neurodevelopmental and behavioral alterations in offspring. Published by Elsevier Inc.

Fatigue-propagation du melange polymere polystyrene/polyethylene

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bureau, Martin N.

The interrelations between the morphology of PS/HDPE and PS/SEBS/HDPE immiscible polymer blends and their mechanical behavior, namely in monotonic loading and in cyclic loading, were studied. As predicted by theory, high shear rates encountered during extrusion blending led to efficient minor phase emulsification in PS/HDPE blends for which the viscosity ratio approaches unity. Consequently, the emulsifying effect of an SEBS triblock copolymer employed as a compatibilizer was found to be negligible. In subsequent molding process, disintegration, shape relaxation and coarsening of the minor phase domains were responsible for the morphological evolution of the blends. In the compression molding process, morphological observations showed that the rate of minor phase coarsening followed the predictions of the Ostwald ripening theory, in agreement with the rheological analysis. In the injection molding process, minor phase coarsening was attributed to shear coalescence. The fatigue crack propagation behavior of injection-molded specimens of pure PS as well as of 95/5, 85/15 and 70/30 PS/HDPE blends and of 95/(0.5/4.5), 85/(1.5/13.5) and 70/(3/27) PS/(SEBS/HDPE) blends was then studied. The fatigue fracture surface features of specimens of pure PS as well as of PS/HDPE and PS/SEBS/HDPE blends were analyzed in detail in order to interpret their fatigue crack propagation behavior. In pure PS specimens, discontinuous growth bands, associated with the fracture of crazes in the plastic zone, formed at low fatigue crack growth rates, large dimple-like features at intermediate fatigue crack growth rates and fatigue striations at high fatigue crack growth rates. The fracture toughness of injection-molded specimens of pure PS as well as of 95/5, 85/15 and 70/30 PS/HDPE blends and of 95/(0.5/4.5) PS/(SEBS/HDPE), 85/(1.5/13.5) and 70/(3/27) PS/(SEBS/HDPE) was finally studied. The results showed that the addition of HDPE to PS led to a reduction of the fracture toughness KQ following ASTM E-399 when compared to that of pure PS. This effect was attributed to the very fine minor phase morphology of the blends obtained after extrusion blending and injection molding. (Abstract shortened by UMI.)

3D-Printed Millimeter Wave Structures

DTIC Science & Technology

2016-03-14

demonstrates the resolution of the printer with a 10 micron nozzle. Figure 2: Measured loss tangent of SEBS and SBS samples. 3D - Printed Millimeter... 3D printing of styrene-butadiene-styrene (SBS) and styrene ethylene/butylene-styrene (SEBS) is used to demonstrate the feasibility of 3D - printed ...Additionally, a dielectric lens is printed which improves the antenna gain of an open-ended WR-28 waveguide from 7 to 8.5 dBi. Keywords: 3D printing

Oil-based gel phantom for ultrasound and optical imaging

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cabrelli, Luciana C.; Pelissari, Pedro I. B. G. B.; Aggarwal, Lucimara P.; Deana, Alessandro M.; Carneiro, Antonio A. O.; Pavan, Theo. Z.

2015-06-01

Water-based materials are commonly used in phantoms for ultrasound and optical imaging techniques. However, these materials have disadvantages such as easy degradation and low temporal stability. In this study, we propose an oil-based new tissue mimicking material for ultrasound and optical imaging, with the advantage of presenting low temporal degradation. Styrene-Ethylene/Butylene-Styrene (SEBS) copolymer in mineral oil samples were made varying the SEBS concentration between 5-15%, and low-density polyethylene (LDPE) between 0-9%. Acoustic properties such as speed of sound and attenuation coefficient were obtained by the substitution technique with frequencies ranging from 2.25-10 MHz, and were consistent to that of soft tissue. These properties were controlled varying SEBS and LDPE concentration; speed of sound from 1445-1480 m/s, and attenuation from 0.86-11.31 dB/cm were observed. SEBS gels with 0% of LDPE were optically transparent, presenting low optical absorption and scattering coefficients in the visible region of the spectrum. In order to fully characterize the optical properties of the samples, the reflectances of the surfaces were measured, along with the absorption. Scattering and absorption coefficients ranging from 400 nm to 1200 nm were calculated for each compound. The results showed that the presence of LDPE increased absorption and scattering of the phantoms. The results suggest the copolymer gels are promising for ultrasound and optical imaging, what make them also potentially useful for photoacoustic imaging.

Improvement of conventional transcutaneous bilirubinometry results in term newborn infants.

PubMed

Felc, Zlata

2005-05-01

This prospective study was performed to determine a way to improve conventional transcutaneous bilirubinometry results in healthy term newborn infants. In 118 infants during phototherapy (group A), and in 118 infants without phototherapy (group B), bilirubin determinations were done in duplicate using the Minolta AirShields Jaundice Meter type 101 (transcutaneous bilirubin index [TcB]), and the diazometric method on the Hitachi 717 Automated Analyzer (total reacting serum bilirubin [SeB]). In 112 infants (group C), bilirubin determinations were done in triplicate, using simple direct-reading photometry on the Moltronic Bilirubinometer (direct serum bilirubin [BiB]). A close correlation between TcB and SeB values was observed in group A ( r = 0.69; p < 0.001) and in group B ( r = 0.59; p < 0.001). The 95% confidence intervals of TcB readings corresponding to SeB were +/- 80.7 micromol/L in group A and +/- 76.9 micromol/L in group B, respectively. In group C, using a correctly calibrated BiB with adult sera containing bilirubin concentration in the range 271 to 344 micromol/L, the 95% confidence intervals of parallel TcB and BiB readings corresponding to SeB were +/- 28 micromol/L. Parallel determinations of the TcB and the BiB in healthy term newborn infants give results almost identical to those of bilirubin determination by the laboratory method.

Nanoleakage in Hybrid Layer and Acid-Base Resistant Zone at the Adhesive/Dentin Interface.

PubMed

Nikaido, Toru; Nurrohman, Hamid; Takagaki, Tomohiro; Sadr, Alireza; Ichinose, Shizuko; Tagami, Junji

2015-10-01

The aim of interfacial nanoleakage evaluation is to gain a better understanding of degradation of the adhesive-dentin interface. The acid-base resistant zone (ABRZ) is recognized at the bonded interface under the hybrid layer (HL) in self-etch adhesive systems after an acid-base challenge. The purpose of this study was to evaluate nanoleakage in HL and ABRZ using three self-etch adhesives; Clearfil SE Bond (SEB), Clearfil SE One (SEO), and G-Bond Plus (GBP). One of the three adhesives was applied on the ground dentin surface and light cured. The specimens were longitudinally divided into two halves. One half remained as the control group. The others were immersed in ammoniacal silver nitrate solution, followed by photo developing solution under fluorescent light. Following this, the specimens were subjected to acid-base challenges with an artificial demineralization solution (pH4.5) and sodium hypochlorite, and prepared in accordance with common procedures for transmission electron microscopy (TEM) examination. The TEM images revealed silver depositions in HL and ABRZ due to nanoleakage in all the adhesives; however, the extent of nanoleakage was material dependent. Funnel-shaped erosion beneath the ABRZ was observed only in the all-in-one adhesive systems; SEO and GBP, but not in the two-step self-etch adhesive system; SEB.

Displacement Damage Induced Catastrophic Second Breakdown in Silicon Carbide Schottky Power Diodes

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Scheick, Leif; Selva, Luis; Selva, Luis

2004-01-01

A novel catastrophic breakdown mode in reversed biased Silicon carbide diodes has been seen for low LET particles. These particles are too low in LET to induce SEB, however SEB was seen from particles of higher LET. The low LET mechanism correlates with second breakdown in diodes due to increase leakage and assisted charge injection from incident particles. Percolation theory was used to predict some basic responses of the devices, but the inherent reliability issue with silicon carbide have proven challenging.

Review of Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) Terminology in Technical Guide 316 (TG 316) and Allied Medical Publication 8(C) (AMedP-8(C))

DTIC Science & Technology

2013-05-01

tularensis causing pneumonic tularemia (Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD: USAPHC, January 2012); USAPHC, Technical Guide 316 Supplement F1; USAPHC, Technical...Phase I preliminary BMEGs are completed for anthrax, plague, tularemia , ricin, and Staphylococcal Enterotoxin B (SEB). The Phase II process has been...Exposure to Specified Biological Agents: Brucellosis, Glanders, Q Fever, SEB and Tularemia , IDA Document D-4132 (Alexandria, VA: Institute for Defense

A novel air quality analysis and prediction system for São Paulo, Brazil to support decision-making

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hoshyaripour, Gholam Ali; Brasseur, Guy; Andrade, Maria Fatima; Gavidia-Calderón, Mario; Bouarar, Idir

2016-04-01

The extensive economic development and urbanization in southeastern Brazil (SEB) in recent decades have notably degraded the air quality with adverse impacts on human health. Since the Metropolitan Area of São Paulo (MASP) accommodates the majority of the economic growth in SEB, it overwhelmingly suffers from the air pollution. Consequently, there is a strong demand for developing ever-better assessment mechanisms to monitor the air quality and to assist the decision makers to mitigate the air pollution in MASP. Here we present the results of an air quality modeling system designed for SEB with focuses on MASP. The Weather Research and Forecast model with Chemistry (WRF-Chem) is used considering the anthropogenic, biomass-burning and biogenic emissions within a 1000×1500 km domain with resolution of 10 km. FINN and MEGAN are used for the biomass-burning and biogenic emissions, respectively. For the anthropogenic emissions we use a local bottom-up inventory for the transport sector and the HTAPv2 global inventory for all other sectors. The bottom-up inventory accounts for the traffic patterns, vehicle types and their emission factors in the area and thus could be used to evaluate the effect of changes in these parameters on air quality in MASP. The model outputs are compered to the satellite and ground-based observations for O3 and NOx. The results show that using the bottom-up or top-down inventories individually can result in a huge deviation between the predictions and observations. On the other hand, combining the inventories significantly enhances the forecast accuracy. It also provides a powerful tool to quantify the effects of traffic and vehicle emission policies on air quality in MASP.

Improved biocompatibility of poly (styrene-b-(ethylene-co-butylene)-b-styrene) elastomer by a surface graft polymerization of hyaluronic acid.

PubMed

Li, Xiaomeng; Luan, Shifang; Shi, Hengchong; Yang, Huawei; Song, Lingjie; Jin, Jing; Yin, Jinghua; Stagnaro, Paola

2013-02-01

Hyaluronic acid (HA) is an important component of extracellular matrix (ECM) in many tissues, providing a hemocompatible and supportive environment for cell growth. In this study, glycidyl methacrylate-hyaluronic acid (GMHA) was first synthesized and verified by proton nuclear magnetic resonance ((1)H NMR) spectroscopy. GMHA was then grafted to the surface of biomedical elastomer poly (styrene-b-(ethylene-co-butylene)-b-styrene) (SEBS) via an UV-initiated polymerization, monitored by attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The further improvement of biocompatibility of the GMHA-modified SEBS films was assessed by platelet adhesion experiments and in vitro response of murine osteoblastic cell line MC-3T3-E1 with the virgin SEBS surface as the reference. It showed that the surface modification with HA strongly resisted platelet adhesion whereas improved cell-substrate interactions. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Se-SAD serial femtosecond crystallography datasets from selenobiotinyl-streptavidin

DOE PAGES

Yoon, Chun Hong; DeMirci, Hasan; Sierra, Raymond G.; ...

2017-04-25

We provide a detailed description of selenobiotinyl-streptavidin (Se-B SA) co-crystal datasets recorded using the Coherent X-ray Imaging (CXI) instrument at the Linac Coherent Light Source (LCLS) for selenium single-wavelength anomalous diffraction (Se-SAD) structure determination. Se-B SA was chosen as the model system for its high affinity between biotin and streptavidin where the sulfur atom in the biotin molecule (C 10H 16N 2O 3S) is substituted with selenium. The dataset was collected at three different transmissions (100, 50, and 10%) using a serial sample chamber setup which allows for two sample chambers, a front chamber and a back chamber, to operatemore » simultaneously. Diffraction patterns from Se-B SA were recorded to a resolution of 1.9 Å. The dataset is publicly available through the Coherent X-ray Imaging Data Bank (CXIDB) and also on LCLS compute nodes as a resource for research and algorithm development.« less

Se-SAD serial femtosecond crystallography datasets from selenobiotinyl-streptavidin

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

Yoon, Chun Hong; DeMirci, Hasan; Sierra, Raymond G.

We provide a detailed description of selenobiotinyl-streptavidin (Se-B SA) co-crystal datasets recorded using the Coherent X-ray Imaging (CXI) instrument at the Linac Coherent Light Source (LCLS) for selenium single-wavelength anomalous diffraction (Se-SAD) structure determination. Se-B SA was chosen as the model system for its high affinity between biotin and streptavidin where the sulfur atom in the biotin molecule (C 10H 16N 2O 3S) is substituted with selenium. The dataset was collected at three different transmissions (100, 50, and 10%) using a serial sample chamber setup which allows for two sample chambers, a front chamber and a back chamber, to operatemore » simultaneously. Diffraction patterns from Se-B SA were recorded to a resolution of 1.9 Å. The dataset is publicly available through the Coherent X-ray Imaging Data Bank (CXIDB) and also on LCLS compute nodes as a resource for research and algorithm development.« less

The influence of caregiver depression on children in non-relative foster care versus kinship care placements.

PubMed

Garcia, Antonio; O'Reilly, Amanda; Matone, Meredith; Kim, Minseop; Long, Jin; Rubin, David M

2015-03-01

Little is known about how the challenges faced by caregivers influence the variation in social, emotional, and behavioral (SEB) outcomes of youth placed in kinship versus non-relative foster care. This study examined SEB symptoms among youth in kinship and non-relative foster care settings, hypothesizing that changes in caregiver depression would modify children's change in behavior over time. Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL) assessments of 199 children placed with kinship and non-relative foster care providers in a Mid-Atlantic city were conducted at time of placement and 6-12 months post-placement. Linear regression estimated CBCL change scores for youth across placement type and caregiver depression trajectories. Kinship caregivers were more likely to become depressed or remained depressed than non-relative foster caregivers. Youth in kinship care always exhibited better change in SEB outcomes than youth in non-relative foster care, but these positive outcomes were principally observed among families where caregivers demonstrated a reduction in depression over time or were never depressed. Adjusted change scores for non-relative foster care youth were always negative, with the most negative scores among youth whose caregivers became depressed over time. Caregiver well-being may modify the influence of placement setting on SEB outcomes for youth placed into out-of-home care. Findings lend to policy relevance for child welfare systems that seek kinship settings as a panacea to the challenges faced by youth, without allocating resources to address caregiver needs.

Comparison of four different energy balance models for estimating evapotranspiration in the Midwestern United States

USGS Publications Warehouse

Singh, Ramesh K.; Senay, Gabriel B.

2016-01-01

The development of different energy balance models has allowed users to choose a model based on its suitability in a region. We compared four commonly used models—Mapping EvapoTranspiration at high Resolution with Internalized Calibration (METRIC) model, Surface Energy Balance Algorithm for Land (SEBAL) model, Surface Energy Balance System (SEBS) model, and the Operational Simplified Surface Energy Balance (SSEBop) model—using Landsat images to estimate evapotranspiration (ET) in the Midwestern United States. Our models validation using three AmeriFlux cropland sites at Mead, Nebraska, showed that all four models captured the spatial and temporal variation of ET reasonably well with an R2 of more than 0.81. Both the METRIC and SSEBop models showed a low root mean square error (<0.93 mm·day−1) and a high Nash–Sutcliffe coefficient of efficiency (>0.80), whereas the SEBAL and SEBS models resulted in relatively higher bias for estimating daily ET. The empirical equation of daily average net radiation used in the SEBAL and SEBS models for upscaling instantaneous ET to daily ET resulted in underestimation of daily ET, particularly when the daily average net radiation was more than 100 W·m−2. Estimated daily ET for both cropland and grassland had some degree of linearity with METRIC, SEBAL, and SEBS, but linearity was stronger for evaporative fraction. Thus, these ET models have strengths and limitations for applications in water resource management.

Thermomechanical Stresses Analysis of a Single Event Burnout Process

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tais, Carlos E.; Romero, Eduardo; Demarco, Gustavo L.

2009-06-01

This work analyzes the thermal and mechanical effects arising in a power Diffusion Metal Oxide Semiconductor (DMOS) during a Single Event Burnout (SEB) process. For studying these effects we propose a more detailed simulation structure than the previously used by other authors, solving the mathematical models by means of the Finite Element Method. We use a cylindrical heat generation region, with 5 W, 10 W, 50 W and 100 W for emulating the thermal phenomena occurring during SEB processes, avoiding the complexity of the mathematical treatment of the ion-semiconductor interaction.

NATO Planning Guide for the Estimation of Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) Casualties (AMedP-8(C)) - Parameters for Estimation of Casualties from Exposure to Specified Biological Agents. Addenda to Allied Medical Publication 8

DTIC Science & Technology

2011-01-01

glanders, Q fever, and tularemia , as well as the biotoxin staphylococcal enterotoxin B. Incorporating these five agents into the published NATO guide will...Specified Biological Agents: Brucellosis, Glanders, Q Fever, SEB, and Tularemia . This document describes the research methods used by the study authors...enterotoxin B (SEB), and tularemia . Several editorial changes, such as renumbering figures and tables, updating the corresponding references in the text, and

Interferon gamma-dependent intestinal pathology contributes to the lethality in bacterial superantigen-induced toxic shock syndrome.

PubMed

Tilahun, Ashenafi Y; Holz, Marah; Wu, Tsung-Teh; David, Chella S; Rajagopalan, Govindarajan

2011-02-03

Toxic shock syndrome (TSS) caused by the superantigen exotoxins of Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pyogenes is characterized by robust T cell activation, profound elevation in systemic levels of multiple cytokines, including interferon-γ (IFN-γ), followed by multiple organ dysfunction and often death. As IFN-γ possesses pro- as well as anti-inflammatory properties, we delineated its role in the pathogenesis of TSS. Antibody-mediated in vivo neutralization of IFN-γ or targeted disruption of IFN-γ gene conferred significant protection from lethal TSS in HLA-DR3 transgenic mice. Following systemic high dose SEB challenge, whereas the HLA-DR3.IFN-γ(+/+) mice became sick and succumbed to TSS, HLA-DR3.IFN-γ(-/-) mice appeared healthy and were significantly protected from SEB-induced lethality. SEB-induced systemic cytokine storm was significantly blunted in HLA-DR3.IFN-γ(-/-) transgenic mice. Serum concentrations of several cytokines (IL-4, IL-10, IL-12p40 and IL-17) and chemokines (KC, rantes, eotaxin and MCP-1) were significantly lower in HLA-DR3.IFN-γ(-/-) transgenic mice. However, SEB-induced T cell expansion in the spleens was unaffected and expansion of SEB-reactive TCR Vβ8(+) CD4(+) and CD8(+) T cells was even more pronounced in HLA-DR3.IFN-γ(-/-) transgenic mice when compared to HLA-DR3.IFN-γ(+/+) mice. A systematic histopathological examination of several vital organs revealed that both HLA-DR3.IFN-γ(+/+) and HLA-DR3.IFN-γ(-/-) transgenic mice displayed comparable severe inflammatory changes in lungs, and liver during TSS. Remarkably, whereas the small intestines from HLA-DR3.IFN-γ(+/+) transgenic mice displayed significant pathological changes during TSS, the architecture of small intestines in HLA-DR3.IFN-γ(-/-) transgenic mice was preserved. In concordance with these histopathological changes, the gut permeability to macromolecules was dramatically increased in HLA-DR3.IFN-γ(+/+) but not HLA-DR3.IFN-γ(-/-) mice during TSS. Overall, IFN-γ seemed to play a lethal role in the immunopathogenesis of TSS by inflicting fatal small bowel pathology. Our study thus identifies the important role for IFN-γ in TSS.

Experimental Seismic Event-screening Criteria at the Prototype International Data Center

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fisk, M. D.; Jepsen, D.; Murphy, J. R.

- Experimental seismic event-screening capabilities are described, based on the difference of body-and surface-wave magnitudes (denoted as Ms:mb) and event depth. These capabilities have been implemented and tested at the prototype International Data Center (PIDC), based on recommendations by the IDC Technical Experts on Event Screening in June 1998. Screening scores are presented that indicate numerically the degree to which an event meets, or does not meet, the Ms:mb and depth screening criteria. Seismic events are also categorized as onshore, offshore, or mixed, based on their 90% location error ellipses and an onshore/offshore grid with five-minute resolution, although this analysis is not used at this time to screen out events.Results are presented of applications to almost 42,000 events with mb>=3.5 in the PIDC Standard Event Bulletin (SEB) and to 121 underground nuclear explosions (UNE's) at the U.S. Nevada Test Site (NTS), the Semipalatinsk and Novaya Zemlya test sites in the Former Soviet Union, the Lop Nor test site in China, and the Indian, Pakistan, and French Polynesian test sites. The screening criteria appear to be quite conservative. None of the known UNE's are screened out, while about 41 percent of the presumed earthquakes in the SEB with mb>=3.5 are screened out. UNE's at the Lop Nor, Indian, and Pakistan test sites on 8 June 1996, 11 May 1998, and 28 May 1998, respectively, have among the lowest Ms:mb scores of all events in the SEB.To assess the validity of the depth screening results, comparisons are presented of SEB depth solutions to those in other bulletins that are presumed to be reliable and independent. Using over 1600 events, the comparisons indicate that the SEB depth confidence intervals are consistent with or shallower than over 99.8 percent of the corresponding depth estimates in the other bulletins. Concluding remarks are provided regarding the performance of the experimental event-screening criteria, and plans for future improvements, based on recent recommendations by the IDC Technical Experts on Event Screening in May 1999.

Cascade of chromosomal rearrangements caused by a heterogeneous T-DNA integration supports the double-stranded break repair model for T-DNA integration.

PubMed

Hu, Yufei; Chen, Zhiyu; Zhuang, Chuxiong; Huang, Jilei

2017-06-01

Transferred DNA (T-DNA) from Agrobacterium tumefaciens can be integrated into the plant genome. The double-stranded break repair (DSBR) pathway is a major model for T-DNA integration. From this model, we expect that two ends of a T-DNA molecule would invade into a single DNA double-stranded break (DSB) or independent DSBs in the plant genome. We call the later phenomenon a heterogeneous T-DNA integration, which has never been observed. In this work, we demonstrated it in an Arabidopsis T-DNA insertion mutant seb19. To resolve the chromosomal structural changes caused by T-DNA integration at both the nucleotide and chromosome levels, we performed inverse PCR, genome resequencing, fluorescence in situ hybridization and linkage analysis. We found, in seb19, a single T-DNA connected two different chromosomal loci and caused complex chromosomal rearrangements. The specific break-junction pattern in seb19 is consistent with the result of heterogeneous T-DNA integration but not of recombination between two T-DNA insertions. We demonstrated that, in seb19, heterogeneous T-DNA integration evoked a cascade of incorrect repair of seven DSBs on chromosomes 4 and 5, and then produced translocation, inversion, duplication and deletion. Heterogeneous T-DNA integration supports the DSBR model and suggests that two ends of a T-DNA molecule could be integrated into the plant genome independently. Our results also show a new origin of chromosomal abnormalities. © 2017 The Authors The Plant Journal © 2017 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

3D Thermal and Mechanical Analysis of a Single Event Burnout

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Peretti, Gabriela; Demarco, Gustavo; Romero, Eduardo; Tais, Carlos

2015-08-01

This paper presents a study related to thermal and mechanical behavior of power DMOS transistors during a Single Event Burnout (SEB) process. We use a cylindrical heat generation region for emulating the thermal and mechanical phenomena related to the SEB. In this way, it is avoided the complexity of the mathematical treatment of the ion-device interaction. This work considers locating the heat generation region in positions that are more realistic than the ones used in previous work. For performing the study, we formulate and validate a new 3D model for the transistor that maintains the computational cost at reasonable level. The resulting mathematical models are solved by means of the Finite Element Method. The simulations results show that the failure dynamics is dominated by the mechanical stress in the metal layer. Additionally, the time to failure depends on the heat source position, for a given power and dimension of the generation region. The results suggest that 3D modeling should be considered for a detailed study of thermal and mechanical effects induced by SEBs.

Simulation study on single event burnout in linear doping buffer layer engineered power VDMOSFET

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yunpeng, Jia; Hongyuan, Su; Rui, Jin; Dongqing, Hu; Yu, Wu

2016-02-01

The addition of a buffer layer can improve the device's secondary breakdown voltage, thus, improving the single event burnout (SEB) threshold voltage. In this paper, an N type linear doping buffer layer is proposed. According to quasi-stationary avalanche simulation and heavy ion beam simulation, the results show that an optimized linear doping buffer layer is critical. As SEB is induced by heavy ions impacting, the electric field of an optimized linear doping buffer device is much lower than that with an optimized constant doping buffer layer at a given buffer layer thickness and the same biasing voltages. Secondary breakdown voltage and the parasitic bipolar turn-on current are much higher than those with the optimized constant doping buffer layer. So the linear buffer layer is more advantageous to improving the device's SEB performance. Project supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (No. 61176071), the Doctoral Fund of Ministry of Education of China (No. 20111103120016), and the Science and Technology Program of State Grid Corporation of China (No. SGRI-WD-71-13-006).

Re-Verification of the IRHN57133SE and IRHN57250SE for Single Event Gate Rupture and Single Event Burnout

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Scheick, Leif

2010-01-01

The vertical metal oxide semiconductor field-effect transistor (MOSFET) is a widely used power transistor onboard a spacecraft. The MOSFET is typically employed in power supplies and high current switching applications. Due to the inherent high electric fields in the device, power MOSFETs are sensitive to heavy ion irradiation and can fail catastrophically as a result of single event gate rupture (SEGR) or single event burnout (SEB). Manufacturers have designed radiation-hardened power MOSFETs for space applications. These radiation hardened devices are not immune to SEGR or SEB but, rather, can exhibit them at a much more damaging ion than their non-radiation hardened counterparts. See [1] through [5] for more information.This effort was to investigate the SEGR and SEB responses of two power MOSFETs from IR(the IRHN57133SE and the IRHN57250SE) that have recently been produced on a new fabrication line. These tests will serve as a limited verification of these parts, but it is acknowledged that further testing on the respective parts may be needed for some mission profiles.

Influence of electron beam irradiation on mechanical and thermal properties of polypropylene/polyamide blend

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

Nakamura, Shigeya, E-mail: shi-nakamura@hitachi-chem.co.jp; Tokumitsu, Katsuhisa

The effects of electron beam irradiation on the mechanical and thermal properties of polypropylene (PP) and polyamide6 (PA6) blends-with talc 20 wt% as filler, SEBS-g-MAH as compatibilizer, and triallyl isocyanurate as crosslinking agent-were investigated. Although the tensile and flexural moduli and strengths of the PP/PA6 blends with talc, SEBS-g-MAH, and TAIC could be increased by the application of electron beam irradiation, the impact strength was decreased. Ddifferential scanning calorimetryer measurements showed that the melting temperatures of all PP/PA6 blends were decreased with increases in the electron beam irradiationdose. From dynamic mechanical analyzer results, a storage modulus curve in the plateaumore » region was observed only in the PP/PA6 blends with talc, SEBS-g-MAH, and TAIC; the storage modulus increased with increasing electron beam irradiation dose, indicating that the three-dimensional network developed gradually in the more amorphous PA6. As a result, the most significant improvement observed in heat distortion tests under high load (1.8 MPa) occurred at 200 kGy.« less

Delayed BCG vaccination results in minimal alterations in T cell immunogenicity of acellular pertussis and tetanus immunizations in HIV-exposed infants.

PubMed

Blakney, Anna K; Tchakoute, Christophe Toukam; Hesseling, Anneke C; Kidzeru, Elvis B; Jones, Christine E; Passmore, Jo-Ann S; Sodora, Donald L; Gray, Clive M; Jaspan, Heather B

2015-09-11

Bacille Calmette-Guerin (BCG) is effective in preventing disseminated tuberculosis (TB) in children but may also have non-specific benefits, and is thought to improve immunity to unrelated antigens through trained innate immunity. In HIV-infected infants, there is a risk of BCG-associated adverse events. We aimed to explore whether delaying BCG vaccination by 8 weeks, in utero or perinatal HIV infection is excluded, affected T-cell responses to B. pertussis (BP) and tetanus toxoid (TT), in HIV-exposed, uninfected infants. Infants were randomized to receive BCG vaccination at birth or 8 weeks of age. At 8 and 14 weeks, T cell proliferation and intracellular cytokine (IL-2, IL-13, IL-17, and IFN-γ) expression was analyzed in response to BP, TT and Staphylococcal enterotoxin B (SEB) antigens. Delaying BCG vaccination did not alter T-cell proliferation to BP or TT antigens. Infants immunized with BCG at birth had higher CD4+ T cell proliferation to SEB at 14 weeks of age (p=0.018). Birth-vaccinated infants had increased CD8+ IL-2 expression in response to BP, but not TT or SEB, at 8 weeks. Infants vaccinated with BCG at 8 weeks had significantly lower IL-13 expression by BP-specific CD4+ and CD8+ T cells at 14 weeks (p=0.032 and p=0.0035, respectively). There were no observed differences in multifunctional cytokine response to TT, BP or SEB between infants vaccinated with BCG at birth versus 8 weeks of age. Delaying BCG vaccination until 8 weeks of age results in robust T-cellular responses to BP and TT in HIV-exposed infants. NCT02062580. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Rinse-resistant superhydrophobic block copolymer fabrics by electrospinning, electrospraying and thermally-induced self-assembly

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wu, Jie; Li, Xin; Wu, Yang; Liao, Guoxing; Johnston, Priscilla; Topham, Paul D.; Wang, Linge

2017-11-01

An inherent problem that restricts the practical application of superhydrophobic materials is that the superhydrophobic property is not sustainable; it can be diminished, or even lost, when the surface is physically damaged. In this work, we present an efficient approach for the fabrication of superhydrophobic fibrous fabrics with great rinse-resistance where a block copolymer has been electrospun into a nanofibrous mesh while micro-sized beads have been subsequently electrosprayed to give a morphologically composite material. The intricate nano- and microstructure of the composite was then fixed by thermally annealing the block copolymer to induce self-assembly and interdigitation of the microphase separated domains. To demonstrate this approach, a polystyrene-b-poly(ethylene-co-butylene)-b-polystyrene (SEBS) nanofibrous scaffold was produced by electrospinning before SEBS beads were electrosprayed into this mesh to form a hierarchical micro/nanostructure of beads and fibers. The effects of type and density of SEBS beads on the surface morphology and wetting properties of composite membranes were studied extensively. Compared with a neat SEBS fibrous mesh, the composite membrane had enhanced hydrophobic properties. The static water contact angle increased from 139° (±3°) to 156° (±1°), while the sliding angle decreased to 8° (±1°) from nearly 90°. In order to increase the rinse-resistance of the composite membrane, a thermal annealing step was applied to physically bind the fibers and beads. Importantly, after 200 h of water flushing, the hierarchical surface structure and superhydrophobicity of the composite membrane were well retained. This work provides a new route for the creation of superhydrophobic fabrics with potential in self-cleaning applications.

A two-step non-flowcytometry-based naïve B cell isolation method and its application in Staphylococcal enterotoxin B (SEB) presentation.

PubMed

Chokeshai-u-saha, Kaj; Buranapraditkun, Supranee; Jacquet, Alain; Nguyen, Catherine; Ruxrungtham, Kiat

2012-09-01

To study the role of human naïve B cells in antigen presentation and stimulation to naïve CD4+ T cell, a suitable method to reproducibly isolate sufficient naïve B cells is required. To improve the purity of isolated naive B cells obtained from a conventional one-step magnetic bead method, we added a rosetting step to enrich total B cell isolates from human whole blood samples prior to negative cell sorting by magnetic beads. The acquired naïve B cells were analyzed for phenotypes and for their role in Staphylococcal enterotoxin B (SEB) presentation to naïve CD4+ T cells. The mean (SD) naïve B cell (CD19+/CD27-) purity obtained from this two-step method compared with the one-step method was 97% (1.0) versus 90% (1.2), respectively. This two-step method can be used with a sample of whole blood as small as 10 ml. The isolated naive B cells were phenotypically at a resting state and were able to prime naïve CD4+ T cell activation by Staphylococcal enterotoxin B (SEB) presentation. This two-step non-flow cytometry-based approach improved the purity of isolated naïve B cells compared with conventional one-step magnetic bead method. It also worked well with a small blood volume. In addition, this study showed that the isolated naïve B cells can present a super-antigen "SEB" to activate naïve CD4 cells. These methods may thus be useful for further in vitro characterization of human naïve B cells and their roles as antigen presenting cells in various diseases.

[Marketing role of corneal graft tissue donation to an eye bank and donors' socioeconomic profile].

PubMed

Farias, Roberta Jansen de Mello; Sousa, Luciene Barbosa de

2008-01-01

Penetrating keratoplasty has been the leading and the most successful type of transplant in the world, however corneal deficiency is a commom problem usually presented to corneal surgeons. Impact evaluation of the number of corneal graft donations to the Sorocaba Eye Bank after the implementation of a corneal graft procurement system; to draw the socioeconomic profile of corneal graft donors of the Sorocaba Eye Bank (SEB). Retrospective study on donations to SEB from its creation and after the development of media marketing. Prospective analysis of the socioeconomic profile of corneal graft donors by a questionnaire sent as letters to the families of the donors in a certain month. SEB began its work in 1971 by spreading need of organ donation through lectures in churches, shopping malls, community meetings, radio programs, television programs, etc. In the 70s, the number of retrieved corneal grafts was 1 or 2/month. Between 1984 - 1989 a procurement coordination team was trained to act in mortuaries and by 2000 they also began to work in public hospitals. In 1984 only 260 corneal grafts were retrieved. This number has been increasing to 2,778 corneal graft donations in 2004. The questionnaire was answered by 76 of the 93 donor families, with a response rate of 81.7%. Donor age had a mean of 65.1 +/- 14.7 y/o, forty-two (55.3%) were men. Educational level of the donor families was an important factor for organ donation, once 36.8% had concluded high school and 34.2% completed university. The great majority, sixty-three (82.9%) of the corneal grafts were donated through the efforts of the procurement coordination team. The role of the media and institutional credibility are mandatory for public commitment to organ donation. The proficiency of the procurement coordination team requires intensive training, as the results show that 82.9% donations were made thanks to their efforts.

Morphological Evaluation of the Adhesive/Enamel interfaces of Two-step Self-etching Adhesives and Multimode One-bottle Self-etching Adhesives.

PubMed

Sato, Takaaki; Takagaki, Tomohiro; Matsui, Naoko; Hamba, Hidenori; Sadr, Alireza; Nikaido, Toru; Tagami, Junji

To evaluate the acid-base resistant zone (ABRZ) at the adhesive/enamel interface of self-etching adhesives with or without prior phosphoric acid etching. Four adhesives were used in 8 groups: Clearfil SE Bond (SEB), Optibond XTR (XTR), Scotchbond Universal Adhesive (SBU), and Clearfil BOND SE ONE (ONE) without prior phosphoric-acid etching, and each adhesive with phosphoric acid etching for 10 s (P-SEB, P-XTR, P-SBU and P-ONE, respectively). After application of self-etching adhesives on ground enamel surfaces of human teeth, a flowable composite was placed. For observation of the acid-base resistant zone (ABRZ), the bonded interface was exposed to demineralizing solution (pH 4.5) for 4.5 h, followed by 5% NaOCl with ultrasonication for 20 min. After the acid-base challenge, morphological attributes of the interface were observed using SEM. ABRZ formation was confirmed in all groups. The funnel-shaped erosion beneath the interface was present in SBU and ONE, where nearly 10 to 15 μm of enamel was dissolved. With phosphoric acid etching, the ABRZs were obviously thicker compared with no phosphoric acid etching. Enamel beneath the bonding interface was more susceptible to acid dissolution in SBU and ONE. In the case of the one-bottle self-etching adhesives and universal adhesives that intrinsically have higher pH values, enamel etching should be recommended to improve the interfacial quality.

Simulation Study of Single-Event Burnout in Power Trench ACCUFETs

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yu, Cheng-Hao; Wang, Ying; Fei, Xin-Xing; Cao, Fei

2016-10-01

This paper presents 2-D numerical simulation results of single-event burnout (SEB) in power trench accumulation mode field effect transistor (ACCUFET) for the first time. In this device, a p+ base region is used to deplete the n- base region to achieve a low leakage current density, and the blocking voltage is supported by the n- drift region. We find that the depth of the p+ base region determines both the leakage current density and SEB performance, as a result, there is a tradeoff relationship between the two characteristics. The 60 V hardened power ACCUFET shown in this paper could demonstrate much better SEB performance without sacrificing the current handling capability compared with the standard UMOSFET. The hardened structure mentioned in this paper indicates that an n buffer layer is added between the epitaxial layer and substrate layer based on a basic power device. As a result, the safe operating area (SOA) of the 60 V, 80 V and 100 V hardened ACCUFET discussed in this paper could reach the value of breakdown voltage when the buffer layer is over a certain value, that can realize safety operation throughout entire LET range.

SEGR- and SEB-hardened structure with DSPSOI in power MOSFETs

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tang, Zhaohuan; Fu, Xinghua; Yang, Fashun; Tan, Kaizhou; Ma, Kui; Wu, Xue; Lin, Jiexing

2017-12-01

Single event irradiation-hardened power MOSFET is the most important device for DC/DC converter in space environment application. Single event gate rupture (SEGR) and single event burnout (SEB), which will degrade the running safety and reliability of spacecraft, are the two typical failure modes in power MOSFETs. In this paper, based on recombination mechanism of interface between oxide and silicon, a novel hardened power MOSFETs structure for SEGR and SEB is proposed. The structure comprises double stagger partial silicon-on-insulator (DSPSOI) layers. Results show that the safety operation area (SOA) of a 130 V N-channel power MOSFET in single event irradiation environment is enhanced by up to 50% when the linear-energy-transfer value of heavy ion is a constant of 98 MeV·cm2/mg in the whole incident track, and the other parameters are almost maintained at the same value. Thus this novel structure can be widely used in designing single event irradiation-hardened power MOSFETs. Project supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (No. 61464002), the Grand Science and Technology Special Project in Guizhou Province of China (No. [2015]6006), and the Ministry of Education Open Foundation for Semiconductor Power Device Reliability (No. 010201).

Integrated Raman and angular scattering microscopy reveals chemical and morphological differences between activated and nonactivated CD8+ T lymphocytes

PubMed Central

Smith, Zachary J.; Wang, Jyh-Chiang E.; Quataert, Sally A.; Berger, Andrew J.

2010-01-01

Integrated Raman and angular-scattering microscopy (IRAM) is a multimodal platform capable of noninvasively probing both the chemistry and morphology of a single cell without prior labeling. Using this system, we are able to detect activation-dependent changes in the Raman and elastic-scattering signals from CD8+ T cells stimulated with either Staphylococcal enterotoxin B (SEB) or phorbol myristate acetate (PMA). In both cases, results obtained from the IRAM instrument correlate well with results obtained from traditional fluorescence-based flow cytometry for paired samples. SEB-mediated activation was distinguished from resting state in CD8+ T cells by an increase in the number and mean size of small (∼500-nm) elastic scatterers as well as a decrease in Raman bands, indicating changes in nuclear content. PMA-mediated activation induced a different profile in CD8+ T cells from SEB, showing a similar increase in small elastic scatterers but a different Raman change, with elevation of cellular protein and lipid bands. These results suggest the potential of this multimodal, label-free optical technique for studying processes in single cells. PMID:20615023

Interferon Gamma-Dependent Intestinal Pathology Contributes to the Lethality in Bacterial Superantigen-Induced Toxic Shock Syndrome

PubMed Central

Tilahun, Ashenafi Y.; Holz, Marah; Wu, Tsung-Teh; David, Chella S.; Rajagopalan, Govindarajan

2011-01-01

Toxic shock syndrome (TSS) caused by the superantigen exotoxins of Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pyogenes is characterized by robust T cell activation, profound elevation in systemic levels of multiple cytokines, including interferon-γ (IFN-γ), followed by multiple organ dysfunction and often death. As IFN-γ possesses pro- as well as anti-inflammatory properties, we delineated its role in the pathogenesis of TSS. Antibody-mediated in vivo neutralization of IFN-γ or targeted disruption of IFN-γ gene conferred significant protection from lethal TSS in HLA-DR3 transgenic mice. Following systemic high dose SEB challenge, whereas the HLA-DR3.IFN-γ+/+ mice became sick and succumbed to TSS, HLA-DR3.IFN-γ−/− mice appeared healthy and were significantly protected from SEB-induced lethality. SEB-induced systemic cytokine storm was significantly blunted in HLA-DR3.IFN-γ−/− transgenic mice. Serum concentrations of several cytokines (IL-4, IL-10, IL-12p40 and IL-17) and chemokines (KC, rantes, eotaxin and MCP-1) were significantly lower in HLA-DR3.IFN-γ−/− transgenic mice. However, SEB-induced T cell expansion in the spleens was unaffected and expansion of SEB-reactive TCR Vβ8+ CD4+ and CD8+ T cells was even more pronounced in HLA-DR3.IFN-γ−/− transgenic mice when compared to HLA-DR3.IFN-γ+/+ mice. A systematic histopathological examination of several vital organs revealed that both HLA-DR3.IFN-γ+/+ and HLA-DR3.IFN-γ−/− transgenic mice displayed comparable severe inflammatory changes in lungs, and liver during TSS. Remarkably, whereas the small intestines from HLA-DR3.IFN-γ+/+ transgenic mice displayed significant pathological changes during TSS, the architecture of small intestines in HLA-DR3.IFN-γ−/− transgenic mice was preserved. In concordance with these histopathological changes, the gut permeability to macromolecules was dramatically increased in HLA-DR3.IFN-γ+/+ but not HLA-DR3.IFN-γ−/− mice during TSS. Overall, IFN-γ seemed to play a lethal role in the immunopathogenesis of TSS by inflicting fatal small bowel pathology. Our study thus identifies the important role for IFN-γ in TSS. PMID:21304813

Determining suitability of Large Aperture Scintillometer for validating remote sensing based evapotranspiration maps

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Paul, G.; Gowda, P. H.; Howell, T. A.; Basu, S.; Colaizzi, P. D.; Marek, T.

2013-12-01

Scintillation method is a relatively new technique for measuring the sensible heat and water fluxes over land surfaces. Path integrating capabilities of scintillometer over heterogeneous landscapes make it a potential tool for comparing the energy fluxes derived from remote sensing based energy balance algorithms. For this reason, scintillometer-derived evapotranspiration (ET) fluxes are being used to evaluate remote sensing based energy balance algorithms for their ability to estimate ET fluxes. However, LAS' (Large Aperture Scintillometer) ability to derive ET fluxes is not thoroughly tested. The objective of this study was to evaluate LAS- and Surface Energy Balance System (SEBS)-derived fluxes against lysimetric data to determine LAS' suitability for validating remote sensing based evapotranspiration (ET) maps. The study was conducted during the Bushland Evapotranspiration and Agricultural Remote sensing EXperiment - 2008 (BEAREX-08) at the USDA-ARS Conservation and Production Research Laboratory (CPRL), Bushland, Texas. SEBS was coded in a GIS environment to retrieve ET fluxes from the high resolution imageries acquired using airborne multispectral sensors. The CPRL has four large weighing lysimeters (3 m long x 3 m wide x 2.4 m deep), each located in the middle of approximately 5 ha fields, arranged in a block pattern. The two lysimeter fields located on the east (NE and SE) were managed under irrigated conditions, and the other two lysimeters on the west (NW and SW) were under dryland management. Each lysimeter field was equipped with an automated weather station that provided measurements for net radiation (Rn), Ts, soil heat flux (Go), Ta, relative humidity, and wind speed. During BEAREX08, the NE and SE fields were planted to cotton on May 21, and the NW and SW dryland lysimeters fields were planted to cotton on June 5. One LAS each was deployed across two large dryland lysimeter fields (NW and SW) and two large irrigated lysimeter fields (NE and SE). The structural parameter of refractive index of air was measured at 1-min interval and averaged at 15-min, and synchronized with weather station. The source area (footprint) of the surface energy fluxes were computed using a footprint model. ET fluxes were derived using LAS-estimated H as a residual from the energy balance equation. Comparison of SEBS- and LAS-derived ET fluxes were made against lysimetric data and performance of each method was discussed to determine the suitability of LAS for evaluating accuracy of remote sensing based ET maps.

Superantigens Modulate Bacterial Density during Staphylococcus aureus Nasal Colonization

PubMed Central

Xu, Stacey X.; Kasper, Katherine J.; Zeppa, Joseph J.; McCormick, John K.

2015-01-01

Superantigens (SAgs) are potent microbial toxins that function to activate large numbers of T cells in a T cell receptor (TCR) Vβ-specific manner, resulting in excessive immune system activation. Staphylococcus aureus possesses a large repertoire of distinct SAgs, and in the context of host-pathogen interactions, staphylococcal SAg research has focused primarily on the role of these toxins in severe and invasive diseases. However, the contribution of SAgs to colonization by S. aureus remains unclear. We developed a two-week nasal colonization model using SAg-sensitive transgenic mice expressing HLA-DR4, and evaluated the role of SAgs using two well-studied stains of S. aureus. S. aureus Newman produces relatively low levels of staphylococcal enterotoxin A (SEA), and although we did not detect significant TCR-Vβ specific changes during wild-type S. aureus Newman colonization, S. aureus Newman Δsea established transiently higher bacterial loads in the nose. S. aureus COL produces relatively high levels of staphylococcal enterotoxin B (SEB), and colonization with wild-type S. aureus COL resulted in clear Vβ8-specific T cell skewing responses. S. aureus COL Δseb established consistently higher bacterial loads in the nose. These data suggest that staphylococcal SAgs may be involved in regulating bacterial densities during nasal colonization. PMID:26008236

Eugenol reduces the expression of virulence-related exoproteins in Staphylococcus aureus.

PubMed

Qiu, Jiazhang; Feng, Haihua; Lu, Jing; Xiang, Hua; Wang, Dacheng; Dong, Jing; Wang, Jianfeng; Wang, Xiaoliang; Liu, Juxiong; Deng, Xuming

2010-09-01

Eugenol, an essential oil component in plants, has been demonstrated to possess activity against both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. This study examined the influence that subinhibitory concentrations of eugenol may have on the expression of the major exotoxins produced by Staphylococcus aureus. The results from a tumor necrosis factor (TNF) release assay and a hemolysin assay indicated that S. aureus cultured with graded subinhibitory concentrations of eugenol (16 to 128 microg/ml) dose dependently decreased the TNF-inducing and hemolytic activities of culture supernatants. Western blot analysis showed that eugenol significantly reduced the production of staphylococcal enterotoxin A (SEA), SEB, and toxic shock syndrome toxin 1 (the key exotoxins to induce TNF release), as well as the expression of alpha-hemolysin (the major hemolysin to cause hemolysis). In addition, this suppression was also evaluated at the transcriptional level via real-time reverse transcription (RT)-PCR analysis. The transcriptional analysis indicated that 128 microg/ml of eugenol remarkably repressed the transcription of the S. aureus sea, seb, tst, and hla genes. According to these results, eugenol has the potential to be rationally applied on food products as a novel food antimicrobial agent both to inhibit the growth of bacteria and to suppress the production of exotoxins by S. aureus.

Modelling the climate and surface mass balance of polar ice sheets using RACMO2 - Part 1: Greenland (1958-2016)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Noël, Brice; van de Berg, Willem Jan; Melchior van Wessem, J.; van Meijgaard, Erik; van As, Dirk; Lenaerts, Jan T. M.; Lhermitte, Stef; Kuipers Munneke, Peter; Smeets, C. J. P. Paul; van Ulft, Lambertus H.; van de Wal, Roderik S. W.; van den Broeke, Michiel R.

2018-03-01

We evaluate modelled Greenland ice sheet (GrIS) near-surface climate, surface energy balance (SEB) and surface mass balance (SMB) from the updated regional climate model RACMO2 (1958-2016). The new model version, referred to as RACMO2.3p2, incorporates updated glacier outlines, topography and ice albedo fields. Parameters in the cloud scheme governing the conversion of cloud condensate into precipitation have been tuned to correct inland snowfall underestimation: snow properties are modified to reduce drifting snow and melt production in the ice sheet percolation zone. The ice albedo prescribed in the updated model is lower at the ice sheet margins, increasing ice melt locally. RACMO2.3p2 shows good agreement compared to in situ meteorological data and point SEB/SMB measurements, and better resolves the spatial patterns and temporal variability of SMB compared with the previous model version, notably in the north-east, south-east and along the K-transect in south-western Greenland. This new model version provides updated, high-resolution gridded fields of the GrIS present-day climate and SMB, and will be used for projections of the GrIS climate and SMB in response to a future climate scenario in a forthcoming study.

Development of Ultrafiltration Membrane-Separation Technology for Energy-Efficient Water Treatment and Desalination Process

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

Yim, Woosoon; Bae, Chulsung

The growing scarcity of fresh water is a major political and economic challenge in the 21st century. Compared to thermal-based distillation technique of water production, pressure driven membrane-based water purification process, such as ultrafiltration (UF), nanofiltration (NF) and reverse osmosis (RO), can offer more energy-efficient and environmentally friendly solution to clean water production. Potential applications also include removal of hazardous chemicals (i.e., arsenic, pesticides, organics) from water. Although those membrane-separation technologies have been used to produce drinking water from seawater (desalination) and non-traditional water (i.e., municipal wastewater and brackish groundwater) over the last decades, they still have problems in ordermore » to be applied in large-scale operations. Currently, a major huddle of membrane-based water purification technology for large-scale commercialization is membrane fouling and its resulting increases in pressure and energy cost of filtration process. Membrane cleaning methods, which can restore the membrane properties to some degree, usually cause irreversible damage to the membranes. Considering that electricity for creating of pressure constitutes a majority of cost (~50%) in membrane-based water purification process, the development of new nano-porous membranes that are more resistant to degradation and less subject to fouling is highly desired. Styrene-ethylene/butylene-styrene (SEBS) block copolymer is one of the best known block copolymers that induces well defined morphologies. Due to the polarity difference of aromatic styrene unit and saturated ethylene/butylene unit, these two polymer chains self-assemble each other and form different phase-separated morphologies depending on the ratios of two polymer chain lengths. Because the surface of SEBS is hydrophobic which easily causes fouling of membrane, incorporation of ionic group (e,g, sulfonate) to the polymer is necessary to reduces fouling. Recently, sulfonated SEBS became commercially available and has been extensively explored for membrane-mediated water purification technology. The sulfonated block copolymer creates a well developed nano-sale phase-separated morphologies composed of hydrophilic domains (sulfonated polystyrene) and hydrophobic domains (polyethylene/polybutylene). The hydrophilic domains determines transport properties (water transport, salt and/or ion rejection, etc) and the hydrophobic domains provides mechanical stability of the membrane. Unfortunately, a high degree of sulfonation of SEBS induces excessive swelling and deterioration of mechanical stability of the membrane. In an effort to develop robust polymeric membrane materials for water purification technology, phosphonic acid-functionalized SEBS membranes are investigated during this report period. In compare to sulfonated polymers, the corresponding phosphonated polymers are known to swell less because of the formation of extensive hydrogen bonding networks between phosphonates. In addition to the expected better mechanical stability, phosphonated polymers has another advantage over sulfonated polymers for the use water purification membrane; each phosphonate can accommodate two ions while each sulfonate accommodates only one ion. Membrane properties (ion type, ionic density, etc) of new membranes will be studied and their separation performance will be evaluated in water purification and desalination process. Through systematic study of the relationship of chemical structure–surface property–membrane performance, we aim to better understand the nature of membrane fouling and develop more fouling-resistant water purification membranes. The basic understanding of this relationship will lead to the development of advanced membrane materials which can offer a solution to environmentally sustainable production of fresh water.« less

Regional evapotranspiration from an image-based implementation of the Surface Temperature Initiated Closure (STIC1.2) model and its validation across an aridity gradient in the conterminous US

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bhattarai, Nishan; Mallick, Kaniska; Brunsell, Nathaniel A.; Sun, Ge; Jain, Meha

2018-04-01

Recent studies have highlighted the need for improved characterizations of aerodynamic conductance and temperature (gA and T0) in thermal remote-sensing-based surface energy balance (SEB) models to reduce uncertainties in regional-scale evapotranspiration (ET) mapping. By integrating radiometric surface temperature (TR) into the Penman-Monteith (PM) equation and finding analytical solutions of gA and T0, this need was recently addressed by the Surface Temperature Initiated Closure (STIC) model. However, previous implementations of STIC were confined to the ecosystem-scale using flux tower observations of infrared temperature. This study demonstrates the first regional-scale implementation of the most recent version of the STIC model (STIC1.2) that integrates the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) derived TR and ancillary land surface variables in conjunction with NLDAS (North American Land Data Assimilation System) atmospheric variables into a combined structure of the PM and Shuttleworth-Wallace (SW) framework for estimating ET at 1 km × 1 km spatial resolution. Evaluation of STIC1.2 at 13 core AmeriFlux sites covering a broad spectrum of climates and biomes across an aridity gradient in the conterminous US suggests that STIC1.2 can provide spatially explicit ET maps with reliable accuracies from dry to wet extremes. When observed ET from one wet, one dry, and one normal precipitation year from all sites were combined, STIC1.2 explained 66 % of the variability in observed 8-day cumulative ET with a root mean square error (RMSE) of 7.4 mm/8-day, mean absolute error (MAE) of 5 mm/8-day, and percent bias (PBIAS) of -4 %. These error statistics showed relatively better accuracies than a widely used but previous version of the SEB-based Surface Energy Balance System (SEBS) model, which utilized a simple NDVI-based parameterization of surface roughness (zOM), and the PM-based MOD16 ET. SEBS was found to overestimate (PBIAS = 28 %) and MOD16 was found to underestimate ET (PBIAS = -26 %). The performance of STIC1.2 was better in forest and grassland ecosystems as compared to cropland (20 % underestimation) and woody savanna (40 % overestimation). Model inter-comparison suggested that ET differences between the models are robustly correlated with gA and associated roughness length estimation uncertainties which are intrinsically connected to TR uncertainties, vapor pressure deficit (DA), and vegetation cover. A consistent performance of STIC1.2 in a broad range of hydrological and biome categories, as well as the capacity to capture spatio-temporal ET signatures across an aridity gradient, points to the potential for this simplified analytical model for near-real-time ET mapping from regional to continental scales.

Controlled lecithin release from a hierarchical architecture on blood-contacting surface to reduce hemolysis of stored red blood cells.

PubMed

Shi, Qiang; Fan, Qunfu; Ye, Wei; Hou, Jianwen; Wong, Shing-Chung; Xu, Xiaodong; Yin, Jinghua

2014-06-25

Hemolysis of red blood cells (RBCs) caused by implant devices in vivo and nonpolyvinyl chloride containers for RBC preservation in vitro has recently gained much attention. To develop blood-contacting biomaterials with long-term antihemolysis capability, we present a facile method to construct a hydrophilic, 3D hierarchical architecture on the surface of styrene-b-(ethylene-co-butylene)-b-styrene elastomer (SEBS) with poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO)/lecithin nano/microfibers. The strategy is based on electrospinning of PEO/lecithin fibers onto the surface of poly [poly(ethylene glycol) methyl ether methacrylate] [P(PEGMEMA)]-modified SEBS, which renders SEBS suitable for RBC storage in vitro. We demonstrate that the constructed 3D architecture is composed of hydrophilic micro- and nanofibers, which transforms to hydrogel networks immediately in blood; the controlled release of lecithin is achieved by gradual dissolution of PEO/lecithin hydrogels, and the interaction of lecithin with RBCs maintains the membrane flexibility and normal RBC shape. Thus, the blood-contacting surface reduces both mechanical and oxidative damage to RBC membranes, resulting in low hemolysis of preserved RBCs. This work not only paves new way to fabricate high hemocompatible biomaterials for RBC storage in vitro, but provides basic principles to design and develop antihemolysis biomaterials for implantation in vivo.

Comparison of Genotypes and Enterotoxin Genes Between Staphylococcus aureus Isolates from Blood and Nasal Colonizers in a Korean Hospital

PubMed Central

Peck, Kyong Ran; Baek, Jin Yang; Song, Jae-Hoon

2009-01-01

In this study, we investigated the genetic background of 70 Staphylococcus aureus isolates (36 methicillin-resistant S. aureus [MRSA] and 34 methicillin-susceptible S. aureus [MSSA]) obtained from blood at a Korean tertiary-care hospital, using spa typing, multilocus sequence typing, and SCCmec typing. In addition, the prevalence of enterotoxin (sea, seb, sec, sed, see, seg, seh, sei, and sek), tst, and pvl genes among the samples was assessed via polymerase chain reaction, and the results were compared with those of 95 isolates of S. aureus obtained from nasal swabs. All MRSA isolates from blood, except one, belonged to three major clones: sequence type (ST)5-MRSA-II, ST72-MRSA-II (or IVA), and ST239-MRSA-III, among which ST5-MRSA-II was the predominant clone. The prevalence of enterotoxin genes in the S. aureus isolates obtained from blood differed significantly from those from the nasal swabs for the sea, seb, sec, and seh gene. In particular, the seb and sec genes were detected exclusively in the MRSA isolates of ST5 or spa-CC002, thereby suggesting the co-adaptation of virulence genes with the genetic background and their contribution to biological fitness. PMID:19654937

Mesenchymal stromal (stem) cells suppress pro-inflammatory cytokine production but fail to improve survival in experimental staphylococcal toxic shock syndrome.

PubMed

Kim, Hani; Darwish, Ilyse; Monroy, Maria-Fernanda; Prockop, Darwin J; Liles, W Conrad; Kain, Kevin C

2014-01-14

Toxic shock syndrome (TSS) is caused by an overwhelming host-mediated response to bacterial superantigens produced mainly by Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pyogenes. TSS is characterized by aberrant activation of T cells and excessive release of pro-inflammatory cytokines ultimately resulting in capillary leak, septic shock, multiple organ dysfunction and high mortality rates. No therapeutic or vaccine has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for TSS, and novel therapeutic strategies to improve clinical outcome are needed. Mesenchymal stromal (stem) cells (MSCs) are stromal cells capable of self-renewal and differentiation. Moreover, MSCs have immunomodulatory properties, including profound effects on activities of T cells and macrophages in specific contexts. Based on the critical role of host-derived immune mediators in TSS, we hypothesized that MSCs could modulate the host-derived proinflammatory response triggered by Staphylococcal enterotoxin B (SEB) and improve survival in experimental TSS. Effects of MSCs on proinflammatory cytokines in peripheral blood were measured in wild-type C57BL/6 mice injected with 50 μg of SEB. Effects of MSCs on survival were monitored in fatal experimental TSS induced by consecutive doses of D-galactosamine (10 mg) and SEB (10 μg) in HLA-DR4 transgenic mice. Despite significantly decreasing serum levels of IL-2, IL-6 and TNF induced by SEB in wild-type mice, human MSCs failed to improve survival in experimental TSS in HLA-DR4 transgenic mice. Similarly, a previously described downstream mediator of human MSCs, TNF-stimulated gene 6 (TSG-6), did not significantly improve survival in experimental TSS. Furthermore, murine MSCs, whether unstimulated or pre-treated with IFNγ, failed to improve survival in experimental TSS. Our results suggest that the immunomodulatory effects of MSCs are insufficient to rescue mice from experimental TSS, and that mediators other than IL-2, IL-6 and TNF are likely to play critical mechanistic roles in the pathogenesis of experimental TSS.

Comparative transcriptome analysis reveals different strategies for degradation of steam-exploded sugarcane bagasse by Aspergillus niger and Trichoderma reesei.

PubMed

Borin, Gustavo Pagotto; Sanchez, Camila Cristina; de Santana, Eliane Silva; Zanini, Guilherme Keppe; Dos Santos, Renato Augusto Corrêa; de Oliveira Pontes, Angélica; de Souza, Aline Tieppo; Dal'Mas, Roberta Maria Menegaldo Tavares Soares; Riaño-Pachón, Diego Mauricio; Goldman, Gustavo Henrique; Oliveira, Juliana Velasco de Castro

2017-06-30

Second generation (2G) ethanol is produced by breaking down lignocellulosic biomass into fermentable sugars. In Brazil, sugarcane bagasse has been proposed as the lignocellulosic residue for this biofuel production. The enzymatic cocktails for the degradation of biomass-derived polysaccharides are mostly produced by fungi, such as Aspergillus niger and Trichoderma reesei. However, it is not yet fully understood how these microorganisms degrade plant biomass. In order to identify transcriptomic changes during steam-exploded bagasse (SEB) breakdown, we conducted a RNA-seq comparative transcriptome profiling of both fungi growing on SEB as carbon source. Particular attention was focused on CAZymes, sugar transporters, transcription factors (TFs) and other proteins related to lignocellulose degradation. Although genes coding for the main enzymes involved in biomass deconstruction were expressed by both fungal strains since the beginning of the growth in SEB, significant differences were found in their expression profiles. The expression of these enzymes is mainly regulated at the transcription level, and A. niger and T. reesei also showed differences in TFs content and in their expression. Several sugar transporters that were induced in both fungal strains could be new players on biomass degradation besides their role in sugar uptake. Interestingly, our findings revealed that in both strains several genes that code for proteins of unknown function and pro-oxidant, antioxidant, and detoxification enzymes were induced during growth in SEB as carbon source, but their specific roles on lignocellulose degradation remain to be elucidated. This is the first report of a time-course experiment monitoring the degradation of pretreated bagasse by two important fungi using the RNA-seq technology. It was possible to identify a set of genes that might be applied in several biotechnology fields. The data suggest that these two microorganisms employ different strategies for biomass breakdown. This knowledge can be exploited for the rational design of enzymatic cocktails and 2G ethanol production improvement.

Mapping Daily Evapotranspiration based on Spatiotemporal Fusion of ASTER and MODIS Images over Irrigated Agricultural Areas in the Heihe River Basin, Northwest China

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Huang, C.; LI, Y.

2017-12-01

Continuous monitoring of daily evapotranspiration (ET) is crucial for allocating and managing water resources in irrigated agricultural areas in arid regions. In this study, continuous daily ET at a 90-m spatial resolution was estimated using the Surface Energy Balance System (SEBS) by fusing Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) images with high temporal resolution and Advanced Space-borne Thermal Emission Reflectance Radiometer (ASTER) images with high spatial resolution. The spatiotemporal characteristics of these sensors were obtained using the Spatial and Temporal Adaptive Reflectance Fusion Model (STARFM). The performance of this approach was validated over a heterogeneous oasis-desert region covered by cropland, residential, woodland, water, Gobi desert, sandy desert, desert steppe, and wetland areas using in situ observations from automatic meteorological systems (AMS) and eddy covariance (EC) systems in the middle reaches of the Heihe River Basin in Northwest China. The error introduced during the data fusion process based on STARFM is within an acceptable range for predicted LST at a 90-m spatial resolution. The surface energy fluxes estimated using SEBS based on predicted remotely sensed data that combined the spatiotemporal characteristics of MODIS and ASTER agree well with the surface energy fluxes observed using EC systems for all land cover types, especially for vegetated area with MAP values range from 9% to 15%, which are less than the uncertainty (18%) of the observed in this study area. Time series of daily ET modelled from SEBS were compared to that modelled from PT-JPL (one of Satellite-based Priestley-Taylor ET model) and observations from EC systems. SEBS performed generally better than PT-JPL for vegetated area, especially irrigated cropland with bias, RMSE, and MAP values of 0.29 mm/d, 0.75 mm/d, 13% at maize site, -0.33 mm/d, 0.81 mm/d, and 14% at vegetable sites.

Eddy Correlation Flux Measurement System Handbook

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

Cook, D. R.

2016-01-01

The eddy correlation (ECOR) flux measurement system provides in situ, half-hour measurements of the surface turbulent fluxes of momentum, sensible heat, latent heat, and carbon dioxide (CO2) (and methane at one Southern Great Plains extended facility (SGP EF) and the North Slope of Alaska Central Facility (NSA CF). The fluxes are obtained with the eddy covariance technique, which involves correlation of the vertical wind component with the horizontal wind component, the air temperature, the water vapor density, and the CO2 concentration. The instruments used are: • a fast-response, three-dimensional (3D) wind sensor (sonic anemometer) to obtain the orthogonal wind componentsmore » and the speed of sound (SOS) (used to derive the air temperature) • an open-path infrared gas analyzer (IRGA) to obtain the water vapor density and the CO2 concentration, and • an open-path infrared gas analyzer (IRGA) to obtain methane density and methane flux at one SGP EF and at the NSA CF. The ECOR systems are deployed at the locations where other methods for surface flux measurements (e.g., energy balance Bowen ratio [EBBR] systems) are difficult to employ, primarily at the north edge of a field of crops. A Surface Energy Balance System (SEBS) has been installed collocated with each deployed ECOR system in SGP, NSA, Tropical Western Pacific (TWP), ARM Mobile Facility 1 (AMF1), and ARM Mobile Facility 2 (AMF2). The surface energy balance system consists of upwelling and downwelling solar and infrared radiometers within one net radiometer, a wetness sensor, and soil measurements. The SEBS measurements allow the comparison of ECOR sensible and latent heat fluxes with the energy balance determined from the SEBS and provide information on wetting of the sensors for data quality purposes. The SEBS at one SGP and one NSA site also support upwelling and downwelling PAR measurements to qualify those two locations as Ameriflux sites.« less

Surface energy budget and turbulent fluxes at Arctic terrestrial sites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Grachev, Andrey; Persson, Ola; Uttal, Taneil; Konopleva-Akish, Elena; Crepinsek, Sara; Cox, Christopher; Fairall, Christopher; Makshtas, Alexander; Repina, Irina

2017-04-01

Determination of the surface energy budget (SEB) and all SEB components at the air-surface interface are required in a wide variety of applications including atmosphere-land/snow simulations and validation of the surface fluxes predicted by numerical models over different spatial and temporal scales. Here, comparisons of net surface energy budgets at two Arctic sites are made using long-term near-continuous measurements of hourly averaged surface fluxes (turbulent, radiation, and soil conduction). One site, Eureka (80.0 N; Nunavut, Canada), is located in complex topography near a fjord about 200 km from the Arctic Ocean. The other site, Tiksi (71.6 N; Russian East Siberia), is located on a relatively flat coastal plain less than 1 km from the shore of Tiksi Bay, a branch of the Arctic Ocean. We first analyzed diurnal and annual cycles of basic meteorological parameters and key SEB components at these locations. Although Eureka and Tiksi are located on different continents and at different latitudes, the annual course of the surface meteorology and SEB components are qualitatively similar. Surface energy balance closure is a formulation of the conservation of energy principle. Our direct measurements of energy balance for both Arctic sites show that the sum of the turbulent sensible and latent heat fluxes and the ground (conductive) heat flux systematically underestimate the net radiation by about 25-30%. This lack of energy balance closure is a fundamental and pervasive problem in micrometeorology. We discuss a variety of factors which may be responsible for the lack of SEB closure. In particular, various storage terms (e.g., air column energy storage due to radiative and/or sensible heat flux divergence, ground heat storage above the soil flux plate, energy used in photosynthesis, canopy biomass heat storage). For example, our observations show that the photosynthesis storage term is relatively small (about 1-2% of the net radiation), but about 8-12% of the imbalance magnitude. All turbulent fluxes are highly correlated with net radiation because this balance between solar and longwave radiation is the principal energy source for daytime surface warming, evaporation, and photosynthesis. We find that turbulent fluxes of carbon dioxide and sensible heat are closely linked and, on average, change sign synchronously during the diurnal and annual cycles. The work is supported by the NOAA Climate Program Office, the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) with award ARC 11-07428, and by the U.S. Civilian Research & Development Foundation (CRDF) with award RUG1-2976-ST-10.

Forcing and Responses of the Surface Energy Budget at Summit, Greenland

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Miller, Nathaniel B.

Energy exchange at the Greenland Ice Sheet surface governs surface temperature variability, a factor critical for representing increasing surface melt extent, which portends a rise in global sea level. A comprehensive set of cloud, tropospheric, near-surface and sub-surface measurements at Summit Station is utilized to determine the driving forces and subsequent responses of the surface energy budget (SEB). This budget includes radiative, turbulent, and ground heat fluxes, and ultimately controls the evolution of surface temperature. At Summit Station, clouds radiatively warm the surface in all months with an annual average cloud radiative forcing value of 33 W m -2, largely driven by the occurrence of liquid-bearing clouds. The magnitude of the surface temperature response is dependent on how turbulent and ground heat fluxes modulate changes to radiative forcing. Relationships between forcing terms and responding surface fluxes show that changes in the upwelling longwave radiation compensate for 65-85% (50- 60%) of the total change in radiative forcing in the winter (summer). The ground heat flux is the second largest response term (16% annually), especially during winter. Throughout the annual cycle, the sensible heat flux response is comparatively constant (9%) and latent heat flux response is only 1.5%, becoming more of a factor in modulating surface temperature responses during the summer. Combining annual cycles of these responses with cloud radiative forcing results, clouds warm the surface by an estimated 7.8°C annually. A reanalysis product (ERA-I), operational model (CFSv2), and climate model (CESM) are evaluated utilizing the comprehensive set of SEB observations and process-based relationships. Annually, surface temperatures in each model are warmer than observed with overall poor representation of the coldest surface temperatures. Process-based relationships between different SEB flux terms offer insight into how well a modeling framework represents physical processes and the ability to distinguish errors in forcing versus those in physical representation. Such relationships convey that all three models underestimate the response of surface temperatures to changes in radiative forcing. These results provide a method to expose model deficiencies and indicate the importance of representing surface, sub-surface and boundary-layer processes when portraying cloud impacts on surface temperature variability.

Development of an ELISA microarray assay for the sensitive and simultaneous detection of ten biodefense toxins.

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

Jenko, Kathryn; Zhang, Yanfeng; Kostenko, Yulia

Plant and microbial toxins are considered bioterrorism threat agents because of their extreme toxicity and/or ease of availability. Additionally, some of these toxins are increasingly responsible for accidental food poisonings. The current study utilized an ELISA-based protein antibody microarray for the multiplexed detection of ten biothreat toxins, botulinum neurotoxins (BoNT) A, B, C, D, E, F, ricin, shiga toxins 1 and 2 (Stx), and staphylococcus enterotoxin B (SEB), in buffer and complex biological matrices. The multiplexed assay displayed a sensitivity of 1.3 pg/mL (BoNT/A, BoNT/B, SEB, Stx-1 and Stx-2), 3.3 pg/mL (BoNT/C, BoNT/E, BoNT/F) and 8.2 pg/mL (BoNT/D, ricin). Allmore » assays demonstrated high accuracy (75-120 percent recovery) and reproducibility (most coefficients of variation < 20%). Quantification curves for the ten toxins were also evaluated in clinical samples (serum, plasma, nasal fluid, saliva, stool, and urine) and environmental samples (apple juice, milk and baby food) with overall minimal matrix effects. The multiplex assays were highly specific, with little crossreactivity observed between the selected toxin antibodies. The results demonstrate a multiplex microarray that improves current immunoassay sensitivity for biological warfare agents in buffer, clinical, and environmental samples.« less

The role of inserted polymers in polymeric insulation materials: insights from QM/MD simulations.

PubMed

Li, Chunyang; Zhao, Hong; Zhang, Hui; Wang, Ying; Wu, Zhijian; Han, Baozhong

2018-02-28

In this study, we performed a quantum chemical molecular dynamics (QM/MD) simulation to investigate the space charge accumulation process in copolymers of polyethylene (PE) with ethylene acrylic acid (EAA), ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), styrene-ethylene-butadiene-styrene (SEBS), and black carbon (BC). We predicted that BC, especially branched BC, would possess the highest electron affinity and is identified as the most promising filler in power cable insulation. Following incorporations of 0-4 high-energy electrons into the composites, branched BC exhibited the highest stability and almost all electrons were trapped by it. Therefore, PE was protected efficiently and BC can be considered as an efficient filler for high voltage cables and an inhibitor of tree formation. On the contrary, although EAA, EVA, and SEBS can trap high-energy electrons, the latter can be supersaturated in composites of EAA, EVA, and SEBS with PE. The inserted polymers was unavoidably destroyed following C-H and C-O bond cleavage, which results from the interactions and charge transfer between PE and inserted polymers. The content effects of -COOH, benzene, and -OCOCH 3 groups on the electron trapping, mobility and stability of PE were also investigated systematically. We hope this knowledge gained from this work will be helpful in understanding the role of inserted polymers and the growth mechanisms of electrical treeing in high voltage cable insulation.

Staphylococcal food poisoning caused by Staphylococcus argenteus harboring staphylococcal enterotoxin genes.

PubMed

Wakabayashi, Yuki; Umeda, Kaoru; Yonogi, Shinya; Nakamura, Hiromi; Yamamoto, Kaori; Kumeda, Yuko; Kawatsu, Kentaro

2018-01-16

Staphylococcal food poisoning (SFP) is caused by staphylococcal enterotoxins (SEs) preformed in food materials. SE genes are encoded on mobile genetic elements and are widely found across Staphylococcus species including S. argenteus, although most SFP cases are caused by S. aureus. S. argenteus, recently discriminated from S. aureus as a novel species, are non-pigmented staphylococci phenotypically related to S. aureus. In 2014 and 2015, two independent food poisoning cases occurred in Osaka, Japan, in which non-pigmented staphylococci were predominantly isolated. Several enterotoxin genes (seb, seg, sei, sem, sen, seo, and selu2) were found in their genome and the production of SEB was confirmed by reverse passive agglutination tests. The non-pigmented isolates from patients, food handlers, food, and cooking utensils all produced the same pulsed-field gel electrophoresis pattern. These non-pigmented isolates were coagulase-positive and biochemically identical to S. aureus. We performed further genetic analysis using nucA sequencing and multi-locus sequence typing, and identified these isolates as S. argenteus. We also found that seb was encoded on the Staphylococcus aureus pathogenicity island, while seg, sei, sem, sen, seo, and selu2 were encoded on the enterotoxin gene cluster. From these results, we concluded that the two food poisoning outbreaks were SFP cases caused by S. argenteus harboring SE genes. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

A New Strategy to Prepare Polymer-based Shape Memory Elastomers.

PubMed

Song, Shijie; Feng, Jiachun; Wu, Peiyi

2011-10-04

A new strategy that utilizes the microphase separation of block copolymer and phase transition of small molecules for preparing polymer-based shape memory elastomer has been proposed. According to this strategy, a novel kind of shape memory elastomer comprising styrene-b-(ethylene-co-butylene)-b-styrene (SEBS) and paraffin has been prepared. Because paraffins are midblock-selective molecules for SEBS, they will preferentially enter and swell EB blocks supporting paraffins as an excellent switch phase for shape memory effect. Microstructures of SEBS/paraffin composites have been characterized by transmission electron microscopy, polarized light microscopy, and differential scanning calorimetry. The composites demonstrate various phase morphologies with regard to different paraffin loading. It has been found that under low paraffin loading, all the paraffins precisely embed in and swell EB-rich domains. While under higher loading, part of the paraffins become free and a larger-scaled phase separation has been observed. However, within wide paraffin loadings, all composites show good shape fixing, shape recovery performances, and improved tensile properties. Compared to the reported methods for shape memory elastomers preparation, this method not only simplifies the fabrication procedure from raw materials to processing but also offers a controllable approach for the optimization of shape memory properties as well as balancing the rigidity and softness of the material. Copyright © 2011 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Applying Signature Extraction and Classification Algorithms on Express on Profiles of CD Markers and Toll Like Receptors to Classify and Predict Exposures to Various Pathogens

DTIC Science & Technology

2016-02-10

gram positive bacteria) at various time points.  We carried  out carrying out gene expression analysis for SEB,  Dengue , Plague, VEE, Bot toxin, at...to confidently  identify transcriptional responses induced by bacteria (anthrax, plague, Brucella), toxins (CT, SEB,  BoNTA), or viruses ( Dengue , VEE...P, Celluzzi CM, Marovich M, Subramanian H, Eller M, Widjaja S, Palmer D, Porter K, Sun W, Burgess T: CD40 ligand enhances dengue viral infection of

Ground-Atmosphere Interactions at Gale: Determination of the Surface Energy Budget, Thermal Inertia and Water Sorption on the Regolith

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Martinez, German; Renno, Nilton; Fischer, Erik; Borlina, Caue; Hallet, Bernard; De la Torre Juarez, Manuel; Vasavada, Aswhin; Gomez-Elvira, Javier

2014-05-01

The analysis of the Surface Energy Budget (SEB) yields insights into the local climate and the soil-atmosphere interactions, while the analysis of the thermal inertia of the shallow subsurface augments surface observations, providing information about the local geology. The Mars Global Surveyor Thermal Emission Spectrometer and the Mars Odyssey Thermal Emission Imaging System have measured near subsurface thermal inertia from orbit at scales of ~104 m2 to ~10 km2. Here we report analysis of the thermal inertia at a few locations at Gale Crater at scales of 100 m2. The thermal inertia is calculated by solving the heat conduction equation in the soil using hourly measurements by the Rover Environmental Station (REMS) ground temperature sensor as an upper boundary condition. Three Sols representative of different environmental conditions and soil properties, namely, Sol 82 at Rocknest (RCK), Sol 112 at Point Lake (PL) and Sol 139 at Yellowknife Bay (YKB) are analyzed in detail. The largest thermal inertia (I) value is found at YKB, I = 445 J m-2 K-1 s-1/2 or 445 tiu (thermal inertia unit), followed by PL with I= 300 tiu and RCK withI = 280 tiu [1]. These values are consistent with the type of terrain imaged by MastCam and with previous satellite estimates at Gale Crater [2,3]. The SEB is calculated by using all REMS data products as well as dust opacity values derived from MastCam measurements, whereas previously, the SEB has been calculated using numerical models only [4]. At each location and during the daytime, the SEB is dominated by the downwelling shortwave (SW) solar radiation (~450-500 W/m2) and the upwelling longwave (LW) radiation emitted by the surface (~300-400 W/m2). The sum of these two terms accounts for at least 70% of the net surface heating rate between 0900 and 1400 local solar time. At nighttime, the SEB is dominated by the upwelling LW radiation emitted by the surface (~50-100 W/m2) and the downwelling LW radiation from the atmosphere (~50 W/m2). When the wind speeds exceed 10 m/s at night, the turbulent heat flux can be as large as 25 W/m2, thus playing a secondary but significant role in the SEB. Finally, we estimate the amount of adsorbed water exchanged between the shallow subsurface and the atmosphere at diurnal time scales. We use subsurface temperature profiles, obtained by solving the heat conduction equation in the soil using the calculated value of I, and adsorption and desorption isotherms [5] to analyze critically the correlation between the soil wetness measured by the Dynamic Albedo of Neutrons instrument and the relative humidity measured by REMS. Acknowledgement: This research is supported by a grant from the Mars Science Laboratory and NASA Astrobiology Program Award #09-EXOB09-0050. References: [1] Martinez, G.M. et al. (2014), JGR (submitted). [2] Pelkey, S. M., and B. M. Jakosky (2002), doi:10.1006/icar.2002.6978. [3] Fergason, R., P. et al. (2012), doi:10.1007/s11214-012-9891-3. [4] Savijärvi, H., and A. Määttänen (2010), doi:10.1002/qj.650. [5] Pommerol, A. et al. (2009), doi:10.1016/j.icarus.2009.06.013.

CD107a Expression and IFN-γ Production as Markers for Evaluation of Cytotoxic CD3+ CD8+ T Cell Response to CMV Antigen in Women with Recurrent Spontaneous Abortion

PubMed Central

Tarokhian, Batoul; Sherkat, Roya; Nasr Esfahani, Mohamma Hossein; Adib, Minoo; Kiani Esfahani, Abbas; Ataei, Behrooz

2014-01-01

Background: Some evidence has shown a relationship between primary human cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection and pregnancy loss. The impact of CMV infection reactivation during pregnancy on adverse pregnancy outcomes is not completely understood. It is proposed that altered immune response, and therefore, recurrence or reactivation of latent CMV infection may relate to recurrent spontaneous abortion (RSA); however, few data are available in this regard. To find out about any cell mediated defect and reactivation of latent CMV infection in women with RPL, cellular immunity to the virus has been evaluated by specific cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) response to CMV. Materials and Methods: In a case control study, CTL CD107a expression and in- tercellular IFN-γ production in response to CMV pp65 antigen and staphylococcus enterotoxin B (SEB) in women with RSA were assessed by flow cytometric analysis. Forty-four cases with history of recurrent pregnancy and forty-four controls with history of successful pregnancies were included. The FACSCaliber flow cytometer were used for analysis. Results: No significant difference was observed between CD107a expression and IFN-γ production in response to CMV PP65 antigen in RPL patients and control group. How- ever, the cytotoxic response to SEB antigen in patients with RPL was significantly lower than control group (p=0.042). Conclusion: The results of this study show that impaired CD107a expression and IFN-γ production as CTL response to CMV does not appear to be a major contrib- uting and immune incompetence factor in patients with RPL, but cytotoxic T cell response defect to other antigens requires to be assessed further in these patients. PMID:24520502

CD107a Expression and IFN-γ Production as Markers for Evaluation of Cytotoxic CD3+ CD8+ T Cell Response to CMV Antigen in Women with Recurrent Spontaneous Abortion.

PubMed

Tarokhian, Batoul; Sherkat, Roya; Nasr Esfahani, Mohamma Hossein; Adib, Minoo; Kiani Esfahani, Abbas; Ataei, Behrooz

2014-01-01

Some evidence has shown a relationship between primary human cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection and pregnancy loss. The impact of CMV infection reactivation during pregnancy on adverse pregnancy outcomes is not completely understood. It is proposed that altered immune response, and therefore, recurrence or reactivation of latent CMV infection may relate to recurrent spontaneous abortion (RSA); however, few data are available in this regard. To find out about any cell mediated defect and reactivation of latent CMV infection in women with RPL, cellular immunity to the virus has been evaluated by specific cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) response to CMV. In a case control study, CTL CD107a expression and in- tercellular IFN-γ production in response to CMV pp65 antigen and staphylococcus enterotoxin B (SEB) in women with RSA were assessed by flow cytometric analysis. Forty-four cases with history of recurrent pregnancy and forty-four controls with history of successful pregnancies were included. The FACSCaliber flow cytometer were used for analysis. No significant difference was observed between CD107a expression and IFN-γ production in response to CMV PP65 antigen in RPL patients and control group. How- ever, the cytotoxic response to SEB antigen in patients with RPL was significantly lower than control group (p=0.042). The results of this study show that impaired CD107a expression and IFN-γ production as CTL response to CMV does not appear to be a major contrib- uting and immune incompetence factor in patients with RPL, but cytotoxic T cell response defect to other antigens requires to be assessed further in these patients.

Incidence of enterotoxigenic staphylococci and their toxins in foods.

PubMed

Soriano, J M; Font, G; Rico, H; Moltó, J C; Mañes, J

2002-05-01

Of 504 food samples collected from cafeterias, 19 (3.8%) yielded strains of enterotoxigenic staphylococci, and 10 (52.6%), 4 (21.1%), 3 (15.8%), and 2 (10.5%) of these strains produced enterotoxins C (SEC), D (SED), B (SEB), and A (SEA), respectively. Moreover, SEA, SEB, and SEC were isolated from three hamburger samples. Of 181 food samples collected from four restaurants before the implementation of the hazard analysis and critical control point (HACCP) system, 7 (3.9%) were found to contain enterotoxigenic strains, and SED, SEC, and SEA were produced by 4 (57.1%), 2 (28.6%), and 1 (14.3%) of these strains, respectively. One meatball sample with SEC was detected in a restaurant. After the implementation of the HACCP system in four restaurants, neither enterotoxigenic staphylococci nor enterotoxins were detected in 196 studied samples.

A model of the ground surface temperature for micrometeorological analysis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Leaf, Julian S.; Erell, Evyatar

2017-07-01

Micrometeorological models at various scales require ground surface temperature, which may not always be measured in sufficient spatial or temporal detail. There is thus a need for a model that can calculate the surface temperature using only widely available weather data, thermal properties of the ground, and surface properties. The vegetated/permeable surface energy balance (VP-SEB) model introduced here requires no a priori knowledge of soil temperature or moisture at any depth. It combines a two-layer characterization of the soil column following the heat conservation law with a sinusoidal function to estimate deep soil temperature, and a simplified procedure for calculating moisture content. A physically based solution is used for each of the energy balance components allowing VP-SEB to be highly portable. VP-SEB was tested using field data measuring bare loess desert soil in dry weather and following rain events. Modeled hourly surface temperature correlated well with the measured data (r 2 = 0.95 for a whole year), with a root-mean-square error of 2.77 K. The model was used to generate input for a pedestrian thermal comfort study using the Index of Thermal Stress (ITS). The simulation shows that the thermal stress on a pedestrian standing in the sun on a fully paved surface, which may be over 500 W on a warm summer day, may be as much as 100 W lower on a grass surface exposed to the same meteorological conditions.

Simultaneous Detection of Escherichia coli O157:H7, Salmonella enteritidis, and Listeria monocytogenes at a Very Low Level Using Simultaneous Enrichment Broth and Multichannel SPR Biosensor.

PubMed

Zhang, Xiaoguang; Tsuji, Sachiko; Kitaoka, Hayato; Kobayashi, Hiroshi; Tamai, Mitsuru; Honjoh, Ken-Ichi; Miyamoto, Takahisa

2017-10-01

Detection of foodborne pathogens at very low levels is still a challenge. A custom-built multichannel surface plasmon resonance (SPR) biosensor and simultaneous enrichment broth (SEB) were used to develop a simultaneous detection method for 3 important foodborne pathogens, Escherichia coli O157:H7 (O157:H7), Salmonella enteritidis, and Listeria monocytogenes, at a very low level. These 3 foodborne pathogens at a very low level (14, 6, and 28 CFU/25 g (mL) for O157:H7, S. enteritidis, and L. monocytogenes, respectively) were inoculated in SEB and incubated at 37 ˚C for 24 h. Sample prepared from the simultaneous enrichment culture was analyzed using the multichannel SPR biosensor and sensor chip immobilized with polyclonal antibodies specific to each of the target pathogens. O157:H7, S. enteritidis, and L. monocytogenes in chicken were detected simultaneously at an inoculum dose of 14, 6, and 28 CFU/25 g, respectively. Our method using a custom-built multichannel SPR biosensor and enrichment in SEB is expected as a rapid and simultaneous detection method for low levels of O157:H7, S. enteritidis, and L. monocytogenes in food. Our method is expected as a rapid and simultaneous detection method for pathogens at very low levels. It has great potential for safety control of food and microbiological detection applications. © 2017 Institute of Food Technologists®.

Water and Ammonia Abundances in Jupiter's South Equatorial Belt and Equatorial Zone at the time of Juno Perijoves 4 to 6

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bjoraker, G. L.; De Pater, I.; Wong, M. H.; Adamkovics, M.; Hewagama, T.; Orton, G.

2017-12-01

We used iSHELL on NASA's Infrared Telescope Facility and NIRSPEC on the Keck telescope concurrent with Juno perijoves 4-6 between February and May 2017 to obtain 5-micron spectra of Jupiter. Here we will focus on observations of the South Equatorial Belt and the Equatorial Zone. Spectrally resolved line profiles of CH3D, NH3, and H2O probe the 1 to 8-bar level of Jupiter's troposphere. This overlaps with the weighting functions for several channels of Juno's microwave radiometer. The profile of the CH3D lines at 4.66 microns is very broad in SEB Hot Spots due to collisions with up to 8 bars of H2, where unit optical depth occurs due to collision-induced H2 opacity. The extreme width of these CH3D features implies that the Hot Spots that we observed do not have significant cloud opacity for P > 2 bars. We will discuss the abundance of NH3 and gaseous H2O within SEB Hot Spots and other regions near the longitude of perijove for each Juno encounter. We had dry nights on Mauna Kea and a sufficient Doppler shift to detect H2O. We will compare line wings to derive H2O profiles in the 2 to 6-bar region. SEB Hot Spots are highly depleted in H2O for P < 5 bars with respect to zones.

48 CFR 1336.602-2 - Evaluation boards.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... 48 Federal Acquisition Regulations System 5 2010-10-01 2010-10-01 false Evaluation boards. 1336...-2 Evaluation boards. Permanent and ad hoc architect-engineer evaluation boards may include... evaluation boards should be comprised of at least a majority of government personnel. ...

Automatic hammering of nano-patterns on special polymer film by using a vibrating AFM tip

PubMed Central

2012-01-01

Complicated nano-patterns with linewidth less than 18 nm can be automatically hammered by using atomic force microscopy (AFM) tip in tapping mode with high speed. In this study, the special sample was thin poly(styrene-ethylene/butylenes-styrene) (SEBS) block copolymer film with hexagonal spherical microstructures. An ordinary silicon tip was used as a nano-hammer, and the entire hammering process is controlled by a computer program. Experimental results demonstrate that such structure-tailored thin films enable AFM tip hammering to be performed on their surfaces. Both imprinted and embossed nano-patterns can be generated by using a vibrating tip with a larger tapping load and by using a predefined program to control the route of tip movement as it passes over the sample’s surface. Specific details for the fabrication of structure-tailored SEBS film and the theory for auto-hammering patterns were presented in detail. PMID:22889045

Isolation and characterization of anti-SEB peptides using magnetic sorting and bacterial peptide display library technology

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pennington, Joseph M.; Kogot, Joshua M.; Sarkes, Deborah A.; Pellegrino, Paul M.; Stratis-Cullum, Dimitra N.

2012-06-01

Peptide display libraries offer an alternative method to existing antibody development methods enabling rapid isolation of highly stable reagents for detection of new and emerging biological threats. Bacterial display libraries are used to isolate new peptide reagents within 1 week, which is simpler and timelier than using competing display library technology based on phage or yeast. Using magnetic sorting methods, we have isolated peptide reagents with high affinity and specificity to staphylococcal enterotoxin B (SEB), a suspected food pathogen. Flow cytometry methods were used for on-cell characterization and the binding affinity (Kd) of this new peptide reagent was determined to be 56 nm with minimal cross-reactivity to other proteins. These results demonstrated that magnetic sorting for new reagents using bacterial display libraries is a rapid and effective method and has the potential for current and new and emerging food pathogen targets.

Study on W-band sheet-beam traveling-wave tube based on flat-roofed sine waveguide

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fang, Shuanzhu; Xu, Jin; Jiang, Xuebing; Lei, Xia; Wu, Gangxiong; Li, Qian; Ding, Chong; Yu, Xiang; Wang, Wenxiang; Gong, Yubin; Wei, Yanyu

2018-05-01

A W-band sheet electron beam (SEB) traveling-wave tube (TWT) based on flat-roofed sine waveguide slow-wave structure (FRSWG-SWS) is proposed. The sine wave of the metal grating is replaced by a flat-roofed sine wave around the electron beam tunnel. The slow-wave characteristics including the dispersion properties and interaction impedance have been investigated by using the eigenmode solver in the 3-D electromagnetic simulation software Ansoft HFSS. Through calculations, the FRSWG SWS possesses the larger average interaction impedance than the conventional sine waveguide (SWG) SWS in the frequency range of 86-110 GHz. The beam-wave interaction was studied and particle-in-cell simulation results show that the SEB TWT can produce output power over 120 W within the bandwidth ranging from 90 to 100 GHz, and the maximum output power is 226 W at typical frequency 94 GHz, corresponding electron efficiency of 5.89%.

The staphylococcal enterotoxin (SE) family: SEB and siblings.

PubMed

Krakauer, Teresa; Stiles, Bradley G

2013-11-15

Staphylococcus aureus plays an important role in numerous human cases of food poisoning, soft tissue, and bone infections, as well as potentially lethal toxic shock. This common bacterium synthesizes various virulence factors that include staphylococcal enterotoxins (SEs). These protein toxins bind directly to major histocompatibility complex class II on antigen-presenting cells and specific Vβ regions of T-cell receptors, resulting in potentially life-threatening stimulation of the immune system. Picomolar concentrations of SEs ultimately elicit proinflammatory cytokines that can induce fever, hypotension, multi-organ failure, and lethal shock. Various in vitro and in vivo models have provided important tools for studying the biological effects of, as well as potential vaccines/therapeutics against, the SEs. This review succinctly presents known physical and biological properties of the SEs, including various intervention strategies. In particular, SEB will often be portrayed as per biodefense concerns dating back to the 1960s.

Transactive Control of Commercial Buildings for Demand Response

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

Hao, He; Corbin, Charles D.; Kalsi, Karanjit

Transactive control is a type of distributed control strategy that uses market mechanism to engage self-interested responsive loads to achieve power balance in the electrical power grid. In this paper, we propose a transactive control approach of commercial building Heating, Ventilation, and Air- Conditioning (HVAC) systems for demand response. We first describe the system models, and identify their model parameters using data collected from Systems Engineering Building (SEB) located on our Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) campus. We next present a transactive control market structure for commercial building HVAC system, and describe its agent bidding and market clearing strategies. Severalmore » case studies are performed in a simulation environment using Building Control Virtual Test Bed (BCVTB) and calibrated SEB EnergyPlus model. We show that the proposed transactive control approach is very effective at peak clipping, load shifting, and strategic conservation for commercial building HVAC systems.« less

Virulence Factors of Staphylococcus aureus Isolates in an Iranian Referral Children's Hospital.

PubMed

Sabouni, Farah; Mahmoudi, Shima; Bahador, Abbas; Pourakbari, Babak; Sadeghi, Reihaneh Hosseinpour; Ashtiani, Mohammad Taghi Haghi; Nikmanesh, Bahram; Mamishi, Setareh

2014-04-01

The clinical importance of Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) is attributed to notable virulence factors, surface proteins, toxins, and enzymes as well as the rapid development of drug resistance. The aim of this study was to compare the occurrence of virulence factors produced by S. aureus strains isolated from children in an Iranian referral children's hospital. The presence of genes encoding for the enterotoxins A (sea), B (seb), C (sec), D (sed), TSST-1 (tsst), exfoliative toxin A (eta), and exfoliative toxin B (etb) were detected by Multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using specific primers. In addition, the standardized Kirby-Bauer disc-diffusion method was performed on Mueller-Hinton agar. In total, 133 S. aureus isolates were obtained from different patients. Of these S. aureus isolates, 64 (48%) were methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA), and all of these tested positive for the mecA gene. Regarding the classical enterotoxin genes, sea gene (40.6%) was the most prevalent followed by seb (19.6%), tsst (12.8%), eta (11.3%), etb (9%), sed (4.5%), and sec (3%). Among methicillin-susceptible S. aureus (MSSA) isolates, seb and tsst were the more prevalent toxins in comparison with MRSA isolates (p < 0.05), while the frequency of sea, sed, eta, and etb genes were higher among MRSA isolates (p > 0.05). In our study enterotoxin A was produced by 40.6% of the isolates (48% from MRSA and 33% from MSSA isolates) which was higher than in previous reports. According to our results, strict hygiene and preventative measures during food processing are highly recommended.

Conductive paint-filled cement paste sensor for accelerated percolation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Laflamme, Simon; Pinto, Irvin; Saleem, Hussam S.; Elkashef, Mohamed; Wang, Kejin; Cochran, Eric

2015-04-01

Cementitious-based strain sensors can be used as robust monitoring systems for civil engineering applications, such as road pavements and historic structures. To enable large-scale deployments, the fillers used in creating a conductive material must be inexpensive and easy to mix homogeneously. Carbon black (CB) particles constitute a promising filler due to their low cost and ease of dispersion. However, a relatively high quantity of these particles needs to be mixed with cement in order to reach the percolation threshold. Such level may influence the physical properties of the cementitious material itself, such as compressive and tensile strengths. In this paper, we investigate the possibility of utilizing a polymer to create conductive chains of CB more quickly than in a cementitious-only medium. This way, while the resulting material would have a higher conductivity, the percolation threshold would be reached with fewer CB particles. Building on the principle that the percolation threshold provides great sensing sensitivity, it would be possible to fabricate sensors using less conducting particles. We present results from a preliminary investigation comparing the utilization of a conductive paint fabricated from a poly-Styrene-co-Ethylene-co-Butylene-co-Styrene (SEBS) polymer matrix and CB, and CB-only as fillers to create cementitious sensors. Preliminary results show that the percolation threshold can be attained with significantly less CB using the SEBS+CB mix. Also, the study of the strain sensing properties indicates that the SEBS+CB sensor has a strain sensitivity comparable to the one of a CB-only cementitious sensor when comparing specimens fabricated at their respective percolation thresholds.

Polyclonal and allergen-induced cytokine responses in children with elevated immunoglobulin E but no atopic disease.

PubMed

Smart, J M; Tang, M L K; Kemp, A S

2002-11-01

Reduced Th1 and elevated Th2 cytokine responses are considered to be a principal mechanism in the generation of the inflammation leading to the manifestations of atopic disease in the skin of atopic dermatitis and in the airways of asthma. If reduced Th1 and elevated Th2 responses are principal determinants of the manifestation of atopic disease it might be expected that subjects with established disease would exhibit differences in their cytokine profiles as compared with atopic patients without clinical disease. To determine whether asymptomatic atopic children exhibit a cytokine imbalance similar to that seen in patients with established atopic disease or if they behave like non-atopic controls. Cytokine responses in a group of children with elevated IgE but no clinical manifestations of disease, atopic children with established disease and non-atopic controls were compared. We examined allergen-induced (house dust mite, HDM, rye grass pollen and RYE) cytokine responses in parallel with polyclonal (staphylococcal enterotoxin B, SEB) cytokine responses in a group of children with elevated serum IgE levels without current or past evidence of atopic disease (median age 6.6 years) and compared these with a non-atopic control group (median age 6.5 years) and a group of children with atopic disease (median age 6.7 years). Symptomatic atopic children had reduced SEB-induced IFN-gamma and increased SEB-induced IL-4 and IL-5 as compared with non-atopic controls. In contrast, SEB-induced IFN-gamma, IL-4 and IL-5 production in asymptomatic atopics was not significantly different from the non-atopic control subjects. Allergen-induced Th1 (IFN-gamma) and Th2 (IL-5 and IL-13) cytokine production was increased in both symptomatic atopics and asymptomatic atopics when compared with non-atopic controls. The defect in polyclonally induced IFN-gamma production was associated with the clinical manifestation of atopic disease but not the atopic stateper se. This suggests that the global reduction in IFN-gamma is the key determinant of the development of overt atopic disease. In contrast, elevated allergen-induced Th2 cytokine responses in children related to the atopic state per se irrespective of the presence of clinical atopic disease.

40 CFR 725.421 - Introduced genetic material.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... Neurotoxin Staphylococcus aureus Alpha toxin (alpha lysin) Yersinia pestis Murine toxin Snake toxins Bungarus... aeruginosa Proteases Staphylococcus aureus Gamma lysin (Gamma toxin); Enterotoxins (SEA, SEB, SEC, SED SEE); Pyrogenic exotoxins A B; Toxic shock syndrome toxins (TSST-1) Staphylococcus aureus & Pseudomonas aeruginosa...

40 CFR 725.421 - Introduced genetic material.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... Neurotoxin Staphylococcus aureus Alpha toxin (alpha lysin) Yersinia pestis Murine toxin Snake toxins Bungarus... aeruginosa Proteases Staphylococcus aureus Gamma lysin (Gamma toxin); Enterotoxins (SEA, SEB, SEC, SED SEE); Pyrogenic exotoxins A B; Toxic shock syndrome toxins (TSST-1) Staphylococcus aureus & Pseudomonas aeruginosa...

40 CFR 725.421 - Introduced genetic material.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... Neurotoxin Staphylococcus aureus Alpha toxin (alpha lysin) Yersinia pestis Murine toxin Snake toxins Bungarus... aeruginosa Proteases Staphylococcus aureus Gamma lysin (Gamma toxin); Enterotoxins (SEA, SEB, SEC, SED SEE); Pyrogenic exotoxins A B; Toxic shock syndrome toxins (TSST-1) Staphylococcus aureus & Pseudomonas aeruginosa...

40 CFR 725.421 - Introduced genetic material.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... Neurotoxin Staphylococcus aureus Alpha toxin (alpha lysin) Yersinia pestis Murine toxin Snake toxins Bungarus... aeruginosa Proteases Staphylococcus aureus Gamma lysin (Gamma toxin); Enterotoxins (SEA, SEB, SEC, SED SEE); Pyrogenic exotoxins A B; Toxic shock syndrome toxins (TSST-1) Staphylococcus aureus & Pseudomonas aeruginosa...

Non-Deployable Soldiers: Understanding the Army’s Challenge

DTIC Science & Technology

2011-05-07

TERMS Medically Not Ready (MNR), Warrior Transition Unit (WTU), Disability Evaluation System (DES), Physical Evaluation Board (PEB), Medical Evaluation... Board (MEB), MOS Medical Retention Board (MMRB), Human Capital Enterprise, Personnel Management, Physical Evaluations System. 16. SECURITY...Medically Not Ready (MNR), Warrior Transition Unit (WTU), Disability Evaluation System (DES), Physical Evaluation Board (PEB), Medical Evaluation

24 CFR 200.934 - User fee system for the technical suitability of products program.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-04-01

... section establishes fee requirements for the issuance of Structural Engineering Bulletins (SEBs), Mechanical Engineering Bulletins (MEBs), Truss Connector Bulletins (TCBs), Area Letters of Acceptance (ALAs... Department. (i) With respect to Mechanical Engineering Bulletins (MEBs), Structural Engineering Bulletins...

24 CFR 200.934 - User fee system for the technical suitability of products program.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-04-01

... section establishes fee requirements for the issuance of Structural Engineering Bulletins (SEBs), Mechanical Engineering Bulletins (MEBs), Truss Connector Bulletins (TCBs), Area Letters of Acceptance (ALAs... Department. (i) With respect to Mechanical Engineering Bulletins (MEBs), Structural Engineering Bulletins...

24 CFR 200.934 - User fee system for the technical suitability of products program.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-04-01

... section establishes fee requirements for the issuance of Structural Engineering Bulletins (SEBs), Mechanical Engineering Bulletins (MEBs), Truss Connector Bulletins (TCBs), Area Letters of Acceptance (ALAs... Department. (i) With respect to Mechanical Engineering Bulletins (MEBs), Structural Engineering Bulletins...

24 CFR 200.934 - User fee system for the technical suitability of products program.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-04-01

... section establishes fee requirements for the issuance of Structural Engineering Bulletins (SEBs), Mechanical Engineering Bulletins (MEBs), Truss Connector Bulletins (TCBs), Area Letters of Acceptance (ALAs... Department. (i) With respect to Mechanical Engineering Bulletins (MEBs), Structural Engineering Bulletins...

The WACMOS-ET project – Part 1: Tower-scale evaluation of four remote-sensing-based evapotranspiration algorithms

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

Michel, D.; Jimenez, C.; Miralles, D. G.

The WAter Cycle Multi-mission Observation Strategy – EvapoTranspiration (WACMOS-ET) project has compiled a forcing data set covering the period 2005–2007 that aims to maximize the exploitation of European Earth Observations data sets for evapotranspiration (ET) estimation. The data set was used to run four established ET algorithms: the Priestley–Taylor Jet Propulsion Laboratory model (PT-JPL), the Penman–Monteith algorithm from the MODerate resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) evaporation product (PM-MOD), the Surface Energy Balance System (SEBS) and the Global Land Evaporation Amsterdam Model (GLEAM). In addition, in situ meteorological data from 24 FLUXNET towers were used to force the models, with results from both forcing sets compared tomore » tower-based flux observations. Model performance was assessed on several timescales using both sub-daily and daily forcings. The PT-JPL model and GLEAM provide the best performance for both satellite- and tower-based forcing as well as for the considered temporal resolutions. Simulations using the PM-MOD were mostly underestimated, while the SEBS performance was characterized by a systematic overestimation. In general, all four algorithms produce the best results in wet and moderately wet climate regimes. In dry regimes, the correlation and the absolute agreement with the reference tower ET observations were consistently lower. While ET derived with in situ forcing data agrees best with the tower measurements ( R 2 = 0.67), the agreement of the satellite-based ET estimates is only marginally lower ( R 2 = 0.58). Results also show similar model performance at daily and sub-daily (3-hourly) resolutions. Overall, our validation experiments against in situ measurements indicate that there is no single best-performing algorithm across all biome and forcing types. In conclusion, an extension of the evaluation to a larger selection of 85 towers (model inputs resampled to a common grid to facilitate global estimates) confirmed the original findings.« less

The WACMOS-ET project – Part 1: Tower-scale evaluation of four remote-sensing-based evapotranspiration algorithms

DOE PAGES

Michel, D.; Jimenez, C.; Miralles, D. G.; ...

2016-02-23

The WAter Cycle Multi-mission Observation Strategy – EvapoTranspiration (WACMOS-ET) project has compiled a forcing data set covering the period 2005–2007 that aims to maximize the exploitation of European Earth Observations data sets for evapotranspiration (ET) estimation. The data set was used to run four established ET algorithms: the Priestley–Taylor Jet Propulsion Laboratory model (PT-JPL), the Penman–Monteith algorithm from the MODerate resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) evaporation product (PM-MOD), the Surface Energy Balance System (SEBS) and the Global Land Evaporation Amsterdam Model (GLEAM). In addition, in situ meteorological data from 24 FLUXNET towers were used to force the models, with results from both forcing sets compared tomore » tower-based flux observations. Model performance was assessed on several timescales using both sub-daily and daily forcings. The PT-JPL model and GLEAM provide the best performance for both satellite- and tower-based forcing as well as for the considered temporal resolutions. Simulations using the PM-MOD were mostly underestimated, while the SEBS performance was characterized by a systematic overestimation. In general, all four algorithms produce the best results in wet and moderately wet climate regimes. In dry regimes, the correlation and the absolute agreement with the reference tower ET observations were consistently lower. While ET derived with in situ forcing data agrees best with the tower measurements ( R 2 = 0.67), the agreement of the satellite-based ET estimates is only marginally lower ( R 2 = 0.58). Results also show similar model performance at daily and sub-daily (3-hourly) resolutions. Overall, our validation experiments against in situ measurements indicate that there is no single best-performing algorithm across all biome and forcing types. In conclusion, an extension of the evaluation to a larger selection of 85 towers (model inputs resampled to a common grid to facilitate global estimates) confirmed the original findings.« less

A single-stranded DNA aptamer that selectively binds to Staphylococcus aureus enterotoxin B.

PubMed

DeGrasse, Jeffrey A

2012-01-01

The bacterium Staphylococcus aureus is a common foodborne pathogen capable of secreting a cocktail of small, stable, and strain-specific, staphylococcal enterotoxins (SEs). Staphylococcal food poisoning (SFP) results when improperly handled food contaminated with SEs is consumed. Gastrointestinal symptoms of SFP include emesis, diarrhea and severe abdominal pain, which manifest within hours of ingesting contaminated food. Immuno-affinity based methods directly detect, identify, and quantify several SEs within a food or clinical sample. However, the success of these assays depends upon the availability of a monoclonal antibody, the development of which is non-trivial and costly. The current scope of the available immuno-affinity based methods is limited to the classical SEs and does not encompass all of the known or emergent SEs. In contrast to antibodies, aptamers are short nucleic acids that exhibit high affinity and specificity for their targets without the high-costs and ethical concerns of animal husbandry. Further, researchers may choose to freely distribute aptamers and develop assays without the proprietary issues that increase the per-sample cost of immuno-affinity assays. This study describes a novel aptamer, selected in vitro, with affinity to staphylococcal enterotoxin B (SEB) that may be used in lieu of antibodies in SE detection assays. The aptamer, designated APT(SEB1), successfully isolates SEB from a complex mixture of SEs with extremely high discrimination. This work sets the foundation for future aptamer and assay development towards the entire family of SEs. The rapid, robust, and low-cost identification and quantification of all of the SEs in S. aureus contaminated food is essential for food safety and epidemiological efforts. An in vitro generated library of SE aptamers could potentially allow for the comprehensive and cost-effective analysis of food samples that immuno-affinity assays currently cannot provide.

Development of surrogate endpoint biomarkers for clinical trials of cancer chemopreventive agents: relationships to fundamental properties of preinvasive (intraepithelial) neoplasia.

PubMed

Boone, C W; Kelloff, G J

1994-01-01

The tissue changes offering the greatest immediate potential for development as surrogate endpoint biomarkers (SEBs) to be used in Phase II trials of cancer chemopreventive agents are those derived from the microscopic tissue changes pathologists use to make the diagnosis of preinvasive (intraepithelial) neoplasia. These changes comprise four categories: proliferative index, ploidy, nuclear morphometry (size, shape, texture, and pleomorphism), and nucleolar morphometry (number, size, shape, position, and pleomorphism). Computer-assisted image analysis (CIA) permits dozens of additional morphometric parameters to be developed. Other categories of candidate SEBs are: DNA and chromosomal structural changes associated with genomic instability, activation of oncogenes and inactivation of tumor suppressor genes, structural changes in differentiated molecules, and aberrations of growth factor/receptor structure and function. Self-perpetuating DNA breakage with secondary mutator mutations in genomic stability genes is a major mechanism by which the genomic instability characteristic of neoplasia occurs, and from which stem other basic neoplastic properties, including clonal evolution, along multiple pathways of genetic variation that are stochastically determined, continuously increasing proliferation, rate and extent of phenotypic heterogeneity. SEBs resulting from genomic instability include homogeneously staining regions, double minute chromosomes, micronuclei, dicentrics, gene amplification, loss of heterozygosity, and alterations in chromosome number. Newly developed assays for detecting genomic instability include comparative genomic hybridization using fluorescence in situ hybridization on > 20 micron-thick sections monitored by confocal laser scanning microscopy, assays for microsatellite instability, and restriction landmark genomic scanning. These assays offer promise for detecting the earliest molecular changes of neoplasia in normal-appearing epithelium prior to the onset of the dysplastic phase of intraepithelial neoplasia.

The reversal of the spontaneous exchange bias effect and zero-field-cooling magnetization in La1.5Sr0.5Co1-xFexMnO6: the effect of Fe doping.

PubMed

Zhang, H G; Xie, L; Liu, X C; Xiong, M X; Cao, L L; Li, Y T

2017-09-20

The crystal structure, electronic structure and magnetic properties were systematically studied in a series of Fe-doped La 1.5 Sr 0.5 CoMnO 6 double perovskites. The X-ray diffraction patterns of the samples are all refined with a rhombohedral (R3[combining macron]c) structure. The parameters a and c continuously increase with increasing Fe doping concentration x. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) spectra of the Mn, Co, and Fe 2p core levels, consistent with the soft X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) spectra of Mn, Co, and Fe L 2,3 edges, indicate that their valence states are Mn 3+ and Mn 4+ , Co 2+ and Co 3+ , and Fe 3+ , respectively. However, relative to samples with x ≤ 0.1, there is an abrupt change of photon energy in the Co- and Fe-2p XAS spectra for x ≥ 0.2, implying the spin state transition is from high to low. In addition, this is further confirmed by a comparison between the calculated effective spin moment from the paramagnetic data and the theoretical value. Interestingly, we demonstrate the reversal of both zero-field-cooling magnetization and the sign switching of the spontaneous exchange bias (SEB) with the doping concentration from magnetic measurements. The magnetization reverses from positive to negative with the temperature decreasing across the compensation temperature at the critical concentration x = 0.2. Meanwhile, the exchange bias field of the SEB reverses from large negative values to positive ones. Our findings allow us to propose that the spin state transition caused by inhomogeneity is considered to play an important role in the reversal of the magnetization and the SEB effect.

The National Ocean Sciences Bowl: An Effective Model for Engaging High School Students in Ocean Science

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Holloway, A. E.

2016-02-01

The National Ocean Sciences Bowl (NOSB) is an informal high school education program that engages students in ocean and environmental science and exposes them to the breadth of ocean-related careers. The NOSB strives to train the next generation of interdisciplinary capable scientists and build a STEM-literate society that harnesses the power of ocean and climate science to address environmental, economic, and societal issues. Through the NOSB, students not only learn scientific principles, but also apply them to compelling real-world problems. The NOSB provides a richer STEM education and exposes students to ocean science topics they may not otherwise study through classroom curriculum. A longitudinal study that began in 2007 has shown that NOSB participants have an enhanced interest in ocean-related hobbies and environmental stewardship and an increasing number of these students have remained in the STEM pipeline and workforce.While the NOSB is primarily an academic competition, it has evolved since its creation in 1998 to include a variety of practical and professional development components. One of the program enhancements, the Scientific Expert Briefing (SEB), gives students the opportunity to apply what they have studied and think critically about current and ongoing ocean science challenges. The SEB helps students connect their knowledge of ocean science with current and proposed policy initiatives. Students gain significant research, writing, and presentation skills, while enhancing their ability for collaboration and consensus building, all vital workforce skills. Ultimately, the SEB teaches students how to communicate complex scientific research into digestible information for decision-makers and the general public.This poster will examine the impact of the NOSB and its role in strengthening the workforce pipeline through a combination of independent learning, competition, and opportunities for communication skills development.

48 CFR 1436.602-2 - Evaluation boards.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... 48 Federal Acquisition Regulations System 5 2010-10-01 2010-10-01 false Evaluation boards. 1436...-2 Evaluation boards. HCAs shall establish procedures for providing permanent or ad hoc architect-engineer evaluation boards. Bureau procedures shall provide for the appointment of private practitioners of...

24 CFR 200.934 - User fee system for the technical suitability of products program.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-04-01

... COMMISSIONER, DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT GENERAL INTRODUCTION TO FHA PROGRAMS Minimum Property... section establishes fee requirements for the issuance of Structural Engineering Bulletins (SEBs), Mechanical Engineering Bulletins (MEBs), Truss Connector Bulletins (TCBs), Area Letters of Acceptance (ALAs...

Experimental and simulation studies of neutron-induced single-event burnout in SiC power diodes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shoji, Tomoyuki; Nishida, Shuichi; Hamada, Kimimori; Tadano, Hiroshi

2014-01-01

Neutron-induced single-event burnouts (SEBs) of silicon carbide (SiC) power diodes have been investigated by white neutron irradiation experiments and transient device simulations. It was confirmed that a rapid increase in lattice temperature leads to formation of crown-shaped aluminum and cracks inside the device owing to expansion stress when the maximum lattice temperature reaches the sublimation temperature. SEB device simulation indicated that the peak lattice temperature is located in the vicinity of the n-/n+ interface and anode contact, and that the positions correspond to a hammock-like electric field distribution caused by the space charge effect. Moreover, the locations of the simulated peak lattice temperature agree closely with the positions of the observed destruction traces. Furthermore, it was theoretically demonstrated that the period of temperature increase of a SiC power device is two orders of magnitude less than that of a Si power device, using a thermal diffusion equation.

Effects of space radiation on electronic microcircuits

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kolasinski, W. A.

1989-01-01

The single event effects or phenomena (SEP), which so far have been observed as events falling on one or another of the SE classes: Single Event Upset (SEU), Single Event Latchup (SEL) and Single Event Burnout (SEB), are examined. Single event upset is defined as a lasting, reversible change in the state of a multistable (usually bistable) electronic circuit such as a flip-flop or latch. In a computer memory, SEUs manifest themselves as unexplained bit flips. Since latchup is in general caused by a single event of short duration, the single event part of the SEL term is superfluous. Nevertheless, it is used customarily to differentiate latchup due to a single heavy charged particle striking a sensitive cell from more ordinary kinds of latchup. Single event burnout (SEB) refers usually to total instantaneous failure of a power FET when struck by a single particle, with the device shorting out the power supply. An unforeseen failure of these kinds can be catastrophic to a space mission, and the possibilities are discussed.

Identifying the Source of Large-Scale Atmospheric Variability in Jupiter

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Orton, Glenn

2011-01-01

We propose to use the unique mid-infrared filtered imaging and spectroscopic capabilities of the Subaru COMICS instrument to determine the mechanisms associated with recent unusual rapid albedo and color transformations of several of Jupiter's bands, particularly its South Equatorial Belt (SEB), as a means to understand the coupling between its dynamics and chemistry. These observations will characterize the temperature, degree of cloud cover, and distribution of minor gases that serve as indirect tracers of vertical motions in regions that will be undergoing unusual large-scale changes in dynamics and chemistry: the SEB, as well as regions near the equator and Jupiter's North Temperate Belt. COMICS is ideal for this investigation because of its efficiency in doing both imaging and spectroscopy, its 24.5-mum filter that is unique to 8-meter-class telescopes, its wide field of view that allows imaging of nearly all of Jupiter's disk, coupled with a high diffraction-limited angular resolution and optimal mid-infrared atmospheric transparency.

Medium-energy heavy-ion single-event-burnout imaging of power MOSFETs

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Musseau, O.; Torres, A.; Campbell, A. B.; Knudson, A. R.; Buchner, S.; Fischer, B.; Schlogl, M.; Briand, P.

1999-12-01

We present the first experimental determination of the SEB sensitive area in a power MOSFET irradiated with a high-LET heavy-ion microbeam. We used a spectroscopy technique to perform coincident measurements of the charge collected in both source and drain junctions together, with a nondestructive technique (current limitation). The resulting charge collection images are related to the physical structure of the individual cells. These experimental data reveal the complex 3-dimensional behavior of a real structure, which can not easily be simulated using available tools. As the drain voltage is increased, the onset of burnout is reached, characterized by a sudden change in the charge collection image. "Hot spots" are observed where the collected charge reaches its maximum value. Those spots, due to burnout triggering events, correspond to areas where the silicon is degraded through thermal effects along a single ion track. This direct observation of SEB sensitive areas as applications for, either device hardening, by modifying doping profiles or layout of the cells, or for code calibration and device simulation.

Binding and activation of major histocompatibility complex class II-deficient macrophages by staphylococcal exotoxins

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Beharka, A. A.; Armstrong, J. W.; Iandolo, J. J.; Chapes, S. K.; Spooner, B. S. (Principal Investigator)

1994-01-01

Macrophages from C2D transgenic mice deficient in the expression of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II proteins were used to identify binding sites for superantigens distinct from the MHC class II molecule. Iodinated staphylococcal enterotoxins A and B (SEA and SEB) and exfoliative toxins A and B (ETA and ETB) bound to C2D macrophages in a concentration-dependent and competitive manner. All four toxins increased F-actin concentration within 30 s of their addition to C2D macrophages, indicating that signal transduction occurred in response to toxin in the absence of class II MHC. Furthermore, ETA, ETB, SEA, and, to a lesser extent, SEB induced C2D macrophages to produce interleukin 6. Several molecular species on C2D macrophages with molecular masses of 140, 97, 61, 52, 43, and 37 kDa bound SEA in immunoprecipitation experiments. These data indicate the presence of novel, functionally active toxin binding sites on murine macrophages distinct from MHC class II molecules.

Invariant Natural Killer T Cells Are Pathogenic in the HLA-DR4-Transgenic Humanized Mouse Model of Toxic Shock Syndrome and Can Be Targeted to Reduce Morbidity.

PubMed

Szabo, Peter A; Rudak, Patrick T; Choi, Joshua; Xu, Stacey X; Schaub, Robert; Singh, Bhagirath; McCormick, John K; Haeryfar, S M Mansour

2017-03-01

During toxic shock syndrome (TSS), bacterial superantigens trigger a polyclonal T -cell response leading to a potentially catastrophic "cytokine storm". Whether innate-like invariant natural killer T (iNKT) cells, with remarkable immunomodulatory properties, participate in TSS is unclear. Using genetic and cell depletion approaches, we generated iNKT cell-deficient, superantigen-sensitive HLA-DR4-transgenic (DR4tg) mice, which were compared with their iNKT-sufficient counterparts for responsiveness to staphylococcal enterotoxin B (SEB). Both approaches indicate that iNKT cells are pathogenic in TSS. Importantly, treating DR4tg mice with a TH2-polarizing glycolipid agonist of iNKT cells reduced SEB-inflicted morbidity/mortality. Therefore, iNKT cells may constitute an attractive therapeutic target in superantigen-mediated illnesses. © The Author 2016. Published by Oxford University Press for the Infectious Diseases Society of America. All rights reserved. For permissions, e-mail journals.permissions@oup.com.

An investigation of satellite sounding products for the remote sensing of the surface energy balance and soil moisture

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Diak, George R.

1989-01-01

Improved techniques for the remote sensing of the land surface energy balance (SEB) and soil moisture would greatly improve prediction of climate and weather as well as be of benefit to agriculture, hydrology and many associated fields. Most of the satellite remote sensing methods which were researched to date rely upon satellite-measured infrared surface temperatures or their time changes as a remote sensing signal. Optimistically, only four or five levels of information (wet to dry) in surface heating/evaporation are discernable by surface temperature methods and a good understanding of atmospheric conditions is necessary to bring them to this accuracy level. Skin temperature methods were researched as well as begun work on several new methods for the remote sensing of the SEB, some elements of which are applicable to current and retrospective data sources and some which will rely on instrumentation from the Earth Observing System (EOS) program in the 1990s.

48 CFR 36.602-3 - Evaluation board functions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... 48 Federal Acquisition Regulations System 1 2010-10-01 2010-10-01 false Evaluation board functions... Services 36.602-3 Evaluation board functions. Under the general direction of the head of the contracting activity, an evaluation board shall perform the following functions: (a) Review the current data files on...

Board self-evaluation: the Bayside Health experience.

PubMed

Duncan-Marr, Alison; Duckett, Stephen J

2005-08-01

Board evaluation is a critical component of good governance in any organisation. This paper describes the board self-evaluation process used by Bayside Health, a public health service in Melbourne. The question of how governing boards can assess their performance has received increasing attention over the past decade. In particular, the increasing demand for accountability to shareholders and regulators experienced by corporate sector Boards has resulted in greater scrutiny of board performance, with the market and the balance sheet providing some basis for assessment. Performance evaluation of governing boards in the public sector has been more challenging. Performance evaluation is complex in a sector that is not simply driven by the bottom line, where the stakeholders involve both government and the broader community, and where access to, and the quality and safety of the services provided, are often the major public criteria by which performance may be judged. While some practices from the corporate sector can be applied successfully in the public sector, this is not always the case, and public sector boards such as the Board of Directors of Bayside Health have been developing ways to evaluate and improve their performance.

Reliability Concerns for Flying SiC Power MOSFETs in Space

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Galloway, K. F.; Witulski, A. F.; Schrimpf, R. D.; Sternberg, A. L.; Ball, D. R.; Javanainen, A.; Reed, R. A.; Sierawski, B. D.; Lauenstein, J.-M.

2018-01-01

SiC power MOSFETs are space-ready in terms of typical reliability measures. However, single event burnout (SEB) often occurs at voltages 50% or lower than specified breakdown. Data illustrating burnout for 1200 V devices is reviewed and the space reliability of SiC MOSFETs is discussed.

Reconnoitering the effect of shallow groundwater on land surface temperature and surface energy balance using MODIS and SEBS

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

The possibility of observing shallow groundwater depth and areal extent using satellite measurements can support groundwater models and vast irrigation systems management. Besides, these measurements help to integrate groundwater effects on surface energy balance within land surface models and clima...

7 CFR Exhibit B to Subpart A of... - Requirements for Modular/Panelized Housing Units

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-01-01

... Regional Letters of Acceptance (RLA), Truss Connector Bulletins (TCB): and, Mechanical Engineering... issued by HUD include: Structural Engineering Bulletins (SEB) on a national basis, Area Letters of... Category III housing (modular/panelized housing that does not have to have a Structural Engineering...

7 CFR Exhibit B to Subpart A of... - Requirements for Modular/Panelized Housing Units

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-01-01

... Regional Letters of Acceptance (RLA), Truss Connector Bulletins (TCB): and, Mechanical Engineering... issued by HUD include: Structural Engineering Bulletins (SEB) on a national basis, Area Letters of... Category III housing (modular/panelized housing that does not have to have a Structural Engineering...

7 CFR Exhibit B to Subpart A of... - Requirements for Modular/Panelized Housing Units

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-01-01

... Regional Letters of Acceptance (RLA), Truss Connector Bulletins (TCB): and, Mechanical Engineering... issued by HUD include: Structural Engineering Bulletins (SEB) on a national basis, Area Letters of... Category III housing (modular/panelized housing that does not have to have a Structural Engineering...

Quality Systems Manual (QSM) Version 5: Update

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-03-01

Rei Mao; Charles Stoner  Air Force: John (Seb) Gillette  DOE: Joe Pardue; Todd Hardt  Contractor: Alyssa Wingard Questions ??? We have answers* Do...labs must be approved by appropriate DOE representative • Outsourced QS elements (such as data review) must comply with the standard and are subject to

Board evaluation and effectiveness: models, components and perspectives.

PubMed

Scharf, M; Marty, D; Barnsley, J

1994-01-01

Health facility boards are being challenged to increase their effectiveness in the face of the changing health care environment. To this end, accreditation standards require boards to develop methods of evaluating their governing function and performance. During a survey of governance issues, the authors interviewed a group of health service executives with respect to board evaluation at their facilities. The responses yielded insights relating to models and components of evaluation, board missions and policies, mentoring programs and trustee education and orientation.

Evaluation of telerobotic systems using an instrumented task board

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Carroll, John D.; Gierow, Paul A.; Bryan, Thomas C.

1991-01-01

An instrumented task board was developed at NASA Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC). An overview of the task board design, and current development status is presented. The task board was originally developed to evaluate operator performance using the Protoflight Manipulator Arm (PFMA) at MSFC. The task board evaluates tasks for Orbital Replacement Unit (ORU), fluid connect and transfers, electrical connect/disconnect, bolt running, and other basic tasks. The instrumented task board measures the 3-D forces and torques placed on the board, determines the robot arm's 3-D position relative to the task board using IR optics, and provides the information in real-time. The PFMA joint input signals can also be measured from a breakout box to evaluate the sensitivity or response of the arm operation to control commands. The data processing system provides the capability for post processing of time-history graphics and plots of the PFMA positions, the operator's actions, and the PFMA servo reactions in addition to real-time force/torque data presentation. The instrumented task board's most promising use is developing benchmarks for NASA centers for comparison and evaluation of telerobotic performance.

Social Acceptability of Five Screening Instruments for Social, Emotional, and Behavioral Challenges

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Harrison, Judith R.; Vannest, Kimberly J.; Reynolds, Cecil R.

2013-01-01

Social, emotional, and behavioral (SEB) screening occurs in only two percent of our schools. This is unfortunate because universal screening is linked to prevention and early intervention with emotional and behavioral disorders (EBD) in children and youth, a population who continues to experience a plethora of poor outcomes. The social…

Life Satisfaction among High School Students with Social, Emotional, and Behavioral Problems

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

State, Talida M.; Kern, Lee

2017-01-01

Over the last decade, there has been increased interest in measuring life satisfaction among children and adolescents as an indicator of broad well-being and happiness. Although limited, existing research with students with social, emotional, and behavioral (SEB) problems indicates they experience lower life satisfaction compared with their…

Factors Influencing Candidates' Performance in English Language and Mathematics at West African Senior School Certificate Examination

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Alade, O. M.; Kuku, O. O.; Osoba, A.

2017-01-01

The study investigated influence of some factors on the performance of selected West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) candidates. It also examined the relationship between these factors and candidates' performance. Factors investigated include socio-economic background of the candidates (SEB), study hours (SH), attitude…

Transition Goals for Youth with Social, Emotional, and Behavioral Problems: Parent and Student Knowledge

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Harrison, Judith R.; State, Talida M.; Wills, Howard P.; Custer, Beth A.; Miller, Elaine

2017-01-01

Transition planning is a mandated component of individualized education plans (IEPs) designed to ensure successful transition to adult life for students with disabilities. Students with social, emotional, and behavioral (SEB) needs experience poor post-school outcomes, suggesting a need for more effective transition planning. This study evaluated…

Sunlight Helps Laboratory Get Ready for Y2K

Science.gov Websites

by the end of December to provide emergency electricity to the Site Entrance Building (SEB), which solar power if the supply of electricity from the local utility grid is interrupted. The solar generator failure disrupts electricity supplies. If a power failure should be protracted, a secondary propane backup

Integration of Process Models and Remote Sensing for Estimating Productivity, Soil Moisture, and Energy Fluxes in a Tallgrass Prairie Ecosystem

EPA Science Inventory

We describe a research program aimed at integrating remotely sensed data with an ecosystem model (VELMA) and a soil-vegetation-atmosphere transfer (SVAT) model (SEBS) for generating spatially explicit, regional scale estimates of productivity (biomass) and energy\\mass exchanges i...

Medium-energy heavy-ion single-event-burnout imaging of power MOSFETs

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

Musseau, O.; Torres, A.; Campbell, A.B.

The authors present the first experimental determination of the SEB sensitive area in a power MOSFET irradiated with a high-LET heavy-ion microbeam. They used a spectroscopy technique to perform coincident measurements of the charge collected in both source and drain junctions together, with a non-destructive technique (current limitation). The resulting charge collection images are related to the physical structure of the individual cells. These experimental data reveal the complex 3-dimensional behavior of a real structure, which can not easily be simulated using available tools. As the drain voltage is increased, the onset of burnout is reached, characterized by a suddenmore » change in the charge collection image. Hot spots are observed where the collected charge reaches its maximum value. Those spots, due to burnout triggering events, correspond to areas where the silicon is degraded through thermal effects along a single ion track. This direct observation of SEB sensitive areas as applications for, either device hardening, by modifying doping profiles or layout of the cells, or for code calibration and device simulation.« less

Simulation of CO2 Solubility in Polystyrene-b-Polybutadieneb-Polystyrene (SEBS) by artificial intelligence network (ANN) method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sharudin, R. W.; AbdulBari Ali, S.; Zulkarnain, M.; Shukri, M. A.

2018-05-01

This study reports on the integration of Artificial Neural Network (ANNs) with experimental data in predicting the solubility of carbon dioxide (CO2) blowing agent in SEBS by generating highest possible value for Regression coefficient (R2). Basically, foaming of thermoplastic elastomer with CO2 is highly affected by the CO2 solubility. The ability of ANN in predicting interpolated data of CO2 solubility was investigated by comparing training results via different method of network training. Regards to the final prediction result for CO2 solubility by ANN, the prediction trend (output generate) was corroborated with the experimental results. The obtained result of different method of training showed the trend of output generated by Gradient Descent with Momentum & Adaptive LR (traingdx) required longer training time and required more accurate input to produce better output with final Regression Value of 0.88. However, it goes vice versa with Levenberg-Marquardt (trainlm) technique as it produced better output in quick detention time with final Regression Value of 0.91.

Production of cellulosic ethanol from sugarcane bagasse by steam explosion: Effect of extractives content, acid catalysis and different fermentation technologies.

PubMed

Neves, P V; Pitarelo, A P; Ramos, L P

2016-05-01

The production of cellulosic ethanol was carried out using samples of native (NCB) and ethanol-extracted (EECB) sugarcane bagasse. Autohydrolysis (AH) exhibited the best glucose recovery from both samples, compared to the use of both H3PO4 and H2SO4 catalysis at the same pretreatment time and temperature. All water-insoluble steam-exploded materials (SEB-WI) resulted in high glucose yields by enzymatic hydrolysis. SHF (separate hydrolysis and fermentation) gave ethanol yields higher than those obtained by SSF (simultaneous hydrolysis and fermentation) and pSSF (pre-hydrolysis followed by SSF). For instance, AH gave 25, 18 and 16 g L(-1) of ethanol by SHF, SSF and pSSF, respectively. However, when the total processing time was taken into account, pSSF provided the best overall ethanol volumetric productivity of 0.58 g L(-1) h(-1). Also, the removal of ethanol-extractable materials from cane bagasse had no influence on the cellulosic ethanol production of SEB-WI, regardless of the fermentation strategy used for conversion. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Buckling Structured Stretchable Pseudocapacitor Yarn.

PubMed

Lee, Duck Weon; Lee, Jung Han; Min, Nam Ki; Jin, Joon-Hyung

2017-09-20

Cable-type stretchable electrochemical pseudocapacitors based on multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) sheets and two different metal oxide nanopowders (NP), i.e., MnO 2 and RuO 2 are developed using a newly-devised dry painting method to mechanically fix the NP to the elastic rubber-based MWCNT electrode substrate, resulting in a porous buckling structured pseudocapacitor yarn. Highly stretchable stylene-ethylene/butylene-stylene (SEBS) is used as the supporting elastomeric core for wrapping with the MWCNT sheets and the electroactive NP. The dry painting can successfully deposit NP on the soft SEBS surface, which is normally an unfavorable substrate for coating alien materials. The resulting yarn-type pseudocapacitor, composed of eight-layered MWCNT sheets, three-layered RuO 2 , and two-layered MnO 2 , showing a diameter of approximately 400 μm with a porous buckling structure, records a specific capacitance of 25 F g -1 . After being stretched by 200% in strain with no sacrifice of the porous buckling structure, the cable-type stretchable electrochemical pseudocapacitor yarn retains its electrical capacity, and is potentially applicable to energy storage devices for wearable electronics.

Electricity Breakdown Management for Sarawak Energy: Use of Condition-Based Equipment for Detection of Defective Insulator

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tan, J. K.; Abas, N.

2017-07-01

Managing electricity breakdown is vital since an outage causes economic losses for customers and the utility companies. However, electricity breakdown is unavoidable due to some internal or external factors beyond our control. Electricity breakdown on overhead lines tend occur more frequently because it is prone to external disturbances such as animal, overgrown vegetation and defective pole top accessories. In Sarawak Energy Berhad (SEB), majority of the network are composed of overhead lines and hence, is more prone to failure. Conventional method of equipment inspection and fault finding are not effective to quickly identify the root cause of failure. SEB has engaged the use of corona discharge camera as condition-based monitoring equipment to carry out condition based inspection on the line in order to diagnose the condition of the lines prior to failure. Experimental testing has been carried out to determine the correlation between the corona discharge count and the level of defect on line insulator. The result shall be tabulated and will be used as reference for future scanning and diagnostic on any defect on the lines.

Improved survival with an innovative approach to the treatment of severely burned patients: development of a burn treatment manual.

PubMed

Morisada, S; Nosaka, N; Tsukahara, K; Ugawa, T; Sato, K; Ujike, Y

2015-09-30

The management of severely burned patients remains a major issue worldwide as indicated by the high incidence of permanent debilitating complications and poor survival rates. In April 2012, the Advanced Emergency & Critical Care Medical Center of the Okayama University Hospital began implementing guidelines for severely burned patients, distributed as a standard burn treatment manual. The protocol, developed in-house, was validated by comparing the outcomes of patients with severe extensive burns (SEB) treated before and after implementation of these new guidelines at this institution. The patients included in this study had a burn index (BI) ≥30 or a prognostic burn index (PBI = BI + patient's age) ≥100. The survival rate of the patients with BI ≥30 was 65.2% with the traditional treatment and 100% with the new guidelines. Likewise, the survival rate of the patients with PBI ≥100 was 61.1% with the traditional treatment compared to 100% with the new guidelines. Together, these data demonstrate that the new treatment guidelines dramatically improved the treatment outcome and survival of SEB patients.

[An operational remote sensing algorithm of land surface evapotranspiration based on NOAA PAL dataset].

PubMed

Hou, Ying-Yu; He, Yan-Bo; Wang, Jian-Lin; Tian, Guo-Liang

2009-10-01

Based on the time series 10-day composite NOAA Pathfinder AVHRR Land (PAL) dataset (8 km x 8 km), and by using land surface energy balance equation and "VI-Ts" (vegetation index-land surface temperature) method, a new algorithm of land surface evapotranspiration (ET) was constructed. This new algorithm did not need the support from meteorological observation data, and all of its parameters and variables were directly inversed or derived from remote sensing data. A widely accepted ET model of remote sensing, i. e., SEBS model, was chosen to validate the new algorithm. The validation test showed that both the ET and its seasonal variation trend estimated by SEBS model and our new algorithm accorded well, suggesting that the ET estimated from the new algorithm was reliable, being able to reflect the actual land surface ET. The new ET algorithm of remote sensing was practical and operational, which offered a new approach to study the spatiotemporal variation of ET in continental scale and global scale based on the long-term time series satellite remote sensing images.

On Averaging Timescales for the Surface Energy Budget Closure Problem

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Grachev, A. A.; Fairall, C. W.; Persson, O. P. G.; Uttal, T.; Blomquist, B.; McCaffrey, K.

2017-12-01

An accurate determination of the surface energy budget (SEB) and all SEB components at the air-surface interface is of obvious relevance for the numerical modelling of the coupled atmosphere-land/ocean/snow system over different spatial and temporal scales, including climate modelling, weather forecasting, environmental impact studies, and many other applications. This study analyzes and discusses comprehensive measurements of the SEB and the surface energy fluxes (turbulent, radiative, and ground heat) made over different underlying surfaces based on the data collected during several field campaigns. Hourly-averaged, multiyear data sets collected at two terrestrial long-term research observatories located near the coast of the Arctic Ocean at Eureka (Canadian Archipelago) and Tiksi (East Siberia) and half-hourly averaged fluxes collected during a year-long field campaign (Wind Forecast Improvement Project 2, WFIP 2) at the Columbia River Gorge (Oregon) in areas of complex terrain. Our direct measurements of energy balance show that the sum of the turbulent sensible and latent heat fluxes systematically underestimate the available energy at half-hourly and hourly time scales by around 20-30% at these sites. This imbalance of the surface energy budget is comparable to other terrestrial sites. Surface energy balance closure is a formulation of the conservation of energy principle (the first law of thermodynamics). The lack of energy balance closure at hourly time scales is a fundamental and pervasive problem in micrometeorology and may be caused by inaccurate estimates of the energy storage terms in soils, air and biomass in the layer below the measurement height and above the heat flux plates. However, the residual energy imbalance is significantly reduced at daily and monthly timescales. Increasing the averaging time to daily scales substantially reduces the storage terms because energy locally entering the soil, air column, and vegetation in the morning is released in the afternoon and evening.

Social support seeking and self-efficacy-building strategies in enhancing the emotional well-being of informal HIV/AIDS caregivers in Ibadan, Oyo state, Nigeria.

PubMed

Okeke, Bernedette Okwuchukwu

2016-01-01

This study examined the relative efficacy of social support seeking (SSS) and self-efficacy building (SEB) in the management of emotional well-being of caregivers of people suffering from HIV/AIDS. It was based at the United States President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) center in the University College Hospital, Ibadan, Oyo state, being the first and the largest teaching hospital in Nigeria. A 3 × 2 factorial design consisting of treatment and a control group was used. The columns have two levels of gender being male and female caregivers. One-hundred and sixty-five (165) caregivers who were taking care of people that are suffering from HIV/AIDS were purposively selected and randomly assigned to the treatment groups and control. The treatment was carried out for a period of eight weeks. Two null hypotheses were tested, both at .05 levels of significance. Data were collected with the use of standardized intruments rating scale; social support scale, general self-efficacy scale and emotional well-being scale. ANCOVA was used to establish significant treatment effects with the pretest as covariate. Even though SSS and SEB were both found to be effective in enhancing the emotional well-being of informal caregivers in this study when compared to the controls, SSS was significantly more effective than SEB in achieving this goal. Since the HIV/AIDS patients cannot be adequately cared for in the hospital settings due to severe shortages of material, personnel and time, serious efforts should be made by the three levels of the health care system viz: the primary, secondary and tertiary health care systems, to encourage the employment of the psychological management of caregivers of people suffering from HIV/AIDS. Also, the psychologists, clinical psychologists and the significant others should be encouraged to employ this psychological management in the care of HIV/AIDS informal caregivers.

A school-based programme for tobacco and alcohol prevention in special education: effectiveness of the modified 'healthy school and drugs' intervention and moderation by school subtype.

PubMed

Turhan, Abdullah; Onrust, Simone A; Ten Klooster, Peter M; Pieterse, Marcel E

2017-03-01

To test the effectiveness of the Healthy School and Drugs (HSD) programme on tobacco and alcohol use in Dutch secondary special education (SE) schools, and whether this depends upon subtypes of SE schools and the level of implementation. In a quasi-experimental design with baseline and post-treatment follow-up, 363 students were allocated arbitrarily or depending on teacher motivation to either intervention condition (n = 205) or usual curriculum (n = 158). Thirteen secondary SE schools spread throughout the Netherlands. Participants were recruited during the autumn of 2013 from three school subtypes: SE for adolescents with intellectual/physical disabilities (SEI; n = 13), behavioural/emotional difficulties (SEB; n = 136) and learning disabilities/developmental disorders (SEL; n = 214). Self-reported life-time smoking prevalence and life-time drinking frequency as outcomes, and school subtype (SEL/SEB) and implementation fidelity (high/low) as moderators. No significant differences were found at follow-up in life-time smoking [odds ratio (OR) = 1.52; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.74-3.12] and drinking frequency (d = 0.01; 95% CI = -0.16 to 0.18). Interaction analyses revealed adverse effects in SEB students for alcohol use (d = 0.43; 95% CI = 0.16-0.69). Effect on tobacco refusal self-efficacy was moderated positively by implementation fidelity (d = 0.35; 95% CI = 0.07-0.63). The Healthy School and Drugs programme adapted for secondary special education in the Netherlands lacked clear evidence for effects on all outcomes. This pilot study suggests further that, within special education, substance use interventions may need to be targeted at school subtypes, as these may have harmful effects among students with behavioural difficulties. Finally, limited evidence was found that programme effectiveness may depend upon implementation fidelity. © 2016 Society for the Study of Addiction.

Social support seeking and self-efficacy-building strategies in enhancing the emotional well-being of informal HIV/AIDS caregivers in Ibadan, Oyo state, Nigeria

PubMed Central

Okeke, Bernedette Okwuchukwu

2016-01-01

Abstract This study examined the relative efficacy of social support seeking (SSS) and self-efficacy building (SEB) in the management of emotional well-being of caregivers of people suffering from HIV/AIDS. It was based at the United States President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) center in the University College Hospital, Ibadan, Oyo state, being the first and the largest teaching hospital in Nigeria. A 3 × 2 factorial design consisting of treatment and a control group was used. The columns have two levels of gender being male and female caregivers. One-hundred and sixty-five (165) caregivers who were taking care of people that are suffering from HIV/AIDS were purposively selected and randomly assigned to the treatment groups and control. The treatment was carried out for a period of eight weeks. Two null hypotheses were tested, both at .05 levels of significance. Data were collected with the use of standardized intruments rating scale; social support scale, general self-efficacy scale and emotional well-being scale. ANCOVA was used to establish significant treatment effects with the pretest as covariate. Even though SSS and SEB were both found to be effective in enhancing the emotional well-being of informal caregivers in this study when compared to the controls, SSS was significantly more effective than SEB in achieving this goal. Since the HIV/AIDS patients cannot be adequately cared for in the hospital settings due to severe shortages of material, personnel and time, serious efforts should be made by the three levels of the health care system viz: the primary, secondary and tertiary health care systems, to encourage the employment of the psychological management of caregivers of people suffering from HIV/AIDS. Also, the psychologists, clinical psychologists and the significant others should be encouraged to employ this psychological management in the care of HIV/AIDS informal caregivers. PMID:26831832

Detection of Staphylococcus aureus enterotoxins in sheep cheese and dairy desserts by multiplex PCR technique.

PubMed

Ertas, Nurhan; Gonulalan, Zafer; Yildirim, Yeliz; Kum, Erhan

2010-08-15

The aim of this study was to investigate the presence of Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) and staphylococcal enterotoxins (SEs) genes in sheep cheese and dairy dessert samples by multiplex PCR (mPCR) technique. A total of 150 samples were analyzed consisting of 50 dairy dessert samples and 100 sheep cheese. Coagulase positive staphylococci (CPS) were found in 86 (57.3%) out of 150 analyzed samples. S. aureus were isolated from 60 (60%), 26 (52%) of sheep cheese and from of dairy desserts, respectively. Five suspected colonies were tested from each sheep cheese and dairy dessert samples for phenotypic and genotypic characterizations. A total of 430 isolates from the 86 positive samples were investigated in this study. Eighty (18.6%) isolates were characterized as S. aureus. The enterotoxin genes (sea, seb, sec, sed) were found in 13 (3.02%) out of 80 isolates. From cheese isolates, sea, seb and sed were detected in 5 (1.6%), 2 (0.6%), 1 (0.3%), respectively. From dairy dessert isolates, sea, sec and sed were detected in 3 (2.3%), 1 (0.76%), 1 (0.76%), respectively. The presence of SEs was identified in 12 (2.8%) out of 80 isolates by using ELISA technique. It was determined that these SEs had a distribution of 7 (1.6%) SEA, 2 (0.46%) SEB, 1 (0.23%) SEC, and 2 (0.46%) SED. SEs were found in 7 (2.3%) cheese and 5 (3.8%) dairy dessert isolates. In conclusion, S.aureus and their SEs were found to be present in sheep cheese and dairy desserts in this study. It is emphasized that the presence of S. aureus and their SEs genes in sheep cheese and dairy desserts may be regarded as a potential risk for human health. Copyright 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Program Evaluation: The Board Game--An Interactive Learning Tool for Evaluators

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Febey, Karen; Coyne, Molly

2007-01-01

The field of program evaluation lacks interactive teaching tools. To address this pedagogical issue, the authors developed a collaborative learning technique called Program Evaluation: The Board Game. The authors present the game and its development in this practitioner-oriented article. The evaluation board game is an adaptable teaching tool…

10 CFR 709.16 - Application of Counterintelligence Evaluation Review Boards in reaching conclusions regarding CI...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... 10 Energy 4 2010-01-01 2010-01-01 false Application of Counterintelligence Evaluation Review Boards in reaching conclusions regarding CI evaluations. 709.16 Section 709.16 Energy DEPARTMENT OF... Counterintelligence Evaluation Review Board's views, including any consensus recommendation, or if the members are...

Comparative Stress Corrosion Cracking and General Corrosion Resistance of Annealed and Hardened 440 C Stainless Steel - New Techniques in Stress Corrosion Testing

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mendreck, M. J.; Hurless, B. E.; Torres, P. D.; Danford, M. D.

1998-01-01

The corrosion and stress corrosion cracking (SCC) characteristics of annealed and hardened 440C stainless steel were evaluated in high humidity and 3.5-percent NaCl solution. Corrosion testing consisted of an evaluation of flat plates, with and without grease, in high humidity, as well as electrochemical testing in 3.5-percent NaCl. Stress corrosion testing consisted of conventional, constant strain, smooth bar testing in high humidity in addition to two relatively new techniques under evaluation at MSFC. These techniques involve either incremental or constant rate increases in the load applied to a precracked SE(B) specimen, monitoring the crack-opening-displacement response for indications of crack growth. The electrochemical corrosion testing demonstrated an order of magnitude greater general corrosion rate in the annealed 440C. All techniques for stress corrosion testing showed substantially better SCC resistance in the annealed material. The efficacy of the new techniques for stress corrosion testing was demonstrated both by the savings in time and the ability to better quantify SCC data.

An intercomparison of three remote sensing-based energy balance models using large aperture scintillometer measurements over a wheat-corn production region

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

This paper compares three remote sensing-based models for estimating evapotranspiration (ET), namely the Surface Energy Balance System (SEBS), the Two-Source Energy Balance (TSEB) model, and the surface Temperature-Vegetation index Triangle (TVT). The models used as input MODIS/TERRA products and gr...

77 FR 60146 - SES Performance Review Board

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-10-02

... NATIONAL TRANSPORTATION SAFETY BOARD SES Performance Review Board AGENCY: National Transportation... National Transportation Safety Board, Performance Review Board (PRB). FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT... Performance Review Boards. The board reviews and evaluates the initial appraisal of a senior executive's...

76 FR 70169 - SES Performance Review Board

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-11-10

... NATIONAL TRANSPORTATION SAFETY BOARD SES Performance Review Board AGENCY: National Transportation... National Transportation Safety Board, Performance Review Board (PRB). FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT... Performance Review Boards. The board reviews and evaluates the initial appraisal of a senior executive's...

75 FR 69706 - SES Performance Review Board

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-11-15

... NATIONAL TRANSPORTATION SAFETY BOARD SES Performance Review Board AGENCY: National Transportation... National Transportation Safety Board Performance Review Board (PRB). FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Emily... Review Boards. The board reviews and evaluates the initial appraisal of a senior executive's performance...

Use of Commercial FPGA-Based Evaluation Boards for Single-Event Testing of DDR2 and DDR3 SDRAMs

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ladbury, R. L.; Berg, M. D.; Wilcox, E. P.; LaBel, K. A.; Kim, H. S.; Phan, A. M.; Seidleck, C. M.

2013-01-01

We investigate the use of commercial FPGA based evaluation boards for radiation testing DDR2 and DDR3 SDRAMs. We evaluate the resulting data quality and the tradeoffs involved in the use of these boards.

PERSONAL COMPUTER MONITORS: A SCREENING EVALUATION OF VOLATILE ORGANIC EMISSIONS FROM EXISTING PRINTED CIRCUIT BOARD LAMINATES AND POTENTIAL POLLUTION PREVENTION ALTERNATIVES

EPA Science Inventory

The report gives results of a screening evaluation of volatile organic emissions from printed circuit board laminates and potential pollution prevention alternatives. In the evaluation, printed circuit board laminates, without circuitry, commonly found in personal computer (PC) m...

The Relationships among Scientific Epistemic Beliefs, Conceptions of Learning Science, and Motivation of Learning Science: A Study of Taiwan High School Students

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ho, Hsin-Ning Jessie; Liang, Jyh-Chong

2015-01-01

This study explores the relationships among Taiwanese high school students' scientific epistemic beliefs (SEBs), conceptions of learning science (COLS), and motivation of learning science. The questionnaire responses from 470 high school students in Taiwan were gathered for analysis to explain these relationships. The structural equation modeling…

Correlations among Five Demographic Variables and the Performance of Selected Jamaican 11th-Graders on Some Numerical Problems on Energy

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Emepue, Nicholas; Soyibo, Kola

2009-01-01

This study was designed to assess whether the level of performance of selected Jamaican 11th-grade physics students on some numerical problems on the energy concept was satisfactory and if there were significant differences in their performance linked to their gender, socioeconomic background (SEB), school location, English language and…

Utility of remote sensing-based surface energy balance models to track water stress in rain-fed switchgrass under dry and wet conditions

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

The ability of remote sensing-based surface energy balance (SEB) models to track water stress in rain-fed switchgrass has not been explored yet. In this paper, the theoretical framework of crop water stress index (CWSI) was utilized to estimate CWSI in rain-fed switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.) usin...

Phase structure and properties of poly(ethylene terephthalate)/polyethylene based on recycled materials

Treesearch

Yong Lei; Qinglin Wu; Craig M. Clemons; Weihong Guo

2009-01-01

Blends based on recycled high density polyethylene (R-HDPE) and recycled poly(ethylene terephthalate) (R-PET) were made through reactive extrusion. The effects of maleated polyethylene (PE-g-MA), triblock copolymer of styrene and ethylene/butylene (SEBS), and 4,40-methylenedi(phenyl isocyanate) (MDI) on blend properties were studied. The 2% PE-g-MA improved the...

Practical Considerations and Challenges Involved in Surfactant Enhanced Bioremediation of Oil

PubMed Central

Mohanty, Sagarika; Jasmine, Jublee

2013-01-01

Surfactant enhanced bioremediation (SEB) of oil is an approach adopted to overcome the bioavailability constraints encountered in biotransformation of nonaqueous phase liquid (NAPL) pollutants. Fuel oils contain n-alkanes and other aliphatic hydrocarbons, monoaromatics, and polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Although hydrocarbon degrading cultures are abundant in nature, complete biodegradation of oil is rarely achieved even under favorable environmental conditions due to the structural complexity of oil and culture specificities. Moreover, the interaction among cultures in a consortium, substrate interaction effects during the degradation and ability of specific cultures to alter the bioavailability of oil invariably affect the process. Although SEB has the potential to increase the degradation rate of oil and its constituents, there are numerous challenges in the successful application of this technology. Success is dependent on the choice of appropriate surfactant type and dose since the surfactant-hydrocarbon-microorganism interaction may be unique to each scenario. Surfactants not only enhance the uptake of constituents through micellar solubilization and emulsification but can also alter microbial cell surface characteristics. Moreover, hydrocarbons partitioned in micelles may not be readily bioavailable depending on the microorganism-surfactant interactions. Surfactant toxicity and inherent biodegradability of surfactants may pose additional challenges as discussed in this review. PMID:24350261

Exploring learners' beliefs about science reading and scientific epistemic beliefs, and their relations with science text understanding

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yang, Fang-Ying; Chang, Cheng-Chieh; Chen, Li-Ling; Chen, Yi-Chun

2016-07-01

The main purpose of this study was to explore learners' beliefs about science reading and scientific epistemic beliefs, and how these beliefs were associating with their understanding of science texts. About 400 10th graders were involved in the development and validation of the Beliefs about Science Reading Inventory (BSRI). To find the effects of reader beliefs and epistemic beliefs, a new group of 65 10th grade students whose reader and epistemic beliefs were assessed by the newly developed BSRI and an existing SEB questionnaire were invited to take part in a science reading task. Students' text understanding in terms of concept gain and text interpretations was collected and analyzed. By the correlation analysis, it was found that when students had stronger beliefs about meaning construction based on personal goals and experiences (i.e. transaction beliefs), they produced more thematic and critical interpretations of the content of the test article. The regression analysis suggested that students SEBs could predict concept gain as a result of reading. Moreover, among all beliefs examined in the study, transaction beliefs stood out as the best predictor of overall science-text understanding.

EFFECTS OF BIASES IN VIRIAL MASS ESTIMATION ON COSMIC SYNCHRONIZATION OF QUASAR ACCRETION

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

Steinhardt, Charles L.

2011-09-01

Recent work using virial mass estimates and the quasar mass-luminosity plane has yielded several new puzzles regarding quasar accretion, including a sub-Eddington boundary (SEB) on most quasar accretion, near-independence of the accretion rate from properties of the host galaxy, and a cosmic synchronization of accretion among black holes of a common mass. We consider how these puzzles might change if virial mass estimation turns out to have a systematic bias. As examples, we consider two recent claims of mass-dependent biases in Mg II masses. Under any such correction, the surprising cosmic synchronization of quasar accretion rates and independence from themore » host galaxy remain. The slope and location of the SEB are very sensitive to biases in virial mass estimation, and various mass calibrations appear to favor different possible physical explanations for feedback between the central black hole and its environment. The alternative mass estimators considered do not simply remove puzzling quasar behavior, but rather replace it with new puzzles that may be more difficult to solve than those using current virial mass estimators and the Shen et al. catalog.« less

Self-Study Criteria for Governing Boards of Community Colleges.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Association of Governing Boards of Universities and Colleges, 1976

1976-01-01

Guidelines for self-study and evaluation criteria are presented for use by community college governing boards. For each of 10 areas, a discussion is provided, questions regarding the board's performance are posed, a summary evaluation of the board's work in the area is solicited, and space is provided for additional comments or suggestions. The 10…

The SpringBoard Bursary Foundation Impact Assessment: Year 1. Interim Report

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Buchanan, Emily; Stevens, Eleanor; Straw, Suzanne

2014-01-01

The SpringBoard Bursary Foundation (SpringBoard) commissioned the National Foundation for Education Research (NFER) to undertake an evaluation of its activities and impacts between 2013 and 2018. This interim and summary report presents the findings of the first year of the evaluation. SpringBoard was established in 2012 to transform the lives of…

A study on the real-time reliability of on-board equipment of train control system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Yong; Li, Shiwei

2018-05-01

Real-time reliability evaluation is conducive to establishing a condition based maintenance system for the purpose of guaranteeing continuous train operation. According to the inherent characteristics of the on-board equipment, the connotation of reliability evaluation of on-board equipment is defined and the evaluation index of real-time reliability is provided in this paper. From the perspective of methodology and practical application, the real-time reliability of the on-board equipment is discussed in detail, and the method of evaluating the realtime reliability of on-board equipment at component level based on Hidden Markov Model (HMM) is proposed. In this method the performance degradation data is used directly to realize the accurate perception of the hidden state transition process of on-board equipment, which can achieve a better description of the real-time reliability of the equipment.

Monitoring of "all-weather" evapotranspiration using optical and passive microwave remote sensing imagery over the River Source Region in Southwest China

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ma, Y.; Liu, S.

2017-12-01

Accurate estimation of surface evapotranspiration (ET) with high quality is one of the biggest obstacles for routine applications of remote sensing in eco-hydrological studies and water resource management at basin scale. However, many aspects urgently need to deeply research, such as the applicability of the ET models, the parameterization schemes optimization at the regional scale, the temporal upscaling, the selecting and developing of the spatiotemporal data fusion method and ground-based validation over heterogeneous land surfaces. This project is based on the theoretically robust surface energy balance system (SEBS) model, which the model mechanism need further investigation, including the applicability and the influencing factors, such as local environment, and heterogeneity of the landscape, for improving estimation accuracy. Due to technical and budget limitations, so far, optical remote sensing data is missing due to frequent cloud contamination and other poor atmospheric conditions in Southwest China. Here, a multi-source remote sensing data fusion method (ESTARFM: Enhanced Spatial and Temporal Adaptive Reflectance Fusion Model) method will be proposed through blending multi-source remote sensing data acquired by optical, and passive microwave remote sensors on board polar satellite platforms. The accurate "all-weather" ET estimation will be carried out for daily ET of the River Source Region in Southwest China, and then the remotely sensed ET results are overlapped with the footprint-weighted images of EC (eddy correlation) for ground-based validation.

Magnetic resonance imaging used for the evaluation of water presence in wood plastic composite boards exposed to exterior conditions

Treesearch

Marek Gnatowski; Rebecca Ibach; Mathew Leung; Grace Sun

2014-01-01

Two wood plastic composite (WPC) boards, one experimental and one commercial, were exposed to exterior conditions and evaluated non-destructively using a clinical magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) unit for moisture content (MC) and distribution. The experimental board was exposed in Vancouver, British Columbia, for more than 8 years, and the commercial board was exposed...

DoD Resource Augmentation for Civilian Consequence Management (DRACCM) Tool

DTIC Science & Technology

2015-07-01

staffing availabilities for the nine regions. Finally, we added options to view IDAC data that had included school closings, vaccinations , antivirals...there is enough critical medical resource at that hospital for a given day. An hospital icon coded yellow means that at least one critical medical...tularemia, Q fever , SEB, anthrax, plague (with contagion), VEE, botulism, brucellosis, glanders, smallpox (with contagion), influenza, cesium, sarin, VX

Prevalence and Characterization of Staphylococcus aureus Strains in the Pork Chain Supply in Chile.

PubMed

Velasco, Valeria; Vergara, José L; Bonilla, Ana M; Muñoz, Javier; Mallea, Alejandra; Vallejos, Diego; Quezada-Aguiluz, Mario; Campos, Jorge; Rojas-García, Pedro

2018-05-01

The detection of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and other emerging strains in meat-producing animals and retail meat has increased the risk of contamination of food. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and characterize S. aureus strains isolated from the pork chain supply in Chile. A total of 487 samples were collected: 332 samples from pigs at farms and slaughterhouses (nasal, n = 155; skin, n = 177); 85 samples from carcasses at slaughterhouses; and 70 meat samples at supermarkets and retail stores. The isolation of S. aureus was carried out by selective enrichment and culture media. Biochemical testing (API ® Staph) and PCR (detection of the nuc and mecA genes) were used to confirm S. aureus and MRSA strains. The agglutination test was used to determine the protein PBP2'. Enterotoxins (SEA, SEB, SEC, SED) were determined by agglutination test and the se genes by PCR method. Oxacillin and cefoxitin susceptibility testing were carried out using the diffusion method. The overall prevalence of S. aureus in the pork meat supply was 33.9%. A higher prevalence was detected on carcasses (56.5%), in pigs sampled at farms (40.6%) than in pigs sampled at slaughterhouses (23.3%) and in nonpackaged retail meat (43.1%) than packaged retail meat (5.3%) (p ≤ 0.05). No significant differences (p > 0.05) were found between the prevalence in pigs (28.3%) and pork meat (32.9%) and between natural pig farming (33.3%) and conventional production (52.8%). The mecA gene and the protein PBP2' were not detected in S. aureus strains. Two S. aureus strains exhibited oxacillin and cefoxitin resistance, and one S. aureus strain was resistant to cefoxitin. One S. aureus strain isolated from a meat sample was positive for enterotoxin SEB. Although the mecA gene was not detected, oxacillin-resistant and seb-producing S. aureus strains were detected, which represent a risk in the pork chain supply.

Student Evaluations, Outcomes, and National Licensure Examinations in Radiology Education: A Narrative Review of the Literature.

PubMed

Linaker, Kathleen L

2015-12-01

The purpose of this study was to examine literature on radiological student evaluation and outcome assessments including national board examinations. A review of the literature was performed using relevant key words. Articles were retrieved through December 2012 using PubMed, ScienceDirect, ERIC, Proquest, and ICL databases along with a manual review of references. Of the 4716 unique abstracts reviewed by the author, 54 were found to be relevant to the purpose of this study. Student grade point average correlates with board scores in the nursing, chiropractic, and medical professions. Scores on the chiropractic college admission test and undergraduate grade point average correlate with success in professional college. There is a correlation between board scores and college attended. Board preparation programs do not appear to affect board examination scores. Although evaluations can be effective teaching tools, they are not used by many radiology programs. Some programs have inadequate evaluations and do not allow students to review their evaluations. There are no definitive links between mastery of radiology and specific evaluations, outcomes, or pre-professional/clinical grades. Studies suggest that board examination scores reflect long-term mastery of knowledge rather than short-term memorization of facts.

75 FR 34519 - SES Performance Review Board

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-06-17

... TRADE AND DEVELOPMENT AGENCY SES Performance Review Board AGENCY: U.S. Trade and Development... and Development Agency's Performance Review Board. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Carolyn Hum... more SES Performance Review Boards. The Board shall review and evaluate the initial appraisal of a...

77 FR 66824 - Performance Review Board Membership

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-11-07

... DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE Department of the Army Performance Review Board Membership AGENCY... Performance Review Board for the Department of the Army. DATES: Effective Date: November 15, 2012. FOR FURTHER... performance review boards. The boards shall review and evaluate the initial appraisal of senior executives...

75 FR 70915 - Performance Review Board Membership

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-11-19

... DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE Department of the Army Performance Review Board Membership AGENCY... Performance Review Board for the Department of the Army. DATES: Effective Date: November 16, 2010. FOR FURTHER... performance review boards. The boards shall review and evaluate the initial appraisal of senior executives...

75 FR 56999 - Senior Executive Service Performance Review Board

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-09-17

... DEFENSE NUCLEAR FACILITIES SAFETY BOARD Senior Executive Service Performance Review Board AGENCY... the Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board (DNFSB) Senior Executive Service (SES) Performance Review... performance review boards. The PRB shall review and evaluate the initial summary rating of the senior...

77 FR 62211 - Senior Executive Services (SES) Performance Review Board: Update

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-10-12

... AGENCY FOR INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT Senior Executive Services (SES) Performance Review Board... International Development, Office of Inspector General's Senior Executive Service Performance Review Board... Performance Review Boards. The board shall review and evaluate the initial appraisal of each USAID OIG senior...

76 FR 70428 - Performance Review Board Membership

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-11-14

... DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE Department of the Army Performance Review Board Membership AGENCY... Performance Review Board for the Department of the Army. DATES: Effective Date: November 14, 2011. FOR FURTHER... performance review boards. The boards shall review and evaluate the initial appraisal of senior executives...

78 FR 63460 - Performance Review Board Membership

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-10-24

... DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE Department of the Army Performance Review Board Membership AGENCY... Performance Review Board for the Department of the Army. DATES: Effective Date: November 21, 2013. FOR FURTHER... performance review boards. The boards shall review and evaluate the initial appraisal of senior executives...

48 CFR 1536.602-2 - Establishment of evaluation boards.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... boards. 1536.602-2 Section 1536.602-2 Federal Acquisition Regulations System ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION... Services 1536.602-2 Establishment of evaluation boards. (a) The Environmental Protection Agency Architect... experienced in architecture, engineering, or construction to serve in his/her absence. (d) The duties of the...

[Changes of platelet rheological behavior and the interventional effects of ulinastatin in rats with high-voltage electrical burns].

PubMed

Zhang, Q F; Li, Y; Feng, J K; Xu, Y F; Tu, L L

2017-12-20

Objective: To explore the influence of high-voltage electrical burns on the number of platelet aggregation, β-thromboglobulin (β-TG) and platelet factor 4 (PF-4) and the interventional effects of ulinastatin in rats with high-voltage electrical burns. Methods: A total of 240 Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into sham injury (SI) group, simple electrical burn (SEB) group, normal saline (NS) group, and ulinastatin (UTI) group according to the random number table, with 60 rats in each group. The electrical current was applied to the outside proximal part of left forelimb of rats and exited from the outside proximal part of right hind limb of rats. Rats in groups SEB, NS, and UTI were inflicted with high-voltage electrical burn wounds of 1 cm×1 cm at current entrances and exits, with the voltage regulator and experimental transformer. Rats in group SI were sham injured through connecting the same equipments without electricity. At 2 min post injury, rats in group NS were intraperitoneally injected with 2 mL/kg NS, and rats in group UTI were intraperitoneally injected with 2×10(4) U/kg UTI of 10 g/L. At 15 min before injury and 5 min, 1 h, 2 h, 4 h, 8 h post injury, 10 rats in each group were selected to collect 5-7 mL blood of heart respectively. Blood of 0.05 mL were collected to make fresh blood smear for observing the number of platelet aggregation, and serum were separated from the remaining blood to determine content of β-TG and PF-4 with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Data were processed with analysis of factorial design of variance, student-Newman-Keuls test, Kruskal-Wallis H test, Wilcoxon rank sum test, and Bonferroni correction. Results: (1) At 15 min before injury, the numbers of platelet aggregation of rats were close among groups SI, SEB, NS and UTI (5.9±1.2, 5.8±1.2, 5.9±1.3, 5.9±1.1, respectively, with P values above 0.05). At 5 min, 1 h, 2 h, 4 h, 8 h post injury, the numbers of platelet aggregation of rats in group SEB were 57.2±16.3, 59.1±16.9, 60.8±20.6, 83.6±24.9, and 83.4±30.3, respectively, obviously more than those in group SI (6.0±1.3, 6.0±1.4, 5.9±1.4, 5.7±1.1, and 5.8±1.3, respectively, with P values below 0.001); the numbers of platelet aggregation of rats in group UTI were 29.6±7.4, 31.9±10.1, 35.0±14.2, 43.0±13.6, and 35.2±11.1, respectively, obviously more than those in group NS (58.3±16.1, 63.9±18.0, 60.8±17.7, 74.2±23.0, and 82.3±21.9, respectively, with P values below 0.001). There was no significantly statistical difference in the number of platelet aggregation of rats in group SI between each two time points within the same group (with P values above 0.05), but the number of platelet aggregation of rats in the other 3 groups at each time point post injury was significantly more than that of the same group at 15 min before injury (with P values below 0.001). (2) At 2, 4, and 8 h post injury, β-TG content of serum of rats in group SEB was significantly higher than that in group SI (with Z values from -3.780 to -3.477, P values below 0.05). At 5 min and 4 h post injury, β-TG content of serum of rats in group UTI was significantly lower than that in group NS (with Z values respectively -3.477 and -3.780, P values below 0.05). There was no significantly statistical difference in β-TG content of serum of rats in group SI at all time points of the same group ( χ (2)=0.130, P >0.05). At 2, 4, and 8 h post injury, β-TG content of serum of rats in group SEB was significantly higher than that of the same group at 15 min before injury (with Z values from -3.780 to -3.553, P values below 0.05). At 5 min, 1 h, and 4 h post injury, β-TG content of serum of rats in group NS was significantly higher than that of the same group at 15 min before injury (with Z values from -3.780 to -3.477, P values below 0.05). At 1 and 4 h post injury, β-TG content of serum of rats in group UTI was significantly higher than that of the same group at 15 min before injury (with Z values respectively -3.250 and -3.780, P values below 0.05). (3) At 2 and 8 h post injury, PF-4 content of serum of rats in group SEB was significantly higher than that in group SI (with P values below 0.05). At 2 h post injury, PF-4 content of serum of rats in group UTI was significantly higher than that in group NS ( P <0.05), and at 4 and 8 h post injury, PF-4 content of serum of rats in group UTI was significantly lower than that in group NS (with P values below 0.05). At all time points, PF-4 content of serum of rats in group SI was close (with P values above 0.05). At 2 and 8 h post injury, PF-4 content of serum of rats in group SEB was significantly higher than that of the same group at 15 min before injury (with P values below 0.05). At 1, 4, and 8 h post injury, PF-4 content of serum of rats in group NS was significantly higher than that of the same group at 15 min before injury (with P values below 0.05). There were significantly statistical differences in PF-4 content of serum of rats between all time points except for 5 min post injury and 15 min before injury (with P values below 0.05). Conclusions: Increasing number of platelet aggregation and abnormal secretion of β-TG and PF-4 of rats with high-voltage electrical burns can lead to microcirculation disturbance. UTI can alleviate microcirculation disturbance caused by high-voltage electrical burns by reducing the number of platelet aggregation and inhibiting secretion of β-TG and PF-4.

77 FR 65685 - Senior Executive Service Performance Review Board; Membership

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-10-30

... ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY [FRL-9747-4] Senior Executive Service Performance Review Board... performance review boards. This board shall review and evaluate the initial appraisal of a senior executive's... performance of the senior executive. Members of the 2012 EPA Performance Review Board are: Benita Best-Wong...

Detection of Staphylococcus Aureus Enterotoxin A and B Genes with PCR-EIA and a Hand-Held Electrochemical Sensor

DTIC Science & Technology

2004-06-11

Streptococcus pneumoniae 33400 Enterobacter cloaceae 49141 S. pyogenes 19615 E. aerogenes m10822 Vibrio cholerae N16961 Enterococcus durans 6056 Yersinia...identified. Thus the sensitivity for both assays was 100%. Of the 56 samples that lacked sea or seb genes, two false positives ( Enterobacter aerogenes ...Comanonas, Enterobacter , Enterococcus, Escherichia, Francisella, Haemophilus, Klebsiella, Listeria, Moraxella, Neisseria, Proteus, Pseudomonas, Salmonella

Giove 2005 - 06: rapporto osservativo

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Adamoli, G.

2007-08-01

Jupiter was observed and photographed at visible and near-IR wavelenghts. White spots at 59°S, a train of SSTCAWOs, oval BA turned orange, followed by a dark STB sector, relevant mid-SEB outbreak, big equatorial festoons and produced a massive EB, NEB extended beyond 20°N, NNTBs jetstream was active, a methan image showed a bright S. Polar Hood, a fainter N. one and a large and dark NTB

Thermodynamic consideration and ground-state search of icosahedral boron subselenide B12(B1-xSex) 2 from a first-principles cluster expansion

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ektarawong, A.

2018-05-01

The phase stability of icosahedral boron subselenide B12(B1-xSex) 2 , where 0.5 ≤x ≤1 , is explored using a first-principles cluster expansion. The results shows that, instead of a continuous solid solution, B12(B1-xSex) 2 is thermodynamically stable as an individual line compound at the composition of B9.5Se . The ground-state configuration of B9.5Se is represented by a mixture of B12(Se-Se), B12(B-Se), and B12(Se-B) with a ratio of 1:1:1, where they form a periodic A B C A B C ⋯ stacking sequence of B12(Se-Se), B12(B-Se), and B12(Se-B) layers along the c axis of the hexagonal conventional unit cell. The structural and electronic properties of the ground-state B9.5Se are also derived and discussed. By comparing the derived ground-state properties of B9.5Se to the existing experimental data of boron subselenide B˜13Se , I proposed that the as-synthesized boron subselenide B˜13Se , as reported in the literature, has the actual composition of B9.5Se .

Validation of the Two-Parameter-Fracture Criterion for Various Crack Configurations Made of 2014-T6 (TL) Aluminum Alloy Using Finite Element Fracture Simulations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

McQuilkin, Martin

The Two-Parameter- Fracture-Criterion (TPFC) was validated using an elastic-plastic two-dimensional (2D) finite-element code, ZIP2D, with the plane-strain- core concept. Fracture simulations were performed on three crack configurations: (1) middle-crack-tension, M(T), (2) single-edge- crack-tension, SE(T), and (3) single-edge crack-bend, SE(B), specimens. They were made of 2014-T6 (TL) aluminum alloy. Fracture test data from Thomas Orange work (NASA) were only available on M(T) specimens (one-half width, w = 1.5 to 6 in.) and they were all tested at cryogenic (-320 o F) temperature. All crack configurations were analysed over a very wide range of widths (w = 0.75 to 24 in.) and crack-length- to-width ratios ranged from 0.2 to 0.8. The TPFC was shown to fit the simulated fracture data fairly well (within 6.5%) for all crack configurations for net-section stresses less than the material proportional limit. For M(T) specimens, a simple approximation was shown to work well for net-section stresses greater than the proportional limit. Further study is needed for net-section stresses greater than the proportional limit for the SE(T) and SE(B) specimens.

Comparison of Methods for Estimating Evapotranspiration using Remote Sensing Data

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Beamer, J. P.; Morton, C.; Huntington, J. L.; Pohll, G.

2010-12-01

Estimating the annual evapotranspiration (ET) in arid and semi-arid environments is important for managing water resources. In this study we use remote sensing methods to estimate ET from different areas located in western and eastern Nevada. Surface energy balance (SEB) and vegetation indices (VI) are two common methods for estimating ET using satellite data. The purpose of this study is to compare these methods for estimating annual ET and highlight strengths and weaknesses in both methods. The SEB approach used is based on the Mapping Evapotranspiration at high Resolution with Internalized Calibration (METRIC) model, which estimates ET as a residual of the energy balance. METRIC has been shown to produce accurate results in agricultural and riparian settings. The VI approach used is based on statistical relationships between annual ET and various VI’s. The VI approaches have also shown to produce fairly accurate estimates of ET for various vegetation types, however consideration for spatial variations in potential ET and precipitation amount are generally ignored, leading to restrictions in their application. In this work we develop a VI approach that considers the study area potential ET and precipitation amount and compare this approach to METRIC and flux tower estimates of annual ET for several arid phreatophyte shrubs and irrigated agriculture settings.

Lung Cancer Worry and Home Screening for Radon and Secondhand Smoke in Renters.

PubMed

Hahn, Ellen J; Hooper, Marissa; Riker, Carol; Butler, Karen M; Rademacher, Kathy; Wiggins, Amanda; Rayens, Mary Kay

2017-01-01

Lung cancer is largely preventable by eliminating tobacco smoke and radon exposure. This exploratory study assessed the relationships of demographic factors, including having one or more smokers living in the household, and a) lung cancer worry and b) completion of home screening for radon and secondhand smoke (SHS) among renters. A convenience sample of renters (N = 47) received free test kits for radon and SHS as part of a larger study. Demographic factors, lung cancer worry, and completion of home testing were assessed at baseline. The sample was mostly Caucasian (68%), female (62%), and educated beyond high school (70%). The average age was 43 years (SD = 15), and roughly half lived with at least one smoker (49%). Gender, race/ethnicity, education, and whether they had smokers in the home accounted for 35% of the variability in lung cancer worry, F(4, 42) = 5.6, p = .001. Lung cancer worry was associated with lower level of education, b = 0.77; SE(b) = 0.32, and having at least one smoker living in the home, b = 0.71; SE(b) = 0.31. Renters tested their homes for radon and SHS whether they had smokers in the home or not. Constructing and delivering educational messages that target low-educated populations may promote radon testing and smoke-free homes.

Lung Cancer Worry and Home Screening for Radon and Secondhand Smoke in Renters

PubMed Central

Hahn, Ellen J.; Hooper, Marissa; Riker, Carol; Butler, Karen M.; Rademacher, Kathy; Wiggins, Amanda; Rayens, Mary Kay

2017-01-01

Lung cancer is largely preventable by eliminating tobacco smoke and radon exposure. This exploratory study assessed the relationships of demographic factors, including having one or more smokers living in the household, and a) lung cancer worry and b) completion of home screening for radon and secondhand smoke (SHS) among renters. A convenience sample of renters (N = 47) received free test kits for radon and SHS as part of a larger study. Demographic factors, lung cancer worry, and completion of home testing were assessed at baseline. The sample was mostly Caucasian (68%), female (62%), and educated beyond high school (70%). The average age was 43 years (SD = 15), and roughly half lived with at least one smoker (49%). Gender, race/ethnicity, education, and whether they had smokers in the home accounted for 35% of the variability in lung cancer worry, F(4, 42) = 5.6, p = .001. Lung cancer worry was associated with lower level of education, b = 0.77; SE(b) = 0.32, and having at least one smoker living in the home, b = 0.71; SE(b) = 0.31. Renters tested their homes for radon and SHS whether they had smokers in the home or not. Constructing and delivering educational messages that target low-educated populations may promote radon testing and smoke-free homes. PMID:29135198

Preparation, characterisation and study of in vitro biologically active azamacrocyclic Cu(II) dicarboxylate complexes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Antonijević-Nikolić, Mirjana; Antić-Stanković, Jelena; Tanasković, Sladjana B.; Korabik, Maria J.; Gojgić-Cvijović, Gordana; Vučković, Gordana

2013-12-01

New cationic Cu(II) complexes with N, N‧, N″, N″‧-tetrakis(2-pyridylmethyl)-1,4,8,11-tetraazacyclotetradecane (tpmc) and aliphatic dicarboxylic acids: pentanedioic (glutaric acid = glutH2), hexanedioic acid (adipic acid = adipH2) and decanedioic acid (sebacic acid = sebH2) of general formula [Cu4(L)(tpmc)2](ClO4)6·xH2O, L = glut, x = 2; L = adip, x = 7; L = seb, x = 6 were isolated. Their composition and charges are proposed based on elemental analyses and molar conductivity measurements. By the comparison of their UV-Vis, reflectance, FTIR and EPR spectral data, CV and SQUID magnetic measurements, with those for the complex with butanedioic acid (succinic acid = succH2) of known molecular structure and analysis of LC/MS spectra, geometry with two [Cu2tpmc]4+ units bridged by dicarboxylate dianion engaging all oxygens is proposed. Within units, Cu(II) ions are also bridged with N portion of cyclam ring. All four complexes were screened to in vitro antimicrobial and cytotoxic activity along with free primary and secondary ligands, Cu(II) salt and solvent controls. Detected antibacterial and cytotoxic activity for the complexes was enhanced in most cases than the corresponding controls.

Synergistic effect of selectively distributed AlN/MWCNT hybrid fillers on the morphological, mechanical and thermal properties of polycarbonate/maleated poly[styrene-b-(ethylene-co-butylene)- b-styrene] triblock copolymer (SEBS-g-MA) composites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xiao, Chao; Leng, Xinyu; Wang, Hui; Su, Zheng; Zhang, Xian; Chen, Lin; Zheng, Kang; Tian, Xingyou

2017-02-01

A quaternary nanocomposite polycarbonate (PC)- multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT)/SEBS-g-MA (SM)-AlN is prepared by controlling the selective distribution of nano-fillers via melt-blending. Through a two-step mixing method, surface modified AlN is selectively dispersed in the island-like SM phase; meanwhile, MWCNT acting as bridges are mainly located in the continuous phase of PC. This ‘island-bridge’ morphology is confirmed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The selective localization results agree well with the theoretical predictions. Dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) indicates that the addition of hybrid fillers improved the storage modulus selectively. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) shows that the thermal stability of the PC/SM blends increased significantly; the degradation kinetic has also been changed due to the synergistic effects of the fillers. This novel ‘island-bridge’ network contributes a higher thermal conductivity at low filler content as the effective thermal conductivity reached 0.72 W m-1 K-1, which is three times higher than that of 70PC/30SM. The experimental observations coincide well with the optimizing model results.

Highly Stretchable and Conductive Superhydrophobic Coating for Flexible Electronics.

PubMed

Su, Xiaojing; Li, Hongqiang; Lai, Xuejun; Chen, Zhonghua; Zeng, Xingrong

2018-03-28

Superhydrophobic materials integrating stretchability with conductivity have huge potential in the emerging application horizons such as wearable electronic sensors, flexible power storage apparatus, and corrosion-resistant circuits. Herein, a facile spraying method is reported to fabricate a durable superhydrophobic coating with excellent stretchable and electrical performance by combing 1-octadecanethiol-modified silver nanoparticles (M-AgNPs) with polystyrene- b-poly(ethylene- co-butylene)- b-polystyrene (SEBS) on a prestretched natural rubber (NR) substrate. The embedding of M-AgNPs in elastic SEBS matrix and relaxation of prestretched NR substrate construct hierarchical rough architecture and endow the coating with dense charge-transport pathways. The fabricated coating exhibits superhydrophobicity with water contact angle larger than 160° and a high conductivity with resistance of about 10 Ω. The coating not only maintains superhydrophobicity at low/high stretch ratio for the newly generated small/large protuberances but also responds to stretching and bending with good sensitivity, broad sensing range, and stable response cycles. Moreover, the coating exhibits excellent durability to heat and strong acid/alkali and mechanical forces including droplet impact, kneading, torsion, and repetitive stretching-relaxation. The findings conceivably stand out as a new tool to fabricate multifunctional superhydrophobic materials with excellent stretchability and conductivity for flexible electronics under wet or corrosive environments.

Student Evaluations, Outcomes, and National Licensure Examinations in Radiology Education: A Narrative Review of the Literature

PubMed Central

Linaker, Kathleen L.

2015-01-01

Objective The purpose of this study was to examine literature on radiological student evaluation and outcome assessments including national board examinations. Methods A review of the literature was performed using relevant key words. Articles were retrieved through December 2012 using PubMed, ScienceDirect, ERIC, Proquest, and ICL databases along with a manual review of references. Results Of the 4716 unique abstracts reviewed by the author, 54 were found to be relevant to the purpose of this study. Student grade point average correlates with board scores in the nursing, chiropractic, and medical professions. Scores on the chiropractic college admission test and undergraduate grade point average correlate with success in professional college. There is a correlation between board scores and college attended. Board preparation programs do not appear to affect board examination scores. Conclusion Although evaluations can be effective teaching tools, they are not used by many radiology programs. Some programs have inadequate evaluations and do not allow students to review their evaluations. There are no definitive links between mastery of radiology and specific evaluations, outcomes, or pre-professional/clinical grades. Studies suggest that board examination scores reflect long-term mastery of knowledge rather than short-term memorization of facts. PMID:26770174

WASTE REDUCTION TECHNOLOGY EVALUATIONS AT THREE PRINTED WIRE BOARD MANUFACTURERS

EPA Science Inventory

Technologies at three printed wire board (PWB) manufacturers were evaluated for waste reduction, and costs were compared to existing operations. rom 1989 to 1993, these evaluations were conducted under US EPA's Waste Reduction Innovative Technology Evaluation (WRITE) Program, in ...

76 FR 24065 - Board Workshop: June 6-7, 2011-Arlington, Virginia; the U.S. Nuclear Waste Technical Review Board...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-04-29

... NUCLEAR WASTE TECHNICAL REVIEW BOARD Board Workshop: June 6-7, 2011--Arlington, Virginia; the U.S. Nuclear Waste Technical Review Board Will Hold a Workshop on Methods for Evaluating Nuclear Waste Streams... 1987, the U.S. Nuclear Waste Technical Review Board will hold a workshop on Monday, June 6, and Tuesday...

77 FR 54570 - Senior Executive Service Performance Review Board

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-09-05

... DEFENSE NUCLEAR FACILITIES SAFETY BOARD Senior Executive Service Performance Review Board AGENCY... the Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board (DNFSB) Senior Executive Service (SES) Performance Review.... The PRB shall review and evaluate the initial summary rating of the senior executive's performance...

Using Voice Boards: Pedagogical Design, Technological Implementation, Evaluation and Reflections

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Yaneske, Elisabeth; Oates, Briony

2011-01-01

We present a case study to evaluate the use of a Wimba Voice Board to support asynchronous audio discussion. We discuss the learning strategy and pedagogic rationale when a Voice Board was implemented within an MA module for language learners, enabling students to create learning objects and facilitating peer-to-peer learning. Previously students…

Using Voice Boards: Pedagogical Design, Technological Implementation, Evaluation and Reflections

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Yaneske, Elisabeth; Oates, Briony

2010-01-01

We present a case study to evaluate the use of a Wimba Voice Board to support asynchronous audio discussion. We discuss the learning strategy and pedagogic rationale when a Voice Board was implemented within an MA module for language learners, enabling students to create learning objects and facilitating peer-to-peer learning. Previously students…

Self-help on-line: an outcome evaluation of breast cancer bulletin boards.

PubMed

Lieberman, Morton A; Goldstein, Benjamin A

2005-11-01

Many breast cancer patients find help from on-line self-help groups, consisting of self-directed, asynchronous, bulletin boards. These have yet to be empirically evaluated. Upon joining a group and 6 months later, new members (N=114) to breast cancer bulletin boards completed measures of depression (CES-D), growth (PTGI) and psychosocial wellbeing (FACT-B). Improvement was statistically significant on all three measures. This serves as a first validation of Internet bulletin boards as a source of support and help for breast cancer patients. These boards are of particular interest because they are free, accessible and support comes from peers and not from professional facilitators.

Agents Within our Midst

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-03-14

agents; and the development of bio -monitoring protocols for civilian and service personnel during a chemical attack. These efforts have resulted in greater...produced by staphylococcal bacteria that is and is classified as a CDC select agent which has the potential to be used as a biological weapon .1...NMR chemical shift perturbation titrations with Fab (fragment, antigen binding regions) domains of 20B1, 14G8, and 6D3 using deuterated (2H) SEB

Preparation and Characterization of High Temperature Superconductor Film Surfaces

DTIC Science & Technology

1993-10-27

Lanthanum Strontium Copper Oxide (LSCO) was also tested as a normal metal overlayer because of its compatibility with the high deposition temperature for...fabricate YBCO/ISCO SEB junctions using a variety of step heights (110 nm - 330 nm) on Neodymium Gallate (NGO) substrates. NGO was chosen as a...substrate because of its excellent lattice match to YBCO and its lack of crystal twinning Twinning had been a drawback of Lanthanum Aluminate (LAO)- L

77 FR 66191 - Senior Executive Service-Performance Review Board

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-11-02

... OFFICE OF PERSONNEL MANAGEMENT Senior Executive Service--Performance Review Board AGENCY: Office... performance review boards. The board reviews and evaluates the initial appraisal of a senior executive's... performance of the senior executive. U.S. Office of Personnel Management. John Berry, Director. The following...

Space flight printed wiring board measling investigation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Thomas, Walter B., III

1994-01-01

A flight printed wiring board (PWB) for a satellite project was observed to have a high incidence of measling. Other PWB's produced for the program by the same manufacturer did not exhibit the degree of measling as did the 'measle-prone' board. Measling susceptibility during hand soldering and measling effects on PWB insulation resistance were investigated for three production PWB's. Measling resistance was significantly different between the three boards: the 'worst' exhibited five times the number of measles as the 'best' board. 'Severe' measling (that which is likely to affect board reliability) did not exist on the 'best' board, even under extreme soldering conditions (399 degrees C for 12-15 sec.), whereas the 'worst' board showed an average of one 'severe' measle for every two pads under more normal soldering conditions (288-343 degrees C for 2-5 sec.). Both soldering time and temperature affected measling, with time having a slightly greater influence (2 percent versus 12 percent). Measling effects on PWB insulation resistance were inconclusive. These were evaluated by in situ resistance measurements on the same three boards at elevated temperature and humidity. The measured resistance for all three boards decreased for exposures greater than 50 degrees C and 50 percent relative humidity. The 'measle-prone' board showed a resistance decrease at only 25 degrees C and 50 percent relative humidity. However, no definitive difference was detected between measled and not-measled (control) samples. The boards evaluated were production boards, so the effect of interlayer traces connecting the plated-through holes was not controlled. It is likely the resistance measurements were over different volumes of PWB laminate, which would account for the widely varying resistances measured. Thermomechanical measurements on board laminate materials did not reveal any differences attributed to measling. Differences in glass transition temperature were significantly different when measured by DTA, but not by SDT. Laminate thermal expansion differences were significant for the 35 degrees C evaluations, but not for any higher temperatures.

Space flight printed wiring board measling investigation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Thomas, Walter B., III

1994-05-01

A flight printed wiring board (PWB) for a satellite project was observed to have a high incidence of measling. Other PWB's produced for the program by the same manufacturer did not exhibit the degree of measling as did the 'measle-prone' board. Measling susceptibility during hand soldering and measling effects on PWB insulation resistance were investigated for three production PWB's. Measling resistance was significantly different between the three boards: the 'worst' exhibited five times the number of measles as the 'best' board. 'Severe' measling (that which is likely to affect board reliability) did not exist on the 'best' board, even under extreme soldering conditions (399 degrees C for 12-15 sec.), whereas the 'worst' board showed an average of one 'severe' measle for every two pads under more normal soldering conditions (288-343 degrees C for 2-5 sec.). Both soldering time and temperature affected measling, with time having a slightly greater influence (2 percent versus 12 percent). Measling effects on PWB insulation resistance were inconclusive. These were evaluated by in situ resistance measurements on the same three boards at elevated temperature and humidity. The measured resistance for all three boards decreased for exposures greater than 50 degrees C and 50 percent relative humidity. The 'measle-prone' board showed a resistance decrease at only 25 degrees C and 50 percent relative humidity. However, no definitive difference was detected between measled and not-measled (control) samples. The boards evaluated were production boards, so the effect of interlayer traces connecting the plated-through holes was not controlled. It is likely the resistance measurements were over different volumes of PWB laminate, which would account for the widely varying resistances measured. Thermomechanical measurements on board laminate materials did not reveal any differences attributed to measling. Differences in glass transition temperature were significantly different when measured by DTA, but not by SDT. Laminate thermal expansion differences were significant for the 35 degrees C evaluations, but not for any higher temperatures.

Department of Defense Task Force on the Care, Management, and Transition of Recovering Wounded, Ill, and Injured Members of the Armed Forces

DTIC Science & Technology

2011-09-02

manpower and staffing model for Physical Evaluation Board Liaison Officers (PEBLOs) and legal support. Ensure adequate PEBLO and legal staffing levels to...Function focus centrally on the restoration of the physical and mental health of the RW. In the trajectory toward recovery, rehabilitation, and...identified as going through the Medical Evaluation Board (MEB)/ Physical Evaluation Board (PEB) process,84 and a family liaison officer from the RW’s

Guidelines for Evaluating a Superintendent (To Assist School Board Members in Planning and in Evaluation).

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

California School Boards Association, Sacramento.

This publication is intended to aid local school board members in establishing procedures and priorities for evaluating the performance of their district superintendent. Except for a brief introductory section, the entire publication consists of a model comprehensive evaluation instrument. The evaluation model is organized in two main sections,…

78 FR 69097 - Performance Review Board Members

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-11-18

... DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES Performance Review Board Members Title 5, U.S.C. Section... Performance Review Board Members be published in the Federal Register. The following persons may be named to serve on the Performance Review Boards or Panels, which oversee the evaluation of performance appraisals...

78 FR 77125 - Senior Executive Service Performance Review Board; Membership

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-12-20

... ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY [FRL-9904-20-OARM] Senior Executive Service Performance Review... review boards. This board shall review and evaluate the initial appraisal of a senior executive's... performance of the senior executive. Members of the 2013 EPA Performance Review Board are: Benita Best-Wong...

User-tailored seasonal forecasts for agriculture - creating socio-economic benefit through climate services in the Andes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

De Ventura, Sara; Avalos, Grinia; Rossa, Andrea; Flubacher, Moritz; Gubler, Stefanie; Sedlmeier, Katrin; Dapozzo, Marlene; Garcia, Teresa; Quevedo, Karim; Liniger, Mark; Spirig, Christoph; Rosas, Gabriela; Schwierz, Cornelia

2017-04-01

The project Climandes is a twinning project between the Peruvian National Meteorological and Hydrological Service (SENAMHI) and the Federal Office of Meteorology and Climatology of Switzerland (MeteoSwiss) aiming at improving climate services for the Andean Region. It was launched in 2012 as a pilot project of the Global Framework for Climate Services (GFCS) of WMO. In 2016 a second phase of the project has started. Until now, Peru as all the Andean countries has had only a limited access to climate services, and the few instruments already in place have mostly not been developed in concordance with the user needs. Due to this mismatch, the opportunity to achieve veritable socio-economic benefits (SEB) has been overlooked so far. An additional difficulty is the lack of trained and experienced climatology and meteorology professionals able to develop and provide high quality climate services. Furthermore, the importance of climate information and its far-reaching benefits has not yet been fully acknowledged and embraced by the political decision-makers. The overall goals of the Climandes project are the following:. • Provision of user-tailored climate services for the Andean Region to improve socio- economic benefits for the agricultural sector and for society at large. • Improvement of the capacities of the meteorological service of Peru to generate user-tailored climate services in the agricultural sector. These goals are elaborated within three mutually dependent modules: The first one comprises user-tailored climate products for the agricultural sector in the Peruvian Andes. This includes drought and precipitation monitoring as well as the development of a prototype seasonal prediction system for the region including indices tailored to the agricultural sector. The second module focuses on capacity building, enabling climatology-related professionals and students to develop high-quality climate services for Peru and the Andean Region. Training courses as well as E-learning tools covering the knowledge needed for the elaboration and use of climate services (e.g. monitoring, seasonal prediction of precipitation) are developed and implemented. The third module aims at raising the awareness of political stakeholders of the SEB of SENAMHI's sector-specific climate services underpinned by a case study to quantify the SEB of drought and precipitation information platform for selected crops. This contribution will give an overview of the project and highlights some of the results of the first year of Climandes 2.

Growth and condition of juvenile chum and pink salmon in the northeastern Bering Sea

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wechter, Melissa E.; Beckman, Brian R.; Andrews, Alexander G., III; Beaudreau, Anne H.; McPhee, Megan V.

2017-01-01

As the Arctic continues to warm, abundances of juvenile Pacific salmon (Oncorhynchus spp.) in the northern Bering Sea are expected to increase. However, information regarding the growth and condition of juvenile salmon in these waters is limited. The first objective of this study was to describe relationships between size, growth, and condition of juvenile chum (O. keta) and pink (O. gorbuscha) salmon and environmental conditions using data collected in the northeastern Bering Sea (NEBS) from 2003-2007 and 2009-2012. Salmon collected at stations with greater bottom depths and cooler sea-surface temperature (SST) were longer, reflecting their movement further offshore out of the warmer Alaska Coastal Water mass, as the season progressed. Energy density, after accounting for fish length, followed similar relationships with SST and bottom depth while greater condition (weight-length residuals) was associated with warm SST and shallower stations. We used insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) concentrations as an indicator of relative growth rate for fishes sampled in 2009-2012 and that found fish exhibited higher IGF-1 concentrations in 2010-2012 than in 2009, although these differences were not clearly attributable to environmental conditions. Our second objective was to compare size and condition of juvenile chum and pink salmon in the NEBS between warm and cool spring thermal regimes of the southeastern Bering Sea (SEBS). This comparison was based on a hypothesis informed by the strong role of sea-ice retreat in the spring for production dynamics in the SEBS and prevailing northward currents, suggesting that feeding conditions in the NEBS may be influenced by production in the SEBS. We found greater length (both species) and condition (pink salmon) in years with warm thermal regimes; however, both of these responses changed more rapidly with day of year in years with cool springs. Finally, we compared indicators of energy allocation between even and odd brood-year stocks of juvenile pink salmon, finding support for the idea that the even-year stock allocates more energy to storage, as opposed to growth, than does the odd-year stock. Over all, our results support the idea that sea-ice dynamics influence energy allocation and growth of juvenile salmon in the northern Bering Sea and provide a foundation for further understanding of how environmental conditions influence juvenile salmon at the northern edge of their range.

Some previous ABL measurements in the Duero and Ebro valleys

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cuxart, Joan

2017-04-01

Evapotranspiration in semi-arid regimes needs improved understanding and representation in numerical models. Most of the Iberian Peninsula (IP) upper soil in summer becomes dry which makes of it a good area for field campaigning and numerical modeling. The two large basins at the northern IP, Duero (essentially non-irrigated cereals) and Ebro (large irrigated areas surrounded by typical mediterranean vegetation), have already seen some ABL research efforts in the last decades. The CIBA site is located over a plateau in the centre of the Duero basin. The plateau has shallow soil over karstic rock, contrarily to the lower areas that are essentially sedimentary. There radiation and fluxes of biogenic gases have been measured during decades by the University of Valladolid. Since 1998 the renovated 100m tower has been used to study the ABL, focusing essentially in the nocturnal stably stratified regime, the mesoscale low-level jets, the effet of surface heterogeneities and fog events. Studies have been supplemented with use of satellital information and high-resolution mesoscale simulations. The center of the Ebro basin was the site of ABL measurements between 2008 and 2011, when a surface energy budget (SEB) station and a WindRASS were operating in the middle of a large vineyard, occasionally irrigated during the summer season, keeping the soil always with enough water content to sustain the needs of the vines. Similar topics as for the Duero basin were inspected, here supplemented by the effect of the surrounding topography and the wet-dry terrain heterogeneities, both contributing to intensify the strength of low-level circulations. The SEB imbalance was quantified and the terms compared to the ones from the ECMWF model, finding very significant differences. The SEB and WindRASS were installed in 2015 in the large Pyrenean valley of La Cerdanya, through which the Segre river (a main tributary of the Ebro) flows. The soil in this area usually retains enough water during all year and does not experience summer soil dryness. This allows that rain events on the mountain may runoff as soon as they take place and a substantial part of the water may reach the dams downriver. A very strong cold pool develops any season of the year in the valley, which usually presents the lowest temperature values of Catalonia.

Evaluating waste printed circuit boards recycling: Opportunities and challenges, a mini review.

PubMed

Awasthi, Abhishek Kumar; Zlamparet, Gabriel Ionut; Zeng, Xianlai; Li, Jinhui

2017-04-01

Rapid generation of waste printed circuit boards has become a very serious issue worldwide. Numerous techniques have been developed in the last decade to resolve the pollution from waste printed circuit boards, and also recover valuable metals from the waste printed circuit boards stream on a large-scale. However, these techniques have their own certain specific drawbacks that need to be rectified properly. In this review article, these recycling technologies are evaluated based on a strength, weaknesses, opportunities and threats analysis. Furthermore, it is warranted that, the substantial research is required to improve the current technologies for waste printed circuit boards recycling in the outlook of large-scale applications.

Development of an ATCA IPMI controller mezzanine board to be used in the ATCA developments for the ATLAS Liquid Argon upgrade

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dumont Dayot, Nicolas

2012-01-01

In the context of the LHC upgrade, we develop a new Read Out Driver (ROD) for the ATLAS Liquid Argon (LAr) community. ATCA and μTCA (Advanced/Micro Telecom Computing Architecture) is becoming a standard in high energy physics and a strong candidate to be used for boards and crates. We work to master ATCA and to integrate a large number of high speed links (96 links at 8.5 Gbps) on a ROD evaluation ATCA board. A versatile ATCA IPMI controller for ATCA boards which is FPGA Mezzanine Card (FMC) compliant has been developed to control the ROD evaluation board.

Multivariate Spectral Analysis to Extract Materials from Multispectral Data

DTIC Science & Technology

1993-09-01

Euclidean minimum distance and conventional Bayesian classifier suggest some fundamental instabilities. Two candidate sources are (1) inadequate...Coacete Water 2 TOTAL Cetu¢t1te 0 0 0 0 34 0 0 34 TZC10 0 0 0 0 0 26 0 26 hpem ~d I 0 0 to 0 0 0 0 60 Seb~ s 0 0 0 0 4 24 0 28 Mwal 0 0 0 0 33 29 0 62 Ihwid

Military Role in Countering Terrorist Use of Weapons of Mass Destruction

DTIC Science & Technology

1999-04-01

chemical and biological mobile point detection. “The M21 Remote Sensing Chemical Agent Alarm (RSCAAL) is an automatic scanning, passive infrared sensor...The M21 detects nerve and blister agent clouds based on changes in the background infrared spectra caused by the presence of the agent vapor.”15...required if greater than 3 years since last vaccine. VEE Yes Multiple vaccines required. VHF No Botulism Yes SEB No Ricin No Mycotoxin s No Source

Rapid and simultaneous detection of ricin, staphylococcal enterotoxin B and saxitoxin by chemiluminescence-based microarray immunoassay.

PubMed

Szkola, A; Linares, E M; Worbs, S; Dorner, B G; Dietrich, R; Märtlbauer, E; Niessner, R; Seidel, M

2014-11-21

Simultaneous detection of small and large molecules on microarray immunoassays is a challenge that limits some applications in multiplex analysis. This is the case for biosecurity, where fast, cheap and reliable simultaneous detection of proteotoxins and small toxins is needed. Two highly relevant proteotoxins, ricin (60 kDa) and bacterial toxin staphylococcal enterotoxin B (SEB, 30 kDa) and the small phycotoxin saxitoxin (STX, 0.3 kDa) are potential biological warfare agents and require an analytical tool for simultaneous detection. Proteotoxins are successfully detected by sandwich immunoassays, whereas competitive immunoassays are more suitable for small toxins (<1 kDa). Based on this need, this work provides a novel and efficient solution based on anti-idiotypic antibodies for small molecules to combine both assay principles on one microarray. The biotoxin measurements are performed on a flow-through chemiluminescence microarray platform MCR3 in 18 minutes. The chemiluminescence signal was amplified by using a poly-horseradish peroxidase complex (polyHRP), resulting in low detection limits: 2.9 ± 3.1 μg L(-1) for ricin, 0.1 ± 0.1 μg L(-1) for SEB and 2.3 ± 1.7 μg L(-1) for STX. The developed multiplex system for the three biotoxins is completely novel, relevant in the context of biosecurity and establishes the basis for research on anti-idiotypic antibodies for microarray immunoassays.

Impaired Cytokine Responses to Epstein-Barr Virus Antigens in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Patients

PubMed Central

Draborg, Anette Holck; Sandhu, Noreen; Larsen, Nanna; Lisander Larsen, Janni; Jacobsen, Søren; Houen, Gunnar

2016-01-01

We analyzed cytokine responses against latent and lytic Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) antigens in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients and healthy controls (HCs) to obtain an overview of the distinctive immune regulatory response in SLE patients and to expand the previously determined impaired EBV-directed T-cell response. The concentrations of 14 cytokines (IL2, IL4, IL5, IL6, IL10, IL12, IL17, IL18, IL1β, IFNγ, TNFα, TNFβ, TGFβ, and GM-CSF) were quantified upon stimulation of whole blood with latent state antigen EBNA1, lytic cycle antigen EBV-EA/D, and the superantigen SEB. To avoid results affected by lack of lymphocytes, we focused on SLE patients with normal levels. Decreased induction of IL12, IFNγ, IL17, and IL6 upon EBNA1 stimulation and that of IFNγ, IL6, TNFβ, IL1β, and GM-CSF upon EBV-EA/D stimulation were detected in SLE patients compared to HCs. IFNγ responses, especially, were shown to be reduced. Induction of several cytokines was furthermore impaired in SLE patients upon SEB stimulation, but no difference was observed in basic levels. Results substantiate the previously proposed impaired regulation of the immune response against latent and lytic cycle EBV infection in SLE patients without lymphopenia. Furthermore, results indicate general dysfunction of leukocytes and their cytokine regulations in SLE patients. PMID:27110576

The response of surface mass and energy balance of a continental glacier to climate variability, western Qilian Mountains, China

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sun, Weijun; Qin, Xiang; Wang, Yetang; Chen, Jizu; Du, Wentao; Zhang, Tong; Huai, Baojuan

2017-08-01

To understand how a continental glacier responds to climate change, it is imperative to quantify the surface energy fluxes and identify factors controlling glacier mass balance using surface energy balance (SEB) model. Light absorbing impurities (LAIs) at the glacial surface can greatly decrease surface albedo and increase glacial melt. An automatic weather station was set up and generated a unique 6-year meteorological dataset for the ablation zone of Laohugou Glacier No. 12. Based on these data, the surface energy budget was calculated and an experiment on the glacial melt process was carried out. The effect of reduced albedo on glacial melting was analyzed. Owing to continuous accumulation of LAIs, the ablation zone had been darkening since 2010. The mean value of surface albedo in melt period (June through September) dropped from 0.52 to 0.43, and the minimum of daily mean value was as small as 0.1. From the records of 2010-2015, keeping the clean ice albedo fixed in the range of 0.3-0.4, LAIs caused an increase of +7.1 to +16 W m-2 of net shortwave radiation and an removal of 1101-2663 mm water equivalent. Calculation with the SEB model showed equivalent increases in glacial melt were obtained by increasing air temperature by 1.3 and 3.2 K, respectively.

PARENTAL REPORTS OF EARLY SOCIOEMOTIONAL AND BEHAVIORAL PROBLEMS: DOES THE FATHER'S VIEW MAKE A DIFFERENCE?

PubMed

Alakortes, Jaana; Fyrstén, Jenni; Bloigu, Risto; Carter, Alice S; Moilanen, Irma K; Ebeling, Hanna E

2017-05-01

Although both mothers and fathers are essential sources of information to address early socioemotional/behavioral (SEB) problems, there continues to be a dearth of studies considering both parental views. A sample of 208 toddlers (M age = 19.3 months) was recruited through public child health centers. Both parents of 172 toddlers (76 boys, 96 girls) completed the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL) 1-5 (T.M. Achenbach & L.A. Rescorla, 2000; Finnish translation by F. Almqvist, ). Correspondence (intraclass correlation coefficients; ICCs) between the maternal and paternal CBCL ratings was good (.64) for the Internalizing and excellent (.76) for the Externalizing and Total Problems scores whereas ICCs varied from .45 for the Withdrawn to .76 for the Sleep Problems and Aggressive Behavior syndrome scores. Regarding discrepancies, mothers consistently reported higher CBCL scale scores than did fathers. Most significant differences between the parental ratings were found on the Aggressive Behavior syndrome, Externalizing, and Total Problems scales. Interparental rating discrepancies increased with elevations in the corresponding CBCL scale scores. Positive correlations were found between maternal, but not paternal, parenting stress and interparental rating discrepancies on the CBCL. The observed differences between maternal and paternal ratings highlight the importance of gathering reports from both parents when assessing early SEB problems. The findings are more profoundly discussed in the article. © 2017 Michigan Association for Infant Mental Health.

Science Advisory Board Evaluation of the Effectiveness of Partial Lead Service Line Replacements

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

Report of the Science Advisory Board (SAB) to evaluate the current scientific data to determine the effectiveness of partial lead service line replacements (PLSLR) in reducing drinking water lead levels.

Increased Th1 and Th2 allergen-induced cytokine responses in children with atopic disease.

PubMed

Smart, J M; Kemp, A S

2002-05-01

Polyclonal cytokine responses following stimulation of T cells with mitogens or superantigens provides information on cytokine production from a wide range of T cells. Alternatively allergen-induced T cell responses can provide information on cytokine production by allergen-reactive T cells. While there is evidence of increased Th2 and reduced Th1 cytokine production following T cell stimulation with non-specific mitogens and superantigens, the evidence that Th1 cytokine production to allergens is decreased in line with a postulated imbalance in Th1/Th2 responses is unclear, with studies finding decreased, no difference or increased IFN-gamma responses to allergens in atopic subjects. To examine childhood polyclonal and allergen-induced cytokine responses in parallel to evaluate cytokine imbalances in childhood atopic disease. PBMC cytokine responses were examined in response to a polyclonal stimulus, staphylococcal superantigen (SEB), in parallel with two inhalant allergens, house dust mite (HDM) and rye grass pollen (RYE), and an ingested allergen, ovalbumin (OVA), in (a) 35 healthy children (non-atopic) and (b) 36 children with atopic disease (asthma, eczema and/or rhinitis) (atopic). Atopic children had significantly reduced IFN-gamma and increased IL-4 and IL-5 but not IL13 production to SEB superantigen stimulation when compared with non-atopic children. HDM and RYE allergens stimulated significantly increased IFN-gamma, IL-5 and IL-13, while OVA stimulated significantly increased IFN-gamma production in atopic children. We show that a polyclonal stimulus induces a reduced Th1 (IFN-gamma) and increased Th2 (IL-4 and IL-5) cytokine pattern. In contrast, the allergen-induced cytokine responses in atopic children were associated with both increased Th1 (INF-gamma) and Th2 (IL-5 and IL-13) cytokine production. The increased Th1 response to allergen is likely to reflect prior sensitization and indicates that increases in both Th1 and Th2 cytokine production to allergens exists concomitantly with a decreased Th1 response to a polyclonal stimulus in atopic children.

Evaluation of board performance in Iran's universities of medical sciences.

PubMed

Sajadi, Haniye Sadat; Maleki, Mohammadreza; Ravaghi, Hamid; Farzan, Homayoun; Aminlou, Hasan; Hadi, Mohammad

2014-10-01

The critical role that the board plays in governance of universities clarifies the necessity of evaluating its performance. This study was aimed to evaluate the performance of the boards of medical universities and provide solutions to enhance its performance. The first phase of present study was a qualitative research in which data were collected through face-to-face semi-structured interviews. Data were analyzed by thematic approach. The second phase was a mixed qualitative and quantitative study, with quantitative part in cross-sectional format and qualitative part in content analysis format. In the quantitative part, data were collected through Ministry of Health and Medical Education (MoHME). In the qualitative part, the content of 2,148 resolutions that were selected by using stratified sampling method were analyzed. Participants believed that the boards had no acceptable performance for a long time.RESULTS also indicated the increasing number of meetings and resolutions of the boards in these 21 years. The boards' resolutions were mostly operational in domain and administrative in nature. The share of specific resolutions was more than the general ones. Given the current pace of change and development and the need to timely respond them, it is recommended to accelerate the slow pace of improvement process of the boards. It appears that more delegation and strengthening the position of the boards are the effective strategies to speed up this process.

Traumatic Brain Injury: A Guide for Caregivers of Service Members and Veterans: Becoming a Family Caregiver for a Service Member/Veteran with TBI. Module 3

DTIC Science & Technology

2010-04-01

Care Comes First? How Can I Stay Emotionally Healthy? How Can I Stay Physically Healthy? What Are Strategies for Self-Care? Chapter 5: Helping Your...care-related information you need in one place • keep all the important documents needed for the Medical Evaluation Board (MEB) and Physical ...notebook or file with the records needed to apply for medical and family benefits or the Medical Evaluation Board/ Physical Evaluation Board (MEB/PEB

Making Superintendent Evaluation Fun?

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Vranish, Paul L.

2011-01-01

The evaluation of a superintendent is often a stressful, unpleasant experience for both the superintendent and the members of the school board. Typical board trustees have little experience in evaluating CEOs. Worse yet, they are hamstrung by the limitations inherent to their roles. They lack the advantage of a day-to-day working relationship with…

An Entitlement Approach to Address the Water-Energy-Food Nexus in Rural India

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Siegfried, T. U.; Fishman, R.; Modi, V.; Lall, U.

2008-12-01

Groundwater mining in India is one of the biggest water related present and future challenges of South Asia. In the agricultural sector, the negative impact from groundwater depletion is complex and affects farmers directly and indirectly in different ways according to their existing dependence on access to groundwater for irrigation. It stems from a) a reduction in buffer capacity of groundwater as a source of backup supply in critical times of drought, b) the deprivation of access to groundwater of those farmers that cannot raise the capital to continuously drill deeper so as to chase the declining groundwater table and c) the constant reduction of per pump well yield due to the declining water tables given more or less constant pumping energy supply. As a result, rural incomes have become less reliable and household as well as national level food security are increasingly compromised. It is feared that the current deterioration of the national food security situation in India might not easily be reversed due to the unsustainable nature of consumptive groundwater use over the past decades. Access to electricity and subsidized power so as to pump groundwater for irrigation have played a critical role in increasing food production thus linking the energy and agricultural sector. The current rural public finance mechanism is highly ineffective, however, and trapped in an inefficient equilibrium. The deficiencies are that low cost and low quality electricity for agriculture likely translate into wasteful groundwater as well as inefficient energy use and thus lead to resource depletion and contribute to an erosion of the rural electricity distribution system. It is estimated that the current commercial losses to the State Electricity Boards (SEBs) amount to about 23 percent of the gross fiscal deficit of the states. The original intent of the rural subsidy program is thus lost and the current system in urgent need of repair. The uncertain future development of energy prices and rainfall patterns due to climate change only enhance these concerns. Given these deficiencies, any corrective strategy should at least target the following long-term policy goals: a) increase the efficiency of rural electricity consumption in terms of grain production and rural income, b) providing the farmers greater flexibility with timely, high quality energy and more efficient means of production, c) enable proper energy accounting on the use side so as to recover costs at sufficient levels for the SEBs and thus enable long-term investments in energy infrastructure and d) secure and eventually increase agricultural production without depleting groundwater resources over the long run. We will present an entitlement approach with which the above issues can be addressed in the future. A case study example from the semi-arid Telangana Region in Andhra Pradesh will be discussed in depth and preliminary results shown.

Seeking Election: Evaluating a Campaign for Public School Board Trusteeship

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Mueller, Robin

2011-01-01

Canadian public school board trustees are generally chosen by way of public ballot in civic elections. A comparison of board governance literature to a local narrative account of public school board elections exposes several gaps between espoused democratic ideals and the realities of public engagement in trustee selection. I investigate the…

Teleconsultation: The use of technology to improve evidence-based practices in rural communities.

PubMed

Bice-Urbach, Brittany J; Kratochwill, Thomas R

2016-06-01

Problem-solving consultation in schools has been found to be an effective method of service delivery to support teachers who are struggling to address student social-emotional behavioral (SEB) concerns. Despite its benefits, a number of barriers (e.g., lack of time and limited access to trained professionals) restrict the use of consultation within schools, especially in rural settings. The purpose of the study was to examine the impact of teleconsultation designed to improve behavior support to students living in rural communities. Both student outcomes and teacher perceptions were evaluated. Results indicated that (a) student disruptive behaviors improved through the implementation of an individualized behavior support plan developed through teleconsultation, and (b) teachers found the teleconsultation experience acceptable and feasible. As the demands placed on psychologists and the quality of videoconferencing continue to increase, teleconsultation is becoming a viable option for service delivery within rural school settings. Copyright © 2016 Society for the Study of School Psychology. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Refinement of boards' role required.

PubMed

Umbdenstock, R J

1987-01-01

The governing board's role in health care is not changing, but new competitive forces necessitate a refinement of the board's approach to fulfilling its role. In a free-standing, community, not-for-profit hospital, the board functions as though it were the "owner." Although it does not truly own the facility in the legal sense, the board does have legal, fiduciary, and financial responsibilities conferred on it by the state. In a religious-sponsored facility, the board fulfills these same obligations on behalf of the sponsoring institute, subject to the institute's reserved powers. In multi-institutional systems, the hospital board's power and authority depend on the role granted it by the system. Boards in all types of facilities are currently faced with the following challenges: Fulfilling their basic responsibilities, such as legal requirements, financial duties, and obligations for the quality of care. Encouraging management and the board itself to "think strategically" in attacking new competitive market forces while protecting the organization's traditional mission and values. Assessing recommended strategies in light of consequences if constituencies think the organization is abandoning its commitments. Boards can take several steps to match their mode of operation with the challenges of the new environment. Boards must rededicate themselves to the hospital's mission. Trustees must expand their understanding of health care trends and issues and their effect on the organization. Boards must evaluate and help strengthen management's performance, rather than acting as a "watchdog" in an adversarial position. Boards must think strategically, rather than focusing solely on operational details. Boards must evaluate the methods they use for conducting business.

Mechanical properties of gypsum board at elevated temperatures

Treesearch

S.M. Cramer; O.M. Friday; R.H. White; G. Sriprutkiat

2003-01-01

Gypsum board is a common fire barrier used in house and general building construction. Recently, evaluation of the collapses of the World Trade Center Towers highlighted the potential role and failure of gypsum board in containing the fires and resisting damage. The use of gypsum board as primary fire protection of light-flame wood or steel construction is ubiquitous....

Microbial Pathogenesis and Host Defense.

DTIC Science & Technology

1998-03-01

and DS 168- 1 were identical to each other but distinct from E2073 8A and DS37-4; the deduced amino acid sequences differed at 17 of 145 residues and...radiolabeled protein and RNA that reached a plateau within 1 h. In contrast, release of LPS-associated fatty acids did not exceed 10%, did not become...analyzed the effects of different superantigens (SEA, SEB, TSST- 1 and ETA) in contrast to their mutants (exchange of one or more amino acid residues

Acoustic Microsensors III. Direct Detection of Staphylococcal Enterotoxin B Employing a Piezoelectric Crystal Immunosensor with a Flexible Carboxylated Dextran Matrix as the Biochemical Interface.

DTIC Science & Technology

1998-03-01

8217real time’ monitoring van biologische strijdmiddelen en aanverwante verbindingen. TNO- PML onderzoekt de mogelijkheden van een immunoreactie op een...toxine, dat voedselvergiftiging veroorzaakt, behoort tot de biologische strijdmid- delen. SEB werd door PG33 gekozen als teststof om de diverse...onderzoek zieh richten op de detectie van grote antigenen die tot de biologische strijdmiddelen behoren, zoals sommige virussen en bacteri- en. De

Performance Appraisal of College-Level Learners Using Smart Boards

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Riyaz, Reeja

2010-01-01

This article reports on the evaluation of the use of Smart Boards in learning and teaching second-language writing skills. Results showed that the use of Smart Boards in learning and teaching improved students' second-language skills.

Is USMLE Step 1 score a valid predictor of success in surgical residency?

PubMed

Sutton, Erica; Richardson, James David; Ziegler, Craig; Bond, Jordan; Burke-Poole, Molly; McMasters, Kelly M

2014-12-01

Many programs rely extensively on United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) scores for interviews/selection of surgical residents. However, their predictive ability remains controversial. We examined the association between USMLE scores and success in surgical residency. We compared USMLE scores for 123 general surgical residents who trained in the past 20 years and their performance evaluation. Scores were normalized to the mean for the testing year and expressed as a ratio (1 = mean). Performances were evaluated by (1) rotation evaluations; (2) "dropouts;" (3) overall American Board of Surgery pass rate; (4) first-time American Board of Surgery pass rate; and (5) a retrospective comprehensive faculty evaluation. For the latter, 16 surgeons (average faculty tenure 22 years) rated residents on a 1 to 4 score (1 = fair; 4 = excellent). Rotation evaluations by faculty and "drop out" rates were not associated with USMLE score differences (dropouts had average above the mean). One hundred percent of general surgery practitioners achieved board certification regardless of USMLE score but trainees with an average above the mean had a higher first-time pass rate (P = .04). Data from the comprehensive faculty evaluations were conflicting: there was a moderate degree of correlation between board scores and faculty evaluations (r = .287, P = .001). However, a score above the mean was associated with a faculty ranking of 3 to 4 in only 51.7% of trainees. Higher USMLE scores were associated with higher faculty evaluations and first-time board pass rates. However, their positive predictive value was only 50% for higher faculty evaluations and a high overall board pass rate can be achieved regardless of USMLE scores. USMLE Step 1 score is a valid tool for selecting residents but caution might be indicated in using it as a single selection factor. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

48 CFR 836.602-2 - Evaluation boards.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... Management projects. The Director, Office of Construction and Facilities Management, shall appoint an... appropriate for the particular project. The Director, Office of Construction and Facilities Management may... Evaluation boards. (a) The Director, Office of Construction and Facilities Management, shall appoint an...

Evaluation of Cleanliness Test Methods for Spacecraft PCB Assemblies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tegehall, P.-E.; Dunn, B. D.

2006-10-01

Ionic contamination on printed-circuit-board assemblies may cause current leakage and short-circuits. The present cleanliness requirement in ECSS-Q-70-08, "The manual soldering of high-reliability electrical connections", is that the ionic contamination shall be less than 1.56 fl-glcm2 NaCI equivalents. The relevance of the method used for measurement of the ionic contamination level, resistivity of solvent extract, has been questioned. Alternative methods are ion chromatography and measurement of surface insulation resistance, but these methods also have their drawbacks. These methods are first described and their advantages and drawbacks are discussed. This is followed by an experimental evaluation of the three methods. This was done by soldering test vehicles at four manufacturers of space electronics using their ordinary processes for soldering and cleaning printed board assemblies. The experimental evaluation showed that the ionic contamination added by the four assemblers was very small and well below the acceptance criterion in ECSS-Q-70-80. Ion-chromatography analysis showed that most of the ionic contamination on the cleaned assembled boards originated from the hot-oil fusing of the printed circuit boards. Also, the surface insulation resistance was higher on the assembled boards compared to the bare printed circuit boards. Since strongly activated fluxes are normally used when printed circuit boards are hot-oil fused, it is essential that they are thoroughly cleaned in order to achieve low contamination levels on the final printed-board assemblies.

DOE's Environmental Management Site-Specific Advisory Board: The Roles, Work, and Assessment of the Constituent Local Boards - 13587

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

Alexander, Catherine; Freeman, Jenny; Cantrell, Yvette

2013-07-01

The charter for the Department of Energy's Environmental Management (EM) Site-Specific Advisory Board (SSAB) was approved under the Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA) in 1994. With a unique mandate to provide public input on issues associated with the cleanup of nuclear legacy sites in the U.S., the EM SSAB comprises eight local boards, which are based at major EM sites. While each board is unique to the community in which it is located and reflects the diversity of the local population, the boards are governed by FACA, related regulations, and DOE policies that are intended to standardize agency advisory boardmore » operations. The EM SSAB local boards are made up of a diverse group of citizens who want to understand the mission and goals of the EM program and to help EM achieve those goals for the benefit of their communities. Some are quite passionate about their mission; others need to be coaxed into active participation. Maintaining productive relationships and a supportive environment for effective board operations is the challenge of board management for DOE EM and the board members themselves. DOE draws on research findings and best practices literature from academics and practitioners in the field of public involvement in its board management practices. The EM SSAB is also evaluated annually under the law to ensure that the investment of taxpayer dollars in the board is warranted in light of the contributions of the board. Further evaluation takes place at the agency and site levels in order to identify what aspects of board functioning the agency and board members find important to its success and to address areas where improvement is needed. Board contributions, compliance factors, and measurable outcomes related to board products and process areas are key to agency commitment to ongoing support of the boards and to participant satisfaction and thus continued member involvement. In addition to evaluation of these factors in improving board effectiveness, the agency draws on the experience of members to create best practices for the EM SSAB, as a unique form of public involvement. Four areas that have been identified by local board Chairpersons as important to their local board operations are - Enhancing communication between technical and non-technical board members; - Building on common ground toward recommendations; - Public involvement in EM SSAB local board activities; - The EM SSAB annual work plan process. The first three areas are addressed below by current or former chairpersons of the EM SSAB: Ralph Phelps, former Chairperson of the Northern New Mexico Citizens' Advisory Board; Susan Leckband, former Chairperson and current Vice Chairperson of the Hanford Advisory Board; and Val Francis, Vice Chairperson of the Portsmouth (PORTS) SSAB. In addition, Eric Roberts, facilitator of the PORTS SSAB, has contributed to the section on public involvement. In a separate paper for this session, Ralph Young, Chairperson of the Paducah Citizens' Advisory Board addresses the EM SSAB annual work plan process. (authors)« less

Exterior Decay of Wood-Plastic Composite Boards: Characterization and Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Treesearch

Rebecca Ibach; Grace Sun; Marek Gnatowski; Jessie Glaeser; Mathew Leung; John Haight

2016-01-01

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was used to evaluate free water content and distribution in wood-plastic composite (WPC) materials decayed during exterior exposure near Hilo, Hawaii. Two segments of the same board blend were selected from 6 commercial decking boards that had fungal fruiting bodies. One of the two board segments was exposed in sun, the other in shadow...

Ergonomic evaluation of slide boards used by home care aides to assist client transfers.

PubMed

Sun, Chuan; Buchholz, Bryan; Quinn, Margaret; Punnett, Laura; Galligan, Catherine; Gore, Rebecca

2018-07-01

Home care aides risk musculoskeletal injury because they lift and move clients; the body weight of most adults exceeds the NIOSH recommended limit for lifting. Methods to reduce manual patient lifting in institutional settings are often technically or economically infeasible in home care. Our goal was to identify suitable, safe, low-technology transfer devices for home care use. Sixteen experienced home care aides performed client transfers from wheelchair to bed (upward) and bed to wheelchair (downward) in a simulated home care environment (laboratory), using four different slide boards and by hand without a device. Aides' hand forces were measured during client transfers; aides also evaluated usability of each board. Hand forces exerted while using slide boards were mostly lower than in manual transfer, and forces were lower in downward versus upward transfers. Aides judged a board with a sliding mechanism easier to use than boards without a sliding mechanism. Practitioner Summary: This paper provides quantitative biomechanical measurements showing that slide boards reduced the hand forces needed by home care aides to transfer clients from bed to wheel chair and vice versa, compared to manual lifting. Using a semi-quantitative usability survey, aides identified boards with a sliding mechanism easiest to use.

Portable apparatus for surface evaluation of furniture panels

Treesearch

B. G. Heebink

1963-01-01

In 1959, a new technique was devised at the Forest Products Laboratory that provided a means of examining, evaluating, and recording the show- through pattern (often called telegraphing) of panels made with particle board cores. Although the technique was devised as a working tool to evaluate show-through characteristics of particle board cores, it can be used equally...

Evaluation of board performance in Iran’s universities of medical sciences

PubMed Central

Sajadi, Haniye Sadat; Maleki, Mohammadreza; Ravaghi, Hamid; Farzan, Homayoun; Aminlou, Hasan; Hadi, Mohammad

2014-01-01

Background: The critical role that the board plays in governance of universities clarifies the necessity of evaluating its performance. This study was aimed to evaluate the performance of the boards of medical universities and provide solutions to enhance its performance. Methods: The first phase of present study was a qualitative research in which data were collected through face-to-face semi-structured interviews. Data were analyzed by thematic approach. The second phase was a mixed qualitative and quantitative study, with quantitative part in cross-sectional format and qualitative part in content analysis format. In the quantitative part, data were collected through Ministry of Health and Medical Education (MoHME). In the qualitative part, the content of 2,148 resolutions that were selected by using stratified sampling method were analyzed. Results: Participants believed that the boards had no acceptable performance for a long time.Results also indicated the increasing number of meetings and resolutions of the boards in these 21 years. The boards’ resolutions were mostly operational in domain and administrative in nature. The share of specific resolutions was more than the general ones. Conclusion: Given the current pace of change and development and the need to timely respond them, it is recommended to accelerate the slow pace of improvement process of the boards. It appears that more delegation and strengthening the position of the boards are the effective strategies to speed up this process. PMID:25337597

Quantitative evaluation of low-cost frame-grabber boards for personal computers.

PubMed

Kofler, J M; Gray, J E; Fuelberth, J T; Taubel, J P

1995-11-01

Nine moderately priced frame-grabber boards for both Macintosh (Apple Computers, Cupertino, CA) and IBM-compatible computers were evaluated using a Society of Motion Pictures and Television Engineers (SMPTE) pattern and a video signal generator for dynamic range, gray-scale reproducibility, and spatial integrity of the captured image. The degradation of the video information ranged from minor to severe. Some boards are of reasonable quality for applications in diagnostic imaging and education. However, price and quality are not necessarily directly related.

42 CFR 121.10 - Reviews, evaluation, and enforcement.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-10-01

... RESOURCES DEVELOPMENT ORGAN PROCUREMENT AND TRANSPLANTATION NETWORK § 121.10 Reviews, evaluation, and... and Board of Directors meetings in which transplant hospital and OPO compliance with these regulations or OPTN policies is considered. (c) Enforcement of OPTN rules—(1) OPTN recommendations. The Board of...

42 CFR 121.10 - Reviews, evaluation, and enforcement.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-10-01

... RESOURCES DEVELOPMENT ORGAN PROCUREMENT AND TRANSPLANTATION NETWORK § 121.10 Reviews, evaluation, and... and Board of Directors meetings in which transplant hospital and OPO compliance with these regulations or OPTN policies is considered. (c) Enforcement of OPTN rules—(1) OPTN recommendations. The Board of...

42 CFR 121.10 - Reviews, evaluation, and enforcement.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-10-01

... RESOURCES DEVELOPMENT ORGAN PROCUREMENT AND TRANSPLANTATION NETWORK § 121.10 Reviews, evaluation, and... and Board of Directors meetings in which transplant hospital and OPO compliance with these regulations or OPTN policies is considered. (c) Enforcement of OPTN rules—(1) OPTN recommendations. The Board of...

National Labor Relations Board: Action Needed to Improve Case-Processing Time at Headquarters

DTIC Science & Technology

1991-01-01

Board more than 2 years. The Board agreed with the report regarding (1) the disruptive impact of Board-member turnover and vacancies, (2) Board...establish) and the impact of lead case delays were signifi- cant factors that warrant the extent of discussion in the report. ’’A Staff Report on the...of course, too early to evaluate the final impact of the Draft Report’s recommendations on action needed to improve case-processing time at the five

Investigation of the Semicoa 2N7616 and 2N7425 and the Microsemi 2N7480 for Single-Event Gate Rupture and Single-Event Burnout

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Scheick, Leif

2014-01-01

Single-event-effect test results for hi-rel total-dose-hardened power MOSFETs are presented in this report. The 2N7616 and the 2N7425 from Semicoa and the 2N7480 from International Rectifier were tested to NASA test condition standards and requirements. The 2N7480 performed well and the data agree with the manufacture's data. The 2N7616 and 2N7425 were entry parts from Semicoa using a new device architecture. Unfortunately, the device performed poorly and Semicoa is withdrawing power MOSFETs from it line due to these data. Vertical metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistors (MOSFETs) are the most commonly used power transistor. MOSFETs are typically employed in power supplies and high current switching applications. Due to the inherent high electric fields in the device, power MOSFETs are sensitive to heavy ion irradiation and can fail catastrophically as a result of single-event gate rupture (SEGR) or single-event burnout (SEB). Manufacturers have designed radiation-hardened power MOSFETs for space applications. See [1] through [5] for more information. The objective of this effort was to investigate the SEGR and SEB responses of two power MOSFETs recently produced. These tests will serve as a limited verification of these parts. It is acknowledged that further testing on the respective parts may be needed for some mission profiles.

Effect of age and latent CMV infection on CD8+ CD56+ T cells (NKT-like) frequency and functionality.

PubMed

Hassouneh, Fakhri; Campos, Carmen; López-Sejas, Nelson; Alonso, Corona; Tarazona, Raquel; Solana, Rafael; Pera, Alejandra

2016-09-01

Changes in the T cell pool caused by CMV infection have been proposed to contribute to immunosenescence, but it has been postulated that CMV can also have some beneficial effects in young individuals improving the immune response to other pathogens. T cells expressing CD56 (NKT-like cells) are cytotoxic effector cells with a significant role in the immune response against cancer. We have studied how age and latent CMV infection affect the frequency of NKT-like cells (CD8+ CD56+ T cells) and their response to Staphylococcal Enterotoxin B (SEB) in the context of CMV and ageing. NKT-like cell percentage increases with the combination of both CMV and age. The response to SEB and the polyfunctional index of NKT-like cells also increase with age in CMV-seropositive individuals. In young individuals, CMV infection induces a shift on the polyfunctional profile of CD8+ CD56- T cells not observed on the NKT-like cells response. NKT-like cells expressing CD57 are expanded in CMV-seropositive individuals and are more polyfunctional than their CD57-  counterpart. In addition CD57- NKT-like cells are more polyfunctional than CD8+ CD56- CD57- T cells. The results support that the expansion of polyfunctional NKT-cells may have a beneficial effect on the immune response against pathogens. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Characterization of Toxin Genes and Antimicrobial Susceptibility of Staphylococcus aureus from Retail Raw Chicken Meat.

PubMed

Li, Suixia; Wang, Panpan; Zhao, Jialin; Zhou, Luhong; Zhang, Pengfei; Fu, Chengyu; Meng, Jianghong; Wang, Xin

2018-04-01

The aim of this study was to investigate the toxin gene profile and antimicrobial resistance of Staphylococcus aureus isolates from raw chicken in the People's Republic of China. In total, 289 S. aureus isolates were characterized by antimicrobial susceptibility testing, and genes encoding enterotoxins, exfoliative toxins, Panton-Valentine leukocidin, and toxic shock syndrome toxin were revealed by PCR. Overall, 46.0% of the isolates were positive for one or more toxin genes. A high proportion of toxin genes were pvl (26.6%), followed by sej (12.5%), sea (9.0%), seh (8.3%), seb (6.9%), sec (6.9%), sed (4.8%), sei (3.1%), and see (2.4%). None of the isolates harbored seg, tsst-1, or exfoliative toxin genes. In total, 29 toxin gene profiles were obtained, and pvl (10.7%) was the most frequent genotype, followed by sea (5.9%), seb (4.8%), and sej (4.2%). Furthermore, 99.7% of the strains were resistant to at least one of the tested antimicrobial agents, and 87.2% of them displayed multidrug resistance. Resistance was most frequently observed to trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole and erythromycin (86.2% for each), followed by tetracycline (69.9%), amoxicillin-clavulanic acid (45.0%), and ampicillin (42.6%). None of the strains were resistant to vancomycin. This study indicates that S. aureus isolates from raw chicken harbored multiple toxin genes and exhibited multiple antimicrobial resistance, which represents a potential health hazard for consumers.

[Multiplex PCR strategy for the simultaneous identification of Staphylococcus aureus and detection of staphylococcal enterotoxins in isolates from food poisoning outbreaks].

PubMed

Brizzio, Aníbal A; Tedeschi, Fabián A; Zalazar, Fabián E

2013-01-01

Staphylococcal food poisoning is the most frequent type of food poisoning around the world. Staphylococcus aureus enterotoxins cause significant loss of water in the intestinal lumen, followed by vomiting and diarrhea. To report a fast, reliable and inexpensive strategy based on multiplex PCR for the simultaneous identification of S. aureus and detection of five classical S. aureus enterotoxin genes ( sea, seb, sec, sed, see ) in Staphylococcus spp. strains isolated from food poisoning outbreaks. We analyzed isolates from 12 food poisoning outbreaks occurred in Santa Fe province (Argentina). Isolation and phenotypic characterization were carried out by standard procedures. Genotypic analysis was performed by multiplex PCR, using primers for nuc , sea-see and 16S rRNA genes simultaneously. Of all the strains tested, 58% were found to carry toxigenic genes. Sea and seb toxins were found at the same percentage (29%) while sec, sed and see genes were found in a lower and identical proportion (14%). We did not find more than one different type of S. aureus enterotoxin in the isolates analyzed. The multiplex PCR strategy designed in this work has enabled us to identify strains of S. aureus and detect -at the same time- their enterotoxigenic ability. At present, our efforts are devoted to the detection of genes encoding enterotoxins other than the classical ones, in order to know their impact on staphylococcal food poisoning, as well as to investigate their relevance to our country's public health.

ELISA-LOC: lab-on-a-chip for enzyme-linked immunodetection.

PubMed

Sun, Steven; Yang, Minghui; Kostov, Yordan; Rasooly, Avraham

2010-08-21

A miniature 96 sample ELISA-lab-on-a-chip (ELISA-LOC) was designed, fabricated, and tested for immunological detection of Staphylococcal Enterotoxin B (SEB). The chip integrates a simple microfluidics system into a miniature ninety-six sample plate, allowing the user to carry out an immunological assay without a laboratory. Assay reagents are delivered into the assay plate without the need for separate devices commonly used in immunoassays. The ELISA-LOC was constructed using Laminated Object Manufacturing (LOM) technology to assemble six layers with an acrylic (poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA)) core and five polycarbonate layers micromachined by a CO(2) laser. The ELISA-LOC has three main functional elements: reagent loading fluidics, assay and detection wells, and reagent removal fluidics, a simple "surface tension" valve used to control the flow. To enhance assay sensitivity and to perform the assay without a lab, ELISA-LOC detection combines several biosensing elements: (1) carbon nanotube (CNT) technology to enhance primary antibody immobilization, (2) sensitive ECL (electrochemiluminescence) detection, and (3) a charge-coupled device (CCD) detector for measuring the light signal generated by ECL. Using a sandwich ELISA assay, the system detected SEB at concentrations as low as 0.1 ng ml(-1), which is similar to the reported sensitivity of conventional ELISA. The fluidics system can be operated by a syringe and does not require power for operation. This simple point-of-care (POC) system is useful for carrying out various immunological assays and other complex medical assays without a laboratory.

An evaluation of Global Zakat Game (GZG) as edutainment board game in enhancing Zakat education in Malaysia

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Rahman, Azman Ab.; Sahrir, Muhammad Sabri; Zainuddin, Nurkhamimi; Khafidz, Hasanah Abd.

2018-01-01

Board games have become one of the useful tools in teaching and learning. Many instructors and educators have chosen to use board games to enhance the way of delivering course contents. A board game will help students understand the education concept quickly and get involved in experiential learning, where students can manage and solve problems in…

SU-C-19A-04: Evaluation of Patient Positioning Reproducibility with Three Supine Breast Boards

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

Zhang, Y; Brinkmann, D; Pafundi, D

2014-06-15

Purpose: To evaluate positioning reproducibility using three commercially available breast board immobilization systems for whole breast radiation therapy. Methods: Weekly pre-treatment cone beam CT images from 18 free-breathing breast radiotherapy patients, each immobilized with one of three breast boards, were retrospectively registered to the planning CT. Relative shifts between breast tissue and sternum/chest wall (CW), and breast tissue and spine compared to planning CT were obtained for each board. Positioning reproducibility, inter-patient variation and intra-patient variation were evaluated by group mean (M), standard deviation of group mean (Σ) and standard deviation of random shift (σ). Margins to account for setupmore » uncertainties were calculated based on shift uncertainties in x, y, and z directions. Results: For breast positioning relative to sternum/CW, the average shift from planned positioning was 4.5mm (95% CI: 3.5 – 5.3), 3.3mm (CI: 2.9 - 3.8) and 2.6mm (CI: 1.8 - 3.5) for Breast Boards I, II, and III, respectively. The respective numbers for breast positioning relative to spine were 7.2 mm (CI: 4.1 – 10.3), 6.4 mm (CI: 4.3 – 8.3) and 4.3 mm (CI: 2.5 – 6.2). Localizing to the sternum/CW as a surrogate for the breast tissue, margins for setup uncertainties were 5.7mm, 5.5mm, and 6.0mm for Breast Board I, 5.0mm, 4.0mm and 4.3mm for Breast Board II, and 3.8mm, 3.5mm and 4.8mm for Breast Board III, in the lateral, anterior/posterior, and superior/inferior directions, respectively. Conclusion: Better patient positioning reproducibility was observed with Boards II and III compared to Board I. Inter- and intra-patient set-up uncertainties were also improved with Boards II and III, which requires smaller PTV margins. Independent of breast board, breast cancer patient positioning to the sternum/CW is a better surrogate than the spine. Our findings have potential dosimetric consequences from set-up uncertainties when employing IMRT or proton treatments, and further analyses are on-going.« less

A Board Game about Space and Solar System for Primary School Students

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kirikkaya, Esma Bulus; Iseri, Sebnem; Vurkaya, Gurbet

2010-01-01

Visual elements that used in lessons are necessary because they make learning more permanent. Also the visuals that used in evaluation part of the lesson should decrease the anxiety of students and provide them with correct evaluation. The board games among the visuals which can be used in evaluation part are quite effective for getting feedback…

Going Global: Dispatches from Experienced Board Members

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Lovett, Clara M.

2011-01-01

Board members are increasingly being asked to bless a variety of international engagements. But how many trustees truly understand how to evaluate opportunities or assess potential risks? The author interviewed board members at institutions that already have committed significant resources to global agendas. These interviewees represent a wide…

Multicomponent Solvated Triblock Copolymer Network Systems: Fundamental Insights and Emerging Applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Krishnan, Arjun Sitaraman

Block copolymers have received significant research attention in recent times due to their ability to spontaneously self-assemble into a variety of nanostructures. Thermoplastic elastomers composed of styrenic triblock copolymers are of great importance in applications such as adhesives and vibration dampening due to their shape memory, resilience and facile processing. The swelling of these polymers by adding midblock selective solvents or oligomers provides an easy route by which to modify the morphology and mechanical behavior of these systems. We first consider a ternary blend of a poly[styrene- b-(ethylene-co-butylene)-b-styrene] triblock copolymer (SEBS) and mixtures of two midblock selective co-solvents, with significantly different physical states. We use dynamic rheology to study the viscoelastic response of a wide variety of systems under oscillatory shear. Frequency spectra acquired at ambient temperature display viscoelastic behavior that shifts in the frequency domain depending on the co-solvent composition. For each copolymer concentration, all the frequency data can be shifted by time-composition superpositioning (tCS) to yield a single master-curve. tCS fails at low frequencies due to presence of endblock pullout, which is a fundamentally different relaxation process from segmental relaxation of the midblock. As an emerging technology, we examine SEBS-oil gels as dielectric elastomers. Dielectric elastomers constitute one class of electroactive polymers (EAPs), polymeric materials that respond to an electric stimulus by changing their macroscopic dimensions, thereby converting electrical energy into mechanical work. We use standard configuration of EAP devices involving stretching, or "prestraining," the elastomer film biaxially. The effect of experimental parameters such as film thickness and amount of prestrain on the (electro)mechanical properties of the material become apparent by recasting as-obtained electroactuation data into compressive electromechanical stress-strain curves. The ultimate dielectric properties of the specimen are strongly correlated with specimen composition and experimental conditions. We shed light on the effect of biaxial prestrain on copolymer morphology. We use small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) to probe the nanostructure of SEBS-oil gels by systematically changing the concentration of polymer and the biaxial prestrain. Azimuthally integrated intensity profiles are used to ascertain the extent of deformation of polystyrene microdomains. The structure factor data correlates with prestrain, and is fitted using the Percus-Yevick approximation for interacting spheres. While a hard sphere interaction model is sufficient for unstrained gels, the additional attractive potentials observed in stretched samples are indicative of soft coronal interactions due to interpenetration brought about by strain.

[Curing mode of universal adhesives affects the bond strength of resin cements to dentin].

PubMed

Fu, Z R; Tian, F C; Zhang, L; Han, B; Wang, X Y

2017-02-18

To determine the effects of curing mode of one-step and two-step universal adhesives on the micro-tensile bond strength (μTBS) of different dual-cure resin cements to dentin. One-step universal adhesive Single Bond Universal (SBU), and two-step universal adhesive OptiBond Versa (VSA) were chosen as the subjects, one-step self-etching adhesive OptiBond All in One (AIO) and two-step self-etching adhesive Clearfil SE Bond (SEB) were control groups, and two dual-cure resin cements RelyX Ultimate (RLX) and Nexus 3 Universal (NX3) were used in this study. In this study, 80 extracted human molars were selected and the dentin surface was exposed using diamond saw. The teeth were divided into 16 groups according to the adhesives (AIO, SBU, SEB, VSA), cure modes of adhesives (light cure, non-light cure) and resin cements (RLX, NX3). The adhesives were applied on the dentin surface following the instruction and whether light cured or not, then the resin cements were applied on the adhesives with 1 mm thickness and light cured (650 mW/cm(2) for 20 s. A resin was built up (5 mm) on the cements and light cured layer by layer. After water storage for 24 h, the specimens were cut into resin-cement-dentin strips with a cross sectional area of 1 mm×1 mm and the μTBS was measured. Regarding one-step universal adhesive (SBU) light cured, the μTBS with RLX [(35.45±7.04) MPa] or NX3 [(26.84±10.39) MPa] were higher than SBU non-light cured with RLX [(17.93±8.93) MPa)] or NX3 [(10.07±5.89) MPa, P<0.001]. Compared with AIO, light-cured SBU combined with RLX presented higher μTBS than AIO group [(35.45±7.04) MPa vs. (24.86±8.42) MPa, P<0.05]. When SBU was not lighted, the μTBS was lower than AIO [(17.93±8.93) MPa vs. (22.28±7.57) MPa, P<0.05]. For two-step universal adhesive (VSA) and control adhesive (SEB), curing mode did not affect the μTBS when used with either RLX or NX3 (25.98-32.24 MPa, P>0.05). Curing mode of one-step universal adhesive may affect the μTBS between dual-cure resin cements and dentin, while for two-step universal adhesive, the curing mode and the type of resin cements did not influence the μTBS.

Testing of printed circuit board solder joints by optical correlation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Espy, P. N.

1975-01-01

An optical correlation technique for the nondestructive evaluation of printed circuit board solder joints was evaluated. Reliable indications of induced stress levels in solder joint lead wires are achievable. Definite relations between the inherent strength of a solder joint, with its associated ability to survive stress, are demonstrable.

77 FR 51523 - Senior Executive Service Performance Review Board Membership

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-08-24

... COUNCIL OF THE INSPECTORS GENERAL ON INTEGRITY AND EFFICIENCY Senior Executive Service Performance... required to establish one or more Senior Executive Service (SES) performance review boards. The purpose of these boards is to review and evaluate the initial appraisal of a senior executive's performance by the...

75 FR 55816 - Senior Executive Service Performance Review Board Membership

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-09-14

... DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Council of the Inspectors General on Integrity and Efficiency Senior..., each agency is required to establish one or more Senior Executive Service (SES) performance review boards. The purpose of these boards is to review and evaluate the initial appraisal of a senior executive...

Implementing Technology Education in Finnish General Education Schools: Studying the Cross-Curricular Theme "Human Being and Technology"

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Järvinen, Esa-Matti; Rasinen, Aki

2015-01-01

In 2009 the Finnish Ministry of Education and Culture assigned the National Board of Education with the task of carrying out a nationwide evaluation of all seven cross-curricular themes. The evaluation is one of the largest education evaluation projects the National Board of Finland has ever organised. The present authors were invited to evaluate…

Evaluation of ENEPIG and Immersion Silver Surface Finishes Under Drop Loading

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pearl, Adam; Osterman, Michael; Pecht, Michael

2016-01-01

The effect of printed circuit board surface finish on the drop loading reliability of ball grid array (BGA) solder interconnects has been examined. The finishes examined include electroless nickel/electroless palladium/immersion gold (ENEPIG) and immersion silver (ImAg). For the ENEPIG finish, the effect of the Pd plating layer thickness was evaluated by testing two different thicknesses: 0.05 μm and 0.15 μm. BGA components were assembled onto the boards using either eutectic Sn-Pb or Sn-3.0Ag-0.5Cu (SAC305) solder. Prior to testing, the assembled boards were aged at 100°C for 24 h or 500 h. The boards were then subjected to multiple 1500-g drop tests. Failure analysis indicated the primary failure site for the BGAs to be the solder balls at the board-side solder interface. Cratering of the board laminate under the solder-attached pads was also observed. In all cases, isothermal aging reduced the number of drops to failure. The components soldered onto the boards with the 0.15- μm-Pd ENEPIG finish with the SAC305 solder had the highest characteristic life, at 234 drops to failure, compared with the other finish-solder combinations.

Evaluation of multilayer printed wiring boards by metallographic techniques: An illustrated guide to the preparation and inspection of plated-through hole test coupons based on the requirements of Mil-P-55110D

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Jellison, J.

1986-01-01

This work is an illustrated handbook containing the rationale and procedure for the evaluation of multilayer printed wiring board construction integrity with respect to plated-through holes in accordance with the requirements of MIL-P-55110D, Printed Wiring Boards. It is intended as a practical aid for those concerned with determining the construction integrity of multilayer boards for high reliability applications. Photomicrographs of cross sectioned holes illustrate defect types, acceptable and unacceptable conditions, and methods of measurement. A procedure for specimen preparation is given, and appropriate paragraphs of the military specification are included and explained.

On-board Attitude Determination System (OADS). [for advanced spacecraft missions

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Carney, P.; Milillo, M.; Tate, V.; Wilson, J.; Yong, K.

1978-01-01

The requirements, capabilities and system design for an on-board attitude determination system (OADS) to be flown on advanced spacecraft missions were determined. Based upon the OADS requirements and system performance evaluation, a preliminary on-board attitude determination system is proposed. The proposed OADS system consists of one NASA Standard IRU (DRIRU-2) as the primary attitude determination sensor, two improved NASA Standard star tracker (SST) for periodic update of attitude information, a GPS receiver to provide on-board space vehicle position and velocity vector information, and a multiple microcomputer system for data processing and attitude determination functions. The functional block diagram of the proposed OADS system is shown. The computational requirements are evaluated based upon this proposed OADS system.

Scaling and Single Event Effects (SEE) Sensitivity

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Oldham, Timothy R.

2003-01-01

This paper begins by discussing the potential for scaling down transistors and other components to fit more of them on chips in order to increasing computer processing speed. It also addresses technical challenges to further scaling. Components have been scaled down enough to allow single particles to have an effect, known as a Single Event Effect (SEE). This paper explores the relationship between scaling and the following SEEs: Single Event Upsets (SEU) on DRAMs and SRAMs, Latch-up, Snap-back, Single Event Burnout (SEB), Single Event Gate Rupture (SEGR), and Ion-induced soft breakdown (SBD).

Correnti atmosferiche su Giove

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Adamoli, Gianluigi

2006-06-01

UAI observations are presented concerning the surveillance of Jupiter's atmospheric currents by means of digital images. General statistics are derived about the latitude and speed of individual spots and currents in the period 2000-04, compared with the Voyager wind profile. Attention is drawn to the wind shear present at distinct latitudes, namely on the South edge of the SEB, across the NTB and across the NEB. Especially interesting were the 2003 remnants of the disappearing NTB, which showed a motion intermediate between the NTC and the NTBs jet streams. Vorticity was derived in all cases.

12 CFR 228.27 - Strategic plan.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-01-01

... response by the bank to public comment on the plan. (3) Criteria for evaluating plan. The Board evaluates a... 12 Banks and Banking 3 2013-01-01 2013-01-01 false Strategic plan. 228.27 Section 228.27 Banks and Banking FEDERAL RESERVE SYSTEM (CONTINUED) BOARD OF GOVERNORS OF THE FEDERAL RESERVE SYSTEM (CONTINUED...

12 CFR 228.27 - Strategic plan.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-01-01

... response by the bank to public comment on the plan. (3) Criteria for evaluating plan. The Board evaluates a... 12 Banks and Banking 3 2014-01-01 2014-01-01 false Strategic plan. 228.27 Section 228.27 Banks and Banking FEDERAL RESERVE SYSTEM (CONTINUED) BOARD OF GOVERNORS OF THE FEDERAL RESERVE SYSTEM (CONTINUED...

76 FR 59697 - Human Studies Review Board (HSRB); Notification of a Public Meeting

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-09-27

... report of the completed Carroll-Loye Biological Research, Inc. study No. Mas-003 to evaluate in the field... ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY [EPA-HQ-ORD-2011-0693; FRL-9472-4] Human Studies Review Board... public meeting of the Human Studies Review Board (HSRB) to advise the Agency on EPA's scientific and...

On board processor development for NASA's spaceborne imaging radar with system-on-chip technology

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Fang, Wai-Chi

2004-01-01

This paper reports a preliminary study result of an on-board spaceborne SAR processor. It consists of a processing requirement analysis, functional specifications, and implementation with system-on-chip technology. Finally, a minimum version of this on-board processor designed for performance evaluation and for partial demonstration is illustrated.

Use of Dual Communication Boards at Vocational Sites by Students Who Are Deaf-Blind.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Heller, Kathryn Wolff; And Others

1996-01-01

This study evaluated the effectiveness and desirability of dual communication boards as receptive and expressive forms of communication by 3 deaf-blind students (ages 16-21) in community-based vocational instruction settings. One year after implementation, students and communication partners were successfully using the boards. Use of dual boards…

Sticky-board trap for measuring dispersal of spruce budworm larvae

Treesearch

Daniel T. Jennings; Mark W. Houseweart

1983-01-01

Describes a new sticky-board trap for measuring early-larval dispersal of the spruce budworm, Choristoneura fumiferana (Clem.), and evaluates trap-board color and screened versus unscreened traps. Dispersing spruce budworm larvae showed no preference for trap color; fewer nontarget arthropods were caught on dark-colored than on light-colored traps....

Evaluation of cement-excelsior boards made from yellow-poplar and sweetgum

Treesearch

Andy W.C. Lee; Chung Y Hse

1993-01-01

Previous research conducted in the laboratory pointed out several hardwood species which were either superior, comparable, marginal, or unsuitable for manufacturing cement-excelsior board (CEB). In this study, forty full-sized boards were manufactured in a commercial production facility with the following species: yellow-poplar, sweetgum, southern pine, and sweetgum/...

Evaluation of forearm support provided by the Workplace Board on perceived tension, comfort and productivity in pregnant and non-pregnant computer users.

PubMed

Slot, Tegan; Charpentier, Karine; Dumas, Geneviève; Delisle, Alain; Leger, Andy; Plamondon, André

2009-01-01

The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of forearm support provided by the Workplace Board on perceived tension, comfort and productivity among pregnant and non-pregnant female computer workers. Ten pregnant and 18 non-pregnant women participated in the study. Participants completed three sets of tension/discomfort questionnaires at two week intervals. The first set was completed prior to any workstation intervention; the second set was completed after two weeks working with an ergonomically adjusted workstation; the third set was completed after two weeks working with the Workplace Board integrated into the office workstation. With the Workplace Board, decreased perceived tension was reported in the left shoulder, wrist and low back in non-pregnant women only. The Board was generally liked by all participants, and increased comfort and productivity in all areas, with the exception of a negative effect on productivity of general office tasks. The board is suitable for integration in most office workstations and for most users, but has no special benefits for pregnant women.

Concept Development of the Eindhoven Diabetes Education Simulator Project.

PubMed

Maas, Anne H; van der Molen, Pieta; van de Vijver, Reinier; Chen, Wei; van Pul, Carola; Cottaar, Eduardus J E; van Riel, Natal A W; Hilbers, Peter A J; Haak, Harm R

2016-04-01

This study was designed to define the concept of an educational diabetes game following a user-centered design approach. The concept development of the Eindhoven Diabetes Education Simulator (E-DES) project can be divided in two phases: concept generation and concept evaluation. Four concepts were designed by the multidisciplinary development team based on the outcomes of user interviews. Four other concepts resulted from the Diabetes Game Jam. Several users and experts evaluated the concepts. These user evaluations and a feasibility analysis served as input for an overall evaluation and discussion by the development team resulting in the final concept choice. The four concepts of the development team are a digital board game, a quiz platform, a lifestyle simulator, and a puzzle game. The Diabetes Game Jam resulted in another digital board game, two mobile swipe games, and a fairy tale-themed adventure game. The combined user evaluations and feasibility analysis ranked the quiz platform and the digital board game equally high. Each of these games fits one specific subgroup of users best: the quiz platform best fits an eager-to-learn, more individualistic patient, whereas the board game best fits a less-eager-to-learn, family-oriented patient. The choice for a specific concept is therefore highly dependent on the choice of our specific target audience. The user-centered design approach with multiple evaluations has enabled us to choose the most promising concept from eight different options. A digital board game is chosen for further development because the target audience for E-DES is the less-motivated, family-oriented patients.

Safety Evaluation of the Coagulase-Negative Staphylococci Microbiota of Salami: Superantigenic Toxin Production and Antimicrobial Resistance

PubMed Central

Soares Casaes Nunes, Raquel; Mere Del Aguila, Eduardo; Paschoalin, Vânia Margaret Flosi

2015-01-01

The risks of contracting staphylococci food poisoning by the consumption of improperly manufactured salami and the possibility of this food being reservoirs for antibiotic resistance were evaluated. Nineteen coagulase-negative staphylococci (CNS) strains were found in commercial and artisanal salami. The species in commercial salami were S. saprophyticus, S. sciuri, S. xylosus, and S. carnosus. Artisanal salami showed S. succinus, S. epidermidis, and S. hominis but no S. carnosus. Phylogenetic analyses grouped the strains into three major staphylococcal species groups, comprised of 4 refined clusters with similarities superior to 90%. Fifteen strains harbored multiple enterotoxin genes, with high incidence of seb/sec and sea, 57% and 50%, respectively, intermediate incidence of sed/seh/selm and sei/seln/tst-H, 33% and 27%, correspondingly, and low incidence of see/selj/selo and seg, of respectively 13% and 1%. Real time RT-PCR and enzyme-linked-immunosorbent assays confirmed the enterotoxigenicity of the strains, which expressed and produced enterotoxins in vitro. The CNS strains showed multiresistance to several antimicrobials of therapeutic importance in both human and veterinarian medicine, such as β-lactams, vancomycin, and linezolid. The effective control of undue staphylococci in fermented meat products should be adopted to prevent or limit the risk of food poisoning and the spread of antimicrobial-resistant strains. PMID:26697486

Safety Evaluation of the Coagulase-Negative Staphylococci Microbiota of Salami: Superantigenic Toxin Production and Antimicrobial Resistance.

PubMed

Soares Casaes Nunes, Raquel; Mere Del Aguila, Eduardo; Paschoalin, Vânia Margaret Flosi

2015-01-01

The risks of contracting staphylococci food poisoning by the consumption of improperly manufactured salami and the possibility of this food being reservoirs for antibiotic resistance were evaluated. Nineteen coagulase-negative staphylococci (CNS) strains were found in commercial and artisanal salami. The species in commercial salami were S. saprophyticus, S. sciuri, S. xylosus, and S. carnosus. Artisanal salami showed S. succinus, S. epidermidis, and S. hominis but no S. carnosus. Phylogenetic analyses grouped the strains into three major staphylococcal species groups, comprised of 4 refined clusters with similarities superior to 90%. Fifteen strains harbored multiple enterotoxin genes, with high incidence of seb/sec and sea, 57% and 50%, respectively, intermediate incidence of sed/seh/selm and sei/seln/tst-H, 33% and 27%, correspondingly, and low incidence of see/selj/selo and seg, of respectively 13% and 1%. Real time RT-PCR and enzyme-linked-immunosorbent assays confirmed the enterotoxigenicity of the strains, which expressed and produced enterotoxins in vitro. The CNS strains showed multiresistance to several antimicrobials of therapeutic importance in both human and veterinarian medicine, such as β-lactams, vancomycin, and linezolid. The effective control of undue staphylococci in fermented meat products should be adopted to prevent or limit the risk of food poisoning and the spread of antimicrobial-resistant strains.

Development and user evaluation of a virtual rehabilitation system for wobble board balance training.

PubMed

Fitzgerald, Diarmaid; Trakarnratanakul, Nanthana; Dunne, Lucy; Smyth, Barry; Caulfield, Brian

2008-01-01

We have developed a prototype virtual reality-based balance training system using a single inertial orientation sensor attached to the upper surface of a wobble board. This input device has been interfaced with Neverball, an open source computer game to create the balance training platform. Users can exercise with the system by standing on the wobble board and tilting it in different directions to control an on-screen environment. We have also developed a customized instruction manual to use when setting up the system. To evaluate the usability our prototype system we undertook a user evaluation study with twelve healthy novice participants. Participants were required to assemble the system using an instruction manual and then perform balance exercises with the system. Following this period of exercise VRUSE, a usability evaluation questionnaire, was completed by participants. Results indicated a high level of usability in all categories evaluated.

Compendium of Current Single Event Effects for Candidate Spacecraft Electronics for NASA

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

O'Bryan, Martha V.; Label, Kenneth A.; Chen, Dakai; Campola, Michael J.; Casey, Megan C.; Lauenstein, Jean-Marie; Pellish, Jonathan A.; Ladbury, Raymond L.; Berg, Melanie D.

2015-01-01

NASA spacecraft are subjected to a harsh space environment that includes exposure to various types of ionizing radiation. The performance of electronic devices in a space radiation environment are often limited by their susceptibility to single event effects (SEE). Ground-based testing is used to evaluate candidate spacecraft electronics to determine risk to spaceflight applications. Interpreting the results of radiation testing of complex devices is and adequate understanding of the test condition is critical. Studies discussed herein were undertaken to establish the application-specific sensitivities of candidate spacecraft and emerging electronic devices to single-event upset (SEU), single-event latchup (SEL), single-event gate rupture (SEGR), single-event burnout (SEB), and single-event transient (SET). For total ionizing dose (TID) and displacement damage dose (DDD) results, see a companion paper submitted to the 2015 Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) Nuclear and Space Radiation Effects Conference (NSREC) Radiation Effects Data Workshop (REDW) entitled "compendium of Current Total Ionizing Dose and Displacement Damage for Candidate Spacecraft Electronics for NASA by M. Campola, et al.

Feasibility study for the swaziland/mozambique interconector. Executive summary of the final report. Export trade information

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

NONE

1997-11-01

This study, conducted by Black & Veatch, was funded by the U.S. Trade and Development Agency. The report, produced for the Ministry of National Resources, Energy and Environment (MNRE) of Swaziland, determines the least cost capacity expansion option to meet the future power demand and system reliability criteria of Swaziland, with particular emphasis on the propsoed Interconnector between Swaziland and Mozambique. Volume 1 contains the Executive Summary and is divided into the following sections: (1.0) Study Objectives; (2.0) Swaziland and its Economy; (3.0) The Power Sector Structure in Swaziland; (4.0) Electric Power Resources; (5.0) Past Demand Growth; (6.0) Load andmore » Energy Forecasts; (7.0) Need for Power; (8.0) Generation and Transmission Capacity Addition Option; (9.0) SEB Expansion Plan Scenario Development; (10.0) EDM Expansion Plan Development; (11.0) Cost Sharing of the Interconnector; (12.0) Interconnector Options and Environmental Evaluation; (13.0) Generation/Transmission Trade Offs; (14.0) EPC RFP and Draft Interconnection Agreement; (15.0) Transmission System Study; (16.0) Conclusions and Recommendations.« less

GIS/RS-based Integrated Eco-hydrologic Modeling in the East River Basin, South China

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Kai

Land use/cover change (LUCC) has significantly altered the hydrologic system in the East River (Dongjiang) Basin. Quantitative modeling of hydrologic impacts of LUCC is of great importance for water supply, drought monitoring and integrated water resources management. An integrated eco-hydrologic modeling system of Distributed Monthly Water Balance Model (DMWBM), Surface Energy Balance System (SEBS) was developed with aid of GIS/RS to quantify LUCC, to conduct physically-based ET (evapotranspiration) mapping and to predict hydrologic impacts of LUCC. To begin with, in order to evaluate LUCC, understand implications of LUCC and provide boundary condition for the integrated eco-hydrologic modeling, firstly the long-term vegetation dynamics was investigated based on Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) data, and then LUCC was analyzed with post-classification methods and finally LUCC prediction was conducted based on Markov chain model. The results demonstrate that the vegetation activities decreased significantly in summer over the years. Moreover, there were significant changes in land use/cover over the past two decades. Particularly there was a sharp increase of urban and built-up area and a significant decrease of grassland and cropland. All these indicate that human activities are intensive in the East River Basin and provide valuable information for constructing scenarios for studying hydrologic impacts of LUCC. The physically-remote-sensing-based Surface Energy Balance System (SEBS) was employed to estimate areal actual ET for a large area rather than traditional point measurements . The SEBS was enhanced for application in complex vegetated area. Then the inter-comparison with complimentary ET model and distributed monthly water balance model was made to validate the enhanced SEBS (ESEBS). The application and test of ESEBS show that it has a good accuracy both monthly and annually and can be effectively applied in the East River Basin. The results of ET mapping based on ESEBS demonstrate that actual ET in the East River Basin decreases significantly in the last two decades, which is probably caused by decrease of sunshine duration. In order to effectively simulate hydrologic impact of LUCC, an integrated model of ESEBS and distributed monthly water balance model has been developed in this study. The model is capable of considering basin terrain and the spatial distribution of precipitation and soil moisture. Particularly, the model is unique in accounting for spatial and temporal variations of vegetation cover and ET, which provides a powerful tool for studying the hydrologic impacts of LUCC. The model was applied to simulate the monthly runoff for the period of 1980-1994 for model calibration and for the period of 1995-2000 for validation. The calibration and validation results show that the newly integrated model is suitable for simulating monthly runoff and studying hydrologic impacts ofLUCC in the East River Basin. Finally, the newly integrated model was firstly applied to analyze the relationship of land use and hydrologic regimes based on the land use maps in 1980 and 2000. Then the newly integrated model was applied to simulate the potential impacts of land use change on hydrologic regimes in the East River Basin under a series of hypothetical scenarios. The results show that ET has a positive relationship with Leaf Area Index (LAI) while runoff has a negative relationship with LAI in the same climatic zone, which can be elaborated by surface energy balance and water balance equation. Specifically, on an annual basis, ET of forest scenarios is larger than that of grassland or cropland scenarios. On the contrary, runoff of forest scenarios is less than that of grassland or cropland scenarios. On a monthly basis, for most of the scenarios, particularly the grassland and cropland scenarios, the most significant changes occurred in the rainy season. The results indicate that deforestation would cause increase of runoff and decrease of ET on an annual basis in the East River Basin. On a monthly basis, deforestation would cause significant decrease of ET and increase of runoff in the rainy season in the East River Basin. These results are not definitive statements as to what will happen to runoff, ET and soil moisture regimes in the East River Basin, but rather offer an insight into the plausible changes in basin hydrology due to land use change. The integrated model developed in this study and these results have significant implications for integrated water resources management and sustainable development in the East River Basin.

Comparison of Magnetic Characteristics of Powder Magnetic Core and Evaluation of Motor Characteristics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Enomoto, Yuji; Ito, Motoya; Masaki, Ryozo; Yamazaki, Katsuyuki; Asaka, Kazuo; Ishihara, Chio; Ohiwa, Syoji

A magnetic characteristic measurement, a motor characteristic forecast, and an experimental evaluation of various powder magnetic cores were performed aiming at a fixed quantity grasp when the powder magnetic core was applied to the motor core as the magnetic material. The manufacturing conditions were changed, and magnetic characteristic compares a direct current magnetization characteristic and an iron disadvantageous characteristic with the silicon steel board for a different powder magnetic core. Therefore, though some permeabilities are low, characteristics almost equal to those of a silicon steel board were obtained in the maximum saturation magnetic induction, which confirms that the powder magnetic core in disadvantageous iron in a certain frequency domain, and to confirm disadvantageous iron lowers. Moreover, it has been shown to obtain characteristics almost equal to the silicon steel board when compared in terms of motor efficiency, though some disadvantageous iron increases since the effect when applying to the motor is verified the silicon steel board and the comparison evaluation for the surface type permanent magnet motor.

The GEWEX LandFlux project: Evaluation of model evaporation using tower-based and globally gridded forcing data

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

McCabe, M. F.; Ershadi, A.; Jimenez, C.

Determining the spatial distribution and temporal development of evaporation at regional and global scales is required to improve our understanding of the coupled water and energy cycles and to better monitor any changes in observed trends and variability of linked hydrological processes. With recent international efforts guiding the development of long-term and globally distributed flux estimates, continued product assessments are required to inform upon the selection of suitable model structures and also to establish the appropriateness of these multi-model simulations for global application. In support of the objectives of the Global Energy and Water Cycle Exchanges (GEWEX) LandFlux project, fourmore » commonly used evaporation models are evaluated against data from tower-based eddy-covariance observations, distributed across a range of biomes and climate zones. The selected schemes include the Surface Energy Balance System (SEBS) approach, the Priestley–Taylor Jet Propulsion Laboratory (PT-JPL) model, the Penman–Monteith-based Mu model (PM-Mu) and the Global Land Evaporation Amsterdam Model (GLEAM). Here we seek to examine the fidelity of global evaporation simulations by examining the multi-model response to varying sources of forcing data. To do this, we perform parallel and collocated model simulations using tower-based data together with a global-scale grid-based forcing product. Through quantifying the multi-model response to high-quality tower data, a better understanding of the subsequent model response to the coarse-scale globally gridded data that underlies the LandFlux product can be obtained, while also providing a relative evaluation and assessment of model performance. Using surface flux observations from 45 globally distributed eddy-covariance stations as independent metrics of performance, the tower-based analysis indicated that PT-JPL provided the highest overall statistical performance (0.72; 61 W m –2; 0.65), followed closely by GLEAM (0.68; 64 W m –2; 0.62), with values in parentheses representing the R 2, RMSD and Nash–Sutcliffe efficiency (NSE), respectively. PM-Mu (0.51; 78 W m –2; 0.45) tended to underestimate fluxes, while SEBS (0.72; 101 W m –2; 0.24) overestimated values relative to observations. A focused analysis across specific biome types and climate zones showed considerable variability in the performance of all models, with no single model consistently able to outperform any other. Results also indicated that the global gridded data tended to reduce the performance for all of the studied models when compared to the tower data, likely a response to scale mismatch and issues related to forcing quality. Rather than relying on any single model simulation, the spatial and temporal variability at both the tower- and grid-scale highlighted the potential benefits of developing an ensemble or blended evaporation product for global-scale LandFlux applications. Hence, challenges related to the robust assessment of the LandFlux product are also discussed.« less

The GEWEX LandFlux project: Evaluation of model evaporation using tower-based and globally gridded forcing data

DOE PAGES

McCabe, M. F.; Ershadi, A.; Jimenez, C.; ...

2016-01-26

Determining the spatial distribution and temporal development of evaporation at regional and global scales is required to improve our understanding of the coupled water and energy cycles and to better monitor any changes in observed trends and variability of linked hydrological processes. With recent international efforts guiding the development of long-term and globally distributed flux estimates, continued product assessments are required to inform upon the selection of suitable model structures and also to establish the appropriateness of these multi-model simulations for global application. In support of the objectives of the Global Energy and Water Cycle Exchanges (GEWEX) LandFlux project, fourmore » commonly used evaporation models are evaluated against data from tower-based eddy-covariance observations, distributed across a range of biomes and climate zones. The selected schemes include the Surface Energy Balance System (SEBS) approach, the Priestley–Taylor Jet Propulsion Laboratory (PT-JPL) model, the Penman–Monteith-based Mu model (PM-Mu) and the Global Land Evaporation Amsterdam Model (GLEAM). Here we seek to examine the fidelity of global evaporation simulations by examining the multi-model response to varying sources of forcing data. To do this, we perform parallel and collocated model simulations using tower-based data together with a global-scale grid-based forcing product. Through quantifying the multi-model response to high-quality tower data, a better understanding of the subsequent model response to the coarse-scale globally gridded data that underlies the LandFlux product can be obtained, while also providing a relative evaluation and assessment of model performance. Using surface flux observations from 45 globally distributed eddy-covariance stations as independent metrics of performance, the tower-based analysis indicated that PT-JPL provided the highest overall statistical performance (0.72; 61 W m –2; 0.65), followed closely by GLEAM (0.68; 64 W m –2; 0.62), with values in parentheses representing the R 2, RMSD and Nash–Sutcliffe efficiency (NSE), respectively. PM-Mu (0.51; 78 W m –2; 0.45) tended to underestimate fluxes, while SEBS (0.72; 101 W m –2; 0.24) overestimated values relative to observations. A focused analysis across specific biome types and climate zones showed considerable variability in the performance of all models, with no single model consistently able to outperform any other. Results also indicated that the global gridded data tended to reduce the performance for all of the studied models when compared to the tower data, likely a response to scale mismatch and issues related to forcing quality. Rather than relying on any single model simulation, the spatial and temporal variability at both the tower- and grid-scale highlighted the potential benefits of developing an ensemble or blended evaporation product for global-scale LandFlux applications. Hence, challenges related to the robust assessment of the LandFlux product are also discussed.« less

National Board Certified Teachers' Perspectives on Using Growth Measures of Student Learning for Teacher Evaluation

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

McMillan, James H.

2015-01-01

This investigation examined the perspectives of twenty National Board Certified Teachers toward the use of growth measures of student learning for teacher evaluation. An analysis of responses from four focus groups that included elementary and secondary teachers, showed that there is much concern about the validity and efficiency of current…

Report on 1987 Evaluation of the Illinois Board of Higher Education's Cooperative Collection Management Program.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Weech, Terry L.

An evaluation of cooperative collection management among academic libraries participating in the Illinois Collection Analysis Matrix (ICAM) was conducted in March 1987 by the Illinois Association of College and Research Libraries (IACRL) and the Illinois Board of Higher Education (IBHE). Data were gathered from two questionnaires, one of which was…

Plus and Minus Grading Options: Toward Accurate Student Performance Evaluations.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

California Community Colleges, Sacramento. Academic Senate.

Although both the University of California and the California State University systems have the option to use plus or minus grades in student evaluations, the Board of Governors of the California Community Colleges (CCC) does not allow the use of such a grading system. Since 1985, the CCC's Academic Senate has lobbied the Board to allow local…

The Use of Tablet PC and Interactive Board from the Perspectives of Teachers and Students: Evaluation of the FATIH Project

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Pamuk, Sonmez; Cakir, Recep; Ergun, Mustafa; Yilmaz, H. Bayram; Ayas, Cemalettin

2013-01-01

The main purpose of this study was to evaluate the early implementation results of the "Movement of Enhancing Opportunities and Improving Technology", abbreviated as FATIH project from the perspectives of participating teachers and students. Specifically, to investigate (a) whether or not Interactive Boards (IB) and Tablet Computers…

Automated inspection of solder joints for surface mount technology

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Savage, Robert M.; Park, Hyun Soo; Fan, Mark S.

1993-01-01

Researchers at NASA/GSFC evaluated various automated inspection systems (AIS) technologies using test boards with known defects in surface mount solder joints. These boards were complex and included almost every type of surface mount device typical of critical assemblies used for space flight applications: X-ray radiography; X-ray laminography; Ultrasonic Imaging; Optical Imaging; Laser Imaging; and Infrared Inspection. Vendors, representative of the different technologies, inspected the test boards with their particular machine. The results of the evaluation showed limitations of AIS. Furthermore, none of the AIS technologies evaluated proved to meet all of the inspection criteria for use in high-reliability applications. It was found that certain inspection systems could supplement but not replace manual inspection for low-volume, high-reliability, surface mount solder joints.

Improving Resilience and Self-Esteem among University Students with Entrepreneurship Simulation Board Game

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Prihadi, Kususanto; Cheow, Damien Z. Y.; Yong, Jonathan H. E.; Sundrasagran, Megaanesh

2018-01-01

This study aims to evaluate the effect of the frequency of playing a board game that simulates entrepreneurial experience called "Traders" on the university students' resilience and self-esteem. Traders Board Game (TBG) was developed in 2015 with an aim to improve several entrepreneurship skills among young adults, and resilience being…

Influence of holding temperature on the growth and survival of Salmonella spp. and Staphylococcus aureus and the production of staphylococcal enterotoxin in egg products.

PubMed

Yang, S E; Yu, R C; Chou, C C

2001-01-22

In this study, growth and survival of Salmonella spp. and Staphylococcus aureus in steamed egg and scrambled egg held at 5, 18, 22, 37, 55 and 60 degrees C are investigated. The production of staphylococcal enterotoxin in steamed egg is also examined. Results reveal that Salmonella spp. and Staph. aureus in the egg products multiply best at 37 degrees C, followed closely by 22 and 18 degrees C. Neither pathogen showed growth in the egg products held at 5 degrees C. Initial inoculation dose, holding temperature and holding time affected the population of both organisms found in the egg products. Staphylococcal enterotoxin A (SEA) and B (SEB) are detected only in the egg products held at 37 or 22 degrees C. After holding at 37 degrees C for 36 h, scrambled egg inoculated with ca. 5.0 log cfu/g Staph. aureus contains the highest levels of SEA (> 64 ng/g) and SEB (> 64 ng/g). Although Salmonella spp. and Staph. aureus grow better in steamed eggs than in scrambled eggs, production of staphylococcal enterotoxin, in general, was higher in scrambled eggs than in steamed eggs. On the other hand, a repaid destruction of the test organisms in steamed eggs held at 60 degrees C was observed. Holding the steamed eggs at 60 degrees C, Salmonella spp. and Staph. aureus with an initial population of ca. 5.9 and 5.6 log cfu/g, respectively, reduced to a non-detectable level in 1 h.

[Comparison of two rat models of IgA nephropathy].

PubMed

Peng, Wei; Liu, Zheng-rong

2008-10-01

To study the methods for rapid establishment of rat models of IgA nephropathy. Forty female SD rats weighing 160-200 g were randomized into 3 groups. In group A, the rats received intravenous injection of staphylococcal enterotoxin B (SEB) and oral bovine serum albumin (BSA), and in group B, CCl4 was injected subcutaneously in addition to the above treatments; the rats in group C received no treatments to serve as the normal control group. The rats were sacrificed 10 and 14 weeks after the treatment for biochemical testing of the arterial blood and histopathological and IgA immunofluorescence examination of the renal tissues. The twenty-four-hour urine was collected at 10, 12, and 14 weeks after the treatments for detecting the urine proteins. Compared with the control group, the rats in groups A and B showed significantly increased serum creatinine, urine nitrogen and protein levels. Pathological examination of the renal tissue showed mild to moderate mesangial expansion and mesangial cell proliferation in groups A and B, without obvious difference between the two groups; but hematuria and proteinuria occurred earlier in group B with stronger IgA immunofluorescence than in group A. Both of the methods used in group A and group B can successfully induce IgA nephropathy in rats, but in group B, hematuria and urineprotein occurs earlier and IgA immunofluorescence is more stronger. Therefore intravenous SEB injection combined with oral BSA and subcutaneous CCl4 administration is a better method for time-efficient establishment of rat models of IgA nephropathy.

Heavy quark diffusion in strong magnetic fields at weak coupling and implications for elliptic flow

DOE PAGES

Fukushima, Kenji; Hattori, Koichi; Yee, Ho -Ung; ...

2016-04-20

In this paper, we compute the momentum diffusion coefficients of heavy quarks, κ ∥ and κ ⊥, in a strong magnetic field B along the directions parallel and perpendicular to B, respectively, at the leading order in QCD coupling constant α s. We consider a regime relevant for the relativistic heavy ion collisions, α seB << T 2 << eB, so that thermal excitations of light quarks are restricted to the lowest Landau level (LLL) states. In the vanishing light-quark mass limit, we find κ LO ⊥ ∝ α 2 sTeB in the leading order that arises from screened Coulombmore » scatterings with (1+1)-dimensional LLL quarks, while κ ∥ gets no contribution from the scatterings with LLL quarks due to kinematic restrictions. We show that the first nonzero leading order contributions to κ LO ∥ come from the two separate effects: 1) the screened Coulomb scatterings with thermal gluons, and 2) a finite light-quark mass m q. The former leads to κ LO,gluon ∥ ∝ α 2 sT 3 and the latter to κ LO,massive ∥ ∝ α s(α seB) 1/2m 2 q. Based on our results, we propose a new scenario for the large value of heavy-quark elliptic flow observed in RHIC and LHC. Namely, when κ ⊥ >> κ ∥, an anisotropy in drag forces gives rise to a sizable amount of the heavy-quark elliptic flow even if heavy quarks do not fully belong to an ellipsoidally expanding background fluid.« less

Detection and Measurement of Staphylococcal Enterotoxin-Like K (SEl-K) Secretion by Staphylococcus aureus Clinical Isolates

PubMed Central

Aguilar, Jorge L.; Varshney, Avanish K.; Wang, Xiaobo; Stanford, Lindsay; Scharff, Matthew

2014-01-01

Staphylococcal enterotoxin-like K (SEl-K) is a potent mitogen that elicits T-cell proliferation and cytokine production at very low concentrations. However, unlike the classical enterotoxins SEB and toxic shock syndrome toxin 1 (TSST-1), the gene for SEl-K is commonly present in more than half of all Staphylococcus aureus clinical isolates and is present in almost all USA300 community-acquired methicillin-resistant S. aureus (CA-MRSA) isolates. Sequencing of the sel-k gene in over 20 clinical isolates and comparative analysis with all 14 published sel-k sequences indicate that there are at least 6 variants of the sel-k gene, including one that is conserved among all examined USA300 strains. Additionally, we have developed a highly sensitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) that specifically detects and measures SEl-K protein in culture supernatants and biological fluids. Quantification of in vitro SEl-K secretion by various S. aureus isolates using this novel capture ELISA revealed detectable amounts of SEl-K secretion by all isolates, with the highest secretion levels being exhibited by MRSA strains that coexpress SEB. In vivo secretion was measured in a murine thigh abscess model, where similar levels of SEl-K accumulation were noted regardless of whether the infecting strain exhibited high or low secretion of SEl-K in vitro. We conclude that SEl-K is commonly expressed in the setting of staphylococcal infection, in significant amounts. SEl-K should be further explored as a target for passive immunotherapy against complicated S. aureus infection. PMID:24808237

Heavy quark diffusion in strong magnetic fields at weak coupling and implications for elliptic flow

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

Fukushima, Kenji; Hattori, Koichi; Yee, Ho -Ung

In this paper, we compute the momentum diffusion coefficients of heavy quarks, κ ∥ and κ ⊥, in a strong magnetic field B along the directions parallel and perpendicular to B, respectively, at the leading order in QCD coupling constant α s. We consider a regime relevant for the relativistic heavy ion collisions, α seB << T 2 << eB, so that thermal excitations of light quarks are restricted to the lowest Landau level (LLL) states. In the vanishing light-quark mass limit, we find κ LO ⊥ ∝ α 2 sTeB in the leading order that arises from screened Coulombmore » scatterings with (1+1)-dimensional LLL quarks, while κ ∥ gets no contribution from the scatterings with LLL quarks due to kinematic restrictions. We show that the first nonzero leading order contributions to κ LO ∥ come from the two separate effects: 1) the screened Coulomb scatterings with thermal gluons, and 2) a finite light-quark mass m q. The former leads to κ LO,gluon ∥ ∝ α 2 sT 3 and the latter to κ LO,massive ∥ ∝ α s(α seB) 1/2m 2 q. Based on our results, we propose a new scenario for the large value of heavy-quark elliptic flow observed in RHIC and LHC. Namely, when κ ⊥ >> κ ∥, an anisotropy in drag forces gives rise to a sizable amount of the heavy-quark elliptic flow even if heavy quarks do not fully belong to an ellipsoidally expanding background fluid.« less

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

McKallip, Robert J., E-mail: mckallip_r@mercer.ed; Lombard, Catherine; Sun Jingping

Extracts from plants containing plumbagin (PLB) continue to be used as a treatment of a number of chronic immunologically-based diseases. However, most of these claims are supported only by anecdotal evidence with few scientific reports describing the mechanism of action or the efficacy of plumbagin in the suppression of the immune response. In the current study, we tested the hypothesis that plumbagin-induced suppression of the immune response was mediated through the induction of apoptosis. Splenocytes from C57BL/6 mice cultured in the presence of 0.5 {mu}M or greater concentrations of PLB significantly reduced proliferative responses to mitogens, including anti-CD3 mAbs, concanavalinmore » A (Con A), lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and staphylococcal enterotoxin B (SEB) in vitro. Exposure of naive and activated splenocytes to PLB led to a significant increase in the levels of apoptosis. In addition, PLB treatment led to a significant increase in the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in naive and activated splenocytes. Furthermore, treatment with the ROS scavenger, N-acetylcysteine (NAC), prevented PLB-induced apoptosis, suggesting a role of ROS in PLB-induced apoptosis. PLB-induced apoptosis led to ROS-mediated activation of both the extrinsic and intrinsic apoptotic pathways. In addition, plumbagin led to increased expression of Fas. Finally, treatment of mice with PLB (5 mg/kg) led to thymic and splenic atrophy as well as a significant suppression of the response to SEB and dinitroflourobenzene (DNFB) in vivo. Together, these results suggest that plumbagin has significant immunosuppressive properties which are mediated by generation of ROS, upregulation of Fas, and the induction of apoptosis.« less

Structure-Based Design and Synthesis of a Small Molecule that Exhibits Anti-inflammatory Activity by Inhibition of MyD88-mediated Signaling to Bacterial Toxin Exposure.

PubMed

Alam, Shahabuddin; Javor, Sacha; Degardin, Melissa; Ajami, Dariush; Rebek, Mitra; Kissner, Teri L; Waag, David M; Rebek, Julius; Saikh, Kamal U

2015-08-01

Both Gram-positive and Gram-negative pathogens or pathogen-derived components, such as staphylococcal enterotoxins (SEs) and endotoxin (LPS) exposure, activate MyD88-mediated pro-inflammatory cellular immunity for host defense. However, dysregulated MyD88-mediated signaling triggers exaggerated immune response that often leads to toxic shock and death. Previously, we reported a small molecule compound 1 mimicking BB-loop structure of MyD88 was capable of inhibiting pro-inflammatory response to SEB exposure in mice. In this study, we designed a dimeric structure compound 4210 covalently linked with compound 1 by a non-polar cyclohexane linker which strongly inhibited the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines in human primary cells to SEB (IC50 1-50 μm) or LPS extracted from Francisella tularensis, Escherichia coli, or Burkholderia mallei (IC50 10-200 μm). Consistent with cytokine inhibition, in a ligand-induced cell-based reporter assay, compound 4210 inhibited Burkholderia mallei or LPS-induced MyD88-mediated NF-kB-dependent expression of reporter activity (IC50 10-30 μm). Furthermore, results from a newly expressed MyD88 revealed that 4210 inhibited MyD88 dimer formation which is critical for pro-inflammatory signaling. Importantly, a single administration of compound 4210 in mice showed complete protection from lethal toxin challenge. Collectively, these results demonstrated that compound 4210 inhibits toxin-induced inflated pro-inflammatory immune signaling, thus displays a potential bacterial toxin therapeutic. © 2014 John Wiley & Sons A/S.

Detection of Staphylococcus aureus enterotoxigenic strains in bovine raw milk by reversed passive latex agglutination and multiplex polymerase chain reaction.

PubMed

Mansour, Asmaa Samy; Wagih, Gad El-Said; Morgan, Sabry D; Elhariri, Mahmoud; El-Shabrawy, Mona A; Abuelnaga, Azza S M; Elgabry, E A

2017-08-01

This review gives an outline of the assessment of enterotoxigenic Staphylococcus aureus tainting levels in raw milk from different sources in Egypt and characterization of enterotoxigenic strains utilizing a technique in light of PCR to identify genes coding for the production of staphylococcal enterotoxin (SE). The obtained data were compared with results from the application of the reversed passive latex. Multiplex PCR and reversed passive latex agglutination (RPLA) were used. A total of 141 samples of raw milk (cow's milk=33, buffalo's milk=58, and bulk tank milk=50) were investigated for S. aureus contamination and tested for enterotoxin genes presence and toxin production. S. aureus was detected in 23 (16.3%) samples phenotypically and genotypically by amplification of nuc gene. The S. aureus isolates were investigated for SEs genes ( sea to see ) by multiplex PCR and the toxin production by these isolates was screened by RPLA. SEs genes were detected in six isolates (26.1%) molecularly; see was the most observed gene where detected in all isolates, two isolates harbored seb , and two isolates harbored sec . According to RPLA, three isolates produced SEB and SEC. The study revealed the widespread of S. aureus strains caring genes coding for toxins. The real significance of the presence of these strains or its toxins in raw milk and their possible impact a potential hazard for staphylococcal food poisoning by raw milk consumption. Therefore, detection of enterotoxigenic S. aureus strains in raw milk is necessary for consumer safety.

Evaluation of Test Methods To Determine the Impact Resistance of Exterior Insulation and Finish Systems (EIFS).

DTIC Science & Technology

1992-07-01

be used effectively in new construction or retrofit applications. These systems usually contain: 1. Molded expanded polystyrene insulation board (MEPS...commonly referred to as "bead board," or extruded expanded polystyrene insulation board (XEPS), commonly referred to as "blue board." 2. An...Walls ( Expanded Polystyrene Insulation Faced with a Thin Rendering), M.O.A.T. n 22, June 1988. 7 ASTM D3029-90. "Standard Test Methods for Impact

The organisation of interagency training to safeguard children in England: a case study using realistic evaluation

PubMed Central

Patsios, Demi; Carpenter, John

2010-01-01

Background Joint training for interagency working is carried out by Local Safeguarding Children Boards in England to promote effective local working to safeguard and promote the welfare of children. Purpose This paper reports on the findings of the outputs and outcomes of interagency training to safeguard children in eight Local Safeguarding Children Boards. Methods A review of Local Safeguarding Children Board documentation, observations of Local Safeguarding Children Board training sub-group meetings and a series of interviews with training key stakeholders in each Local Safeguarding Children Board were used to assess how partner agencies in the Local Safeguarding Children Boards carried out their statutory responsibilities to organise interagency training. ‘Realistic Evaluation’ was used to evaluate the mechanisms by which a central government mandate produced particular inter-agency training outputs (number of courses, training days) and joint working outcomes (effective partnerships), within particular Local Safeguarding Children Board contexts. Results The ‘mandated partnership’ imposed on Local Safeguarding Children Boards by central government left little choice but for partner agencies to work together to deliver joint training, which in turn affected the dynamics of working partnerships across the various sites. The effectiveness of the training sub group determined the success of the organisation and delivery of training for joint working. Despite having a central mandate, Local Safeguarding Children Boards had heterogeneous funding and training arrangements. These resulted in significant variations in the outputs in terms of the number of courses per ‘children in need’ in the locality and in the cost per course. Conclusions Interagency training which takes account of the context of the Local Safeguarding Children Board is more likely to produce better trained staff, effective partnership working, and lead to better integrated safeguarding children services. PMID:21290000

Using the Monopoly[R] Board Game as an In-Class Economic Simulation in the Introductory Financial Accounting Course

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Shanklin, Stephen B.; Ehlen, Craig R.

2007-01-01

This paper discusses using the Monopoly[R] board game as an economic simulation exercise to reinforce an understanding of how the accounting cycle impacts financial statements used to evaluate management performance. This approach uses the rules and strategies of a familiar board game to create a simulation of business and economic realities,…

Modern Instrumental Methods to Investigate the Mechanism of Biological Decay in Wood Plastic Composites

Treesearch

Grace Sun; Rebecca Ibach; Marek Gnatowski; Jessie Glaeser; Mathew Leung; John Haight

2014-01-01

Various instrumental techniques were used to study the fungal decay process in wood plastic composite (WPC) boards. Commercial boards exposed near Hilo, Hawaii (HI) for eight years in both sun and shadow locations were inspected and tested periodically. After eight years of exposure, both boards were evaluated using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), while a selected...

20 CFR 220.185 - The Board may conduct a review to find out whether the annuitant continues to be disabled.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-04-01

... whether the annuitant continues to be disabled. 220.185 Section 220.185 Employees' Benefits RAILROAD... review to find out whether the annuitant continues to be disabled. After the Board finds that the annuitant is disabled, the Board must evaluate the annuitant's impairment(s) from time to time to determine...

20 CFR 220.185 - The Board may conduct a review to find out whether the annuitant continues to be disabled.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-04-01

... whether the annuitant continues to be disabled. 220.185 Section 220.185 Employees' Benefits RAILROAD... review to find out whether the annuitant continues to be disabled. After the Board finds that the annuitant is disabled, the Board must evaluate the annuitant's impairment(s) from time to time to determine...

20 CFR 220.185 - The Board may conduct a review to find out whether the annuitant continues to be disabled.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-04-01

... whether the annuitant continues to be disabled. 220.185 Section 220.185 Employees' Benefits RAILROAD... review to find out whether the annuitant continues to be disabled. After the Board finds that the annuitant is disabled, the Board must evaluate the annuitant's impairment(s) from time to time to determine...

20 CFR 220.185 - The Board may conduct a review to find out whether the annuitant continues to be disabled.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-04-01

... whether the annuitant continues to be disabled. 220.185 Section 220.185 Employees' Benefits RAILROAD... review to find out whether the annuitant continues to be disabled. After the Board finds that the annuitant is disabled, the Board must evaluate the annuitant's impairment(s) from time to time to determine...

20 CFR 220.185 - The Board may conduct a review to find out whether the annuitant continues to be disabled.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-04-01

... whether the annuitant continues to be disabled. 220.185 Section 220.185 Employees' Benefits RAILROAD... review to find out whether the annuitant continues to be disabled. After the Board finds that the annuitant is disabled, the Board must evaluate the annuitant's impairment(s) from time to time to determine...

The 'I and We' of Accountability: An Example of Meta-Evaluation in Educational Administration.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Macpherson, R. J. S.

The process of school review currently used in Victoria (Australia) involves an internal school evaluation, a School Review Board visit and report, and a followup stage. Six months after the board had visited one high school, a retrospective view of the review process was gathered from 8 students, 9 parents, 24 teachers, and 5 administrators. As a…

Prioritizing guideline topics: development and evaluation of a practical tool.

PubMed

Ketola, Eeva; Toropainen, Erja; Kaila, Minna; Luoto, Riitta; Mäkelä, Marjukka

2007-08-01

A clear process for selecting and adopting clinical practice guidelines in the new topic areas is needed. The aim of this study is to design and develop a practical tool to assess guideline topics that have been suggested to the organization responsible for producing guidelines. We carried out an iterative development, feasibility and validation study of a guideline topic prioritization tool. The setting included the guideline producer organization and the tax-funded health care system. In the first stage of the tool development, participants were researchers, members of the Current Care Board and experts from health care organizations. In the second stage, the evaluation was done internally within the project by three independent reviewers. The main outcome measures were responses to an evaluation questionnaire, qualitative process feedback and analysis of the performance of the instrument on a random set of guidelines. Evaluations by three independent reviewers revealed good agreement and face validity with respect to its feasibility as a planning tool at the guideline board level. Feedback from board members suggested that the instrument is useful in prioritizing guideline topics. This instrument was accepted for use by the Board. Further developments are needed to ensure feedback and acceptability of the instrument by those proposing topics.

77 FR 33201 - Federal Advisory Committee; Defense Health Board (DHB) Meeting

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-06-05

..., Development, Test and Evaluation Priorities for Battlefield Trauma Care from the Trauma and Injury Subcommittee. Additionally, the Board will receive information briefs from the National Trauma Institute and U...

Is mandatory research ethics reviewing ethical?

PubMed

Dyck, Murray; Allen, Gary

2013-08-01

Review boards responsible for vetting the ethical conduct of research have been criticised for their costliness, unreliability and inappropriate standards when evaluating some non-medical research, but the basic value of mandatory ethical review has not been questioned. When the standards that review boards use to evaluate research proposals are applied to review board practices, it is clear that review boards do not respect researchers or each other, lack merit and integrity, are not just and are not beneficent. The few benefits of mandatory ethical review come at a much greater, but mainly hidden, social cost. It is time that responsibility for the ethical conduct of research is clearly transferred to researchers, except possibly in that small proportion of cases where prospective research participants may be so intrinsically vulnerable that their well-being may need to be overseen.

Gender Distribution Among American Board of Medical Specialties Boards of Directors.

PubMed

Walker, Laura E; Sadosty, Annie T; Colletti, James E; Goyal, Deepi G; Sunga, Kharmene L; Hayes, Sharonne N

2016-11-01

Since 1995, women have comprised more than 40% of all medical school graduates. However, representation at leadership levels in medicine remains considerably lower. Gender representation among the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) boards of directors (BODs) has not previously been evaluated. Our objective was to determine the relative representation of women on ABMS BODs and compare it with the in-training and in-practice gender composition of the respective specialties. The composition of the ABMS BODs was obtained from websites in March 2016 for all Member Boards. Association of American Medical Colleges and American Medical Association data were utilized to identify current and future trends in gender composition. Although represented by a common board, neurology and psychiatry were evaluated separately because of their very different practices and gender demographic characteristics. A total of 25 specialties were evaluated. Of the 25 specialties analyzed, 12 BODs have proportional gender representation compared with their constituency. Seven specialties have a larger proportion of women serving on their boards compared with physicians in practice, and 6 specialties have a greater proportion of men populating their BODs. Based on the most recent trainee data (2013), women have increasing workforce representation in almost all specialties. Although women in both training and practice are approaching equal representation, there is variability in gender ratios across specialties. Directorship within ABMS BODs has a more equitable gender distribution than other areas of leadership in medicine. Further investigation is needed to determine the reasons behind this difference and to identify opportunities to engage women in leadership in medicine. Copyright © 2016 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Constellation Mission Operation Working Group: ESMO Maneuver Planning Process Review

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Moyer, Eric

2015-01-01

The Earth Science Mission Operation (ESMO) Project created an Independent Review Board to review our Conjunction Risk evaluation process and Maneuver Planning Process to identify improvements that safely manages mission conjunction risks, maintains ground track science requirements, and minimizes overall hours expended on High Interest Events (HIE). The Review Board is evaluating the current maneuver process which requires support by multiple groups. In the past year, there have been several changes to the processes although many prior and new concerns exist. This presentation will discuss maneuver process reviews and Board comments, ESMO assessment and path foward, ESMO future plans, recent changes and concerns.

SU-F-T-93: Breast Surface Dose Enhancement Using a Clinical Prone Breast Board

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

Guerra, M; Jozsef, G

Purpose: The use of specialized patient set-up devices in radiotherapy, such as prone breast boards, may have unwanted dosimetric effects. The goal of this study was to evaluate the effect of a clinically used prone breast board on skin dose due to buildup. Methods: GafChromic film (EBT3) was used for dose measurements on the surface of a solid water phantom shaped to mimic the curvature of the breast. We investigated two setup scenarios: the medial field border placed at the medial edge of the board and 1 cm contralaterally from that edge. A strip of film was taped to themore » medial surface of the phantom. Gantry angles varied from 10 to 30 degrees below the lateral gantry position, representing anterior oblique fields. The measurements were performed with and without the presence of the board; the ratio of their corresponding doses (dose enhancement) was evaluated. Results: For the cases where the field edge is at the edge of the board, the dose enhancement is negligible for all the tested angles. When the field edge is 1 cm inside the board, the maximum surface dose enhancement varies depending on the gantry angle between 2.2 for 30 degrees and 3.2 for 20 degrees. The length on the film at which the presence of the board is detectable (i.e. where there is dose enhancement) is longer for the shallower angles. Conclusion: Even the low-density, thin carbon fiber board with a thin soft foam pad on the top can produce significant dose enhancement on the skin in prone breast treatment due to loss of buildup. However, it happens only when the patient mid-sternum is over the board, i.e. the medial edge of the field traverses through the board and pad. Even then, the effect occurs only at the field edge, i.e. the penumbral region.« less

Systemwide board assessment.

PubMed

Hafertepe, E C

1987-01-01

The Sisters of Charity Health Care System (SCHCS), Inc., Cincinnati, undertook a systemwide board evaluation project to support and enhance effective aspects of governance and to deal with obstacles that often arise due to differing beliefs and role confusion. A task force of chief executive officers developed the questionnaire, which was then administered to members of individual facilities' boards and the system's board. The documented highlighted value issues important to SCHCS's ministry and business activities: overall board responsibilities, financial responsibilities, strategic planning, the board's role, committee structures, the board's operating process, board education, and overall board effectiveness. The responses from each member were returned to the local boards, who analyzed them and developed an action plan. A summary of each facility's responses and action plans were forwarded to the system's corporate office. The CEO committee critiqued the process and reported on significant issues and action plans. In general, survey results revealed a strong influence of mission and philosophy in decision making, support for current processes, and effective interaction among board members. The system's corporate office will use the responses to respond to a dynamic environment and strengthen their role in the delivery of Catholic health care services.

Report on Surface Transportation Board's user fees

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1998-11-17

The objective of Inspector Generals's (IG) audit was to evaluate Surface : Transportation Board's (STB) use of fees to fund its operations. To : accomplish this objective, the IG determined whether: (1) STB is assessing : fees for all billable servic...

SU-E-E-01: ABR Diagnostic Radiology Core Exam: Was Our Redesigned Physics Course Successful in Teaching Physics to Radiology Residents?

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

Kanal, K; Hoff, M; Dickinson, R

Purpose: Our purpose is to evaluate the effectiveness of our two year physics course in preparing radiology residents for the American Board of Radiology (ABR) diagnostic radiology exam. Methods: We designed a new two-year physics course that integrates radiology clinical content and practice and is primarily based on the AAPM curriculum and RSNA/AAPM physics modules. Biweekly classes focus on relevant concepts from assigned reading and use audience response systems to encourage participation. Teaching efficiency is optimized through lecturer rotations of physicists, radiologists, and guest speakers. An emphasis is placed on clinical relevance by requiring lab work and providing equipment demonstrations.more » Periodic quiz were given during the course. The course website was also redesigned for usability, and physics review lectures were conducted two weeks before the board exam to refresh key concepts. At the completion of our first two-year course, we conducted a confidential evaluation of the faculty and course. The evaluation assessed metrics such as overall organization, clinical relevance of content, and level of difficulty, with a rating scale from poor to excellent. Results: Our evaluation indicated that the redesigned course provided effective board exam preparation, with most responses between good and excellent. There was some criticism on the course length and on chronological discontinuity, but the review lectures were appreciated by the residents. All of our residents passed the physics component of the ABR exam with scores exceeding the minimum passing score by a significant margin. Conclusion: The course evaluation and board exam results indicate that our new two-year course format provides valuable board exam preparation. This is possible thanks to the time and effort taken by the physics faculty on ensuring the residents get quality physics education.« less

An Evaluation of the Use of Voice Boards, E-Book Readers and Virtual Worlds in a Postgraduate Distance Learning Applied Linguistics and TESOL Programme

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Rogerson-Revell, Pamela; Nie, Ming; Armellini, Alejandro

2012-01-01

We researched the incorporation of three learning technologies (voice boards, i.e. voice-based discussion boards, e-book readers, and Second Life virtual world), into the Master's Programme in Applied Linguistics and Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages offered by distance learning at the University of Leicester. This small-scale study…

Alternatives Assessment: Partnership to Evaluate Flame Retardants in Printed Circuit Boards

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

The partnership project on flame retardants in printed circuit boards seeks to improve understanding of the environmental and human health impacts of new and current materials that can be used to meet fire safety standards

Designing Playful Learning by Using Educational Board Game for Children in the Age Range of 7-12: (A Case Study: Recycling and Waste Separation Education Board Game)

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Mostowfi, Sara; Mamaghani, Nasser Koleini; Khorramar, Mehdi

2016-01-01

Due to a progressive deterioration of our planet and its resources, environmental education has become important and children are required to understand environmental issues at an early ages. So, they can cultivate the positive changes in the future. Over the past decade, many new evaluation methods have developed for evaluating user experience…

Comparison of the Wii Balance Board and the BESS tool measuring postural stability in collegiate athletes.

PubMed

Guzman, Jill; Aktan, Nadine

2016-02-01

Concussions are a major health concern for athletes given the potential for these injuries in a wide range of sport activities. The leading concern for clinicians is that athletes are at risk for devastating consequences if they are not evaluated properly and cleared too early to return to play or competition. The evaluation of postural stability has been identified as an important aspect to the comprehensive management of such injuries. Clinicians are in need of a portable tool they can use in various settings to aid in decision making and health care delivery for concussed athletes. The Nintendo Wii Balance Board (Nintendo of America Inc., Redmond, Washington) is a portable, cost-effective tool that has the potential to aid in the evaluation of postural stability in concussed individuals. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the Wii Balance Board as an objective, user-friendly, cost effective, valid alternative tool for the measurement of postural stability in college athletes. This study questioned whether the Wii Balance Board, when compared to the Balance Error Scoring System (BESS), is an objective tool that can be used as an acceptable measurement of postural stability in college athletes. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Functional characterization of GH7 endo-1,4-β-glucanase from Aspergillus fumigatus and its potential industrial application.

PubMed

Bernardi, Aline Vianna; de Gouvêa, Paula Fagundes; Gerolamo, Luis Eduardo; Yonamine, Deborah Kimie; de Lourdes de Lima Balico, Laís; Uyemura, Sergio Akira; Dinamarco, Taisa Magnani

2018-04-30

A gene encoding an endo-1,4-β-glucanase (Afu6g01800) from A. fumigatus was cloned into the vector pET-28a(+) and expressed in the E. coli strain RosettaTM (DE3) pLysS. Sequence analysis indicated that the enzyme Af-EGL7 belonged to the GH7 family. The gene Af-egl7 encoded a protein comprising 460 amino acids, with a CBM1 domain at residues 424-460 and molecular mass of 52 kDa, as estimated by SDS-PAGE. This enzyme was optimally active at pH and temperatures ranging from 4.5 to 5.5 and from 40 to 60 °C, respectively. Mn 2+ addition significantly enhanced the Af-EGL7 cellulase activity by 233%, whereas SDS addition fully inhibited this activity. Higher activity was observed toward β-glucan than toward xyloglucan and CM-Cellulose, suggesting that the enzyme corresponds to a β-1,3-1,4-glucanase. qRT-PCR in different culture media helped to establish the time-course expression profile. Different polysaccharides induced the gene Af-egl7 in a time-dependent manner; in the particular case of the substrate sugarcane exploded bagasse (SEB), Af-egl7 was induced 2500-fold. Upon addition to a commercial cellulase cocktail, Af-EGL7 significantly improved SEB saccharification, which suggested that the enzyme Af-EGL7 had great potential to hydrolyze complex biomass. From a biotechnological point of view, A. fumigatus Af-EGL7 is a promising candidate to enhance enzyme cocktails used in biorefineries such as consolidated bioprocessing. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

A Single-Stranded DNA Aptamer That Selectively Binds to Staphylococcus aureus Enterotoxin B

PubMed Central

DeGrasse, Jeffrey A.

2012-01-01

The bacterium Staphylococcus aureus is a common foodborne pathogen capable of secreting a cocktail of small, stable, and strain-specific, staphylococcal enterotoxins (SEs). Staphylococcal food poisoning (SFP) results when improperly handled food contaminated with SEs is consumed. Gastrointestinal symptoms of SFP include emesis, diarrhea and severe abdominal pain, which manifest within hours of ingesting contaminated food. Immuno-affinity based methods directly detect, identify, and quantify several SEs within a food or clinical sample. However, the success of these assays depends upon the availability of a monoclonal antibody, the development of which is non-trivial and costly. The current scope of the available immuno-affinity based methods is limited to the classical SEs and does not encompass all of the known or emergent SEs. In contrast to antibodies, aptamers are short nucleic acids that exhibit high affinity and specificity for their targets without the high-costs and ethical concerns of animal husbandry. Further, researchers may choose to freely distribute aptamers and develop assays without the proprietary issues that increase the per-sample cost of immuno-affinity assays. This study describes a novel aptamer, selected in vitro, with affinity to staphylococcal enterotoxin B (SEB) that may be used in lieu of antibodies in SE detection assays. The aptamer, designated APTSEB1, successfully isolates SEB from a complex mixture of SEs with extremely high discrimination. This work sets the foundation for future aptamer and assay development towards the entire family of SEs. The rapid, robust, and low-cost identification and quantification of all of the SEs in S. aureus contaminated food is essential for food safety and epidemiological efforts. An in vitro generated library of SE aptamers could potentially allow for the comprehensive and cost-effective analysis of food samples that immuno-affinity assays currently cannot provide. PMID:22438927

The ammonia absorption behavior on Jupiter during 2005-2015

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tejfel, Victor G.; V.G.Tejfel, V.D.Vdovichenko, A.M.Karimov, P.G.Lysenko, , G.A.Kirienko, , V.A.Filippov, G.A.Kharitonova, A.S. Khozhenetz

2017-10-01

V.G.Tejfel, V.D.Vdovichenko, A.M.Karimov, P.G.Lysenko, , G.A.Kirienko, , V.A.Filippov, G.A.Kharitonova, A.S. KhozhenetzFessenkov Astrophysical Institute, Almaty, KazakhstanWe measured the intensity of the 645 and 787 nm NH3 absorption bands in five latitudinal belts of Jupiter (STrZ, SEB, EZ, NEB and NTrZ) during almost full period of its revolution around the Sun: from 2005 to 2015. The variations in the equivalent widths of the bands were investigated. The permanently lowered intensity of the 787 nm NH3 band in NEB is confirmed. There are also some systematic differences in latitudinal and temporal variations between the 645 and 787 nm ammonia bands. The equivalent width of the 787 nm NH3 band was averaged for all years of observations. Its maximum (W = 18.95 ± 0.75 A) corresponds to EZ, its minimum (W = 15.82 ± 0.68 A) corresponds to NEB. The 645 nm NH3 band shows the maximum in SEB (W = 6.78 ± 0.45 A), and the minimum in NTrZ (W = 5.38 ± 0.36 A). The weakened ammonia absorption is also observed in the Great Red Spot. However, this is due to the increased density of the clouds inside the Spot storm, but not to decreased gaseous ammonia abundance, in contrast to NEB. The brightness temperature of GRS in the infrared and millimeter ranges of thermal radiation is lower, in contrast to NEB, where an increased brightness temperature is observed. The enhanced cloud density may explain also a pretty high brightness of GRS observed in strong methane absorption bands such as the 887 nm CH4 band and more long waved ones.

ICAM-1 (CD54) expression on B lymphocytes is associated with their costimulatory function and can be increased by coactivation with IL-1 and IL-7.

PubMed

Dennig, D; Lacerda, J; Yan, Y; Gasparetto, C; O'Reilly, R J

1994-07-01

Recent studies have demonstrated that acute lymphoblastic leukemia-derived pre-B cell lines are deficient in their costimulatory function for T cell proliferation in response to the mitogen Con A and the superantigens TSST-1 and SEB. Stimulation of these pre-B cells with IL-7 increased their costimulatory function which involved the B7/CD28 pathway. In the present study, we stimulated T cells with Con A, TSST-1, and SEB in the presence of peripheral blood B lineage cells that do not constitutively express B7/BB1 on their surface and investigated whether their costimulatory function could also be enhanced by IL-7. We found that, in the presence of IL-1, stimulation with IL-7 increased the costimulatory function of B cells and their surface expression level of ICAM-1 (CD54). We then investigated whether costimulatory B cell function could be inhibited by blocking the ICAM-1/LFA-1 pathway. Addition of anti-ICAM-1 mAb to the coculture of T and B cells inhibited T cell proliferation by approximately 20%. In contrast, addition of anti-LFA-1 beta (CD18) mAb, directed against the T cell ligand of ICAM-1, inhibited T cell proliferation almost completely. To determine the role of ICAM-1 in costimulatory B cell function, we sorted B cells into ICAM-1low-and ICAM-1high-expressing populations. We found that B cells expressing high levels of surface ICAM-1 elicited significantly higher T cell responses than those with low levels, suggesting that the expression level of ICAM-1 on peripheral blood B cells correlates with their costimulatory function.

Jupiter's Deep Cloud Structure Revealed Using Keck Observations of Spectrally Resolved Line Shapes

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bjoraker, G. L.; Wong, M.H.; de Pater, I.; Adamkovics, M.

2015-01-01

Technique: We present a method to determine the pressure at which significant cloud opacity is present between 2 and 6 bars on Jupiter. We use: a) the strength of a Fraunhofer absorption line in a zone to determine the ratio of reflected sunlight to thermal emission, and b) pressure- broadened line profiles of deuterated methane (CH3D) at 4.66 meters to determine the location of clouds. We use radiative transfer models to constrain the altitude region of both the solar and thermal components of Jupiter's 5-meter spectrum. Results: For nearly all latitudes on Jupiter the thermal component is large enough to constrain the deep cloud structure even when upper clouds are present. We find that Hot Spots, belts, and high latitudes have broader line profiles than do zones. Radiative transfer models show that Hot Spots in the North and South Equatorial Belts (NEB, SEB) typically do not have opaque clouds at pressures greater than 2 bars. The South Tropical Zone (STZ) at 32 degrees South has an opaque cloud top between 4 and 5 bars. From thermochemical models this must be a water cloud. We measured the variation of the equivalent width of CH3D with latitude for comparison with Jupiter's belt-zone structure. We also constrained the vertical profile of H2O in an SEB Hot Spot and in the STZ. The Hot Spot is very dry for a probability less than 4.5 bars and then follows the H2O profile observed by the Galileo Probe. The STZ has a saturated H2O profile above its cloud top between 4 and 5 bars.

Multiplex detection of protein toxins using MALDI-TOF-TOF tandem mass spectrometry: application in unambiguous toxin detection from bioaerosol.

PubMed

Alam, Syed Imteyaz; Kumar, Bhoj; Kamboj, Dev Vrat

2012-12-04

Protein toxins, such as botulinum neurotoxins (BoNTs), Clostridium perfringens epsilon toxin (ETX), staphylococcal enterotoxin B (SEB), shiga toxin (STX), and plant toxin ricin, are involved in a number of diseases and are considered as potential agents for bioterrorism and warfare. From a bioterrorism and warfare perspective, these agents are likely to cause maximum damage to a civilian or military population through an inhalational route of exposure and aerosol is considered the envisaged mode of delivery. Unambiguous detection of toxin from aerosol is of paramount importance, both for bringing mitigation protocols into operation and for implementation of effective medical countermeasures, in case a "biological cloud" is seen over a population. A multiplex, unambiguous, and qualitative detection of protein toxins is reported here using tandem mass spectrometry with MALDI-TOF-TOF. The methodology involving simple sample processing steps was demonstrated to identify toxins (ETX, Clostridium perfringes phospholipase C, and SEB) from blind spiked samples. The novel directed search approach using a list of unique peptides was used to identify toxins from a complex protein mixture. The bioinformatic analysis of seven protein toxins for elucidation of unique peptides with conservation status across all known sequences provides a high confidence for detecting toxins originating from any geographical location and source organism. Use of tandem MS data with peptide sequence information increases the specificity of the method. A prototype for generation of aerosol using a nebulizer and collection using a cyclone collector was used to provide a proof of concept for unambiguous detection of toxin from aerosol using precursor directed tandem mass spectrometry combined with protein database searching. ETX prototoxin could be detected from aerosol at 0.2 ppb concentration in aerosol.

Suppression of cytokine release by fluticasone furoate vs. mometasone furoate in human nasal tissue ex-vivo.

PubMed

Zhang, Nan; Van Crombruggen, Koen; Holtappels, Gabriele; Lan, Feng; Katotomichelakis, Michail; Zhang, Luo; Högger, Petra; Bachert, Claus

2014-01-01

Topical glucocorticosteroids are the first line therapy for airway inflammation. Modern compounds with higher efficacy have been developed, but head-to-head comparison studies are sparse. To compare the activity of two intranasal glucocorticoids, fluticasone furoate (FF) and mometasone furoate (MF) with respect to the inhibition of T helper (Th)1, Th2 and Th17 cytokine release in airway mucosa. We used an ex-vivo human nasal mucosal tissue model and employed pre- and post- Staphylococcus aureus enterotoxin B (SEB)-challenge incubations with various time intervals and drug concentrations to mimic typical clinical situations of preventive or therapeutic use. At a fixed concentration of 10-10 M, FF had significantly higher suppressive effects on interferon (IFN)-γ, interleukin (IL)-2 and IL-17 release, but not IL-5 or tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, vs. MF. While the maximal suppressive activity was maintained when FF was added before or after tissue stimulation, the cytokine suppression capacity of MF appeared to be compromised when SEB-induced cell activation preceded the addition of the drug. In a pre-challenge incubation setting with removal of excess drug concentrations, MF approached inhibition of IL-5 and TNF-α after 6 and 24 hours while FF maximally blocked the release of these cytokines right after pre-incubation. Furthermore, FF suppressed a wider range of T helper cytokines compared to MF. The study demonstrates the potential of our human mucosal model and shows marked differences in the ability to suppress the release of various cytokines in pre- and post-challenge settings between FF and MF mimicking typical clinical situations of preventive or therapeutic use.

The use of chitosan-dextran gel shows anti-inflammatory, antibiofilm, and antiproliferative properties in fibroblast cell culture.

PubMed

Paramasivan, Sathish; Jones, Damien; Baker, Leonie; Hanton, Lyall; Robinson, Simon; Wormald, Peter J; Tan, Lorwai

2014-01-01

Chitosan-dextran gel has been used as an antihemostatic agent and antiadhesive agent after endoscopic sinus surgery. Because Staphylococcus aureus biofilms have been implicated in recalcitrant chronic rhinosinusitis, this study aimed to further investigate the (i) anti-inflammatory, (ii) bacterial biofilm inhibition, (iii) antiproliferative effects, and (iv) wound-healing properties of chitosan and chitosan-dextran gel. Fibroblasts were isolated from human nasal tissue and were used to determine the effects of chitosan and chitosan-dextran gel on (i) cell proliferation, (ii) wound healing, (iii) inflammation in fibroblast cultures challenged with superantigens S. aureus enterotoxin B (SEB) and toxic shock syndrome toxin (TSST), and (iv) on S. aureus biofilms. Chitosan was highly effective at reducing IL-8 expression after TSST and SEB challenge. Chitosan was also effective at reducing IL-8 expression of nonchallenged fibroblasts showing its anti-inflammatory effects on fibroblasts in a diseased state. Chitosan-dextran gel showed strong antibiofilm properties at 50% (v/v) concentration in vitro. Dextran, on its own, showed antibiofilm properties at 1.25% (w/v) concentration. Chitosan, on its own, reduced proliferation of fibroblasts to 82% of control proliferation and chitosan-dextran gel reduced proliferation of the fibroblasts to 0.04% of control proliferation. Relative to the no treatment controls, chitosan-dextran gel significantly delayed the wound-healing rate over the first 48 hours of the experiment. Chitosan-dextran gel reduced fibroblast proliferation and wound-healing time, showing a possible mechanism of reducing adhesions in the postsurgical period. Chitosan reduced IL-8 levels, showing its anti-inflammatory properties. Chitosan-dextran gel and dextran treatment showed antibiofilm properties in our model.

Prevention of allergic rhinitis by ginger and the molecular basis of immunosuppression by 6-gingerol through T cell inactivation.

PubMed

Kawamoto, Yoshiyuki; Ueno, Yuki; Nakahashi, Emiko; Obayashi, Momoko; Sugihara, Kento; Qiao, Shanlou; Iida, Machiko; Kumasaka, Mayuko Y; Yajima, Ichiro; Goto, Yuji; Ohgami, Nobutaka; Kato, Masashi; Takeda, Kozue

2016-01-01

The incidence of allergies has recently been increasing worldwide. Immunoglobulin E (IgE)-mediated hypersensitivity is central to the pathogenesis of asthma, hay fever and other allergic diseases. Ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe) and its extracts have been valued for their medical properties including antinausea, antiinflammation, antipyresis and analgesia properties. In this study, we investigated the antiallergic effects of ginger and 6-gingerol, a major compound of ginger, using a mouse allergy model and primary/cell line culture system. In mice with ovalbumin (OVA)-induced allergic rhinitis, oral administration of 2% ginger diet reduced the severity of sneezing and nasal rubbing by nasal sensitization of OVA and suppressed infiltration of mast cells in nasal mucosa and secretion of OVA-specific IgE in serum. 6-Gingerol inhibited the expression of not only Th2 cytokines but also Th1 cytokines in OVA-sensitized spleen cells. Accordingly, 6-gingerol suppressed in vitro differentiation of both Th1 cells and Th2 cells from naïve T cells. In addition, 6-gingerol suppressed both superantigen staphylococcal enterotoxin B (SEB)- and anti-CD3-induced T cell proliferation. 6-Gingerol also abrogated PMA plus ionomycin- and SEB-induced IL-2 production in T cells, suggesting that 6-gingerol affected T cell receptor-mediated signal transduction rather than the antigen-presentation process. Indeed, 6-gingerol inhibited the phosphorylation of MAP kinases, calcium release and nuclear localization of c-fos and NF-κB by PMA and ionomycin stimulation. Thus, our results demonstrate that 6-gingerol suppresses cytokine production for T cell activation and proliferation, thereby not causing B cell and mast cell activation and resulting in prevention or alleviation of allergic rhinitis symptoms. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Do early career indicators of clinical skill predict subsequent career outcomes and practice characteristics for general internists?

PubMed

Gray, Bradley; Reschovsky, James; Holmboe, Eric; Lipner, Rebecca

2013-06-01

To study relationships between clinical skill measures assessed at the beginning of general internists' careers and their career outcomes and practice characteristics. General Internist Community Tracking Study Physician Survey respondents (2000-2001, 2004-2005) linked with residency program evaluations and American Board of Internal Medicine board certification examination score records; n = 2,331. Cross-sectional regressions of career outcome and practice characteristic measures on board examination scores/success, residency evaluations interacted with residency type, and potential confounding variables. Failure to achieve board certification was associated with $27,206 (18 percent, p < .05) less income and 14.9 percent more minority patients relative to physicians scoring in the bottom quartile on their initial examination who eventually became certified (p < .01). Other skill measures were not associated with income. Scoring in the top rather than bottom quartile on the board certification examination was associated with 9 percent increased likelihood of reporting high career satisfaction (p < .05). Among physicians trained in community hospital residency programs, lower evaluations were associated with 14.5 percent higher share of minority patients (p < .05). Both skill measures were associated with practice type. There are associations between early career skill measures and career outcomes. In addition, minority patients are more likely to be treated by physicians with lower early career clinical skills measures than nonminority patients. © Health Research and Educational Trust.

Sanitary quality, occurrence and identification of Staphylococcus sp. in food services.

PubMed

de Mello, Jozi Fagundes; da Rocha, Laura Braga; Lopes, Ester Souza; Frazzon, Jeverson; da Costa, Marisa

2014-01-01

Sanitary conditions are essential for the production of meals and control of the presence of pathogensis important to guarantee the health of customers. The aim of this study was to evaluate the sanitary quality of food services by checking the presence of thermotolerant coliforms, Staphylococcus sp. and evaluate the toxigenic potential from the latter. The analysis was performed on water, surfaces, equipment, ready-to-eat foods, hands and nasal cavity of handlers in seven food services. The water used in food services proved to be suitable for the production of meals. Most food, equipment and surfaces showed poor sanitary conditions due to the presence of thermotolerant coliforms (60.6%). Twenty-six Staphylococcus species were identified from the 121 Staphylococcus isolates tested. Staphylococci coagulase-negative species were predominant in the foods, equipment and surfaces. In food handlers and foods, the predominant species was Staphylococcus epidermidis. Twelve different genotypes were found after PCR for the classical enterotoxin genes. The seb gene (19.8%) was the most prevalent among all Staphylococcus sp. Both coagulase-positive and coagulase-negative Staphylococci showed some of the genes of the enterotoxins tested. We conclude that there are hygienic and sanitary deficiencies in the food services analyzed. Although coagulase-positive Staphylococci have not been present in foods there is a wide dispersion of enterotoxigenic coagulase-negative Staphylococci in the environment and in the foods analyzed, indicating a risk to consumer health.

Sanitary quality, occurrence and identification of Staphylococcus sp. in food services

PubMed Central

de Mello, Jozi Fagundes; da Rocha, Laura Braga; Lopes, Ester Souza; Frazzon, Jeverson; da Costa, Marisa

2014-01-01

Sanitary conditions are essential for the production of meals and control of the presence of pathogensis important to guarantee the health of customers. The aim of this study was to evaluate the sanitary quality of food services by checking the presence of thermotolerant coliforms, Staphylococcus sp. and evaluate the toxigenic potential from the latter. The analysis was performed on water, surfaces, equipment, ready-to-eat foods, hands and nasal cavity of handlers in seven food services. The water used in food services proved to be suitable for the production of meals. Most food, equipment and surfaces showed poor sanitary conditions due to the presence of thermotolerant coliforms (60.6%). Twenty-six Staphylococcus species were identified from the 121 Staphylococcus isolates tested. Staphylococci coagulase-negative species were predominant in the foods, equipment and surfaces. In food handlers and foods, the predominant species was Staphylococcus epidermidis. Twelve different genotypes were found after PCR for the classical enterotoxin genes. The seb gene (19.8%) was the most prevalent among all Staphylococcus sp. Both coagulase-positive and coagulase-negative Staphylococci showed some of the genes of the enterotoxins tested. We conclude that there are hygienic and sanitary deficiencies in the food services analyzed. Although coagulase-positive Staphylococci have not been present in foods there is a wide dispersion of enterotoxigenic coagulase-negative Staphylococci in the environment and in the foods analyzed, indicating a risk to consumer health. PMID:25477940

76 FR 40652 - Approval and Promulgation of Implementation Plans; California Air Resources Board-In-Use Heavy...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-07-11

... eventual approval into the California SIP. For evaluative purposes herein, we also recognize the CARB Board... strategy, designed primarily for the reduction of diesel PM emissions, which has been verified pursuant to...

Analysis of movable bus stop boarding and alighting areas.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2013-05-01

This study explored the feasibility of using movable and reusable boarding and alighting (B&A) pads at bus stops. : Potential design alternatives in terms of materials and structural support for these pads were evaluated. The review : focused on the ...

The ComAlong communication boards: parents' use and experiences of aided language stimulation.

PubMed

Jonsson, Anna; Kristoffersson, Lina; Ferm, Ulrika; Thunberg, Gunilla

2011-06-01

This study evaluated parents' use and experiences of the ComAlong communication boards, which were provided to them during a parental course on communication development, responsive strategies, and augmentative and alternative communication (AAC). Quantitative and qualitative data was collected through a survey of 65 parents and an in-depth case study of four of the parents. Questionnaires, interviews, logbooks, and video recordings showed that parents used the ComAlong boards and experienced an increased understanding of augmentative and alternative communication. Most parents reported that their children showed an interest in the boards and that in some cases started to use the boards functionally in communication. Parents' views, in terms of gains and difficulties of using graphic communication at home, are discussed.

Bilingual Education Project: Evaluation of the 1974-75 French Immersion Program in Grades 2-4, Ottawa Board of Education and Carleton Board of Education.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Barik, Henri C.; Swain, Merrill

The school performance of pupils in grades 2-4 of the French immersion program in operation in the Ottawa-Carleton public schools is evaluated in comparison with the performance of those in the regular English program. The results indicate that by the end of grade 2, pupils in the immersion program show the same level of cognitive development as…

75 FR 68385 - Senior Executive Service-Performance Review Board

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-11-05

... OFFICE OF PERSONNEL MANAGEMENT Senior Executive Service-Performance Review Board AGENCY: Office of... evaluates the initial appraisal of a senior executive's performance by the supervisor, and considers recommendations to the appointing authority regarding the performance of the senior executive. Office of Personnel...

76 FR 58559 - Notice of Senior Executive Service Performance Review Board Membership

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-09-21

... SOCIAL SECURITY ADMINISTRATION [Docket No. SSA-2011-0079] Notice of Senior Executive Service Performance Review Board Membership AGENCY: Social Security Administration. ACTION: Notice of Senior Executive... evaluation of performance appraisals of Senior Executive Service members of the Social Security...

An Empirical Evaluation of Spelling Boards as a Means of Communication for the Multihandicapped.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Klewe, Lars

1993-01-01

An interdisciplinary research group in Denmark examined use of facilitated communication, via spelling boards, by 17 patients with communication disorders. Meaningful communication took place only when the facilitators had access to the information to be communicated. (JDD)

Evaluation of the organisation and effectiveness of internal audits to govern patient safety in hospitals: a mixed-methods study

PubMed Central

van Gelderen, Saskia C; Zegers, Marieke; Boeijen, Wilma; Westert, Gert P; Robben, Paul B; Wollersheim, Hub C

2017-01-01

Objectives Hospital boards are legally responsible for safe healthcare. They need tools to assist them in their task of governing patient safety. Almost every Dutch hospital performs internal audits, but the effectiveness of these audits for hospital governance has never been evaluated. The aim of this study is to evaluate the organisation of internal audits and their effectiveness for hospitals boards to govern patient safety. Design and setting A mixed-methods study consisting of a questionnaire regarding the organisation of internal audits among all Dutch hospitals (n=89) and interviews with stakeholders regarding the audit process and experienced effectiveness of audits within six hospitals. Results Response rate of the questionnaire was 76% and 43 interviews were held. In every responding hospital, the internal audits followed the plan–do–check–act cycle. Every hospital used interviews, document analysis and site visits as input for the internal audit. Boards stated that effective aspects of internal audits were their multidisciplinary scope, their structured and in-depth approach, the usability to monitor improvement activities and to change hospital policy and the fact that results were used in meetings with staff and boards of supervisors. The qualitative methods (interviews and site visits) used in internal audits enable the identification of soft signals such as unsafe culture or communication and collaboration problems. Reported disadvantages were the low frequency of internal audits and the absence of soft signals in the actual audit reports. Conclusion This study shows that internal audits are regarded as effective for patient safety governance, as they help boards to identify patient safety problems, proactively steer patient safety and inform boards of supervisors on the status of patient safety. The description of the Dutch internal audits makes these audits replicable to other healthcare organisations in different settings, enabling hospital boards to complement their systems to govern patient safety. PMID:28698328

Evaluation of Electrochemical Migration on Printed Circuit Boards with Lead-Free and Tin-Lead Solder

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

He, Xiaofei; Azarian, Michael H.; Pecht, Michael G.

2011-09-01

To evaluate the current leakage and electrochemical migration behavior on printed circuit boards with eutectic tin-lead and lead-free solder, IPC B-24 comb structures were exposed to 65°C and 88% relative humidity conditions under direct-current (DC) bias for over 1500 h. These boards were processed with either Sn-3.0Ag-0.5Cu solder or Sn-37Pb solder. In addition to solder alloy, board finish (organic solderability preservative versus lead-free hot air solder leveling), spacing (25 mil versus 12.5 mil), and voltage (40 V versus 5 V bias) were also assessed by using in situ measurements of surface insulation resistance (SIR) and energy-dispersive spectroscopy after testing. It was shown that an initial increase of SIR was caused by consumption of electroactive species on the surface, intermittent drops of SIR were caused by dendritic growth, and a long-term SIR decline was caused by electrodeposition of a metallic layer. The prolonged SIR decline of Sn-3.0Ag-0.5Cu boards was simulated by three-dimensional (3D) progressive and instantaneous nucleation models, whose predictions were compared with experimental data. Sn-37Pb boards exhibited comigration of Sn, Pb, and Cu, while Sn-3.0Ag-0.5Cu boards incurred comigration of Sn, Ag, and Cu. Among the migrated species, Sn always dominated and was observed as either a layer or in polyhedral deposits, Pb was the most common element found in the dendrites, Cu was a minor constituent, and Ag migrated only occasionally. Compared with solder alloy, board finishes played a secondary role in affecting SIR due to their complexation with or dissolution into the solder. The competing effect between electric field and spacing was also investigated.

Rural-Urban Differences in Consumer Governance at Community Health Centers

PubMed Central

Wright, David Bradley

2017-01-01

Context Community health centers (CHCs) are primary care clinics that serve mostly low-income patients in rural and urban areas. They are required to be governed by a consumer majority. What little is known about the structure and function of these boards in practice, suggests that CHC boards in rural areas may look and act differently than CHC boards in urban areas. Purpose To identify differences in the structure and function of consumer governance at CHCs in rural and urban areas. Methods Semi-structured telephone interviews were conducted with 30 CHC board members from 14 different states. Questions focused on board members’ perceptions of board composition and the role of consumers on the board. Findings CHCs in rural areas are more likely to have representative boards, are better able to convey confidence in the organization, and are better able to assess community needs than CHCs in urban areas. However, CHCs in rural areas often have problems achieving objective decision-making, and may have fewer means for objectively evaluating quality of care due to the lack of patient board member anonymity. Conclusions Consumer governance is implemented differently in rural and urban communities, and the advantages and disadvantages in each setting are unique. PMID:23551642

Compendium of Single Event Effects, Total Ionizing Dose, and Displacement Damage for Candidate Spacecraft Electronics for NASA

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

LaBel, Kenneth A.; OBryan, Martha V.; Chen, Dakai; Campola, Michael J.; Casey, Megan C.; Pellish, Jonathan A.; Lauenstein, Jean-Marie; Wilcox, Edward P.; Topper, Alyson D.; Ladbury, Raymond L.;

What makes great boards great.

PubMed

Sonnenfeld, Jeffrey A

2002-09-01

In the wake of meltdowns at WorldCom, Tyco, and Enron, enormous attention has been focused on the companies' boards. It seems inconceivable that business disasters of such magnitude could happen without gross or even criminal negligence on the part of board members. And yet a close examination of those boards reveals no broad pattern of incompetence or corruption. In fact, they followed most of the accepted standards for board operations: Members showed up for meetings; they had money invested in the company; audit committees, compensation committees, and codes of ethics were in place; the boards weren't too small or too big, nor were they dominated by insiders. In other words, they passed the tests that would normally be applied to determine whether a board of directors was likely to do a good job. And that's precisely what's so scary, according to corporate governance expert Jeffrey Sonnenfeld, who suggests that it's time for some new thinking about how corporate boards operate and are evaluated. He proposes thinking not only about how to structure the board's work but also about how to manage it as a social system. Good boards are, very simply, high-functioning work groups. They're distinguished by a climate of respect, trust, and candor among board members and between the board and management. Information is shared openly and on time; emergent political factions are quickly eliminated. Members feel free to challenge one another's assumptions and conclusions, and management encourages lively discussion of strategic issues. Directors feel a responsibility to contribute meaningfully to the board's performance. In addition, good boards assess their own performance, both collectively and individually.

Human Centered Design and Development for NASA's MerBoard

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Trimble, Jay

2003-01-01

This viewgraph presentation provides an overview of the design and development process for NASA's MerBoard. These devices are large interactive display screens which can be shown on the user's computer, which will allow scientists in many locations to interpret and evaluate mission data in real-time. These tools are scheduled to be used during the 2003 Mars Exploration Rover (MER) expeditions. Topics covered include: mission overview, Mer Human Centered Computers, FIDO 2001 observations and MerBoard prototypes.

A Guide to the Computerized Medical Data Resources of the Naval Health Research Center.

DTIC Science & Technology

1987-04-09

Selection Test Score o Mental group o Education certificate o SCREEN Score The GCT Score is designed to measure ability to understand verbal relationships...available on some members before that date. For female members this field will contain Armed Forces Women’s Selection Test Scores. Norms provided for 16...the Board are recorded in this file. Finally, disposition by the Board is indicated. Physical Evaluation Board File. Selected data elements in the

75 FR 14214 - Senior Executive Service Performance Review Board Membership

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-03-24

... OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH REVIEW COMMISSION Senior Executive Service Performance Review Board Membership AGENCY: Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission. ACTION: Annual notice. SUMMARY: Notice... established a Senior Executive Service PRB. The PRB reviews and evaluates the initial appraisal of a senior...

78 FR 5516 - Senior Executive Service Performance Review Board Membership

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-01-25

... OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH REVIEW COMMISSION Senior Executive Service Performance Review Board Membership AGENCY: Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission. ACTION: Annual notice. SUMMARY: Notice... established a Senior Executive Service PRB. The PRB reviews and evaluates the initial appraisal of a senior...

76 FR 39926 - Senior Executive Service Performance Review Board Membership

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-07-07

... OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH REVIEW COMMISSION Senior Executive Service Performance Review Board Membership AGENCY: Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission. ACTION: Annual notice. SUMMARY: Notice... established a Senior Executive Service PRB. The PRB reviews and evaluates the initial appraisal of a senior...

76 FR 81998 - Senior Executive Service Performance Review Board Membership

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-12-29

... OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH REVIEW COMMISSION Senior Executive Service Performance Review Board Membership AGENCY: Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission. ACTION: Annual notice. SUMMARY: Notice... established a Senior Executive Service PRB. The PRB reviews and evaluates the initial appraisal of a senior...

20 CFR 220.101 - Evaluation of mental impairments.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-04-01

... Board will then do a residual functional capacity assessment for those claimants (employees, widow(er)s... record pertinent findings and rate the degree of functional loss. (1) This procedure requires the Board to record the pertinent signs, symptoms, findings, functional limitations, and effects of treatment...

28 CFR 512.13 - Institutional Review Board.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... concerns and evaluate objectively a research proposal's impact on, and relevance to, inmates and to the... interest exists for the BRRB chairperson on a particular research proposal, the Assistant Director... ADMINISTRATION RESEARCH Research § 512.13 Institutional Review Board. (a) The Bureau of Prisons' central...

28 CFR 512.13 - Institutional Review Board.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... concerns and evaluate objectively a research proposal's impact on, and relevance to, inmates and to the... interest exists for the BRRB chairperson on a particular research proposal, the Assistant Director... ADMINISTRATION RESEARCH Research § 512.13 Institutional Review Board. (a) The Bureau of Prisons' central...

75 FR 60497 - Proposed Agency Information Collection Activities; Comment Request

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-09-30

... Board Clearance Officer, (202) 452-3829, Division of Research and Statistics, Board of Governors of the... most current statistical data available for evaluating institutions' corporate applications, for... securitized auto loans outstanding as well as securitized auto loan delinquencies and charge-offs. The...

How do hospital boards govern for quality improvement? A mixed methods study of 15 organisations in England

PubMed Central

Pomeroy, Linda; Burnett, Susan; Anderson, Janet E; Fulop, Naomi J

2017-01-01

Background Health systems worldwide are increasingly holding boards of healthcare organisations accountable for the quality of care that they provide. Previous empirical research has found associations between certain board practices and higher quality patient care; however, little is known about how boards govern for quality improvement (QI). Methods We conducted fieldwork over a 30-month period in 15 healthcare provider organisations in England as part of a wider evaluation of a board-level organisational development intervention. Our data comprised board member interviews (n=65), board meeting observations (60 hours) and documents (30 sets of board meeting papers, 15 board minutes and 15 Quality Accounts). We analysed the data using a framework developed from existing evidence of links between board practices and quality of care. We mapped the variation in how boards enacted governance of QI and constructed a measure of QI governance maturity. We then compared organisations to identify the characteristics of those with mature QI governance. Results We found that boards with higher levels of maturity in relation to governing for QI had the following characteristics: explicitly prioritising QI; balancing short-term (external) priorities with long-term (internal) investment in QI; using data for QI, not just quality assurance; engaging staff and patients in QI; and encouraging a culture of continuous improvement. These characteristics appeared to be particularly enabled and facilitated by board-level clinical leaders. Conclusions This study contributes to a deeper understanding of how boards govern for QI. The identified characteristics of organisations with mature QI governance seemed to be enabled by active clinical leadership. Future research should explore the biographies, identities and work practices of board-level clinical leaders and their role in organisation-wide QI. PMID:28689191

Positron lifetime setup based on DRS4 evaluation board

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Petriska, M.; Sojak, S.; Slugeň, V.

2014-04-01

A digital positron lifetime setup based on DRS4 evaluation board designed at the Paul Scherrer Institute has been constructed and tested in the Positron annihilation laboratory Slovak University of Technology Bratislava. The high bandwidth, low power consumption and short readout time make DRS4 chip attractive for positron annihilation lifetime (PALS) setup, replacing traditional ADCs and TDCs. A software for PALS setup online and offline pulse analysis was developed with Qt,Qwt and ALGLIB libraries.

76 FR 42167 - Rehabilitation Research and Development Service Scientific Merit Review Board; Notice of Meeting

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-07-18

... subcommittees of the Board will meet to evaluate merit review applications: August 9--Rehabilitation Engineering... Rehabilitation. August 16--Rehabilitation Engineering and Prosthetics/Orthotics. August 16-17--Psychological Health and Social Reintegration; Sensory Systems/Communication; Spinal Cord Injury; and Career...

12 CFR 985.8 - General duties of the OF board of directors.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... chief executive officer for the OF and shall direct the implementation of the OF board of directors... market conditions, and the Banks' role as government-sponsored enterprises; (ii) Maintaining reliable... financial statements; (8) Select, evaluate, determine the compensation of, and, where appropriate, replace...

An Expert System Advisor for Medical Evaluation Boards

DTIC Science & Technology

1991-12-01

Condition OR REFERRAL=MedicalBoard_Slip !Condition AND PROBLEM=Spine_Scapulae.. Sacroiliac !Condition THEN ACTION=Refer-toMEB !Rule conclusion BECAUSE "In...Rule conclusion BECAUSE "In Accordance With The VA Schedule For Rating Disabilities" RULE N3 !Mandatory rule label IF Problem= Sacroiliac Joint

MAIT cells launch a rapid, robust and distinct hyperinflammatory response to bacterial superantigens and quickly acquire an anergic phenotype that impedes their cognate antimicrobial function: Defining a novel mechanism of superantigen-induced immunopathology and immunosuppression

PubMed Central

Shaler, Christopher R.; Choi, Joshua; Rudak, Patrick T.; Memarnejadian, Arash; Szabo, Peter A.; Tun-Abraham, Mauro E.; Rossjohn, Jamie; Corbett, Alexandra J.; McCluskey, James; McCormick, John K.; Lantz, Olivier; Hernandez-Alejandro, Roberto; Haeryfar, S.M. Mansour

2017-01-01

Superantigens (SAgs) are potent exotoxins secreted by Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pyogenes. They target a large fraction of T cell pools to set in motion a “cytokine storm” with severe and sometimes life-threatening consequences typically encountered in toxic shock syndrome (TSS). Given the rapidity with which TSS develops, designing timely and truly targeted therapies for this syndrome requires identification of key mediators of the cytokine storm’s initial wave. Equally important, early host responses to SAgs can be accompanied or followed by a state of immunosuppression, which in turn jeopardizes the host’s ability to combat and clear infections. Unlike in mouse models, the mechanisms underlying SAg-associated immunosuppression in humans are ill-defined. In this work, we have identified a population of innate-like T cells, called mucosa-associated invariant T (MAIT) cells, as the most powerful source of pro-inflammatory cytokines after exposure to SAgs. We have utilized primary human peripheral blood and hepatic mononuclear cells, mouse MAIT hybridoma lines, HLA-DR4-transgenic mice, MAIThighHLA-DR4+ bone marrow chimeras, and humanized NOD-scid IL-2Rγnull mice to demonstrate for the first time that: i) mouse and human MAIT cells are hyperresponsive to SAgs, typified by staphylococcal enterotoxin B (SEB); ii) the human MAIT cell response to SEB is rapid and far greater in magnitude than that launched by unfractionated conventional T, invariant natural killer T (iNKT) or γδ T cells, and is characterized by production of interferon (IFN)-γ, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and interleukin (IL)-2, but not IL-17A; iii) high-affinity MHC class II interaction with SAgs, but not MHC-related protein 1 (MR1) participation, is required for MAIT cell activation; iv) MAIT cell responses to SEB can occur in a T cell receptor (TCR) Vβ–specific manner but are largely contributed by IL-12 and IL-18; v) as MAIT cells are primed by SAgs, they also begin to develop a molecular signature consistent with exhaustion and failure to participate in antimicrobial defense. Accordingly, they upregulate lymphocyte-activation gene 3 (LAG-3), T cell immunoglobulin and mucin-3 (TIM-3), and/or programmed cell death-1 (PD-1), and acquire an anergic phenotype that interferes with their cognate function against Klebsiella pneumoniae and Escherichia coli; vi) MAIT cell hyperactivation and anergy co-utilize a signaling pathway that is governed by p38 and MEK1/2. Collectively, our findings demonstrate a pathogenic, rather than protective, role for MAIT cells during infection. Furthermore, we propose a novel mechanism of SAg-associated immunosuppression in humans. MAIT cells may therefore provide an attractive therapeutic target for the management of both early and late phases of severe SAg-mediated illnesses. PMID:28632753

48 CFR 2436.602-2 - Evaluation boards.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

...) The cognizant program office head for boards appointed at the field level. (c) Conflict of interest... the regulations at 24 CFR part 0, Standards of Conduct, regarding conflicts of interest. If at any... being considered that might be or might appear to be a conflict of interest, he or she will disqualify...

77 FR 75230 - Self-Regulatory Organizations; Chicago Board Options Exchange, Incorporated; Notice of Proposed...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-12-19

... Director Nominating Body and any petition candidate must satisfy the compositional requirements determined... Nominating Body and any petition candidate must satisfy the compositional requirements determined by the... with appropriate flexibility as it evaluates the structure and composition of its Board in the future...

78 FR 44563 - Senior Executive Service (SES) Performance Review Board

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-07-24

... FEDERAL LABOR RELATIONS AUTHORITY Senior Executive Service (SES) Performance Review Board AGENCY... Management, one or more PRBs. The PRB shall review and evaluate the initial appraisal of a senior executive's performance by the supervisor, along with any response by the senior executive, and make recommendations to...

Best Practices: A Cross-Site Evaluation

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

DeJong, Judith A.; Hall, Philip S.

2006-01-01

For well over a century, there have been boarding schools for American Indian children. The unique configuration that makes up each boarding school's environment attempts to meet the needs of as many students as possible, and tries to maximize positive outcomes. Recognizing that there is room for improvement, the Office of Indian Education…

Development of an on-board H2 storage and recovery system based on lithium borohydride.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2014-02-28

Alkali metal borohydrides based on sodium and lithium, NaBH4 and LiBH4, have been evaluated as a potential hydrogen storage and recovery system for on-board vehicle use. The borohydride salts could be dissolved in water, followed by a hydrolytic reac...

Incorporating SAT® Writing into Admission and Placement Decisions

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Shaw, Emily

2010-01-01

Presented at the College Board National Forum in Washington, D.C., October 2010. This presentation examines the recent national validity evidence that supports the use of SAT Writing in college admissions and English placement. Additionally it includes information on the College Board's free online Admitted Class Evaluation Service (ACES) system,…

78 FR 70542 - Reserve Forces Policy Board (RFPB); Notice of Federal Advisory Committee Meeting

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-11-26

... Forces Policy Board will take place. The purpose of the meeting is to obtain, review and evaluate information related to strategies, policies, and practices designed to improve and enhance the capabilities... related to strategies, policies, and practices designed to improve and enhance the capabilities...

Palm boards are not action measures: an alternative to the two-systems theory of geographical slant perception.

PubMed

Durgin, Frank H; Hajnal, Alen; Li, Zhi; Tonge, Natasha; Stigliani, Anthony

2010-06-01

Whereas most reports of the perception of outdoor hills demonstrate dramatic overestimation, estimates made by adjusting a palm board are much closer to the true hill orientation. We test the dominant hypothesis that palm board accuracy is related to the need for motor action to be accurately guided and conclude instead that the perceptual experience of palm-board orientation is biased and variable due to poorly calibrated proprioception of wrist flexion. Experiments 1 and 3 show that wrist-flexion palm boards grossly underestimate the orientations of near, reachable surfaces whereas gesturing with a free hand is fairly accurate. Experiment 2 shows that palm board estimates are much lower than free hand estimates for an outdoor hill as well. Experiments 4 shows that wrist flexion is biased and noisy compared to elbow flexion, while Experiment 5 shows that small changes in palm board height produce large changes in palm board estimates. Together, these studies suggest that palm boards are biased and insensitive measures. The existing literature arguing that there are two systems in the perception of geographical slant is re-evaluated, and a new theoretical framework is proposed in which a single exaggerated representation of ground-surface orientation guides both action and perception. Copyright 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Multi-institutional arrangements: relationships between governing boards and hospital chief executive officers.

PubMed

Alexander, J; Morlock, L L

1985-02-01

This investigation focuses on the impact of multi-institutional arrangements on the role of governing boards in limiting or enhancing the managerial autonomy of individual hospitals. Data from a 1979 Special Survey by the American Hospital Association (N = 4213) are used to examine governing board-administrator relationships as a function of the degree of autonomy and scope of responsibility of the hospital governing board. It is hypothesized that governing boards responsible for multiple hospitals or for multiple nonhospital organizations and those boards accountable to a higher organizational authority will exercise more formal control over hospital chief executive officers (CEOs) than will boards of single or autonomous hospitals. The analysis assumes that formal control by the governing board over the management function of the individual hospital is exercised partly through soliciting or limiting participation by hospital administrators in key policy decisions and through the evaluation of administrative performance. Therefore, it is anticipated that hospitals governed by boards with multiple responsibilities as well as hospitals governed by boards accountable to a higher authority will be (1) less likely to have CEOs who are members of the governing board executive committee, (2) more likely to have annual performance reviews of the CEO by the governing board, and (3) more likely to have such reviews conducted according to preestablished criteria. Study results provide general support for the hypotheses with respect to hospital boards with multiple responsibilities: the data suggest that such boards do exercise greater control over hospital administrators and these effects do appear to be stronger for hospitals in the private sector. Hospitals governed by boards accountable to a higher authority, however, are more likely to have CEOs who are members of the governing board executive committee--a pattern in direct opposition to that hypothesized. Furthermore, these boards are no more likely to conduct annual CEO performance reviews than are boards with more autonomy. Boards accountable to higher authorities are more likely, however, to use preestablished criteria when such reviews are conducted. This general pattern is similar whether hospital boards are accountable to religious authorities, to investor-owned corporate boards, or to the boards of not-for-profit multi-institutional systems. A different pattern emerges, however, for boards accountable to a state, county, or local government authority.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Multi-institutional arrangements: relationships between governing boards and hospital chief executive officers.

PubMed Central

Alexander, J; Morlock, L L

1985-01-01

This investigation focuses on the impact of multi-institutional arrangements on the role of governing boards in limiting or enhancing the managerial autonomy of individual hospitals. Data from a 1979 Special Survey by the American Hospital Association (N = 4213) are used to examine governing board-administrator relationships as a function of the degree of autonomy and scope of responsibility of the hospital governing board. It is hypothesized that governing boards responsible for multiple hospitals or for multiple nonhospital organizations and those boards accountable to a higher organizational authority will exercise more formal control over hospital chief executive officers (CEOs) than will boards of single or autonomous hospitals. The analysis assumes that formal control by the governing board over the management function of the individual hospital is exercised partly through soliciting or limiting participation by hospital administrators in key policy decisions and through the evaluation of administrative performance. Therefore, it is anticipated that hospitals governed by boards with multiple responsibilities as well as hospitals governed by boards accountable to a higher authority will be (1) less likely to have CEOs who are members of the governing board executive committee, (2) more likely to have annual performance reviews of the CEO by the governing board, and (3) more likely to have such reviews conducted according to preestablished criteria. Study results provide general support for the hypotheses with respect to hospital boards with multiple responsibilities: the data suggest that such boards do exercise greater control over hospital administrators and these effects do appear to be stronger for hospitals in the private sector. Hospitals governed by boards accountable to a higher authority, however, are more likely to have CEOs who are members of the governing board executive committee--a pattern in direct opposition to that hypothesized. Furthermore, these boards are no more likely to conduct annual CEO performance reviews than are boards with more autonomy. Boards accountable to higher authorities are more likely, however, to use preestablished criteria when such reviews are conducted. This general pattern is similar whether hospital boards are accountable to religious authorities, to investor-owned corporate boards, or to the boards of not-for-profit multi-institutional systems. A different pattern emerges, however, for boards accountable to a state, county, or local government authority.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS) PMID:3972592

Evaluation of the effectiveness of toe board energy-absorbing material for foot, ankle, and lower leg injury reduction.

PubMed

Patalak, John P; Stitzel, Joel D

2018-02-17

Since 2000, numerous improvements have been made to the National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing, Incorporated (NASCAR®) driver restraint system, resulting in improved crash protection for motorsports drivers. Advancements have included seats, head and neck restraints (HNRs), seat belt restraint systems, driver helmets, and others. These enhancements have increased protection for drivers from severe crash loading. Extending protection to the driver's extremities remains challenging. Though the drivers' legs are well contained for lateral and vertical crashes, they remain largely unrestrained in frontal and frontal oblique crashes. Sled testing was conducted for the evaluation of an energy-absorbing (EA) toe board material to be used as a countermeasure for leg and foot injuries. Testing included baseline rigid toe boards, tests with EA material-covered toe boards, and pretest positioning of the 50th percentile male frontal Hybrid III anthropomorphic test device (ATD) lower extremities. ATD leg and foot instrumentation included foot acceleration and tibia forces and moments. The sled test data were evaluated using established injury criteria for tibial plateau fractures, leg shaft fractures, and calcaneus, talus, ankle, and midfoot fractures. A polyurethane EA foam was found to be effective in limiting axial tibia force and foot accelerations when subjected to frontal impacts using the NASCAR motorsport restraint system.

Evaluation of Binding Effects in Wood Flour Board Containing Ligno-Cellulose Nanofibers

PubMed Central

Kojima, Yoichi; Isa, Akiko; Kobori, Hikaru; Suzuki, Shigehiko; Ito, Hirokazu; Makise, Rie; Okamoto, Masaki

2014-01-01

Wood-based materials are used extensively in residual construction worldwide. Most of the adhesives used in wood-based materials are derived from fossil resources, and some are not environmentally friendly. This study explores nanofiber technology as an alternative to such adhesives. Previous studies have shown that the three-dimensional binding effects of cellulose nanofiber (CNF), when mixed with wood flour, can significantly improve the physical and mechanical properties of wood flour board. In this study, ligno-cellulose nanofibers (LCNF) were fabricated by wet disk milling of wood flour. Composite boards of wood flour and LCNF were produced to investigate the binding effect(s) of LCNF. The fabrication of LCNF by disk milling was simple and effective, and its incorporation into wood flour board significantly enhanced the physical and mechanical properties of the board. PMID:28788217

Development, application, and validation of a survey for infectious disease control practices at equine boarding facilities.

PubMed

Kirby, Alanna T; Traub-Dargatz, Josie L; Hill, Ashley E; Kogan, Lori R; Morley, Paul S; Heird, James C

2010-11-15

To develop a questionnaire for self-assessment of biosecurity practices at equine boarding facilities and to evaluate infectious disease control practices in these facilities in Colorado. Cross-sectional study. 64 equine boarding facilities in Colorado. Survey questions were rated according to importance for prevention and containment of equine infectious diseases. Point values (range, 0 to 20) were assigned for possible responses, with greater values given for optimal infection control methods. Questionnaires were mailed to equine boarding facilities in Colorado advertised on the World Wide Web. Survey responses were compared with assessments made by a member of the research team during visits to 30 randomly selected facilities. Agreement among results was analyzed via a kappa test and rated as poor, fair, moderate, substantial, or nearly perfect. Survey responses were received for 64 of 163 (39%) equine boarding facilities. Scores ranged from 106 to 402 points (maximum possible score, 418). Most facilities received better scores for movement and housing of equids than for other sections of the survey. Respondents at 24 of 48 (50%) facilities that routinely received new equids reported isolation of new arrivals. Agreement between self-assessment by survey respondents and evaluation by a member of the research team was determined to be fair to substantial. Most equine boarding facilities have opportunities to improve measures for prevention or containment of contagious diseases (eg, isolation of newly arrived equids and use of written health management protocols). Most self-assessments of infection control practices were accurate.

Printed paper and board food contact materials as a potential source of food contamination.

PubMed

Van Bossuyt, Melissa; Van Hoeck, Els; Vanhaecke, Tamara; Rogiers, Vera; Mertens, Birgit

2016-11-01

Food contact materials (FCM) are estimated to be the largest source of food contamination. Apart from plastics, the most commonly used FCM are made of printed paper and board. Unlike their plastic counterparts, these are not covered by a specific European regulation. Several contamination issues have raised concerns towards potential adverse health effects caused by exposure to substances migrating from printed paper and board FCM. In the current study, an inventory combining the substances which may be used in printed paper and board FCM, was created. More than 6000 unique compounds were identified, the majority (77%) considered non-evaluated in terms of potential toxicity. Based on a preliminary study of their physicochemical properties, it is estimated that most of the non-evaluated single substances have the potential to migrate into the food and become bioavailable after oral intake. Almost all are included in the FACET tool, indicating that their use in primary food packaging has been confirmed by industry. Importantly, 19 substances are also present in one of the lists with substances of concern compiled by the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA). To ensure consumer safety, the actual use of these substances in printed paper and board FCM should be investigated urgently. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

State survey of medical boards regarding abrupt loss of a prescriber of controlled substances.

PubMed

Sera, Leah; Brown, Micke; McPherson, Mary Lynn; Walker, Kathryn A; Klein-Schwartz, Wendy

The purpose of the study was to evaluate states' experiences with abrupt changes in controlled substances (CS) prescribing, to determine whether states have action plans in place to manage such situations, and describe the components of any such plans. A survey of executive directors of 51 medical boards was conducted to evaluate states' experiences with abrupt changes in CS prescribing, the extent of consumer complaints attributed to these events, and the types of plans in place to manage these situations. Forty-six executive directors of medical boards responded. Twenty boards (43.5 percent) confirmed that their state had experienced abrupt loss of CS providers and 11 (55 percent) of these executive directors indicated that the loss resulted in increased consumer complaints. The majority of executive directors (86 percent) had no action plan. Six executive directors reported some type of action plan or process consisting of regulatory action, patient-provider connection, professional education, patient education, or public notice. Most states do not have operational plans in place. However, a few have key strategies that may be useful in addressing potential problems following abrupt loss of a CS prescriber. State medical boards can play a significant role in the development of comprehensive preparedness plans to mitigate damage from the loss of CS prescribers in the community.

7 CFR 1944.427 - Grantee self-evaluation.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

...) PROGRAM REGULATIONS (CONTINUED) HOUSING Self-Help Technical Assistance Grants § 1944.427 Grantee self-evaluation. Annually or more often, the board of directors will evaluate their own self-help program. Exhibit...

Reliability of CGA/LGA/HDI Package Board/Assembly (Revision A)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ghaffarian, Reza

2013-01-01

This follow-up report presents reliability test results conducted by thermal cycling of five CGA assemblies evaluated under two extreme cycle profiles, representative of use for high-reliability applications. The thermal cycles ranged from a low temperature of 55 C to maximum temperatures of either 100 C or 125 C with slow ramp-up rate (3 C/min) and dwell times of about 15 minutes at the two extremes. Optical photomicrographs that illustrate key inspection findings of up to 200 thermal cycles are presented. Other information presented include an evaluation of the integrity of capacitors on CGA substrate after thermal cycling as well as process evaluation for direct assembly of an LGA onto PCB. The qualification guidelines, which are based on the test results for CGA/LGA/HDI packages and board assemblies, will facilitate NASA projects' use of very dense and newly available FPGA area array packages with known reliably and mitigation risks, allowing greater processing power in a smaller board footprint and lower system weight.

WDM mid-board optics for chip-to-chip wavelength routing interconnects in the H2020 ICT-STREAMS

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kanellos, G. T.; Pleros, N.

2017-02-01

Multi-socket server boards have emerged to increase the processing power density on the board level and further flatten the data center networks beyond leaf-spine architectures. Scaling however the number of processors per board puts current electronic technologies into challenge, as it requires high bandwidth interconnects and high throughput switches with increased number of ports that are currently unavailable. On-board optical interconnection has proved the potential to efficiently satisfy the bandwidth needs, but their use has been limited to parallel links without performing any smart routing functionality. With CWDM optical interconnects already a commodity, cyclical wavelength routing proposed to fit the datacom for rack-to-rack and board-to-board communication now becomes a promising on-board routing platform. ICT-STREAMS is a European research project that aims to combine WDM parallel on-board transceivers with a cyclical AWGR, in order to create a new board-level, chip-to-chip interconnection paradigm that will leverage WDM parallel transmission to a powerful wavelength routing platform capable to interconnect multiple processors with unprecedented bandwidth and throughput capacity. Direct, any-to-any, on-board interconnection of multiple processors will significantly contribute to further flatten the data centers and facilitate east-west communication. In the present communication, we present ICT-STREAMS on-board wavelength routing architecture for multiple chip-to-chip interconnections and evaluate the overall system performance in terms of throughput and latency for several schemes and traffic profiles. We also review recent advances of the ICT-STREAMS platform key-enabling technologies that span from Si in-plane lasers and polymer based electro-optical circuit boards to silicon photonics transceivers and photonic-crystal amplifiers.

Pediatric residents' learning styles and temperaments and their relationships to standardized test scores.

PubMed

Tuli, Sanjeev Y; Thompson, Lindsay A; Saliba, Heidi; Black, Erik W; Ryan, Kathleen A; Kelly, Maria N; Novak, Maureen; Mellott, Jane; Tuli, Sonal S

2011-12-01

Board certification is an important professional qualification and a prerequisite for credentialing, and the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) assesses board certification rates as a component of residency program effectiveness. To date, research has shown that preresidency measures, including National Board of Medical Examiners scores, Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society membership, or medical school grades poorly predict postresidency board examination scores. However, learning styles and temperament have been identified as factors that 5 affect test-taking performance. The purpose of this study is to characterize the learning styles and temperaments of pediatric residents and to evaluate their relationships to yearly in-service and postresidency board examination scores. This cross-sectional study analyzed the learning styles and temperaments of current and past pediatric residents by administration of 3 validated tools: the Kolb Learning Style Inventory, the Keirsey Temperament Sorter, and the Felder-Silverman Learning Style test. These results were compared with known, normative, general and medical population data and evaluated for correlation to in-service examination and postresidency board examination scores. The predominant learning style for pediatric residents was converging 44% (33 of 75 residents) and the predominant temperament was guardian 61% (34 of 56 residents). The learning style and temperament distribution of the residents was significantly different from published population data (P  =  .002 and .04, respectively). Learning styles, with one exception, were found to be unrelated to standardized test scores. The predominant learning style and temperament of pediatric residents is significantly different than that of the populations of general and medical trainees. However, learning styles and temperament do not predict outcomes on standardized in-service and board examinations in pediatric residents.

Pediatric Residents' Learning Styles and Temperaments and Their Relationships to Standardized Test Scores

PubMed Central

Tuli, Sanjeev Y.; Thompson, Lindsay A.; Saliba, Heidi; Black, Erik W.; Ryan, Kathleen A.; Kelly, Maria N.; Novak, Maureen; Mellott, Jane; Tuli, Sonal S.

2011-01-01

Background Board certification is an important professional qualification and a prerequisite for credentialing, and the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) assesses board certification rates as a component of residency program effectiveness. To date, research has shown that preresidency measures, including National Board of Medical Examiners scores, Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society membership, or medical school grades poorly predict postresidency board examination scores. However, learning styles and temperament have been identified as factors that 5 affect test-taking performance. The purpose of this study is to characterize the learning styles and temperaments of pediatric residents and to evaluate their relationships to yearly in-service and postresidency board examination scores. Methods This cross-sectional study analyzed the learning styles and temperaments of current and past pediatric residents by administration of 3 validated tools: the Kolb Learning Style Inventory, the Keirsey Temperament Sorter, and the Felder-Silverman Learning Style test. These results were compared with known, normative, general and medical population data and evaluated for correlation to in-service examination and postresidency board examination scores. Results The predominant learning style for pediatric residents was converging 44% (33 of 75 residents) and the predominant temperament was guardian 61% (34 of 56 residents). The learning style and temperament distribution of the residents was significantly different from published population data (P  =  .002 and .04, respectively). Learning styles, with one exception, were found to be unrelated to standardized test scores. Conclusions The predominant learning style and temperament of pediatric residents is significantly different than that of the populations of general and medical trainees. However, learning styles and temperament do not predict outcomes on standardized in-service and board examinations in pediatric residents. PMID:23205211

Learning to play Go using recursive neural networks.

PubMed

Wu, Lin; Baldi, Pierre

2008-11-01

Go is an ancient board game that poses unique opportunities and challenges for artificial intelligence. Currently, there are no computer Go programs that can play at the level of a good human player. However, the emergence of large repositories of games is opening the door for new machine learning approaches to address this challenge. Here we develop a machine learning approach to Go, and related board games, focusing primarily on the problem of learning a good evaluation function in a scalable way. Scalability is essential at multiple levels, from the library of local tactical patterns, to the integration of patterns across the board, to the size of the board itself. The system we propose is capable of automatically learning the propensity of local patterns from a library of games. Propensity and other local tactical information are fed into recursive neural networks, derived from a probabilistic Bayesian network architecture. The recursive neural networks in turn integrate local information across the board in all four cardinal directions and produce local outputs that represent local territory ownership probabilities. The aggregation of these probabilities provides an effective strategic evaluation function that is an estimate of the expected area at the end, or at various other stages, of the game. Local area targets for training can be derived from datasets of games played by human players. In this approach, while requiring a learning time proportional to N(4), skills learned on a board of size N(2) can easily be transferred to boards of other sizes. A system trained using only 9 x 9 amateur game data performs surprisingly well on a test set derived from 19 x 19 professional game data. Possible directions for further improvements are briefly discussed.

Handbook for Improving Superintendent Performance Evaluation.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Candoli, Carl; And Others

This handbook for superintendent performance evaluation contains information for boards of education as they institute or improve their evaluation system. The handbook answers questions involved in operationalizing, implementing, and evaluating a superintendent-evaluation system. The information was developed from research on superintendent…

Evaluation of the organisation and effectiveness of internal audits to govern patient safety in hospitals: a mixed-methods study.

PubMed

van Gelderen, Saskia C; Zegers, Marieke; Boeijen, Wilma; Westert, Gert P; Robben, Paul B; Wollersheim, Hub C

2017-07-10

Hospital boards are legally responsible for safe healthcare. They need tools to assist them in their task of governing patient safety. Almost every Dutch hospital performs internal audits, but the effectiveness of these audits for hospital governance has never been evaluated. The aim of this study is to evaluate the organisation of internal audits and their effectiveness for hospitals boards to govern patient safety. A mixed-methods study consisting of a questionnaire regarding the organisation of internal audits among all Dutch hospitals (n=89) and interviews with stakeholders regarding the audit process and experienced effectiveness of audits within six hospitals. Response rate of the questionnaire was 76% and 43 interviews were held. In every responding hospital, the internal audits followed the plan-do-check-act cycle. Every hospital used interviews, document analysis and site visits as input for the internal audit. Boards stated that effective aspects of internal audits were their multidisciplinary scope, their structured and in-depth approach, the usability to monitor improvement activities and to change hospital policy and the fact that results were used in meetings with staff and boards of supervisors. The qualitative methods (interviews and site visits) used in internal audits enable the identification of soft signals such as unsafe culture or communication and collaboration problems. Reported disadvantages were the low frequency of internal audits and the absence of soft signals in the actual audit reports. This study shows that internal audits are regarded as effective for patient safety governance, as they help boards to identify patient safety problems, proactively steer patient safety and inform boards of supervisors on the status of patient safety. The description of the Dutch internal audits makes these audits replicable to other healthcare organisations in different settings, enabling hospital boards to complement their systems to govern patient safety. © Article author(s) (or their employer(s) unless otherwise stated in the text of the article) 2017. All rights reserved. No commercial use is permitted unless otherwise expressly granted.

Taking It on Board: Quality Audit Findings for Higher Education Governance

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Baird, Jeanette

2007-01-01

An examination of the reports of quality audits of Australian universities is used to identify quality assurance issues which emerge as more or less important for governing bodies and academic boards respectively. For governing bodies, many issues identified in audit reports reflect established good practice, such as a need to evaluate the…

75 FR 60456 - Board of Scientific Counselors, Executive Committee Meeting-October 2010

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-09-30

... Research Program Performance Evaluation session; an ORD update; and future business. The meeting is open to... Protection Agency, Office of Research and Development (ORD), gives notice of a meeting of the Board of.... All times noted are eastern time. The meeting may adjourn early if all business is finished. Requests...