The Effects of Two Scheduling Formats on Student Achievement in a Suburban High School Setting

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Jackson, Kenyada Morton

2013-01-01

Limited studies have been conducted on the relationship between scheduling formats and academic performance of high school students. At the target high school, students underperform on standardized tests in English language arts (ELA) and math. The purpose of this causal comparative quantitative study was to compare the means of ELA and math test…

The Effect of Cryopreserved Human Placental Tissues on Biofilm Formation of Wound-Associated Pathogens.

PubMed

Mao, Yong; Singh-Varma, Anya; Hoffman, Tyler; Dhall, Sandeep; Danilkovitch, Alla; Kohn, Joachim

2018-01-08

Biofilm, a community of bacteria, is tolerant to antimicrobial agents and ubiquitous in chronic wounds. In a chronic DFU (Diabetic Foot Ulcers) clinical trial, the use of a human cryopreserved viable amniotic membrane (CVAM) resulted in a high rate of wound closure and reduction of wound-related infections. Our previous study demonstrated that CVAM possesses intrinsic antimicrobial activity against a spectrum of wound-associated bacteria under planktonic culture conditions. In this study, we evaluated the effect of CVAM and cryopreserved viable umbilical tissue (CVUT) on biofilm formation of S. aureus and P. aeruginosa , the two most prominent pathogens associated with chronic wounds. Firstly, we showed that, like CVAM, CVUT released antibacterial activity against multiple bacterial pathogens and the devitalization of CVUT reduced its antibacterial activity. The biofilm formation was then measured using a high throughput method and an ex vivo porcine dermal tissue model. We demonstrate that the formation of biofilm was significantly reduced in the presence of CVAM- or CVUT-derived conditioned media compared to control assay medium. The formation of P. aeruginosa biofilm on CVAM-conditioned medium saturated porcine dermal tissues was reduced 97% compared with the biofilm formation on the control medium saturated dermal tissues. The formation of S. auerus biofilm on CVUT-conditioned medium saturated dermal tissues was reduced 72% compared with the biofilm formation on the control tissues. This study is the first to show that human cryopreserved viable placental tissues release factors that inhibit biofilm formation. Our results provide an explanation for the in vivo observation of their ability to support wound healing.

Using E-Readers and Internet Resources to Support Comprehension

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Wright, Sandra; Fugett, April; Caputa, Francine

2013-01-01

The advancements of technology have led to the use of electronic reading systems for digital text. Research indicates similarities and differences in reading performance and comprehension in digital formats compared to paper formats. This study compared vocabulary understanding and reading comprehension scores from two reading sources (electronic…

Guanidine: A Highly Efficient Stabilizer in Atmospheric New-Particle Formation.

PubMed

Myllys, Nanna; Ponkkonen, Tuomo; Passananti, Monica; Elm, Jonas; Vehkamäki, Hanna; Olenius, Tinja

2018-05-24

The role of a strong organobase, guanidine, in sulfuric acid-driven new-particle formation is studied using state-of-the-art quantum chemical methods and molecular cluster formation simulations. Cluster formation mechanisms at the molecular level are resolved, and theoretical results on cluster stability are confirmed with mass spectrometer measurements. New-particle formation from guanidine and sulfuric acid molecules occurs without thermodynamic barriers under studied conditions, and clusters are growing close to a 1:1 composition of acid and base. Evaporation rates of the most stable clusters are extremely low, which can be explained by the proton transfers and symmetrical cluster structures. We compare the ability of guanidine and dimethylamine to enhance sulfuric acid-driven particle formation and show that more than 2000-fold concentration of dimethylamine is needed to yield as efficient particle formation as in the case of guanidine. At similar conditions, guanidine yields 8 orders of magnitude higher particle formation rates compared to dimethylamine. Highly basic compounds such as guanidine may explain experimentally observed particle formation events at low precursor vapor concentrations, whereas less basic and more abundant bases such as ammonia and amines are likely to explain measurements at high concentrations.

Comparison of four different methods for detection of biofilm formation by uropathogens.

PubMed

Panda, Pragyan Swagatika; Chaudhary, Uma; Dube, Surya K

2016-01-01

Urinary tract infection (UTI) is one of the most common infectious diseases encountered in clinical practice. Emerging resistance of the uropathogens to the antimicrobial agents due to biofilm formation is a matter of concern while treating symptomatic UTI. However, studies comparing different methods for detection of biofilm by uropathogens are scarce. To compare four different methods for detection of biofilm formation by uropathogens. Prospective observational study conducted in a tertiary care hospital. Totally 300 isolates from urinary samples were analyzed for biofilm formation by four methods, that is, tissue culture plate (TCP) method, tube method (TM), Congo Red Agar (CRA) method and modified CRA (MCRA) method. Chi-square test was applied when two or more set of variables were compared. P < 0.05 considered as statistically significant. Considering TCP to be a gold standard method for our study we calculated other statistical parameters. The rate of biofilm detection was 45.6%, 39.3% and 11% each by TCP, TM, CRA and MCRA methods, respectively. The difference between TCP and only CRA/MCRA was significant, but not that between TCP and TM. There was no difference in the rate of biofilm detection between CRA and MCRA in other isolates, but MCRA is superior to CRA for detection of the staphylococcal biofilm formation. TCP method is the ideal method for detection of bacterial biofilm formation by uropathogens. MCRA method is superior only to CRA for detection of staphylococcal biofilm formation.

A Comparative Study of Students' Learning Experiences in Intensive and Semester-Length Courses and of the Attributes of High-Quality Intensive and Semester Course Learning Experiences.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Scott, Patricia A.

This study compared students' learning experiences in a set of courses in British literature and a set of courses in marketing, in which each set included a course taught in an intensive format and a semester-long format with the same instructor and content. Data collection included participant observation, videotaped class sessions,…

Achievement Levels of Middle School Students in the Standardized Science and Technology Exam and Formative Assessment Probes: A Comparative Study

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bulunuz, Nermin; Bulunuz, Mizrap; Karagoz, Funda; Tavsanli, Omer Faruk

2016-01-01

The present study has two aims. Firstly, it aims to determine eighth grade students' conceptual understanding of floating and sinking through formative assessment probes. Secondly, it aims to determine whether or not there is a significant difference between students' performance in formative assessment probes and their achievement in the…

Suppressed inflammatory gene expression during human hypertrophic scar compared to normotrophic scar formation.

PubMed

van den Broek, Lenie J; van der Veer, Willem M; de Jong, Etty H; Gibbs, Susan; Niessen, Frank B

2015-08-01

Hypertrophic scar formation is a result of adverse cutaneous wound healing. The pathogenesis of hypertrophic scar formation is still poorly understood. A problem next to the lack of suitable animal models is that often normal skin is compared to hypertrophic scar (HTscar) and not to normotrophic scar (NTscar) tissue. Another drawback is that often only one time period after wounding is studied, while scar formation is a dynamic process over a period of several months. In this study, we compared the expression of genes involved in inflammation, angiogenesis and extracellular matrix (ECM) formation and also macrophage infiltration in biopsies obtained before and up to 52 weeks after standard surgery in five patients who developed HTscar and six patients who developed NTscar. It was found that HTscar formation coincided with a prolonged decreased expression of inflammatory genes (TNFα, IL-1α, IL-1RN, CCL2, CCL3, CXCL2, CXCR2, C3 and IL-10) and an extended increased expression of ECM-related genes (PLAU, Col3A1, TGFβ3). This coincided with a delayed but prolonged infiltration of macrophages (type 2) in HTscar tissue compared to NTscar tissue. These findings were supported by immunohistochemical localization of proteins coding for select genes named above. Our study emphasizes that human cutaneous wound healing is a dynamic process that is needed to be studied over a period of time rather than a single point of time. Taken together, our results suggest innate immune stimulatory therapies may be a better option for improving scar quality than the currently used anti-inflammatory scar therapies. © 2015 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Comparing Costs of Telephone versus Face-to-Face Extended Care Programs for the Management of Obesity in Rural Settings

PubMed Central

Radcliff, Tiffany A.; Bobroff, Linda B.; Lutes, Lesley D.; Durning, Patricia E.; Daniels, Michael J.; Limacher, Marian C.; Janicke, David M.; Martin, A. Daniel; Perri, Michael G.

2012-01-01

Background A major challenge following successful weight loss is continuing the behaviors required for long-term weight maintenance. This challenge may be exacerbated in rural areas with limited local support resources. Objective This study describes and compares program costs and cost-effectiveness for 12-month extended care lifestyle maintenance programs following an initial 6-month weight loss program. Design A 1-year prospective controlled randomized clinical trial. Participants/Setting The study included 215 female participants age 50 or older from rural areas who completed an initial 6-month lifestyle program for weight loss. The study was conducted from June 1, 2003, to May 31, 2007. Intervention The intervention was delivered through local Cooperative Extension Service offices in rural Florida. Participants were randomly-assigned to a 12-month extended care program using either individual telephone counseling (n=67), group face-to-face counseling (n=74), or a mail/control group (n=74). Main Outcome Measures Program delivery costs, weight loss, and self-reported health status were directly assessed through questionnaires and program activity logs. Costs were estimated across a range of enrollment sizes to allow inferences beyond the study sample. Statistical Analyses Performed Non-parametric and parametric tests of differences across groups for program outcomes were combined with direct program cost estimates and expected value calculations to determine which scales of operation favored alternative formats for lifestyle maintenance. Results Median weight regain during the intervention year was 1.7 kg for participants in the face-to-face format, 2.1 kg for the telephone format, and 3.1 kg for the mail/control format. For a typical group size of 13 participants, the face-to-face format had higher fixed costs, which translated into higher overall program costs ($420 per participant) when compared to individual telephone counseling ($268 per participant) and control ($226 per participant) programs. While the net weight lost after the 12-month maintenance program was higher for the face-to-face and telephone programs compared to the control group, the average cost per expected kilogram of weight lost was higher for the face-to-face program ($47/kg) compared to the other two programs (approximately $33/kg for telephone and control). Conclusions Both the scale of operations and local demand for programs are important considerations in selecting a delivery format for lifestyle maintenance. In this study, the telephone format had a lower cost, but similar outcomes compared to the face-to-face format. PMID:22818246

Vertical navigation displays : pilot performance and workload during simulated constant-angle-of-descent GPS approaches

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2000-03-26

This study compared the effect of alternative graphic or : numeric cockpit display formats on the tactical aspects of : vertical navigation (VNAV). Display formats included: : a) a moving map with altitude range arc, b) the same : format, supplemente...

Xenografts Supplemented with Pamindronate placed in postextraction sockets to avoid crestal bone resorption. Experimental study in Fox hound dogs.

PubMed

Lozano-Carrascal, Naroa; Delgado-Ruiz, Rafael Arcesio; Gargallo-Albiol, Jordi; Maté-Sánchez, José Eduardo; Hernandez Alfaro, Federico; Calvo-Guirado, José Luis

2016-02-01

The aim of the study was to compare the effects of porcine xenografts (MP3(®)) with or without pamindronate for the healing of small and large defects of postextraction sockets. Six beagle dogs were used in the study; second premolars and first molars of the mandible were extracted, small defects (SD) and large defects (LD) were identified. Each defect was measured and randomly filled as follows: SC (small control defects filled with MP3(®) alone), ST (small test defects filled with MP3(®) modified with pamindronate), LC (large control defects filled with MP3(®) alone), LT (large test defects filled with MP3(®) modified with pamindronate). After 4 and 8 weeks, the animals were euthanized and the percentages of new bone formation (NB), residual graft (RG) and connective tissue (CT) were analysed by histology and histomorphometry of undecalcified samples. After 4 weeks, NB formation was higher for ST compared to all groups and for LT compared to LC (P < 0.05); RG was significantly higher in both control groups compared to tests (P < 0.05); and CT was higher in large defects (LC and LT) compared to small defects. After 8 weeks, NB formation was higher for test groups (ST and LT) compared to controls (P < 0.05); RG was significantly higher in both control groups compared to tests (P < 0.05); and CT was higher in large defects (LC and LT) compared to small defects (P < 0.05). Within the limitations of this experimental study, the findings suggest that porcine xenografts modified with pamindronate favours the new bone formation and increased the porcine xenograft substitution/replacement after 4 and 8 weeks of healing. © 2015 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

How well do commonly used data presentation formats support comparative effectiveness evaluations?

PubMed Central

Dolan, James G.; Qian, Feng; Veazie, Peter J.

2012-01-01

Background Good decisions depend on an accurate understanding of the comparative effectiveness of decision alternatives. The best way convey data needed to support these comparisons is unknown. Objective To determine how well five commonly used data presentation formats convey comparative effectiveness information. Design Internet survey using a factorial design. Subjects 279 members of an online survey panel. Intervention Study participants compared outcomes associated with three hypothetical screening test options relative to five possible outcomes with probabilities ranging from 2 per 5,000 (0.04%) to 500 per 1,000 (50%). Data presentation formats included a table, a “magnified” bar chart, a risk scale, a frequency diagram, and an icon array. Measurements Outcomes included the number of correct ordinal judgments regarding the more likely of two outcomes, the ratio of perceived versus actual relative likelihoods of the paired outcomes, the inter-subject consistency of responses, and perceived clarity. Results The mean number of correct ordinal judgments was 12 of 15 (80%), with no differences among data formats. On average, there was a 3.3-fold difference between perceived and actual likelihood ratios,95%CI: 3.0 to 3.6. Comparative judgments based on flow charts, icon arrays, and tables were all significantly more accurate and consistent than those based on risk scales and bar charts, p < 0.001. The most clearly perceived formats were the table and the flow chart. Low subjective numeracy was associated with less accurate and more variable data interpretations and lower perceived clarity for icon displays, bar charts, and flow diagrams. Conclusions None of the data presentation formats studied can reliably provide patients, especially those with low subjective numeracy, with an accurate understanding of comparative effectiveness information. PMID:22618998

Healing of ungrafted and grafted extraction sockets after 12 weeks: a prospective clinical study.

PubMed

Heberer, Susanne; Al-Chawaf, Bassem; Jablonski, Carlo; Nelson, John J; Lage, Hermann; Nelson, Katje

2011-01-01

In this prospective study, bone formation in human extraction sockets augmented with Bio-Oss Collagen after a 12-week healing period was quantified and compared to bone formation in unaugmented extraction sockets. Selected patients with four-walled extraction sockets were included in this prospective study. After extraction, the sockets were randomly augmented using Bio-Oss Collagen or left to heal unfilled without raising a mucoperiosteal flap. At the time of implant placement, histologic specimens were obtained from the socket and analyzed. Statistical analysis was performed using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test. Twenty-five patients with a total of 39 sockets (20 augmented, 19 unaugmented) were included in the study and the histologic specimens analyzed. All specimens were free of inflammatory cells. The mean overall new bone formation in the augmented sites was 25% (range, 8%-41%) and in the unaugmented sockets it was 44% (range, 3%-79%). There was a significant difference in the rate of new bone formation between the grafted and ungrafted sockets and a significant difference in the bone formation rate in the apical compared to the coronal regions of all sockets, independent of the healing mode. This descriptive study demonstrated that bone formation in Bio-Oss Collagen-grafted human extraction sockets was lower than bone formation in ungrafted sockets. Bone formation occurred in all specimens with varying degrees of maturation independent of the grafting material and was initiated from the apical region.

Comparing Student Learning Experiences of In-Text Commentary and Rubric-Articulated Feedback: Strategies for Formative Assessment

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Nordrum, Lene; Evans, Katherine; Gustafsson, Magnus

2013-01-01

This study compares students' experiences of two types of criteria-based assessment: in-text commentary and rubric-articulated feedback, in an assessment design combining the two feedback channels. The main aim is to use students' responses to shed light on how feedback strategies for formative assessment can be optimised. Following action…

Assessing the Comparative Effectiveness of Teaching Undergraduate Intermediate Accounting in the Online Classroom Format

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Rich, Anne J.; Dereshiwsky, Mary I.

2011-01-01

This paper presents the results of a study assessing the comparative effectiveness of teaching an undergraduate intermediate accounting course in the online classroom format. Students in a large state university were offered an opportunity to complete the first course in intermediate accounting either online or on-campus. Students were required to…

Comparing Two Cooperative Small Group Formats Used with Physical Therapy and Medical Students

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

D'Eon, Marcel; Proctor, Peggy; Reeder, Bruce

2007-01-01

This study compared "Structured Controversy" (a semi-formal debate like small group activity) with a traditional open discussion format for medical and physical therapy students. We found that those students who had participated in Structured Controversy changed their personal opinion on the topic more than those who were in the Open Discussion…

Comparing Two Versions of Professional Development for Teachers Using Formative Assessment in Networked Mathematics Classrooms

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Yin, Yue; Olson, Judith; Olson, Melfried; Solvin, Hannah; Brandon, Paul R.

2015-01-01

This study compared two versions of professional development (PD) designed for teachers using formative assessment (FA) in mathematics classrooms that were networked with Texas Instruments Navigator (NAV) technology. Thirty-two middle school mathematics teachers were randomly assigned to one of the two groups: FA-then-NAV group and FA-and-NAV…

Comparison of endostapler performance in challenging tissue applications.

PubMed

Contini, Elizabeth; Whiffen, Jennifer; Bronson, Dwight

2013-01-01

Surgical staplers are frequently used in a variety of applications, demanding exacting instrument performance over a huge range of tissue compositions and disease states. The shape of a staple that is formed by a stapling device is one industry-accepted indicator of device performance; typically a B-shaped staple is considered the gold standard for staple formation. This B shape allows blood flow through the tissue, which is one important factor in the healing events that take place clinically after stapling. With the use of an animal model, this ex vivo study investigated staple formation when thick tissue endoscopic staplers were used on challenging and variable tissue. The setting was a corporate institution in the United States. Two 60-mm linear endoscopic thick tissue reloads, a varied-height stapler (VHS), and a single-height stapler (SHS) were fired on 7 different regions of porcine stomach. Resultant staple formation was assessed per region of the stomach and evaluated for proper B-shaped staple formation and staple malformation. The VHS reload had significantly better B-shaped formation (P<.001) for all regions of the stomach and reduced occurrence of malformed staples in 5 of the 7 regions compared with the SHS reload, wherein the remaining 2 regions exhibited comparable malform occurrence. This study compared 2 thick tissue reloads and found that the VHS reload had superior outcomes, with respect to staple formation, compared with the SHS reload. Copyright © 2012 American Society for Bariatric Surgery. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Lateral diffusion study of the Pt-Al system using the NAC nuclear microprobe.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

de Waal, H.; Pretorius, R.

1999-10-01

In this study a nuclear microprobe (NMP) was used to analyse phase formation during reaction in Pt-Al lateral diffusion couples. Phase identification was done by Rutherford backscattering spectroscopy. These results were compared with phase formation during conventional thin film Pt-Al interactions. The co-existence of multiple phases in lateral diffusion couples is discussed with reference to the effective heat of formation (EHF) model.

Mitochondrial impacts of insecticidal formate esters in insecticide-resistant and insecticide-susceptible Drosophila melanogaster.

PubMed

Song, Cheol; Scharf, Michael E

2009-06-01

Previous research on insecticidal formate esters in flies and mosquitoes has documented toxicity profiles, metabolism characteristics and neurological impacts. The research presented here investigated mitochondrial impacts of insecticidal formate esters and their hydrolyzed metabolite formic acid in the model dipteran insect Drosophila melanogaster Meig. These studies compared two Drosophila strains: an insecticide-susceptible strain (Canton-S) and a strain resistant by cytochrome P450 overexpression (Hikone-R). In initial studies investigating inhibition of mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase, two proven insecticidal materials (hydramethylnon and sodium cyanide) caused significant inhibition. However, for insecticidal formate esters and formic acid, no significant inhibition was identified in either fly strain. Mitochondrial impacts of formate esters were then investigated further by tracking toxicant-induced cytochrome c release from mitochondria into the cytoplasm, a biomarker of apoptosis and neurological dysfunction. Formic acid and three positive control treatments (rotenone, antimycin A and sodium cyanide) induced cytochrome c release, verifying that formic acid is capable of causing mitochondrial disruption. However, when comparing formate ester hydrolysis and cytochrome c release between Drosophila strains, formic acid liberation was only weakly correlated with cytochrome c release in the susceptible Canton-S strain (r(2) = 0.70). The resistant Hikone-R strain showed no correlation (r(2) < 0.0001) between formate ester hydrolysis and cytochrome c release. The findings of this study provide confirmation of mitochondrial impacts by insecticidal formate esters and suggest links between mitochondrial disruption, respiratory inhibition, apoptosis and formate-ester-induced neurotoxicity.

Increasing Learning: Classroom Assessment Techniques in the Online Classroom

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Cross, Ted; Palese, Kelly

2015-01-01

Five full-time online mathematics instructors participated in a study to test the impact of using discussion forums as a space for formative assessments. Mean student posting activity and student quiz scores for sections in which the instructors used formative assessments were compared with previous sections in which formative assessments were not…

Evaluation of a Low-Noise Formate Spiral-Bevel Gear Set

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lewicki, David g.; Woods, Ron L.; Litvin, Faydor L.; Fuentes, Alfonso

2007-01-01

Studies to evaluate low-noise Formate spiral-bevel gears were performed. Experimental tests were performed on the OH-58D helicopter main-rotor transmission in the NASA Glenn 500-hp Helicopter Transmission Test Stand. Low-noise Formate spiral-bevel gears were compared to the baseline OH-58D spiral-bevel gear design, a high-strength design, and previously tested low-noise designs (including an original low-noise design and an improved-bearing-contact low-noise design). Noise, vibration, and tooth strain tests were performed. The Formate design showed a decrease in noise and vibration compared to the baseline OH-58D design, and was similar to that of the previously tested improved-bearing contact low-noise design. The pinion tooth stresses for the Formate design significantly decreased in comparison to the baseline OH-58D design. Also similar to that of the improved bearing-contact low-noise design, the maximum stresses of the Formate design shifted toward the heel, compared to the center of the face width for the baseline, high-strength, and previously tested low-noise designs.

The Effect of Patient Choice of Intervention on Health Outcomes

PubMed Central

Clark, Noreen M.; Janz, Nancy K.; Dodge, Julia A.; Mosca, Lori; Lin, Xihong; Long, Qi; Little, Roderick J; Wheeler, John R.C.; Keteyian, Steven; Liang, Jersey

2008-01-01

Background Patient preference may influence intervention effects, but has not been extensively studied. Randomized controlled design (N=1075) assessed outcomes when women (60 years +) were given a choice of two formats of a program to enhance heart disease management. Methods Randomization to "no choice" or "choice" study arms. Further randomization of "no choice” to: 1) Group intervention program format, 2) Self-Directed program format, 3) Control Group. "Choice" arm selected their preferred program format. Baseline, four, twelve, and eighteen month follow-up data collected. Two analyses: health outcomes for choice compared to being randomized; and preference effect on treatment efficacy. Results Women who chose a format compared to being assigned a format had better psychosocial functioning at four months (p=0.02) and tended toward better physical functioning at twelve months (p=0.07). At eighteen months women who chose versus being assigned a format had more symptoms measured as: number (p=0.004), frequency (p=0.006) and bother (p=0.004). At four months women who preferred the Group format had better psychosocial functioning when assigned the Group format than when they were assigned the Self Directed format (p=0.03). At eighteen months women preferring a Group format had more symptoms: number (p=0.001), frequency (p=0.001), bother (p=0.001) when assigned the Group format than when assigned the Self Directed format. Conclusions Choice and preference for the Group format each enhanced psychosocial and physical functioning up to one year. Despite the preference for Group format, over the longer term (eighteen months) cardiac symptoms were fewer when assigned the Self-Directed format. PMID:18515187

Impact of bioresorbable versus permanent polymer on longterm vessel wall inflammation and healing: a comparative drug-eluting stent experimental study.

PubMed

Wilson, Gregory J; McGregor, Jennifer; Conditt, Gerard; Shibuya, Masahiko; Sushkova, Natalia; Eppihimer, Michael J; Hawley, Steven P; Rouselle, Serge D; Huibregtse, Barbara A; Dawkins, Keith D; Granada, Juan F

2018-02-20

Drug-eluting stents (DES) have evolved to using bioresorbable polymers as a method of drug delivery. The impact of bioresorbable polymer on long-term neointimal formation, inflammation, and healing has not been fully characterised. This study aimed to evaluate the biological effect of polymer resorption on vascular healing and inflammation. A comparative DES study was performed in the familial hypercholesterolaemic swine model of coronary stenosis. Permanent polymer DES (zotarolimus-eluting [ZES] or everolimus-eluting [EES]) were compared to bioresorbable polymer everolimus-eluting stents (BP-EES) and BMS. Post implantation in 29 swine, stents were explanted and analysed up to 180 days. Area stenosis was reduced in all DES compared to BMS at 30 days. At 180 days, BP-EES had significantly lower area stenosis than EES or ZES. Severe inflammatory activity persisted in permanent polymer DES at 180 days compared to BP-EES or BMS. Qualitative para-strut inflammation areas (graded as none to severe) were elevated but similar in all groups at 30 days, peaked at 90 days in DES compared to BMS (p<0.05) and, at 180 days, were similar between BMS and BP-EES but were significantly greater in DES. BP-EES resulted in a lower net long-term reduction in neointimal formation and inflammation compared to permanent polymer DES in an animal model. Further study of the long-term neointima formation deserves study in human clinical trials.

Effects of Formative Feedback on Intrinsic Motivation: Examining Ethnic Differences

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

El, Ron Pat; Tillema, Harm; van Koppen, Sabine W. M.

2012-01-01

In this study we investigate the influence of ethnic differences on student motivation when learning from formative feedback. Interpersonal teacher behavior and student motivational needs are used to explain the effects of assessment for learning on intrinsic motivation by comparing students from different ethnic backgrounds. The final study's…

The Effects of Write Score Formative Assessment on Student Achievement

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Fox, Janice M.

2013-01-01

In an "ex post facto" causal-comparative research design, this study investigated the effectiveness of a formative writing assessment program, Write Score, on increasing student writing achievement. Tennessee Comprehensive Assessment Program (TCAP) reading language arts and writing scores from 2012 were utilized for this study. The…

Life-Cycle Assessment of Cookstove Fuels in India and China ...

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

A life cycle assessment (LCA) was conducted to compare the environmental footprint of current and possible fuels used for cooking within China and India. Current fuel mix profiles are compared to scenarios of projected differences in and/or cleaner cooking fuels. Results are reported for a suite of relevant life cycle impact assessment indicators: global climate change, energy demand, fossil depletion, water consumption, particulate matter formation, acidification, eutrophication and photochemical smog formation. Traditional fuels demonstrate notably poor relative performance in particulate matter formation, photochemical oxidant formation, freshwater eutrophication, and black carbon emissions. Most fuels demonstrate trade-offs between impact categories. Stove efficiency is found to be a crucial variable determining environmental performance across all impact categories. The study shows that electricity and many of the processed fuels, while yielding emission reductions in homes at the point of use, transfer many of those emissions upstream into the processing and distribution life cycle stage. To conduct LCA study of the cookstove fuels being used in India and China to determine how fuels and stoves compare based on a holistic assessment considering the LCA environmental tradeoffs

Cycles of Inquiry: Formative Assessment in Service of Learning in Classrooms and in School-Based Professional Communities

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Birenbaum, Menucha; Kimron, Helena; Shilton, Hany; Shahaf-Barzilay, Rinat

2009-01-01

The paper reports results of three studies that used a formative assessment (FA) framework to compare schools that vary in their level of functioning as professional learning communities with respect to three processes: classroom assessment (study 1), development and implementation of school-based curriculum (study 2), and pedagogical…

Advanced Cutting Effect System versus Cold Steel Scalpel: Comparative Wound Healing and Scar Formation in Targeted Surgical Applications.

PubMed

Lee, Brian J; Marks, Malcolm; Smith, Dell P; Hodges-Savola, Cheryl A; Mischke, Jennifer M; Lewis, Ryan D

2014-10-01

Use of electrosurgery for skin incisions has been controversial due to concerns of delayed healing, excessive scarring, and increased infection. Recent studies using modern electrosurgical generators that produce pure sinusoidal "CUT" waveforms have shown reductions in thermal damage along incisions made with these devices compared with their predecessors. This study compares scar formation in incisions made using a cold steel scalpel (CSS) or the ACE Blade and Mega Power Generator (ACE system, Megadyne Medical Products, Draper, Utah) from patient and blinded observer perspectives. Subjects seeking plastic surgery were enrolled in the study. Incisions on one side of each subject's body were made with a CSS while equivalent incisions on the contralateral side were made with the ACE system. Differences between incision methods were evaluated by assessment of scar formation by observers and assessment of patient satisfaction relating to scar formation at 120 days postsurgery. Observers rated incision vascularization, pigmentation, thickness, and relief. The mean observer score (± SD) of incisions made with the ACE system was 11.1 ± 4.4 while that of incisions made with the CSS was 10.8 ± 3.7 (P < 0.0001). Patients rated incision pain, itching, discoloration, stiffness, thickness, and irregularity. The mean patient score of incisions made with the ACE system was 9.4 ± 9.2 while that of incisions made with the CSS was 9.3 ± 8.5 (P < 0.0001). Results showed noninferior wound healing/scar formation in skin incisions made with the ACE system compared with incisions made with a CSS.

Disinfection by-product formation from the chlorination and chloramination of amines.

PubMed

Bond, Tom; Mokhtar Kamal, Nurul Hana; Bonnisseau, Thomas; Templeton, Michael R

2014-08-15

This study investigated the relative effect of chlorination and chloramination on DBP formation from seven model amine precursor compounds, representative of those commonly found in natural waters, at pH 6, 7 and 8. The quantified DBPs included chloroform, dichloroacetonitrile (DCAN), trichloroacetonitrile (TCAN) and chloropicrin (trichloronitromethane). The aggregate formation (i.e. the mass sum of the formation from the individual precursors) of chloroform, DCAN and TCAN from all precursors was reduced by respectively 75-87%, 66-90% and 89-93% when considering pre-formed monochloramine compared to chlorine. The formation of both haloacetonitriles decreased with increasing pH following chlorination, but formation after chloramination was relatively insensitive to pH change. The highest formation of chloropicrin was from chloramination at pH 7. These results indicate that, while chloramination is effective at reducing the concentrations of trihalomethanes and haloacetonitriles in drinking water compared with chlorination, the opposite is true for the halonitromethanes. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

The flipped classroom allows for more class time devoted to critical thinking.

PubMed

DeRuisseau, Lara R

2016-12-01

The flipped classroom was utilized in a two-semester, high-content science course that enrolled between 50 and 80 students at a small liberal arts college. With the flipped model, students watched ~20-min lectures 2 days/wk outside of class. These videos were recorded via screen capture and included a detailed note outline, PowerPoint slides, and review questions. The traditional format included the same materials, except that lectures were delivered in class each week and spanned the entire period. During the flipped course, the instructor reviewed common misconceptions and asked questions requiring higher-order thinking, and five graded case studies were performed each semester. To determine whether assessments included additional higher-order thinking skills in the flipped vs. traditional model, questions across course formats were compared via Blooms Taxonomy. Application-level questions that required prediction of an outcome in a new scenario comprised 38 ± 3 vs. 12 ± 1% of summative assessment questions (<0.01): flipped vs. traditional. Final letter grades in both formats of the course were compared with major GPA. Students in the flipped model performed better than their GPA predicted, as 85.5% earned a higher grade (vs. 42.2% in the traditional classroom) compared with their major GPA. These data demonstrate that assessments transitioned to more application-level compared with factual knowledge-based questions with this particular flipped model, and students performed better in their final letter grade compared with the traditional lecture format. Although the benefits to a flipped classroom are highlighted, student evaluations did suffer. More detailed studies comparing the traditional and flipped formats are warranted. Copyright © 2016 the American Physiological Society.

Health Professionals Prefer to Communicate Risk-Related Numerical Information Using "1-in-X" Ratios.

PubMed

Sirota, Miroslav; Juanchich, Marie; Petrova, Dafina; Garcia-Retamero, Rocio; Walasek, Lukasz; Bhatia, Sudeep

2018-04-01

Previous research has shown that format effects, such as the "1-in-X" effect-whereby "1-in-X" ratios lead to a higher perceived probability than "N-in-N*X" ratios-alter perceptions of medical probabilities. We do not know, however, how prevalent this effect is in practice; i.e., how often health professionals use the "1-in-X" ratio. We assembled 4 different sources of evidence, involving experimental work and corpus studies, to examine the use of "1-in-X" and other numerical formats quantifying probability. Our results revealed that the use of the "1-in-X" ratio is prevalent and that health professionals prefer this format compared with other numerical formats (i.e., the "N-in-N*X", %, and decimal formats). In Study 1, UK family physicians preferred to communicate prenatal risk using a "1-in-X" ratio (80.4%, n = 131) across different risk levels and regardless of patients' numeracy levels. In Study 2, a sample from the UK adult population ( n = 203) reported that most GPs (60.6%) preferred to use "1-in-X" ratios compared with other formats. In Study 3, "1-in-X" ratios were the most commonly used format in a set of randomly sampled drug leaflets describing the risk of side effects (100%, n = 94). In Study 4, the "1-in-X" format was the most commonly used numerical expression of medical probabilities or frequencies on the UK's NHS website (45.7%, n = 2,469 sentences). The prevalent use of "1-in-X" ratios magnifies the chances of increased subjective probability. Further research should establish clinical significance of the "1-in-X" effect.

Studies of star formation in isolated small dark clouds - II. A southern ammonia survey

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bourke, T. L.; Hyland, A. R.; Robinson, G.; James, S. D.; Wright, C. M.

1995-10-01

A study of the set of small, southern molecular clouds (globules) compiled by Bourke, Hyland & Robinson has been undertaken, through radio observations of ammonia using the Parkes 64-m telescope. The aim of the study is to determine the physical characteristics of the globules, their role in the formation of low-mass stars, and the physical mechanism that triggers the star formation process, or stabilizes the globules against collapse. With this general aim in mind, the (1,1) and (2,2) inversion transitions of ammonia have been surveyed in order to determine the densities, temperatures and masses of the globules. Half of the globules have been detected in ammonia, but only 6 per cent of the detections are `strong' (T*_a>=0.35K). Comparing the globule properties with those of Benson & Myers for cores within complexes, we find that the globules are less opaque and less dense, and are less active sites of star formation. Other properties are comparable. The Vela cometary globules are detected more readily in ammonia than the more isolated globules, and are more active star formation sites. These results suggest that the dense core's environment, in particular the presence of either a large external mass or a significant stellar wind, plays an important role in initiating the star formation process.

A Randomized Study Comparing Digital Imaging to Traditional Glass Slide Microscopy for Breast Biopsy and Cancer Diagnosis.

PubMed

Elmore, Joann G; Longton, Gary M; Pepe, Margaret S; Carney, Patricia A; Nelson, Heidi D; Allison, Kimberly H; Geller, Berta M; Onega, Tracy; Tosteson, Anna N A; Mercan, Ezgi; Shapiro, Linda G; Brunyé, Tad T; Morgan, Thomas R; Weaver, Donald L

2017-01-01

Digital whole slide imaging may be useful for obtaining second opinions and is used in many countries. However, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration requires verification studies. Pathologists were randomized to interpret one of four sets of breast biopsy cases during two phases, separated by ≥9 months, using glass slides or digital format (sixty cases per set, one slide per case, n = 240 cases). Accuracy was assessed by comparing interpretations to a consensus reference standard. Intraobserver reproducibility was assessed by comparing the agreement of interpretations on the same cases between two phases. Estimated probabilities of confirmation by a reference panel (i.e., predictive values) were obtained by incorporating data on the population prevalence of diagnoses. Sixty-five percent of responding pathologists were eligible, and 252 consented to randomization; 208 completed Phase I (115 glass, 93 digital); and 172 completed Phase II (86 glass, 86 digital). Accuracy was slightly higher using glass compared to digital format and varied by category: invasive carcinoma, 96% versus 93% ( P = 0.04); ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), 84% versus 79% ( P < 0.01); atypia, 48% versus 43% ( P = 0.08); and benign without atypia, 87% versus 82% ( P < 0.01). There was a small decrease in intraobserver agreement when the format changed compared to when glass slides were used in both phases ( P = 0.08). Predictive values for confirmation by a reference panel using glass versus digital were: invasive carcinoma, 98% and 97% (not significant [NS]); DCIS, 70% and 57% ( P = 0.007); atypia, 38% and 28% ( P = 0.002); and benign without atypia, 97% and 96% (NS). In this large randomized study, digital format interpretations were similar to glass slide interpretations of benign and invasive cancer cases. However, cases in the middle of the spectrum, where more inherent variability exists, may be more problematic in digital format. Future studies evaluating the effect these findings exert on clinical practice and patient outcomes are required.

Probiotic lactobacilli interfere with Streptococcus mutans biofilm formation in vitro.

PubMed

Söderling, Eva M; Marttinen, Aino M; Haukioja, Anna L

2011-02-01

In clinical studies, probiotic bacteria have decreased the counts of salivary mutans streptococci (MS). We compared the effects of probiotic Lactobacillus strains on the biofilm formation of Streptococcus mutans. The bacterial strains used included four S. mutans strains (reference strains NCTC 10449 and Ingbritt and clinical isolates 2366 and 195) and probiotic strains Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG, L. plantarum 299v, and L. reuteri strains PTA 5289 and SD2112. The ability of MS to adhere and grow on a glass surface, reflecting biofilm formation, was studied in the presence of the lactobacilli (LB). The effect of LB culture supernatants on the viability of the MS was studied as well. All of the LB inhibited the biofilm formation of the clinical isolates of MS (P < 0.001). The biofilm formation of the reference strains of MS was also inhibited by the LB, but L. plantarum and L. reuteri PTA 5289 showed a weaker inhibition when compared to L. reuteri SD2112 and L. rhamnosus GG. Viable S. mutans cells could be detected in the biofilms and culture media only when the experiments were performed with the L. reuteri strains. The L. reuteri strains were less efficient in killing the MS also in the tests performed with the culture supernatants. The pHs of the supernatants of L. reuteri were higher compared to those of L. rhamnosus GG and L. plantarum; P < 0.001. In conclusion, our results demonstrated that four commonly used probiotics interfered with S. mutans biofilm formation in vitro, and that the antimicrobial activity against S. mutans was pH-dependent.

Comparison of nanoparticular hydroxyapatite pastes of different particle content and size in a novel scapula defect model

PubMed Central

Hruschka, Veronika; Tangl, Stefan; Ryabenkova, Yulia; Heimel, Patrick; Barnewitz, Dirk; Möbus, Günter; Keibl, Claudia; Ferguson, James; Quadros, Paulo; Miller, Cheryl; Goodchild, Rebecca; Austin, Wayne; Redl, Heinz; Nau, Thomas

2017-01-01

Nanocrystalline hydroxyapatite (HA) has good biocompatibility and the potential to support bone formation. It represents a promising alternative to autologous bone grafting, which is considered the current gold standard for the treatment of low weight bearing bone defects. The purpose of this study was to compare three bone substitute pastes of different HA content and particle size with autologous bone and empty defects, at two time points (6 and 12 months) in an ovine scapula drillhole model using micro-CT, histology and histomorphometry evaluation. The nHA-LC (38% HA content) paste supported bone formation with a high defect bridging-rate. Compared to nHA-LC, Ostim® (35% HA content) showed less and smaller particle agglomerates but also a reduced defect bridging-rate due to its fast degradation The highly concentrated nHA-HC paste (48% HA content) formed oversized particle agglomerates which supported the defect bridging but left little space for bone formation in the defect site. Interestingly, the gold standard treatment of the defect site with autologous bone tissue did not improve bone formation or defect bridging compared to the empty control. We concluded that the material resorption and bone formation was highly impacted by the particle-specific agglomeration behaviour in this study. PMID:28233833

Example-Based Learning: Exploring the Use of Matrices and Problem Variability

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hancock-Niemic, Mary A.; Lin, Lijia; Atkinson, Robert K.; Renkl, Alexander; Wittwer, Joerg

2016-01-01

The purpose of the study was to investigate the efficacy of using faded worked examples presented in matrices with problem structure variability to enhance learners' ability to recognize the underlying structure of the problems. Specifically, this study compared the effects of matrix-format versus linear-format faded worked examples combined with…

Effects of Alternate Test Formats in Online Courses

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Francis, Alan

2010-01-01

The purpose of this study was to compare differences in methods of testing for two undergraduate online courses to determine the effect of alternate test formats in relation to participant grades. Specific purposes of this study were to determine whether a difference existed in student test scores between the control and treatment groups and…

A Comparative Study of N2O Formation during the Selective Catalytic Reduction of NOx with NH3 on Zeolite Supported Cu Catalysts

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

Chen, Hai-Ying; Wei, Zhehao; Kollar, Marton

A comparative study was carried out on a small-pore CHA.Cu and a large-pore BEA.Cu zeolite catalyst to understand the lower N2O formation on small-pore zeolite supported Cu catalysts in the selective catalytic reduction (SCR) of NOx with NH3. On both catalysts, the N2O yield increases with an increase in the NO2/NOx ratios of the feed gas, suggesting N2O formation via the decomposition of NH4NO3. Temperature-programmed desorption experiments reveal that NH4NO3 is more stable on CHA.Cu than on BEA.Cu. In situ FTIR spectra following stepwise (NO2 + O2) and (15NO + NH3 + O2) adsorption and reaction, and product distribution analysismore » using isotope-labelled reactants, unambiguously prove that surface nitrate groups are essential for the formation of NH4NO3. Furthermore, CHA.Cu is shown to be considerably less active than BEA.Cu in catalyzing NO oxidation and the subsequent formation of surface nitrate groups. Both factors, i.e., (1) the higher thermal stability of NH4NO3 on CHA.Cu, and (2) the lower activity for this catalyst to catalyze NO oxidation and the subsequent formation of surface nitrates, likely contribute to the higher SCR selectivity with less N2O formation on this catalyst as compared to BEA.Cu. The latter is determined as the primary reason since surface nitrates are the source that leads to the formation of NH4NO3 on the catalysts.« less

SDSS-IV MaNGA: the spatial distribution of star formation and its dependence on mass, structure, and environment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Spindler, Ashley; Wake, David; Belfiore, Francesco; Bershady, Matthew; Bundy, Kevin; Drory, Niv; Masters, Karen; Thomas, Daniel; Westfall, Kyle; Wild, Vivienne

2018-05-01

We study the spatially resolved star formation of 1494 galaxies in the SDSS-IV MaNGA Survey. Star formation rates (SFRs) are calculated using a two-step process, using H α in star-forming regions and Dn4000 in regions identified as active galactic nucleus/low-ionization (nuclear) emission region [AGN/LI(N)ER] or lineless. The roles of secular and environmental quenching processes are investigated by studying the dependence of the radial profiles of specific star formation rate on stellar mass, galaxy structure, and environment. We report on the existence of `centrally suppressed' galaxies, which have suppressed Specific Star Formation Rate (SSFR) in their cores compared to their discs. The profiles of centrally suppressed and unsuppressed galaxies are distributed in a bimodal way. Galaxies with high stellar mass and core velocity dispersion are found to be much more likely to be centrally suppressed than low-mass galaxies, and we show that this is related to morphology and the presence of AGN/LI(N)ER like emission. Centrally suppressed galaxies also display lower star formation at all radii compared to unsuppressed galaxies. The profiles of central and satellite galaxies are also compared, and we find that satellite galaxies experience lower specific star formation rates at all radii than central galaxies. This uniform suppression could be a signal of the stripping of hot halo gas in the process known as strangulation. We find that satellites are not more likely to be suppressed in their cores than centrals, indicating that the core suppression is an entirely internal process. We find no correlation between the local environment density and the profiles of star formation rate surface density.

A novel method for reducing gap formation in tendon repair.

PubMed

Dean, Ryan; Sethi, Paul

2018-03-01

This study investigates gap formation in tendon repair using a novel tensioning method. The novel stitch will demonstrate less gap formation than the other suture configurations tested. Porcine tendons stitched with classic Krackow stitch configurations were compared to a Krackow stitch modified with a proximal Tension-Assist Loop. Each group was cyclically loaded followed by analysis of the tendon-suture construct for gap formation. The Tension-Assist Loop group produced significantly less gap formation than each of the other stitch groups. Decreasing early gap formation may be beneficial in allowing early rehabilitation and range of motion.

Formative Postgraduate Assessment: A Comparative Case Study Using a University in the USA and One in South Africa

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Friedrich-Nel, Hesta; Mac Kinnon, Joyce

2015-01-01

The purpose of this study was to investigate formative postgraduate assessment from an international perspective while acknowledging the two countries' differing cultures and environments. Using a case study approach, data were collected from research supervisors of postgraduate work at a university in the United States (USA) and a university in…

Antihyperglycemic activity and inhibition of advanced glycation end product formation by Cuminum cyminum in streptozotocin induced diabetic rats.

PubMed

Jagtap, A G; Patil, P B

2010-01-01

Cuminum cyminum is widely used as a spice in many countries. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of methanolic extract of seeds of C. cyminum (CC) on diabetes, oxidative stress and formation of advanced glycated end products (AGE) and obtain comparison with glibenclamide. In vitro studies indicated that CC inhibited free radicals and AGE formation. Treatment of streptozotocin-diabetic rats with CC and glibenclamide for 28 days caused a reduction in blood glucose, glycosylated hemoglobin, creatinine, blood urea nitrogen and improved serum insulin and glycogen (liver and skeletal muscle) content when compared to diabetic control rats. Significant reduction in renal oxidative stress and AGE was observed with CC when compared to diabetic control and glibenclamide. CC and glibenclamide improved antioxidant status in kidney and pancreas of diabetic rats. Diabetic rats showed increase in rat tail tendon collagen, glycated collagen, collagen linked fluorescence and reduction in pepsin digestion. Treatment with CC significantly improved these parameters when compared to diabetic control and glibenclamide group. Though the antidiabetic effect of CC was comparable to glibenclamide it had better effect in controlling oxidative stress and inhibiting the AGE formation, which are implicated in the pathogenesis of diabetic microvascular complications. Copyright (c) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Comparing models of star formation simulating observed interacting galaxies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Quiroga, L. F.; Muñoz-Cuartas, J. C.; Rodrigues, I.

2017-07-01

In this work, we make a comparison between different models of star formation to reproduce observed interacting galaxies. We use observational data to model the evolution of a pair of galaxies undergoing a minor merger. Minor mergers represent situations weakly deviated from the equilibrium configuration but significant changes in star fomation (SF) efficiency can take place, then, minor mergers provide an unique scene to study SF in galaxies in a realistic but yet simple way. Reproducing observed systems also give us the opportunity to compare the results of the simulations with observations, which at the end can be used as probes to characterize the models of SF implemented in the comparison. In this work we compare two different star formation recipes implemented in Gadget3 and GIZMO codes. Both codes share the same numerical background, and differences arise mainly in the star formation recipe they use. We use observations from Pico dos Días and GEMINI telescopes and show how we use observational data of the interacting pair in AM2229-735 to characterize the interacting pair. Later we use this information to simulate the evolution of the system to finally reproduce the observations: Mass distribution, morphology and main features of the merger-induced star formation burst. We show that both methods manage to reproduce roughly the star formation activity. We show, through a careful study, that resolution plays a major role in the reproducibility of the system. In that sense, star formation recipe implemented in GIZMO code has shown a more robust performance. Acknowledgements: This work is supported by Colciencias, Doctorado Nacional - 617 program.

The Management of Cognitive Load During Complex Cognitive Skill Acquisition by Means of Computer-Simulated Problem Solving

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kester, Liesbeth; Kirschner, Paul A.; van Merrienboer, Jeroen J.G.

2005-01-01

This study compared the effects of two information presentation formats on learning to solve problems in electrical circuits. In one condition, the split-source format, information relating to procedural aspects of the functioning of an electrical circuit was not integrated in a circuit diagram, while information in the integrated format condition…

Effect of Infant Formula on Streptococcus Mutans Biofilm Formation.

PubMed

Hinds, Laura M; Moser, Elizabeth A S; Eckert, George; Gregory, Richard L

This study investigated the effect that infant formula had on biofilm growth of Streptococcus mutans. Specifically, it compared biofilm growth in media containing lactose-based and sucrose-based formulas. It also analyzed biofilm formation with formulas of varying iron content. Biofilm growth was tested with the specific infant formula components sucrose, lactose, and ferric chloride. The study was designed to determine if these types of infant formulas and components affected S. mutans biofilm formation differently. A 24-hour culture of S. mutans was treated with various concentrations of infant formula diluted in bacteriological media. To test for biofilm formation, S. mutans was cultured with and without the infant formula and formula components. The biofilms were washed, fixed, and stained with crystal violet. The absorbance was measured to evaluate biofilm growth and total absorbance. Sucrose-based formulas provided significant increases in biofilm growth when compared to lactose-based formulas at two dilutions (1:5, 1:20). Similac Sensitive RS (sucrose-based) at most dilutions provided the most significant increase in biofilm growth when compared to the control. Sucrose tested as an individual component provided more of a significant increase on biofilm growth than lactose or iron when compared to the control. A low iron formula provided a significant increase in biofilm growth at one dilution (1:5) when compared to formula containing a normal iron content. There was no significant difference in biofilm growth when comparing high iron formula to normal iron formula or low iron formula. There was no significant difference when comparing Similac PM 60/40 (low iron formula) to Similac PM 60/40 with additional ferric chloride. The results of this study demonstrated that sucrose-based formula provided more of a significant increase in biofilm growth compared to lactose-based formula. Sucrose alone provided a significant increase of biofilm growth at more dilutions when compared to the control than lactose and iron. The amount of iron in formula had a significant effect on biofilm formation only when comparing low iron formula to normal iron formula at the highest concentration (1:5). There was no significant difference in biofilm growth when iron was added to the low iron formula. The information obtained expands current knowledge regarding the influence of infant formula on the primary dentition and reinforces the importance of oral hygiene habits once the first tooth erupts.

Entry Probe Missions to the Giant Planets

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Spilker, T. R.; Atkinson, D. H.; Atreya, S. K.; Colaprete, A.; Cuzzi, J. N.; Spilker, L. J.; Coustenis, A.; Venkatapathy, E.; Reh, K.; Frampton, R.

2009-12-01

The primary motivation for in situ probe missions to the outer planets derives from the need to constrain models of solar system formation and the origin and evolution of atmospheres, to provide a basis for comparative studies of the gas and ice giants, and to provide a valuable link to extrasolar planetary systems. As time capsules of the solar system, the gas and ice giants offer a laboratory to better understand the atmospheric chemistries, dynamics, and interiors of all the planets, including Earth; and it is within the atmospheres and interiors of the giant planets that material diagnostic of the epoch of formation can be found, providing clues to the local chemical and physical conditions existing at the time and location at which each planet formed. Measurements of current conditions and processes in those atmospheres inform us about their evolution since formation and into the future, providing information about our solar system’s evolution, and potentially establishing a framework for recognizing extrasolar giant planets in different stages of their evolution. Detailed explorations and comparative studies of the gas and ice giant planets will provide a foundation for understanding the integrated dynamic, physical, and chemical origins, formation, and evolution of the solar system. To allow reliable conclusions from comparative studies of gas giants Jupiter and Saturn, an entry probe mission to Saturn is needed to complement the Galileo Probe measurements at Jupiter. These measurements provide the basis for a significantly better understanding of gas giant formation in the context of solar system formation. A probe mission to either Uranus or Neptune will be needed for comparative studies of the gas giants and the ice giants, adding knowledge of ice giant origins and thus making further inroads in our understanding of solar system formation. Recognizing Jupiter’s spatial variability and the need to understand its implications for global composition, returning to Jupiter with a follow-on probe mission, possibly with technological advances allowing a multiple-probe mission, would make use of data from the Juno mission to guide entry location and measurement suite selection. This poster summarizes a white paper prepared for the Space Studies Board’s 2013-2022 Planetary Science Decadal Survey. It discusses specific measurements to be made by planetary probes at the giant planets, rationales and priorities for those measurements, and locations within the destination atmospheres where the measurements are best made.

Clinical and Radiographic Evaluation of Procedural Errors during Preparation of Curved Root Canals with Hand and Rotary Instruments: A Randomized Clinical Study.

PubMed

Khanna, Rajesh; Handa, Aashish; Virk, Rupam Kaur; Ghai, Deepika; Handa, Rajni Sharma; Goel, Asim

2017-01-01

The process of cleaning and shaping the canal is not an easy goal to obtain, as canal curvature played a significant role during the instrumentation of the curved canals. The present in vivo study was conducted to evaluate procedural errors during the preparation of curved root canals using hand Nitiflex and rotary K3XF instruments. Procedural errors such as ledge formation, instrument separation, and perforation (apical, furcal, strip) were determined in sixty patients, divided into two groups. In Group I, thirty teeth in thirty patients were prepared using hand Nitiflex system, and in Group II, thirty teeth in thirty patients were prepared using K3XF rotary system. The evaluation was done clinically as well as radiographically. The results recorded from both groups were compiled and put to statistical analysis. Chi-square test was used to compare the procedural errors (instrument separation, ledge formation, and perforation). In the present study, both hand Nitiflex and rotary K3XF showed ledge formation and instrument separation. Although ledge formation and instrument separation by rotary K3XF file system was less as compared to hand Nitiflex. No perforation was seen in both the instrument groups. Canal curvature played a significant role during the instrumentation of the curved canals. Procedural errors such as ledge formation and instrument separation by rotary K3XF file system were less as compared to hand Nitiflex.

Clinical and Radiographic Evaluation of Procedural Errors during Preparation of Curved Root Canals with Hand and Rotary Instruments: A Randomized Clinical Study

PubMed Central

Khanna, Rajesh; Handa, Aashish; Virk, Rupam Kaur; Ghai, Deepika; Handa, Rajni Sharma; Goel, Asim

2017-01-01

Background: The process of cleaning and shaping the canal is not an easy goal to obtain, as canal curvature played a significant role during the instrumentation of the curved canals. Aim: The present in vivo study was conducted to evaluate procedural errors during the preparation of curved root canals using hand Nitiflex and rotary K3XF instruments. Materials and Methods: Procedural errors such as ledge formation, instrument separation, and perforation (apical, furcal, strip) were determined in sixty patients, divided into two groups. In Group I, thirty teeth in thirty patients were prepared using hand Nitiflex system, and in Group II, thirty teeth in thirty patients were prepared using K3XF rotary system. The evaluation was done clinically as well as radiographically. The results recorded from both groups were compiled and put to statistical analysis. Statistical Analysis: Chi-square test was used to compare the procedural errors (instrument separation, ledge formation, and perforation). Results: In the present study, both hand Nitiflex and rotary K3XF showed ledge formation and instrument separation. Although ledge formation and instrument separation by rotary K3XF file system was less as compared to hand Nitiflex. No perforation was seen in both the instrument groups. Conclusion: Canal curvature played a significant role during the instrumentation of the curved canals. Procedural errors such as ledge formation and instrument separation by rotary K3XF file system were less as compared to hand Nitiflex. PMID:29042727

Histomorphometric Study of New Bone Formation Comparing Defect Healing with Three Bone Grafting Materials: The Effect of Osteoporosis on Graft Consolidation.

PubMed

Zhang, Qiao; Jing, Dai; Zhang, Yufeng; Miron, Richard J

Bone grafting materials are frequently utilized in oral surgery and periodontology to fill bone defects and augment lost or missing bone. The purpose of this study was to compare new bone formation in bone defects created in both normal and osteoporotic animals loaded with three types of bone grafts from different origins. Forty-eight female Wistar rats were equally divided into control normal and ovariectomized animals. Bilateral 2.5-mm femur defects were created and filled with an equal weight of (1) natural bone mineral (NBM, BioOss) of bovine origin, (2) demineralized freeze-dried bone allograft (DFDBA, LifeNet), or (3) biphasic calcium phosphate (BCP, Vivoss). Following 3 and 6 weeks of healing, hematoxylin and eosin and TRAP staining was performed to determine new bone formation, material degradation, and osteoclast activity. All bone substitutes demonstrated osteoconductive potential at 3 and 6 weeks with higher osteoclast numbers observed in all ovariectomized animals. NBM displayed continual new bone formation with little to no sign of particle degradation, even in osteoporotic animals. DFDBA particles showed similar levels of new bone formation but rapid particle degradation rates with lower levels of mineralized tissue. BCP bone grafts demonstrated significantly higher new bone formation when compared with both NBM and DFDBA particles; however, the material was associated with higher osteoclast activity and particle degradation. Interestingly, in osteoporotic animals, BCP displayed synergistically and markedly more rapid rates of particle degradation. Recent modifications to synthetically fabricated materials were shown to be equally or more osteopromotive than NBM and DFDBA. However, the current BCP utilized demonstrated much faster resorption properties in osteoporotic animals associated with a decrease in total bone volume when compared with the slowly/nonresorbing NBM. The results from this study point to the clinical relevance of minimizing fast-resorbing bone grafting materials in osteoporotic phenotypes due to the higher osteoclastic activity and greater material resorption.

Equivalence of electronic and paper-based patient-reported outcome measures.

PubMed

Campbell, Niloufar; Ali, Faraz; Finlay, Andrew Y; Salek, Sam S

2015-08-01

Electronic formats (ePROs) of paper-based patient-reported outcomes (PROs) should be validated before they can be reliably used. This review aimed to examine studies investigating measurement equivalence between ePROs and their paper originals to identify methodologies used and to determine the extent of such validation. Three databases (OvidSP, Web of Science and PubMed) were searched using a set of keywords. Results were examined for compliance with inclusion criteria. Articles or abstracts that directly compared screen-based electronic versions of PROs with their validated paper-based originals, with regard to their measurement equivalence, were included. Publications were excluded if the only instruments reported were stand-alone visual analogue scales or interactive voice response formats. Papers published before 2007 were excluded, as a previous meta-analysis examined papers published before this time. Fifty-five studies investigating 79 instruments met the inclusion criteria. 53 % of the 79 instruments studied were condition specific. Several instruments, such as the SF-36, were reported in more than one publication. The most frequently reported formats for ePROs were Web-based versions. In 78 % of the publications, there was evidence of equivalence or comparability between the two formats as judged by study authors. Of the 30 publications that provided preference data, 87 % found that overall participants preferred the electronic format. When examining equivalence between paper and electronic versions of PROs, formats are usually judged by authors to be equivalent. Participants prefer electronic formats. This literature review gives encouragement to the further widespread development and use of ePROs.

N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA) formation from the ozonation of model compounds.

PubMed

Marti, Erica J; Pisarenko, Aleksey N; Peller, Julie R; Dickenson, Eric R V

2015-04-01

Nitrosamines are a class of toxic disinfection byproducts commonly associated with chloramination, of which several were included on the most recent U.S. EPA Contaminant Candidate List. Nitrosamine formation may be a significant barrier to ozonation in water reuse applications, particularly for direct or indirect potable reuse, since recent studies show direct formation during ozonation of natural water and treated wastewaters. Only a few studies have identified precursors which react with ozone to form N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA). In this study, several precursor compound solutions, prepared in ultrapure water and treated wastewater, were subjected to a 10 M excess of ozone. In parallel experiments, the precursor solutions in ultrapure water were exposed to gamma radiation to determine NDMA formation as a byproduct of reactions of precursor compounds with hydroxyl radicals. The results show six new NDMA precursor compounds that have not been previously reported in the literature, including compounds with hydrazone and carbamate moieties. Molar yields in deionized water were 61-78% for 3 precursors, 12-23% for 5 precursors and <4% for 2 precursors. Bromide concentration was important for three compounds (1,1-dimethylhydrazine, acetone dimethylhydrazone and dimethylsulfamide), but did not enhance NDMA formation for the other precursors. NDMA formation due to chloramination was minimal compared to formation due to ozonation, suggesting distinct groups of precursor compounds for these two oxidants. Hydroxyl radical reactions with the precursors will produce NDMA, but formation is much greater in the presence of molecular ozone. Also, hydroxyl radical scavenging during ozonation leads to increased NDMA formation. Molar conversion yields were higher for several precursors in wastewater as compared to deionized water, which could be due to catalyzed reactions with constituents found in wastewater or hydroxyl radical scavenging. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Fabrication and investigation of effect of core size in heterostructure PbS/CdS core/shell nanoparticles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Das, D.; Hussain, A. M. P.

2018-04-01

PbS/CdS core/shell (CS) nanoparticles (NPs) were fabricated with three different concentrations of PbS core and CdS shell. Formation of core/shell heterostructure was confirmed from X-ray diffraction studies. The diffraction patterns exhibited formation of cubic phase and polycrystalline core/shell nanostructure. The crystalline sizes calculated from Williamson-Hall plot exhibited increase with molar concentration of precursors with decrease in strain. High resolution electron microscopy studies also confirm the formation of core/shell structure with particle size around 10 nm. A large blue-shift for PbS core compared to its bulk and small red-shift for the PbS/CdS core/shell as compared to the core is being observed in absorption spectra.

An exploratory mixed-methods crossover study comparing DVD- vs. Web-based patient decision support in three conditions: The importance of patient perspectives.

PubMed

Halley, Meghan C; Rendle, Katharine A S; Gillespie, Katherine A; Stanley, Katherine M; Frosch, Dominick L

2015-12-01

The last 15 years have witnessed considerable progress in the development of decision support interventions (DESIs). However, fundamental questions about design and format of delivery remain. An exploratory, randomized mixed-method crossover study was conducted to compare a DVD- and Web-based DESI. Randomized participants used either the Web or the DVD first, followed by the alternative format. Participants completed a questionnaire to assess decision-specific knowledge at baseline and a questionnaire and structured qualitative interview after viewing each format. Tracking software was used to capture Web utilization. Transcripts were analyzed using integrated inductive and deductive approaches. Quantitative data were analyzed using exploratory bivariate and multivariate analyses. Exploratory knowledge analyses suggest that both formats increased knowledge, with limited evidence that the DVD increased knowledge more than the Web. Format preference varied across participants: 44% preferred the Web, 32% preferred the DVD and 24% preferred 'both'. Patient discussions of preferences for DESI information structure and the importance of a patients' stage of a given decision suggest these characteristics may be important factors underlying variation in utilization, format preferences and knowledge outcomes. Our results suggest that both DESI formats effectively increase knowledge. Patients' perceptions of these two formats further suggest that there may be no single 'best' format for all patients. These results have important implications for understanding why different DESI formats might be preferable to and more effective for different patients. Further research is needed to explore the relationship between these factors and DESI utilization outcomes across diverse patient populations. © 2014 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Administration of Intravenous Inf liximab for Prevention of Peritoneal Adhesions Formation in Rats.

PubMed

Nikeghbalian, Saman; Vafaei, Homeira; Moradian, Farid; Kazemi, Kourosh; Tanideh, Nader; Shayan, Leila; Nikeghbalian, Zahra

2015-07-01

To investigate the effects of intravenous infliximab in preventing the formation of peritoneal adhesions in an animal model of rat. This was an experimental study being performed in animal laboratory of Shiraz University of Medical Sciences during 2012. Sixty albino rats were randomly assigned in to three groups by Random Design Method. The first group received single infliximab injection (n=20), the second one received double infliximab injection (n=20) and the third received nothing (n=20), after receiving intra-peritoneal injection of talc for induction of peritoneal adhesions. All the animals were sacrificed after 6 weeks and the peritoneal adhesions were evaluated according to Nair classification. We observed that the mean adhesion grade was lower in those who received double dose of infliximib when compared to single dose and controls. However the difference did not reach a significant value (p=0.178). The grade of peritoneal adhesion was also comparable between the three study groups (p=0.103). The mean number of 1st WBC count was also comparable between three study groups (p=0.382). We observed that 2nd WBC count was also comparable between two study groups (p=0.317). Administration of intravenous infliximab after intraabdominal surgicalprocedures would not prevent the formation of peritoneal adhesions in animal model of albino rat.

Incremental Reactivity Effects on Secondary Organic Aerosol Formation in Urban Atmospheres with and without Biogenic Influence

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kacarab, Mary; Li, Lijie; Carter, William P. L.; Cocker, David R., III

2016-04-01

Two different surrogate mixtures of anthropogenic and biogenic volatile organic compounds (VOCs) were developed to study secondary organic aerosol (SOA) formation at atmospheric reactivities similar to urban regions with varying biogenic influence levels. Environmental chamber simulations were designed to enable the study of the incremental aerosol formation from select anthropogenic (m-Xylene, 1,2,4-Trimethylbenzene, and 1-Methylnaphthalene) and biogenic (α-pinene) precursors under the chemical reactivity set by the two different surrogate mixtures. The surrogate reactive organic gas (ROG) mixtures were based on that used to develop the maximum incremental reactivity (MIR) factors for evaluation of O3 forming potential. Multiple incremental aerosol formation experiments were performed in the University of California Riverside (UCR) College of Engineering Center for Environmental Research and Technology (CE-CERT) dual 90m3 environmental chambers. Incremental aerosol yields were determined for each of the VOCs studied and compared to yields found from single precursor studies. Aerosol physical properties of density, volatility, and hygroscopicity were monitored throughout experiments. Bulk elemental chemical composition from high-resolution time of flight aerosol mass spectrometer (HR-ToF-AMS) data will also be presented. Incremental yields and SOA chemical and physical characteristics will be compared with data from previous single VOC studies conducted for these aerosol precursors following traditional VOC/NOx chamber experiments. Evaluation of the incremental effects of VOCs on SOA formation and properties are paramount in evaluating how to best extrapolate environmental chamber observations to the ambient atmosphere and provides useful insights into current SOA formation models. Further, the comparison of incremental SOA from VOCs in varying surrogate urban atmospheres (with and without strong biogenic influence) allows for a unique perspective on the impacts different compounds have on aerosol formation in different urban regions.

Empirically evaluating decision-analytic models.

PubMed

Goldhaber-Fiebert, Jeremy D; Stout, Natasha K; Goldie, Sue J

2010-08-01

Model-based cost-effectiveness analyses support decision-making. To augment model credibility, evaluation via comparison to independent, empirical studies is recommended. We developed a structured reporting format for model evaluation and conducted a structured literature review to characterize current model evaluation recommendations and practices. As an illustration, we applied the reporting format to evaluate a microsimulation of human papillomavirus and cervical cancer. The model's outputs and uncertainty ranges were compared with multiple outcomes from a study of long-term progression from high-grade precancer (cervical intraepithelial neoplasia [CIN]) to cancer. Outcomes included 5 to 30-year cumulative cancer risk among women with and without appropriate CIN treatment. Consistency was measured by model ranges overlapping study confidence intervals. The structured reporting format included: matching baseline characteristics and follow-up, reporting model and study uncertainty, and stating metrics of consistency for model and study results. Structured searches yielded 2963 articles with 67 meeting inclusion criteria and found variation in how current model evaluations are reported. Evaluation of the cervical cancer microsimulation, reported using the proposed format, showed a modeled cumulative risk of invasive cancer for inadequately treated women of 39.6% (30.9-49.7) at 30 years, compared with the study: 37.5% (28.4-48.3). For appropriately treated women, modeled risks were 1.0% (0.7-1.3) at 30 years, study: 1.5% (0.4-3.3). To support external and projective validity, cost-effectiveness models should be iteratively evaluated as new studies become available, with reporting standardized to facilitate assessment. Such evaluations are particularly relevant for models used to conduct comparative effectiveness analyses.

Biofilm formation as a method of survival of Escherichia coli and Pantoea spp in the marine environment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Buzoleva, L. S.; Golozubova, Y. S.; Eskova, A. I.; Kim, A. V.; Bogatyrenko, E. A.

2018-01-01

The article shows the formation of biofilms of bacteria Escherichia and Pantoea, which were isolated from sea water, both in monoculture and in associations with marine heterotrophs. It studied the influence of the nutrient medium and temperature on the biofilm-forming properties of marine strains. The highest biofilm formation properties were found in monoculture in family enterobacteria compared to saprophytic marine bacteria, regardless of the medium and the culture temperature. In association with saprophytes, Pantoea spp. possess more pronounced biofilm-forming properties at 37 ° C compared to the control than at 22 ° C and 5 ° C irrespective of the culture medium. Escherichia coli, in association with saprophytes, have less pronounced biofilm formation properties than monoculture, regardless of the temperature and culture medium.

Taking the Test Taker's Perspective: Response Process and Test Motivation in Multidimensional Forced-Choice Versus Rating Scale Instruments.

PubMed

Sass, Rachelle; Frick, Susanne; Reips, Ulf-Dietrich; Wetzel, Eunike

2018-03-01

The multidimensional forced-choice (MFC) format has been proposed as an alternative to the rating scale (RS) response format. However, it is unclear how changing the response format may affect the response process and test motivation of participants. In Study 1, we investigated the MFC response process using the think-aloud technique. In Study 2, we compared test motivation between the RS format and different versions of the MFC format (presenting 2, 3, 4, and 5 items simultaneously). The response process to MFC item blocks was similar to the RS response process but involved an additional step of weighing the items within a block against each other. The RS and MFC response format groups did not differ in their test motivation. Thus, from the test taker's perspective, the MFC format is somewhat more demanding to respond to, but this does not appear to decrease test motivation.

The Dependence of Chlorine Decay and DBP Formation Kinetics On Pipe Flow Properties in Drinking Water Distribution

EPA Science Inventory

Simultaneous chlorine decay and disinfection byproduct (DBP) formation has long been discussed because of its regulatory and operational significance. This study further examines the water quality changes under hydrodynamic settings during drinking water distribution. Comparative...

Bromate formation from the oxidation of bromide in the UV/chlorine process with low pressure and medium pressure UV lamps.

PubMed

Fang, Jingyun; Zhao, Quan; Fan, Chihhao; Shang, Chii; Fu, Yun; Zhang, Xiangru

2017-09-01

When a bromide-containing water is treated by the ultraviolet (UV)/chlorine process, hydroxyl radicals (HO) and halogen radicals such as Cl or Br are formed due to the UV photolysis of free halogens. These reactive species may induce the formation of bromate, which is a probable human carcinogen. Bromate formation in the UV/chlorine process using low pressure (LP) and medium pressure (MP) lamps in the presence of bromide was investigated in the present study. The UV/chlorine process significantly enhanced bromate formation as compared to dark chlorination. The bromate formation was elevated with increasing UV fluence, bromide concentration, and pH values under both LP and MP UV irradiations. It was significantly enhanced at pH 9 compared to those at pH 6 and 7 with MP UV irradiation, while it was slightly enhanced at pH 9 with LP UV. The formation by UV/chlorine process started with the formation of free bromine (HOBr/OBr - ) through the reaction of chlorine and bromide, followed by a subsequent oxidation of free bromine and formation of BrO and bromate by reacting with radicals. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Chemical colloids versus biological colloids: a comparative study for the elucidation of the mechanism of protein fiber formation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Xu, Shaohua; Wu, David; Arnsdorf, Morton; Johnson, Robert; Getz, Godfrey S.; Cabana, Veneracion G.

2005-01-01

Fiber formation from murine serum amyloid A1 (SAA) was compared to the linear aggregation and fiber formation of colloidal gold particles. Here we report the similarities of these processes. Upon incubation with acetic acid, SAA misfolds and adopts a new conformation, which we termed saa. saa apparently is less soluble than SAA in aqueous solution; it aggregates and forms nucleation units and then fibers. The fibers appear as a string of the nucleation units. Additionally, an external electric field promotes saa fiber formation. These properties of saa are reminiscent of colloidal gold formation from gold ions and one-dimensional aggregation of the gold colloids. Colloidal gold particles were also found to be capable of aggregating one-dimensionally under an electric field or in the presence of polylysine. These gold fibers resembled in structure that of saa fibers. In summary, protein aggregation and formation of fibers appear to follow the generalized principles derived in colloidal science for the aggregation of atoms and molecules, including polymers such as polypeptides. The analysis of colloidal gold formation and of one-dimensional aggregation provides a simple model system for the elucidation of some aspects of protein fiber formation.

Combined EXAFS Spectroscopic and Quantum Chemical Study on the Complex Formation of Am(III) with Formate.

PubMed

Fröhlich, Daniel R; Kremleva, Alena; Rossberg, André; Skerencak-Frech, Andrej; Koke, Carsten; Krüger, Sven; Rösch, Notker; Panak, Petra J

2017-06-19

The complexation of Am(III) with formate in aqueous solution is studied as a function of the pH value using a combination of extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) spectroscopy, iterative transformation factor analysis (ITFA), and quantum chemical calculations. The Am L III -edge EXAFS spectra are analyzed to determine the molecular structure (coordination numbers; Am-O and Am-C distances) of the formed Am(III)-formate species and to track the shift of the Am(III) speciation with increasing pH. The experimental data are compared to predictions from density functional calculations. The results indicate that formate binds to Am(III) in a monodentate fashion, in agreement with crystal structures of lanthanide formates. Furthermore, the investigations are complemented by thermodynamic speciation calculations to verify further the results obtained.

The effect of prognostic data presentation format on perceived risk among surrogate decision makers of critically ill patients: a randomized comparative trial.

PubMed

Chapman, Andy R; Litton, Edward; Chamberlain, Jenny; Ho, Kwok M

2015-04-01

The purpose of this study is to determine whether varying the format used to present prognostic data alters the perception of risk among surrogate decision makers in the intensive care unit (ICU). This was a prospective randomized comparative trial conducted in a 23-bed adult tertiary ICU. Enrolled surrogate decision makers were randomized to 1 of 2 questionnaires, which presented hypothetical ICU scenarios, identical other than the format in which prognostic data were presented (eg, frequencies vs percentages). Participants were asked to rate the risk associated with each prognostic statement. We enrolled 141 surrogate decision makers. The perception of risk varied significantly dependent on the presentation format. For "quantitative data," risks were consistently perceived as higher, when presented as frequencies (eg, 1 in 50) compared with equivalent percentages (eg, 2%). Framing "qualitative data" in terms of chance of "death" rather than "survival" led to a statistically significant increase in perceived risks. Framing "quantitative" data in this way did not significantly affect risk perception. Data format had a significant effect on how surrogate decision makers interpreted risk. Qualitative statements are interpreted widely and affected by framing. Where possible, multiple quantitative formats should be used for presenting prognostic information. Crown Copyright © 2014. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Redesign of a large lecture course into a small-group learning course.

PubMed

Ferreri, Stefanie P; O'Connor, Shanna K

2013-02-12

Objective. To describe the redesign of a large self-care course previously delivered in a traditional lecture format to a small-group case-based course.Design. Prereadings and study guides were used to facilitate students' independent learning prior to class. Large lecture classes were replaced with smaller group-based learning classes. This change in delivery format allowed students to spend the majority of class time conducting small-group learning activities, such as case studies to promote communication, problem solving, and interpersonal skills.Assessment. Changes in course delivery were assessed over a 2-year period by comparing students' grades and satisfaction ratings on course evaluations. A comparison of course evaluations between the class formats revealed that students were provided more opportunities to develop verbal communication skills and tackle and resolve unfamiliar problems in the revised course. The activities resulted in better overall course grades.Conclusions. Redesigning to a small-group discussion format for a self-care course can be accomplished by increasing student accountability for acquiring factual content outside the classroom. Compared with student experiences in the previous large lecture-based class, students in the smaller-class format reported a preference for working in teams and achieved significantly better academic grades with the new course format.

Comparing the validity of 2 physical activity questionnaire formats in African-American and Hispanic women.

PubMed

Mâsse, Louise C; Fulton, Janet E; Watson, Kathleen B; Tortolero, Susan; Kohl, Harold W; Meyers, Michael C; Blair, Steven N; Wong, William W

2012-02-01

The purpose of this study was to compare the validity of 2 physical activity questionnaire formats--one that lists activities (Checklist questionnaire) and one that assesses overall activities (Global questionnaire) by domain. Two questionnaire formats were validated among 260 African-American and Hispanic women (age 40-70) using 3 validation standards: 1) accelerometers to validate activities of ambulation; 2) diaries to validate physical activity domains (occupation, household, exercise, yard, family, volunteer/church work, and transportation); and 3) doubly-labeled water to validate physical activity energy expenditure (DLW-PAEE). The proportion of total variance explained by the Checklist questionnaire was 38.4% with diaries, 9.0% with accelerometers, and 6.4% with DLW-PAEE. The Global questionnaire explained 17.6% of the total variance with diaries and about 5% with both accelerometers and with DLWPAEE. Overall, associations with the 3 validation standards were slightly better with the Checklist questionnaire. However, agreement with DLW-PAEE was poor with both formats and the Checklist format resulted in greater overestimation. Validity results also indicated the Checklist format was better suited to recall household, family, and transportation activities. Overall, the Checklist format had slightly better measurement properties than the Global format. Both questionnaire formats are better suited to rank individuals.

Abdominoplasty and seroma: a prospective randomised study comparing scalpel and handheld electrocautery dissection.

PubMed

Marsh, Dan J; Fox, Andreas; Grobbelaar, Adriaan O; Chana, Jagdeep S

2015-02-01

Seroma formation remains a significant problem in abdominoplasty procedures--the cause of which remains to be elucidated. It has been suggested that one of the causative factors for seroma formation is the use of handheld electrocautery as opposed to scalpel for abdominal flap dissection. Prospective trial in 102 consecutive abdominoplasty patients randomised to have abdominal flap dissection with either handheld electrocautery device on 'coagulation setting' or sharp dissection with scalpel and monopolar electrocautery forceps for haemostasis. In all other aspects the surgical technique was identical between the two groups. All drains were removed at 48 h, irrespective of drain volume. Primary outcome measure is postoperative seroma formation on clinical examination, secondary outcome measures are drain volume, weight of tissue removed, effect of liposuction and patient BMI. Both study groups were similar in demographics with no significant difference in weight of tissue excised, BMI, drain output or post operative complictions. There was no significant difference in seroma formation rates between the handheld electrocautery group (17.2%) and the sharp dissection group (20.1%). Overall, the seroma rate was 18.6%. Liposuction to the flanks at the time of abdominoplasty was found to significantly increase the incidence of seroma, compared to patients having abdominoplasty alone. Use of handheld electrocautery rather than scalpel for tissue dissection does not lead to increased seroma formation in abdominoplasty patients. Concomitant liposuction at the time of abdominoplasty increases the risk of seroma formation compared to patients having abdominoplasty alone. Copyright © 2014 British Association of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Interactions of Enolizable Barbiturate Dyes.

PubMed

Schade, Alexander; Schreiter, Katja; Rüffer, Tobias; Lang, Heinrich; Spange, Stefan

2016-04-11

The specific barbituric acid dyes 1-n-butyl-5-(2,4-dinitro-phenyl) barbituric acid and 1-n-butyl-5-{4-[(1,3-dioxo-1H-inden-(3 H)-ylidene)methyl]phenyl}barbituric acid were used to study complex formation with nucleobase derivatives and related model compounds. The enol form of both compounds shows a strong bathochromic shift of the UV/Vis absorption band compared to the rarely coloured keto form. The keto-enol equilibria of the five studied dyes are strongly dependent on the properties of the environment as shown by solvatochromic studies in ionic liquids and a set of organic solvents. Enol form development of the barbituric acid dyes is also associated with alteration of the hydrogen bonding pattern from the ADA to the DDA type (A=hydrogen bond acceptor site, D=donor site). Receptor-induced altering of ADA towards DDA hydrogen bonding patterns of the chromophores are utilised to study supramolecular complex formation. As complementary receptors 9-ethyladenine, 1-n-butylcytosine, 1-n-butylthymine, 9-ethylguanidine and 2,6-diacetamidopiridine were used. The UV/Vis spectroscopic response of acid-base reaction compared to supramolecular complex formation is evaluated by (1)H NMR titration experiments and X-ray crystal structure analyses. An increased acidity of the barbituric acid derivative promotes genuine salt formation. In contrast, supramolecular complex formation is preferred for the weaker acidic barbituric acid. © 2016 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

A Randomized Study Comparing Digital Imaging to Traditional Glass Slide Microscopy for Breast Biopsy and Cancer Diagnosis

PubMed Central

Elmore, Joann G.; Longton, Gary M.; Pepe, Margaret S.; Carney, Patricia A.; Nelson, Heidi D.; Allison, Kimberly H.; Geller, Berta M.; Onega, Tracy; Tosteson, Anna N. A.; Mercan, Ezgi; Shapiro, Linda G.; Brunyé, Tad T.; Morgan, Thomas R.; Weaver, Donald L.

2017-01-01

Background: Digital whole slide imaging may be useful for obtaining second opinions and is used in many countries. However, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration requires verification studies. Methods: Pathologists were randomized to interpret one of four sets of breast biopsy cases during two phases, separated by ≥9 months, using glass slides or digital format (sixty cases per set, one slide per case, n = 240 cases). Accuracy was assessed by comparing interpretations to a consensus reference standard. Intraobserver reproducibility was assessed by comparing the agreement of interpretations on the same cases between two phases. Estimated probabilities of confirmation by a reference panel (i.e., predictive values) were obtained by incorporating data on the population prevalence of diagnoses. Results: Sixty-five percent of responding pathologists were eligible, and 252 consented to randomization; 208 completed Phase I (115 glass, 93 digital); and 172 completed Phase II (86 glass, 86 digital). Accuracy was slightly higher using glass compared to digital format and varied by category: invasive carcinoma, 96% versus 93% (P = 0.04); ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), 84% versus 79% (P < 0.01); atypia, 48% versus 43% (P = 0.08); and benign without atypia, 87% versus 82% (P < 0.01). There was a small decrease in intraobserver agreement when the format changed compared to when glass slides were used in both phases (P = 0.08). Predictive values for confirmation by a reference panel using glass versus digital were: invasive carcinoma, 98% and 97% (not significant [NS]); DCIS, 70% and 57% (P = 0.007); atypia, 38% and 28% (P = 0.002); and benign without atypia, 97% and 96% (NS). Conclusions: In this large randomized study, digital format interpretations were similar to glass slide interpretations of benign and invasive cancer cases. However, cases in the middle of the spectrum, where more inherent variability exists, may be more problematic in digital format. Future studies evaluating the effect these findings exert on clinical practice and patient outcomes are required. PMID:28382226

Feasibility of electrospray deposition for rapid screening of the cocrystal formation and single step, continuous production of pharmaceutical nanococrystals.

PubMed

Emami, Shahram; Siahi-Shadbad, Mohammadreza; Barzegar-Jalali, Mohammad; Adibkia, Khosro

2018-06-01

This study employed electrospray deposition (ESD) for simultaneous synthesis and particle engineering of cocrystals. Exploring new methods for the efficient production of cocrystals with desired particle properties is an essential demand. The possibility of cocrystal formation by ESD was examined for indomethacin-saccharin, indomethacin-nicotinamide, naproxen-nicotinamide, and naproxen-iso-nicotinamide cocrystals. Solutions of the drug and coformer at stoichiometric ratios were sprayed to a high electric field which caused rapid evaporation of the solvent and the formation of fine particles. The phase purity, size, and morphology of products were compared with reference cocrystals. Experiments were performed to evaluate the effects of stoichiometric ratio, concentration and solvent type on the cocrystal formation. Physical stability and dissolution properties of the electrosprayed cocrystals were also compared with reference cocrystals. ESD was found to be an efficient and rapid method to produce cocrystals for all studied systems other than indomethacin-nicotinamide. Pure cocrystals only formed at a specific drug:coformer ratio. The solvent type has a weak effect on the cocrystal formation and morphology. Electrosprayed cocrystals exhibited nano to micrometer sizes with distinct morphologies with comparable physical stability with reference cocrystals. Nanococrystals of indomethacin-saccharin with a mean size of 219 nm displayed a threefold higher dissolution rate than solvent evaporated cocrystal. ESD successfully was utilized to produce pure cocrystals of poorly soluble drugs with different morphologies and sizes ranging from nano to micrometer sizes in one step. This study highlighted the usefulness of ESD for simultaneous preparation and particle engineering of pharmaceutical cocrystals.

Influence of oil type on the amounts of acrylamide generated in a model system and in French fries.

PubMed

Mestdagh, Frédéric J; De Meulenaer, Bruno; Van Poucke, Christof; Detavernier, Christ'l; Cromphout, Caroline; Van Peteghem, Carlos

2005-07-27

Acrylamide formation was studied by use of a new heating methodology, based on a closed stainless steel tubular reactor. Different artificial potato powder mixtures were homogenized and subsequently heated in the reactor. This procedure was first tested for its repeatability. By use of this experimental setup, it was possible to study the acrylamide formation mechanism in the different mixtures, eliminating some variable physical and chemical factors during the frying process, such as heat flux and water evaporation from and oil ingress into the food. As a first application of this optimized heating concept, the influence on acrylamide formation of the type of deep-frying oil was investigated. The results obtained from the experiments with the tubular reactor were compared with standardized French fry preparation tests. In both cases, no significant difference in acrylamide formation could be found between the various heating oils applied. Consequently, the origin of the deep-frying vegetable oils did not seem to affect the acrylamide formation in potatoes during frying. Surprisingly however, when artificial mixtures did not contain vegetable oil, significantly lower concentrations of acrylamide were detected, compared to oil-containing mixtures.

Effects of secular evolution on the star formation history of galaxies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lorenzo, M. Fernández; Sulentic, J.; Verdes-Montenegro, L.; Argudo-Fernández, M.; Ruiz, J. E.; Sabater, J.; Sánchez-Expósito, S.

2015-03-01

We report the study performed as part of the AMIGA (Analysis of the interstellar Medium of Isolated GAlaxies; http://www.amiga.iaa.es) project, focused on the SDSS (g-r) colors of the sample. Assuming that color is an indicator of star formation history, this work better records the signature of passive star formation via pure secular evolution. Median values for each morphological type in AMIGA were compared with equivalent measures for galaxies in denser environments. We found a tendency for AMIGA spiral galaxies to be redder than galaxies in close pairs, but no clear difference when we compare with galaxies in other (e.g. group) environments. The (g-r) color of isolated galaxies presents a Gaussian distribution, as indicative of pure secular evolution, and a smaller median absolute deviation (almost half) compared to both wide and close pairs. This redder color and lower color dispersion of AMIGA spirals compared with close pairs is likely due to a more passive star formation in very isolated galaxies. In Fig. 1, we represent the size versus stellar mass for early and late-type galaxies of our sample, compared with the local relations of Shen et al. (2003). The late-type isolated galaxies are ~1.2 times larger or have less stellar mass than local spirals in other environments. The latter would be in agreement with the passive star formation found in the previous part. We acknowledge Grant AYA2011-30491-C02-01, P08-FQM-4205 and TIC-114.

Say again? How complexity and format of air traffic control instructions affect pilot recall

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1999-01-01

This study compared the recall of ATC information presented in cither grouped or sequential format : in a part-task simulation. It also tested the effect of complexity of ATC clearances on recall, that is, : how many pieces of information a single tr...

The Impact of Children's Static versus Dynamic Conceptions of People on Stereotype Formation.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Levy, Sheri R.; Dweck, Carol S.

1999-01-01

Two studies examined sixth graders' personality theories on stereotype formation. Compared to those with malleable views, children with fixed views of personality made more extreme trait ratings of schools characterized positively or negatively, generalized judgments to an unknown student, perceived greater within-school similarity and…

The effects of intertrial interval and instructional format on skill acquisition and maintenance for children with autism spectrum disorders.

PubMed

Cariveau, Tom; Kodak, Tiffany; Campbell, Vincent

2016-12-01

We replicated and extended the study by Koegel, Dunlap, and Dyer (1980) by examining the effects of 3 intertrial-interval (ITI) durations on skill acquisition in 2 children with autism spectrum disorders. Specifically, we compared the effect of short (2 s), progressive (2 s to 20 s), and long (20 s) ITIs on participants' mastery of tacts or intraverbals presented in massed-trial and varied-trial instructional formats. We also measured (a) stereotypic and problem behavior during the ITI, (b) maintenance of skills, and (c) responding to novel adults and settings. Results showed that short ITIs in a varied-trial format produced the most efficient acquisition of skills; however, most ITI durations produced more efficient skill acquisition in a varied format compared to a massed format. The trial format and ITI duration associated with the lowest levels of stereotypic and problem behavior during the ITI and responding during maintenance and novel adult and setting probes differed across participants. © 2016 Society for the Experimental Analysis of Behavior.

Formate auxotroph of Methanobacterium thermoautotrophicum Marburg.

PubMed Central

Tanner, R S; McInerney, M J; Nagle, D P

1989-01-01

A formate-requiring auxotroph of Methanobacterium thermoautotrophicum Marburg was isolated after hydroxylamine mutagenesis and bacitracin selection. The requirement for formate is unique and specific; combined pools of other volatile fatty acids, amino acids, vitamins, and nitrogen bases did not substitute for formate. Compared with those of the wild type, cell extracts of the formate auxotroph were deficient in formate dehydrogenase activity, but cells of all of the strains examined catalyzed a formate-carbon dioxide exchange activity. All of the strains examined took up a small amount (200 to 260 mumol/liter) of formate (3 mM) added to medium. The results of the study of this novel auxotroph indicate a role for formate in biosynthetic reactions in this methanogen. Moreover, because methanogenesis from H2-CO2 is not impaired in the mutant, free formate is not an intermediate in the reduction of CO2 to CH4. PMID:2687241

Effects of An Integrated Format for Reading Instruction on the Comprehension and Word-Recognition Performance of Fourth- and Fifth-Grade Students Who Exhibit Severe Reading Problems.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Parmer, Lavada Jacumin; Thames, Dana G.; Kazelskis, Richard

A study examined the effectiveness of an integrated language arts instructional format for teaching reading compared with the effectiveness of the typical traditional reading program. The study investigated the effectiveness of approaches that are representative of both viewpoints of the reading process (i.e., word recognition and the construction…

Roles of Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate on Tetrahydrofuran-Assisted Methane Hydrate Formation.

PubMed

Siangsai, Atsadawuth; Inkong, Katipot; Kulprathipanja, Santi; Kitiyanan, Boonyarach; Rangsunvigit, Pramoch

2018-06-01

Sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) markedly improved tetrahydrofuran (THF) - assisted methane hydrate formation. Firstly, methane hydrate formation with different THF amount, 1, 3, and 5.56 mol%, was studied. SDS with 1, 4, and 8 mM was then investigated for its roles on the methane hydrate formation with and without THF. The experiments were conducted in a quiescent condition in a fixed volume crystallizer at 8 MPa and 4°C. The results showed that almost all studied THF and SDS concentrations enhanced the methane hydrate formation kinetics and methane consumption compared to that without the promoters, except 1 mol% THF. Although, with 1 mol% THF, there were no hydrates formed for 48 hours, the addition of just 1 mM SDS surprisingly promoted the hydrate formation with a significant increased in the kinetics. This prompts the use of methane hydrate technology for natural gas storage application with minimal promoters.

The comparative clinical efficacy of pyrophosphate/triclosan, copolymer/triclosan and zinc citrate/triclosan dentifrices for the reduction of supragingival calculus formation.

PubMed

Fairbrother, K J; Kowolik, M J; Curzon, M E; Müller, I; McKeown, S; Hill, C M; Hannigan, C; Bartizek, R D; White, D J

1997-01-01

Three triclosan-containing "multi-benefit" dentifrices were compared for clinical efficacy in reducing supragingival calculus formation following a dental prophylaxis. A total of 544 subjects completed a double-blind parallel-group clinical study using the Volpe-Manhold Index (VMI) to record severity and occurrence of supragingival calculus. The study design included a pre-test period where the calculus formation rate was measured in subjects brushing with a placebo dentifrice. Following a prophylaxis, subjects were stratified for age, gender and VMI scores and assigned to one of four treatments: 1) a dentifrice containing 5.0% soluble pyrophosphate/0.145% fluoride as NaF/silica abrasive/0.28% triclosan (hereafter PPi/TCS-comparable to Crest Complete dentifrice, Procter & Gamble, UK); 2) a commercial dentifrice containing 2.0% Gantrez acid copolymer/ 0.145% fluoride as NaF/silica abrasive/0.30% triclosan (hereafter Gan/TCS-Colgate Total dentifrice, Colgate-Palmolive Company, UK); 3) a commercial dentifrice containing 0.5% zinc citrate trihydrate/0.15% fluoride as sodium monofluorophosphate/silica abrasive/0.20% triclosan (hereafter Zn/TCS-Mentadent P dentifrice, Unilever, UK); and 4) a control dentifrice comprised of 0.145% fluoride as NaF/silica abrasive (hereafter Control). Subjects were instructed to use their assigned dentifrice at least twice per day and to brush as they do normally. Supragingival calculus formation was assesed at two and four months using site-specific and whole-mouth VMI indices for both calculus severity and occurrence. Following four months of use, the PPi/TCS dentifrice provided statistically significant reductions in calculus severity (22-23%) and occurrence (15%) as compared with the Control dentifrice. The Zn/TCS dentifrice also provided significant reductions in calculus severity (17-19%) and occurrence (12-13%) as compared with the Control. The Gan/TCS produced no statistically significant reductions in calculus formation (occurrence or severity) compared with the Control. The PPi/TCS dentifrice provided statistically significant reductions in calculus severity (15-21%) and occurrence (12-16%) as compared with the Gan/TCS dentifrice. These results support the clinical effectiveness of PPi/TCS and Zn/TCS dentifrices for the reduction of supragingival dental calculus formation following a dental prophylaxis.

Reduction of disinfection by-product precursors in reservoir water by coagulation and ultrafiltration.

PubMed

Wang, Feng; Gao, Baoyu; Ma, Defang; Yue, Qinyan; Li, Ruihua; Wang, Qianwen

2016-11-01

In this study, reservoir water intended for drinking water supply was treated by (i) ultrafiltration (UF) (ii) coagulation (CW) (iii) coagulation combined with ultrafiltration (CW-UF). To probe the influences of three treatment processes on disinfection byproduct (DBP) precursors in source water, the changes of dissolved organic matter (DOM) amounts and physicochemical properties, and disinfection byproduct (DBP) formation characteristics during chlorine disinfection were investigated. Both carbonaceous DBP (C-DBP) and nitrogenous DBP (N-DBP) formation and speciation were analyzed. The influence of chlorine dose, contact time on DBP formation and speciation were also studied to optimize the disinfection conditions to minimize the DBP formation. Compared with UF and CW alone, CW-UF improved the dissolved organic carbon (DOC) removal from about 20 % to 59 %. The three-dimensional excitation and emission matrix (3DEEM) fluorescence spectroscopy analysis showed that CW-UF had high removal efficiency in microbial products (Region IV), fulvic acid-like (Region III) and humic acid-like (Region V). The total C-DBP was determined by the formation of trihalomethanes and trichloromethane was the most abundant species (40 %). The most abundant N-DBP species was dichloroacetonitrile (32.5 %), followed by trichloroactetonitrile. CW-UF effectively reduced the risk of DBPs in drinking water supply by reducing 30.8 % and 16.9 % DBPs formation potential compared with UF and CW alone. Increasing contact time improved the yields of both C-DBPs and N-DBPs. Chlorine dosage had slight influence on DBP yield in this study.

Successful Developmental Math Students in Traditional Format and Online Delivery: A Comparative Study

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Thomas, Jeremy Lloyd

2016-01-01

The purpose of this study was to compare student performance in online and traditional classroom based developmental math courses at Texas community colleges. This study specifically examined: (a) student performance in both delivery methods, (b) students who successfully completed the developmental math course, and (c) student performance in the…

47 CFR 73.4082 - Comparative broadcast hearings-specialized programming formats.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

... 47 Telecommunication 4 2011-10-01 2011-10-01 false Comparative broadcast hearings-specialized programming formats. 73.4082 Section 73.4082 Telecommunication FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION (CONTINUED... Comparative broadcast hearings—specialized programming formats. (a) See Memorandum Opinion and Order, FCC 80...

47 CFR 73.4082 - Comparative broadcast hearings-specialized programming formats.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-10-01

... 47 Telecommunication 4 2014-10-01 2014-10-01 false Comparative broadcast hearings-specialized programming formats. 73.4082 Section 73.4082 Telecommunication FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION (CONTINUED... Comparative broadcast hearings—specialized programming formats. (a) See Memorandum Opinion and Order, FCC 80...

47 CFR 73.4082 - Comparative broadcast hearings-specialized programming formats.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... 47 Telecommunication 4 2010-10-01 2010-10-01 false Comparative broadcast hearings-specialized programming formats. 73.4082 Section 73.4082 Telecommunication FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION (CONTINUED... Comparative broadcast hearings—specialized programming formats. (a) See Memorandum Opinion and Order, FCC 80...

47 CFR 73.4082 - Comparative broadcast hearings-specialized programming formats.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-10-01

... 47 Telecommunication 4 2012-10-01 2012-10-01 false Comparative broadcast hearings-specialized programming formats. 73.4082 Section 73.4082 Telecommunication FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION (CONTINUED... Comparative broadcast hearings—specialized programming formats. (a) See Memorandum Opinion and Order, FCC 80...

47 CFR 73.4082 - Comparative broadcast hearings-specialized programming formats.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-10-01

... 47 Telecommunication 4 2013-10-01 2013-10-01 false Comparative broadcast hearings-specialized programming formats. 73.4082 Section 73.4082 Telecommunication FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION (CONTINUED... Comparative broadcast hearings—specialized programming formats. (a) See Memorandum Opinion and Order, FCC 80...

3D vortex formation of drag-based propulsors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kim, Daegyoum; Gharib, Morteza

2008-11-01

Three dimensional vortex formation mechanism of impulsively rotating plates is studied experimentally using defocusing digital particle image velocimetry. The plate face is normal to the moving direction to simulate drag-based propulsion and only one power stroke is considered. In order to compare the effect of shape on vortex generation, three different shapes of plate (rectangular, triangular and duck's webbed-foot shapes) are used. These three cases show striking differences in vortex formation process during power stroke. Axial flow is shown to play an important role in the tip vortex formation. Correlation between hydrodynamic forces acting on the plate and vortex formation processes is described.

Seeing is believing: the direct and contingent influence of pictures in health promotion advertising.

PubMed

Chang, Chingching

2013-01-01

Because pictures, compared with words, are more effective in triggering vivid imagery, their effects should increase in situations in which they play a crucial role in facilitating imagery. This study accordingly explored the relative effects of information presented in pictorial formats and verbal formats in health promotion advertising. Symptoms presented in pictorial formats increased perceptions of the severity of a disease, whereas prevention options presented in pictorial formats enhanced efficacy in preventing the disease. This study also examined two contingent situations: when people were oriented toward visual processing, and when imagery could not be easily triggered without the help of pictures, such as when symptoms or prevention options were difficult or unpleasant to imagine. The findings of three studies supported the offered predictions.

The influence of formative assessments on student motivation, achievement, and conceptual change

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yin, Yue

2005-07-01

This study connected research on formative assessment, motivation, and conceptual change. In particular, it examined three research questions: (1) Can formative assessment improve students' motivational beliefs? (2) Can formative assessment improve students' achievement in science and bring about conceptual change? and (3) Are students' science achievement and conceptual change correlated with their motivational beliefs? Formative assessment in this study refers to assessments embedded in an inquiry-based curriculum. To answer those questions, a randomized experiment was conducted. One thousand and two 6th or 7th graders of 12 teachers in 12 different schools in six states participated in the study. The 12 teachers were matched in pairs and randomly assigned to the experimental and control group. The experimental group employed embedded formative assessments while teaching a science curriculum unit and the control group taught the same unit without formative assessments. All the students were given a motivation survey and one or more achievement tests at pre- and posttest. By comparing the experimental and control students' motivation and achievement scores at pretest and posttest, I examined whether the formative assessment treatment affected students' motivation, learning, and conceptual change. By correlating students' posttest motivation, achievement as well as conceptual change scores, I examined whether students' motivation was related to their achievement and conceptual change. Analyses indicated that, the embedded assessments used by the experimental group did not significantly influence students' motivation, achievement, or conceptual change compared to students in the control group. Most motivation beliefs were correlated with students' achievement in a way similar to what has been reported in the literature. They were not correlated with students' conceptual change scores as hypothesized. Teachers, as well as some contextual factors associated with teachers, were extremely influential on students' motivation, achievement, and conceptual change; teacher effects overshadowed the treatment effect. This study revealed many of the challenges and problems teachers, researchers and randomized experiments are likely to encounter. It also highlighted the difficulty and importance of high-fidelity formative assessment implementation. Finally, it suggested that a cognitive approach in studying conceptual change still has great value to further research.

Tridax procumbens flavonoids: a prospective bioactive compound increased osteoblast differentiation and trabecular bone formation.

PubMed

Al Mamun, Md Abdullah; Hosen, Mohammad Jakir; Khatun, Amina; Alam, M Masihul; Al-Bari, Md Abdul Alim

2017-09-08

The Tridax procumbens extracts (TPE) are known for their ethno-medicinal properties to increase osteogenic functioning in mesenchymal stem cells. Recently, we found that the T. procumbens flavonoids (TPF) significantly suppressed the RANKL-induced osteoclasts differentiation and bone resorption. The TPF also promoted osteoblasts differentiation and bone formation demonstrated by increasing bone formation markers in cultured mouse primary osteoblasts. However, the effects of the TPF on in vivo bone formation remain unclear. In this study, we investigated the effects of the TPF on in vivo bone formation, injected the TPF (20 mg/kg) twice a day in the low calcium diet mice and killed them after 21 day. Radiographic and histomorphometric analyses were performed on the dissected bones to determine the anabolic effects of the TPF. Bone mineral density and bone mineral content of the TPF-treated mice were significantly increased compared to the control mice. Bone formation-related indices like osteoblast number, osteoblast surface, bone volume, mineralizing surface, mineral apposition rate and bone formation rate were significantly increased in the TPF-treated mice compared to the control mice. Our findings point towards the stimulation of bone formation by TPF, suggested that the TPF could be a potential natural anabolic agent to treat patients with bone loss-associated diseases such as osteoporosis.

Comparative evaluation of bovine derived hydroxyapatite and synthetic hydroxyapatite graft in bone regeneration of human maxillary cystic defects: a clinico-radiological study.

PubMed

Kattimani, Vivekanand S; Chakravarthi, Srinivas P; Neelima Devi, K Naga; Sridhar, Meka S; Prasad, L Krishna

2014-01-01

Bone grafts are frequently used in the treatment of bone defects. Bone harvesting can cause postoperative complications and sometimes does not provide a sufficient quantity of bone. Therefore, synthetic biomaterials have been investigated as an alternative to autogenous bone grafts. The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare bovine derived hydroxyapatite (BHA) and synthetic hydroxyapatite (SHA) graft material as bone graft substitute in maxillary cystic bony defects. Patients were analyzed by computerized densitometric study and digital radiography. In this study, 12 patients in each group were included randomly after clinical and radiological evaluation. The integration of hydroxyapatite was assessed with mean bone density, surgical site margin, and radiological bone formation characteristics, of the successful graft cases using computer densitometry and radio-visiograph. Statistical analysis was carried out using Mann-Whitney U-test, Wilcoxon matched pairs test and paired t-test. By the end of 24 th week, the grafted defects radiologically and statistically showed similar volumes of bone formation. However, the significant changes observed in the formation of bone and merging of material and surgical site margin at 1 st week to 1 st month. The results were significant and correlating with all the parameters showing the necessity of the grafting for early bone formation. However, the bone formation pattern is different in both BHA and SHA group at 3 rd month interval with significant P value. Both BHA and SHA graft materials are biocompatible for filling bone defects, showing less resorption and enhanced bone formation with similar efficacy. Our study showed maximum bone healing within 12 weeks of grafting of defects. The BHA is economical; however, price difference between the two is very nominal.

Physicians' perception of alternative displays of clinical research evidence for clinical decision support - A study with case vignettes.

PubMed

Slager, Stacey L; Weir, Charlene R; Kim, Heejun; Mostafa, Javed; Del Fiol, Guilherme

2017-07-01

To design alternate information displays that present summaries of clinical trial results to clinicians to support decision-making; and to compare the displays according to efficacy and acceptability. A 6-between (information display presentation order) by 3-within (display type) factorial design. Two alternate displays were designed based on Information Foraging theory: a narrative summary that reduces the content to a few sentences; and a table format that structures the display according to the PICO (Population, Intervention, Comparison, Outcome) framework. The designs were compared with the summary display format available in PubMed. Physicians were asked to review five clinical studies retrieved for a case vignette; and were presented with the three display formats. Participants were asked to rate their experience with each of the information displays according to a Likert scale questionnaire. Twenty physicians completed the study. Overall, participants rated the table display more highly than either the text summary or PubMed's summary format (5.9vs. 5.4vs. 3.9 on a scale between 1 [strongly disagree] and 7 [strongly agree]). Usefulness ratings of seven pieces of information, i.e. patient population, patient age range, sample size, study arm, primary outcome, results of primary outcome, and conclusion, were high (average across all items=4.71 on a 1 to 5 scale, with 1=not at all useful and 5=very useful). Study arm, primary outcome, and conclusion scored the highest (4.9, 4.85, and 4.85 respectively). Participants suggested additional details such as rate of adverse effects. The table format reduced physicians' perceived cognitive effort when quickly reviewing clinical trial information and was more favorably received by physicians than the narrative summary or PubMed's summary format display. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Insight into Temperature Dependence of GTPase Activity in Human Guanylate Binding Protein-1

PubMed Central

Rahman, Safikur; Deep, Shashank; Sau, Apurba Kumar

2012-01-01

Interferon-γ induced human guanylate binding protein-1(hGBP1) belongs to a family of dynamin related large GTPases. Unlike all other GTPases, hGBP1 hydrolyzes GTP to a mixture of GDP and GMP with GMP being the major product at 37°C but GDP became significant when the hydrolysis reaction was carried out at 15°C. The hydrolysis reaction in hGBP1 is believed to involve with a number of catalytic steps. To investigate the effect of temperature in the product formation and on the different catalytic complexes of hGBP1, we carried out temperature dependent GTPase assays, mutational analysis, chemical and thermal denaturation studies. The Arrhenius plot for both GDP and GMP interestingly showed nonlinear behaviour, suggesting that the product formation from the GTP-bound enzyme complex is associated with at least more than one step. The negative activation energy for GDP formation and GTPase assay with external GDP together indicate that GDP formation occurs through the reversible dissociation of GDP-bound enzyme dimer to monomer, which further reversibly dissociates to give the product. Denaturation studies of different catalytic complexes show that unlike other complexes the free energy of GDP-bound hGBP1 decreases significantly at lower temperature. GDP formation is found to be dependent on the free energy of the GDP-bound enzyme complex. The decrease in the free energy of this complex at low temperature compared to at high is the reason for higher GDP formation at low temperature. Thermal denaturation studies also suggest that the difference in the free energy of the GTP-bound enzyme dimer compared to its monomer plays a crucial role in the product formation; higher stability favours GMP but lower favours GDP. Thus, this study provides the first thermodynamic insight into the effect of temperature in the product formation of hGBP1. PMID:22859948

Web-based vs. traditional classroom instruction in gerontology: a pilot study.

PubMed

Gallagher, Judith E; Dobrosielski-Vergona, Kathleen A; Wingard, Robin G; Williams, Theresa M

2005-01-01

Numerous studies have documented comparable outcomes from Web-based and traditional classroom instruction. However, there is a paucity of literature comparing these two delivery formats for gerontology courses in dental hygiene curricula. This study examines the effectiveness of alternative methods of course delivery by comparing student profiles and instructional outcomes from a dental hygiene gerontology course offered both on the Web and in a traditional classroom setting. Questionnaires were sent to both groups of students completing the course. The instrument was designed to establish profiles of the participating students. The data collected included familiarity with Web-based instruction, extent of prior computer training, previous interaction with the elderly, and student evaluations of course effectiveness. Traditional instructional outcomes from evaluated course work were compared, as were post-course exam outcomes that assessed retention of course information six months after course completion. The statistical significance of these data was determined using Statistical Package for Social Scientists software (SPSS, Inc., version 12.0, Chicago, IL). A comparison of student characteristics enrolled in the two course formats revealed marked differences. The Web-based group (n=12) included dental hygiene students (67%) and other health care providers (25%). All participants in the traditional classroom format (n=32) were dental hygiene students. Half of the Web-based respondents were over 25 years of age, and the majority (n=8) had previously taken an online course. The majority of traditional classroom students were 25 years of age or younger (n=21) and had never taken a Web-based course (n=20). Statistically significant differences in instructional outcomes were observed between students enrolled in these two formats. Student retention of course material six months after completion of the course was greater in the Web-based format. Students selecting a Web-based course format demonstrated greater motivation and learning success based on final course grades, completion of assignments, and knowledge retention over time. Age, previous experience with online courses, and selection of teaching mode are factors that may confound course delivery method to influence instructional outcomes in a gerontology course within a dental hygiene curriculum.

FTIR cryospectroscopic and ab initio studies of desflurane-dimethyl ether H-bonded complexes.

PubMed

Melikova, S M; Rutkowski, K S; Rospenk, M

2017-09-05

The IR spectra of mixtures of desflurane and dimethyl ether are studied with the help of FTIR cryospectroscopy in liquefied Kr at T~118-158K. Comparative analysis of the experimental data and results of ab initio calculations show that either of the two C-H groups of desflurane is involved in heterodimer formation of comparable strengths. The blue frequency shift is found for stretching vibrations of those C-H donors which directly participate in H-bond formation. Additionally the complexes are stabilized by weaker contacts between hydrogen atoms of dimethyl ether and fluorine atoms of desflurane. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Formation Flying for Distributed InSAR

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Scharf, Daniel P.; Murray, Emmanuell A.; Ploen, Scott R.; Gromov, Konstantin G.; Chen, Curtis W.

2006-01-01

We consider two spacecraft flying in formation to create interferometric synthetic aperture radar (InSAR). Several candidate orbits for such in InSar formation have been previously determined based on radar performance and Keplerian orbital dynamics. However, with out active control, disturbance-induced drift can degrade radar performance and (in the worst case) cause a collision. This study evaluates the feasibility of operating the InSAR spacecraft as a formation, that is, with inner-spacecraft sensing and control. We describe the candidate InSAR orbits, design formation guidance and control architectures and algorithms, and report the (Delta)(nu) and control acceleration requirements for the candidate orbits for several tracking performance levels. As part of determining formation requirements, a formation guidance algorithm called Command Virtual Structure is introduced that can reduce the (Delta)(nu) requirements compared to standard Leader/Follower formation approaches.

Caspase inhibition supports proper gene expression in ex vivo mouse limb cultures.

PubMed

De Valck, D; Luyten, F P

2001-10-01

We standardized conditions for ex vivo mouse limb culture to study cartilage maturation and joint formation. We compared 12.5 d.p.c. mouse forelimbs that were cultured either mounted or freely rotating for up to 72 h. Limb outgrowth progressed ex vivo at a variable rate as compared to its development in vivo, spanning approximately 48 h. Although cartilage maturation and joint formation developed grossly normal, aberrant expression of skeletal marker genes was seen. Interestingly, no regression of the interdigital webs took place in mounted cultures, in contrast to limited webbing under freely rotating conditions. Caspase inhibition, by addition of zVAD-fmk to the culture medium of freely rotating limbs, supported proper gene expression associated with skeletal development, and prevented interdigital web regression. Taken together, a freely rotating ex vivo culture for mouse limb outgrowth that is combined with caspase inhibition provides a good model to study cartilage maturation and joint formation.

PPIs Prevent Aspirin-Induced Gastrointestinal Bleeding Better than H2RAs. A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

PubMed

Szabó, Imre L; Mátics, Robert; Hegyi, Peter; Garami, Andras; Illés, Anita; Sarlós, Patricia; Bajor, Judit; Szűcs, Akos; Mosztbacher, Dora; Márta, Katalin; Szemes, Kata; Csekő, Kata; Kővári, Balint; Rumbus, Zoltan; Vincze, Áron

2017-12-01

Aspirin is one of the most widely used medication for its analgesic and anti-platelet properties and thus a major cause for gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding. This study compared the preventive effect of histamine-2 receptor antagonists (H2RAs) and proton-pump inhibitors (PPIs) against chronic low-dose aspirin (LDA)-related GI bleeding and ulcer formation. Electronic databases of Pubmed, Embase and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were searched for human observations (randomised controlled trials and observational studies) comparing the long term effects of PPIs and H2RAs treatment in the prevention of GI bleeding or ulcer formation in patients on chronic LDA treatment listed up till September 30, 2016. Two independent authors searched databases using PICO questions (aspirin, H2RA, PPI, GI bleeding or ulcer), and reviewed abstracts and articles for comprehensive studies keeping adequate study quality. Data of weighted odds ratios were statistically evaluated using Comprehensive Metaanalysis (Biostat, Inc., Engelwood, MJ, USA), potential bias was checked. Nine studies for GI bleeding and eight studies for ulcer formation were found meeting inclusion criteria, altogether 1,879 patients were included into review. The H2RAs prevented less effectively LDA-related GI bleeding (OR= 2.102, 95% CI: 1.008-4.385, p<0.048) and ulcer formation (OR= 2.257, 95% CI: 1.277-3.989, p<0.005) than PPIs. The meta-analysis showed that H2RAs were less effective in the prevention of LDA-related GI bleeding and ulcer formation suggesting the preferable usage of PPIs in case of tolerance.

A possible formation scenario for dwarf spheroidal galaxies - III. Adding star formation histories to the fiducial model

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Alarcón Jara, A. G.; Fellhauer, M.; Matus Carrillo, D. R.; Assmann, P.; Urrutia Zapata, F.; Hazeldine, J.; Aravena, C. A.

2018-02-01

Dwarf spheroidal galaxies are regarded as the basic building blocks in the formation of larger galaxies and are the most dark matter dominated systems in the Universe, known so far. There are several models that attempt to explain their formation and evolution, but they have problems modelling the formation of isolated dwarf spheroidal galaxies. Here, we will explain a possible formation scenario in which star clusters form inside the dark matter halo of a dwarf spheroidal galaxy. These star clusters suffer from low star formation efficiency and dissolve while orbiting inside the dark matter halo. Thereby, they build the faint luminous components that we observe in dwarf spheroidal galaxies. In this paper, we study this model by adding different star formation histories to the simulations and compare the results with our previous work and observational data to show that we can explain the formation of dwarf spheroidal galaxies.

Influences of Problem Format and SES on Preschoolers' Understanding of Approximate Addition

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

McNeil, Nicole M.; Fuhs, Mary Wagner; Keultjes, M. Claire; Gibson, Matthew H.

2011-01-01

Recent studies suggest that 5-year-olds can add and compare large numerical quantities through approximate representations of number. However, the nature of this understanding and its susceptibility to environmental influences remain unclear. We examined whether children's early competence depends on the canonical problem format (i.e., arithmetic…

A Comparison of Three Test Formats to Assess Word Difficulty

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Culligan, Brent

2015-01-01

This study compared three common vocabulary test formats, the Yes/No test, the Vocabulary Knowledge Scale (VKS), and the Vocabulary Levels Test (VLT), as measures of vocabulary difficulty. Vocabulary difficulty was defined as the item difficulty estimated through Item Response Theory (IRT) analysis. Three tests were given to 165 Japanese students,…

Item Selection and Ability Estimation Procedures for a Mixed-Format Adaptive Test

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ho, Tsung-Han; Dodd, Barbara G.

2012-01-01

In this study we compared five item selection procedures using three ability estimation methods in the context of a mixed-format adaptive test based on the generalized partial credit model. The item selection procedures used were maximum posterior weighted information, maximum expected information, maximum posterior weighted Kullback-Leibler…

A Comparison of Three Professional Development Mechanisms for Improving the Quality of Standards-Based IEP Objectives

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Lowman, J. Joneen

2016-01-01

Professional development is a necessary component of maintaining competency in professional practice. Technology has opened the door to new formats for delivering professional development, in addition to more traditional modes of training. This study compared three professional development formats for improving the quality of standards-based…

How Enterprise Education Can Promote Deep Learning to Improve Student Employability

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Moon, Rob; Curtis, Vic; Dupernex, Simon

2013-01-01

This paper focuses on identifying the approaches students take to their learning, with particular regard to issues of enterprise, entrepreneurship and innovation when comparing the traditional lecture format to a more applied, practice-based case study format. The notions of deep and surface learning are used to explain student learning. More…

Identity Formation in Adolescents from Italian, Mixed, and Migrant Families

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Crocetti, Elisabetta; Fermani, Alessandra; Pojaghi, Barbara; Meeus, Wim

2011-01-01

The purpose of this study was to compare identity formation in adolescents from Italian (n = 261), mixed (n = 100), and migrant families (n =148). Participants completed the Italian version of the Utrecht-Management of Identity Commitments Scale that assesses identity processes in educational and relational domains. Within a variable-centered…

Panel Design Variations in the Multistage Test Using the Mixed-Format Tests

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kim, Jiseon; Chung, Hyewon; Dodd, Barbara G.; Park, Ryoungsun

2012-01-01

This study compared various panel designs of the multistage test (MST) using mixed-format tests in the context of classification testing. Simulations varied the design of the first-stage module. The first stage was constructed according to three levels of test information functions (TIFs) with three different TIF centers. Additional computerized…

Theoretical survey on positronium formation and ionisation in positron atom scattering

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Basu, Madhumita; Ghosh, A. S.

1990-01-01

The recent theoretical studies are surveyed and reported on the formation of exotic atoms in positron-hydrogen, positron-helium and positron-lithium scattering specially at intermediate energy region. The ionizations of these targets by positron impact was also considered. Theoretical predictions for both the processes are compared with existing measured values.

Simultaneous junction formation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Campbell, R. B.

1984-01-01

High-risk, high-payoff improvements to a baseline process sequence of simultaneous junction formation of silicon solar cells are discussed. The feasibility of simultaneously forming front and back junctions of solar cells using liquid dopants on dendritic web silicon was studied. Simultaneous diffusion was compared to sequential diffusion. A belt furnace for the diffusion process was tested.

Stimulus Variation as a Means of Enhancing Punishment Effects.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Charlop, Marjorie H.; And Others

1988-01-01

The study examined effects of varied punishers (overcorrection, time-out, or a verbal "no" compared with the single presentation of one punisher (a loud noise) on occurrence of inappropriate behaviors in three developmentally delayed children (ages 5-6). Both formats produced a decrease in target behaviors, with the varied-punisher format slightly…

Comparison of Difficulties and Reliabilities of Math-Completion and Multiple-Choice Item Formats.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Oosterhof, Albert C.; Coats, Pamela K.

Instructors who develop classroom examinations that require students to provide a numerical response to a mathematical problem are often very concerned about the appropriateness of the multiple-choice format. The present study augments previous research relevant to this concern by comparing the difficulty and reliability of multiple-choice and…

A Comparison of Simplified-Visually Rich and Traditional Presentation Styles

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Johnson, Douglas A.; Christensen, Jack

2011-01-01

Microsoft PowerPoint and similar presentation tools have become commonplace in higher education, yet there is very little research on the effectiveness of different PowerPoint formats for implementing this software. This study compared two PowerPoint presentation techniques: a more traditional format employing heavy use of bullet points with text…

Characterization of SrCo1.5Ti1.5Fe9O19 hexagonal ferrite synthesized by sol-gel combustion and solid state route

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vinaykumar, R.; Mazumder, R.; Bera, J.

2017-05-01

Co-Ti co-substituted SrM hexagonal ferrite (SrCo1.5Ti1.5Fe9O19) was synthesized by sol-gel combustion and solid state route. The effects of sources of TiO2 raw materials; titanium tetra-isopropoxide (TTIP) and titanyl nitrate (TN) on the phase formation behavior and properties of the ferrite were studied. The thermal decomposition behavior of the gel was studied using TG-DSC. The phase formation behavior of the ferrite was studied by using X-ray powder diffraction and FTIR analysis. Phase formation was comparatively easier in the TN-based sol-gel process. The morphology of powder and sintered ferrite was investigated using scanning electron microscope. Magnetic properties like magnetization, coercivity, permeability, tan δμ and dielectric properties were investigated. The ferrite synthesized by sol-gel based chemical route showed higher saturation magnetization, permeability and permittivity compared to the ferrite synthesized by solid state route.

3D printed alendronate-releasing poly(caprolactone) porous scaffolds enhance osteogenic differentiation and bone formation in rat tibial defects.

PubMed

Kim, Sung Eun; Yun, Young-Pil; Shim, Kyu-Sik; Kim, Hak-Jun; Park, Kyeongsoon; Song, Hae-Ryong

2016-09-29

The aim of this study was to evaluate the in vitro osteogenic effects and in vivo new bone formation of three-dimensional (3D) printed alendronate (Aln)-releasing poly(caprolactone) (PCL) (Aln/PCL) scaffolds in rat tibial defect models. 3D printed Aln/PCL scaffolds were fabricated via layer-by-layer deposition. The fabricated Aln/PCL scaffolds had high porosity and an interconnected pore structure and showed sustained Aln release. In vitro studies showed that MG-63 cells seeded on the Aln/PCL scaffolds displayed increased alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity and calcium content in a dose-dependent manner when compared with cell cultures in PCL scaffolds. In addition, in vivo animal studies and histologic evaluation showed that Aln/PCL scaffolds implanted in a rat tibial defect model markedly increased new bone formation and mineralized bone tissues in a dose-dependent manner compared to PCL-only scaffolds. Our results show that 3D printed Aln/PCL scaffolds are promising templates for bone tissue engineering applications.

The Influence of Varying Cost Formats on Preferences

PubMed Central

Jiang, Charles Changchuan; Fraenkel, Liana

2016-01-01

Background Numerous studies have found that cost strongly influences patients’ decision-making. The objective of this study was to explore the impact of varying cost formats on patients’ preferences. Methods Mechanical Turk workers completed a choice based conjoint (CBC) analysis survey. The CBC survey was designed to examine stated preferences for second line agents used to treat diabetes using five attributes: route of administration, efficacy, risk of low blood sugar, frequency of checking blood sugar levels and cost. We developed seven versions of the CBC survey which were identical except for the cost attribute. We described cost in terms of: Affordability, Monthly co-pay, Dollar Sign Rating, How Expensive or How Cheap compared to other medications, Monthly Co-pay, Working Hours Equivalent (per month) and Percent of Monthly Income. The resulting part-worth utilities were used to calculate the relative importance of cost and to estimate treatment preferences for a sulfonylurea, exenatide and insulin. Results The relative impact of cost varied significantly across the seven formats. Cost had the greatest influence on participants’ decisions when framed in terms of Affordability [mean (SD) relative importance = 37.3 (0.9)] and the lowest influence when framed in terms of How Cheap (compared to other drugs) [mean (SD) relative importance= 12.1 (0.9)]. A sulfonylurea was strongly preferred across four of the seven formats. Preference for insulin, the most effective, albeit riskiest option, was low across all cost formats. Conclusions The format used to describe cost influences how this attribute impacts patients’ preferences. Individuals are most cost-sensitive when cost is framed in terms of affordability and least cost-sensitive when cost is described in terms of how cheap the medication is compared to others. PMID:27856826

Post-operative ovarian adhesion formation after ovarian drilling: a randomized study comparing conventional laparoscopy and transvaginal hydrolaparoscopy.

PubMed

Giampaolino, Pierluigi; Morra, Ilaria; Tommaselli, Giovanni Antonio; Di Carlo, Costantino; Nappi, Carmine; Bifulco, Giuseppe

2016-10-01

To compare conventional laparoscopic ovarian drilling (LOD) with transvaginal hydrolaparoscopy (THL) ovarian drilling in terms of ovarian adhesion formation, evaluated using office THL during follow-up in CC-resistant anovulatory patients affected by PCOS. Prospective randomized study on 246 CC-resistant women with PCOS. The patients enrolled were divided into two groups, 123 were scheduled to undergo LOD and 123 to undergo THL ovarian drilling. Six months after the procedure all patients were offered office transvaginal hydrolaparoscopy (THL) follow-up, under local anesthesia to evaluate adhesion formation. Duration of the procedure was significantly shorter in the THL group in comparison with LOD group (p < 0.0001). No intra- or post-operative complication was observed in any of the patients in both groups. Post-operative THL follow-up after 6 months showed that 15 (15.5 %) patients in the THL group and 73 (70.2 %) in the LOD group showed the presence of ovarian adhesion. This difference was highly significant with a p value <0.0001 and a relative risk of 0.22 [95 % IC 0.133-0.350]. This study seems to indicate that THL ovarian drilling may reduce the risk of ovarian adhesion formation and could be used as a safe and effective option to reduce ovarian adhesion formation in patients undergoing ovarian drilling.

Effect of a triclosan/PVM/MA copolymer/fluoride dentifrice on volatile sulfur compounds in vitro.

PubMed

Pilch, S; Williams, M I; Cummins, D

2005-01-01

The objective of the investigation was to document the in vitro efficacy of a triclosan/PVM/MA copolymer/fluoride (TCF) dentifrice against the formation of volatile sulfur compounds (VSC) as well as the growth of H2S-producing bacteria. Clinical studies using organoleptic judges, gas chromatography, or a portable sulfide monitor have generally been employed in the assessment of treatments for the control of oral malodor. However, these studies are not appropriate for screening purposes because of the expense and time required. An in vitro method was developed for the purpose of screening new compounds, agents or formulations for their ability to control VSC formation and for determining bio-equivalence of efficacy when implementing changes in existing formulations. The method combines basic microbiological methods, dynamic flow cell techniques and head space analysis. The in vitro VSC method was validated by comparing the efficacy of two dentifrices containing TCF with a control fluoride dentifrice as the TCF products have been clinically proven to control oral malodor. In the validation studies, the TCF-containing dentifrices were significantly better (P < 0.05) than the control dentifrice in inhibiting VSC formation and reducing H(2)S-producing bacteria. For example, when compared with baseline, the TCF dentifrices reduced VSC formation between 42 and 49% compared with the control dentifrice which reduced VSC formation 3%. There was no significant difference (P > 0.05) between the two TCF dentifrice formulations. Using an in vitro breath VSC model, it has been demonstrated that two variants of a dentifrice containing triclosan, PVM/MA copolymer and fluoride have efficacy that is significantly better than a control fluoridated dentifrice and that there is no significant difference between the triclosan/PVM/MA copolymer/fluoride dentifrice variants.

Does user-centred design affect the efficiency, usability and safety of CPOE order sets?

PubMed

Chan, Julie; Shojania, Kaveh G; Easty, Anthony C; Etchells, Edward E

2011-05-01

Application of user-centred design principles to Computerized provider order entry (CPOE) systems may improve task efficiency, usability or safety, but there is limited evaluative research of its impact on CPOE systems. We evaluated the task efficiency, usability, and safety of three order set formats: our hospital's planned CPOE order sets (CPOE Test), computer order sets based on user-centred design principles (User Centred Design), and existing pre-printed paper order sets (Paper). 27 staff physicians, residents and medical students. Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, an academic hospital in Toronto, Canada. Methods Participants completed four simulated order set tasks with three order set formats (two CPOE Test tasks, one User Centred Design, and one Paper). Order of presentation of order set formats and tasks was randomized. Users received individual training for the CPOE Test format only. Completion time (efficiency), requests for assistance (usability), and errors in the submitted orders (safety). 27 study participants completed 108 order sets. Mean task times were: User Centred Design format 273 s, Paper format 293 s (p=0.73 compared to UCD format), and CPOE Test format 637 s (p<0.0001 compared to UCD format). Users requested assistance in 31% of the CPOE Test format tasks, whereas no assistance was needed for the other formats (p<0.01). There were no significant differences in number of errors between formats. The User Centred Design format was more efficient and usable than the CPOE Test format even though training was provided for the latter. We conclude that application of user-centred design principles can enhance task efficiency and usability, increasing the likelihood of successful implementation.

Does user-centred design affect the efficiency, usability and safety of CPOE order sets?

PubMed Central

Chan, Julie; Shojania, Kaveh G; Easty, Anthony C

2011-01-01

Background Application of user-centred design principles to Computerized provider order entry (CPOE) systems may improve task efficiency, usability or safety, but there is limited evaluative research of its impact on CPOE systems. Objective We evaluated the task efficiency, usability, and safety of three order set formats: our hospital's planned CPOE order sets (CPOE Test), computer order sets based on user-centred design principles (User Centred Design), and existing pre-printed paper order sets (Paper). Participants 27staff physicians, residents and medical students. Setting Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, an academic hospital in Toronto, Canada. Methods Participants completed four simulated order set tasks with three order set formats (two CPOE Test tasks, one User Centred Design, and one Paper). Order of presentation of order set formats and tasks was randomized. Users received individual training for the CPOE Test format only. Main Measures Completion time (efficiency), requests for assistance (usability), and errors in the submitted orders (safety). Results 27 study participants completed 108 order sets. Mean task times were: User Centred Design format 273 s, Paper format 293 s (p=0.73 compared to UCD format), and CPOE Test format 637 s (p<0.0001 compared to UCD format). Users requested assistance in 31% of the CPOE Test format tasks, whereas no assistance was needed for the other formats (p<0.01). There were no significant differences in number of errors between formats. Conclusions The User Centred Design format was more efficient and usable than the CPOE Test format even though training was provided for the latter. We conclude that application of user-centred design principles can enhance task efficiency and usability, increasing the likelihood of successful implementation. PMID:21486886

Comparative petrology of arkosic sandstone lithofacies of Cowlitz, Spencer, and Yamhill Formations, northwest Oregon

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

Van Atta, R.O.

Recent discovery (1979) and commercial production of natural gas in arkosic sandstone (Clark and Wilson sand, informal) of the Cowlitz Formation near Mist, Oregon, has stimulated interest in the sedimentology and stratigraphy of Narizian sandstones of northwestern Oregon and the Willamette lowlands. Petrographic study of arkosic sandstone in the lower part of the Cowlitz Formation in surface outcrops in Clatsop, Tillamook, and Columbia Counties, Oregon, and in the Texaco 1 Clatskanie well reveals that the composition is more lithic than that of arkosic sandstone (Clark and Wilson sand) in the upper part of the Cowlitz Formation. The petrography of highlymore » permeable, arkosic sandstone in the Spencer Formation in the western Tualatin Valley south of the Mist gas field is identical in framework grain composition, texture, matrix composition, and heavy mineral content to that of the gas producing Clark and Wilson sand. The petrography of sandstone in the Yamhill Formation in the western Tualatin Valley is very like that of sandstone in the lower part of the Cowlitz Formation of northern northwest Oregon. Diagenetic alteration is more pronounced in arkosic sandstone in the lower part of the Cowlitz Formation and in the Yamhill Formation compared to diagenesis, which is almost nil in arkosic sandstone in the upper part of the cowlitz and in the Spencer Formations. Natural gas exploration will be aided by a clearer and more certain understanding of these petrologic differences between Eocene sandstones in northwestern Oregon.« less

Investigation of non-covalent and hydrogen bonding interactions on the formation of crystalline networks and supramolecular synthons of a series of α-aminophosphonates: Crystallography and DFT studies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mirzaei, Masoud; Eshghi, Hossein; Akhlaghi Bagherjeri, Fateme; Mirzaei, Mahdi; Farhadipour, Abolghasem

2018-07-01

α-Aminophosphonates have been rarely explored in the field of crystal engineering. These organic molecules are capable of forming reliable and reproducible supramolecular synthons through non-covalent interactions that can be employed for designing high dimensional supramolecular architectures. Here, we systematically study the influence of conventional and unconventional hydrogen bonding interactions on the formation of these synthons and stability of the crystal packing. The theoretical studies were employed to further confirm the presence of these synthons by comparing the stabilization energies of the dimers and monomers. The dependence of the stability of NH⋯O hydrogen bonds to the aromatic substituents were investigated using NBO analysis. The most stable compound was determined by comparing the HOMO-LUMO energy gap of all compounds and compared with NBO analysis.

Investigating the Environmental Properties of Galaxies in the SDSS-MaNGA Survey

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Spindler, Ashley

2018-05-01

This thesis presents a study of galaxy evolution in the local universe. I study how environments shape the structures of galaxies, and how internal and external processes affect star formation. I perform four investigations of galaxy properties: a study of the relations between size, mass and velocity dispersion of 124,524 galaxies from SDSS DR7; I estimate star formation rates using Hα and Dn4000 for galaxies in the MaNGA survey; a study of the spatial distribution of star formation in 1494 MaNGA galaxies; and finally, a study of 215 barred and 402 unbarred galaxies, to investigate how bars affect star formation. I find that environment plays a key role in the evolution of galaxies, both structurally and in terms of their star formation. Using core velocity dispersion to study the effects of minor mergers and tidal/ram pressure stripping, I find that central galaxies are up to 30% larger and more massive than satellites. I suggest that minor mergers play a crucial role in the increase in size and mass of centrals. In addition, I find that satellites have a uniform radial suppression of star formation, compared to centrals, which may be due to the strangulation of their cold gas supplies. I study the internal processes that affect star formation and find that specific star formation rate is suppressed at all radii for high mass galaxies. Massive galaxies are more likely to have suppressed star formation in their cores, which I determined is caused by a combination of morphological quenching and AGN feedback. Finally, I study the role of galaxy bars in regulating the circumnuclear and disk star formation in late-type galaxies. I find that barred galaxies have lower star formation in their disks than unbarred galaxies, and that they are more likely to have enhanced star formation in their cores.

Healing of intrabony defects and its relationship to root canal therapy. A histologic and histometric study in dogs.

PubMed

Lima, L A; Anderson, G B; Wang, M M; Nasjleti, C E; Morrison, E C; Kon, S; Caffesse, R G

1997-03-01

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the importance of root canal therapy in the healing process of severe intrabony defects. Four beagle dogs were used and 32 interproximal intrabony defects, up to the apical third, were created. Wire ligatures were placed into these defects for plaque accumulation. Three weeks later, the ligatures were removed and 4 different treatment modalities were employed: group 1) scaling and root planing (SRP); group 2) modified Widman flap (MWF); group 3) modified Widman flap and root canal therapy performed at the same time (RCT/MWF); and group 4) modified Widman flap and root canal therapy performed 3 weeks after the surgical procedure (MWF + RCT). Postoperative oral hygiene was obtained by spraying a 0.12% chlorhexidine solution 3 times a week. The animals were sacrificed 7 weeks after treatment. Blocks were obtained and processed for routine histology. Results were expressed as a percentage of the total defect length (TDL). No differences were observed when SRP was compared to MWF. New bone formation (BF) presented better results for SRP (43.4%) and MWF (53.4%) when compared to RCT/MWF (15.5%). New cementum formation (CF) presented better results for SRP (59.8%) and MWF (64.6%) when compared to RCT/MWF (19.3%) and MWF + RCT (31.5%). Connective tissue repair (CTR) presented better results for SRP (72.4%) and MWF (74.2%) when compared to RCT/MWF (47.5%) and MWF + RCT (44.4%). Results were statistically significant at the level of 0.05. Within the limits of this study, it was concluded that root canal therapy performed simultaneously or 3 weeks after surgery modified the healing of intrabony defects, impairing new bone formation, new cementum formation and new attachment.

10 CFR Appendix A to Subpart A of... - Format for Presentation of Material in Environmental Impact Statements

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... alternatives in comparative form. Where important to the comparative evaluation of alternatives, appropriate... eliminated from detailed study will be identified and a discussion of those alternatives will be confined to...

10 CFR Appendix A to Subpart A of... - Format for Presentation of Material in Environmental Impact Statements

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-01-01

... alternatives in comparative form. Where important to the comparative evaluation of alternatives, appropriate... eliminated from detailed study will be identified and a discussion of those alternatives will be confined to...

10 CFR Appendix A to Subpart A of... - Format for Presentation of Material in Environmental Impact Statements

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-01-01

... alternatives in comparative form. Where important to the comparative evaluation of alternatives, appropriate... eliminated from detailed study will be identified and a discussion of those alternatives will be confined to...

10 CFR Appendix A to Subpart A of... - Format for Presentation of Material in Environmental Impact Statements

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-01-01

... alternatives in comparative form. Where important to the comparative evaluation of alternatives, appropriate... eliminated from detailed study will be identified and a discussion of those alternatives will be confined to...

10 CFR Appendix A to Subpart A of... - Format for Presentation of Material in Environmental Impact Statements

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... alternatives in comparative form. Where important to the comparative evaluation of alternatives, appropriate... eliminated from detailed study will be identified and a discussion of those alternatives will be confined to...

Does exposure to simulated patient cases improve accuracy of clinicians' predictive value estimates of diagnostic test results? A within-subjects experiment at St Michael's Hospital, Toronto, Canada.

PubMed

Armstrong, Bonnie; Spaniol, Julia; Persaud, Nav

2018-02-13

Clinicians often overestimate the probability of a disease given a positive test result (positive predictive value; PPV) and the probability of no disease given a negative test result (negative predictive value; NPV). The purpose of this study was to investigate whether experiencing simulated patient cases (ie, an 'experience format') would promote more accurate PPV and NPV estimates compared with a numerical format. Participants were presented with information about three diagnostic tests for the same fictitious disease and were asked to estimate the PPV and NPV of each test. Tests varied with respect to sensitivity and specificity. Information about each test was presented once in the numerical format and once in the experience format. The study used a 2 (format: numerical vs experience) × 3 (diagnostic test: gold standard vs low sensitivity vs low specificity) within-subjects design. The study was completed online, via Qualtrics (Provo, Utah, USA). 50 physicians (12 clinicians and 38 residents) from the Department of Family and Community Medicine at St Michael's Hospital in Toronto, Canada, completed the study. All participants had completed at least 1 year of residency. Estimation accuracy was quantified by the mean absolute error (MAE; absolute difference between estimate and true predictive value). PPV estimation errors were larger in the numerical format (MAE=32.6%, 95% CI 26.8% to 38.4%) compared with the experience format (MAE=15.9%, 95% CI 11.8% to 20.0%, d =0.697, P<0.001). Likewise, NPV estimation errors were larger in the numerical format (MAE=24.4%, 95% CI 14.5% to 34.3%) than in the experience format (MAE=11.0%, 95% CI 6.5% to 15.5%, d =0.303, P=0.015). Exposure to simulated patient cases promotes accurate estimation of predictive values in clinicians. This finding carries implications for diagnostic training and practice. © Article author(s) (or their employer(s) unless otherwise stated in the text of the article) 2018. All rights reserved. No commercial use is permitted unless otherwise expressly granted.

Comparative analysis of biofilm formation by Bacillus cereus reference strains and undomesticated food isolates and the effect of free iron.

PubMed

Hayrapetyan, Hasmik; Muller, Lisette; Tempelaars, Marcel; Abee, Tjakko; Nierop Groot, Masja

2015-05-04

Biofilm formation of Bacillus cereus reference strains ATCC 14579 and ATCC 10987 and 21 undomesticated food isolates was studied on polystyrene and stainless steel as contact surfaces. For all strains, the biofilm forming capacity was significantly enhanced when in contact with stainless steel (SS) as a surface as compared to polystyrene (PS). For a selection of strains, the total CFU and spore counts in biofilms were determined and showed a good correlation between CFU counts and total biomass of these biofilms. Sporulation was favoured in the biofilm over the planktonic state. To substantiate whether iron availability could affect B. cereus biofilm formation, the free iron availability was varied in BHI by either the addition of FeCl3 or by depletion of iron with the scavenger 2,2-Bipyridine. Addition of iron resulted in increased air-liquid interface biofilm on polystyrene but not on SS for strain ATCC 10987, while the presence of Bipyridine reduced biofilm formation for both materials. Biofilm formation was restored when excess FeCl3 was added in combination with the scavenger. Further validation of the iron effect for all 23 strains in microtiter plate showed that fourteen strains (including ATCC10987) formed a biofilm on PS. For eight of these strains biofilm formation was enhanced in the presence of added iron and for eleven strains it was reduced when free iron was scavenged. Our results show that stainless steel as a contact material provides more favourable conditions for B. cereus biofilm formation and maturation compared to polystyrene. This effect could possibly be linked to iron availability as we show that free iron availability affects B. cereus biofilm formation. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Evaluation of a flipped classroom approach to learning introductory epidemiology.

PubMed

Shiau, Stephanie; Kahn, Linda G; Platt, Jonathan; Li, Chihua; Guzman, Jason T; Kornhauser, Zachary G; Keyes, Katherine M; Martins, Silvia S

2018-04-02

Although the flipped classroom model has been widely adopted in medical education, reports on its use in graduate-level public health programs are limited. This study describes the design, implementation, and evaluation of a flipped classroom redesign of an introductory epidemiology course and compares it to a traditional model. One hundred fifty Masters-level students enrolled in an introductory epidemiology course with a traditional format (in-person lecture and discussion section, at-home assignment; 2015, N = 72) and a flipped classroom format (at-home lecture, in-person discussion section and assignment; 2016, N = 78). Using mixed methods, we compared student characteristics, examination scores, and end-of-course evaluations of the 2016 flipped classroom format and the 2015 traditional format. Data on the flipped classroom format, including pre- and post-course surveys, open-ended questions, self-reports of section leader teaching practices, and classroom observations, were evaluated. There were no statistically significant differences in examination scores or students' assessment of the course between 2015 (traditional) and 2016 (flipped). In 2016, 57.1% (36) of respondents to the end-of-course evaluation found watching video lectures at home to have a positive impact on their time management. Open-ended survey responses indicated a number of strengths of the flipped classroom approach, including the freedom to watch pre-recorded lectures at any time and the ability of section leaders to clarify targeted concepts. Suggestions for improvement focused on ways to increase regular interaction with lecturers. There was no significant difference in students' performance on quantitative assessments comparing the traditional format to the flipped classroom format. The flipped format did allow for greater flexibility and applied learning opportunities at home and during discussion sections.

A first-principles core-level XPS study on the boron impurities in germanium crystal

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

Yamauchi, Jun; Yoshimoto, Yoshihide; Suwa, Yuji

2013-12-04

We systematically investigated the x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) core-level shifts and formation energies of boron defects in germanium crystals and compared the results to those in silicon crystals. Both for XPS core-level shifts and formation energies, relationship between defects in Si and Ge is roughly linear. From the similarity in the formation energy, it is expected that the exotic clusters like icosahedral B12 exist in Ge as well as in Si.

Analytical study of mechanisms for nitric oxide formation during combustion of methane in a jet-stirred combustor

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Jachimowski, C. J.

1975-01-01

The role of chemical kinetics in the formation of nitric oxide during the combustion of methane was examined analytically by means of a detailed chemical mechanism for the oxidation of methane, for the reaction between hydrocarbon fragments, and for the formation of nitric oxide. By comparing predicted nitric oxide levels with values reported in the literature from jet-stirred combuster experiments, it was determined that the nitric oxide levels observed in fuel-rich flames cannot be described by a mechanism in which the rate of nitric oxide formation is controlled solely by the kinetics of oxygen atom formation. A proposed mechanism for the formation of nitric oxide in methane-rich flames reproduces the observed levels. The oxidation of hydrogen cyanide appears to be an important factor in nitric oxide formation.

Development of a Computer-Based Format for the Alcohol, Smoking, and Substance Involvement Screening Test (ASSIST) With University Students.

PubMed

Christoff, Adriana Oliveira; Barreto, Heloisa Gomm Arruda; Boerngen-Lacerda, Roseli

2016-07-28

The Alcohol, Smoking, and Substance Involvement Screening Test (ASSIST) is a reliable and valid tool for the early detection of harmful and hazardous drug use in primary care settings when administered by interview in the general population. In university students, substance use is high, so a reliable and feasible screening instrument is needed. To compare the computer-based ASSIST (ASSISTc) with the interview format (ASSISTi). A convenience sample with counterbalanced design was used alternating between the ASSISTi and ASSISTc with 15-day interval. Although this is not a traditional test-retest reliability study, the same statistical analysis was used: intraclass correlations (ICC), kappa (κ), and Cronbach's alpha (α) to compare the two formats. A satisfaction questionnaire was applied immediately after the second session. Both formats were completed by the students (n = 809) over 15 days. The scores of involvement with all substances and with tobacco, alcohol, cannabis, and cocaine obtained with the two formats demonstrated excellent ICC (> .77). The level of agreement was considered substantial for tobacco (κ = .69) and cannabis (κ = .70) and moderate for alcohol (κ = .58). The consistency of the ASSISTc was considered satisfactory (α: .85 for tobacco, .73 for alcohol, and .87 for cannabis). The analysis of satisfaction and feasibility showed that the ASSISTi was easier to understand, but the two formats were considered similar when considering acceptability, ease of responding, and degree of intimidation. The two formats are acceptable, the scores are comparable, and they can be used interchangeably.

Does medical students' preference of test format (computer-based vs. paper-based) have an influence on performance?

PubMed

Hochlehnert, Achim; Brass, Konstantin; Moeltner, Andreas; Juenger, Jana

2011-10-25

Computer-based examinations (CBE) ensure higher efficiency with respect to producibility and assessment compared to paper-based examinations (PBE). However, students often have objections against CBE and are afraid of getting poorer results in a CBE.The aims of this study were (1) to assess the readiness and the objections of students to a CBE vs. PBE (2) to examine the acceptance and satisfaction with the CBE on a voluntary basis, and (3) to compare the results of the examinations, which were conducted in different formats. Fifth year medical students were introduced to an examination-player and were free to choose their format for the test. The reason behind the choice of the format as well as the satisfaction with the choice was evaluated after the test with a questionnaire. Additionally, the expected and achieved examination results were measured. Out of 98 students, 36 voluntarily chose a CBE (37%), 62 students chose a PBE (63%). Both groups did not differ concerning sex, computer-experience, their achieved examination results of the test, and their satisfaction with the chosen format. Reasons for the students' objections against CBE include the possibility for outlines or written notices, a better overview, additional noise from the keyboard or missing habits normally present in a paper based exam. The students with the CBE tended to judge their examination to be more clear and understandable. Moreover, they saw their results to be independent of the format. Voluntary computer-based examinations lead to equal test scores compared to a paper-based format.

Does Medical Students' Preference of Test Format (Computer-based vs. Paper-based) have an Influence on Performance?

PubMed Central

2011-01-01

Background Computer-based examinations (CBE) ensure higher efficiency with respect to producibility and assessment compared to paper-based examinations (PBE). However, students often have objections against CBE and are afraid of getting poorer results in a CBE. The aims of this study were (1) to assess the readiness and the objections of students to a CBE vs. PBE (2) to examine the acceptance and satisfaction with the CBE on a voluntary basis, and (3) to compare the results of the examinations, which were conducted in different formats. Methods Fifth year medical students were introduced to an examination-player and were free to choose their format for the test. The reason behind the choice of the format as well as the satisfaction with the choice was evaluated after the test with a questionnaire. Additionally, the expected and achieved examination results were measured. Results Out of 98 students, 36 voluntarily chose a CBE (37%), 62 students chose a PBE (63%). Both groups did not differ concerning sex, computer-experience, their achieved examination results of the test, and their satisfaction with the chosen format. Reasons for the students' objections against CBE include the possibility for outlines or written notices, a better overview, additional noise from the keyboard or missing habits normally present in a paper based exam. The students with the CBE tended to judge their examination to be more clear and understandable. Moreover, they saw their results to be independent of the format. Conclusions Voluntary computer-based examinations lead to equal test scores compared to a paper-based format. PMID:22026970

Effect of collagen sponge and fibrin glue on bone repair

PubMed Central

SANTOS, Thiago de Santana; ABUNA, Rodrigo Paolo Flores; de ALMEIDA, Adriana Luisa Gonçalves; BELOTI, Marcio Mateus; ROSA, Adalberto Luiz

2015-01-01

ABSTRACT The ability of hemostatic agents to promote bone repair has been investigated using in vitro and in vivo models but, up to now, the results are inconclusive. Objective In this context, the aim of this study was to compare the potential of bone repair of collagen sponge with fibrin glue in a rat calvarial defect model. Material and Methods Defects of 5 mm in diameter were created in rat calvariae and treated with either collagen sponge or fibrin glue; untreated defects were used as control. At 4 and 8 weeks, histological analysis and micro-CT-based histomorphometry were carried out and data were compared by two-way ANOVA followed by Student-Newman-Keuls test when appropriated (p≤0.05). Results Three-dimensional reconstructions showed increased bone formation in defects treated with either collagen sponge or fibrin glue compared with untreated defects, which was confirmed by the histological analysis. Morphometric parameters indicated the progression of bone formation from 4 to 8 weeks. Additionally, fibrin glue displayed slightly higher bone formation rate when compared with collagen sponge. Conclusion Our results have shown the benefits of using collagen sponge and fibrin glue to promote new bone formation in rat calvarial bone defects, the latter being discreetly more advantageous. PMID:26814464

Comparing Postsecondary Marketing Student Performance on Computer-Based and Handwritten Essay Tests

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Truell, Allen D.; Alexander, Melody W.; Davis, Rodney E.

2004-01-01

The purpose of this study was to determine if there were differences in postsecondary marketing student performance on essay tests based on test format (i.e., computer-based or handwritten). Specifically, the variables of performance, test completion time, and gender were explored for differences based on essay test format. Results of the study…

Inhibition of Different Histone Acetyltransferases (HATs) Uncovers Transcription-Dependent and -Independent Acetylation-Mediated Mechanisms in Memory Formation

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Merschbaecher, Katja; Hatko, Lucyna; Folz, Jennifer; Mueller, Uli

2016-01-01

Acetylation of histones changes the efficiency of the transcription processes and thus contributes to the formation of long-term memory (LTM). In our comparative study, we used two inhibitors to characterize the contribution of different histone acetyl transferases (HATs) to appetitive associative learning in the honeybee. For one we applied…

Formation of trichloromethane in chlorinated water and fresh-cut produce and as a result of reacting with citric acid

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Chlorine (sodium hypochlorite) is commonly used by the fresh produce industry to sanitize wash water, fresh and fresh-cut fruits and vegetables. However, possible formation of harmful chlorine by-products is a concern. The objectives of this study were to compare chlorine and chlorine dioxide in t...

Media Type Influences Preschooler's Literacy Development: E-Book versus Printed Book Reading

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kozminsky, Ely; Asher-Sadon, Revital

2013-01-01

Traditionally, children's books are in a printed format and shared book reading is done with an adult. In recent years, interactive E-books have become a common medium for children's books and shared book reading is diminishing. This study compared the contribution of book format to the development of literacy in kindergarten children. We…

Tweet vs. Status Update: Exploring Ways to Promote Collaborative Argumentation in an Online Classroom Setting

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Owens, Marissa Christina

2015-01-01

The focus of this study was to answer the following overarching question: How does a Twitter discussion format compare to a Facebook discussion format in terms of promoting collaborative argumentative discourse? Data analysis focused on the difference in amount of arguments, counter-arguments, reasons, and elaborations generated by participants…

Classroom Behavior of Participants with ADHD Compared with Peers: Influence of Teaching Format and Grade Level

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Steiner, Naomi J.; Sheldrick, R. Chris; Frenette, Elizabeth C.; Rene, Kirsten M.; Perrin, Ellen C.

2014-01-01

Few studies examine the classroom behavior of children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in comparison with classroom peers and which teaching formats best support classroom engagement. Observations (N = 312) of second- and fourth-grade students with ADHD and their randomly selected classroom peers were conducted using a…

The Effect of the Multiple-Choice Item Format on the Measurement of Knowledge of Language Structure

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Currie, Michael; Chiramanee, Thanyapa

2010-01-01

Noting the widespread use of multiple-choice items in tests in English language education in Thailand, this study compared their effect against that of constructed-response items. One hundred and fifty-two university undergraduates took a test of English structure first in constructed-response format, and later in three, stem-equivalent…

Formation factor in Bentheimer and Fontainebleau sandstones: Theory compared with pore-scale numerical simulations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ghanbarian, Behzad; Berg, Carl F.

2017-09-01

Accurate quantification of formation resistivity factor F (also called formation factor) provides useful insight into connectivity and pore space topology in fully saturated porous media. In particular the formation factor has been extensively used to estimate permeability in reservoir rocks. One of the widely applied models to estimate F is Archie's law (F = ϕ- m in which ϕ is total porosity and m is cementation exponent) that is known to be valid in rocks with negligible clay content, such as clean sandstones. In this study we compare formation factors determined by percolation and effective-medium theories as well as Archie's law with numerical simulations of electrical resistivity on digital rock models. These digital models represent Bentheimer and Fontainebleau sandstones and are derived either by reconstruction or directly from micro-tomographic images. Results show that the universal quadratic power law from percolation theory accurately estimates the calculated formation factor values in network models over the entire range of porosity. However, it crosses over to the linear scaling from the effective-medium approximation at the porosity of 0.75 in grid models. We also show that the effect of critical porosity, disregarded in Archie's law, is nontrivial, and the Archie model inaccurately estimates the formation factor in low-porosity homogeneous sandstones.

Revitalizing problem based learning: student and tutor attitudes towards a structured tutorial.

PubMed

Espey, Eve; Ogburn, Tony; Kalishman, Summers; Zsemlye, Meggan; Cosgrove, Ellen

2007-03-01

The pre-clinical curriculum at the University of New Mexico School of Medicine is a hybrid model that includes small group, problem-based learning (PBL) tutorials and didactic lectures. A structured tutorial format was piloted for the human sexuality/reproduction organ system block for the PBL component. The objective of this study was to compare the acceptability of the structured format and its effectiveness with that of a traditional PBL tutorial. Students were surveyed after the renal/endocrinology block of 2004 (traditional tutorial format) and after the human sexuality/reproduction block of 2004 (structured tutorial format) (n = 70). Survey questions covered the quality of learning and of tutorial. Students (n = 132) and tutors (n = 24) who participated in human sexuality/reproduction in 2004 and 2005 were surveyed for attitudes about the structured tutorial overall and specific components. Means of responses were compared using t-tests. Students indicated that the structured tutorial format supported a greater improvement in their basic science and clinical knowledge and their ability to evaluate information (p < 0.05). The majority of students and tutors recommended the structured format for tutorials in other blocks. We demonstrated the acceptability of a structured tutorial format to students and faculty. Faculty members perceived greater depth of learning and participation by the students.

The Positive Alternative Credit Experience (PACE) Program a Quantitative Comparative Study

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Warren, Rebecca Anne

2011-01-01

The purpose of this quantitative comparative study was to evaluate the Positive Alternative Credit Experience (PACE) Program using an objectives-oriented approach to a formative program evaluation. The PACE Program was a semester-long high school alternative education program designed to serve students at-risk for academic failure or dropping out…

Teratoma formation of human embryonic stem cells in three-dimensional perfusion culture bioreactors.

PubMed

Stachelscheid, H; Wulf-Goldenberg, A; Eckert, K; Jensen, J; Edsbagge, J; Björquist, P; Rivero, M; Strehl, R; Jozefczuk, J; Prigione, A; Adjaye, J; Urbaniak, T; Bussmann, P; Zeilinger, K; Gerlach, J C

2013-09-01

Teratoma formation in mice is today the most stringent test for pluripotency that is available for human pluripotent cells, as chimera formation and tetraploid complementation cannot be performed with human cells. The teratoma assay could also be applied for assessing the safety of human pluripotent cell-derived cell populations intended for therapeutic applications. In our study we examined the spontaneous differentiation behaviour of human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) in a perfused 3D multi-compartment bioreactor system and compared it with differentiation of hESCs and human induced pluripotent cells (hiPSCs) cultured in vitro as embryoid bodies and in vivo in an experimental mouse model of teratoma formation. Results from biochemical, histological/immunohistological and ultrastuctural analyses revealed that hESCs cultured in bioreactors formed tissue-like structures containing derivatives of all three germ layers. Comparison with embryoid bodies and the teratomas revealed a high degree of similarity of the tissues formed in the bioreactor to these in the teratomas at the histological as well as transcriptional level, as detected by comparative whole-genome RNA expression profiling. The 3D culture system represents a novel in vitro model that permits stable long-term cultivation, spontaneous multi-lineage differentiation and tissue formation of pluripotent cells that is comparable to in vivo differentiation. Such a model is of interest, e.g. for the development of novel cell differentiation strategies. In addition, the 3D in vitro model could be used for teratoma studies and pluripotency assays in a fully defined, controlled environment, alternatively to in vivo mouse models. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

The influence of antibody fragment format on phage display based affinity maturation of IgG

PubMed Central

Steinwand, Miriam; Droste, Patrick; Frenzel, Andrè; Hust, Michael; Dübel, Stefan; Schirrmann, Thomas

2014-01-01

Today, most approved therapeutic antibodies are provided as immunoglobulin G (IgG), whereas small recombinant antibody formats are required for in vitro antibody generation and engineering during drug development. Particularly, single chain (sc) antibody fragments like scFv or scFab are well suited for phage display and bacterial expression, but some have been found to lose affinity during conversion into IgG.   In this study, we compared the influence of the antibody format on affinity maturation of the CD30-specific scFv antibody fragment SH313-F9, with the overall objective being improvement of the IgG. The variable genes of SH313-F9 were randomly mutated and then cloned into libraries encoding different recombinant antibody formats, including scFv, Fab, scFabΔC, and FabΔC. All tested antibody formats except Fab allowed functional phage display of the parental antibody SH313-F9, and the corresponding mutated antibody gene libraries allowed isolation of candidates with enhanced CD30 binding. Moreover, scFv and scFabΔC antibody variants retained improved antigen binding after subcloning into the single gene encoded IgG-like formats scFv-Fc or scIgG, but lost affinity after conversion into IgGs. Only affinity maturation using the Fab-like FabΔC format, which does not contain the carboxy terminal cysteines, allowed successful selection of molecules with improved binding that was retained after conversion to IgG. Thus, affinity maturation of IgGs is dependent on the antibody format employed for selection and screening. In this study, only FabΔC resulted in the efficient selection of IgG candidates with higher affinity by combination of Fab-like conformation and improved phage display compared with Fab. PMID:24262918

Microwave-induced formation of oligomeric amyloid aggregates.

PubMed

Lee, Wonseok; Choi, Yeseong; Lee, Sang Won; Kim, Insu; Lee, Dongtak; Hong, Yoochan; Lee, Gyudo; Yoon, Dae Sung

2018-08-24

Amyloid aggregates have emerged as a significant hallmark of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases. Although it has been recently reported that microwave heating induces amyloid aggregation compared with conventional heating methods, the mechanism of amyloid aggregate induction has remained unclear. In this study, we investigated the formation of oligomeric amyloid aggregates (OAAs) by microwave irradiation at microscale volumes of solution. Microwave irradiation of protein monomer solution triggered rapid formation of OAAs within 7 min. We characterized the formation of OAAs using atomic force microscopy, thioflavin T fluorescent assay and circular dichroism. In the microwave system, we also investigated the inhibitory effect on the formation of amyloid aggregates by L-ascorbic acid as well as enhanced amyloid aggregation by silver nanomaterials such as nanoparticles and nanowires. We believe that microwave technology has the potential to facilitate the study of amyloid aggregation in the presence of chemical agents or nanomaterials.

The interaction of assessment format and sex in assessing the knowledge structure coherence of middle school students' understanding of the concept of force

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schleigh, Sharon

This study focuses on the impact of assessment format on the identification of students' ideas surrounding the concept of force and the consistency with which students apply those ideas across contexts. It is in response to the debate in conceptual change literature regarding students' knowledge structure coherence. Empirical studies in this field typically rely on an interview assessment format. The current study examined the potential of a constructed response assessment format as another possible instrument for data collection involving larger sample populations. The current study specifically compared how the two assessment formats (constructed response and interview assessment) assessed 45 students in the ninth grade in a single school in Arizona. The analysis explored possible biases and interactions by sex, order of assessment, and preference for assessment format because the literature suggests that these factors may potentially affect the performance and coding of assessments. Although small differences between the two assessments were found, the differences were not statistically significant overall or for any subgroup. More specifically, there were no apparent significant biases in the two formats with regard to one another and student sex. However it was found that girls are more likely to express multiple-best match meanings than boys in both assessments. This may be an influence in the diversity found in previous studies concerning students' knowledge structures. These findings suggest that the constructed response format could be administered on a larger scale to assist in the identification of factors contributing to the differences in findings across prior studies in this field. Additionally, these results suggest the potential of this constructed response format for helping teachers conduct formative assessments to guide instructional decisions.

In situ secondary organic aerosol formation from ambient pine forest air using an oxidation flow reactor

DOE PAGES

Palm, Brett B.; Campuzano-Jost, Pedro; Ortega, Amber M.; ...

2016-03-08

An oxidation flow reactor (OFR) is a vessel inside which the concentration of a chosen oxidant can be increased for the purpose of studying SOA formation and aging by that oxidant. During the BEACHON-RoMBAS (Bio-hydro-atmosphere interactions of Energy, Aerosols, Carbon, H 2O, Organics & Nitrogen–Rocky Mountain Biogenic Aerosol Study) field campaign, ambient pine forest air was oxidized by OH radicals in an OFR to measure the amount of SOA that could be formed from the real mix of ambient SOA precursor gases, and how that amount changed with time as precursors changed. High OH concentrations and short residence times allowedmore » for semicontinuous cycling through a large range of OH exposures ranging from hours to weeks of equivalent (eq.) atmospheric aging. A simple model is derived and used to account for the relative timescales of condensation of low-volatility organic compounds (LVOCs) onto particles; condensational loss to the walls; and further reaction to produce volatile, non-condensing fragmentation products. More SOA production was observed in the OFR at nighttime (average 3 µg m –3 when LVOC fate corrected) compared to daytime (average 0.9 µg m –3 when LVOC fate corrected), with maximum formation observed at 0.4–1.5 eq. days of photochemical aging. SOA formation followed a similar diurnal pattern to monoterpenes, sesquiterpenes, and toluene+ p-cymene concentrations, including a substantial increase just after sunrise at 07:00 local time. Higher photochemical aging (>10 eq. days) led to a decrease in new SOA formation and a loss of preexisting OA due to heterogeneous oxidation followed by fragmentation and volatilization. When comparing two different commonly used methods of OH production in OFRs (OFR185 and OFR254-70), similar amounts of SOA formation were observed. We recommend the OFR185 mode for future forest studies. Concurrent gas-phase measurements of air after OH oxidation illustrate the decay of primary VOCs, production of small oxidized organic compounds, and net production at lower ages followed by net consumption of terpenoid oxidation products as photochemical age increased. New particle formation was observed in the reactor after oxidation, especially during times when precursor gas concentrations and SOA formation were largest. Approximately 4.4 times more SOA was formed in the reactor from OH oxidation than could be explained by the VOCs measured in ambient air. To our knowledge this is the first time that this has been shown when comparing VOC concentrations with SOA formation measured at the same time, rather than comparing measurements made at different times. Several recently developed instruments have quantified ambient semivolatile and intermediate-volatility organic compounds (S/IVOCs) that were not detected by a proton transfer reaction time-of-flight mass spectrometer (PTR-TOF-MS). An SOA yield of 18–58 % from those compounds can explain the observed SOA formation. S/IVOCs were the only pool of gas-phase carbon that was large enough to explain the observed SOA formation. This work suggests that these typically unmeasured gases play a substantial role in ambient SOA formation. Our results allow ruling out condensation sticking coefficients much lower than 1. Lastly, these measurements help clarify the magnitude of potential SOA formation from OH oxidation in forested environments and demonstrate methods for interpretation of ambient OFR measurements.« less

In situ secondary organic aerosol formation from ambient pine forest air using an oxidation flow reactor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Palm, Brett B.; Campuzano-Jost, Pedro; Ortega, Amber M.; Day, Douglas A.; Kaser, Lisa; Jud, Werner; Karl, Thomas; Hansel, Armin; Hunter, James F.; Cross, Eben S.; Kroll, Jesse H.; Peng, Zhe; Brune, William H.; Jimenez, Jose L.

2016-03-01

An oxidation flow reactor (OFR) is a vessel inside which the concentration of a chosen oxidant can be increased for the purpose of studying SOA formation and aging by that oxidant. During the BEACHON-RoMBAS (Bio-hydro-atmosphere interactions of Energy, Aerosols, Carbon, H2O, Organics & Nitrogen-Rocky Mountain Biogenic Aerosol Study) field campaign, ambient pine forest air was oxidized by OH radicals in an OFR to measure the amount of SOA that could be formed from the real mix of ambient SOA precursor gases, and how that amount changed with time as precursors changed. High OH concentrations and short residence times allowed for semicontinuous cycling through a large range of OH exposures ranging from hours to weeks of equivalent (eq.) atmospheric aging. A simple model is derived and used to account for the relative timescales of condensation of low-volatility organic compounds (LVOCs) onto particles; condensational loss to the walls; and further reaction to produce volatile, non-condensing fragmentation products. More SOA production was observed in the OFR at nighttime (average 3 µg m-3 when LVOC fate corrected) compared to daytime (average 0.9 µg m-3 when LVOC fate corrected), with maximum formation observed at 0.4-1.5 eq. days of photochemical aging. SOA formation followed a similar diurnal pattern to monoterpenes, sesquiterpenes, and toluene+p-cymene concentrations, including a substantial increase just after sunrise at 07:00 local time. Higher photochemical aging (> 10 eq. days) led to a decrease in new SOA formation and a loss of preexisting OA due to heterogeneous oxidation followed by fragmentation and volatilization. When comparing two different commonly used methods of OH production in OFRs (OFR185 and OFR254-70), similar amounts of SOA formation were observed. We recommend the OFR185 mode for future forest studies. Concurrent gas-phase measurements of air after OH oxidation illustrate the decay of primary VOCs, production of small oxidized organic compounds, and net production at lower ages followed by net consumption of terpenoid oxidation products as photochemical age increased. New particle formation was observed in the reactor after oxidation, especially during times when precursor gas concentrations and SOA formation were largest. Approximately 4.4 times more SOA was formed in the reactor from OH oxidation than could be explained by the VOCs measured in ambient air. To our knowledge this is the first time that this has been shown when comparing VOC concentrations with SOA formation measured at the same time, rather than comparing measurements made at different times. Several recently developed instruments have quantified ambient semivolatile and intermediate-volatility organic compounds (S/IVOCs) that were not detected by a proton transfer reaction time-of-flight mass spectrometer (PTR-TOF-MS). An SOA yield of 18-58 % from those compounds can explain the observed SOA formation. S/IVOCs were the only pool of gas-phase carbon that was large enough to explain the observed SOA formation. This work suggests that these typically unmeasured gases play a substantial role in ambient SOA formation. Our results allow ruling out condensation sticking coefficients much lower than 1. These measurements help clarify the magnitude of potential SOA formation from OH oxidation in forested environments and demonstrate methods for interpretation of ambient OFR measurements.

Effects of conventional ozonation and electro-peroxone pretreatment of surface water on disinfection by-product formation during subsequent chlorination.

PubMed

Mao, Yuqin; Guo, Di; Yao, Weikun; Wang, Xiaomao; Yang, Hongwei; Xie, Yuefeng F; Komarneni, Sridhar; Yu, Gang; Wang, Yujue

2018-03-01

The electro-peroxone (E-peroxone) process is an emerging ozone-based electrochemical advanced oxidation process that combines conventional ozonation with in-situ cathodic hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2 ) production for oxidative water treatment. In this study, the effects of the E-peroxone pretreatment on disinfection by-product (DBP) formation from chlorination of a synthetic surface water were investigated and compared to conventional ozonation. Results show that due to the enhanced transformation of ozone (O 3 ) to hydroxyl radicals (OH) by electro-generated H 2 O 2 , the E-peroxone process considerably enhanced dissolved organic carbon (DOC) abatement and significantly reduced bromate (BrO 3 - ) formation compared to conventional ozonation. However, natural organic matter (NOM) with high UV 254 absorbance, which is the major precursors of chlorination DBPs, was less efficiently abated during the E-peroxone process than conventional ozonation. Consequently, while both conventional ozonation and the E-peroxone process substantially reduced the formation of DBPs (trihalomethanes and haloacetic acids) during post-chlorination, higher DBP concentrations were generally observed during chlorination of the E-peroxone pretreated waters than conventional ozonation treated. In addition, because of conventional ozonation or the E-peroxone treatment, DBPs formed during post-chlorination shifted to more brominated species. The overall yields of brominated DBPs exhibited strong correlations with the bromide concentrations in water. Therefore, while the E-peroxone process can effectively suppress bromide transformation to bromate, it may lead to higher formation of brominated DBPs during post-chlorination compared to conventional ozonation. These results suggest that the E-peroxone process can lead to different DBP formation and speciation during water treatment trains compared to conventional ozonation. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

The Influence of Concentration and Temperature on the Formation of γ-Oryzanol + β-Sitosterol Tubules in Edible Oil Organogels

PubMed Central

Venema, Paul; Bot, Arjen; Flöter, Eckhard; van der Linden, Erik

2010-01-01

The gelation process of mixtures of γ-oryzanol and sitosterol structurants in sunflower oil was studied using light scattering, rheology, and micro-scanning calorimetry (Micro-DSC). The relation between temperature and the critical aggregation concentration (CAC) of tubule formation of γ-oryzanol and sitosterol was determined using these techniques. The temperature dependence of the CAC was used to estimate the binding energy and enthalpic and entropic contribution to the tubular formation process. The binding energy calculated at the corresponding temperatures and CACs were relatively low, in order of 2 RT (4.5 kJ mol−1), which is in accord with the reversibility of the tubular formation process. The formation of the tubules was associated with negative (exothermic) enthalpy change (ΔH0) compared with positive entropy term (−T ΔS0 >0), indicating that the aggregation into tubules is an enthalpy-driven process. The oryzanol–sitosterol ratio affected the aggregation process; solutions with ratio of (60 oryzanol–40 sitosterol) started aggregation at higher temperature compared with other ratios. PMID:21423326

The Influence of Concentration and Temperature on the Formation of γ-Oryzanol + β-Sitosterol Tubules in Edible Oil Organogels.

PubMed

Sawalha, Hassan; Venema, Paul; Bot, Arjen; Flöter, Eckhard; van der Linden, Erik

2011-03-01

The gelation process of mixtures of γ-oryzanol and sitosterol structurants in sunflower oil was studied using light scattering, rheology, and micro-scanning calorimetry (Micro-DSC). The relation between temperature and the critical aggregation concentration (CAC) of tubule formation of γ-oryzanol and sitosterol was determined using these techniques. The temperature dependence of the CAC was used to estimate the binding energy and enthalpic and entropic contribution to the tubular formation process. The binding energy calculated at the corresponding temperatures and CACs were relatively low, in order of 2 RT (4.5 kJ mol(-1)), which is in accord with the reversibility of the tubular formation process. The formation of the tubules was associated with negative (exothermic) enthalpy change (ΔH(0)) compared with positive entropy term (-T ΔS(0) >0), indicating that the aggregation into tubules is an enthalpy-driven process. The oryzanol-sitosterol ratio affected the aggregation process; solutions with ratio of (60 oryzanol-40 sitosterol) started aggregation at higher temperature compared with other ratios.

[Inhibition of chlorobenzene formation via various routes during waste incineration by ammonium sulfate and urea].

PubMed

Yan, Mi; Qi, Zhi-Fu; Li, Xiao-Dong; Hu, Yan-Jun; Chen, Tong

2014-01-01

Chlorobenzene (CBz) is the precursor of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins/polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs) generated in the processes of waste incineration, and it is regarded as a good indicator of PCDD/Fs for realizing PCDD/Fs online monitoring, moreover, pentachlorobenzene (PeCBz) and Hexachlorobenzene (HxCBz) belong to Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs). However, the emission control of CBz in waste incineration does not attract enough attention, so this study focused on the inhibition of the 3 CBz formation routes in waste combustion by ammonium sulfate and urea, including CB formation from fly ash, CB formation from 1,2-dichlorobenzene (1,2-DiCBz) and the combustion of model medical waste. The results showed that both ammonium sulfate and urea reduced CBz yield during these three thermal processes. For instance, the inhibition rates of tetrachlorobenzene (TeCBz), PeCBz and HxCBz were 66.8%, 57.4% and 50.4%, respectively, when 1% urea was co-combusted with medical waste. By comparing the effect of ammonium sulfate and urea on CBz formation by three routes, urea was considered as a comparatively stable inhibitor for CBz.

Biologic meshes are not superior to synthetic meshes in ventral hernia repair: an experimental study with long-term follow-up evaluation.

PubMed

Ditzel, M; Deerenberg, E B; Grotenhuis, N; Harlaar, J J; Monkhorst, K; Bastiaansen-Jenniskens, Y M; Jeekel, J; Lange, J F

2013-10-01

In laparoscopic incisional hernia repair, direct contact between the prosthesis and the abdominal viscera is inevitable, which may lead to an inflammatory reaction resulting in abdominal adhesion formation. This study compared five different synthetic and biologic meshes in terms of adhesion formation, shrinkage, incorporation, and histologic characteristics after a period of 30 and 90 days. In 85 rats, a mesh was positioned intraperitoneally in direct contact with the viscera. Five different meshes were implanted: Prolene (polypropylene), Parietex composite (collagen-coated polyester), Strattice (porcine dermis, non-cross-linked), Surgisis (porcine small intestine submucosa, non-cross-linked), and Permacol (porcine dermis, cross-linked). The meshes were tested in terms of adhesion formation, shrinkage, and incorporation after a period of 30 and 90 days. Additionally, collagen formation after 90 days was determined. Significantly less adhesion formation was observed with Parietex composite (5 %; interquartile range [IQR], 2-5 %) and Strattice (5 %; IQR, 4-10 %) in the long term. In contrast, organs were attached to Permacol with four of seven meshes (57 %), and adhesion coverage of Surgisis mesh was present in 66 % (IQR, 0-100 %) of the cases. After 90 days, the best incorporation was seen with the Parietex composite mesh (79 %; IQR, 61-83 %). After 90 days, major alterations in adhesion formation were seen compared with 30 days. Histologically, Strattice and Parietex composite showed a new mesothelial layer on the visceral side of the mesh. Microscopic degradation and new collagen formation were seen in the Surgisis group. Parietex composite mesh demonstrated the best long-term results compared with all the other meshes. The biologic non-cross-linked mesh, Strattice, showed little adhesion formation and moderate shrinkage but poor incorporation. Biologic meshes are promising, but varying results require a more detailed investigation and demonstrate that biologic meshes are not necessarily superior to synthetic meshes. The significant changes that take place between 30 and 90 days should lead to careful interpretation of short-term experimental results.

Academic reading format preferences and behaviors among university students worldwide: A comparative survey analysis

PubMed Central

Kurbanoglu, Serap; Boustany, Joumana

2018-01-01

This study reports the descriptive and inferential statistical findings of a survey of academic reading format preferences and behaviors of 10,293 tertiary students worldwide. The study hypothesized that country-based differences in schooling systems, socioeconomic development, culture or other factors might have an influence on preferred formats, print or electronic, for academic reading, as well as the learning engagement behaviors of students. The main findings are that country of origin has little to no relationship with or effect on reading format preferences of university students, and that the broad majority of students worldwide prefer to read academic course materials in print. The majority of participants report better focus and retention of information presented in print formats, and more frequently prefer print for longer texts. Additional demographic and post-hoc analysis suggests that format preference has a small relationship with academic rank. The relationship between task demands, format preferences and reading comprehension are discussed. Additional outcomes and implications for the fields of education, psychology, computer science, information science and human-computer interaction are considered. PMID:29847560

Comparing comprehension measured by multiple-choice and open-ended questions.

PubMed

Ozuru, Yasuhiro; Briner, Stephen; Kurby, Christopher A; McNamara, Danielle S

2013-09-01

This study compared the nature of text comprehension as measured by multiple-choice format and open-ended format questions. Participants read a short text while explaining preselected sentences. After reading the text, participants answered open-ended and multiple-choice versions of the same questions based on their memory of the text content. The results indicated that performance on open-ended questions was correlated with the quality of self-explanations, but performance on multiple-choice questions was correlated with the level of prior knowledge related to the text. These results suggest that open-ended and multiple-choice format questions measure different aspects of comprehension processes. The results are discussed in terms of dual process theories of text comprehension. PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2013 APA, all rights reserved

Soliton communication lines based on spectrally efficient modulation formats

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

Yushko, O V; Redyuk, A A

2014-06-30

We report the results of mathematical modelling of optical-signal propagation in soliton fibre-optic communication lines (FOCLs) based on spectrally efficient signal modulation formats. We have studied the influence of spontaneous emission noise, nonlinear distortions and FOCL length on the data transmission quality. We have compared the characteristics of a received optical signal for soliton and conventional dispersion compensating FOCLs. It is shown that in the presence of strong nonlinearity long-haul soliton FOCLs provide a higher data transmission performance, as well as allow higher order modulation formats to be used as compared to conventional communication lines. In the context of amore » coherent data transmission, soliton FOCLs allow the use of phase modulation with many levels, thereby increasing the spectral efficiency of the communication line. (optical communication lines)« less

Thermodynamics of impurity-enhanced vacancy formation in metals

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bukonte, Laura; Ahlgren, Tommy; Heinola, Kalle

2017-01-01

Hydrogen induced vacancy formation in metals and metal alloys has been of great interest during the past couple of decades. The main reason for this phenomenon, often referred to as the superabundant vacancy formation, is the lowering of vacancy formation energy due to the trapping of hydrogen. By means of thermodynamics, we study the equilibrium vacancy formation in fcc metals (Pd, Ni, Co, and Fe) in correlation with the H amounts. The results of this study are compared and found to be in good agreement with experiments. For the accurate description of the total energy of the metal-hydrogen system, we take into account the binding energies of each trapped impurity, the vibrational entropy of defects, and the thermodynamics of divacancy formation. We demonstrate the effect of vacancy formation energy, the hydrogen binding, and the divacancy binding energy on the total equilibrium vacancy concentration. We show that the divacancy fraction gives the major contribution to the total vacancy fraction at high H fractions and cannot be neglected when studying superabundant vacancies. Our results lead to a novel conclusion that at high hydrogen fractions, superabundant vacancy formation takes place regardless of the binding energy between vacancies and hydrogen. We also propose the reason of superabundant vacancy formation mainly in the fcc phase. The equations obtained within this work can be used for any metal-impurity system, if the impurity occupies an interstitial site in the lattice.

Discourse Formation in Comparative Education. 4th, Revised Edition. Comparative Studies Series. Volume 10

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Schriewer, Jurgen, Ed.

2012-01-01

New theories and theory-based methodological approaches have found their way into Comparative Education--just as into Comparative Social Science more generally--in increasing number in the recent past. The essays of this volume express and critically discuss quite a range of these positions such as, inter alia, the theory of self-organizing social…

Pediatric resuscitation training-instruction all at once or spaced over time?

PubMed

Patocka, Catherine; Khan, Farooq; Dubrovsky, Alexander Sasha; Brody, Danny; Bank, Ilana; Bhanji, Farhan

2015-03-01

Healthcare providers demonstrate limited retention of knowledge and skills in the months following completion of a resuscitation course. Resuscitation courses are typically taught in a massed format (over 1-2 days) however studies in education psychology have suggested that spacing training may result in improved learning and retention. Our study explored the impact of spaced instruction compared to traditional massed instruction on learner knowledge and pediatric resuscitation skills. Medical students completed a pediatric resuscitation course in either a spaced or massed format. Four weeks following course completion students completed a knowledge exam and blinded observers used expert-developed checklists to assess student performance of three skills (bag-valve mask ventilation (BVMV), intra-osseous insertion (IOI) and chest compressions (CC)). Forty-five out of 48 students completed the study protocol. Students in both groups had similar scores on the knowledge exam spaced: (37.8±6.1) vs. massed (34.3±7.6)(p<0.09) and overall global rating scale scores for IOI, BVMV and CC; however students in the spaced group also performed critical procedural elements more frequently than those in the massed training group Learner knowledge and performance of procedural skills in pediatric resuscitation taught in a spaced format is at least as good as learning in a massed format. Procedures learned in a spaced format may result in better retention of skills when compared to massed training. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Optical and thermal properties in ultrafast laser surface nanostructuring on biodegradable polymer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yada, Shuhei; Terakawa, Mitsuhiro

2015-03-01

We investigate the effect of optical and thermal properties in laser-induced periodic surface structures (LIPSS) formation on a poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA), a biodegradable polymer. Surface properties of biomaterials are known to be one of the key factors in tissue engineering. Methods to process biomaterial surfaces have been studied widely to enhance cell adhesive and anisotropic properties. LIPSS formation has advantages in a dry processing which is able to process complex-shaped surfaces without using a toxic chemical component. LIPSS, however, was difficult to be formed on PLLA due to its thermal and optical properties compared to other polymers. To obtain new perspectives in effect of these properties above, LIPSS formation dependences on wavelength, pulse duration and repetition rate have been studied. At 800 nm of incident wavelength, high-spatial frequency LIPSS (HSFL) was formed after applying 10000 femtosecond pulses at 1.0 J/cm2 in laser fluence. At 400 nm of the wavelength, HSFL was formed at fluences higher than 0.20 J/cm2 with more than 3000 pulses. Since LIPSS was less formed with lower repetition rate, certain heat accumulation may be required for LIPSS formation. With the pulse duration of 2.0 ps, higher laser fluence as well as number of pulses compared to the case of 120 fs was necessary. This indicates that multiphoton absorption process is essential for LIPSS formation. Study on biodegradation modification was also performed.

Characterizing Protoplanetary Disks in a Young Binary in Orion

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Powell, Jonas; Hughes, A. Meredith; Mann, Rita; Flaherty, Kevin; Di Francesco, James; Williams, Jonathan

2018-01-01

Planetary systems form in circumstellar disks of gas and dust surrounding young stars. One open question in the study of planet formation involves understanding how different environments affect the properties of the disks and planets they generate. Understanding the properties of disks in high-mass star forming regions (SFRs) is critical since most stars - probably including our Sun - form in those regions. By comparing the disks in high-mass SFRs to those in better-studied low-mass SFRs we can learn about the role environment plays in planet formation. Here we present 0.5" resolution observations of the young two-disk binary system V2434 Ori in the Orion Nebula from the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA) in molecular line tracers of CO(3-2), HCN(4-3), HCO+(4-3) and CS(7-6). We model each disk’s mass, radius, temperature structure, and molecular abundances, by creating synthetic images using an LTE ray-tracing code and comparing simulated observations with the ALMA data in the visibility domain. We then compare our results to a previous study of molecular line emission from a single Orion proplyd, modeled using similar methods, and to previously characterized disks in low-mass SFRs to investigate the role of environment in disk chemistry and planetary system formation.

Comparing Web, Group and Telehealth Formats of a Military Parenting Program

DTIC Science & Technology

2016-06-01

AWARD NUMBER: W81XWH-14-1-0143 TITLE: Comparing Web, Group and Telehealth Formats of a Military Parenting Program PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR...SUBTITLE Comparing Web, Group and Telehealth Formats of a Military 5a. CONTRACT NUMBER W81XWH-14-1-0143 Parenting Program 5b. GRANT NUMBER 5c...conducting a three- group, two-site randomized trial to test the comparative effectiveness of three ADAPT delivery approaches for 360 reintegrating

In-situ synchrotron micro-diffraction study of surface, interface, grain structure, and strain/stress evolution during Sn whisker/hillock formation

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

Pei, Fei; Jadhav, Nitin; Buchovecky, Eric

2016-03-14

We have performed X-ray synchrotron micro-diffraction measurements to study the processes controlling the formation of hillocks and whiskers in Sn layers on Cu. The studies were done in real-time on Sn layers that were electro-deposited immediately before the X-ray measurements were started. This enabled a region of the sample to be monitored from the as-deposited state until after a hillock feature formed. In addition to measuring the grain orientation and deviatoric strain (via Laue diffraction), the X-ray fluorescence was monitored to quantify the evolution of the Sn surface morphology and the formation of intermetallic compound (IMC) at the Sn-Cu interface.more » The results capture the simultaneous growth of the feature and the corresponding film stress, grain orientation, and IMC formation. The observations are compared with proposed mechanisms for whisker/hillock growth and nucleation.« less

Time-intensive cognitive behaviour therapy for obsessive-compulsive disorder: A case series and matched comparison group.

PubMed

Oldfield, Victoria B; Salkovskis, Paul M; Taylor, Tracey

2011-03-01

A time-intensive format may be both useful and effective for the delivery of cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) for obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Intensive treatments also offer a pragmatic alternative to in-patient admission for those in a geographically remote location. Published studies of intensive treatment include pioneering exposure-response prevention (ERP) trials that emphasized the requirement for high-intensity treatment; more recently several studies have used treatment protocols with a heavy emphasis on ERP. This study compares intensive versus standard weekly treatment format following the integrated formulation-driven CBT approach widely used in UK adult mental health settings. An analysis of patients undertaking intensive CBT using a matched comparison group of those who undertook weekly CBT for OCD. Twenty-two adult patients undertook intensive format treatment (matched with a weekly group for age, gender, and initial symptoms). A range of self-report measures were examined at the end of treatment and at a 3-month follow-up. Significant treatment effects were found on a range of self-report measures; both conditions were found to be equally effective at the end of treatment and at 3-month follow-up. Uncontrolled effect sizes show that the intensive treatment was comparable to other trials of CBT for OCD. An intensive treatment format for the delivery of CBT for OCD was found to be as effective as weekly treatment. This is consistent with the recommendations from the National Institute for Clinical Excellence guidelines. This study adds to the growing literature on the effectiveness of intensive format treatment. ©2010 The British Psychological Society.

A GLIMPSE of Star Formation in the Outer Galaxy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Winston, Elaine; Hora, Joseph L.; Tolls, Volker

2018-01-01

The wealth of infrared data provided by recent infrared missions such as Spitzer, Herschel, and WISE has yet to be fully mined in the study of star formation in the outer galaxy. The nearby galaxy and massive star forming regions towards the galactic center have been extensively studied. However the outer regions of the Milky Way, where the metallicity is intermediate in value between the inner galactic disk and the Magellanic Clouds, has not been systematically studied. We are using Spitzer/IRAC’s GLIMPSE (Galactic Legacy Infrared Mid-plane Survey Extraordinaire) observations of the galactic plane at 3.6, 4.5, 5.8, and 8.0 microns to identify young stellar objects (YSOs) via their disk emission in the mid-infrared. A tiered clustering analysis is then performed: preliminary large scale clustering is identified across the field using a Density-Based Spatial Clustering of Applications with Noise (DBSCAN) technique. Smaller scale sub clustering within these regions is performed using an implementation of the Minimum Spanning Tree (MST) technique. The YSOs are then compared to known objects in the SIMBAD catalogue and their photometry and cluster membership is augmented using available Herschel and WISE photometry. We compare our results to those in the inner galaxy to determine how dynamical processes and environmental factors affect the star formation efficiency. These results will have applications to the study of star formation in other galaxies, where only global properties can be determined. We will present here the results of our initial investigation into star formation in the outer galaxy using the Spitzer/GLIMPSE observations of the SMOG field.

The paredon, Mexico, obsidian source and early formative exchange.

PubMed

Charlton, T H; Grove, D C; Hopke, P K

1978-09-01

In 1975, archeological surface surveys of trade routes located again a pre-Hispanic obsidian source in central Mexico first reported in 1902. Initial trace element studies of the Paredón source through an analysis by neutron activation have been compared with similar studies of the obsidian found at Chalcatzingo 150 kilometers from the source. These comparisons indicate that obsidian from Paredón, rather than Otumba, was of primary importance during the Early Formative in central Mexico.

Social Influences on Fertility: A Comparative Mixed Methods Study in Eastern and Western Germany

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bernardi, Laura; Keim, Sylvia; von der Lippe, Holger

2007-01-01

This article uses a mixed methods design to investigate the effects of social influence on family formation in a sample of eastern and western German young adults at an early stage of their family formation. Theoretical propositions on the importance of informal interaction for fertility and family behavior are still rarely supported by systematic…

Comparing Psychology Undergraduates' Performance in Probabilistic Reasoning under Verbal-Numerical and Graphical-Pictorial Problem Presentation Format: What Is the Role of Individual and Contextual Dimensions?

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Agus, Mirian; Peró-Cebollero, Maribel; Penna, Maria Pietronilla; Guàrdia-Olmos, Joan

2015-01-01

This study aims to investigate about the existence of a graphical facilitation effect on probabilistic reasoning. Measures of undergraduates' performances on problems presented in both verbal-numerical and graphical-pictorial formats have been related to visuo-spatial and numerical prerequisites, to statistical anxiety, to attitudes towards…

An Investigation of Pre-Service Science Teachers' Level of Efficacy in the Undergraduate Science Teacher Education Program and Pedagogical Formation Program

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Çetin, Oguz

2017-01-01

The purpose of this research is to comparatively investigate the efficacy levels of pre-service science (Science, Biology, Physics, and Chemistry) teachers enrolled at the Undergraduate Program of Science Teacher Education and Pedagogical Formation Program. A total of 275 pre-service teachers who were studying in different programmes in the…

Adolescent Substance Abuse in Mexico, Puerto Rico and The United States: Effect of Anonymous versus Confidential Survey Formats

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Latimer, William W.; O'Brien, Megan S.; Vasquez, Marco A.; Medina-Mora, Maria Elena; Rios-Bedoya, Carlos F.; Floyd, Leah J.

2006-01-01

Anonymous surveys have been widely used worldwide to describe adolescent substance use yet cannot elucidate causal drug abuse predictors. Studies in the U.S. have generally found that anonymous and confidential surveys yield comparable levels of self-reported substance use, yet the effect of survey format on youth self-report has not been…

A Comparative Study of Visual Representations in Conventional, Digitized and Interactive High School Science Textbooks

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Chen, Xiaoning

2017-01-01

With emerging new technologies being applied in teaching and learning, this study compares visual representations in three different high school biology textbook formats and analyses the senses engaged in viewing and understanding the science content represented through these visuals. The findings show that while a similar pattern is observed in…

A comparative study of advanced shock-capturing schemes applied to Burgers' equation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Yang, H. Q.; Przekwas, A. J.

1990-01-01

Several variations of the TVD scheme, ENO scheme, FCT scheme, and geometrical schemes, such as MUSCL and PPM, are considered. A comparative study of these schemes as applied to the Burgers' equation is presented. The objective is to assess their performance for problems involving formation and propagation of shocks, shock collisions, and expansion of discontinuities.

Live and Web-based orientations are comparable for a required rotation.

PubMed

Prunuske, Jacob

2010-03-01

Studies show equivalency in knowledge when measured following Web-based learning and live lecture. However, the effectiveness of a Web-based orientation for a required clinical rotation is unknown. Medical students viewed a Web-based orientation and completed a 13-item evaluation before beginning a required 6-week community medicine rotation. Evaluation data from 2007-2008 live orientation sessions were compared to responses from 2008-2009 Web-based orientation sessions. Data were analyzed by two-sample tests of proportion. A total of 169 students completed surveys during the study period--78 following the live and 91 following the Web-based orientation. Response rates were equal in the two groups. The survey tool had a high level of reliability (Cronbach's alpha=0.96). There was no statistical difference in student evaluations for 12 of 13 orientation evaluation items. Live and Web-based formats are comparable for presenting orientation materials to a required clinical rotation. Students felt the purpose of the rotation, educational goals, course structure, and requirements were clearly presented regardless of format. Transition from a live to Web-based format reduced faculty time required to present at rotation orientations.

The Effect of Air Preheat at Atmospheric Pressure on the Formation of NO(x) in the Quick-Mix Sections of an Axially Staged Combustor

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Vardakas, M. A.; Leong, M. Y.; Brouwer, J.; Samuelsen, G. S.; Holdeman, J. D.

1999-01-01

The Rich-burn/Quick-mix/Lean-burn (RQL) combustor concept has been proposed to minimize the formation of nitrogen oxides (NO(x)) in gas turbine systems. The success of this combustor strategy is dependent upon the efficiency of the mixing section bridging the fuel-rich and fuel-lean stages. Note that although these results were obtained from an experiment designed to study an RQL mixer, the link between mixing and NOx signatures is considerably broader than this application, in that the need to understand this link exists in most advanced combustors. The experiment reported herein was designed to study the effects of inlet air temperature on NO(x) formation in a mixing section. The results indicate that NO(x) emission is increased for all preheated cases compared to non-preheated cases. When comparing the various mixing modules, the affect of jet penetration is important, as this determines where NO(x) concentrations peak, and affects overall NO(x) production. Although jet air comprises 70 percent of the total airflow, the impact that jet air preheat has on overall NO(x) emissions is small compared to preheating both main and jet air flow.

Vertical osteoconductivity of sputtered hydroxyapatite-coated mini titanium implants after dura mater elevation: Rabbit calvarial model.

PubMed

Wang, Xin; Zakaria, Osama; Madi, Marwa; Kasugai, Shohei

2015-01-01

This study evaluated the quantity and quality of newly formed vertical bone induced by sputtered hydroxyapatite-coated titanium implants compared with sandblasted acid-etched implants after dura mater elevation. Hydroxyapatite-coated and non-coated implants (n = 20/group) were used and divided equally into two groups. All implants were randomly placed into rabbit calvarial bone (four implants for each animal) emerging from the inferior cortical layer, displacing the dura mater 3 mm below the original bone. Animals were sacrificed at 4 (n = 5) and 8 (n = 5) weeks post-surgery. Vertical bone height and area were analyzed histologically and radiographically below the original bone. Vertical bone formation was observed in both groups. At 4 and 8 weeks, vertical bone height reached a significantly higher level in the hydroxyapatite compared with the non-coated group (p < 0.05). Vertical bone area was significantly larger in the hydroxyapatite compared with the non-coated group at 4 and 8 weeks (p < 0.05). This study indicates that vertical bone formation can be induced by dura mater elevation and sputtered hydroxyapatite coating can enhance vertical bone formation.

A Comparative Observational Study of YSO Classification in Four Small Star-forming H ii Regions

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

Kang, Sung-Ju; Choi, Minho; Kang, Miju

We have developed a new young stellar object (YSO) identification and classification technique using mid-infrared Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer (WISE) data. We compare this new technique with previous WISE YSO detection and classification methods that used either infrared colors or spectral energy distribution slopes. In this study, we also use the new technique to detect and examine the YSO population associated with four small H ii regions: KR 7, KR 81, KR 120, and KR 140. The relatively simple structure of these regions allows us to effectively use both spatial and temporal constraints to identify YSOs that are potential productsmore » of triggered star formation. We are also able to identify regions of active star formation around these H ii regions that are clearly not influenced by the H ii region expansion, and thus demonstrate that star formation is on-going on megayear timescales in some of these molecular clouds.« less

Effectiveness of online instruction in the radiologic sciences.

PubMed

Johnston, James

2008-01-01

Online courses are becoming increasingly common in all academic disciplines and many studies have indicated that there is no significant difference in student outcomes between the 2 instructional methods or, more recently, that online instruction is superior. However, because course content and expectations about mastery of material vary, it is important to evaluate the effectiveness of online courses in different academic disciplines and settings, including radiologic technology. To examine the instructional effectiveness of 2 online radiologic science courses that were converted from a face-to-face instruction format. Archival data were gathered from a sample of convenience (N = 317) to compare 2 years of performance indicators for each course and format. This study also compared course formats in terms of national certification exam results. The results regarding which delivery type performed better were mixed. However, the national certification exam scores for the patient care section were higher for students who completed face-to-face instruction than for those who had online instruction.

NF-κB inhibitors that prevent foam cell formation and atherosclerotic plaque accumulation.

PubMed

Plotkin, Jesse D; Elias, Michael G; Dellinger, Anthony L; Kepley, Christopher L

2017-08-01

The transformation of monocyte-derived macrophages into lipid-laden foam cells is one inflammatory process underlying atherosclerotic disease. Previous studies have demonstrated that fullerene derivatives (FDs) have inflammation-blunting properties. Thus, it was hypothesized that FD could inhibit the transformation process underlying foam cell formation. Fullerene derivatives inhibited the phorbol myristic acid/oxidized low-density lipoprotein-induced differentiation of macrophages into foam cells as determined by lipid staining and morphology.Lipoprotein-induced generation of TNF-α, C5a-induced MC activation, ICAM-1 driven adhesion, and CD36 expression were significantly inhibited in FD treated cells compared to non-treated cells. Inhibition appeared to be mediated through the NF-κB pathway as FD reduced expression of NF-κB and atherosclerosis-associated genes. Compared to controls, FD dramatically inhibited plaque formation in arteries of apolipoprotein E null mice. Thus, FD may be an unrecognized therapy to prevent atherosclerotic lesions via inhibition of foam cell formation and MC stabilization. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Comparing Person-Centered Communication Education in Long-Term Care Using Onsite and Online Formats.

PubMed

Coleman, Carissa K; Fanning, Kim; Williams, Kristine N

2015-11-01

Educating nursing home (NH) staff to provide person-centered care is complicated by scheduling, costs, and other feasibility issues. The current study compared outcomes for an in-service program focused on person-centered communication provided in onsite and online formats. The Changing Talk program was provided onsite in seven NHs (n = 327 staff). The online program included eight NHs (n = 211 staff). Analysis of variance revealed an interaction between format type and pre-/post-test scores with improved recognition of person-centered communication in the onsite group only. Group program evaluations based on the modified Diffusion of Innovation in Long-Term Care Battery indicated no significant differences between training formats. Staff perception of the program was similar. Although statistically significant gains were noted in posttest scores indicating awareness of person-centered communication for the onsite group, gains were of limited clinical significance. Feasibility and effectiveness are important considerations for in-service education supporting NH culture change. Copyright 2015, SLACK Incorporated.

The best way to tell you to use a condom: the interplay between message format and individuals' level of need for cognition.

PubMed

Carnaghi, A; Cadinu, M; Castelli, L; Kiesner, J; Bragantini, C

2007-03-01

The present study addressed how individuals in high versus low need for cognition react to a persuasive message (concerning safer sexual conduct) presented either in a written format or in a comic-strip format. A control group that did not receive any persuasive message was also included. With reference to the Theory of Reasoned Action, we analyzed participants' instrumental attitude and instrumental norm toward the use of condoms. Results indicated that, compared to participants in the control group, providing participants with the persuasive message bolstered their instrumental attitude and norm. More importantly, participants high in need for cognition displayed higher levels of both instrumental attitude and norm when the message was in a written, as compared to a comic-strip, format. In contrast, participants low in need for cognition reported a stronger level of both instrumental attitude and norm in reaction to a comic-strip than a written message. Results are discussed with respect to their theoretical and practical implications.

Objective structured clinical examination "Death Certificate" station - Computer-based versus conventional exam format.

PubMed

Biolik, A; Heide, S; Lessig, R; Hachmann, V; Stoevesandt, D; Kellner, J; Jäschke, C; Watzke, S

2018-04-01

One option for improving the quality of medical post mortem examinations is through intensified training of medical students, especially in countries where such a requirement exists regardless of the area of specialisation. For this reason, new teaching and learning methods on this topic have recently been introduced. These new approaches include e-learning modules or SkillsLab stations; one way to objectify the resultant learning outcomes is by means of the OSCE process. However, despite offering several advantages, this examination format also requires considerable resources, in particular in regards to medical examiners. For this reason, many clinical disciplines have already implemented computer-based OSCE examination formats. This study investigates whether the conventional exam format for the OSCE forensic "Death Certificate" station could be replaced with a computer-based approach in future. For this study, 123 students completed the OSCE "Death Certificate" station, using both a computer-based and conventional format, half starting with the Computer the other starting with the conventional approach in their OSCE rotation. Assignment of examination cases was random. The examination results for the two stations were compared and both overall results and the individual items of the exam checklist were analysed by means of inferential statistics. Following statistical analysis of examination cases of varying difficulty levels and correction of the repeated measures effect, the results of both examination formats appear to be comparable. Thus, in the descriptive item analysis, while there were some significant differences between the computer-based and conventional OSCE stations, these differences were not reflected in the overall results after a correction factor was applied (e.g. point deductions for assistance from the medical examiner was possible only at the conventional station). Thus, we demonstrate that the computer-based OSCE "Death Certificate" station is a cost-efficient and standardised format for examination that yields results comparable to those from a conventional format exam. Moreover, the examination results also indicate the need to optimize both the test itself (adjusting the degree of difficulty of the case vignettes) and the corresponding instructional and learning methods (including, for example, the use of computer programmes to complete the death certificate in small group formats in the SkillsLab). Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd and Faculty of Forensic and Legal Medicine. All rights reserved.

Comparison of Biofilm Formation Capacities of Two Clinical Isolates of Staphylococcus Epidermidis with and without icaA and icaD Genes on Intraocular Lenses.

PubMed

Kıvanç, Sertaç Argun; Kıvanç, Merih; Kılıç, Volkan; Güllülü, Gülay; Özmen, Ahmet Tuncer

2017-04-01

To compare biofilm formations of two Staphylococcus epidermidis (S. epidermidis) isolates with known biofilm formation capacities on four different intraocular lenses (IOL) that have not been studied before. Two isolates obtained from ocular surfaces and identified in previous studies and stored at -86 °C in 15% glycerol in the microbiology laboratory of the Anadolu University Department of Biology were purified and used in the study. The isolates were S. epidermidis KA 15.8 (ICA+), a known biofilm producer isolate positive for icaA, icaD and bap genes, and S. epidermidis KA 14.5 (ICA-), known as a non-biofilm producer isolate negative for icaA, icaD and bap genes. The biofilm formation capacities of the 2 isolates on 4 different IOLs were compared. Two of the IOLs were acrylic (UD613 [IOL A], Turkey; SA60AT [IOL B], USA), and the other two were polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) (B60130C [IOL C], India; B55125C [IOL D], India). Bacterial enumeration and optical density measurements were done from biofilms that formed on the IOLs. Biofilms were imaged using scanning electron microscopy. Mean bacterial counts on the IOLs were 7.1±0.4 log 10 CFU/mL with the ICA+ isolate, and 6.7±0.8 log 10 CFU/mL with the ICA- isolate; there were no statistically significant differences. Biofilm formation was lower with acrylic lenses than PMMA lenses with both isolates (p=0.009 and p=0.013). The highest biofilm production was obtained on IOL C (PMMA) (p<0.001) and the lowest was obtained on IOL A (hydrophilic acrylic) (p<0.001). Bacterial counts after biofilm formation were lower on acrylic lenses, especially hydrophilic acrylic with hydrophobic properties. Further animal and in vivo studies are required to support the findings of this study.

Comparison of Biofilm Formation Capacities of Two Clinical Isolates of Staphylococcus Epidermidis with and without icaA and icaD Genes on Intraocular Lenses

PubMed Central

Kıvanç, Sertaç Argun; Kıvanç, Merih; Kılıç, Volkan; Güllülü, Gülay; Özmen, Ahmet Tuncer

2017-01-01

Objectives: To compare biofilm formations of two Staphylococcus epidermidis (S. epidermidis) isolates with known biofilm formation capacities on four different intraocular lenses (IOL) that have not been studied before. Materials and Methods: Two isolates obtained from ocular surfaces and identified in previous studies and stored at -86 °C in 15% glycerol in the microbiology laboratory of the Anadolu University Department of Biology were purified and used in the study. The isolates were S. epidermidis KA 15.8 (ICA+), a known biofilm producer isolate positive for icaA, icaD and bap genes, and S. epidermidis KA 14.5 (ICA-), known as a non-biofilm producer isolate negative for icaA, icaD and bap genes. The biofilm formation capacities of the 2 isolates on 4 different IOLs were compared. Two of the IOLs were acrylic (UD613 [IOL A], Turkey; SA60AT [IOL B], USA), and the other two were polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) (B60130C [IOL C], India; B55125C [IOL D], India). Bacterial enumeration and optical density measurements were done from biofilms that formed on the IOLs. Biofilms were imaged using scanning electron microscopy. Results: Mean bacterial counts on the IOLs were 7.1±0.4 log10 CFU/mL with the ICA+ isolate, and 6.7±0.8 log10 CFU/mL with the ICA- isolate; there were no statistically significant differences. Biofilm formation was lower with acrylic lenses than PMMA lenses with both isolates (p=0.009 and p=0.013). The highest biofilm production was obtained on IOL C (PMMA) (p<0.001) and the lowest was obtained on IOL A (hydrophilic acrylic) (p<0.001). Conclusion: Bacterial counts after biofilm formation were lower on acrylic lenses, especially hydrophilic acrylic with hydrophobic properties. Further animal and in vivo studies are required to support the findings of this study. PMID:28405479

Using an ACTIVE teaching format versus a standard lecture format for increasing resident interaction and knowledge achievement during noon conference: a prospective, controlled study.

PubMed

Sawatsky, Adam P; Berlacher, Kathryn; Granieri, Rosanne

2014-07-01

The traditional lecture is used by many residency programs to fulfill the mandate for regular didactic sessions, despite limited evidence to demonstrate its effectiveness. Active teaching strategies have shown promise in improving medical knowledge but have been challenging to implement within the constraints of residency training. We developed and evaluated an innovative structured format for interactive teaching within the residency noon conference. We developed an ACTIVE teaching format structured around the following steps: assemble (A) into groups, convey (C) learning objectives, teach (T) background information, inquire (I) through cases and questions, verify (V) understanding, and explain (E) answer choices and educate on the learning points. We conducted a prospective, controlled study of the ACTIVE teaching format versus the standard lecture format, comparing resident satisfaction, immediate knowledge achievement and long-term knowledge retention. We qualitatively assessed participating faculty members' perspectives on the faculty development efforts and the feasibility of teaching using the ACTIVE format. Sixty-nine internal medicine residents participated in the study. Overall, there was an improvement in perceived engagement using the ACTIVE teaching format (4.78 vs. 3.80, P < 0.01), with no increase in stress or decrement in break time. There was an improvement in initial knowledge achievement with the ACTIVE teaching format (overall absolute score increase of 11%, P = 0.04) and a trend toward improvement in long-term knowledge retention. Faculty members felt adequately prepared to use the ACTIVE teaching format, and enjoyed teaching with the ACTIVE teaching format more than the standard lecture. A structured ACTIVE teaching format improved resident engagement and initial knowledge, and required minimal resources. The ACTIVE teaching format offers an exciting alternative to the standard lecture for resident noon conference and is easy to implement.

Effects of low-energy electron irradiation on formation of nitrogen–vacancy centers in single-crystal diamond

DOE PAGES

Schwartz, J.; Aloni, S.; Ogletree, D. F.; ...

2012-04-20

Exposure to beams of low-energy electrons (2-30 keV) in a scanning electron microscope locally induces formation of NV-centers without thermal annealing in diamonds that have been implanted with nitrogen ions. In this study, we find that non-thermal, electron-beam-induced NV-formation is about four times less efficient than thermal annealing. But NV-center formation in a consecutive thermal annealing step (800°C) following exposure to low-energy electrons increases by a factor of up to 1.8 compared to thermal annealing alone. Finally, these observations point to reconstruction of nitrogen-vacancy complexes induced by electronic excitations from low-energy electrons as an NV-center formation mechanism and identify localmore » electronic excitations as a means for spatially controlled room-temperature NV-center formation.« less

Integration host factor is important for biofilm formation by Salmonella enterica Enteritidis.

PubMed

Leite, Bruna; Werle, Catierine Hirsch; Carmo, Camila Pinheiro do; Nóbrega, Diego Borin; Milanez, Guilherme Paier; Culler, Hebert Fabricio; Sircili, Marcelo Palma; Alvarez-Martinez, Cristina E; Brocchi, Marcelo

2017-08-31

Salmonella enterica Enteritidis forms biofilms and survives in agricultural environments, infecting poultry and eggs. Bacteria in biofilms are difficult to eradicate compared to planktonic cells, causing serious problems in industry and public health. In this study, we evaluated the role of ihfA and ihfB in biofilm formation by S. enterica Enteritidis by employing different microbiology techniques. Our data indicate that ihf mutant strains are impaired in biofilm formation, showing a reduction in matrix formation and a decrease in viability and metabolic activity. Phenotypic analysis also showed that deletion of ihf causes a deficiency in curli fimbriae expression, cellulose production and pellicle formation. These results show that integration host factor has an important regulatory role in biofilm formation by S. enterica Enteritidis. © FEMS 2017. All rights reserved. For permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com.

Effects of surface properties on droplet formation inside a microfluidic device

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Steinhaus, Ben; Shen, Amy

2004-11-01

Micro-fluidic devices offer a unique method of creating and controlling droplets on small length scales. A microfluidic device is used to study the effects of surface properties on droplet formation of a 2-phase flow system. Four phase diagrams are generated to compare the dynamics of the 2 immiscible fluid system (silicone oil and water) inside microchannels with different surface properties. Results show that the channel surface plays an important role in determining the flow patterns and the droplet formation of the 2-phase fluid system.

Vulnerability of Gastric Mucosa in Diabetic Rats, Its Pathogenesis and Amelioration by Cuminum cyminum

PubMed Central

Vador, N.; Jagtap, Aarti G.; Damle, Archana

2012-01-01

Various studies have indicated that peptic ulcers occurring during the course of diabetic state are more severe and often associated with complications such as gastrointestinal bleeding. This study is the first attempt to understand the pathogenesis of gastric ulcers occurring during the diabetic state considering alternate biochemical pathways using suitable markers and its amelioration by Cuminum cyminum. In this study, diabetic rats showed a progressive increase in the stomach advanced glycated end products formation, gastric mucosal tumour necrosis factor-α and Thiobarbituric acid reactive substances levels as compared to normal control (nondiabetic) rats. There was decrease in gastric mucosal content, antioxidant enzymes and cellular ATPase enzyme levels of diabetic gastric mucosa when compared to the normal control group. mRNA expression of epidermal growth factor was found to be significantly higher as compared to normal control animals. Further methanol extract of Cuminum cyminum treatment to diabetic animals caused a reduction in blood glucose, and ulcer score when compared to diabetic control rats. It significantly increased gastric mucus content, antioxidant status and cellular ATPase enzyme levels as compared to diabetic control animals. Methanol extract of Cuminum cyminum inhibited advanced glycated end products formation in vitro as well as in vivo. PMID:23716866

Quantitative comparison between in vivo DNA adduct formation from exposure to selected DNA-reactive carcinogens, natural background levels of DNA adduct formation and tumour incidence in rodent bioassays.

PubMed

Paini, Alicia; Scholz, Gabriele; Marin-Kuan, Maricel; Schilter, Benoît; O'Brien, John; van Bladeren, Peter J; Rietjens, Ivonne M C M

2011-09-01

This study aimed at quantitatively comparing the occurrence/formation of DNA adducts with the carcinogenicity induced by a selection of DNA-reactive genotoxic carcinogens. Contrary to previous efforts, we used a very uniform set of data, limited to in vivo rat liver studies in order to investigate whether a correlation can be obtained, using a benchmark dose (BMD) approach. Dose-response data on both carcinogenicity and in vivo DNA adduct formation were available for six compounds, i.e. 2-acetylaminofluorene, aflatoxin B1, methyleugenol, safrole, 2-amino-3,8-dimethylimidazo[4,5-f]quinoxaline and tamoxifen. BMD(10) values for liver carcinogenicity were calculated using the US Environmental Protection Agency BMD software. DNA adduct levels at this dose were extrapolated assuming linearity of the DNA adduct dose response. In addition, the levels of DNA adducts at the BMD(10) were compared to available data on endogenous background DNA damage in the target organ. Although for an individual carcinogen the tumour response increases when adduct levels increase, our results demonstrate that when comparing different carcinogens, no quantitative correlation exists between the level of DNA adduct formation and carcinogenicity. These data confirm that the quantity of DNA adducts formed by a DNA-reactive compound is not a carcinogenicity predictor but that other factors such as type of adduct and mutagenic potential may be equally relevant. Moreover, comparison to background DNA damage supports the notion that the mere occurrence of DNA adducts above or below the level of endogenous DNA damage is neither correlated to development of cancer. These data strongly emphasise the need to apply the mode of action framework to understand the contribution of other biological effect markers playing a role in carcinogenicity.

Quantum chemical studies of a model for peptide bond formation. 3. Role of magnesium cation in formation of amide and water from ammonia and glycine

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Oie, T.; Loew, G. H.; Burt, S. K.; MacElroy, R. D.

1984-01-01

The SN2 reaction between glycine and ammonia molecules with magnesium cation Mg2+ as a catalyst has been studied as a model reaction for Mg(2+)-catalyzed peptide bond formation using the ab initio Hartree-Fock molecular orbital method. As in previous studies of the uncatalyzed and amine-catalyzed reactions between glycine and ammonia, two reaction mechanisms have been examined, i.e., a two-step and a concerted reaction. The stationary points of each reaction including intermediate and transition states have been identified and free energies calculated for all geometry-optimized reaction species to determine the thermodynamics and kinetics of each reaction. Substantial decreases in free energies of activation were found for both reaction mechanisms in the Mg(2+)-catalyzed amide bond formation compared with those in the uncatalyzed and amine-catalyzed amide bond formation. The catalytic effect of the Mg2+ cation is to stabilize both the transition states and intermediate, and it is attributed to the neutralization of the developing negative charge on the electrophile and formation of a conformationally flexible nonplanar five-membered chelate ring structure.

Recovery and diversification of marine communities following the late Permian mass extinction event in the western Palaeotethys

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Foster, William J.; Sebe, Krisztina

2017-08-01

The recovery of benthic invertebrates following the late Permian mass extinction event is often described as occurring in the Middle Triassic associated with the return of Early Triassic Lazarus taxa, increased body sizes, platform margin metazoan reefs, and increased tiering. Most quantitative palaeoecological studies, however, are limited to the Early Triassic and the timing of the final phase of recovery is rarely quantified. Here, quantitative abundance data of benthic invertebrates were collected from the Middle Triassic (Anisian) succession of the Mecsek Mountains (Hungary), and analysed with univariate and multivariate statistics to investigate the timing of recovery following the late Permian mass extinction. These communities lived in a mixed siliciclastic-carbonate ramp setting on the western margin of the Palaeotethys Ocean. The new data presented here is combined with the previously studied Lower Triassic succession of the Aggtelek Karst (Hungary), which records deposition of comparable facies and in the same region of the Palaeotethys Ocean. The Middle Triassic benthic fauna can be characterised by three distinct ecological states. The first state is recorded in the Viganvár Limestone Formation representing mollusc-dominated communities restricted to above wave base, which are comparable to the lower and mid-Spathian Szin Marl Formation faunas. The second state is recorded in the Lapis Limestone Formation and records extensive bioturbation that is not limited to wave base and is comparable to the upper Spathian Szinpetri Limestone Formation. The third ecological state occurs in the Zuhánya Limestone Formation which was deposited in the Pelsonian Binodosus Zone, and has a more 'Palaeozoic' structure with sessile brachiopods dominating assemblages for the first time in the Mesozoic. The return of community-level characteristics to pre-extinction levels and the diversification of invertebrates suggests that the final stages of recovery and the radiation of the benthos in ramp settings following the late Permian mass extinction occurred in the upper Pelsonian Zuhánya Limestone Formation, approximately 8 million years after the extinction event.

Relative Positioning Evaluation of a Tetrahedral Flight Formation’s Satellites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mahler, W. F. C.; Rocco, E. M.; Santos, D. P. S.

2017-10-01

This paper presents a study about the tetrahedral layout of four satellites in a way that every half-orbital period this set groups together while flying in formation. The formation is calculated analyzing the problem from a geometrical perspective and disposed by precisely adjusting the orbital parameters of each satellite. The dynamic modelling considers the orbital motion equations. The results are analyzed, compared and discussed. A detection algorithm is used as flag to signal the regular tetrahedron’s exact moments of occurrence. To do so, the volume calculated during the simulation is compared to the real volume, based on the initial conditions of the exact moment of formation and respecting a tolerance. This tolerance value is stablished arbitrarily depending on the mission and the formation’s geometrical parameters. The simulations will run on a computational environment.

Comparative study of new bone formation capability of zirconia bone graft material in rabbit calvarial.

PubMed

Kim, Ik-Jung; Shin, Soo-Yeon

2018-06-01

The purpose of this study was to compare the new bone formation capability of zirconia with those of other synthetic bone grafts. Twelve rabbits were used and four 6-mm diameter transcortical defects were formed on each calvaria. Each defect was filled with Osteon II (Os), Tigran PTG (Ti), and zirconia (Zi) bone grafts. For the control group, the defects were left unfilled. The rabbits were sacrificed at 2, 4, and 8 weeks. Specimens were analyzed through micro computed tomography (CT) and histomorphometric analysis. The Ti and Zi groups showed significant differences in the amount of newly formed bone between 2 and 4 weeks and between 2 and 8 weeks ( P <.05). The measurements of total bone using micro CT showed significant differences between the Os and Ti groups and between the Os and Zi groups at 2 and 8 weeks ( P <.05). Comparing by week in each group, the Ti group showed a significant difference between 4 and 8 weeks. Histomorphometric analysis also showed significant differences in new bone formation between the control group and the experimental groups at 2, 4, and 8 weeks ( P <.05). In the comparison of newly formed bone, significant differences were observed between 2 and 4 weeks and between 2 and 8 weeks ( P <.05) in all groups. Zirconia bone graft material showed satisfactory results in new bone formation and zirconia could be used as a new synthetic bone graft material.

Science Teachers' Use of a Concept Map Marking Guide as a Formative Assessment Tool for the Concept of Energy

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Won, Mihye; Krabbe, Heiko; Ley, Siv Ling; Treagust, David F.; Fischer, Hans E.

2017-01-01

In this study, we investigated the value of a concept map marking guide as an alternative formative assessment tool for science teachers to adopt for the topic of energy. Eight high school science teachers marked students' concept maps using an itemized holistic marking guide. Their marking was compared with the researchers' marking and the scores…

Finding the Right Fit: Assessing the Impact of Traditional v. Large Lecture/Small Lab Course Formats on a General Education Course

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Wildermuth, Susan M.; French, Tammy; Fredrick, Edward

2013-01-01

This study explores alternative approaches for teaching general education courses burdened with serving extremely large enrollments. It compares the effectiveness of a self-contained course in which each course section is taught by one instructor to a large lecture/small lab format in which all course enrollees attend one large lecture section and…

How to Assess Data Availability, Accessibility and Format for Risk Analysis?

PubMed

Humblet, M-F; Vandeputte, S; Mignot, C; Bellet, C; De Koeijer, A; Swanenburg, M; Afonso, A; Sanaa, M; Saegerman, C

2016-12-01

Risk assessments are mostly carried out based on available data, which do not reflect all data theoretically required by experts to answer them. This study aimed at developing a methodology to assess data availability, accessibility and format, based on a scoring system and focusing on two diseases: Venezuelan equine encephalomyelitis (VEE), still exotic to Europe, and alveolar echinococcosis, caused by Echinococcus multilocularis (EM), endemic in several Member States (MSs). After reviewing 36 opinions of the EFSA-AHAW Panel on risk assessment of animal health questions, a generic list of needed data was elaborated. The methodology consisted, first, in implementing a direct and an indirect survey to collect the data needed for both case studies: the direct survey consisted in a questionnaire sent to contact points of three European MSs (Belgium, France and the Netherlands), and the organization of a workshop gathering experts on both diseases. The indirect survey, focusing on the three MSs involved in the direct survey plus Spain, relied on web searches. Secondly, a scoring system with reference to data availability, accessibility and format was elaborated, to, finally, compare both diseases and data between MSs. The accessibility of data was generally related to their availability. Web searches resulted in more data available for VEE compared to EM, despite its current exotic status in the European Union. Hypertext markup language and portable document files were the main formats of available data. Data availability, accessibility and format should be improved for research scientists/assessors. The format of data plays a key role in the feasibility and rapidness of data management and analysis, through a prompt compilation, combination and aggregation in working databases. Harmonization of data collection process is encouraged, according to standardized procedures, to provide useful and reliable data, both at the national and the international levels for both animal and human health; it would allow assessing data gaps through comparative studies. The present methodology is a good way of assessing the relevance of data for risk assessment, as it allows integrating the uncertainty linked to the quality of data used. Such an approach could be described as transparent and traceable and should be performed systematically. © 2015 Blackwell Verlag GmbH.

Modulation of task demands suggests that semantic processing interferes with the formation of episodic associations

PubMed Central

Long, Nicole M.; Kahana, Michael J.

2016-01-01

Although episodic and semantic memory share overlapping neural mechanisms, it remains unclear how our pre-existing semantic associations modulate the formation of new, episodic associations. When freely recalling recently studied words, people rely on both episodic and semantic associations, shown through temporal and semantic clustering of responses. We asked whether orienting participants toward semantic associations interferes with or facilitates the formation of episodic associations. We compared electroencephalographic (EEG) activity recorded during the encoding of subsequently recalled words that were either temporally or semantically clustered. Participants studied words with or without a concurrent semantic orienting task. We identified a neural signature of successful episodic association formation whereby high frequency EEG activity (HFA, 44 – 100 Hz) overlying left prefrontal regions increased for subsequently temporally clustered words, but only for those words studied without a concurrent semantic orienting task. To confirm that this disruption in the formation of episodic associations was driven by increased semantic processing, we measured the neural correlates of subsequent semantic clustering. We found that HFA increased for subsequently semantically clustered words only for lists with a concurrent semantic orienting task. This dissociation suggests that increased semantic processing of studied items interferes with the neural processes that support the formation of novel episodic associations. PMID:27617775

Modulation of task demands suggests that semantic processing interferes with the formation of episodic associations.

PubMed

Long, Nicole M; Kahana, Michael J

2017-02-01

Although episodic and semantic memory share overlapping neural mechanisms, it remains unclear how our pre-existing semantic associations modulate the formation of new, episodic associations. When freely recalling recently studied words, people rely on both episodic and semantic associations, shown through temporal and semantic clustering of responses. We asked whether orienting participants toward semantic associations interferes with or facilitates the formation of episodic associations. We compared electroencephalographic (EEG) activity recorded during the encoding of subsequently recalled words that were either temporally or semantically clustered. Participants studied words with or without a concurrent semantic orienting task. We identified a neural signature of successful episodic association formation whereby high-frequency EEG activity (HFA, 44-100 Hz) overlying left prefrontal regions increased for subsequently temporally clustered words, but only for those words studied without a concurrent semantic orienting task. To confirm that this disruption in the formation of episodic associations was driven by increased semantic processing, we measured the neural correlates of subsequent semantic clustering. We found that HFA increased for subsequently semantically clustered words only for lists with a concurrent semantic orienting task. This dissociation suggests that increased semantic processing of studied items interferes with the neural processes that support the formation of novel episodic associations. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2017 APA, all rights reserved).

Blastocyst Development in a Single Medium Compared to Sequential Media: A Prospective Study With Sibling Oocytes.

PubMed

Sfontouris, Ioannis A; Kolibianakis, Efstratios M; Lainas, George T; Petsas, George K; Tarlatzis, Basil C; Lainas, Trifon G

2017-09-01

The aim of the present study was to compare blastocyst formation rates after embryo culture in a single medium (Global) as compared to sequential media (ISM1/BlastAssist). In this prospective trial with sibling oocytes, 542 metaphase II (ΜΙΙ) oocytes from 31 women were randomly and equally divided to be fertilized and cultured to the blastocyst stage in either sequential media (ISM1/BlastAssist; n = 271 MII oocytes) or a single medium (Global; n = 271 MII oocytes). In both groups, embryos were cultured in an interrupted fashion with media changes on day 3. Embryo transfer was performed on day 5. Blastocyst formation rates on day 5 (61.7% ± 19.9% vs 37.0% ± 25.5%, P < .001) were significantly higher following culture in Global as compared to ISM1/BlastAssist, respectively. Fertilization rates, cleavage rates, and percentage of good quality embryos on day 3 were similar between Global and ISM1/BlastAssist, respectively. The percentages of good quality blastocysts (63.0% ± 24.8% vs 32.1% ± 37.2%, P < .001), blastocysts selected for transfer (27.8% ± 19.2% vs 11.1% ± 14.4%, P = .005), and utilization rates (62.5% ± 24.8% vs 39.0% ± 25.2%, P < .001) were significantly higher in Global as compared to ISM1/BlastAssist, respectively. In conclusion, culture in Global was associated with higher blastocyst formation rates compared to ISM1/BlastAssist, suggesting that the single medium may provide better support to the developing embryo.

Interformat reliability of digital psychiatric self-report questionnaires: a systematic review.

PubMed

Alfonsson, Sven; Maathz, Pernilla; Hursti, Timo

2014-12-03

Research on Internet-based interventions typically use digital versions of pen and paper self-report symptom scales. However, adaptation into the digital format could affect the psychometric properties of established self-report scales. Several studies have investigated differences between digital and pen and paper versions of instruments, but no systematic review of the results has yet been done. This review aims to assess the interformat reliability of self-report symptom scales used in digital or online psychotherapy research. Three databases (MEDLINE, Embase, and PsycINFO) were systematically reviewed for studies investigating the reliability between digital and pen and paper versions of psychiatric symptom scales. From a total of 1504 publications, 33 were included in the review, and interformat reliability of 40 different symptom scales was assessed. Significant differences in mean total scores between formats were found in 10 of 62 analyses. These differences were found in just a few studies, which indicates that the results were due to study effects and sample effects rather than unreliable instruments. The interformat reliability ranged from r=.35 to r=.99; however, the majority of instruments showed a strong correlation between format scores. The quality of the included studies varied, and several studies had insufficient power to detect small differences between formats. When digital versions of self-report symptom scales are compared to pen and paper versions, most scales show high interformat reliability. This supports the reliability of results obtained in psychotherapy research on the Internet and the comparability of the results to traditional psychotherapy research. There are, however, some instruments that consistently show low interformat reliability, suggesting that these conclusions cannot be generalized to all questionnaires. Most studies had at least some methodological issues with insufficient statistical power being the most common issue. Future studies should preferably provide information about the transformation of the instrument into digital format and the procedure for data collection in more detail.

Biosurfactant as a Promoter of Methane Hydrate Formation: Thermodynamic and Kinetic Studies

PubMed Central

Arora, Amit; Cameotra, Swaranjit Singh; Kumar, Rajnish; Balomajumder, Chandrajit; Singh, Anil Kumar; Santhakumari, B.; Kumar, Pushpendra; Laik, Sukumar

2016-01-01

Natural gas hydrates (NGHs) are solid non-stoichiometric compounds often regarded as a next generation energy source. Successful commercialization of NGH is curtailed by lack of efficient and safe technology for generation, dissociation, storage and transportation. The present work studied the influence of environment compatible biosurfactant on gas hydrate formation. Biosurfactant was produced by Pseudomonas aeruginosa strain A11 and was characterized as rhamnolipids. Purified rhamnolipids reduced the surface tension of water from 72 mN/m to 36 mN/m with Critical Micelle Concentration (CMC) of 70 mg/l. Use of 1000 ppm rhamnolipids solution in C type silica gel bed system increased methane hydrate formation rate by 42.97% and reduced the induction time of hydrate formation by 22.63% as compared to water saturated C type silica gel. Presence of rhamnolipids also shifted methane hydrate formation temperature to higher values relative to the system without biosurfactant. Results from thermodynamic and kinetic studies suggest that rhamnolipids can be applied as environment friendly methane hydrate promoter. PMID:26869357

Incidence, risk factors and clinical course of pancreatic fluid collections in acute pancreatitis.

PubMed

Cui, Mei Lan; Kim, Kook Hyun; Kim, Ho Gak; Han, Jimin; Kim, Hyunsoo; Cho, Kwang Bum; Jung, Min Kyu; Cho, Chang Min; Kim, Tae Nyeun

2014-05-01

Acute pancreatitis is an acute inflammatory process of the pancreas with variable involvement of other regional tissues or remote organ systems. Acute fluid collections and pseudocyst formation are the most frequent complications of acute pancreatitis. The aims of this study were to evaluate the incidence, risk factors, and clinical course of pancreatic fluid collections and pseudocyst formation following acute pancreatitis. A prospective multicenter study was conducted in five participating centers with 302 patients diagnosed with acute pancreatitis from January 2011 to July 2012. The incidence of pancreatic fluid collections and pseudocyst was 42.7 and 6.3 %, respectively. Patients with fluid collections were significantly younger, compared to those without fluid collections (51.5 ± 15.9 vs. 60.4 ± 16.5 years, P = 0.000). The proportion of alcoholic etiology (54.3 %) in patients with fluid collections was significantly higher compared to other etiologies (P = 0.000). C-reactive protein (CRP) (48 h) was significantly higher in patients with fluid collections, compared to patients without fluid collections (39.2 ± 77.4 vs. 15.1 ± 36.2 mg/dL, P = 0.016). LDH (48 h) was significantly higher in patients with pseudocyst formation, compared to patients with complete resolution (1,317.6 ± 706.4 vs. 478.7 ± 190.5 IU/L, P = 0.000). Pancreatic fluid collections showed spontaneous resolution in 69.8 % (90/129) and 84.2 % of the pseudocysts disappeared or decreased in size during follow up. Age, CRP (48 h), and alcohol etiology are risk factors for pancreatic fluid collections. LDH (48 h) appears to be a risk factor for pseudocyst formation. Most pseudocysts showed a decrease in size or spontaneous resolution with conservative management.

BMP-2 and titanium particles synergistically activate osteoclast formation

PubMed Central

Sun, S.X.; Guo, H.H.; Zhang, J.; Yu, B.; Sun, K.N.; Jin, Q.H.

2014-01-01

A previous study showed that BMP-2 (bone morphogenetic protein-2) and wear debris can separately support osteoclast formation induced by the receptor activator of NF-κB ligand (RANKL). However, the effect of BMP-2 on wear debris-induced osteoclast formation is unclear. In this study, we show that neither titanium particles nor BMP-2 can induce osteoclast formation in RAW 264.7 mouse leukemic monocyte macrophage cells but that BMP-2 synergizes with titanium particles to enhance osteoclast formation in the presence of RANKL, and that at a low concentration, BMP-2 has an optimal effect to stimulate the size and number of multinuclear osteoclasts, expression of osteoclast genes, and resorption area. Our data also clarify that the effects caused by the increase in BMP-2 on phosphorylated SMAD levels such as c-Fos expression increased throughout the early stages of osteoclastogenesis. BMP-2 and titanium particles stimulate the expression of p-JNK, p-P38, p-IkB, and P50 compared with the titanium group. These data suggested that BMP-2 may be a crucial factor in titanium particle-mediated osteoclast formation. PMID:24820069

Formation of porous networks on polymeric surfaces by femtosecond laser micromachining

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Assaf, Youssef; Kietzig, Anne-Marie

2017-02-01

In this study, porous network structures were successfully created on various polymer surfaces by femtosecond laser micromachining. Six different polymers (poly(tetrafluoroethylene) (PTFE), poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA), high density poly(ethylene) (HDPE), poly(lactic acid) (PLA), poly(carbonate) (PC), and poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET)) were machined at different fluences and pulse numbers, and the resulting structures were identified and compared by lacunarity analysis. At low fluence and pulse numbers, porous networks were confirmed to form on all materials except PLA. Furthermore, all networks except for PMMA were shown to bundle up at high fluence and pulse numbers. In the case of PC, a complete breakdown of the structure at such conditions was observed. Operation slightly above threshold fluence and at low pulse numbers is therefore recommended for porous network formation. Finally, the thickness over which these structures formed was measured and compared to two intrinsic material dependent parameters: the single pulse threshold fluence and the incubation coefficient. Results indicate that a lower threshold fluence at operating conditions favors material removal over structure formation and is hence detrimental to porous network formation. Favorable machining conditions and material-dependent parameters for the formation of porous networks on polymer surfaces have thus been identified.

Comparative Proteomic Analysis of Light-Induced Mycelial Brown Film Formation in Lentinula edodes.

PubMed

Tang, Li Hua; Tan, Qi; Bao, Da Peng; Zhang, Xue Hong; Jian, Hua Hua; Li, Yan; Yang, Rui Heng; Wang, Ying

2016-01-01

Light-induced brown film (BF) formation by the vegetative mycelium of Lentinula edodes is important for ensuring the quantity and quality of this edible mushroom. Nevertheless, the molecular mechanism underlying this phenotype is still unclear. In this study, a comparative proteomic analysis of mycelial BF formation in L. edodes was performed. Seventy-three protein spots with at least a twofold difference in abundance on two-dimensional electrophoresis (2DE) maps were observed, and 52 of them were successfully identified by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization tandem time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF/TOF/MS). These proteins were classified into the following functional categories: small molecule metabolic processes (39%), response to oxidative stress (5%), and organic substance catabolic processes (5%), followed by oxidation-reduction processes (3%), single-organism catabolic processes (3%), positive regulation of protein complex assembly (3%), and protein metabolic processes (3%). Interestingly, four of the proteins that were upregulated in response to light exposure were nucleoside diphosphate kinases. To our knowledge, this is the first proteomic analysis of the mechanism of BF formation in L. edodes . Our data will provide a foundation for future detailed investigations of the proteins linked to BF formation.

Biofilm formation by Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli O157:H7 and Non-O157 strains and their tolerance to sanitizers commonly used in the food processing environment.

PubMed

Wang, Rong; Bono, James L; Kalchayanand, Norasak; Shackelford, Steven; Harhay, Dayna M

2012-08-01

Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) strains are important foodborne pathogens. Among these, E. coli O157:H7 is the most frequently isolated STEC serotype responsible for foodborne diseases. However, the non-O157 serotypes have been associated with serious outbreaks and sporadic diseases as well. It has been shown that various STEC serotypes are capable of forming biofilms on different food or food contact surfaces that, when detached, may lead to cross-contamination. Bacterial cells at biofilm stage also are more tolerant to sanitizers compared with their planktonic counterparts, which makes STEC biofilms a serious food safety concern. In the present study, we evaluated the potency of biofilm formation by a variety of STEC strains from serotypes O157:H7, O26:H11, and O111:H8; we also compared biofilm tolerance with two types of common sanitizers, a quaternary ammonium chloride-based sanitizer and chlorine. Our results demonstrated that biofilm formation by various STEC serotypes on a polystyrene surface was highly strain-dependent, whereas the two non-O157 serotypes showed a higher potency of pellicle formation at air-liquid interfaces on a glass surface compared with serotype O157:H7. Significant reductions of viable biofilm cells were achieved with sanitizer treatments. STEC biofilm tolerance to sanitization was strain-dependent regardless of the serotypes. Curli expression appeared to play a critical role in STEC biofilm formation and tolerance to sanitizers. Our data indicated that multiple factors, including bacterial serotype and strain, surface materials, and other environmental conditions, could significantly affect STEC biofilm formation. The high potential for biofilm formation by various STEC serotypes, especially the strong potency of pellicle formation by the curli-positive non-O157 strains with high sanitization tolerance, might contribute to bacterial colonization on food contact surfaces, which may result in downstream product contamination.

The Improvement of Laparoscopic Surgical Skills Obtained by Gynecologists after Ten Years of Clinical Training Can Reduce Peritoneal Adhesion Formation during Laparoscopic Myomectomy: A Retrospective Cohort Study

PubMed Central

Peiretti, Michele; Minerba, Luigi

2017-01-01

Objective To evaluate if improvement of laparoscopic skills can reduce postoperative peritoneal adhesion formation in a clinical setting. Study Design We retrospectively evaluated 25 women who underwent laparoscopic myomectomy from January 1993 to June 1994 and 22 women who underwent laparoscopic myomectomy from March 2002 to November 2004. Women had one to four subserous/intramural myomas and received surgery without antiadhesive agents or barriers. Women underwent second-look laparoscopy for assessment of peritoneal adhesion formation 12 to 14 weeks after myomectomy. Adhesions were graded according to the Operative Laparoscopy Study Group scoring system. The main variable to be compared between the two cohorts was the proportion that showed no adhesions at second-look laparoscopy. Results Demographic and surgical characteristics were similar between the two cohorts. No complications were observed during surgery. No adverse events were recorded during postoperative course. At second-look laparoscopy, a higher proportion of adhesion-free patients was observed in women who underwent laparoscopic myomectomy from March 2002 to November 2004 (9 out of 22) compared with women who underwent the same surgery from January 1993 to June 1994 (3 out of 25). Conclusion The improvement of surgeons' skills obtained after ten years of surgery can reduce postoperative adhesion formation. PMID:29410967

Study of carbonate concretions using imaging spectroscopy in the Frontier Formation, Wyoming

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

de Linaje, Virginia Alonso; Khan, Shuhab D.; Bhattacharya, Janok

2018-04-01

Imaging spectroscopy is applied to study diagenetic processes of the Wall Creek Member of the Cretaceous Frontier Formation, Wyoming. Visible Near-Infrared and Shortwave-Infrared hyperspectral cameras were used to scan near vertical and well-exposed outcrop walls to analyze lateral and vertical geochemical variations. Reflectance spectra were analyzed and compared with high-resolution laboratory spectral and hyperspectral imaging data. Spectral Angle Mapper (SAM) and Mixture Tuned Matched Filtering (MTMF) classification algorithms were applied to quantify facies and mineral abundances in the Frontier Formation. MTMF is the most effective and reliable technique when studying spectrally similar materials. Classification results show that calcite cement in concretions associated with the channel facies is homogeneously distributed, whereas the bar facies was shown to be interbedded with layers of non-calcite-cemented sandstone.

Perceptions and Cost-Analysis of a Multiple Mini-Interview in a Pharmacy School Admissions Process.

PubMed

Corelli, Robin L; Muchnik, Michael A; Beechinor, Ryan J; Fong, Gary; Vogt, Eleanor M; Cocohoba, Jennifer M; Tsourounis, Candy; Hudmon, Karen Suchanek

2015-11-25

To improve the quality of admissions interviews for a doctor of pharmacy program, using a multiple mini-interview (MMI) in place of the standard interview. Stakeholders completed an anonymous web-based survey. This study characterized perceptions of the MMI format across 3 major stakeholders (candidates, interviewers, admissions committee members) and included comparative cost estimates.Costs were estimated using human and facility resources from the 2012 cycle (standard format) and the 2013 cycle (MMI format). Most candidates (65%), interviewers (86%), and admissions committee members (79%) perceived the MMI format as effective for evaluating applicants, and most (59% of candidates, 84% of interviewers, 77% of committee members) agreed that the MMI format should be continued. Cost per candidate interviewed was $136.34 (standard interview) vs $75.30 (MMI). Perceptions of the MMI process were favorable across stakeholder groups, and this format was less costly per candidate interviewed.

Comparison of information about the quality of apparel in three retail formats.

PubMed

Bye, Elizabeth K; Reiley, Kathryn

2003-06-01

Multiple options are available for selection and purchase of apparel including in-store, catalogue, and Internet. The present purpose was to compare information about quality available to consumers in three retail formats. Students studying quality of apparel selected a product which could be purchased in each of the three formats, completed an evaluation from both a consumer's and preprofessional perspective, and made recommendations for improving information on quality. A total of 413 recommendations were categorized and tested for independence. Students had similar expectations for cues of quality across Internet, catalogue, and in-store formats including fiber content, country of origin, 3-dimensional information about fit, color accuracy, size charts, and strong customer service. Students expected a uniform array of information on quality regardless of the shopping format. Merchandisers must be aware of the total image across formats and be prepared to explore methods for improving communication of information on quality in each.

The response of bone to unloading

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bikle, D. D.; Halloran, B. P.

1999-01-01

Skeletal unloading leads to decreased bone formation and decreased bone mass. Bone resorption is uncoupled from bone formation, contributing to the bone loss. During spaceflight bone is lost principally from the bones most loaded in the 1-g environment, and some redistribution of bone from the lower extremities to the head appears to take place. Although changes in calcitropic hormones have been demonstrated during skeletal unloading (PTH and 1,25(OH)2D decrease), it remains unclear whether such changes account for or are in response to the changes in bone formation and resorption. Bed rest studies with human volunteers and hindlimb elevation studies with rats have provided useful data to help explain the changes in bone formation during spaceflight. These models of skeletal unloading reproduce a number of the conditions associated with microgravity, and the findings from such studies confirm many of the observations made during spaceflight. Determining the mechanism(s) by which loading of bone is sensed and translated into a signal(s) controlling bone formation remains the holy grail in this field. Such investigations couple biophysics to biochemistry to cell and molecular biology. Although studies with cell cultures have revealed biochemical responses to mechanical loads comparable to that seen in intact bone, it seems likely that matrix-cell interactions underlie much of the mechanocoupling. The role for systemic hormones such as PTH, GH, and 1,25(OH)2D compared to locally produced factors such as IGF-I, PTHrP, BMPs, and TGF-beta in modulating the cellular response to load remains unclear. As the mechanism(s) by which bone responds to mechanical load with increased bone formation are further elucidated, applications of this knowledge to other etiologies of osteoporosis are likely to develop. Skeletal unloading provides a perturbation in bone mineral homeostasis that can be used to understand the mechanisms by which bone mineral homeostasis is maintained, with the expectation that such understanding will lead to effective treatment for disuse osteoporosis.

Comparing Individual Instruction & Lecture Formats in Human Anatomy & Physiology.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Schindler, Fred H.

1989-01-01

Provides a description of and information about an individualized program in science at Central Community College. Reports on a study which compares lecture with individualized instruction. Concludes that there were no significant differences between heterogeneous groups, and there are advantages and disadvantages to each method. Diagrams and…

ChargeOut! : discounted cash flow compared with traditional machine-rate analysis

Treesearch

Ted Bilek

2008-01-01

ChargeOut!, a discounted cash-flow methodology in spreadsheet format for analyzing machine costs, is compared with traditional machine-rate methodologies. Four machine-rate models are compared and a common data set representative of logging skidders’ costs is used to illustrate the differences between ChargeOut! and the machine-rate methods. The study found that the...

Family Medicine Didactics Revisited.

PubMed

Butler, Dennis J; Brocato, Joseph; Yeazel, Mark

2017-11-01

All family medicine programs are required to provide specialty-specific didactic conferences for residents. Since a baseline study of family medicine didactic formats was published in 2000, training requirements have changed, core content has evolved, and new teaching strategies have been recommended. The present study examines the characteristics of current family medicine didactics, compares current and past conference format data, and identifies factors affecting content selection. The survey used in the prior conference formats study was distributed to all US family medicine programs. All questions from the original survey were repeated, and items regarding factors affecting conference content and threats to conferences were added. The survey response rate was 66%. The majority of family medicine programs endorse block formats for structuring conferences. Compared to the original study, programs are devoting significantly more hours to didactics on fewer days. Family medicine faculty and residents are responsible for 70% of didactic offerings (also a significant shift), and 87% of programs use a core curriculum. In over 70% of programs, some residents are unavailable for conferences due to work restrictions or service demands. The Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education subcompetencies and Milestones have only a moderate impact on topic selection. Family medicine didactics have evolved in the past 15 years with a notable increase in reliance upon core faculty and residents to lead conferences. Reduced availability of residents prevents all residents from having full exposure to the didactic curriculum. Family medicine faculty who are taking greater responsibility for didactics are also faced with increased clinical and administrative duties.

Comparative three-dimensional analysis of initial biofilm formation on three orthodontic bracket materials.

PubMed

Dittmer, Marc Philipp; Hellemann, Carolina Fuchslocher; Grade, Sebastian; Heuer, Wieland; Stiesch, Meike; Schwestka-Polly, Rainer; Demling, Anton Phillip

2015-04-10

The purpose of the present study was to investigate and compare early biofilm formation on biomaterials, which are being used in contemporary fixed orthodontic treatment. This study comprised 10 healthy volunteers (5 females and 5 males) with a mean age of 27.3 +-3.7 years. Three slabs of different orthodontic materials (stainless steel, gold and ceramic) were placed in randomized order on a splint in the mandibular molar region. Splints were inserted intraorally for 48 h. Then the slabs were removed from the splints and the biofilms were stained with a two color fluorescence assay for bacterial viability (LIVE/DEAD BacLight-Bacterial Viability Kit 7012, Invitrogen, Mount Waverley, Australia). The quantitative biofilm formation was analyzed by using confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM). The biofilm coverage was 32.7 ± 37.7% on stainless steel surfaces, 59.5 ± 40.0% on gold surfaces and 56.8 ± 43.6% on ceramic surfaces. Statistical analysis showed significant differences in biofilm coverage between the tested materials (p=0.033). The Wilcoxon test demonstrated significantly lower biofilm coverage on steel compared to gold (p=0.011). Biofilm height on stainless steel surfaces was 4.0 ± 7.3 μm, on gold surfaces 6.0 ± 6.6 μm and on ceramic 6.5 ± 6.0 μm. The Friedman test revealed no significant differences between the tested materials (p=0.150). Pairwise comparison demonstrated significant differences between stainless steel and gold (p=0.047). Our results indicate that initial biofilm formation seemed to be less on stainless steel surfaces compared with other traditional materials in a short-term observation. Future studies should examine whether there is a difference in long-term biofilm accumulation between stainless steel, gold and ceramic brackets.

Comparison of hard- and soft-copy digital chest images with different matrix sizes for managing coronary care unit patients.

PubMed

Steckel, R J; Batra, P; Johnson, S; Sayre, J; Brown, K; Haker, K; Young, D; Zucker, M

1995-04-01

This study was to determine whether different digital display formats for portable chest radiographs of coronary care unit patients would provide comparable information for clinical care. In particular, we tried to ascertain whether 1024 x 1024 pixel (1K) images on a picture archiving and communication system (PACS) workstation would be comparable to 1760 x 2140 pixel (2K) images on workstations or to digital films. If comparability could be proved, we hypothesized that 1K workstations could considerably lower equipment and film costs and facilitate image transmission from point to point. Four chest radiologists read a panel of chest studies assembled from 98 coronary care unit patients, comparing 1K and 2K soft-copy images with digital hard copies. For all three image types for the 98 patients, the readers evaluated nine image parameters that the cardiologists deemed essential for clinical decision making. Two other chest radiologists reviewed each patient's three image types, historical chest images, current and prior radiologic reports, and medical record to determine the consensus, or "truth findings." With one exception (small pleural effusions), the receiver operating characteristic analysis showed no significant differences in the clinical information derived from the three image types. For clinical management in a coronary care unit, comparable information can be obtained from digital radiologic chest studies using a 1K x 1K soft-copy format, a 2K x 2K soft-copy format, or a hard copy (film). Substantial savings in cost and time are therefore possible by using soft-copy images and lower resolution (1K x 1K) workstations and, when necessary, by transmitting images on regular telephone lines.

Effects of expected-value information and display format on recognition of aircraft subsystem abnormalities

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Palmer, Michael T.; Abbott, Kathy H.

1994-01-01

This study identifies improved methods to present system parameter information for detecting abnormal conditions and to identify system status. Two workstation experiments were conducted. The first experiment determined if including expected-value-range information in traditional parameter display formats affected subject performance. The second experiment determined if using a nontraditional parameter display format, which presented relative deviation from expected value, was better than traditional formats with expected-value ranges included. The inclusion of expected-value-range information onto traditional parameter formats was found to have essentially no effect. However, subjective results indicated support for including this information. The nontraditional column deviation parameter display format resulted in significantly fewer errors compared with traditional formats with expected-value-ranges included. In addition, error rates for the column deviation parameter display format remained stable as the scenario complexity increased, whereas error rates for the traditional parameter display formats with expected-value ranges increased. Subjective results also indicated that the subjects preferred this new format and thought that their performance was better with it. The column deviation parameter display format is recommended for display applications that require rapid recognition of out-of-tolerance conditions, especially for a large number of parameters.

Comparing Web, Group and Telehealth Formats of a Military Parenting Program

DTIC Science & Technology

2017-06-01

AWARD NUMBER: W81XWH-14-1-0143 TITLE: Comparing Web, Group and Telehealth Formats of a Military Parenting Program PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR...be construed as an official Department of the Army position, policy or decision unless so designated by other documentation. REPORT DOCUMENTATION...2017 4. TITLE AND SUBTITLE 5a. CONTRACT NUMBER Comparing Web, Group and Telehealth Formats of a Military Parenting Program 5b. GRANT NUMBER 5c

Frequency of nuclear mutant huntingtin inclusion formation in neurons and glia is cell-type-specific.

PubMed

Jansen, Anne H P; van Hal, Maurik; Op den Kelder, Ilse C; Meier, Romy T; de Ruiter, Anna-Aster; Schut, Menno H; Smith, Donna L; Grit, Corien; Brouwer, Nieske; Kamphuis, Willem; Boddeke, H W G M; den Dunnen, Wilfred F A; van Roon, Willeke M C; Bates, Gillian P; Hol, Elly M; Reits, Eric A

2017-01-01

Huntington's disease (HD) is an autosomal dominant inherited neurodegenerative disorder that is caused by a CAG expansion in the Huntingtin (HTT) gene, leading to HTT inclusion formation in the brain. The mutant huntingtin protein (mHTT) is ubiquitously expressed and therefore nuclear inclusions could be present in all brain cells. The effects of nuclear inclusion formation have been mainly studied in neurons, while the effect on glia has been comparatively disregarded. Astrocytes, microglia, and oligodendrocytes are glial cells that are essential for normal brain function and are implicated in several neurological diseases. Here we examined the number of nuclear mHTT inclusions in both neurons and various types of glia in the two brain areas that are the most affected in HD, frontal cortex, and striatum. We compared nuclear mHTT inclusion body formation in three HD mouse models that express either full-length HTT or an N-terminal exon1 fragment of mHTT, and we observed nuclear inclusions in neurons, astrocytes, oligodendrocytes, and microglia. When studying the frequency of cells with nuclear inclusions in mice, we found that half of the population of neurons contained nuclear inclusions at the disease end stage, whereas the proportion of GFAP-positive astrocytes and oligodendrocytes having a nuclear inclusion was much lower, while microglia hardly showed any nuclear inclusions. Nuclear inclusions were also present in neurons and all studied glial cell types in human patient material. This is the first report to compare nuclear mHTT inclusions in glia and neurons in different HD mouse models and HD patient brains. GLIA 2016;65:50-61. © 2016 The Authors. Glia Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Comparative evaluation of hydroxyapatite and nano-bioglass in two forms of conventional micro- and nano-particles in repairing bone defects (an animal study).

PubMed

Nosouhian, Saied; Razavi, Mohammad; Jafari-Pozve, Nasim; Rismanchian, Mansour

2015-01-01

Many synthetic bone materials have been introduced for repairing bone defects. The aim of this study is to comparatively evaluate the efficacy of nano-hydroxyapatite (HA) and nano-bioglass bone materials with their traditional micro counterparts in repairing bone defects. In this prospective animal study, four healthy dogs were included. First to fourth premolars were extracted in each quadrant and five cavities in each quadrant were created using trephine. Sixteen cavities in each dog were filled by HA, nano-HA, bioglass, and nano-bioglass and four defects were left as the control group. All defects were covered by a nonrestorable membrane. Dogs were sacrificed after 15, 30, 45, and 60 days sequentially. All 20 samples were extracted by trephine #8 with a sufficient amount of surrounding bone. All specimens were investigated under an optical microscope and the percentage of total regenerated bone, lamellar, and woven bone were evaluated. Data analysis was carried out by SPSS Software ver. 15 and Mann-Whitney U-test (α =0.05). After 15 days, the bone formation percentage showed a significant difference between HA and nano-HA and between HA and bioglass (P < 0.001). The nano-HA group showed the highest rate of bone formation after 15 days. Nano-bioglass and bioglass and nano-HA and nano-bioglass groups represented a significant difference and nano-bioglass showed the highest rate of bone formation after 30 days (P = 0.01). After 45 days, the bone formation percentage showed a significant difference between nano-bioglass and bioglass and between nano-HA and nano-bioglass groups (P = 0.01). Nano-HA and nano-bioglass biomaterials showed promising results when compared to conventional micro-particles in the repair of bone defects.

Sphere formation of adipose stem cell engineered by poly-2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate induces in vitro angiogenesis through fibroblast growth factor 2.

PubMed

Kim, Jong-Ho; Lim, I-Rang; Joo, Hyung Joon; Choi, Seung-Cheol; Choi, Ji-Hyun; Cui, Long-Hui; Im, Lisa; Hong, Soon Jun; Lim, Do-Sun

A number of researchers have been reporting a wide range of in vitro and in vivo studies of cell engraftment to enhance angiogenesis using stem cells. Despite these efforts, studies involving three-dimensional (3D) culture method that mimics in vivo environment have not reached its peak yet. In this study, we investigated the change and effects on cellular angiogenic growth factors through sphere formation of adipose stem cell (ASC) which is engineered by poly-2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (Poly-HEMA). First of all, we successfully induced sphere formation of ASC (sph-ASC) on Poly-HEMA coated plates. sph-ASC represented significantly higher expression levels of anti-apoptotic and hypoxic factors compared to monolayer adherent ASC (adh-ASC). Interestingly, sph-ASC showed higher mRNA levels of the following genes; CD31, CD144, vWF, IGF-2, MCP-1, PDGF-A, VEGF-A, VEGF-C, and FGF-2. In addition, mRNA expressions of angiogenic growth factor receptors such as Flk1, FGFR1, FGFR2, and Tie2 were elevated in sph-ASC. In protein level, Cytokine/Chemokines antibody array revealed a significant increase of FGF-2 in sph-ASC (3.17-fold) compared to adh-ASC. To investigate the effects of FGF-2 on sph-ASC, Matrigel angiogenic invasion assay showed significant reduced level of FGF-2 in FGF-2 siRNA transfected sph-ASC (2.27-fold) compared to negative control siRNA transfected sph-ASC. These findings suggest that Poly-HEMA coated plates induce sphere formation of ASC which has significantly higher expression of FGF-2, and plays a critical role as a major regulating growth factor of in vitro angiogenesis. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

In vitro effects of 3% hypertonic saline and 20% mannitol on canine whole blood coagulation and platelet function.

PubMed

Adamik, Katja-Nicole; Butty, Emmanuelle; Howard, Judith

2015-09-24

Hyperosmolar therapy, using either mannitol or hypertonic saline (HTS), is considered the treatment of choice for intracranial hypertension. However, hyperosmolar agents may impair coagulation and platelet function, limiting their use in patients at risk for hemorrhage. Despite this, studies evaluating the effects of mannitol compared to other hyperosmolar agents in dogs are largely lacking. The aim of this study was to compare the in vitro effects on global hemostasis and platelet function of 20% mannitol and 3% HTS on canine blood. Citrated whole blood from 15 healthy dogs was diluted with 0.9% saline, 20% mannitol and 3% HTS in ratios of 1:16 and 1:8. Rotational thromboelastometry (ROTEM) was used to assess clotting time (CT), clot formation time (CFT) and maximal clot firmness (MCF) following extrinsic activation (Ex-tem) and after platelet inhibition (Fib-tem). A platelet function analyzer (PFA-100) was used to assess closure time (Ct(PFA)). No significant differences were observed between untreated whole blood and samples diluted with saline. Samples diluted with both mannitol and HTS were hypocoagulable compared to untreated whole blood samples. At a dilution of 1:16, no significant differences were found between any measured parameter in samples diluted with saline compared to mannitol or HTS. At a 1:8 dilution, Ct(PFA) was prolonged in samples diluted with mannitol and HTS compared to saline, and Ct(PFA) was prolonged more with mannitol than HTS. Ex-tem CT was increased at a 1:8 dilution with mannitol compared to HTS. Ex-tem CFT was prolonged at a 1:8 dilution with both agents compared to saline, and was prolonged more with mannitol than HTS. Ex-tem MCF was reduced at a 1:8 dilution with both agents compared to saline. Data in this study indicate that both mannitol and HTS affect canine platelet function and whole blood coagulation in vitro in a dose-dependent fashion. The most pronounced effects were observed after high dilutions with mannitol, which impaired platelet aggregation, clot formation time, clot strength, and fibrin formation significantly more than HTS. Further in vivo studies are necessary before recommendations can be made.

Orally Active Multi-Functional Antioxidants Delay Cataract Formation in Streptozotocin (Type 1) Diabetic and Gamma-Irradiated Rats

PubMed Central

Randazzo, James; Zhang, Peng; Makita, Jun; Blessing, Karen; Kador, Peter F.

2011-01-01

Background Age-related cataract is a worldwide health care problem whose progression has been linked to oxidative stress and the accumulation of redox-active metals. Since there is no specific animal model for human age-related cataract, multiple animal models must be used to evaluate potential therapies that may delay and/or prevent cataract formation. Methods/Principal Findings Proof of concept studies were conducted to evaluate 4-(5-hydroxypyrimidin-2-yl)-N,N-dimethyl-3,5-dioxopiperazine-1-sulfonamide (compound 4) and 4-(5-hydroxy-4,6-dimethoxypyrimidin-2-yl)-N,N-dimethyl-3,5-dioxopiperazine-1-sulfonamide (compound 8), multi-functional antioxidants that can independently chelate redox metals and quench free radicals, on their ability to delay the progression of diabetic “sugar” cataracts and gamma radiation-induced cataracts. Prior to 15 Gy of whole head irradiation, select groups of Long Evans rats received either diet containing compound 4 or 8, or a single i.p. injection of panthethine, a radioprotective agent. Compared to untreated, irradiated rats, treatment with pantethine, 4 and 8 delayed initial lens changes by 4, 47, and 38 days, respectively, and the average formation of posterior subcapsular opacities by 23, 53 and 58 days, respectively. In the second study, select groups of diabetic Sprague Dawley rats were administered chow containing compounds 4, 8 or the aldose reductase inhibitor AL1576. As anticipated, treatment with AL1576 prevented cataract by inhibiting sorbitol formation in the lens. However, compared to untreated rats, compounds 4 and 8 delayed vacuole formation by 20 days and 12 days, respectively, and cortical cataract formation by 8 and 3 days, respectively, without reducing lenticular sorbitol. Using in vitro lens culture in 30 mM xylose to model diabetic “sugar” cataract formation, western blots confirmed that multi-functional antioxidants reduced endoplasmic reticulum stress. Conclusions/Significance Multi-functional antioxidants delayed cataract formation in two diverse rat models. These studies provide a proof of concept that a general cataract treatment focused on reducing oxidative stress instead of a specific mechanism of cataractogenesis can be developed. PMID:21541328

Life cycle stage and water depth affect flooding-induced adventitious root formation in the terrestrial species Solanum dulcamara

PubMed Central

Zhang, Qian; Visser, Eric J. W.; de Kroon, Hans; Huber, Heidrun

2015-01-01

Background and Aims Flooding can occur at any stage of the life cycle of a plant, but often adaptive responses of plants are only studied at a single developmental stage. It may be anticipated that juvenile plants may respond differently from mature plants, as the amount of stored resources may differ and morphological changes can be constrained. Moreover, different water depths may require different strategies to cope with the flooding stress, the expression of which may also depend on developmental stage. This study investigated whether flooding-induced adventitious root formation and plant growth were affected by flooding depth in Solanum dulcamara plants at different developmental stages. Methods Juvenile plants without pre-formed adventitious root primordia and mature plants with primordia were subjected to shallow flooding or deep flooding for 5 weeks. Plant growth and the timing of adventitious root formation were monitored during the flooding treatments. Key Results Adventitious root formation in response to shallow flooding was significantly constrained in juvenile S. dulcamara plants compared with mature plants, and was delayed by deep flooding compared with shallow flooding. Complete submergence suppressed adventitious root formation until up to 2 weeks after shoots restored contact with the atmosphere. Independent of developmental stage, a strong positive correlation was found between adventitious root formation and total biomass accumulation during shallow flooding. Conclusions The potential to deploy an escape strategy (i.e. adventitious root formation) may change throughout a plant’s life cycle, and is largely dependent on flooding depth. Adaptive responses at a given stage of the life cycle thus do not necessarily predict how the plant responds to flooding in another growth stage. As variation in adventitious root formation also correlates with finally attained biomass, this variation may form the basis for variation in resistance to shallow flooding among plants. PMID:26105188

Life cycle stage and water depth affect flooding-induced adventitious root formation in the terrestrial species Solanum dulcamara.

PubMed

Zhang, Qian; Visser, Eric J W; de Kroon, Hans; Huber, Heidrun

2015-08-01

Flooding can occur at any stage of the life cycle of a plant, but often adaptive responses of plants are only studied at a single developmental stage. It may be anticipated that juvenile plants may respond differently from mature plants, as the amount of stored resources may differ and morphological changes can be constrained. Moreover, different water depths may require different strategies to cope with the flooding stress, the expression of which may also depend on developmental stage. This study investigated whether flooding-induced adventitious root formation and plant growth were affected by flooding depth in Solanum dulcamara plants at different developmental stages. Juvenile plants without pre-formed adventitious root primordia and mature plants with primordia were subjected to shallow flooding or deep flooding for 5 weeks. Plant growth and the timing of adventitious root formation were monitored during the flooding treatments. Adventitious root formation in response to shallow flooding was significantly constrained in juvenile S. dulcamara plants compared with mature plants, and was delayed by deep flooding compared with shallow flooding. Complete submergence suppressed adventitious root formation until up to 2 weeks after shoots restored contact with the atmosphere. Independent of developmental stage, a strong positive correlation was found between adventitious root formation and total biomass accumulation during shallow flooding. The potential to deploy an escape strategy (i.e. adventitious root formation) may change throughout a plant's life cycle, and is largely dependent on flooding depth. Adaptive responses at a given stage of the life cycle thus do not necessarily predict how the plant responds to flooding in another growth stage. As variation in adventitious root formation also correlates with finally attained biomass, this variation may form the basis for variation in resistance to shallow flooding among plants. © The Author 2015. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the Annals of Botany Company. All rights reserved. For Permissions, please email: journals.permissions@oup.com.

[Morphogenesis in formative process in vitro from Rehmannia glutinosa].

PubMed

Xue, Jian-ping; Zhang, Ai-min; Liu, Jun; Xu, Xue-feng

2004-01-01

To study the morphogenesis in formative process of tuberous root in vitro from Rehmannia glutinosa and compare the anatomical shape of tuberous root with nature term R. glutinosa. Tuberous roots of different vegetal phase were cut and dyed, then made into paraffin cuts and observed microscope. In anatomical shape, nature R. glutinosa and tuberous root were the same, which showed that no structural variation occurred in tuberous root induced process.

Chlorhexidine with or without alcohol against biofilm formation: efficacy, adverse events and taste preference.

PubMed

Santos, Gabriela Otero Dos; Milanesi, Fernanda Carpes; Greggianin, Bruna Frizon; Fernandes, Marilene Issa; Oppermann, Rui Vicente; Weidlich, Patricia

2017-05-04

In recent years, different chlorhexidine formulations have been tested, including an alcohol-free alternative, but the effect of this solution on early biofilm formation is not clear. A crossover, randomized, double-blind clinical trial was conducted to evaluate the effect of two chlorhexidine solutions against supra- and subgingival biofilm formation (NCT#02656251). Thirty-five participants were randomized and asked to rinse twice daily with 15 ml of an alcohol-containing 0.12% chlorhexidine solution, an alcohol-free 0.12% chlorhexidine solution, or placebo. The study was conducted in three experimental periods of 4 days each, with a 10-day washout between the periods. All the experimental periods followed the same protocol, except that the solutions were switched. Biofilm distribution was evaluated every 24 hours by the Plaque-Free Zone Index, during 96 hours. Adverse events were self-reported and sensory evaluation was performed using a hedonic scale. Compared to the placebo, the chlorhexidine solutions resulted in a significantly higher number of surfaces free of plaque over 96 hours (p < 0.01), and were able to prevent subgingival biofilm formation (p < 0.01). The alcohol-free chlorhexidine solution was associated with a lower incidence of adverse events, compared with alcohol-containing chlorhexidine (p < 0.05); it also received better sensory evaluation and acceptance by trial participants, compared with the alcohol-containing chlorhexidine (p = 0.007), and had a similar inhibitory effect on the formation of supra- and subgingival biofilms.

Reduced Dental Plaque Formation in Dogs Drinking a Solution Containing Natural Antimicrobial Herbal Enzymes and Organic Matcha Green Tea

PubMed Central

2016-01-01

The results of an exploratory, multicenter clinical study confirmed the hypothesis that a novel, natural, and safe oral care product (OCP) reduced the rate of plaque formation on teeth of dogs consuming the OCP (antimicrobial plant-derived enzymes, organic matcha green tea, cultured dextrose, sodium bicarbonate, and ascorbic acid) compared to controls. Healthy dogs without periodontitis, of varying breeds, sex, and age, were recruited and enrolled, using nonrandomized stratification methods, into a control and treatment groups. Treatment group dogs drank only water into which OCP was suspended, for 28 days. Control group dogs drank their normal household water. On day 0 all teeth were cleaned by a veterinarian and gingivitis was assessed. On days 14, 21, and 28 plaque index, plaque thickness, gingivitis, freshness of breath, and general health were assessed. Over the 28 days of study, dogs on the OCP had significant reduction in plaque index and plaque thickness compared to controls. By day 14 OCP reduced plaque formation by 37%; the 28-day reduction in plaque index and coverage averaged 22% with no measurable gingivitis or calculus. Conclusion. Using the OCP attenuated dental plaque formation when consumed as normal drinking water and in the absence of other modes of oral care. PMID:27867678

Reduced Dental Plaque Formation in Dogs Drinking a Solution Containing Natural Antimicrobial Herbal Enzymes and Organic Matcha Green Tea.

PubMed

Lindinger, Michael I

2016-01-01

The results of an exploratory, multicenter clinical study confirmed the hypothesis that a novel, natural, and safe oral care product (OCP) reduced the rate of plaque formation on teeth of dogs consuming the OCP (antimicrobial plant-derived enzymes, organic matcha green tea, cultured dextrose, sodium bicarbonate, and ascorbic acid) compared to controls. Healthy dogs without periodontitis, of varying breeds, sex, and age, were recruited and enrolled, using nonrandomized stratification methods, into a control and treatment groups. Treatment group dogs drank only water into which OCP was suspended, for 28 days. Control group dogs drank their normal household water. On day 0 all teeth were cleaned by a veterinarian and gingivitis was assessed. On days 14, 21, and 28 plaque index, plaque thickness, gingivitis, freshness of breath, and general health were assessed. Over the 28 days of study, dogs on the OCP had significant reduction in plaque index and plaque thickness compared to controls. By day 14 OCP reduced plaque formation by 37%; the 28-day reduction in plaque index and coverage averaged 22% with no measurable gingivitis or calculus. Conclusion . Using the OCP attenuated dental plaque formation when consumed as normal drinking water and in the absence of other modes of oral care.

Incorporation of Blended Learning in Introductory Courses: A Research-Based Approach to Evaluation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Strey, S. T.; Charlevoix, D. J.; Guarente, B. A.; Snodgrass, E. R.

2008-12-01

We evaluate the learning outcomes of students in large enrollment classes comparing a blended learning course format and a traditional lecture section. Blended learning, here, describes instruction that is a combination of face-to-face meeting with asynchronous online learning, resulting in reduced class time. The course, Severe and Hazardous Weather, relies heavily on graphics and animations of weather events available online, both current and archived, and thereby lends itself well to a blended format. Severe and Hazardous Weather is a popular general education requirement course at the University of Illinois with consistently high enrollments (greater than 200 students per section) and classes at capacity. Unlike many past studies, this blended learning format is applied to a large-enrollment course of approximately 100 students. Curriculum was redesigned during fall 2007 from typical lecture to the blended format. The redesign process followed best practices grounded in peer-reviewed literature on blended and online learning. We will provide a brief overview of the course structure, but focus on the evaluation of both the curriculum design and student outcomes as compared to the traditional lecture-based course. Evaluation is based on course objectives stated in the course syllabus and is conducted following best practices; the research project received University Institutional Review Board approval prior to the start of the study.

Marital formation in individuals with work-related permanent impairment.

PubMed

Scott-Marshall, Heather; Tompa, Emile; Liao, Qing; Fang, Miao

2013-01-01

Prior studies on the impact of disabling work injury have neglected social support as a key mediating factor. This study investigates how permanent impairment from a work injury affects marital formation, an indicator of social support and integration with the potential to affect psychosocial adjustment and the resumption of productive social roles following work injury. Adjusting for socio-demographic and economic factors associated with marriage ability, we expect that individuals with a work-related permanent impairment will have a lower rate of marital formation compared to their non-injured counterparts. Drawing on a linkage of workers' compensation claims data with income tax information, we undertake a duration modeling analysis comparing workers who have sustained a workplace injury with a matched sample of non-injured controls to examine time to marital formation in each group. Women who suffered a disabling work injury were 17% less likely to marry relative to controls. High levels of physical impairment reduced the rate of marriage in women by 22%. We did not find an effect of impairment on marriage probability in models adjusted for income in men. Our findings underscore the importance of examining the social and interpersonal consequences of work injury, factors not currently addressed by the occupational rehabilitation system. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

[Effects of vitamin C administration on cholesterol gallstone formation].

PubMed

del Pozo, Reginald; Muñoz, Mirna; Dumas, Andrés; Tapia, Claudio; Muñoz, Katia; Fuentes, Felipe; Maldonado, Mafalda; Jüngst, Dieter

2014-01-01

Biliary cholesterol is transported by vesicles and micelles. Cholesterol microcrystals are derived from thermodynamically unstable vesicles. In experimental animals vitamin C deficiency leads to a super-saturation of biliary cholesterol and to the formation of gallstones. To search for a possible relationship between serum levels of vitamin C and the formation of cholesterol gallstones in patients with cholelithiasis. Thirteen patients with cholelithiasis and a programmed surgical intervention were treated with 2 g/day of vitamin C per os for two weeks before surgery. Forty nine patients subjected to a cholecystectomy not supplemented with vitamin C were studied as controls. Plasma concentrations of vitamin C and lipid profiles were measured. The cholesterol saturation index, crystallization time, cholesterol and phospholipid content in vesicles and micelles, separated by gel filtration chromatography, were studied in bile samples obtained from the gallbladder. Vitamin C supplementation did not change significantly plasma lipids and bile lipid concentrations. However, in supplemented patients, significant reductions in vesicular cholesterol content (6.5 ± 4.8% compared to 17.9 ± 14.0% in the control group; p < 0.05) and vesicular cholesterol/phospholipid ratio (0.71 ± 0.53 compared to 1.36 ± 1.15 in controls; p < 0.05), were observed. Vitamin C administration may modify bile cholesterol crystallization process, the first step in cholesterol gallstone formation.

A Polymethyl Methacrylate-Based Acrylic Dental Resin Surface Bound with a Photoreactive Polymer Inhibits Accumulation of Bacterial Plaque.

PubMed

Fukunishi, Miya; Inoue, Yuuki; Morisaki, Hirobumi; Kuwata, Hirotaka; Ishihara, Kazuhiko; Baba, Kazuyoshi

The aim of this study was to examine the ability of a poly(2-methacryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine-co-n-butylmethacrylate-co-2-methacryloyloxyethyloxy-p-azidobenzoate) (PMBPAz) coating on polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA)-based dental resin to inhibit bacterial plaque formation, as well as the polymer's durability against water soaking and chemical exposure. Successful application of PMBPAz on PMMA surfaces was confirmed by x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and measuring the static air contact angle in water. The anti-adhesive effects to bacterial plaque were evaluated using Streptococcus mutans biofilm formation assay. The mechanical and chemical durabilities of the PMBPAz coating on the PMMA surfaces were examined using soaking and immersion tests, respectively. XPS signals for phosphorus and nitrogen atoms and hydrophilic status on PMMA surfaces treated with PMBPAz were observed, indicating the presence of the polymer on the substrates. The treated PMMA surfaces showed significant inhibition of S mutans biofilm formation compared to untreated surfaces. The PMBPAz coating was preserved after water soaking and chemical exposure. In addition, water soaking did not decrease the ability of treated PMMA to inhibit biofilm formation compared to treated PMMA specimens not subjected to water soaking. This study suggests that PMBPAz coating may represent a useful modification to PMMA surfaces for inhibiting denture plaque accumulation.

Review of the damage mechanism in wind turbine gearbox bearings under rolling contact fatigue

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Su, Yun-Shuai; Yu, Shu-Rong; Li, Shu-Xin; He, Yan-Ni

2017-12-01

Wind turbine gearbox bearings fail with the service life is much shorter than the designed life. Gearbox bearings are subjected to rolling contact fatigue (RCF) and they are observed to fail due to axial cracking, surface flaking, and the formation of white etching areas (WEAs). The current study reviewed these three typical failure modes. The underlying dominant mechanisms were discussed with emphasis on the formation mechanism of WEAs. Although numerous studies have been carried out, the formation of WEAs remains unclear. The prevailing mechanism of the rubbing of crack faces that generates WEAs was questioned by the authors. WEAs were compared with adiabatic shear bands (ASBs) generated in the high strain rate deformation in terms of microstructural compositions, grain refinement, and formation mechanism. Results indicate that a number of similarities exist between them. However, substantial evidence is required to verify whether or not WEAs and ASBs are the same matters.

How the bimodal format of presentation affects working memory: an overview.

PubMed

Mastroberardino, Serena; Santangelo, Valerio; Botta, Fabiano; Marucci, Francesco S; Olivetti Belardinelli, Marta

2008-03-01

The best format in which information that has to be recalled is presented has been investigated in several studies, which focused on the impact of bimodal stimulation on working memory performance. An enhancement of participant's performance in terms of correct recall has been repeatedly found, when bimodal formats of presentation (i.e., audiovisual) were compared to unimodal formats (i.e, either visual or auditory), in providing implications for multimedial learning. Several theoretical frameworks have been suggested in order to account for the bimodal advantage, ranging from those emphasizing early stages of processing (such as automatic alerting effects or multisensory integration processes) to those centred on late stages of processing (as postulated by the dual coding theory). The aim of this paper is to review previous contributions to this topic, providing a comprehensive theoretical framework, which is updated by the latest empirical studies.

Artifact formation during smoke trapping: An improved method for determination of N-nitrosamines in cigarette smoke

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

Caldwell, W.S.; Conner, J.M.

Studies in our laboratory revealed artifactual formation of N-nitrosamines during trapping of mainstream and sidestream tobacco smoke by the method of Hoffmann and coworkers. Both volatile and tobacco-specific N-nitrosamines were produced. This artifact formation took place on the Cambridge filter, which is part of the collection train used in the previously published procedure. When the filter was treated with ascorbic acid before smoke collection, artifact formation was inhibited. The improved method resulting from these studies was applied to a comparative analysis of N-nitrosamines in smoke from cigarettes that heat, but do not burn, tobacco (the test cigarette) and several referencemore » cigarettes. Concentrations of volatile and tobacco-specific N-nitrosamines in both mainstream and sidestream smoke from the test cigarette were substantially lower than in the reference cigarettes.« less

Presentation format effects in a levels-of-processing task.

PubMed

Foos, Paul W; Goolkasian, Paula

2008-01-01

Three experiments were conducted to examine better performance in long-term memory when stimulus items are pictures or spoken words compared to printed words. Hypotheses regarding the allocation of attention to printed words, the semantic link between pictures and processing, and a rich long-term representation for pictures were tested. Using levels-of-processing tasks eliminated format effects when no memory test was expected and processing was deep (El), and when study and test formats did not match (E3). Pictures produced superior performance when a memory test was expected (El & 2) and when study and test formats were the same (E3). Results of all experiments support the attenuation of attention model and that picture superiority is due to a more direct access to semantic processing and a richer visual code. General principles to guide the processing of stimulus information are discussed.

Creating advantages through franchising in healthcare: a qualitative, multiple embedded case study on the role of the business format.

PubMed

Nijmeijer, Karlijn J; Huijsman, Robbert; Fabbricotti, Isabelle N

2014-11-02

Business format franchising is an organizational form that originates from the business sector. It is increasingly used in healthcare, being a promising organizational form for improving the competitiveness and efficiency of organizations, the quality of care, and the professional work environment. However, evidence is lacking concerning how these healthcare franchises should be designed to actually deliver the promised benefits. This study explores how the design of the central element in franchising, the business format (i.e., brand name, support systems, specification of the products and services), helps or hinders the achievement of positive results. A qualitative comparative embedded case study was conducted. The cases focused on three Dutch healthcare franchises providing mental healthcare, hospital care and care for the intellectually disabled. The data were collected through document analyses, observations, and 96 in-depth, semi-structured interviews with franchisors and unit actors (franchisees, unit managers, professionals). The interviews were recorded and transcribed verbatim. A conceptual model based on a systematic review of studies in other industries was used as an initial method for coding the data. New inductive codes were used to enrich and extend the analysis. The data were subjected to within-case and cross-case comparative thematic analyses. Different business format designs have different effects on results, as perceived by franchisors and unit actors. The analysis revealed how this variation in perceived effects can be explained by different dynamics with regard to system-wide adaptation, local adaptation, professionals' resistance to change, ease of knowledge sharing, bureaucracy, overhead, uniform brand presentation, accelerating effects and reliable performance levels. The analysis resulted in a new typology of four types of business formats, showing how combinations of business format elements facilitate or hinder the achievement of different types of results. Practitioners using healthcare franchising as a model to improve client-related, strategic, organizational and professional results should carefully consider how to design their business format in order to facilitate the achievement of desired results. The developed typology can be used as a starting point for these practitioners and as a basis for future scholarly research. Further quantitative research is recommended to confirm the results.

Making comparative performance information more comprehensible: an experimental evaluation of the impact of formats on consumer understanding

PubMed Central

Damman, Olga C; De Jong, Anco; Hibbard, Judith H; Timmermans, Danielle R M

2016-01-01

Study objectives We aimed to investigate how different presentation formats influence comprehension and use of comparative performance information (CPI) among consumers. Methods An experimental between-subjects and within-subjects design with manipulations of CPI presentation formats. We enrolled both consumers with lower socioeconomic status (SES)/cognitive skills and consumers with higher SES/cognitive skills, recruited through an online access panel. Respondents received fictitious CPI and completed questions about interpretation and information use. Between subjects, we tested (1) displaying an overall performance score (yes/no); (2) displaying a small number of quality indicators (5 vs 9); and (3) displaying different types of evaluative symbols (star ratings, coloured dots and word icons vs numbers and bar graphs). Within subjects, we tested the effect of a reduced number of healthcare providers (5 vs 20). Data were analysed using descriptive analysis, analyses of variance and paired-sampled t tests. Results A total of 902 (43%) respondents participated. Displaying an overall performance score and the use of coloured dots and word icons particularly enhanced consumer understanding. Importantly, respondents provided with coloured dots most often correctly selected the top three healthcare providers (84.3%), compared with word icons (76.6% correct), star ratings (70.6% correct), numbers (62.0%) and bars (54.2%) when viewing performance scores of 20 providers. Furthermore, a reduced number of healthcare providers appeared to support consumers, for example, when provided with 20 providers, 69.5% correctly selected the top three, compared with 80.2% with five providers. Discussion Particular presentation formats enhanced consumer understanding of CPI, most importantly the use of overall performance scores, word icons and coloured dots, and a reduced number of providers displayed. Public report efforts should use these formats to maximise impact on consumers. PMID:26543066

Anchoring Vignettes in EQ-5D-5L Questionnaire: Validation of a New Instrument.

PubMed

Azzolina, Danila; Minto, Clara; Boschetto, Stefania; Martinato, Matteo; Bauce, Barbara; Iliceto, Sabino; Gregori, Dario

2017-01-01

Health Related Quality of Life (HRQoL) is an indicator of patient's physical, psychological and social life. HRQoL is influenced by experience, beliefs, perceptions and expectations, and measures subjective perspective of the patient himself. EQ-5D-5L and SF-12 questionnaires are validated instruments useful to measure HRQoL, increasingly administered in electronic formats. The main purpose is to evaluate the feasibility of anchoring vignettes for the EQ-5D-5L questionnaire, with the aim to improve intergroup comparability of responses among different subjects. A comparison with SF-12 questionnaire is carried out. This is a cross-sectional study conducted at the ambulatories of cardiology of the University Hospital of Padova, in Italy. Thirty-eight subjects with a diagnosis of cardiovascular disease or at risk of cardiovascular disease were enrolled. A factorial analysis has been performed to assess the convergent validity of EQ-5D-5L questionnaire compared to Sf-12. Moreover, a compound Hierarchical Ordered Probit (Chopit) model has been estimated to evaluate if the questionnaire form affects the subjective evaluation process in order to compare EQ-5D-5L with and without vignettes. Correlation and factor analysis demonstrate that EQ_5D questionnaire is coherent with SF-12 in paper format. Chopit model estimation shows that questionnaire format does not affect the subjective question interpretation. Moreover, in a parametric model including vignettes, education attainment, disease severity, and gender are predictors of HRQoL status. The EQ-5D including vignettes in electronic format seems to be a valid tool to measure HRQoL as compared to EQ-5D without vignettes in paper format and to SF-12 questionnaire.

Influence of Nitrogen Source on NDMA Formation during Chlorination of Diuron

PubMed Central

Chen, Wei-Hsiang; Young, Thomas M.

2009-01-01

N-Nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA) is formed during chlorination of water containing the herbicide diuron (N′-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)-N, N-dimethylurea) but formation is greatly enhanced in the presence of ammonia (chloramination). Groundwater impacted by agricultural runoff may contain diuron and relatively high total nitrogen concentrations; this study examines the impact of the nitrogen form (ammonium, nitrite or nitrate) on NDMA formation during chlorination of such waters. NDMA formation during chlorination of diuron increased in the order nitrite < nitrate < ammonium for a given chlorine, nitrogen, and diuron dose. Formation of dichloramine seemed to fully explain enhanced NDMA formation in the presence of ammonium. Nitrate unexpectedly enhanced nitrosation of diuron derivatives to form NDMA compared to the cases of no added nitrogen or nitrite addition. Nitrite addition is less effective because it consumes more chlorine and produces intermediates that react rapidly with diuron and its aromatic byproducts. Differences between surface and groundwater in nitrogen forms and concentrations and disinfection approaches, suggest strategies to reduce NDMA formation should vary with drinking water source. PMID:19457535

Influence of nitrogen source on NDMA formation during chlorination of diuron.

PubMed

Chen, Wei-Hsiang; Young, Thomas M

2009-07-01

N-Nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA) is formed during chlorination of water containing the herbicide diuron (N'-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)-N,N-dimethylurea) but formation is greatly enhanced in the presence of ammonia (chloramination). Groundwater impacted by agricultural runoff may contain diuron and relatively high total nitrogen concentrations; this study examines the impact of the nitrogen form (ammonium, nitrite or nitrate) on NDMA formation during chlorination of such waters. NDMA formation during chlorination of diuron increased in the order nitrite

When promotoras and technology meet: A qualitative analysis of promotoras’ use of small media to increase cancer screening among South Texas Latinos

PubMed Central

Fernandez, Maria E.; LaRue, Denise M.; Bartholomew, L. Kay

2012-01-01

Computer-based multimedia technologies can be used to tailor health messages, but promotoras (Spanish-speaking community health workers) rarely use these tools. Promotoras delivered health messages about colorectal cancer screening to medically underserved Latinos in South Texas using two small media formats: a “low-tech” format (flipchart and video); and a “high-tech” format consisting of a tailored, interactive computer program delivered on a tablet computer. Using qualitative methods, we observed promotora training and intervention delivery, and conducted interviews with five promotoras to compare and contrast program implementation of both formats. We discuss the ways each format aided or challenged promotoras’ intervention delivery. Findings reveal that some aspects of both formats enhanced intervention delivery by tapping into Latino health communication preferences and facilitating interpersonal communication, while other aspects hindered intervention delivery. This study contributes to our understanding of how community health workers use low- and high-tech small media formats when delivering health messages to Latinos. PMID:21986243

Weight concerns scale applied to college students: comparison between pencil-and-paper and online formats.

PubMed

Dias, Juliana Chioda Ribeiro; Maroco, João; Campos, Juliana Alvares Duarte Bonini

2015-03-01

Online data collection is becoming increasingly common and has some advantages compared to traditional paper-and-pencil formats, such as reducing loss of data, increasing participants' privacy, and decreasing the effect of social desirability. However, the validity and reliability of this administration format must be established before results can be considered acceptable. The aim of this study was to evaluate the validity, reliability, and equivalence of paper-and-pencil and online versions of the Weight Concerns Scale (WCS) when applied to Brazilian university students. A crossover design was used, and the Portuguese version of the WCS (in both paper-and-pencil and online formats) was completed by 100 college students. The results indicated adequate fit in both formats. The simultaneous fit of data for both groups was excellent, with strong invariance between models. Adequate convergent validity, internal consistency, and mean score equivalence of the WCS in both formats were observed. Thus, the WCS presented adequate reliability and validity in both administration formats, with equivalence/stability between answers.

Star Formation in low mass galaxies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mehta, Vihang

2018-01-01

Our current hierarchical view of the universe asserts that the large galaxies we see today grew via mergers of numerous smaller galaxies. As evidenced by recent literature, the collective impact of these low mass galaxies on the universe is more substantial than previously thought. Studying the growth and evolution of these low mass galaxies is critical to our understanding of the universe as a whole. Star formation is one of the most important ongoing processes in galaxies. Forming stars is fundamental to the growth of a galaxy. One of the main goals of my thesis is to analyze the star formation in these low mass galaxies at different redshifts.Using the Hubble UltraViolet Ultra Deep Field (UVUDF), I investigate the star formation in galaxies at the peak of the cosmic star formation history using the ultraviolet (UV) light as a star formation indicator. Particularly, I measure the UV luminosity function (LF) to probe the volume-averaged star formation properties of galaxies at these redshifts. The depth of the UVUDF is ideal for a direct measurement of the faint end slope of the UV LF. This redshift range also provides a unique opportunity to directly compare UV to the "gold standard" of star formation indicators, namely the Hα nebular emission line. A joint analysis of the UV and Hα LFs suggests that, on average, the star formation histories in low mass galaxies (~109 M⊙) are more bursty compared to their higher mass counterparts at these redshifts.Complementary to the analysis of the average star formation properties of the bulk galaxy population, I investigate the details of star formation in some very bursty galaxies at lower redshifts selected from Spitzer Large Area Survey with Hyper-Suprime Cam (SPLASH). Using a broadband color-excess selection technique, I identify a sample of low redshift galaxies with bright nebular emission lines in the Subaru-XMM Deep Field (SXDF) from the SPLASH-SXDF catalog. These galaxies are highly star forming and have extremely low masses (105-107 M⊙). They are much fainter equivalents of the "green pea" galaxies found in SDSS. These objects are followed up with HectoSpec on the MMT to confirm their redshift as well as study their star formation properties in detail.

Development and Application of an Oxidation Flow Reactor to Study Secondary Organic Aerosol Formation from Ambient Air

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Palm, Brett Brian

Secondary organic aerosols (SOA) in the atmosphere play an important role in air quality, human health, and climate. However, the sources, formation pathways, and fate of SOA are poorly constrained. In this dissertation, I present development and application of the oxidation flow reactor (OFR) technique for studying SOA formation from OH, O3, and NO3 oxidation of ambient air. With a several-minute residence time and a portable design with no inlet, OFRs are particularly well-suited for this purpose. I first introduce the OFR concept, and discuss several advances I have made in performing and interpreting OFR experiments. This includes estimating oxidant exposures, modeling the fate of low-volatility gases in the OFR (wall loss, condensation, and oxidation), and comparing SOA yields of single precursors in the OFR with yields measured in environmental chambers. When these experimental details are carefully considered, SOA formation in an OFR can be more reliably compared with ambient SOA formation processes. I then present an overview of what OFR measurements have taught us about SOA formation in the atmosphere. I provide a comparison of SOA formation from OH, O3, and NO3 oxidation of ambient air in a wide variety of environments, from rural forests to urban air. In a rural forest, the SOA formation correlated with biogenic precursors (e.g., monoterpenes). In urban air, it correlated instead with reactive anthropogenic tracers (e.g., trimethylbenzene). In mixed-source regions, the SOA formation did not correlate well with any single precursor, but could be predicted by multilinear regression from several precursors. Despite these correlations, the concentrations of speciated ambient VOCs could only explain approximately 10-50% of the total SOA formed from OH oxidation. In contrast, ambient VOCs could explain all of the SOA formation observed from O3 and NO3 oxidation. Evidence suggests that lower-volatility gases (semivolatile and intermediate-volatility organic compounds; S/IVOCs) were present in ambient air and were the likely source of SOA formation that could not be explained by VOCs. These measurements show that S/IVOCs likely play an important intermediary role in ambient SOA formation in all of the sampled locations, from rural forests to urban air.

Making the Move to Online Teaching: One Reluctant Professor's Informal Self-Study

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hurst, Beth

2014-01-01

In my search for my identity as an online teacher, I did an informal self-study to determine if my online classes are equivalent to my face-to-face classes. I compared student work and student evaluations from 14 courses: seven online and seven face-to-face. When I compared the quality of student work from both formats, I found it…

Adiabatic shear mechanisms for the hard cutting process

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yue, Caixu; Wang, Bo; Liu, Xianli; Feng, Huize; Cai, Chunbin

2015-05-01

The most important consequence of adiabatic shear phenomenon is formation of sawtooth chip. Lots of scholars focused on the formation mechanism of sawtooth, and the research often depended on experimental approach. For the present, the mechanism of sawtooth chip formation still remains some ambiguous aspects. This study develops a combined numerical and experimental approach to get deeper understanding of sawtooth chip formation mechanism for Polycrystalline Cubic Boron Nitride (PCBN) tools orthogonal cutting hard steel GCr15. By adopting the Johnson-Cook material constitutive equations, the FEM simulation model established in this research effectively overcomes serious element distortions and cell singularity in high strain domain caused by large material deformation, and the adiabatic shear phenomenon is simulated successfully. Both the formation mechanism and process of sawtooth are simulated. Also, the change features regarding the cutting force as well as its effects on temperature are studied. More specifically, the contact of sawtooth formation frequency with cutting force fluctuation frequency is established. The cutting force and effect of cutting temperature on mechanism of adiabatic shear are investigated. Furthermore, the effects of the cutting condition on sawtooth chip formation are researched. The researching results show that cutting feed has the most important effect on sawtooth chip formation compared with cutting depth and speed. This research contributes a better understanding of mechanism, feature of chip formation in hard turning process, and supplies theoretical basis for the optimization of hard cutting process parameters.

Optimum Guidance Law and Information Management for a Large Number of Formation Flying Spacecrafts

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tsuda, Yuichi; Nakasuka, Shinichi

In recent years, formation flying technique is recognized as one of the most important technologies for deep space and orbital missions that involve multiple spacecraft operations. Formation flying mission improves simultaneous observability over a wide area, redundancy and reconfigurability of the system with relatively small and low cost spacecrafts compared with the conventional single spacecraft mission. From the viewpoint of guidance and control, realizing formation flying mission usually requires tight maintenance and control of the relative distances, speeds and orientations between the member satellites. This paper studies a practical architecture for formation flight missions focusing mainly on guidance and control, and describes a new guidance algorithm for changing and keeping the relative positions and speeds of the satellites in formation. The resulting algorithm is suitable for onboard processing and gives the optimum impulsive trajectory for satellites flying closely around a certain reference orbit, that can be elliptic, parabolic or hyperbolic. Based on this guidance algorithm, this study introduces an information management methodology between the member spacecrafts which is suitable for a large formation flight architecture. Routing and multicast communication based on the wireless local area network technology are introduced. Some mathematical analyses and computer simulations will be shown in the presentation to reveal the feasibility of the proposed formation flight architecture, especially when a very large number of satellites join the formation.

Theoretical and experimental study of the formation conditions of stepped leaders in negative flashes

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

Xie, Shijun, E-mail: sj-xie@163.com; State Key Laboratory of Control and Simulation of Power System and Generation Equipment, Department of Electrical Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084; Zeng, Rong

2015-08-15

Natural lightning flashes are stochastic and uncontrollable, and thus, it is difficult to observe the formation process of a downward negative stepped leader (NSL) directly and in detail. This situation has led to some dispute over the actual NSL formation mechanism, and thus has hindered improvements in the lightning shielding analysis model. In this paper, on the basis of controllable long air gap discharge experiments, the formation conditions required for NSLs in negative flashes have been studied. First, a series of simulation experiments on varying scales were designed and carried out. The NSL formation processes were observed, and several ofmore » the characteristic process parameters, including the scale, the propagation velocity, and the dark period, were obtained. By comparing the acquired formation processes and the characteristic parameters with those in natural lightning flashes, the similarity between the NSLs in the simulation experiments and those in natural flashes was proved. Then, based on the local thermodynamic equation and the space charge estimation method, the required NSL formation conditions were deduced, and the space background electric field (E{sub b}) was proposed as the primary parameter for NSL formation. Finally, the critical value of E{sub b} required for the formation of NSLs in natural flashes was determined to be approximately 75 kV/m by extrapolation of the results of the simulation experiments.« less

Bimetallic core-based cuboctahedral core-shell nanoclusters for the formation of hydrogen peroxide (2e- reduction) over water (4e- reduction): role of core metals.

PubMed

Mahata, Arup; Pathak, Biswarup

2017-07-13

The design of an efficient and selective catalyst for hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2 ) formation is highly sought due to its industrial importance. As alternatives to a conventional Pd-Au alloy-based catalyst, three cuboctahedral core-shell nanoclusters (Au 19 @Pt 60 , Co 19 @Pt 60 and Au 10 Co 9 @Pt 60 NCs) have been investigated. Their catalytic activities toward H 2 O 2 formation have been compared with that of pure Pt cuboctahedral NC (Pt 79 ). Much attention has been devoted to thermodynamic and kinetic parameters to find out the feasibility of the two-electron (2e - ) over the four-electron (4e - ) oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) to improve the product selectivity (H 2 O vs. H 2 O 2 ). Elementary steps corresponding to H 2 O 2 formation are significantly improved over the Au 10 Co 9 @Pt 60 NC catalyst compared with the pure core-shell NCs and periodic surface based catalysts. Furthermore, the Au 10 Co 9 @Pt 60 NC favours H 2 O 2 formation via the much desired Langmuir-Hinshelwood mechanism. The potential-dependent study shows that the H 2 O 2 formation is thermodynamically favourable up to 0.43 V on the Au 10 Co 9 @Pt 60 NC and thus the overpotential for the 2e - ORR process is significantly lowered. Besides, the Au 10 Co 9 @Pt 60 NC is highly selective for H 2 O 2 formation over H 2 O formation.

ElVisML: an open data format for the exchange and storage of electrophysiological data in ophthalmology.

PubMed

Strasser, Torsten; Peters, Tobias; Jägle, Herbert; Zrenner, Eberhart

2018-02-01

The ISCEV standards and recommendations for electrophysiological recordings in ophthalmology define a set of protocols with stimulus parameters, acquisition settings, and recording conditions, to unify the data and enable comparability of results across centers. Up to now, however, there are no standards to define the storage and exchange of such electrophysiological recordings. The aim of this study was to develop an open standard data format for the exchange and storage of visual electrophysiological data (ElVisML). We first surveyed existing data formats for biomedical signals and examined their suitability for electrophysiological data in ophthalmology. We then compared the suitability of text-based and binary formats, as well as encoding in Extensible Markup Language (XML) and character/comma-separated values. The results of the methodological consideration led to the development of ElVisML with an XML-encoded text-based format. This allows referential integrity, extensibility, the storing of accompanying units, as well as ensuring confidentiality and integrity of the data. A visualization of ElVisML documents (ElVisWeb) has additionally been developed, which facilitates the exchange of recordings on mailing lists and allows open access to data along with published articles. The open data format ElVisML ensures the quality, validity, and integrity of electrophysiological data transmission and storage as well as providing manufacturer-independent access and long-term archiving in a future-proof format. Standardization of the format of such neurophysiology data would promote the development of new techniques and open software for the use of neurophysiological data in both clinic and research.

Formation of intermetallic compound coating on magnesium AZ91 cast alloy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhu, Tianping; Gao, Wei

2009-08-01

This study describes an intermetallic compound coating formed on AZ91 Mg cast alloy. The Al sputtered on AZ91 cast alloy reacted with substrate during a short period of heat treatment at 435°C, resulting in the formation of a continuous intermetallic compound layer. The short period treatment has the advantage of minimizing the negative effect on the microstructure of substrate and the mechanical properties, comparing with the reported diffusion coatings. DSC measurement and examination on the cross-section of Al sputtered samples show that local melting occurred along the Al/substrate interface at the temperature range between 430~435°C. The formation mechanism of intermetallic compound coating is proposed in terms of the local melting at Al/substrate interface. The salt water immersion test showed significant improvement in corrosion resistance of the intermetallic compound coated AZ91 cast alloy compared with the as-cast alloys.

Molecular dynamics simulations of bubble formation and cavitation in liquid metals.

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

Insepov, Z.; Hassanein, A.; Bazhirov, T. T.

2007-11-01

Thermodynamics and kinetics of nano-scale bubble formation in liquid metals such as Li and Pb were studied by molecular dynamics (MD) simulations at pressures typical for magnetic and inertial fusion. Two different approaches to bubble formation were developed. In one method, radial densities, pressures, surface tensions, and work functions of the cavities in supercooled liquid lithium were calculated and compared with the surface tension experimental data. The critical radius of a stable cavity in liquid lithium was found for the first time. In the second method, the cavities were created in the highly stretched region of the liquid phase diagram;more » and then the stability boundary and the cavitation rates were calculated in liquid lead. The pressure dependences of cavitation frequencies were obtained over the temperature range 700-2700 K in liquid Pb. The results of MD calculations for cavitation rate were compared with estimates of classical nucleation theory (CNT).« less

Strecker Aldehyde Formation in Wine: New Insights into the Role of Gallic Acid, Glucose, and Metals in Phenylacetaldehyde Formation.

PubMed

Monforte, Ana Rita; Martins, Sara I F S; Silva Ferreira, Antonio C

2018-03-14

Strecker degradation (SD) leading to the formation of phenylacetaldehyde (PA) was studied in wine systems. New insights were gained by using two full factorial designs focusing on the effects of (1) pH and (2) temperature. In each design of experiments (DoE) three factors, glucose, gallic acid, and metals at two levels (present or absence), were varied while phenylalanine was kept constant. The obtained results gave a clear indication, with statistical significance, that in wine conditions, the SD occurs in the presence of metals preferentially via the phenolic oxidation independent of the temperature (40 or 80 °C). The reaction of the amino acid with the o-quinone formed by the oxidation of the gallic acid seems to be favored when compared with the SD promoted by the reaction with α-dicarbonyls formed by MR between glucose and phenylalanine. In fact, kinetics results showed that the presence of glucose had an inhibitory effect on PA rate of formation. PA formation was 4 times higher in the control wine when compared to the same wine with 10 g/L glucose added. By gallic acid quinone quantitation it is shown that glucose affects directly the concentration of the quinone. decreasing the rate of quinone formation. This highlights the role of sugar in o-quinone concentration and consequently in the impact on Strecker aldehyde formation, a promising new perspective regarding wine shelf-life understanding.

Impact of format and content of visual display of data on comprehension, choice and preference: a systematic review.

PubMed

Hildon, Zoe; Allwood, Dominique; Black, Nick

2012-02-01

Displays comparing the performance of healthcare providers are largely based on commonsense. To review the literature on the impact of compositional format and content of quantitative data displays on people's comprehension, choice and preference. Ovid databases, expert recommendations and snowballing techniques. Evaluations of the impact of different formats (bar charts, tables and pictographs) and content (ordering, explanatory visual cues, etc.) of quantitative data displays meeting defined quality criteria. Data extraction Type of decision; decision-making domains; audiences; formats; content; methodology; findings. Most of the 30 studies used quantitative (n= 26) methods with patients or public groups (n= 28) rather than with professionals (n= 2). Bar charts were the most frequent format, followed by pictographs and tables. As regards format, tables and pictographs appeared better understood than bar charts despite the latter being preferred. Although accessible to less numerate and older populations, pictographs tended to lead to more risk avoidance. Tables appeared accessible to all. Aspects of content enhancing the impact of data displays included giving visual explanatory cues and contextual information while still attempting simplicity ('less is more'); ordering data; consistency. Icons rather than numbers were more user-friendly but could lead to over-estimation of risk. Uncertainty was not widely understood, nor well represented. Though heterogeneous and limited in scope, there is sufficient research evidence to inform the presentation of quantitative data that compares the performance of healthcare providers. The impact of new formats, such as funnel plots, needs to be evaluated.

Evaluating the interaction of a tracheobronchial stent in an ovine in-vivo model.

PubMed

McGrath, Donnacha J; Thiebes, Anja Lena; Cornelissen, Christian G; O'Brien, Barry; Jockenhoevel, Stefan; Bruzzi, Mark; McHugh, Peter E

2018-04-01

Tracheobronchial stents are used to restore patency to stenosed airways. However, these devices are associated with many complications such as stent migration, granulation tissue formation, mucous plugging and stent strut fracture. Of these, granulation tissue formation is the complication that most frequently requires costly secondary interventions. In this study a biomechanical lung modelling framework recently developed by the authors to capture the lung in-vivo stress state under physiological loading is employed in conjunction with ovine pre-clinical stenting results and device experimental data to evaluate the effect of stent interaction on granulation tissue formation. Stenting is simulated using a validated model of a prototype covered laser-cut tracheobronchial stent in a semi-specific biomechanical lung model, and physiological loading is performed. Two computational methods are then used to predict possible granulation tissue formation: the standard method which utilises the increase in maximum principal stress change, and a newly proposed method which compares the change in contact pressure over a respiratory cycle. These computational predictions of granulation tissue formation are then compared to pre-clinical stenting observations after a 6-week implantation period. Experimental results of the pre-clinical stent implantation showed signs of granulation tissue formation both proximally and distally, with a greater proximal reaction. The standard method failed to show a correlation with the experimental results. However, the contact change method showed an apparent correlation with granulation tissue formation. These results suggest that this new method could be used as a tool to improve future device designs.

A compliance assessment of midpoint formative assessments completed by APPE preceptors.

PubMed

Lea Bonner, C; Staton, April G; Naro, Patricia B; McCullough, Elizabeth; Lynn Stevenson, T; Williamson, Margaret; Sheffield, Melody C; Miller, Mindi; Fetterman, James W; Fan, Shirley; Momary, Kathryn M

Experiential pharmacy preceptors should provide formative and summative feedback during a learning experience. Preceptors are required to provide colleges and schools of pharmacy with assessments or evaluations of students' performance. Students and experiential programs value on-time completion of midpoint evaluations by preceptors. The objective of this study was to determine the number of on-time electronically documented formative midpoint evaluations completed by preceptors during advanced pharmacy practice experiences (APPEs). Compliance rates of on-time electronically documented formative midpoint evaluations were reviewed by the Office of Experiential Education of a five-member consortium during the two-year study period prior to the adoption of Standards 2016. Pearson chi-square test and generalized linear models were used to determine if statistically significant differences were present. Average midpoint compliance rates for the two-year research period were 40.7% and 41% respectively. No statistical significance was noted comparing compliance rates for year one versus year two. However, statistical significance was present when comparing compliance rates between schools during year two. Feedback from students and preceptors pointed to the need for brief formal midpoint evaluations that require minimal time to complete, user friendly experiential management software, and methods for documenting verbal feedback through student self-reflection. Additional education and training to both affiliate and faculty preceptors on the importance of written formative feedback at midpoint is critical to remaining in compliance with Standards 2016. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Structure formation in Ag-X (X = Au, Cu) alloys synthesized far-from-equilibrium

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Elofsson, V.; Almyras, G. A.; Lü, B.; Garbrecht, M.; Boyd, R. D.; Sarakinos, K.

2018-04-01

We employ sub-monolayer, pulsed Ag and Au vapor fluxes, along with deterministic growth simulations, and nanoscale probes to study structure formation in miscible Ag-Au films synthesized under far-from-equilibrium conditions. Our results show that nanoscale atomic arrangement is primarily determined by roughness build up at the film growth front, whereby larger roughness leads to increased intermixing between Ag and Au. These findings suggest a different structure formation pathway as compared to the immiscible Ag-Cu system for which the present study, in combination with previously published data, reveals that no significant roughness is developed, and the local atomic structure is predominantly determined by the tendency of Ag and Cu to phase-separate.

Reducing firing of an early pottery making kiln at Batán Grande, Peru: A Mössbauer study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wagner, U.; Gebhard, R.; Häusler, W.; Hutzelmann, T.; Riederer, J.; Shimada, I.; Sosa, J.; Wagner, F. E.

1999-11-01

Material from field firing experiments using a 2,700-year old Formative kiln at Batán Grande, Peru, was studied by X-ray diffraction and Mössbauer spectroscopy. The experiments explore the technology involved in producing the gray and black reduced ware for which Cupisnique and other Formative ceramics are justly known. During firing, the iron-bearing compounds in clays undergo characteristic changes which depend on kiln temperature and atmosphere. These changes can be observed in the Mössbauer spectra. By comparing spectra of an appropriate clay fired in field experiments and in the laboratory with the spectra of ancient ceramics, a description of Formative firing techniques in a reducing environment is attempted.

Unruptured intracranial aneurysms in the Familial Intracranial Aneurysm and International Study of Unruptured Intracranial Aneurysms cohorts: differences in multiplicity and location.

PubMed

Mackey, Jason; Brown, Robert D; Moomaw, Charles J; Sauerbeck, Laura; Hornung, Richard; Gandhi, Dheeraj; Woo, Daniel; Kleindorfer, Dawn; Flaherty, Matthew L; Meissner, Irene; Anderson, Craig; Connolly, E Sander; Rouleau, Guy; Kallmes, David F; Torner, James; Huston, John; Broderick, Joseph P

2012-07-01

Familial predisposition is a recognized nonmodifiable risk factor for the formation and rupture of intracranial aneurysms (IAs). However, data regarding the characteristics of familial IAs are limited. The authors sought to describe familial IAs more fully, and to compare their characteristics with a large cohort of nonfamilial IAs. The Familial Intracranial Aneurysm (FIA) study is a multicenter international study with the goal of identifying genetic and other risk factors for formation and rupture of IAs in a highly enriched population. The authors compared the FIA study cohort with the International Study of Unruptured Intracranial Aneurysms (ISUIA) cohort with regard to patient demographic data, IA location, and IA multiplicity. To improve comparability, all patients in the ISUIA who had a family history of IAs or subarachnoid hemorrhage were excluded, as well as all patients in both cohorts who had a ruptured IA prior to study entry. Of 983 patients enrolled in the FIA study with definite or probable IAs, 511 met the inclusion criteria for this analysis. Of the 4059 patients in the ISUIA study, 983 had a previous IA rupture and 657 of the remainder had a positive family history, leaving 2419 individuals in the analysis. Multiplicity was more common in the FIA patients (35.6% vs 27.9%, p<0.001). The FIA patients had a higher proportion of IAs located in the middle cerebral artery (28.6% vs 24.9%), whereas ISUIA patients had a higher proportion of posterior communicating artery IAs (13.7% vs 8.2%, p=0.016). Heritable structural vulnerability may account for differences in IA multiplicity and location. Important investigations into the underlying genetic mechanisms of IA formation are ongoing.

Dissecting the assembly and star formation history of disks and bulges in nearby spirals using the VENGA IFU survey

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Carrillo, Andreia Jessica; Jogee, Shardha; Kaplan, Kyle; Weinzirl, Tim; Blanc, Guillermo A.

2017-06-01

Integral field spectroscopy of nearby galaxies provides a powerful and unparalleled tool for studying how galaxies assemble the different components -- the bulge, bar, and disk-- that define the Hubble sequence. We explore the assembly and star formation history of these components using galaxies in the VIRUS-P Exploration of Nearby Galaxies (VENGA) survey of 30 nearby spiral galaxies. Compared to other integral field spectroscopy studies of spirals, our study benefits from high spatial sampling and resolution (typically a few 100 pc), large coverage from the bulge to the outer disk, broad wavelength range (3600-6800 A), and medium spectral resolution (120 km/s at 5000 A). In this poster, we present the methodology and data illustrating the exquisite, high-quality, spatially-resolved spectra out to large radii, and the distribution, kinematics, and metallicity of stars and ionized gas. We discuss the next steps in deriving the star formation history (SFH) of bulge, bar, and disk components, and elucidating their assembly pathway by comparing their SFH and structural properties to theoretical models of galaxy evolution. This project is supported by the NSF grants AST-1614798 and AST-1413652.

[New opportunities of magnetic-resonance imaging: an algorithm of CSD-HARDI tractography in reconstruction of the brainstem reticular formation fibers].

PubMed

Aleksandrova, E V; Batalov, A I; Pogosbekyan, E L; Zakharova, N E; Fadeeva, L M; Kravchuk, A D; Pronin, I N; Potapov, A A

2018-01-01

The study purpose was to develop a technique for intravital visualization of the brainstem reticular formation fibers in healthy volunteers using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The study included 21 subjects (13 males and 8 females) aged 21 to 62 years. The study was performed on a magnetic resonance imaging scanner with a magnetic field strength of 3 T in T1, T2, T2-FLAIR, DWI, and SWI modes. A CSD-HARDI algorithm was used to identify thin intersecting fibers of the reticular formatio. We developed a technique for reconstructing the reticular formation pathways, tested it in healthy volunteers, and obtained standard quantitative indicators (fractional anisotropy (FA), apparent diffusion coefficient (ACD), fiber length and density, and axial and radial diffusion). We performed a comparative analysis of these indicators in males and females. There was no difference between these groups and between indicators for the right and left brainstem. Our findings will enable comparative analysis of examination results in patients with brain pathology accompanied by brainstem injury, which may help predict the outcome. This work was supported by a grant of the Russian Foundation for Basic Research (#16-04-01472).

Perceptions and practices of U.S. dental schools regarding curriculum integrated format and traditional format licensure exams.

PubMed

Desai, Shamik; Allareddy, Veerasathpurush; Donoff, R Bruce; Howell, T Howard; Karimbux, Nadeem Y

2013-08-01

The dental licensure exam in the United States has evolved over the past ten years, and two formats-the traditional format and curriculum integrated format-are now available for students to satisfy licensure requirements. The objective of this study was to examine the differences and relative merits of the two formats. A twenty-five-question survey was distributed to the fifty-seven U.S. dental schools at the time. The survey included both quantitative and discrete variables and followed a strategic sequential order. The first set of questions sought to determine what type of board preparatory/mock exam each dental school offered, and the next set of questions asked which licensure exam each school formally offered. The final questions were qualitative in nature and aimed to determine the school representatives' opinions about the curriculum integrated format versus traditional format. Of the fifty-seven schools contacted, thirty-seven agreed to participate (response rate=64.9 percent). Fourteen schools reported that they administer the traditional format only and twelve administer the curriculum integrated format only, while eleven offer both. Thirty-two schools offered mock board exams to their graduating students, and twenty-four of those said their mock exams were identical in format to the actual qualifying clinical exams offered at their institution. The respondents reported no significant advantage to preparing for the curriculum integrated format examination as compared to the traditional format examination with regards to number of clock hours taken from regular curriculum time. In reporting on this study, this article provides an overview of the relative advantages and disadvantages of the two examination formats used for the dental licensure process in the United States.

Impact of Product Involvement, Message Format, and Receiver Sex on the Efficacy of Comparative Advertising Messages.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Pfau, Michael

1994-01-01

Investigates the role and impact of receiver involvement in product class, comparative message format, and receiver sex on the relative effectiveness of comparative advertising messages. Indicates that females and males respond uniquely to comparative advertising, revealing consistent patterns regarding both circumstances and approaches. (SR)

Importance of mother-infant communication for social bond formation in mammals.

PubMed

Okabe, Shota; Nagasawa, Miho; Mogi, Kazutaka; Kikusui, Takefumi

2012-06-01

Mother-infant bonding is a universal relationship of all mammalian species. Here, we describe the role of reciprocal communication between mother and infant in the formation of bonding for several mammalian species. Mother-infant bond formation is reinforced by various social cues or stimuli, including communicative signals, such as odor and vocalizations, or tactile stimuli. The mother also develops cross-modal sensory recognition of the infant, during bond formation. Many studies have indicated that the oxytocin neural system plays a pivotal role in bond formation by the mother; however, the underlying neural mechanisms for infants have not yet been clarified. The comparative understanding of cognitive functions of mother and infants may help us understand the biological significance of mother-infant communication in mammalian species. © 2012 The Authors. Animal Science Journal © 2012 Japanese Society of Animal Science.

Enhanced biofilm formation and melanin synthesis by the oyster settlement-promoting Shewanella colwelliana is related to hydrophobic surface and simulated intertidal environment.

PubMed

Mitra, Sayani; Gachhui, Ratan; Mukherjee, Joydeep

2015-01-01

A direct relationship between biofilm formation and melanogenesis in Shewanella colwelliana with increased oyster recruitment is already established. Previously, S. colwelliana was grown in a newly patented biofilm-cultivation device, the conico-cylindrical flask (CCF), offering interchangeable hydrophobic/hydrophilic surfaces. Melanization was enhanced when S. colwelliana was cultivated in a hydrophobic vessel compared with a hydrophilic vessel. In the present study, melanogenesis in the CCF was positively correlated with increased architectural parameters of the biofilm (mean thickness and biovolume obtained by confocal laser scanning microscopy) and melanin gene (melA) expression observed by densitometry. Niche intertidal conditions were mimicked in a process operated in an ultra-low-speed rotating disk bioreactor, which demonstrated enhanced biofilm formation, melanogenesis, exopolysaccharide synthesis and melA gene expression compared with a process where 12-h periodic immersion and emersion was prevented. The wettability properties of the settling plane as well as intermittent wetting and drying, which influenced biofilm formation and melA expression, may affect oyster settlement in nature.

The effect of propolis honey candy on C. Albicans and clinical isolate biofilms viability (in-vitro)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Soekanto, Sri Angky; Bachtiar, Endang W.; Ramadhan, Amatul Firdaus; Febrina, Riri; Sahlan, Muhamad

2018-02-01

The objective of this study was to analyze the effectiveness of Propolis honey candy on the formation of C. Albicans ATCC 10231 and Clinical Isolate biofilms. C. Albicans ATCC 10231 and Clinical Isolate were cultured on 96-wellplates that were previously coated with saliva and serum on each well plate. On each group, a solution of Propolis honey candy, X candy, and honey candy was distributed with a 50% concentration of solution. The well plates were then tested using MTT assay. For the X Candy, both C. Albicans ATCC 10231 and Clinical Isolate biofilms that were coated with saliva and serum showed a significant increase of biofilm formation (0.669±0.320) compared to the control (0.223±0.138). However, there were no significant differences between Propolis honey candy (0.171±0.120) and honey candy (0.217±0.112) in the formation of C. Albicans ATCC 10231 and Clinical Isolate biofilms compared to control. Propolis honey candy has a tendency to decrease the formation of C. Albicans ATCC 10231 and Clinical Isolate biofilms.

CAVIAR: an R package for checking, displaying and processing wood-formation-monitoring data.

PubMed

Rathgeber, Cyrille B K; Santenoise, Philippe; Cuny, Henri E

2018-05-19

In the last decade, the pervasive question of climate change impacts on forests has revived investigations on intra-annual dynamics of wood formation, involving disciplines such as plant ecology, tree physiology and dendrochronology. This resulted in the creation of many research groups working on this topic worldwide and a rapid increase in the number of studies and publications. Wood-formation-monitoring studies are generally based on a common conceptual model describing xylem cell formation as the succession of four differentiation phases (cell division, cell enlargement, cell wall thickening and mature cells). They generally use the same sampling techniques, sample preparation methods and anatomical criteria to separate between differentiation zones and discriminate and count forming xylem cells, resulting in very similar raw data. However, the way these raw data are then processed, producing the elaborated data on which statistical analyses are performed, still remains quite specific to each individual study. Thereby, despite very similar raw data, wood-formation-monitoring studies yield results that are still quite difficult to compare. CAVIAR-an R package specifically dedicated to the verification, visualization and manipulation of wood-formation-monitoring data-can help to improve this situation. Initially, CAVIAR was built to provide efficient algorithms to compute critical dates of wood formation phenology for conifers growing in temperate and cold environments. Recently, we developed it further to check, display and process wood-formation-monitoring data. Thanks to new and upgraded functions, raw data can now be consistently verified, standardized and modelled (using logistic regressions and Gompertz functions), in order to describe wood phenology and intra-annual dynamics of tree-ring formation. We believe that CAVIAR will help strengthening the science of wood formation dynamics by effectively contributing to the standardization of its concepts and methods, making thereby possible the comparison between data and results from different studies.

A Preliminary Flight Investigation of Formation Flight for Drag Reduction on the C-17 Aircraft

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Pahle, Joe; Berger, Dave; Venti, Michael W.; Faber, James J.; Duggan, Chris; Cardinal, Kyle

2012-01-01

Many theoretical and experimental studies have shown that aircraft flying in formation could experience significant reductions in fuel use compared to solo flight. To date, formation flight for aerodynamic benefit has not been thoroughly explored in flight for large transport-class vehicles. This paper summarizes flight data gathered during several two ship, C-17 formation flights at a single flight condition of 275 knots, at 25,000 ft MSL. Stabilized test points were flown with the trail aircraft at 1,000 and 3,000 ft aft of the lead aircraft at selected crosstrack and vertical offset locations within the estimated area of influence of the vortex generated by the lead aircraft. Flight data recorded at test points within the vortex from the lead aircraft are compared to data recorded at tare flight test points outside of the influence of the vortex. Since drag was not measured directly, reductions in fuel flow and thrust for level flight are used as a proxy for drag reduction. Estimated thrust and measured fuel flow reductions were documented at several trail test point locations within the area of influence of the leads vortex. The maximum average fuel flow reduction was approximately 7-8%, compared to the tare points flown before and after the test points. Although incomplete, the data suggests that regions with fuel flow and thrust reduction greater than 10% compared to the tare test points exist within the vortex area of influence.

A laboratory study to estimate pore geometric parameters of sandstones using complex conductivity and nuclear magnetic resonance for permeability prediction

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

Osterman, Gordon; Keating, Kristina; Binley, Andrew

Here, we estimate parameters from the Katz and Thompson permeability model using laboratory complex electrical conductivity (CC) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) data to build permeability models parameterized with geophysical measurements. We use the Katz and Thompson model based on the characteristic hydraulic length scale, determined from mercury injection capillary pressure estimates of pore throat size, and the intrinsic formation factor, determined from multisalinity conductivity measurements, for this purpose. Two new permeability models are tested, one based on CC data and another that incorporates CC and NMR data. From measurements made on forty-five sandstone cores collected from fifteen different formations,more » we evaluate how well the CC relaxation time and the NMR transverse relaxation times compare to the characteristic hydraulic length scale and how well the formation factor estimated from CC parameters compares to the intrinsic formation factor. We find: (1) the NMR transverse relaxation time models the characteristic hydraulic length scale more accurately than the CC relaxation time (R 2 of 0.69 and 0.33 and normalized root mean square errors (NRMSE) of 0.16 and 0.21, respectively); (2) the CC estimated formation factor is well correlated with the intrinsic formation factor (NRMSE50.23). We demonstrate that that permeability estimates from the joint-NMR-CC model (NRMSE50.13) compare favorably to estimates from the Katz and Thompson model (NRMSE50.074). Lastly, this model advances the capability of the Katz and Thompson model by employing parameters measureable in the field giving it the potential to more accurately estimate permeability using geophysical measurements than are currently possible.« less

A laboratory study to estimate pore geometric parameters of sandstones using complex conductivity and nuclear magnetic resonance for permeability prediction

DOE PAGES

Osterman, Gordon; Keating, Kristina; Binley, Andrew; ...

2016-03-18

Here, we estimate parameters from the Katz and Thompson permeability model using laboratory complex electrical conductivity (CC) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) data to build permeability models parameterized with geophysical measurements. We use the Katz and Thompson model based on the characteristic hydraulic length scale, determined from mercury injection capillary pressure estimates of pore throat size, and the intrinsic formation factor, determined from multisalinity conductivity measurements, for this purpose. Two new permeability models are tested, one based on CC data and another that incorporates CC and NMR data. From measurements made on forty-five sandstone cores collected from fifteen different formations,more » we evaluate how well the CC relaxation time and the NMR transverse relaxation times compare to the characteristic hydraulic length scale and how well the formation factor estimated from CC parameters compares to the intrinsic formation factor. We find: (1) the NMR transverse relaxation time models the characteristic hydraulic length scale more accurately than the CC relaxation time (R 2 of 0.69 and 0.33 and normalized root mean square errors (NRMSE) of 0.16 and 0.21, respectively); (2) the CC estimated formation factor is well correlated with the intrinsic formation factor (NRMSE50.23). We demonstrate that that permeability estimates from the joint-NMR-CC model (NRMSE50.13) compare favorably to estimates from the Katz and Thompson model (NRMSE50.074). Lastly, this model advances the capability of the Katz and Thompson model by employing parameters measureable in the field giving it the potential to more accurately estimate permeability using geophysical measurements than are currently possible.« less

Criterion and content validity of a novel structured haggling contingent valuation question format versus the bidding game and binary with follow-up format.

PubMed

Onwujekwe, Obinna

2004-02-01

Contingent valuation question formats that will be used to elicit willingness to pay for goods and services need to be relevant to the area they will be used in order for responses to be valid. A novel contingent valuation question format called the "structured haggling technique" (SH) that resembles the bargaining system in Nigerian markets was designed and its criterion and content validity compared with those of the bidding game (BG) and binary-with-follow-up (BWFU) technique. This was achieved by determining the willingness to pay (WTP) for insecticide-treated nets (ITNs) in Southeast Nigeria. Content validity was determined through observation of actual trading of untreated nets together with interviews with sellers and consumers. Criterion validity was determined by comparing stated and actual WTP. Stated WTP was determined using a questionnaire administered to 810 household heads and actual WTP was determined by offering the nets for sale to all respondents one month later. The phi (correlation) coefficient was used to compare criterion validity across question formats. The phi coefficients were SH (0.60: 95% C.I. 0.50-0.71), BG (0.42: 95% C.I. 0.29-0.54) and the BWFU (0.32: 95% C.I. 0.20-0.44), implying that the BG and SH had similar levels of criterion-validity while the BWFU was the least criterion-valid. However, the SH was the most content-valid. It is necessary to validate the findings in other areas where haggling is common. Future studies should establish the content validity of question formats in the contexts in which they will be used before administering questionnaires.

SIGNALING PATHWAYS REGULATED BY BRASSICACEAE EXTRACT INHIBIT THE FORMATION OF ADVANCED GLYCATED END PRODUCTS IN RAT BRAIN.

PubMed

Al-Malki, Abdulrahman L; Barbour, Elie K; Ea, Huwait; Moselhy, Said S; ALZahrani, Anas Hassan Saeed; Kumosani, Taha A

2017-01-01

The goal of this study was identification signaling molecules mediated the formation of AGEs in brain of rats injected with CdCl2 and the role of camel whey proteins and Brassicaceae extract on formation of AGEs in brain. Ninety male rats were randomly grouped into five groups; Normal control (GpI) and the other rats (groups II-V) were received a single dose of cadmium chloride i.p (5 μg/kg/b.w) for induction of neurodegeneration. Rats in groups III-V were treated daily with whey protein (1g/kg b.w) or Brassicaceae extract (1mg/kg b.w) or combined respectively for 12 weeks. It was found that whey protein combined with Brassicaceae extract prevented the formation of AGEs and enhance the antioxidant activity compared with untreated group (p <0.001). Serum tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α) and interleukine (IL-6) levels were significantly decreased (p<0.01) in rats treated with whey protein and Brassicaceae extract formation compared with untreated. The combined treatment showed a better impact than individual ones (p<0.001). The level of cAMP but not cGMP were lowered in combined treatment than individual (p<0.01). It can be postulated that Whey protein + Brassicaceae extract formation could have potential benefits in the prevention of the onset and progression of neuropathy in patients.

SIGNALING PATHWAYS REGULATED BY BRASSICACEAE EXTRACT INHIBIT THE FORMATION OF ADVANCED GLYCATED END PRODUCTS IN RAT BRAIN

PubMed Central

Al-Malki, Abdulrahman L.; Barbour, Elie K.; EA, Huwait; Moselhy, Said S.; ALZahrani, Anas Hassan Saeed; Kumosani, Taha A.

2017-01-01

Background: The goal of this study was identification signaling molecules mediated the formation of AGEs in brain of rats injected with CdCl2 and the role of camel whey proteins and Brassicaceae extract on formation of AGEs in brain. Methods: Ninety male rats were randomly grouped into five groups; Normal control (GpI) and the other rats (groups II-V) were received a single dose of cadmium chloride i.p (5 μg/kg/b.w) for induction of neurodegeneration. Rats in groups III-V were treated daily with whey protein (1g/kg b.w) or Brassicaceae extract (1mg/kg b.w) or combined respectively for 12 weeks. Results: It was found that whey protein combined with Brassicaceae extract prevented the formation of AGEs and enhance the antioxidant activity compared with untreated group (p <0.001). Serum tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α) and interleukine (IL-6) levels were significantly decreased (p<0.01) in rats treated with whey protein and Brassicaceae extract formation compared with untreated. The combined treatment showed a better impact than individual ones (p<0.001). The level of cAMP but not cGMP were lowered in combined treatment than individual (p<0.01). Conclusion: It can be postulated that Whey protein + Brassicaceae extract formation could have potential benefits in the prevention of the onset and progression of neuropathy in patients. PMID:28573240

Characterization of exoplanets from their formation. III. The statistics of planetary luminosities

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mordasini, C.; Marleau, G.-D.; Mollière, P.

2017-12-01

Context. This paper continues a series in which we predict the main observable characteristics of exoplanets based on their formation. In Paper I we described our global planet formation and evolution model that is based on the core accretion paradigm. In Paper II we studied the planetary mass-radius relationship with population syntheses. Aims: In this paper we present an extensive study of the statistics of planetary luminosities during both formation and evolution. Our results can be compared with individual directly imaged extrasolar (proto)planets and with statistical results from surveys. Methods: We calculated three populations of synthetic planets assuming different efficiencies of the accretional heating by gas and planetesimals during formation. We describe the temporal evolution of the planetary mass-luminosity relation. We investigate the relative importance of the shock and internal luminosity during formation, and predict a statistical version of the post-formation mass vs. entropy "tuning fork" diagram. Because the calculations now include deuterium burning we also update the planetary mass-radius relationship in time. Results: We find significant overlap between the high post-formation luminosities of planets forming with hot and cold gas accretion because of the core-mass effect. Variations in the individual formation histories of planets can still lead to a factor 5 to 20 spread in the post-formation luminosity at a given mass. However, if the gas accretional heating and planetesimal accretion rate during the runaway phase is unknown, the post-formation luminosity may exhibit a spread of as much as 2-3 orders of magnitude at a fixed mass. As a key result we predict a flat log-luminosity distribution for giant planets, and a steep increase towards lower luminosities due to the higher occurrence rate of low-mass (M ≲ 10-40 M⊕) planets. Future surveys may detect this upturn. Conclusions: Our results indicate that during formation an estimation of the planetary mass may be possible for cold gas accretion if the planetary gas accretion rate can be estimated. If it is unknown whether the planet still accretes gas, the spread in total luminosity (internal + accretional) at a given mass may be as large as two orders of magnitude, therefore inhibiting the mass estimation. Due to the core-mass effect even planets which underwent cold accretion can have large post-formation entropies and luminosities, such that alternative formation scenarios such as gravitational instabilities do not need to be invoked. Once the number of self-luminous exoplanets with known ages and luminosities increases, the resulting luminosity distributions may be compared with our predictions.

Effect of nitric oxide on photochemical ozone formation in mixtures of air with molecular chlorine and with trichlorofluoromethane

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bittker, D. A.; Wong, E. L.

1978-01-01

Ozone formation in a reaction chamber at room temperature and atmospheric pressure were studied for the photolysis of mixtures of NO with either Cl2 or CFCl3 in air. Both Cl2 + NO and CFCl3 + NO in air strongly inhibited O3 formation during the entire 3 to 4 hour reaction. A chemical mechanism that explains the results was presented. An important part of this mechanism was the formation and destruction of chlorine nitrate. Computations were performed with this same mechanism for CFCl3-NO-air mixtures at stratospheric temperatures, pressures, and concentrations. Results showed large reductions in steady-state O3 concentrations in these mixtures as compared with pure air.

Size Dependent Pore Formation in Germanium Nanowires Undergoing Reversible Delithiation Observed by In Situ TEM

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

Lu, Xiaotang; He, Yang; Mao, Scott X.

Germanium (Ge) nanowires coated with an amorphous silicon (Si) shell undergoing lithiation and delithiation were studied using in situ transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Delithiation creates pores in nanowires with diameters larger than ~25 nm, but not in smaller diameter nanowires. The formation of pores in Ge nanowires undergoing delithiation has been observed before in in situ TEM experiments, but there has been no indication that a critical diameter exists below which pores do not form. Pore formation occurs as a result of fast lithium diffusion compared to vacancy migration. We propose that a short diffusion path for vacancies to themore » nanowire surface plays a role in limiting pore formation even when lithium diffusion is fast.« less

Innovative options for the doctoral dissertation in nursing.

PubMed

Robinson, Susan; Dracup, Kathleen

2008-01-01

The doctoral dissertation is the capstone event of doctoral study. While developing their dissertations, graduate students discover the cutting edge of the discipline, learn the intricacies of the research process, and engage in scientific dialogue with experts in the field. Traditional dissertation formats are confined to the Dissertation Abstracts International and are not easily accessed by clinicians, administrators, and researchers who are most in need of the information. Consequently, the number of universities offering options to the traditional dissertation format is growing. This article describes and compares 2 formats: the traditional dissertation and the publication option. The benefits and challenges of each format to doctoral students and faculty are discussed. The discussion reflects changing trends in the nursing profession as an academic discipline.

Can tutoring improve performance on a reasoning task under deadline conditions?

PubMed

Osman, Magda

2007-03-01

The present study examined the effectiveness of a tutoring technique that has been used to identify and address participants' misunderstandings in Wason's selection task. In particular, the study investigated whether the technique would lead to improvements in performance when the task was presented in a deadline format (a condition in which time restrictions are imposed). In Experiment 1, the effects of tutoring on performance were compared in free time (conditions in which no time restrictions are imposed) and deadline task formats. In Experiment 2, improvements in performance were studied in deadline task formats, in which the tutoring and test phases were separated by an interval of 1 day. The results suggested that tutoring improved performance on the selection task under deadline and in free time conditions. Additionally, the study showed that participants made errors because they had misinterpreted the task. With tutoring, they were able to modify their initial misunderstandings.

Effects of Repeated Testing on Short- and Long-Term Memory Performance across Different Test Formats

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Stenlund, Tova; Sundström, Anna; Jonsson, Bert

2016-01-01

This study examined whether practice testing with short-answer (SA) items benefits learning over time compared to practice testing with multiple-choice (MC) items, and rereading the material. More specifically, the aim was to test the hypotheses of "retrieval effort" and "transfer appropriate processing" by comparing retention…

Comparing Single species Toxicity Tests to Mesocosm Community-Level Responses to Total Dissolved Solids Comprised of Different Major Ions

EPA Science Inventory

Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) dosing studies representing different sources of ions were conducted from 2011-2015. Emergence responses in stream mesocosms were compared to single-species exposures using a whole effluent testing (WET) format and an ex-situ method (single species te...

Determinants of Disagreement in Personality Descriptions.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Prytulak, Susan Pepper

The description of, or formation of impressions about, persons are viewed as being dependent on situational context and the standard or reference point to which the persons are compared. A study is described in which different subject groups compared a target's score on a "cautiousness-boldness" or a "relaxation-alertness" test with either a…

Using an ACTIVE teaching format versus a standard lecture format for increasing resident interaction and knowledge achievement during noon conference: a prospective, controlled study

PubMed Central

2014-01-01

Background The traditional lecture is used by many residency programs to fulfill the mandate for regular didactic sessions, despite limited evidence to demonstrate its effectiveness. Active teaching strategies have shown promise in improving medical knowledge but have been challenging to implement within the constraints of residency training. We developed and evaluated an innovative structured format for interactive teaching within the residency noon conference. Methods We developed an ACTIVE teaching format structured around the following steps: assemble (A) into groups, convey (C) learning objectives, teach (T) background information, inquire (I) through cases and questions, verify (V) understanding, and explain (E) answer choices and educate on the learning points. We conducted a prospective, controlled study of the ACTIVE teaching format versus the standard lecture format, comparing resident satisfaction, immediate knowledge achievement and long-term knowledge retention. We qualitatively assessed participating faculty members’ perspectives on the faculty development efforts and the feasibility of teaching using the ACTIVE format. Results Sixty-nine internal medicine residents participated in the study. Overall, there was an improvement in perceived engagement using the ACTIVE teaching format (4.78 vs. 3.80, P < 0.01), with no increase in stress or decrement in break time. There was an improvement in initial knowledge achievement with the ACTIVE teaching format (overall absolute score increase of 11%, P = 0.04) and a trend toward improvement in long-term knowledge retention. Faculty members felt adequately prepared to use the ACTIVE teaching format, and enjoyed teaching with the ACTIVE teaching format more than the standard lecture. Conclusions A structured ACTIVE teaching format improved resident engagement and initial knowledge, and required minimal resources. The ACTIVE teaching format offers an exciting alternative to the standard lecture for resident noon conference and is easy to implement. PMID:24985781

A meta-analysis of aneurysm formation in laser assisted vascular anastomosis (LAVA)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Chen; Peng, Fei; Xu, Dahai; Cheng, Qinghua

2009-08-01

Laser assisted vascular anastomosis (LAVA) is looked as a particularly promising non-suture method in future. However, aneurysm formation is one of the main reasons delay the clinical application of LAVA. Some scientists investigated the incidence of aneurysms in animal model. To systematically analyze the literature on reported incidence of aneurysm formation in LAVA therapy, we performed a meta-analysis comparing LAVA with conventional suture anastomosis (CSA) in animal model. Data were systematically retrieved and selected from PUBMED. In total, 23 studies were retrieved. 18 studies were excluded, and 5 studies involving 647 animals were included. Analysis suggested no statistically significant difference between LAVA and CSA (OR 1.24, 95%CI 0.66-2.32, P=0.51). Result of meta analysis shows that the technology of LAVA is very close to clinical application.

The assessment of a structured online formative assessment program: a randomised controlled trial

PubMed Central

2014-01-01

Background Online formative assessment continues to be an important area of research and methods which actively engage the learner and provide useful learning outcomes are of particular interest. This study reports on the outcomes of a two year study of medical students using formative assessment tools. Method The study was conducted over two consecutive years using two different strategies for engaging students. The Year 1 strategy involved voluntary use of the formative assessment tool by 129 students. In Year 2, a second cohort of 130 students was encouraged to complete the formative assessment by incorporating summative assessment elements into it. Outcomes from pre and post testing students around the formative assessment intervention were used as measures of learning. To compare improvement scores between the two years a two-way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) model was fitted to the data. Results The ANOVA model showed that there was a significant difference in improvement scores between students in the two years (mean improvement percentage 19% vs. 38.5%, p < 0.0001). Students were more likely to complete formative assessment items if they had a summative component. In Year 2, the time spent using the formative assessment tool had no impact on student improvement, nor did the number of assessment items completed. Conclusion The online medium is a valuable learning resource, capable of providing timely formative feedback and stimulating student-centered learning. However the production of quality content is a time-consuming task and careful consideration must be given to the strategies employed to ensure its efficacy. Course designers should consider the potential positive impact summative components to formative assessment may have on student engagement and outcomes. PMID:24400883

Cobalamin Deficiency Results in Increased Production of Formate Secondary to Decreased Mitochondrial Oxidation of One-Carbon Units in Rats.

PubMed

MacMillan, Luke; Tingley, Garrett; Young, Sara K; Clow, Kathy A; Randell, Edward W; Brosnan, Margaret E; Brosnan, John T

2018-03-01

Formate is produced in mitochondria via the catabolism of serine, glycine, dimethylglycine, and sarcosine. Formate produced by mitochondria may be incorporated into the cytosolic folate pool where it can be used for important biosynthetic reactions. Previous studies from our lab have shown that cobalamin deficiency results in increased plasma formate concentrations. Our goal was to determine the basis for elevated formate in vitamin B-12 deficiency. Male Sprague Dawley rats were randomly assigned to consume either a cobalamin-replete (50 μg cobalamin/kg diet) or -deficient (no added cobalamin) diet for 6 wk. Formate production was measured in vivo and in isolated liver mitochondria from a variety of one-carbon precursors. We also measured the oxidation of [3-14C]-l-serine to 14CO2 in isolated rat liver mitochondria and the expression of hepatic genes involved in one-carbon unit and formate metabolism. Cobalamin-deficient rats produce formate at a rate 55% higher than that of replete rats. Formate production from serine was increased by 60% and from dimethylglycine and sarcosine by ∼200% in liver mitochondria isolated from cobalamin-deficient rats compared with cobalamin-replete rats. There was a 26% decrease in the 14CO2 produced by mitochondria from cobalamin-deficient rats. Gene expression analysis showed that 10-formyltetrahydrofolate dehydrogenase-cytosolic (Aldh1l1) and mitochondrial (Aldh1l2) expression were decreased by 40% and 60%, respectively, compared to control, while 10-formyltetrahydrofolate synthetase, mitochondrial, monofunctional (Mthfd1l) expression was unchanged. We propose that a bifurcation in mitochondrial one-carbon metabolism is a key control mechanism in determining the fate of one-carbon units, to formate or CO2. During cobalamin deficiency in rats the disposition of 10-formyl-tetrahydrofolate carbon is shifted in favor of formate production. This may represent a mechanism to generate more one-carbon units for the replenishment of the S-adenosylmethionine pool which is depleted in this condition.

TPF-I Emma X-Array: 2007 Design Team Study

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Martin, Stefan R.; Rodriguez, Jose; Scharf, Dan; Smith, Jim; McKinstry, David; Wirz, Richie; Purcell, George; Wayne, Len; Scherr, Larry; Mennesson, Bertrand;

Componential Differences and Varying Developmental Patterns Exhibited in Immersion Programmes

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Asano, Sachiko

2015-01-01

In bilingual literature, few studies have examined the processes of concept formation (CF); even fewer studies have discussed their developmental changes. This study explores language-cognition links and CF fractionation processes by comparing total and partial immersion programmes (TIPs and PIPs). Descriptive statistics (DS), correlational…

Modulation of Stromal Cell-Derived Factor-1/CXC Chemokine Receptor 4 Axis Enhances rhBMP-2-Induced Ectopic Bone Formation

PubMed Central

Wise, Joel K.; Sumner, Dale Rick

2012-01-01

Enhancement of in vivo mobilization and homing of endogenous mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) to an injury site is an innovative strategy for improvement of bone tissue engineering and repair. The present study was designed to determine whether mobilization by AMD3100 and/or local homing by delivery of stromal cell-derived factor-1 (SDF-1) enhances recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2 (rhBMP-2) induced ectopic bone formation in an established rat model. Rats received an injection of either saline or AMD3100 treatment 1 h before harvesting of bone marrow for in vitro colony-forming unit-fibroblasts (CFU-F) culture or the in vivo subcutaneous implantation of absorbable collagen sponges (ACSs) loaded with saline, recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2 (rhBMP-2), SDF-1, or the combination of SDF-1 and rhBMP-2. AMD3100 treatment resulted in a significant decrease in CFU-F number, compared with saline, which confirmed that a single systemic AMD3100 treatment rapidly mobilized MSCs from the bone marrow. At 28 and 56 days, bone formation in the explanted ACS was assessed by microcomputed tomography (μCT) and histology. At 28 days, AMD3100 and/or SDF-1 had no statistically significant effect on bone volume (BV) or bone mineral content (BMC), but histology revealed more active bone formation with treatment of AMD3100, loading of SDF-1, or the combination of both AMD3100 and SDF-1, compared with saline-treated rhBMP-2 loaded ACS. At 56 days, the addition of AMD3100 treatment, loading of SDF-1, or the combination of both resulted in a statistically significant stimulatory effect on BV and BMC, compared with the saline-treated rhBMP-2 loaded ACS. Histology of the 56-day ACS were consistent with the μCT analysis, exhibiting more mature and mineralized bone formation with AMD3100 treatment, SDF-1 loading, or the combination of both, compared with the saline-treated rhBMP-2 loaded ACS. The present study is the first that provides evidence of the efficacy of AMD3100 and SDF-1 treatment to stimulate trafficking of MSCs to an ectopic implant site, in order to ultimately enhance rhBMP-2 induced long-term bone formation. PMID:22035136

Impact of Game-Inspired Infographics on User Engagement and Information Processing in an eHealth Program

PubMed Central

Qian, Xiaokun; Deal, Allison M; Ribisl, Kurt M; Linnan, Laura A; Tate, Deborah F

2016-01-01

Background Online interventions providing individual health behavior assessment should deliver feedback in a way that is both understandable and engaging. This study focused on the potential for infographics inspired by the aesthetics of game design to contribute to these goals. Objective We conducted formative research to test game-inspired infographics against more traditional displays (eg, text-only, column chart) for conveying a behavioral goal and an individual’s behavior relative to the goal. We explored the extent to which the display type would influence levels of engagement and information processing. Methods Between-participants experiments compared game-inspired infographics with traditional formats in terms of outcomes related to information processing (eg, comprehension, cognitive load) and engagement (eg, attitudes toward the information, emotional tone). We randomly assigned participants (N=1162) to an experiment in 1 of 6 modules (tobacco use, alcohol use, vegetable consumption, fruit consumption, physical activity, and weight management). Results In the tobacco module, a game-inspired format (scorecard) was compared with text-only; there were no differences in attitudes and emotional tone, but the scorecard outperformed text-only on comprehension (P=.004) and decreased cognitive load (P=.006). For the other behaviors, we tested 2 game-inspired formats (scorecard, progress bar) and a traditional column chart; there were no differences in comprehension, but the progress bar outperformed the other formats on attitudes and emotional tone (P<.001 for all contrasts). Conclusions Across modules, a game-inspired infographic showed potential to outperform a traditional format for some study outcomes while not underperforming on other outcomes. Overall, findings support the use of game-inspired infographics in behavioral assessment feedback to enhance comprehension and engagement, which may lead to greater behavior change. PMID:27658469

Impact of Game-Inspired Infographics on User Engagement and Information Processing in an eHealth Program.

PubMed

Comello, Maria Leonora G; Qian, Xiaokun; Deal, Allison M; Ribisl, Kurt M; Linnan, Laura A; Tate, Deborah F

2016-09-22

Online interventions providing individual health behavior assessment should deliver feedback in a way that is both understandable and engaging. This study focused on the potential for infographics inspired by the aesthetics of game design to contribute to these goals. We conducted formative research to test game-inspired infographics against more traditional displays (eg, text-only, column chart) for conveying a behavioral goal and an individual's behavior relative to the goal. We explored the extent to which the display type would influence levels of engagement and information processing. Between-participants experiments compared game-inspired infographics with traditional formats in terms of outcomes related to information processing (eg, comprehension, cognitive load) and engagement (eg, attitudes toward the information, emotional tone). We randomly assigned participants (N=1162) to an experiment in 1 of 6 modules (tobacco use, alcohol use, vegetable consumption, fruit consumption, physical activity, and weight management). In the tobacco module, a game-inspired format (scorecard) was compared with text-only; there were no differences in attitudes and emotional tone, but the scorecard outperformed text-only on comprehension (P=.004) and decreased cognitive load (P=.006). For the other behaviors, we tested 2 game-inspired formats (scorecard, progress bar) and a traditional column chart; there were no differences in comprehension, but the progress bar outperformed the other formats on attitudes and emotional tone (P<.001 for all contrasts). Across modules, a game-inspired infographic showed potential to outperform a traditional format for some study outcomes while not underperforming on other outcomes. Overall, findings support the use of game-inspired infographics in behavioral assessment feedback to enhance comprehension and engagement, which may lead to greater behavior change.

Comparison of MPEG-1 digital videotape with digitized sVHS videotape for quantitative echocardiographic measurements

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Garcia, M. J.; Thomas, J. D.; Greenberg, N.; Sandelski, J.; Herrera, C.; Mudd, C.; Wicks, J.; Spencer, K.; Neumann, A.; Sankpal, B.;

Transosseous-equivalent rotator cuff repair: a systematic review on the biomechanical importance of tying the medial row.

PubMed

Mall, Nathan A; Lee, Andrew S; Chahal, Jaskarndip; Van Thiel, Geoffrey S; Romeo, Anthony A; Verma, Nikhil N; Cole, Brian J

2013-02-01

Double-row and transosseous-equivalent repair techniques have shown greater strength and improved healing than single-row techniques. The purpose of this study was to determine whether tying of the medial-row sutures provides added stability during biomechanical testing of a transosseous-equivalent rotator cuff repair. We performed a systematic review of studies directly comparing biomechanical differences. Five studies met the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Of the 5 studies, 4 showed improved biomechanical properties with tying the medial-row anchors before bringing the sutures laterally to the lateral-row anchors, whereas the remaining study showed no difference in contact pressure, mean failure load, or gap formation with a standard suture bridge with knots tied at the medial row compared with knotless repairs. The results of this systematic review and quantitative synthesis indicate that the biomechanical factors ultimate load, stiffness, gap formation, and contact area are significantly improved when medial knots are tied as part of a transosseous-equivalent suture bridge construct compared with knotless constructs. Further studies comparing the clinical healing rates and functional outcomes between medial knotted and knotless repair techniques are needed. This review indicates that biomechanical factors are improved when the medial row of a transosseous-equivalent rotator cuff is tied compared with a knotless repair. However, this has not been definitively proven to translate to improved healing rates clinically. Copyright © 2013 Arthroscopy Association of North America. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Methyl N-phenyl carbamate synthesis from aniline and methyl formate: carbon recycling to chemical products.

PubMed

Yalfani, Mohammad S; Lolli, Giulio; Müller, Thomas E; Wolf, Aurel; Mleczko, Leslaw

2015-02-01

Methyl N-phenyl carbamate was synthesized from aniline by using methyl formate as a green and efficient carbonylating agent. High yields were obtained at milder reaction conditions compared to the conventional CO/CH3 OH route. Studies on the reaction sequence led to suggest an alternative and more efficient route to the carbamate via formanilide as intermediate. © 2015 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Does Linking Mixed-Format Tests Using a Multiple-Choice Anchor Produce Comparable Results for Male and Female Subgroups? Research Report. ETS RR-11-44

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kim, Sooyeon; Walker, Michael E.

2011-01-01

This study examines the use of subpopulation invariance indices to evaluate the appropriateness of using a multiple-choice (MC) item anchor in mixed-format tests, which include both MC and constructed-response (CR) items. Linking functions were derived in the nonequivalent groups with anchor test (NEAT) design using an MC-only anchor set for 4…

A Literature Review of the Factors Influencing E-Learning and Blended Learning in Relation to Learning Outcome, Student Satisfaction and Engagement

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Nortvig, Anne-Mette; Petersen, Anne Kristine; Balle, Søren Hattesen

2018-01-01

In higher education, e-learning is gaining more and more impact, especially in the format of blended learning, and this new kind of traditional teaching and learning can be practiced in many ways. Several studies have compared face-to-face teaching to online learning and/or blended learning in order to try to define which of the formats provides,…

Utilization of Solar Dynamics Observatory space weather digital image data for comparative analysis with application to Baryon Oscillation Spectroscopic Survey

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shekoyan, V.; Dehipawala, S.; Liu, Ernest; Tulsee, Vivek; Armendariz, R.; Tremberger, G.; Holden, T.; Marchese, P.; Cheung, T.

2012-10-01

Digital solar image data is available to users with access to standard, mass-market software. Many scientific projects utilize the Flexible Image Transport System (FITS) format, which requires specialized software typically used in astrophysical research. Data in the FITS format includes photometric and spatial calibration information, which may not be useful to researchers working with self-calibrated, comparative approaches. This project examines the advantages of using mass-market software with readily downloadable image data from the Solar Dynamics Observatory for comparative analysis over with the use of specialized software capable of reading data in the FITS format. Comparative analyses of brightness statistics that describe the solar disk in the study of magnetic energy using algorithms included in mass-market software have been shown to give results similar to analyses using FITS data. The entanglement of magnetic energy associated with solar eruptions, as well as the development of such eruptions, has been characterized successfully using mass-market software. The proposed algorithm would help to establish a publicly accessible, computing network that could assist in exploratory studies of all FITS data. The advances in computer, cell phone and tablet technology could incorporate such an approach readily for the enhancement of high school and first-year college space weather education on a global scale. Application to ground based data such as that contained in the Baryon Oscillation Spectroscopic Survey is discussed.

Increased dietary long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids alter serum fatty acid concentrations and lower risk of urine stone formation in cats.

PubMed

Hall, Jean A; Brockman, Jeff A; Davidson, Stephen J; MacLeay, Jen M; Jewell, Dennis E

2017-01-01

The lifespan of cats with non-obstructive kidney stones is shortened compared with healthy cats indicating a need to reduce stone formation and minimize chronic kidney disease. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of increasing dietary polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) on urine characteristics. Domestic-short-hair cats (n = 12; mean age 5.6 years) were randomized into two groups and fed one of two dry-cat foods in a cross-over study design. For one week before study initiation, all cats consumed control food that contained 0.07% arachidonic acid (AA), but no eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) or docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Group 1 continued eating control food for 56 days. Group 2 was fed test food for 56 days, which was control food plus fish oil and high-AA oil. Test food contained 0.17% AA, 0.09% EPA and 0.18% DHA. After 56 days, cats were fed the opposite food for another 56 days. At baseline and after each feeding period, serum was analyzed for fatty acid concentrations, and urine for specific gravity, calcium concentration, relative-super-saturation for struvite crystals, and a calcium-oxalate-titrimetric test was performed. After consuming test food, cats had increased (all P<0.001) serum concentrations of EPA (173%), DHA (61%), and AA (35%); decreased urine specific gravity (P = 0.02); decreased urine calcium concentration (P = 0.06); decreased relative-super-saturation for struvite crystals (P = 0.03); and increased resistance to oxalate crystal formation (P = 0.06) compared with cats consuming control food. Oxalate crystal formation was correlated with serum calcium concentration (r = 0.41; P<0.01). These data show benefits for reducing urine stone formation in cats by increasing dietary PUFA.

Evaluation of modified stainless steel surfaces targeted to reduce biofilm formation by common milk sporeformers.

PubMed

Jindal, Shivali; Anand, Sanjeev; Huang, Kang; Goddard, Julie; Metzger, Lloyd; Amamcharla, Jayendra

2016-12-01

The development of bacterial biofilms on stainless steel (SS) surfaces poses a great threat to the quality of milk and other dairy products as the biofilm-embedded bacteria can survive thermal processing. Established biofilms offer cleaning challenges because they are resistant to most of the regular cleaning protocols. Sporeforming thermoduric organisms entrapped within biofilm matrix can also form heat-resistant spores, and may result in a long-term persistent contamination. The main objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of different nonfouling coatings [AMC 18 (Advanced Materials Components Express, Lemont, PA), Dursan (SilcoTek Corporation, Bellefonte, PA), Ni-P-polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE, Avtec Finishing Systems, New Hope, MN), and Lectrofluor 641 (General Magnaplate Corporation, Linden, NJ)] on SS plate heat exchanger surfaces, to resist the formation of bacterial biofilms. It was hypothesized that modified SS surfaces would promote a lesser amount of deposit buildup and bacterial adhesion as compared with the native SS surface. Vegetative cells of aerobic sporeformers, Geobacillus stearothermophilus (ATCC 15952), Bacillus licheniformis (ATCC 6634), and Bacillus sporothermodurans (DSM 10599), were used to study biofilm development on the modified and native SS surfaces. The adherence of these organisms, though influenced by surface energy and hydrophobicity, exhibited no apparent relation with surface roughness. The Ni-P-PTFE coating exhibited the least bacterial attachment and milk solid deposition, and hence, was the most resistant to biofilm formation. Scanning electron microscopy, which was used to visualize the extent of biofilm formation on modified and native SS surfaces, also revealed lower bacterial attachment on the Ni-P-PTFE as compared with the native SS surface. This study thus provides evidence of reduced biofilm formation on the modified SS surfaces. Copyright © 2016 American Dairy Science Association. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Increased dietary long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids alter serum fatty acid concentrations and lower risk of urine stone formation in cats

PubMed Central

Brockman, Jeff A.; Davidson, Stephen J.; MacLeay, Jen M.; Jewell, Dennis E.

2017-01-01

The lifespan of cats with non-obstructive kidney stones is shortened compared with healthy cats indicating a need to reduce stone formation and minimize chronic kidney disease. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of increasing dietary polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) on urine characteristics. Domestic-short-hair cats (n = 12; mean age 5.6 years) were randomized into two groups and fed one of two dry-cat foods in a cross-over study design. For one week before study initiation, all cats consumed control food that contained 0.07% arachidonic acid (AA), but no eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) or docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Group 1 continued eating control food for 56 days. Group 2 was fed test food for 56 days, which was control food plus fish oil and high-AA oil. Test food contained 0.17% AA, 0.09% EPA and 0.18% DHA. After 56 days, cats were fed the opposite food for another 56 days. At baseline and after each feeding period, serum was analyzed for fatty acid concentrations, and urine for specific gravity, calcium concentration, relative-super-saturation for struvite crystals, and a calcium-oxalate-titrimetric test was performed. After consuming test food, cats had increased (all P<0.001) serum concentrations of EPA (173%), DHA (61%), and AA (35%); decreased urine specific gravity (P = 0.02); decreased urine calcium concentration (P = 0.06); decreased relative-super-saturation for struvite crystals (P = 0.03); and increased resistance to oxalate crystal formation (P = 0.06) compared with cats consuming control food. Oxalate crystal formation was correlated with serum calcium concentration (r = 0.41; P<0.01). These data show benefits for reducing urine stone formation in cats by increasing dietary PUFA. PMID:29073223

Design of an international multicentre RCT on group schema therapy for borderline personality disorder.

PubMed

Wetzelaer, Pim; Farrell, Joan; Evers, Silvia M A A; Jacob, Gitta A; Lee, Christopher W; Brand, Odette; van Breukelen, Gerard; Fassbinder, Eva; Fretwell, Heather; Harper, R Patrick; Lavender, Anna; Lockwood, George; Malogiannis, Ioannis A; Schweiger, Ulrich; Startup, Helen; Stevenson, Teresa; Zarbock, Gerhard; Arntz, Arnoud

2014-11-18

Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is a severe and highly prevalent mental disorder. Schema therapy (ST) has been found effective in the treatment of BPD and is commonly delivered through an individual format. A group format (group schema therapy, GST) has also been developed. GST has been found to speed up and amplify the treatment effects found for individual ST. Delivery in a group format may lead to improved cost-effectiveness. An important question is how GST compares to treatment as usual (TAU) and what format for delivery of schema therapy (format A; intensive group therapy only, or format B; a combination of group and individual therapy) produces the best outcomes. An international, multicentre randomized controlled trial (RCT) will be conducted with a minimum of fourteen participating centres. Each centre will recruit multiple cohorts of at least sixteen patients. GST formats as well as the orders in which they are delivered to successive cohorts will be balanced. Within countries that contribute an uneven number of sites, the orders of GST formats will be balanced within a difference of one. The RCT is designed to include a minimum of 448 patients with BPD. The primary clinical outcome measure will be BPD severity. Secondary clinical outcome measures will include measures of BPD and general psychiatric symptoms, schemas and schema modes, social functioning and quality of life. Furthermore, an economic evaluation that consists of cost-effectiveness and cost-utility analyses will be performed using a societal perspective. Lastly, additional investigations will be carried out that include an assessment of the integrity of GST, a qualitative study on patients' and therapists' experiences with GST, and studies on variables that might influence the effectiveness of GST. This trial will compare GST to TAU for patients with BPD as well as two different formats for the delivery of GST. By combining an evaluation of clinical effectiveness, an economic evaluation and additional investigations, it will contribute to an evidence-based understanding of which treatment should be offered to patients with BPD from clinical, economic, and stakeholders' perspectives. Netherlands Trial Register NTR2392. Registered 25 June 2010.

Application of bioflocculating property of Pseudomonas aeruginosa strain IASST201 in treatment of oil-field formation water.

PubMed

Pathak, Mihirjyoti; Devi, Arundhuti; Sarma, Hridip Kumar; Lal, Banwari

2014-07-01

A bioflocculating activity of 89.8% was depicted by an activated sludge-borne bacteria Pseudomonas aeruginosa strain IASST201 with a yield of bioflocculant of 2.68 g L(-1) obtained from production media broth after optimization of different parameters. The highest bioflocculation efficiency was found at the pre-stationary phase of the bacterial growth period in the production media broth at 96th hour examined from a growth-flocculation kinetics study. 85.67% of bioflocculation was observed in oil-field formation water, with a separation of 68.7% of aliphatic hydrocarbon contents of the formation water after the application of the bacterial bioflocculant by entrapment mechanism with formation of flocs which was analyzed and examined comparatively through gas-chromatography. Extensive removal of heavy metal contents of the oil-field formation water due to bioflocculation was estimated by Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS). The SEM and AFM studies declare the extracellular polymeric nature of the bioflocculant produced by this bacterium clumped within bacterial biofilm supported with FTIR study of the extracted bioflocculant. © 2014 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Construct validity of the bidding game, binary with follow-up, and a novel structured haggling question format in determining willingness to pay for insecticide-treated mosquito nets.

PubMed

Onwujekwe, Obinna; Fox-Rushby, Julia; Hanson, Kara

2008-01-01

This study examines whether making question formats better fit the cultural context of markets would improve the construct validity of estimates of willingness to pay (WTP). WTP for insecticide-treated mosquito nets was elicited using the bidding game, binary with follow-up (BWFU), and a novel structured haggling technique (SH) that mimicked price taking in market places in the study area. The results show that different question formats generated different distributions of WTP. Following a comparison of alternative models for each question format, construct validity was compared using the most consistently appropriate model across question formats for the positive WTP values, in this case, ordinary least squares. Three criteria (the number of statistically significant explanatory variables that had the anticipated sign, the value of the adjusted R(2), and the proportion that were statistically significant With the anticipated sign) used to assess the relative performance of each question format indicated that SH performed best and BWFU worst. However, differences in the levels of income, education, and percentage of household heads responding to the different question formats across the samples complicate this conclusion. Hence, the results suggest that the SH technique is worthy of further investigation and use.

Comparative evaluation of dentinal crack formation after root canal preparation using ProTaper Next, OneShape, and Hyflex EDM

PubMed Central

Das, Sanjib; Pradhan, Prasanti Kumari; Lata, S.; Sinha, Sachidananda Prasad

2018-01-01

Introduction: The purpose of this study was to compare the incidence of dentinal crack formation after root canal preparation using ProTaper Next, OneShape, and Hyflex electrodischarge machining (HEDM). Materials and Methods: A total of 75 extracted mandibular premolars were selected. The root canals were instrumented using ProTaper Next, OneShape, and HEDM rotary files. All roots were horizontally sectioned at 3, 6, and 9 mm from apex with slow-speed saw under water cooling. The sections were observed under a stereomicroscope at ×25 to determine the absence or presence of crack. Data were analyzed using post hoc test and one-way ANOVA. Results: ProTaper Next and HEDM produced significantly less cracks than OneShape. Conclusion: Within the limitation of this in vitro study, it can be concluded that nickel–titanium instruments may cause cracks on the root surface. ProTaper Next and HEDM tend to produce less number of cracks as compared to OneShape. PMID:29674816

Effects of mixing technique on bubble formation in alginate impression material.

PubMed

McDaniel, Thomas F; Kramer, Robert T; Im, Francis; Snow, Dallin

2013-01-01

Previous studies have found that variations in mixing technique can influence the porosity content of alginate impression material. The aim of this study was twofold: determine whether bubble formation in alginate is influenced by the sequence of water/powder addition prior to mixing, and to compare 4 different mixing techniques. Manual spatulation, an automated spinning bowl, a centrifugal mixer and a vacuum mixer were evaluated for the resulting porosity in the set alginate. It was found that adding powder first, versus water first, made no difference in the bubble content using the 3 automated mixing techniques (P = 0.714). However, porosity was significantly less for powder-first trials using manual spatulation (P < 0.05). It was also found that surface porosity in the resulting impressions was significantly less for centrifugal and vacuum mixing when compared to manual spatulation, while internal porosity was significantly less for centrifugal mixing compared to all other mixing techniques (P < 0.05). The centrifugal mixing and vacuum mixing techniques required the least amount of mixing time.

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

Janowiecki, Steven; Salzer, John J.; Zee, Liese van

We discuss and test possible evolutionary connections between blue compact dwarf galaxies (BCDs) and other types of dwarf galaxies. BCDs provide ideal laboratories to study intense star formation episodes in low-mass dwarf galaxies, and have sometimes been considered a short-lived evolutionary stage between types of dwarf galaxies. To test these connections, we consider a sample of BCDs as well as a comparison sample of nearby galaxies from the Local Volume Legacy (LVL) survey for context. We fit the multi-wavelength spectral energy distributions (SED, far-ultra-violet to far-infrared) of each galaxy with a grid of theoretical models to determine their stellar massesmore » and star formation properties. We compare our results for BCDs with the LVL galaxies to put BCDs in the context of normal galaxy evolution. The SED fits demonstrate that the star formation events currently underway in BCDs are at the extreme of the continuum of normal dwarf galaxies, both in terms of the relative mass involved and in the relative increase over previous star formation rates. Today’s BCDs are distinctive objects in a state of extreme star formation that is rapidly transforming them. This study also suggests ways to identify former BCDs whose star formation episodes have since faded.« less

Flow diagram or prose: does the format of practice guidelines matter?

PubMed

Hardern, R D; Hodgson, L C; Hamer, D W

1998-06-01

The aim of this study was to compare the performance of two formats (prose and flow diagram) of the guidelines for management of paracetamol poisoning, and to assess the likely performance without access to the guidelines. A prospective questionnaire study of the management of seven hypothetical cases of paracetamol ingestion was carried out by accident and emergency senior house officers at a regional induction course. No differences were found between the two formats. The proportion of correct answers was 37% in the flow diagram and 31% in the prose group (95% confidence interval for the difference -8% to 20%). In the group with neither format of the guideline the proportion of correct answers was lower: 19% (95% confidence interval for the difference between this group and the group with flow charts 6.9% to 30.6%, for the difference between this group and the group with the prose format 0.4% to 24.8%). The time taken to answer the questions did not vary between the groups. These data do not support the exclusive use of either format. They suggest that management of paracetamol poisoning is less likely to be correct if staff do not have access to the guidelines.

Applying high-throughput methods to develop a purification process for a highly glycosylated protein.

PubMed

Sanaie, Nooshafarin; Cecchini, Douglas; Pieracci, John

2012-10-01

Micro-scale chromatography formats are becoming more routinely used in purification process development because of their ability to rapidly screen large number of process conditions at a time with minimal material. Given the usual constraints that exist on development timelines and resources, these systems can provide a means to maximize process knowledge and process robustness compared to traditional packed column formats. In this work, a high-throughput, 96-well filter plate format was used in the development of the cation exchange and hydrophobic interaction chromatography steps of a purification process designed to alter the glycoform distribution of a small protein. The significant input parameters affecting process performance were rapidly identified for both steps and preliminary operating conditions were identified. These ranges were verified in a packed chromatography column in order to assess the ability of the 96-well plate to predict packed column performance. In both steps, the 96-well plate format consistently led to underestimated glycoform-enrichment levels and to overestimated product recovery rates compared to the column-based approach. These studies demonstrate that the plate format can be used as a screening tool to narrow the operating ranges prior to further optimization on packed chromatography columns. Copyright © 2012 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Jet Formation and Penetration Study of Double-Layer Shaped Charge

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Zhe; Jiang, Jian-Wei; Wang, Shu-You; Liu, Han

2018-04-01

A theoretical analysis on detonation wave propagation in a double-layer shaped charge (DLSC) is performed. Numerical simulations using the AUTODYN software are carried out to compare the distinctions between jet formations in DLSC and ordinary shaped charge (OSC), in particular, the OSC made using a higher detonation velocity explosive, which is treated as the outer layer charge in the DLSC. The results show that the improved detonation velocity ratio and radial charge percentage of outer-to-inner layer charge are conducive to the formation of a convergent detonation wave, which contributes to enhancement of jet tip velocity in DLSC. The thickness and mass percentages of liner flowing into jet in DLSC closely follow the exponential distribution along the radial direction, but the percentages in DLSC and the mass of effective jet, which have significant influence on the penetration depth, are lower than those in OSC with the outer layer charge. This implies that the total charge energy is the major factor controlling the effective jet formation, which is confirmed by the verification tests using flash X-ray system and following penetration tests. The numerical simulation and test results compare well, while penetration test results indicate that the performance of DLSC is not better than that of OSC with the outer layer charge, due to the differences in jet formation.

The JCMT nearby galaxies legacy survey - X. Environmental effects on the molecular gas and star formation properties of spiral galaxies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mok, Angus; Wilson, C. D.; Golding, J.; Warren, B. E.; Israel, F. P.; Serjeant, S.; Knapen, J. H.; Sánchez-Gallego, J. R.; Barmby, P.; Bendo, G. J.; Rosolowsky, E.; van der Werf, P.

2016-03-01

We present a study of the molecular gas properties in a sample of 98 H I - flux selected spiral galaxies within ˜25 Mpc, using the CO J = 3 - 2 line observed with the James Clerk Maxwell Telescope. We use the technique of survival analysis to incorporate galaxies with CO upper limits into our results. Comparing the group and Virgo samples, we find a larger mean H2 mass in the Virgo galaxies, despite their lower mean H I mass. This leads to a significantly higher H2 to H I ratio for Virgo galaxies. Combining our data with complementary Hα star formation rate measurements, Virgo galaxies have longer molecular gas depletion times compared to group galaxies, due to their higher H2 masses and lower star formation rates. We suggest that the longer depletion times may be a result of heating processes in the cluster environment or differences in the turbulent pressure. From the full sample, we find that the molecular gas depletion time has a positive correlation with the stellar mass, indicative of differences in the star formation process between low- and high-mass galaxies, and a negative correlation between the molecular gas depletion time and the specific star formation rate.

Bivalent monoclonal IgY antibody formats by conversion of recombinant antibody fragments.

PubMed

Greunke, Kerstin; Spillner, Edzard; Braren, Ingke; Seismann, Henning; Kainz, Sabine; Hahn, Ulrich; Grunwald, Thomas; Bredehorst, Reinhard

2006-07-13

Monoclonal IgY have the potential to become unique tools for diagnostic research and therapeutic purposes since avian antibodies provide several advantages due to their phylogenetic difference when compared to mammalian antibodies. The mechanism of avian immunoglobulin gene diversification renders chicken an excellent source for the generation of recombinant scFv as well as Fab antibody libraries of high diversity. One major limitation of these antibody fragments, however, is their monovalent format, impairing the functional affinity of the molecules and, thereby, their applicability in prevalent laboratory methods. In this study, we generated vectors for conversion of avian recombinant antibody fragments into different types of bivalent IgY antibody formats. To combine the properties of established mammalian monoclonal antibodies with those of IgY constant domains, we additionally generated bivalent murine/avian chimeric antibody constructs. When expressed in HEK-293 cells, all constructs yielded bivalent disulfide-linked antibodies, which exhibit a glycosylation pattern similar to that of native IgY as assessed by lectin blot analysis. After purification by one step procedures, the chimeric and the entire avian bivalent antibody formats were analyzed for antigen binding and interaction with secondary reagents. The data demonstrate that all antibody formats provide comparable antigen binding characteristics and the well established properties of avian constant domains.

[Comparative study of expression of homeobox gene Msx-1, Msx-2 mRNA during the hard tissue formation of mouse tooth development].

PubMed

Wang, Y; Wang, J; Gao, Y

2001-07-01

To observe and compare the expression pattern of Msx-1, Msx-2 mRNA during the different stages of hard tissue formation in the first mandibular molar of mouse and investigate the relationship between the two genes. First mandibular molar germs from 1, 3, 7 and 14-days old mouse were separated and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction was performed on the total RNA of them using Msx-1, Msx-2 specific primers separately. Expression of both genes were detected during the different stages of hard tissue formation in the mouse first mandibular molars, but there was some interesting differences in the quantitiy between the two genes. Msx-1 transcripts appeared at the 1 day postnatally, and increase through 3 day, 7 day, then maximally expressed at 14 days postnatally; while Msx-2 mRNA was seen and expressed maximally at the 3 days postnatally, then there was a gradual reduction at 7 days, and 14 days postnatally. The homeobox gene Msx-1, Msx-2 may play a role in the events of the hard tissue formation. The complementary expression pattern of them during the specific stage of hard tissue formation indicates that there may be some functional redundancy between them during the biomineralization.

21 CFR 201.57 - Specific requirements on content and format of labeling for human prescription drug and...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-04-01

... comparative rates of occurrence cannot be reliably determined (e.g., adverse reactions were observed only in... in vivo study designs or results (e.g., drug interaction studies), may be included in this section if...

21 CFR 201.57 - Specific requirements on content and format of labeling for human prescription drug and...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-04-01

... comparative rates of occurrence cannot be reliably determined (e.g., adverse reactions were observed only in... in vivo study designs or results (e.g., drug interaction studies), may be included in this section if...

21 CFR 201.57 - Specific requirements on content and format of labeling for human prescription drug and...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-04-01

... comparative rates of occurrence cannot be reliably determined (e.g., adverse reactions were observed only in... in vivo study designs or results (e.g., drug interaction studies), may be included in this section if...

Molecular Identification, Antifungal Susceptibility Profile, and Biofilm Formation of Clinical and Environmental Rhodotorula Species Isolates

PubMed Central

Nunes, Jorge Meneses; Bizerra, Fernando César; Ferreira, Renata Carmona e

2013-01-01

Rhodotorula species are emergent fungal pathogens capable of causing invasive infections, primarily fungemia. They are particularly problematic in immunosuppressed patients when using a central venous catheter. In this study, we evaluated the species distribution of 51 clinical and 8 environmental Rhodotorula species isolates using the ID32C system and internal transcribed spacer (ITS) sequencing. Antifungal susceptibility testing and biofilm formation capability using a crystal violet staining assay were performed. Using ITS sequencing as the gold standard, the clinical isolates were identified as follows: 44 R. mucilaginosa isolates, 2 R. glutinis isolates, 2 R. minuta isolates, 2 R. dairenensis isolates, and 1 Rhodosporidium fluviale isolate. The environmental isolates included 7 R. mucilaginosa isolates and 1 R. slooffiae isolate. Using the ID32C system, along with a nitrate assimilation test, only 90.3% of the isolates tested were correctly identified. In the biofilm formation assay, R. mucilaginosa and R. minuta exhibited greater biofilm formation ability compared to the other Rhodotorula species; the clinical isolates of R. mucilaginosa showed greater biofilm formation compared to the environmental isolates (P = 0.04). Amphotericin B showed good in vitro activity (MIC ≤ 1 μg/ml) against planktonic cells, whereas voriconazole and posaconazole showed poor activity (MIC50/MIC90, 2/4 μg/ml). Caspofungin and fluconazole MICs were consistently high for all isolates tested (≥64 μg/ml and ≥ 4 μg/ml, respectively). In this study, we emphasized the importance of molecular methods to correctly identify Rhodotorula species isolates and non-R. mucilaginosa species in particular. The antifungal susceptibility profile reinforces amphotericin B as the antifungal drug of choice for the treatment of Rhodotorula infections. To our knowledge, this is the first study evaluating putative differences in the ability of biofilm formation among different Rhodotorula species. PMID:23114761

Molecular identification, antifungal susceptibility profile, and biofilm formation of clinical and environmental Rhodotorula species isolates.

PubMed

Nunes, Jorge Meneses; Bizerra, Fernando César; Ferreira, Renata Carmona E; Colombo, Arnaldo Lopes

2013-01-01

Rhodotorula species are emergent fungal pathogens capable of causing invasive infections, primarily fungemia. They are particularly problematic in immunosuppressed patients when using a central venous catheter. In this study, we evaluated the species distribution of 51 clinical and 8 environmental Rhodotorula species isolates using the ID32C system and internal transcribed spacer (ITS) sequencing. Antifungal susceptibility testing and biofilm formation capability using a crystal violet staining assay were performed. Using ITS sequencing as the gold standard, the clinical isolates were identified as follows: 44 R. mucilaginosa isolates, 2 R. glutinis isolates, 2 R. minuta isolates, 2 R. dairenensis isolates, and 1 Rhodosporidium fluviale isolate. The environmental isolates included 7 R. mucilaginosa isolates and 1 R. slooffiae isolate. Using the ID32C system, along with a nitrate assimilation test, only 90.3% of the isolates tested were correctly identified. In the biofilm formation assay, R. mucilaginosa and R. minuta exhibited greater biofilm formation ability compared to the other Rhodotorula species; the clinical isolates of R. mucilaginosa showed greater biofilm formation compared to the environmental isolates (P = 0.04). Amphotericin B showed good in vitro activity (MIC ≤ 1 μg/ml) against planktonic cells, whereas voriconazole and posaconazole showed poor activity (MIC(50)/MIC(90), 2/4 μg/ml). Caspofungin and fluconazole MICs were consistently high for all isolates tested (≥64 μg/ml and ≥ 4 μg/ml, respectively). In this study, we emphasized the importance of molecular methods to correctly identify Rhodotorula species isolates and non-R. mucilaginosa species in particular. The antifungal susceptibility profile reinforces amphotericin B as the antifungal drug of choice for the treatment of Rhodotorula infections. To our knowledge, this is the first study evaluating putative differences in the ability of biofilm formation among different Rhodotorula species.

Performance analysis of multi-primary color display based on OLEDs/PLEDs

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xiong, Yan; Deng, Fei; Xu, Shan; Gao, Shufang

2017-09-01

A multi-primary color display, such as the six-primary color format, is a solution in expanding the color gamut of a full-color flat panel display. The performance of a multi-primary color display based on organic/polymer light-emitting diodes was analyzed in this study using the fitting curves of the characteristics of devices (i.e., current density, voltage, luminance). A white emitter was introduced into a six-primary color format to form a seven-primary color format that contributes to energy saving, and the ratio of power efficiency of a seven-primary color display to that of a six-primary color display would increase from 1.027 to 1.061 by using emitting diodes with different electroluminescent efficiencies. Different color matching schemes of the seven-primary color format display were compared in a uniform color space, and the scheme of the color reproduction did not significantly affect the display performance. Although seven- and six-primary color format displays benefit a full-color display with higher quality, they are less efficient than three-primary (i.e., red (R), green (G), and blue (B), RGB) and four-primary (i.e., RGB+white, RGBW) color format displays. For the seven-primary color formats considered in this study, the advantages of white-primary-added display with efficiently developed light-emitting devices were more evident than the format without a white primary.

Plaque, gingival bleeding and calculus formation after supragingival scaling with and without polishing: a randomised clinical trial.

PubMed

Zanatta, Fabricio Batistin; Pinto, Tatiana Militz; Kantorski, Karla Zanini; Rösing, Cassiano Kuchenbecker

2011-01-01

The aim of this study was to compare the effect of polishing after scaling and root planing on supragingival plaque, calculus formation, and gingival bleeding. The study was designed as a split-mouth randomised clinical trial. Seventy-six patients were submitted to supragingival scaling on the six mandibular anterior teeth with manual curettes until a smooth surface was achieved. Subsequently, quadrants were randomly selected to be polished (test) or not (control) with a rubber cup and pumice. One, two and three weeks following treatment, a blinded examiner evaluated the visible plaque index, gingival bleeding index and the presence of supragingival calculus on the lingual tooth surfaces. The results showed that unpolished surfaces exhibited higher mean percentages of visible plaque in the third week. No statistically significant differences were observed between unpolished and polished sites related to gingival bleeding. Calculus formation was higher on unpolished sites than on polished sites at 2 and 3 weeks. Dental polishing after supragingival scaling contributed to reducing plaque and calculus formation. Polishing exerts an inhibitory effect on plaque and calculus formation.

Map showing structure contours on the top of the upper Jurassic Morrison Formation, Powder River basin, Wyoming and Montana

USGS Publications Warehouse

Crysdale, B.L.

1991-01-01

This map is one in a series of U.S. Geological Survey Miscellaneous Field Studies (MF) maps showing computer-generated structure contours, isopachs, and cross sections of selected formations in the Powder River basin, Wyoming and Montana. The map and cross sections were constructed from information stored in a U.S. Geological Survey Evolution of Sedimentary Basins data base. This data base contains picks of geologic formation and (or) unit tops and bases determined from electric resistivity and gamma-ray logs of 8,592 wells penetrating Tertiary and older rocks in the Powder River basin. Well completion cards (scout tickets) were reviewed and compared with copies of all logs, and formation or unit contacts determined by N. M. Denson, D.L. Macke, R. R. Schumann and others. This isopach map is based on information from 2,429 of these wells that penetrate the Minnelusa Formation and equivalents.

Investigation of the mechanism of impurity assisted nanoripple formation on Si induced by low energy ion beam erosion

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

Koyiloth Vayalil, Sarathlal, E-mail: sarathlal.koyilothvayalil@desy.de; UGC-DAE Consortium for Scientific Research, University Campus, Khandwa Road, Indore 452017; Gupta, Ajay

A detailed mechanism of the nanoripple pattern formation on Si substrates generated by the simultaneous incorporation of pure Fe impurities at low energy (1 keV) ion beam erosion has been studied. To understand and clarify the mechanism of the pattern formation, a comparative analysis of the samples prepared for various ion fluence values using two complimentary methods for nanostructure analysis, atomic force microscopy, and grazing incidence small angle x-ray scattering has been done. We observed that phase separation of the metal silicide formed during the erosion does not precede the ripple formation. It rather concurrently develops along with the ripple structure.more » Our work is able to differentiate among various models existing in the literature and provides an insight into the mechanism of pattern formation under ion beam erosion with impurity incorporation.« less

High Performance Simulations of Accretion Disk Dynamics and Jet Formations Around Kerr Black Holes

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Nishikawa, Ken-Ichi; Mizuno, Yosuke; Watson, Michael

2007-01-01

We investigate jet formation in black-hole systems using 3-D General Relativistic Particle-In-Cell (GRPIC) and 3-D GRMHD simulations. GRPIC simulations, which allow charge separations in a collisionless plasma, do not need to invoke the frozen condition as in GRMHD simulations. 3-D GRPIC simulations show that jets are launched from Kerr black holes as in 3-D GRMHD simulations, but jet formation in the two cases may not be identical. Comparative study of black hole systems with GRPIC and GRMHD simulations with the inclusion of radiate transfer will further clarify the mechanisms that drive the evolution of disk-jet systems.

LOX/hydrocarbon fuel carbon formation and mixing data analysis

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Fang, J.

1983-01-01

By applying the Priem-Heidmann Generalized-Length vaporization correlation, the computer model developed by the present study predicts the spatial variation of propellant vaporization rate using the injector cold flow results to define the streamtubes. The calculations show that the overall and local propellant vaporization rate and mixture ratio change drastically as the injection element type or the injector operating condition is changed. These results are compared with the regions of carbon formation observed in the photographic combustion testing. The correlation shows that the fuel vaporization rate and the local mixture ratio produced by the injector element have first order effects on the degree of carbon formation.

Accuracy, resolution, and cost comparisons between small format and mapping cameras for environmental mapping

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Clegg, R. H.; Scherz, J. P.

1975-01-01

Successful aerial photography depends on aerial cameras providing acceptable photographs within cost restrictions of the job. For topographic mapping where ultimate accuracy is required only large format mapping cameras will suffice. For mapping environmental patterns of vegetation, soils, or water pollution, 9-inch cameras often exceed accuracy and cost requirements, and small formats may be better. In choosing the best camera for environmental mapping, relative capabilities and costs must be understood. This study compares resolution, photo interpretation potential, metric accuracy, and cost of 9-inch, 70mm, and 35mm cameras for obtaining simultaneous color and color infrared photography for environmental mapping purposes.

Haze formation in model beer systems.

PubMed

Miedl, Michaela; Garcia, Marco A; Bamforth, Charles W

2005-12-28

The interaction of a haze-active protein (gliadin) and a haze-active polyphenol (tannic acid) was studied in a model beer system in order to investigate the principle mechanisms of haze formation at low temperatures. Low concentrations (g/L) of tannic acid, high concentrations of gliadin, and comparatively high temperatures lead to maximum haze values. When considered on a molar basis, the greatest haze levels are displayed at an approximate 1:1 equivalence of polyphenol and protein. The greater part of haze formation was completed within 0.5 h, irrespective of the concentration of gliadin, the concentration of tannic acid, and the temperature of the model solution.

Mössbauer and NMR study of novel Tin(IV)-lactames

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kuzmann, Erno; Szalay, Roland; Homonnay, Zoltan; Nagy, Sandor

2012-03-01

N-tributylstannylated 2-pyrrolidinone was reacted with tributyltin triflate in different molar ratios and the complex formation monitored using 1H-NMR, 13C-NMR and 119Sn Mössbauer spectroscopy. Comparing the carbon NMR and tin Mössbauer results, a reaction scheme is suggested for the complexation which assumes the formation of a simultaneously O- and N-tributylstannylated pyrrolidinone cation. The formation of the only O-stannylated pyrrolidinone is also assumed to account for the non-constant Mössbauer parameters of the two tin environments in the distannylated pyrrolidinone cation when the ratio of tributyltin triflate is increased in the reaction.

Evolution of biofunctional semiconductor nanocrystals: a calorimetric investigation.

PubMed

Ghosh, Debasmita; Mondal, Somrita; Roy, Chandra Nath; Saha, Abhijit

2013-12-14

Semiconductor nanomaterials have found numerous applications in optoelectronic device fabrication and in platforms for drug delivery and hyperthermia cancer treatment, and in various other biomedical fields because of their high photochemical stability and size-tunable photoluminescence (PL). However, little attention has been paid to exploring the energetics of formation of these semiconductor nanoparticles. We demonstrate that formation of nanocrystals with biofunctionalization supported by widely used groups, BSA and cysteine, is an exothermic spontaneous process driven by enthalpy. The whole energetics of the reaction shows that formation of smaller particles is favored with lower synthesis temperature. Further, it is shown that the thermodynamics of nanoparticle formation is strongly influenced by the conformation of the protein matrix. We also demonstrate that protein supported formation of nanocrystals is thermodynamically more favorable compared to that involving smaller organic thiol groups. The favorable enthalpy of formation compensates unfavorable entropy, resulting in favorable Gibbs free energy. Thus, this study can open up new avenues for establishing a thermodynamic basis for the design of nanosystems with new and tunable properties.

The Glutaredoxin Gene, grxB, Affects Acid Tolerance, Surface Hydrophobicity, Auto-Aggregation, and Biofilm Formation in Cronobacter sakazakii.

PubMed

Ling, Na; Zhang, Jumei; Li, Chengsi; Zeng, Haiyan; He, Wenjing; Ye, Yingwang; Wu, Qingping

2018-01-01

Cronobacter species are foodborne pathogens that can cause neonatal meningitis, necrotizing enterocolitis, and sepsis; they have unusual abilities to survive in environmental stresses such as acid stress. However, the factors involved in acid stress responses and biofilm formation in Cronobacter species are poorly understood. In this study, we investigated the role of grxB on cellular morphology, acid tolerance, surface hydrophobicity, auto-aggregation (AAg), motility, and biofilm formation in Cronobacter sakazakii . The deletion of grxB decreased resistance to acid stresses, and notably led to weaker surface hydrophobicity, AAg, and biofilm formation under normal and acid stress conditions, compared with those of the wild type strain; however, motility was unaffected. Therefore, grxB appears to contribute to the survival of C. sakazakii in acid stresses and biofilm formation. This is the first report to provide valuable evidence for the role of grxB in acid stress responses and biofilm formation in C. sakazakii.

Chemical stability of insulin. 2. Formation of higher molecular weight transformation products during storage of pharmaceutical preparations.

PubMed

Brange, J; Havelund, S; Hougaard, P

1992-06-01

Formation of covalent, higher molecular weight transformation (HMWT) products during storage of insulin preparations at 4-45 degrees C was studied by size exclusion chromatography. The main products are covalent insulin dimers (CID), but in protamine-containing preparations the concurrent formation of covalent insulin-protamine (CIP) products takes place. At temperatures greater than or equal to 25 degrees C parallel or consecutive formation of covalent oligo- and polymers can also be observed. Rate of HMWT is only slightly influenced by species of insulin but varies with composition and formulation, and for isophane (NPH) preparations, also with the strength of preparation. Temperature has a pronounced effect on CID, CIP, and, especially, covalent oligo- and polymer formation. The CIDs are apparently formed between molecules within the hexameric unit common for all types of preparations and rate of formation is generally faster in glycerol-containing preparations. Compared with insulin hydrolysis reactions (see the preceding paper), HMWT is one order of magnitude slower, except for NPH preparations.

In Vitro Effects of Cooking Methods on Digestibility of Lipids and Formation of Cholesterol Oxidation Products in Pork

PubMed Central

Moon, Sung Sil

2014-01-01

This study investigated the effects of cooking methods on the digestibility of lipids and formation of cholesterol oxidation products (COPs) in pork, during in vitro human digestion. Pork patties were cooked using four different methods (oven cooking, pan frying, boiling, and microwaving), to an internal temperature of approximately 85℃. The digestibility of pork patties were then evaluated, using the in vitro human digestion model that simulated the composition (pH, minerals, surfaceactive components, and enzymes) of digestive juices in the human mouth, stomach, and small intestine. The total lipid digestibility was higher after microwave cooking, whereas pan-frying resulted in lower in vitro digestibility, compared to the other cooking methods. The microwaving method followed by in vitro digestion also showed significantly higher content of free fatty acids and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), compared to the other cooking methods; whereas, the pan frying and boiling methods showed the lowest. Cholesterol content was not significantly different among the cooked samples before, and after in vitro human digestion. The formation of COPs was significantly higher in the microwave-treated pork samples, compared to those cooked by the other methods, which was consistent with the trend for lipid peroxidation (TBARS). We propose that from the point of view of COPs formation and lipid oxidation, the pan-frying or boiling methods would be useful. PMID:26761168

Analysis of two different surgical approaches for fractures of the mandibular condyle.

PubMed

Kumaran, S; Thambiah, L J

2012-01-01

Fractures of the condyle account for one third of all the mandibular fractures. Different surgical approaches to the condyle described hitherto testify to the advantages and disadvantages of the different surgical techniques used for approaching the condyle in such cases of fractures. We have described and compared two of such surgical techniques in this study. The aim of this study is to compare the outcome of dealing with condylar fractures by two different surgical techniques: the mini retromandibular approach, and the preauricular approach. A prospective study of 31 patients who had suffered with mandibular condylar fractures was carried out. Of these, 26 patients had unilateral condylar fractures, and 5 patients had a bilateral fracture. Further, 19 of these patients were treated by the mini retromandibular approach and 12 by the preauricular approach. The treated patients were followed up and evaluated for a minimum period of 1 year and assessed for parameters such as the maximum mouth opening, lateral movement on the fractured side, mandibular movements such as protrusion, dental occlusion, scar formation, facial nerve weakness, salivary fistula formation and time taken for the completion of the surgical procedure. t- test was used for statistical analysis of the data obtained in the study. Dental occlusion was restored in all the cases, and good anatomical reduction was achieved. The mean operating time was higher 63.53 (mean) ± 18.12 minutes standard deviation (SD) in the preauricular approach compared to 45.22 (mean) ± 18.86 minutes SD in the mini retromandibular approach. Scar formation was satisfactory in almost all the cases.

Seasonal Dynamics of Mobile Carbon Supply in Quercus aquifolioides at the Upper Elevational Limit

PubMed Central

Zhu, Wan-Ze; Cao, Min; Wang, San-Gen; Xiao, Wen-Fan; Li, Mai-He

2012-01-01

Many studies have tried to explain the physiological mechanisms of the alpine treeline phenomenon, but the debate on the alpine treeline formation remains controversial due to opposite results from different studies. The present study explored the carbon-physiology of an alpine shrub species (Quercus aquifolioides) grown at its upper elevational limit compared to lower elevations, to test whether the elevational limit of alpine shrubs (<3 m in height) are determined by carbon limitation or growth limitation. We studied the seasonal variations in non-structural carbohydrate (NSC) and its pool size in Q. aquifolioides grown at 3000 m, 3500 m, and at its elevational limit of 3950 m above sea level (a.s.l.) on Zheduo Mt., SW China. The tissue NSC concentrations along the elevational gradient varied significantly with season, reflecting the season-dependent carbon balance. The NSC levels in tissues were lowest at the beginning of the growing season, indicating that plants used the winter reserve storage for re-growth in the early spring. During the growing season, plants grown at the elevational limit did not show lower NSC concentrations compared to plants at lower elevations, but during the winter season, storage tissues, especially roots, had significantly lower NSC concentrations in plants at the elevational limit compared to lower elevations. The present results suggest the significance of winter reserve in storage tissues, which may determine the winter survival and early-spring re-growth of Q. aquifolioides shrubs at high elevation, leading to the formation of the uppermost distribution limit. This result is consistent with a recent hypothesis for the alpine treeline formation. PMID:22479567

Quantifying fat, oil, and grease deposit formation kinetics.

PubMed

Iasmin, Mahbuba; Dean, Lisa O; Ducoste, Joel J

2016-01-01

Fat, oil, and grease (FOG) deposits formed in sanitary sewers are calcium-based saponified solids that are responsible for a significant number of nationwide sanitary sewer overflows (SSOs) across United States. In the current study, the kinetics of lab-based saponified solids were determined to understand the kinetics of FOG deposit formation in sewers for two types of fat (Canola and Beef Tallow) and two types of calcium sources (calcium chloride and calcium sulfate) under three pH (7 ± 0.5, 10 ± 0.5, and ≈14) and two temperature conditions (22 ± 0.5 and 45 ± 0.5 °C). The results of this study displayed quick reactions of a fraction of fats with calcium ions to form calcium based saponified solids. Results further showed that increased palmitic fatty acid content in source fats, the magnitude of the pH, and temperature significantly affect the FOG deposit formation and saponification rates. The experimental data of the kinetics were compared with two empirical models: a) Cotte saponification model and b) Foubert crystallization model and a mass-action based mechanistic model that included alkali driven hydrolysis of triglycerides. Results showed that the mass action based mechanistic model was able to predict changes in the rate of formation of saponified solids under the different experimental conditions compared to both empirical models. The mass-action based saponification model also revealed that the hydrolysis of Beef Tallow was slower compared to liquid Canola fat resulting in smaller quantities of saponified solids. This mechanistic saponification model, with its ability to track the saponified solids chemical precursors, may provide an initial framework to predict the spatial formation of FOG deposits in municipal sewers using system wide sewer collection modeling software. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Involvement of signal peptidase I in Streptococcus sanguinis biofilm formation

PubMed Central

Ge, Xiuchun; Stone, Victoria; Zhu, Bin; Kitten, Todd

2017-01-01

Biofilm accounts for 65–80 % of microbial infections in humans. Considerable evidence links biofilm formation by oral microbiota to oral disease and consequently systemic infections. Streptococcus sanguinis, a Gram-positive bacterium, is one of the most abundant species of the oral microbiota and it contributes to biofilm development in the oral cavity. Due to its altered biofilm formation, we investigated a biofilm mutant, ΔSSA_0351, that is deficient in type I signal peptidase (SPase) in this study. Although the growth curve of the ΔSSA_0351 mutant showed no significant difference from that of the wild-type strain SK36, biofilm assays using both microtitre plate assay and confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) confirmed a sharp reduction in biofilm formation in the mutant compared to the wild-type strain and the paralogous mutant ΔSSA_0849. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed remarkable differences in the cell surface morphologies and chain length of the ΔSSA_0351 mutant compared with those of the wild-type strain. Transcriptomic and proteomic assays using RNA sequencing and mass spectrometry, respectively, were conducted on the ΔSSA_0351 mutant to evaluate the functional impact of SPase on biofilm formation. Subsequently, bioinformatics analysis revealed a number of proteins that were differentially regulated in the ΔSSA_0351 mutant, narrowing down the list of SPase substrates involved in biofilm formation to lactate dehydrogenase (SSA_1221) and a short-chain dehydrogenase (SSA_0291). With further experimentation, this list defined the link between SSA_0351-encoded SPase, cell wall biosynthesis and biofilm formation. PMID:28869408

A case study of an extremely luminous, highly spatially extended starburst only 1.7Gyr after the Big Bang

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Farrah, Duncan

2017-08-01

Luminous starbursts, systems with SFRs exceeding 1000Msun yr-1, are predicted to be extremely rare at z>3. However, recent observations find such systems at rates of tens to hundreds above predictions. This discrepancy is extremely difficult to explain. Case studies of such luminous starbursts are thus of profound importance to understand how star formation is triggered and quenched at z > 3, and help reconcile models with observations. Our group has been intensively studying the quasar SDSS J160705.16, at z = 3.65 (or 1.7Gyr after the Big Bang). This quasar is an excellent case study of luminous star formation at z > 3, and how AGN activity may affect such star formation. SDSS J160705.16 harbors both a broad-line, luminous quasar and an extremely high star formation rate, with an AGN luminosity of 10^47 ergs s-1 and an SFR of 2000 Msol yr-1. Sub-mm interferometry has further revealed that the star formation is highly spatially extended on scales up to 40kpc. Furthermore, VLA observations show an emerging 4kpc radio jet.We here propose WFC3 imaging with the following goals: (1) to set precise constraints on any lensing magnification, (2) to determine the morphology and color structure of the extended star formation, (3) to compare the optical morphology of the star formation to that seen in the sub-mm data, and (4) to search for evidence that SDSS J160705.16 resides in a protocluster.

MOOC & B-Learning: Students' Barriers and Satisfaction in Formal and Non-Formal Learning Environments

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Gutiérrez-Santiuste, Elba; Gámiz-Sánchez, Vanesa-M.; Gutiérrez-Pérez, Jose

2015-01-01

The study presents a comparative analysis of two virtual learning formats: one non-formal through a Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) and the other formal through b-learning. We compare the communication barriers and the satisfaction perceived by the students (N = 249) by developing a qualitative analysis using semi-structured questionnaires and…

Anatomy Practical Examinations: How Does Student Performance on Computerized Evaluation Compare with the Traditional Format?

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Inuwa, Ibrahim Muhammad; Taranikanti, Varna; Al-Rawahy, Maimouna; Habbal, Omar

2012-01-01

Practical examinations in anatomy are usually conducted on specimens in the anatomy laboratory (referred to here as the "traditional" method). Recently, we have started to administer similar examinations online using the quiz facility in Moodle[TM]. In this study, we compare student scores between two assessment environments viz. online and…

Comparing Online with Brick and Mortar Course Learning Outcomes: An Analysis of Quantitative Methods Curriculum in Public Administration

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Harris, Ronald A.; Nikitenko, Gleb O.

2014-01-01

Teaching graduate students in an intensive adult-learning format presents a special challenge for quantitative analytical competencies. Students often lack necessary background, skills and motivation to deal with quantitative-skill-based course work. This study compares learning outcomes for graduate students enrolled in three course sections…

Comparing Traditional and Distance Formats of a Psychiatric Rehabilitation Course

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

McCarthy, Thomas P.; Accordino, Michael P.; Wondolowski, Erica L.; Bishop, Laura

2016-01-01

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to discover if an online course in psychiatric rehabilitation is as successful as a traditional on-campus course in terms of content delivery and learning outcomes. Method: A traditional on-campus (n = 25) and an online (n = 17) course were compared at pretest and posttest on a measure entitled…

Grain-Scale Analyses of Curiosity Data at Marias Pass, Gale Crater, Mars: Methods Comparison and Depositional Interpretation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sacks, L. E.; Edgar, L. A.; Edwards, C. S.; Anderson, R. B.

2016-12-01

Images acquired by the Mars Hand Lens Imager (MAHLI) and the ChemCam Remote Micro Imager (RMI) onboard the Mars Science Laboratory (MSL) Curiosity rover provide grain-scale data that are critical for interpreting sedimentary deposits. At the location informally known as Marias Pass, Curiosity used both cameras to image the nine rock targets used in this study. We used manual point-counts to measure grain size distributions from those images to compare the abilities of the two cameras. The manually derived results were compared to automated grain size data obtained using pyDGS (Digital Grain Size), an open-source python program. Grain size analyses were used to test the lacustrine and aeolian depositional hypotheses for the Murray and Stimson formations at Marias Pass. Results indicate that the MAHLI and RMI instruments, despite their different fields of view and properties, provide comparable grain size measurements. Additionally, pyDGS does not account for grains smaller than a few pixels and thus does not report representative grain size data and should not be used on images with a large fraction of unresolved grains. Finally, the data collected at Marias Pass are consistent with the existing interpretations of the Murray and Stimson formations. The fine-grained results of the Murray formation analyses support lacustrine deposition, while the mean grain size of the Stimson formation is fine to medium sized sand, consistent with aeolian deposition. However, directly above the contact with the Murray formation, larger rip-up clasts of the Murray formation are present in the Stimson formation. It is possible that water was involved at this stage of erosion and re-deposition, prior to aeolian deposition. Additionally, the grain-scale analyses conducted in this study show that the Dust Removal Tool on Curiosity should be used prior to capturing images for grain-scale analysis. Two images of the target informally named Ronan, taken before and after brushing, resulted in dramatically different grain size results, suggesting that the common, thin layer of dust obscured the true grain size distribution. These grain-scale analyses at Marias Pass have important implications for the collection and processing of image data, as well as the depositional environments recorded in Gale crater. Funded by NSF Grant AST-1461200

Development and evaluation of an airplane electronic display format aligned with the inertial velocity vector

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Steinmetz, G. G.

1986-01-01

The development of an electronic primary flight display format aligned with the aircraft velocity vector, a simulation evaluation comparing this format with an electronic attitude-aligned primary flight display format, and a flight evaluation of the velocity-vector-aligned display format are described. Earlier tests in turbulent conditions with the electronic attitude-aligned display format had exhibited unsteadiness. A primary objective of aligning the display format with the velocity vector was to take advantage of a velocity-vector control-wheel steering system to provide steadiness of display during turbulent conditions. Better situational awareness under crosswind conditions was also achieved. The evaluation task was a curved, descending approach with turbulent and crosswind conditions. Primary flight display formats contained computer-drawn perspective runway images and flight-path angle information. The flight tests were conducted aboard the NASA Transport Systems Research Vehicle (TSRV). Comparative results of the simulation and flight tests were principally obtained from subjective commentary. Overall, the pilots preferred the display format aligned with the velocity vector.

Formation of deoxidization products in iron ingot by the addition of Al, Si, and/or Mn (M-5)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Fukazawa, Akira

1993-01-01

The objective of this work is to examine the morphology, composition, and distribution of deoxidation products in iron and iron-10 percent Ni alloy ingots. The deoxidation agents Si, Mn, Al, and their mixtures are selected to investigate the formation mechanism of the deoxidation products and to compare the differences of oxide formation among these agents in microgravity. After the experiment in space, the tested specimens are going to be analyzed by the use of the latest physical and/or chemical analytical equipment, and the information obtained will be a great help for the comprehension of the formation of oxide inclusion in steel for practical purposes, and also for the study of the solidification mechanism theory in the theoretical field.

Quantifying the Incoming Jet Past Heart Valve Prostheses Using Vortex Formation Dynamics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pierrakos, Olga

2005-11-01

Heart valve (HV) replacement prostheses are associated with hemodynamic compromises compared to their native counterparts. Traditionally, HV performance and hemodynamics have been quantified using effective orifice size and pressure gradients. However, quality and direction of flow are also important aspects of HV function and relate to HV design, implantation technique, and orientation. The flow past any HV is governed by the generation of shear layers followed by the formation and shedding of organized flow structures in the form of vortex rings (VR). For the first time, vortex formation (VF) in the LV is quantified. Vortex energy measurements allow for calculation of the critical formation number (FN), which is the time at which the VR reaches its maximum strength. Inefficiencies in HV function result in critical FN decrease. This study uses the concept of FN to compare mitral HV prostheses in an in-vitro model (a silicone LV model housed in a piston-driven heart simulator) using Time-resolved Digital Particle Image Velocimetry. Two HVs were studied: a porcine HV and bileaflet MHV, which was tested in an anatomic and non-anatomic orientation. The results suggest that HV orientation and design affect the critical FN. We propose that the critical FN, which is contingent on the HV design, orientation, and physical flow characteristics, serve as a parameter to quantify the incoming jet and the efficiency of the HV.

Influence of single and binary doping of strontium and lithium on in vivo biological properties of bioactive glass scaffolds

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Khan, Pintu Kumar; Mahato, Arnab; Kundu, Biswanath; Nandi, Samit K.; Mukherjee, Prasenjit; Datta, Someswar; Sarkar, Soumya; Mukherjee, Jayanta; Nath, Shalini; Balla, Vamsi K.; Mandal, Chitra

2016-09-01

Effects of strontium and lithium ion doping on the biological properties of bioactive glass (BAG) porous scaffolds have been checked in vitro and in vivo. BAG scaffolds were prepared by conventional glass melting route and subsequently, scaffolds were produced by evaporation of fugitive pore formers. After thorough physico-chemical and in vitro cell characterization, scaffolds were used for pre-clinical study. Soft and hard tissue formation in a rabbit femoral defect model after 2 and 4 months, were assessed using different tools. Histological observations showed excellent osseous tissue formation in Sr and Li + Sr scaffolds and moderate bone regeneration in Li scaffolds. Fluorochrome labeling studies showed wide regions of new bone formation in Sr and Li + Sr doped samples as compared to Li doped samples. SEM revealed abundant collagenous network and minimal or no interfacial gap between bone and implant in Sr and Li + Sr doped samples compared to Li doped samples. Micro CT of Li + Sr samples showed highest degree of peripheral cancellous tissue formation on periphery and cortical tissues inside implanted samples and vascularity among four compositions. Our findings suggest that addition of Sr and/or Li alters physico-chemical properties of BAG and promotes early stage in vivo osseointegration and bone remodeling that may offer new insight in bone tissue engineering.

Comparative study of the formation of brominated disinfection byproducts in UV/persulfate and UV/H2O2 oxidation processes in the presence of bromide.

PubMed

Wang, Lu; Ji, Yuefei; Lu, Junhe; Kong, Deyang; Yin, Xiaoming; Zhou, Quansuo

2017-10-01

The objective of this research was to compare the transformation of Br - and formation of brominated byproducts in UV/persulfate (PS) and UV/H 2 O 2 processes. It was revealed that Br - was efficiently transformed to free bromine which reacted with humic acid (HA) or dihydroxybenzoic acid resulting in the formation of brominated byproducts such as bromoacetic acids (BAAs) in UV/PS system. In contrast, no free bromine and brominated byproducts could be detected in UV/H 2 O 2 system, although the oxidization of Br - was evident. We presumed that the oxidation of Br - by hydroxyl radicals led to the formation of bromine radicals. However, the bromine radical species could be immediately reduced back to Br - by H 2 O 2 before coupling to each other to form free bromine, which explains the undetection of free bromine and BAAs in UV/H 2 O 2 . In addition to free bromine, we found that the phenolic functionalities in HA molecules, which served as the principal reactive sites for free chlorine attack, could be in situ generated when HA was exposed to free radicals. This study demonstrates that UV/H 2 O 2 is more suitable than UV/PS for the treatment of environmental matrices containing Br - . Graphical abstract Graphical abstract.

Influence of single and binary doping of strontium and lithium on in vivo biological properties of bioactive glass scaffolds

PubMed Central

Khan, Pintu Kumar; Mahato, Arnab; Kundu, Biswanath; Nandi, Samit K.; Mukherjee, Prasenjit; Datta, Someswar; Sarkar, Soumya; Mukherjee, Jayanta; Nath, Shalini; Balla, Vamsi K.; Mandal, Chitra

2016-01-01

Effects of strontium and lithium ion doping on the biological properties of bioactive glass (BAG) porous scaffolds have been checked in vitro and in vivo. BAG scaffolds were prepared by conventional glass melting route and subsequently, scaffolds were produced by evaporation of fugitive pore formers. After thorough physico-chemical and in vitro cell characterization, scaffolds were used for pre-clinical study. Soft and hard tissue formation in a rabbit femoral defect model after 2 and 4 months, were assessed using different tools. Histological observations showed excellent osseous tissue formation in Sr and Li + Sr scaffolds and moderate bone regeneration in Li scaffolds. Fluorochrome labeling studies showed wide regions of new bone formation in Sr and Li + Sr doped samples as compared to Li doped samples. SEM revealed abundant collagenous network and minimal or no interfacial gap between bone and implant in Sr and Li + Sr doped samples compared to Li doped samples. Micro CT of Li + Sr samples showed highest degree of peripheral cancellous tissue formation on periphery and cortical tissues inside implanted samples and vascularity among four compositions. Our findings suggest that addition of Sr and/or Li alters physico-chemical properties of BAG and promotes early stage in vivo osseointegration and bone remodeling that may offer new insight in bone tissue engineering. PMID:27604654

Effect of online formative assessment on summative performance in integrated musculoskeletal system module.

PubMed

Mitra, Nilesh Kumar; Barua, Ankur

2015-03-03

The impact of web-based formative assessment practices on performance of undergraduate medical students in summative assessments is not widely studied. This study was conducted among third-year undergraduate medical students of a designated university in Malaysia to compare the effect, on performance in summative assessment, of repeated computer-based formative assessment with automated feedback with that of single paper-based formative assessment with face-to face feedback. This quasi-randomized trial was conducted among two groups of undergraduate medical students who were selected by stratified random technique from a cohort undertaking the Musculoskeletal module. The control group C (n = 102) was subjected to a paper-based formative MCQ test. The experimental group E (n = 65) was provided three online formative MCQ tests with automated feedback. The summative MCQ test scores for both these groups were collected after the completion of the module. In this study, no significant difference was observed between the mean summative scores of the two groups. However, Band 1 students from group E with higher entry qualification showed higher mean score in the summative assessment. A trivial, but significant and positive correlation (r(2) = +0.328) was observed between the online formative test scores and summative assessment scores of group E. The proportionate increase of performance in group E was found to be almost double than group C. The use of computer based formative test with automated feedback improved the performance of the students with better academic background in the summative assessment. Computer-based formative test can be explored as an optional addition to the curriculum of pre-clinical integrated medical program to improve the performance of the students with higher academic ability.

Osteointegration of porous absorbable bone substitutes: A systematic review of the literature.

PubMed

Paulo, Maria Júlia Escanhoela; Dos Santos, Mariana Avelino; Cimatti, Bruno; Gava, Nelson Fabrício; Riberto, Marcelo; Engel, Edgard Eduard

2017-07-01

Biomaterials' structural characteristics and the addition of osteoinductors influence the osteointegration capacity of bone substitutes. This study aims to identify the characteristics of porous and resorbable bone substitutes that influence new bone formation. An Internet search for studies reporting new bone formation rates in bone defects filled with porous and resorbable substitutes was performed in duplicate using the PubMed, Web of Science, Scielo, and University of São Paulo Digital Library databases. Metaphyseal or calvarial bone defects 4 to 10 mm in diameter from various animal models were selected. New bone formation rates were collected from the histomorphometry or micro-CT data. The following variables were analyzed: animal model, bone region, defect diameter, follow-up time after implantation, basic substitute material, osteoinductor addition, pore size and porosity. Of 3,266 initially identified articles, 15 articles describing 32 experimental groups met the inclusion criteria. There were no differences between the groups in the experimental model characteristics, except for the follow-up time, which showed a very weak to moderate correlation with the rate of new bone formation. In terms of the biomaterial and structural characteristics, only porosity showed a significant influence on the rate of new bone formation. Higher porosity is related to higher new bone formation rates. The influence of other characteristics could not be identified, possibly due to the large variety of experimental models and methodologies used to estimate new bone formation rates. We suggest the inclusion of standard control groups in future experimental studies to compare biomaterials.

Prostaglandin E2 from Candida albicans Stimulates the Growth of Staphylococcus aureus in Mixed Biofilms

PubMed Central

Krause, Jan; Geginat, Gernot; Tammer, Ina

2015-01-01

Background Previous studies showed that Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans interact synergistically in dual species biofilms resulting in enhanced mortality in animal models. Methodology/Principal Findings The aim of the current study was to test possible candidate molecules which might mediate this synergistic interaction in an in vitro model of mixed biofilms, such as farnesol, tyrosol and prostaglandin (PG) E2. In mono-microbial and dual biofilms of C.albicans wild type strains PGE2 levels between 25 and 250 pg/mL were measured. Similar concentrations of purified PGE2 significantly enhanced S.aureus biofilm formation in a mode comparable to that observed in dual species biofilms. Supernatants of the null mutant deficient in PGE2 production did not stimulate the proliferation of S.aureus and the addition of the cyclooxygenase inhibitor indomethacin blocked the S.aureus biofilm formation in a dose-dependent manner. Additionally, S. aureus biofilm formation was boosted by low and inhibited by high farnesol concentrations. Supernatants of the farnesol-deficient C. albicans ATCC10231 strain significantly enhanced the biofilm formation of S. aureus but at a lower level than the farnesol producer SC5314. However, C. albicans ATCC10231 also produced PGE2 but amounts were significantly lower compared to SC5314. Conclusion/Significance In conclision, we identified C. albicans PGE2 as a key molecule stimulating the growth and biofilm formation of S. aureus in dual S. aureus/C. albicans biofilms, although C. albicans derived farnesol, but not tyrosol, may also contribute to this effect but to a lesser extent. PMID:26262843

Cytotoxicity of TiO{sub 2} nanoparticles towards freshwater sediment microorganisms at low exposure concentrations

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

Kumari, Jyoti; Kumar, Deepak; Mathur, Ankita

2014-11-15

There is a persistent need to assess the effects of TiO{sub 2} nanoparticles on the aquatic ecosystem owing to their increasing usage in consumer products and risk of environmental release. The current study is focused on TiO{sub 2} nanoparticle-induced acute toxicity at sub-ppm level (≤1 ppm) on the three different freshwater sediment bacterial isolates and their consortium under two different irradiation (visible light and dark) conditions. The consortium of the bacterial isolates was found to be less affected by the exposure to the nanoparticles compared to the individual cells. The oxidative stress contributed considerably towards the cytotoxicity under both lightmore » and dark conditions. A statistically significant increase in membrane permeability was noted under the dark conditions as compared to the light conditions. The optical and fluorescence microscopic images showed aggregation and chain formation of the bacterial cells, when exposed to the nanoparticles. The electron microscopic (SEM, TEM) observations suggested considerable damage of cells and bio-uptake of nanoparticles. The exopolysaccrides (EPS) production and biofilm formation were noted to increase in the presence of the nanoparticles, and expression of the key genes involved in biofilm formation was studied by RT-PCR. - Highlights: • Toxicity of NPs towards freshwater sediment bacteria at sub-ppm concentrations. • Decreased toxicity of the nanoparticles in the consortium of microorganisms. • Enhanced bacterial resistance through EPS and biofilm formation in the presence of NPs. • Considerable surface damage of cells and internalization of NPs. • Gene expression analyses related to biofilm formation in the presence of NPs.« less

A comparative CFD study on the hemodynamics of flow through an idealized symmetric and asymmetric stenosed arteries

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Prashantha, B.; Anish, S.

2017-04-01

The aim of the present study is to numerically evaluate the hemodynamic factors which affect the formation of atherosclerosis and plaque rupture in the human artery. An increase of atherosclerosis in the artery causes geometry changes, which results in hemodynamic changes such as flow separation, reattachment and adhesion of new cells (chemotactic) in the artery. Hence, geometry plays an important role in the determining the nature of hemodynamic patterns. Influence of stenosis in the non-bifurcating artery, under pulsatile flow condition has been studied on an idealized geometry. Analysis of flow through symmetric and asymmetric stenosis in the artery revealed the significance of oscillating shear index (OSI), flow separation, low wall shear stress (WSS) zones and secondary flow patterns on plaque formation. The observed characteristic of flow in the post-stenotic region highlight the importance of plaque eccentricity on the formation of secondary stenosis on the arterial wall.

Alternative sweeteners influence the biomass of oral biofilm.

PubMed

Abdul Razak, Fathilah; Baharuddin, Baizatul Amirah; Akbar, Elisya Farha Mohd; Norizan, Amira Hanim; Ibrahim, Nur Fazilah; Musa, Md Yusoff

2017-08-01

Compact-structured oral biofilm accumulates acids that upon prolonged exposure to tooth surface, causes demineralisation of enamel. This study aimed to assess the effect of alternative sweeteners Equal Stevia ® , Tropicana Slim ® , Pal Sweet ® and xylitol on the matrix-forming activity of plaque biofilm at both the early and established stages of formation. Saliva-coated glass beads (sGB) were used as substratum for the adhesion of a mixed-bacterial suspension of Streptococcus mutans, Streptococcus sanguinis and Streptococcus mitis. Biofilms formed on sGB at 3h and 24h represented the early and established-plaque models. The biofilms were exposed to three doses of the sweeteners (10%), introduced at three intervals to simulate the exposure of dental plaque to sugar during three consecutive food intakes. The treated sGB were (i) examined under the SEM and (ii) collected for turbidity reading. The absorbance indicated the amount of plaque mass produced. Analysis was performed comparative to sucrose as control. Higher rate of bacterial adherence was determined during the early compared to established phases of formation. Comparative to the sweeteners, sucrose showed a 40% increase in bacterial adherence and produced 70% more plaque-mass. Bacterial counts and SEM micrographs exhibited absence of matrix in all the sweetener-treated biofilms at the early phase of formation. At the established phase, presence of matrix was detected but at significantly lower degree compared to sucrose (p<0.05). Alternatives sweeteners promoted the formation of oral biofilm with lighter mass and lower bacterial adherence. Hence, suggesting alternative sweeteners as potential antiplaque agents. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

MULTIDARK-GALAXIES: data release and first results

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Knebe, Alexander; Stoppacher, Doris; Prada, Francisco; Behrens, Christoph; Benson, Andrew; Cora, Sofia A.; Croton, Darren J.; Padilla, Nelson D.; Ruiz, Andrés N.; Sinha, Manodeep; Stevens, Adam R. H.; Vega-Martínez, Cristian A.; Behroozi, Peter; Gonzalez-Perez, Violeta; Gottlöber, Stefan; Klypin, Anatoly A.; Yepes, Gustavo; Enke, Harry; Libeskind, Noam I.; Riebe, Kristin; Steinmetz, Matthias

2018-03-01

We present the public release of the MULTIDARK-GALAXIES: three distinct galaxy catalogues derived from one of the Planck cosmology MULTIDARK simulations (i.e. MDPL2, with a volume of (1 h-1 Gpc)3 and mass resolution of 1.5 × 109 h-1 M⊙) by applying the semi-analytic models GALACTICUS, SAG, and SAGE to it. We compare the three models and their conformity with observational data for a selection of fundamental properties of galaxies like stellar mass function, star formation rate, cold gas fractions, and metallicities - noting that they sometimes perform differently reflecting model designs and calibrations. We have further selected galaxy subsamples of the catalogues by number densities in stellar mass, cold gas mass, and star formation rate in order to study the clustering statistics of galaxies. We show that despite different treatment of orphan galaxies, i.e. galaxies that lost their dark-matter host halo due to the finite-mass resolution of the N-body simulation or tidal stripping, the clustering signal is comparable, and reproduces the observations in all three models - in particular when selecting samples based upon stellar mass. Our catalogues provide a powerful tool to study galaxy formation within a volume comparable to those probed by ongoing and future photometric and redshift surveys. All model data consisting of a range of galaxy properties - including broad-band SDSS magnitudes - are publicly available.

Specific pretreatments reduce curing period of vanilla (Vanilla planifolia) beans.

PubMed

Sreedhar, R V; Roohie, K; Venkatachalam, L; Narayan, M S; Bhagyalakshmi, N

2007-04-18

With the aiming of reducing the curing period, effects of pretreatments on flavor formation in vanilla beans during accelerated curing at 38 degrees C for 40 days were studied. Moisture loss, change in texture, levels of flavoring compounds, and activities of relevant enzymes were compared among various pretreatments as well as the commercial sample. Use of naphthalene acetic acid (NAA; 5 mg/L) or Ethrel (1%) with blanching pretreatment resulted in 3-fold higher vanillin on the 10th day. Other flavoring compounds-vanillic acid, p-hydroxybenzoic acid, and p-hydroxybenzaldehyde-fluctuated greatly, showing no correlation with the pretreatments. Scarification of beans resulted in nearly 4- and 3.6-fold higher vanillin formations on the 10th day in NAA- and Ethrel-treated beans, respectively, as compared to control with a significant change in texture. When activities of major relevant enzymes were followed, addition of NAA or Ethrel helped to retain higher levels of cellulase throughout the curing period and higher levels of beta-glucosidase on the 20th day that correlated with higher vanillin content during curing and subsequent periods. Peroxidase, being highest throughout, did not correlate with the change in levels of major flavoring compounds. The pretreatment methods of the present study may find importance for realizing higher flavor formation in a shorter period because the major quality parameters were found to be comparable to those of a commercial sample.

The dynamical origin of multiple populations in intermediate-age clusters in the Magellanic Clouds

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hong, Jongsuk; de Grijs, Richard; Askar, Abbas; Berczik, Peter; Li, Chengyuan; Wang, Long; Deng, Licai; Kouwenhoven, M. B. N.; Giersz, Mirek; Spurzem, Rainer

2017-11-01

Numerical simulations were carried out to study the origin of multiple stellar populations in the intermediate-age clusters NGC 411 and NGC 1806 in the Magellanic Clouds. We performed NBODY6++ simulations based on two different formation scenarios, an ad hoc formation model where second-generation (SG) stars are formed inside a cluster of first-generation (FG) stars using the gas accumulated from the external intergalactic medium and a minor merger model of unequal mass (MSG/MFG ∼ 5-10 per cent) clusters with an age difference of a few hundred million years. We compared our results such as the radial profile of the SG-to-FG number ratio with observations on the assumption that the SG stars in the observations are composed of cluster members, and confirmed that both the ad hoc formation and merger scenarios reproduce the observed radial trend of the SG-to-FG number ratio, which shows less centrally concentrated SG than FG stars. It is difficult to constrain the formation scenario for the multiple populations by only using the spatial distribution of the SG stars. SG stars originating from the merger scenario show a significant velocity anisotropy and rotational features compared to those from the ad hoc formation scenario. Thus, observations aimed at kinematic properties like velocity anisotropy or rotational velocities for SG stars should be obtained to better understand the formation of the multiple populations in these clusters. This is, however, beyond current instrumentation capabilities.

Studies of low-mass star formation with the large deployable reflector

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hollenbach, D. J.; Tielens, Alexander G. G. M.

1984-01-01

Estimates are made of the far-infrared and submillimeter continuum and line emission from regions of low mass star formation. The intensity of this emission is compared with the sensitivity of the large deployable reflector (LDR), a large space telescope designed for this wavelength range. The proposed LDR is designed to probe the temperature, density, chemical structure, and the velocity field of the collapsing envelopes of these protostars. The LDR is also designed to study the accretion shocks on the cores and circumstellar disks of low-mass protostars, and to detect shock waves driven by protostellar winds.

In vivo experimental study on bone regeneration in critical bone defects using PIB nanogels/boron-containing mesoporous bioactive glass composite scaffold

PubMed Central

Chen, Xiaohui; Zhao, Yanbing; Geng, Shinan; Miron, Richard J; Zhang, Qiao; Wu, Chengtie; Zhang, Yufeng

2015-01-01

Purpose In the present study, the fabrication of novel p(N-isopropylacrylamide-co-butyl methylacrylate) (PIB) nanogels was combined with boron-containing mesoporous bioactive glass (B-MBG) scaffolds in order to improve the mechanical properties of PIB nanogels alone. Scaffolds were tested for mechanical strength and the ability to promote new bone formation in vivo. Patients and methods To evaluate the potential of each scaffold in bone regeneration, ovariectomized rats were chosen as a study model to determine the ability of PIB nanogels to stimulate bone formation in a complicated anatomical bone defect. PIB nanogels and PIB nanogels/B-MBG composites were respectively implanted into ovariectomized rats with critical-sized femur defects following treatment periods of 2, 4, and 8 weeks post-implantation. Results Results from the present study demonstrate that PIB nanogels/B-MBG composites showed greater improvement in mechanical strength when compared to PIB nanogels alone. In vivo, hematoxylin and eosin staining revealed significantly more newly formed bone in defects containing PIB nanogels/B-MBG composite scaffolds when compared to PIB nanogels alone. Tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase-positive staining demonstrated that both scaffolds were degraded over time and bone remodeling occurred in the surrounding bone defect as early as 4 weeks post-implantation. Conclusion The results from the present study indicate that PIB nanogels are a potential bone tissue engineering biomaterial able to treat defects of irregular shapes and deformities as an injectable, thermoresponsive, biocompatible hydrogel which undergoes rapid thermal gelation once body temperature is reached. Furthermore, its combination with B-MBG scaffolds improves the mechanical properties and ability to promote new bone formation when compared to PIB nanogels alone. PMID:25653525

In vivo experimental study on bone regeneration in critical bone defects using PIB nanogels/boron-containing mesoporous bioactive glass composite scaffold.

PubMed

Chen, Xiaohui; Zhao, Yanbing; Geng, Shinan; Miron, Richard J; Zhang, Qiao; Wu, Chengtie; Zhang, Yufeng

2015-01-01

In the present study, the fabrication of novel p(N-isopropylacrylamide-co-butyl methylacrylate) (PIB) nanogels was combined with boron-containing mesoporous bioactive glass (B-MBG) scaffolds in order to improve the mechanical properties of PIB nanogels alone. Scaffolds were tested for mechanical strength and the ability to promote new bone formation in vivo. To evaluate the potential of each scaffold in bone regeneration, ovariectomized rats were chosen as a study model to determine the ability of PIB nanogels to stimulate bone formation in a complicated anatomical bone defect. PIB nanogels and PIB nanogels/B-MBG composites were respectively implanted into ovariectomized rats with critical-sized femur defects following treatment periods of 2, 4, and 8 weeks post-implantation. Results from the present study demonstrate that PIB nanogels/B-MBG composites showed greater improvement in mechanical strength when compared to PIB nanogels alone. In vivo, hematoxylin and eosin staining revealed significantly more newly formed bone in defects containing PIB nanogels/B-MBG composite scaffolds when compared to PIB nanogels alone. Tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase-positive staining demonstrated that both scaffolds were degraded over time and bone remodeling occurred in the surrounding bone defect as early as 4 weeks post-implantation. The results from the present study indicate that PIB nanogels are a potential bone tissue engineering biomaterial able to treat defects of irregular shapes and deformities as an injectable, thermoresponsive, biocompatible hydrogel which undergoes rapid thermal gelation once body temperature is reached. Furthermore, its combination with B-MBG scaffolds improves the mechanical properties and ability to promote new bone formation when compared to PIB nanogels alone.

Tailoring risk communication to improve comprehension: Do patient preferences help or hurt?

PubMed

Barnes, Andrew J; Hanoch, Yaniv; Miron-Shatz, Talya; Ozanne, Elissa M

2016-09-01

Risk communication tools can facilitate patients' understanding of risk information. In this novel study, we examine the hypothesis that risk communication methods tailored to individuals' preferences can increase risk comprehension. Preferences for breast cancer risk formats, and risk comprehension data were collected using an online survey from 361 women at high risk for breast cancer. Women's initial preferences were assessed by asking them which of the following risk formats would be the clearest: (a) percentage, (b) frequency, (c) bar graph, (d) pictogram, and (e) comparison to other women. Next, women were presented with 5 different formats for displaying cancer risks and asked to interpret the risk information presented. Finally, they were asked again which risk format they preferred. Initial preferences for risk formats were not associated with risk comprehension scores. However, women with lower risk comprehension scores were more likely to update their risk format preferences after they evaluated risks in different formats. Less numerate women were more likely to prefer graphical rather than numeric risk formats. Importantly, we found that women preferring graphical risk formats had lower risk comprehension in these formats compared to numeric formats. In contrast, women preferring numeric formats performed equally well across formats. Our findings suggest that tailoring risk communication to patient preferences may not improve understanding of medical risks, particularly for less numerate women, and point to the potential perils of tailoring risk communication formats to patient preferences. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved).

Effect of Strain Field on Threshold Displacement Energy of Tungsten Studied by Molecular Dynamics Simulation

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

Wang, Dong; Gao, Ning; Setyawan, W.

The influence of strain field on defect formation energy and threshold displacement energy (Ed) in body-centered cubic (BCC) tungsten (W) has been studied with molecular dynamics simulations. Two different W potentials (Fikar and Juslin) were compared and the results indicate that the connection distance and selected function linking the short-range and long-range portions of the potentials affects the threshold displacement energy and its direction-specific values. The minimum Ed direction calculated with the Fikar-potential is <100> and with the Juslin-potential is <111>. Nevertheless, the most stable self-interstitial configuration is found to be a <111>-crowdion for both potentials. This stable configuration doesmore » not change with applied strain. Varying the strain from compression to tension increases the vacancy formation energy but decreases the self-interstitial formation energy. The formation energy of a self-interstitial changes more significantly than a vacancy such that Ed decreases with applied hydrostatic strain from compression to tension.« less

Analysis of the Enhanced Stability of R(+)-Alpha Lipoic Acid by the Complex Formation with Cyclodextrins

PubMed Central

Ikuta, Naoko; Sugiyama, Hironori; Shimosegawa, Hiroshi; Nakane, Rie; Ishida, Yoshiyuki; Uekaji, Yukiko; Nakata, Daisuke; Pallauf, Kathrin; Rimbach, Gerald; Terao, Keiji; Matsugo, Seiichi

2013-01-01

R(+)-alpha lipoic acid (RALA) is one of the cofactors for mitochondrial enzymes and, therefore, plays a central role in energy metabolism. RALA is unstable when exposed to low pH or heat, and therefore, it is difficult to use enantiopure RALA as a pharma- and nutra-ceutical. In this study, we have aimed to stabilize RALA through complex formation with cyclodextrins (CDs). α-CD, β-CD and γ-CD were used for the formation of these RALA-CD complexes. We confirmed the complex formation using differential scanning calorimetry and showed by using HPLC analysis that complexed RALA is more stable than free RALA when subjected to humidity and high temperature or acidic pH conditions. Scanning electron microscopy studies showed that the particle size and shape differed depending on the cyclodextrin used for complexation. Further, the complexes of CD and RALA showed a different particle size distribution pattern compared with that of CD itself or that of the physical mixture of RALA and CD. PMID:23434662

Comparison of the phytochemical profiles of five native plant species in two different forest formations.

PubMed

Pilatti, D M; Fortes, A M T; Jorge, T C M; Boiago, N P

2018-06-14

The expression of chemical compounds by individual plants of the same species in different locations may be affected by abiotic factors resulting in differences in the production of allelopathic compounds. The objective of this study was to compare the phytochemical profiles of plant species from two different forest formations in the state of Paraná, Brazil. The forest formations were Seasonal Semideciduous Forest (SSF) and Lowland Ombrophilous Dense Forest (LODF), and the five study species were Jacaranda micrantha, Cecropia pachystachya, Mimosa bimucronata, Schinus terebinthifolius and Cedrela fissilis. Secondary metabolites were extracted by exhaustive extraction with methanol, and the crude extract was fractionated using column chromatography. The fractions were used to calculate the retention factor of the main compounds using thin layer chromatography and phytochemical tests. The classes of compounds identified were practically the same among the analyzed species, however, at different levels of concentration. The type of tannins found in S. terebinthifolius differed between the two forest formations.

Engineering of the glycerol decomposition pathway and cofactor regulation in an industrial yeast improves ethanol production.

PubMed

Zhang, Liang; Tang, Yan; Guo, Zhongpeng; Shi, Guiyang

2013-10-01

Glycerol is a major by-product of industrial ethanol production and its formation consumes up to 4 % of the sugar substrate. This study modified the glycerol decomposition pathway of an industrial strain of Saccharomyces cerevisiae to optimize the consumption of substrate and yield of ethanol. This study is the first to couple glycerol degradation with ethanol formation, to the best of our knowledge. The recombinant strain overexpressing GCY1 and DAK1, encoding glycerol dehydrogenase and dihydroxyacetone kinase, respectively, in glycerol degradation pathway, exhibited a moderate increase in ethanol yield (2.9 %) and decrease in glycerol yield (24.9 %) compared to the wild type with the initial glucose concentration of 15 % under anaerobic conditions. However, when the mhpF gene, encoding acetylating NAD⁺-dependent acetaldehyde dehydrogenase from Escherichia coli, was co-expressed in the aforementioned recombinant strain, a further increase in ethanol yield by 5.5 % and decrease in glycerol yield by 48 % were observed for the resultant recombinant strain GDMS1 when acetic acid was added into the medium prior to inoculation compared to the wild type. The process outlined in this study which enhances glycerol consumption and cofactor regulation in an industrial yeast is a promising metabolic engineering strategy to increase ethanol production by reducing the formation of glycerol.

Raman Spectroscopic Analyses of Jaw Periosteal Cell Mineralization

PubMed Central

Brauchle, Eva; Carvajal Berrio, Daniel; Rieger, Melanie; Schenke-Layland, Katja; Reinert, Siegmar

2017-01-01

To achieve safer patient treatments, serum-free cell culture conditions have to be established for cell therapies. In previous studies, we demonstrated that serum-free culture favored the proliferation of MSCA-1+ osteoprogenitors derived from the jaw periosteum. In this study, the in vitro formation of bone-specific matrix by MSCA-1+ jaw periosteal cells (JPCs, 3 donors) was assessed and compared under serum-free and serum-containing media conditions using the marker-free Raman spectroscopy. Based on a standard fluorescence assay, JPCs from one patient were not able to mineralize under serum-containing culture conditions, whereas the other cells showed similar mineralization levels under both conditions. Raman spectra from mineralizing MSCA-1+ JPCs revealed higher levels of hydroxyapatite formation and higher mineral to matrix ratios under serum-free culture conditions. Higher carbonate to phosphate ratios and higher crystallinity in JPCs cultured under serum-containing conditions indicated immature bone formation. Due to reduced collagen production under serum-free conditions, we obtained significant differences in collagen maturity and proline to hydroxyproline ratios compared to serum-free conditions. We conclude that Raman spectroscopy is a useful tool for the assessment and noninvasive monitoring of in vitro mineralization of osteoprogenitor cells. Further studies should extend this knowledge and improve JPC mineralization by optimizing culture conditions. PMID:28232849

Histologic and histomorphometric evaluation of bone regeneration using nanocrystalline hydroxyapatite and human freeze-dried bone graft : An experimental study in rabbit.

PubMed

Sadeghi, Rokhsareh; Najafi, Mohammad; Semyari, Hassan; Mashhadiabbas, Fatemeh

2017-03-01

Bone regeneration is an important concern in periodontal treatment and implant dentistry. Different biomaterials and surgical techniques have been used for this purpose. The aim of the present study was to compare the effect of nanocrystalline hydroxyapatite and human freeze-dried bone graft (FDBG) in regeneration of rabbit calvarium bony defects by histologic and histomorphometric evaluation. In this experimental study, three similar defects, measuring 8 mm in diameter, were created in the calvaria of 16 white New Zealand rabbits. Two defects were filled with FDBG and nanocrystalline hydroxyapatite silica gel, while the other one remained unfilled to be considered as control. All the defects were covered with collagen membranes. During the healing period, two animals perished; so 14 rabbits were divided into two groups: half of them were euthanized after 6 weeks of healing and the other half after 12 weeks. The specimens were subjected to histologic and histomorphometric examinations for assessment of the following variables: percentage of bone formation and residual graft material, inflammation scores, patterns of bone formation and type of newly formed bone. The percentages of new bone formation after 6 weeks were 14.22 ± 7.85, 21.57 ± 6.91, and 20.54 ± 10.07% in FDBG, NanoBone, and control defects. These values were 27.54 ± 20.19, 23.86 ± 6.27, and 26.48 ± 14.18% in 12-week specimens, respectively. No significant differences were found in the amount of bone formation between the groups. With regard to inflammation, the control and NanoBone groups showed significantly less inflammation compared to FDBG at the 6-week healing phase (P = 0.04); this difference was not significant in the 12-week specimens. Based on the results of this experimental study, both NanoBone and FDBG exhibited a similar effect on bone formation.

Effects of nutrient optimization on intra-annual wood formation in Norway spruce.

PubMed

Kalliokoski, Tuomo; Mäkinen, Harri; Jyske, Tuula; Nöjd, Pekka; Linder, Sune

2013-11-01

In the Nordic countries, growth of Norway spruce (Picea abies (L.) Karst.) is generally limited by low availability of nutrients, especially nitrogen. Optimizing forest management requires better insight on how growth responds to the environmental conditions and their manipulation. The aim of this study was to analyse the effects of nutrient optimization on timing and the rate of tracheid formation of Norway spruce and to follow the differentiation of newly formed tracheids. The study was performed during two growing seasons in a long-term nutrient optimization experiment in northern Sweden, where all essential macro- and micronutrients were supplied in irrigation water every second day from mid-June to mid-August. The control plots were without additional nutrients and water. Tracheid formation in the stem was monitored throughout the growing season by weekly sampling of microcores at breast height. The onset of xylogenesis occurred in early June, but in early summer there were no significant between-treatment differences in the onset and relative rate of tracheid formation. In both treatments, the onset of secondary cell wall formation occurred in mid-June. The maximum rate of tracheid formation occurred close to the summer solstice and 50% of the tracheids had been accumulated in early July. Optimized nutrition resulted in the formation of ∼50% more tracheids and delayed the cessation of tracheid formation, which extended the tracheid formation period by 20-50%, compared with control trees. The increased growth was mainly an effect of enhanced tracheid formation rate during the mid- and later-part of the growing season. In the second year, the increased growth rate also resulted in 11% wider tracheids. We conclude that the onset and rate of tracheid formation and differentiation during summer is primarily controlled by photoperiod, temperature and availability of nutrients, rather than supply of carbohydrates.

Eliciting willingness to pay: comparing closed-ended with open-ended and payment scale formats.

PubMed

Frew, Emma J; Whynes, David K; Wolstenholme, Jane L

2003-01-01

Willingness to pay (WTP) is increasingly being used as a measure of valuation in health technology assessment. A variety of formats for eliciting values are available, although the relative virtues of each remain the subject of methodological controversy. This article compares valuation results obtained using a WTP survey instrument in a closed-ended format with those obtained from instruments using open-ended and payment scale formats. Samples of subjects were drawn from a general population, and all were asked to value the same intervention--alternative methods of screening for colorectal cancer. It was discovered that, whereas the open-ended and payment scale formats produced broadly similar valuations, the closed-ended format produced significantly higher WTP valuations and different justifications for those valuations. It is hypothesized that anchoring and yea-saying effects explain these differences and that the closed-ended format triggers a different response mode in subjects.

Strategy for communicating benefit-risk decisions: a comparison of regulatory agencies' publicly available documents

PubMed Central

Leong Wai Yeen, James; Salek, Sam; Walker, Stuart

2014-01-01

The assessment report formats of four major regulatory reference agencies, US Food and Drug Administration, European Medicines Agency, Health Canada, and Australia's Therapeutic Goods Administration were compared to a benefit-risk (BR) documentation template developed by the Centre for Innovation in Regulatory Science and a four-member Consortium on Benefit-Risk Assessment. A case study was also conducted using a US FDA Medical Review, the European Public Assessment Report and Australia's Public Assessment Report for the same product. Compared with the BR Template, existing regulatory report formats are inadequate regarding the listing of benefits and risks, the assigning of relative importance and values, visualization and the utilization of a detailed, systematic, standardized structure. The BR Template is based on the principles of BR assessment common to major regulatory agencies. Given that there are minimal differences among the existing regulatory report formats, it is timely to consider the feasibility of a universal template. PMID:25538620

Resolving the substructure of molecular clouds in the LMC

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wong, Tony; Hughes, Annie; Tokuda, Kazuki; Indebetouw, Remy; Wojciechowski, Evan; Bandurski, Jeffrey; MC3 Collaboration

2018-01-01

We present recent wide-field CO and 13CO mapping of giant molecular clouds in the Large Magellanic Cloud with ALMA. Our sample exhibits diverse star-formation properties, and reveals comparably diverse molecular cloud properties including surface density and velocity dispersion at a given scale. We first present the results of a recent study comparing two GMCs at the extreme ends of the star formation activity spectrum. Our quiescent cloud exhibits 10 times lower surface density and 5 times lower velocity dispersion than the active 30 Doradus cloud, yet in both clouds we find a wide range of line widths at the smallest resolved scales, spanning nearly the full range of line widths seen at all scales. This suggests an important role for feedback on sub-parsec scales, while the energetics on larger scales are dominated by clump-to-clump relative velocities. We then extend our analysis to four additional clouds that exhibit intermediate levels of star formation activity.

Teaching evidence based medicine to surgery residents-is journal club the best format? A systematic review of the literature.

PubMed

Ahmadi, Negar; McKenzie, Margaret E; Maclean, Anthony; Brown, Carl J; Mastracci, Tara; McLeod, Robin S

2012-01-01

Systematic reviews were performed to assess methods of teaching the evidence-based medicine (EBM) process and determine which format or what components of journal club appear to be most effective in teaching critical appraisal skills to surgical residents and have the highest user satisfaction. MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science, AMED, PsychINFO, PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Google scholar were searched to identify relevant articles. To be included, studies had to provide details about the format of their EBM curriculum or journal club and report on the effectiveness or participant satisfaction. Potentially relevant articles were independently reviewed by 2 authors and data were extracted on separate data forms. Seven studies met the inclusion criteria for assessment of teaching EBM and 8 studies (including 3 in the EBM systematic review) met criteria for assessment of journal club format. Overall, study quality was poor. Only 2 studies were randomized controlled trials. Five were before-after studies, which showed significant improvement in critical appraisal skills or statistical knowledge following an EBM course or journal club. The 2 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) compared teaching EBM or critical appraisal skills in lecture format or journal club to online learning. There was no significant difference in mean scores in 1 study whereas the other reported significantly better scores in the journal club format. Four studies reported high participant satisfaction with the EBM course or journal club format. There is some evidence that courses with or without the addition of journal clubs lead to improved knowledge of the EBM process although the impact on patient care is unknown. Journal clubs seem to be the preferred way of teaching critical appraisal skills but while some components of journal clubs are favored by participants, it remains unclear which elements are most important for resident learning. Copyright © 2012 Association of Program Directors in Surgery. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Gold particle formation via photoenhanced deposition on lithium niobate

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zaniewski, A. M.; Meeks, V.; Nemanich, R. J.

2017-05-01

In this work, we report on a technique to reduce gold chloride into sub-micron particles and nanoparticles. We use photoelectron transfer from periodically polarized lithium niobate (PPLN) illuminated with above band gap light to drive the surface reactions required for the reduction and particle formation. The particle sizes and distributions on the PPLN surface are sensitive to the solution concentration, with inhibited nucleation and large particles (>150 nm) for both low (2E-8M to 9E-7M) and high (1E-5M to 1E-3M) concentrations of gold chloride. At midrange values of the concentration, nucleation is more frequent, resulting in smaller sized particles (<150 nm). We compare the deposition process to that for silver, which has been previously studied. We find that the reduction of gold chloride into nanoparticles is inhibited compared to silver ion reduction, due to the multi-step reaction required for gold particle formation. This also has consequences for the resulting deposition patterns: while silver deposits into nanowires along boundaries between areas with opposite signed polarizations, such patterning of the deposition is not observed for gold, for a wide range of concentrations studied (2E-8 to 1E-3M).

Evaluation of drug reviews.

PubMed

Hendrickson, N M; Amerson, A B

1986-10-01

Drug reviews appearing in Clinical Pharmacy, Drug Intelligence and Clinical Pharmacy (DICP), Drugs, and Pharmacotherapy from January 1982 through December 1984 were evaluated for number, duplication among journals, timeliness, scope, and format. The design of this study was primarily quantitative rather than qualitative. Pharmacotherapy published the most reviews (49), followed by Drugs (43), Clinical Pharmacy (37), and DICP (29). Drugs and Pharmacotherapy published the largest number of unique reviews (agents not reviewed by the other journals during the study period), while Pharmacotherapy and Clinical Pharmacy published the most reviews on newly marketed drugs. Reviews of four drugs (acyclovir, moxalactam, ranitidine, and trazodone) were compared in terms of major sections, terminology and format, bibliography, use of tables and figures, scope of evaluative comments, and review process. Reviews in Drugs consistently contained the most references and tables and provided the most detail. Information was most accessible in Drugs, followed by Pharmacotherapy. Drugs used the largest panel of reviewers. All of the journals provided evaluative comments, although the scope varied. Continuing-education credit is available for review articles in Clinical Pharmacy and DICP. In selecting one or more of these journals, individuals or institutions should compare their needs with regard to the timeliness, scope, and format of the review articles in each journal.

Cyclic loading of rotator cuff reconstructions: single-row repair with modified suture configurations versus double-row repair.

PubMed

Lorbach, Olaf; Bachelier, Felix; Vees, Jochen; Kohn, Dieter; Pape, Dietrich

2008-08-01

Double-row repair is suggested to have superior biomechanical properties in rotator cuff reconstruction compared with single-row repair. However, double-row rotator cuff repair is frequently compared with simple suture repair and not with modified suture configurations. Single-row rotator cuff repairs with modified suture configurations have similar failure loads and gap formations as double-row reconstructions. Controlled laboratory study. We created 1 x 2-cm defects in 48 porcine infraspinatus tendons. Reconstructions were then performed with 4 single-row repairs and 2 double-row repairs. The single-row repairs included transosseous simple sutures; double-loaded corkscrew anchors in either a double mattress or modified Mason-Allen suture repair; and the Magnum Knotless Fixation Implant with an inclined mattress. Double-row repairs were either with Bio-Corkscrew FT using modified Mason-Allen stitches or a combination of Bio-Corkscrew FT and PushLock anchors using the SutureBridge Technique. During cyclic load (10 N to 60-200 N), gap formation was measured, and finally, ultimate load to failure and type of failure were recorded. Double-row double-corkscrew anchor fixation had the highest ultimate tensile strength (398 +/- 98 N) compared to simple sutures (105 +/- 21 N; P < .0001), single-row corkscrews using a modified Mason-Allen stitch (256 +/- 73 N; P = .003) or double mattress repair (290 +/- 56 N; P = .043), the Magnum Implant (163 +/- 13 N; P < .0001), and double-row repair with PushLock and Bio-Corkscrew FT anchors (163 +/- 59 N; P < .0001). Single-row double mattress repair was superior to transosseous sutures (P < .0001), the Magnum Implant (P = .009), and double-row repair with PushLock and Bio-Corkscrew FT anchors (P = .009). Lowest gap formation was found for double-row double-corkscrew repair (3.1 +/- 0.1 mm) compared to simple sutures (8.7 +/- 0.2 mm; P < .0001), the Magnum Implant (6.2 +/- 2.2 mm; P = .002), double-row repair with PushLock and Bio-Corkscrew FT anchors (5.9 +/- 0.9 mm; P = .008), and corkscrews with modified Mason-Allen sutures (6.4 +/- 1.3 mm; P = .001). Double-row double-corkscrew anchor rotator cuff repair offered the highest failure load and smallest gap formation and provided the most secure fixation of all tested configurations. Double-loaded suture anchors using modified suture configurations achieved superior results in failure load and gap formation compared to simple suture repair and showed similar loads and gap formation with double-row repair using PushLock and Bio-Corkscrew FT anchors. Single-row repair with modified suture configurations may lead to results comparable to several double-row fixations. If double-row repair is used, modified stitches might further minimize gap formation and increase failure load.

UVIT view of ram-pressure stripping in action: Star formation in the stripped gas of the GASP jellyfish galaxy JO201 in Abell 85

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

George, K.; Poggianti, B. M.; Gullieuszik, M.; Fasano, G.; Bellhouse, C.; Postma, J.; Moretti, A.; Jaffé, Y.; Vulcani, B.; Bettoni, D.; Fritz, J.; Côté, P.; Ghosh, S. K.; Hutchings, J. B.; Mohan, R.; Sreekumar, P.; Stalin, C. S.; Subramaniam, A.; Tandon, S. N.

2018-06-01

Jellyfish are cluster galaxies that experience strong ram-pressure effects that strip their gas. Their Hα images reveal ionized gas tails up to 100 kpc, which could be hosting ongoing star formation. Here we report the ultraviolet (UV) imaging observation of the jellyfish galaxy JO201 obtained at a spatial resolution ˜ 1.3 kpc. The intense burst of star formation happening in the tentacles is the focus of the present study. JO201 is the "UV-brightest cluster galaxy" in Abell 85 (z ˜ 0.056) with knots and streams of star formation in the ultraviolet. We identify star forming knots both in the stripped gas and in the galaxy disk and compare the UV features with the ones traced by Hα emission. Overall, the two emissions remarkably correlate, both in the main body and along the tentacles. Similarly, also the star formation rates of individual knots derived from the extinction-corrected FUV emission agree with those derived from the Hα emission and range from ˜ 0.01 -to- 2.07 M⊙ yr-1. The integrated star formation rate from FUV flux is ˜ 15 M⊙ yr-1. The unprecedented deep UV imaging study of the jellyfish galaxy JO201 shows clear signs of extraplanar star-formation activity due to a recent/ongoing gas stripping event.

Insulin-like growth factor-1 receptor in mature osteoblasts is required for periosteal bone formation induced by reloading

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kubota, Takuo; Elalieh, Hashem Z.; Saless, Neema; Fong, Chak; Wang, Yongmei; Babey, Muriel; Cheng, Zhiqiang; Bikle, Daniel D.

2013-11-01

Skeletal loading and unloading has a pronounced impact on bone remodeling, a process also regulated by insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) signaling. Skeletal unloading leads to resistance to the anabolic effect of IGF-1, while reloading after unloading restores responsiveness to IGF-1. However, a direct study of the importance of IGF-1 signaling in the skeletal response to mechanical loading remains to be tested. In this study, we assessed the skeletal response of osteoblast-specific Igf-1 receptor deficient (Igf-1r-/-) mice to unloading and reloading. The mice were hindlimb unloaded for 14 days and then reloaded for 16 days. Igf-1r-/- mice displayed smaller cortical bone and diminished periosteal and endosteal bone formation at baseline. Periosteal and endosteal bone formation decreased with unloading in Igf-1r+/+ mice. However, the recovery of periosteal bone formation with reloading was completely inhibited in Igf-1r-/- mice, although reloading-induced endosteal bone formation was not hampered. These changes in bone formation resulted in the abolishment of the expected increase in total cross-sectional area with reloading in Igf-1r-/- mice compared to the control mice. These results suggest that the Igf-1r in mature osteoblasts has a critical role in periosteal bone formation in the skeletal response to mechanical loading.

THE LOCATION, CLUSTERING, AND PROPAGATION OF MASSIVE STAR FORMATION IN GIANT MOLECULAR CLOUDS

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

Ochsendorf, Bram B.; Meixner, Margaret; Chastenet, Jérémy

Massive stars are key players in the evolution of galaxies, yet their formation pathway remains unclear. In this work, we use data from several galaxy-wide surveys to build an unbiased data set of ∼600 massive young stellar objects, ∼200 giant molecular clouds (GMCs), and ∼100 young (<10 Myr) optical stellar clusters (SCs) in the Large Magellanic Cloud. We employ this data to quantitatively study the location and clustering of massive star formation and its relation to the internal structure of GMCs. We reveal that massive stars do not typically form at the highest column densities nor centers of their parentmore » GMCs at the ∼6 pc resolution of our observations. Massive star formation clusters over multiple generations and on size scales much smaller than the size of the parent GMC. We find that massive star formation is significantly boosted in clouds near SCs. However, whether a cloud is associated with an SC does not depend on either the cloud’s mass or global surface density. These results reveal a connection between different generations of massive stars on timescales up to 10 Myr. We compare our work with Galactic studies and discuss our findings in terms of GMC collapse, triggered star formation, and a potential dichotomy between low- and high-mass star formation.« less

Understanding the facet formation mechanisms of Si thin-film solidification through three-dimensional phase-field modeling

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, G. Y.; Lan, C. W.

2017-09-01

Adaptive phase field modeling is used in order to model the formation mechanism of a silicon faceted interface in three dimensions. We investigate the faceting condition for equilibrium shapes and dynamic situations. In this study, we propose a new anisotropic function of surface energy for the phase-field simulations in three-dimension, and negative stiffness is further considered. The morphological evolutions are presented and compare well with experimental findings. The growth mechanism is further discussed.

Comparison of two case-based learning conditions with real patients in teaching occupational medicine.

PubMed

Braeckman, Lutgart; 't Kint, Lode; Bekaert, Micheline; Cobbaut, Luc; Janssens, Heidi

2014-04-01

To investigate the impact of three different training formats in occupational medicine (OM) on perceptions and performance of undergraduate students. A comparative study which included all fourth-year medical students was conducted over a three-year period. The year group in 2010 (211 students) received paper case studies followed by one small group session. The format used in 2011 actively engaged 188 students in the learning process by adding collaborative work and group discussions to the written information. In 2012, the approach comprised no longer constructed text cases but 212 students encountered real patients. Students' perceptions were obtained by questionnaire. Their learning performance was assessed through review of written reports and score on oral presentations. Statistical differences in ratings were analyzed using Fisher's exact and Kruskal-Wallis tests. All three formats were found to equally achieve the stated learning objectives. The year groups with incorporation of active learning strategies and patient contacts had significant better test performance compared to those receiving only written case studies. Real patient students gave statistically significant higher rates for relevance, authenticity and appropriate difficulty level of the training than did students who discussed written case studies. Both approaches with augmented interaction in 2011 and 2012, improved performance and satisfaction among students. However, students valued the use of real patients higher than paper-form cases.

A Study of Soil and Duricrust Models for Mars

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bishop, J. L.

2001-03-01

Analysis of soil and duricrust formation mechanisms on Mars. Soil analog mixtures have been prepared, characterized and tested through wet/dry cycling experiments; results are compared with Mars Pathfinder soil data (spectral, chemical and magnetic).

A Study of the NASS-CDS System for Injury/Fatality Rates of Occupants in Various Restraints and A Discussion of Alternative Presentation Methods

PubMed Central

Stucki, Sheldon Lee; Biss, David J.

2000-01-01

An analysis was performed using the National Automotive Sampling System Crashworthiness Data System (NASS-CDS) database to compare the injury/fatality rates of variously restrained driver occupants as compared to unrestrained driver occupants in the total database of drivers/frontals, and also by Delta-V. A structured search of the NASS-CDS was done using the SAS® statistical analysis software to extract the data for this analysis and the SUDAAN software package was used to arrive at statistical significance indicators. In addition, this paper goes on to investigate different methods for presenting results of accident database searches including significance results; a risk versus Delta-V format for specific exposures; and, a percent cumulative injury versus Delta-V format to characterize injury trends. These alternative analysis presentation methods are then discussed by example using the present study results. PMID:11558105

Infrared and density functional theory studies of isoprene-water complexes in noble gas matrices

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ito, Fumiyuki

2017-11-01

The interaction of 2-methyl-1,3-butadiene (isoprene) with a H2O molecule in low-temperature noble gas matrices (Ar or Kr) was investigated using infrared absorption spectroscopy. Vibrational peaks arising from 1:1 isoprene-H2O adducts were assigned and compared with the results of quantum chemical calculations. The comparison led to the conclusion that the H2O molecule in the complex preferentially H-bonds to one of the two unsaturated Cdbnd C bonds, and that the binding energy of the complex is comparable to that of the C6H6-H2O complex. The present study suggests that the change in the charge distribution of isoprene due to the formation of a complex with H2O may lead to alteration of the reactivity with respect to the insertion of OH radicals, thereby influencing the formation of aerosols in the atmosphere.

Healing of osteotomy sites applying either piezosurgery or two conventional saw blades: a pilot study in rabbits.

PubMed

Ma, Li; Stübinger, Stefan; Liu, Xi Ling; Schneider, Urs A; Lang, Niklaus P

2013-08-01

The purpose of this study was to compare bone healing of experimental osteotomies applying either piezosurgery or two different oscillating saw blades in a rabbit model. The 16 rabbits were randomly assigned into four groups to comply with observation periods of one, two, three and five weeks. In all animals, four osteotomy lines were performed on the left and right nasal bone using a conventional saw blade, a novel saw blade and piezosurgery. All three osteotomy techniques revealed an advanced gap healing starting after one week. The most pronounced new bone formation took place between two and three weeks, whereby piezoelectric surgery revealed a tendency to faster bone formation and remodelling. Yet, there were no significant differences between the three modalities. The use of a novel as well as the piezoelectric bone-cutting instrument revealed advanced bone healing with a favourable surgical performance compared to a traditional saw.

Novel Augmentation Technique for Patellar Tendon Repair Improves Strength and Decreases Gap Formation: A Cadaveric Study.

PubMed

Black, James C; Ricci, William M; Gardner, Michael J; McAndrew, Christopher M; Agarwalla, Avinesh; Wojahn, Robert D; Abar, Orchid; Tang, Simon Y

2016-12-01

Patellar tendon ruptures commonly are repaired using transosseous patellar drill tunnels with modified-Krackow sutures in the patellar tendon. This simple suture technique has been associated with failure rates and poor clinical outcomes in a modest proportion of patients. Failure of this repair technique can result from gap formation during loading or a single catastrophic event. Several augmentation techniques have been described to improve the integrity of the repair, but standardized biomechanical evaluation of repair strength among different techniques is lacking. The purpose of this study was to describe a novel figure-of-eight suture technique to augment traditional fixation and evaluate its biomechanical performance. We hypothesized that the augmentation technique would (1) reduce gap formation during cyclic loading and (2) increase the maximum load to failure. Ten pairs (two male, eight female) of fresh-frozen cadaveric knees free of overt disorders or patellar tendon damage were used (average donor age, 76 years; range, 65-87 years). For each pair, one specimen underwent the standard transosseous tunnel suture repair with a modified-Krackow suture technique and the second underwent the standard repair with our experimental augmentation method. Nine pairs were suitable for testing. Each specimen underwent cyclic loading while continuously measuring gap formation across the repair. At the completion of cyclic loading, load to failure testing was performed. A difference in gap formation and mean load to failure was seen in favor of the augmentation technique. At 250 cycles, a 68% increase in gap formation was seen for the control group (control: 5.96 ± 0.86 mm [95% CI, 5.30-6.62 mm]; augmentation: 3.55 ± 0.56 mm [95% CI, 3.12-3.98 mm]; p = 0.02). The mean load to failure was 13% greater in the augmentation group (control: 899.57 ± 96.94 N [95% CI, 825.06-974.09 N]; augmentation: 1030.70 ± 122.41 N [95% CI, 936.61-1124.79 N]; p = 0.01). This biomechanical study showed improved performance of a novel augmentation technique compared with the standard repair, in terms of reduced gap formation during cyclic loading and increased maximum load to failure. Decreased gap formation and higher load to failure may improve healing potential and minimize failure risk. This study shows a potential biomechanical advantage of the augmentation technique, providing support for future clinical investigations comparing this technique with other repair methods that are in common use such as transosseous suture repair.

Comparing the Rigor of Compressed Format Courses to Their Regular Semester Counterparts

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Lutes, Lyndell; Davies, Randall

2013-01-01

This study compared workloads of undergraduate courses taught in 16-week and 8-week sessions. A statistically significant difference in workload was found between the two. Based on survey data from approximately 29,000 students, on average students spent about 17 minutes more per credit per week on 16-week courses than on similar 8-week courses.…

Does platelet-rich plasma have a favorable effect in the early stages of steroid-associated femoral head osteonecrosis in a rabbit model?

PubMed

Karakaplan, Mustafa; Gülabi, Deniz; Topgül, Haldun; Elmalı, Nurzat

2017-08-01

This study aims to investigate the effect of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) on femoral head osteonecrosis and compare it with bone marrow injection and core decompression. A total of 30 healthy, adult, male New Zealand white rabbits (mean weight 2.25±0.15 kg; range 2.0 to 2.5 kg) were used in the study. To create experimental osteonecrosis in all rabbits, 40 mg/kg methylprednisolone acetate was applied intramuscularly. Rabbits were randomly allocated into three groups with 10 rabbits in each: drilling group, PRP group, and bone marrow group. The non-drilled hips of the drilling group were identified as the control group. Rate of necrotic bone was lower in the PRP group compared to other groups. Highest rate of necrotic bone was detected in the control group. New bone formation rate was higher in the PRP group compared to other groups. Lowest new bone formation rate was determined in the control group. Inflammatory reaction rate was higher in the PRP group compared to other groups. Platelet-rich plasma injection may play a positive role in the treatment of steroid-associated osteonecrosis in a rabbit model.

Comparing Students With and Without Reading Difficulties on Reading Comprehension Assessments: A Meta-Analysis.

PubMed

Collins, Alyson A; Lindström, Esther R; Compton, Donald L

Researchers have increasingly investigated sources of variance in reading comprehension test scores, particularly with students with reading difficulties (RD). The purpose of this meta-analysis was to determine if the achievement gap between students with RD and typically developing (TD) students varies as a function of different reading comprehension response formats (e.g., multiple choice, cloze). A systematic literature review identified 82 eligible studies. All studies administered reading comprehension assessments to students with RD and TD students in Grades K-12. Hedge's g standardized mean difference effect sizes were calculated, and random effects robust variance estimation techniques were used to aggregate average weighted effect sizes for each response format. Results indicated that the achievement gap between students with RD and TD students was larger for some response formats (e.g., picture selection ES g = -1.80) than others (e.g., retell ES g = -0.60). Moreover, for multiple-choice, cloze, and open-ended question response formats, single-predictor metaregression models explored potential moderators of heterogeneity in effect sizes. No clear patterns, however, emerged in regard to moderators of heterogeneity in effect sizes across response formats. Findings suggest that the use of different response formats may lead to variability in the achievement gap between students with RD and TD students.

Contribution of the Antibiotic Chloramphenicol and Its Analogues as Precursors of Dichloroacetamide and Other Disinfection Byproducts in Drinking Water.

PubMed

Chu, Wenhai; Krasner, Stuart W; Gao, Naiyun; Templeton, Michael R; Yin, Daqiang

2016-01-05

Dichloroacetamide (DCAcAm), a disinfection byproduct, has been detected in drinking water. Previous research showed that amino acids may be DCAcAm precursors. However, other precursors may be present. This study explored the contribution of the antibiotic chloramphenicol (CAP) and two of its analogues (thiamphenicol, TAP; florfenicol, FF) (referred to collectively as CAPs), which occur in wastewater-impacted source waters, to the formation of DCAcAm. Their formation yields were compared to free and combined amino acids, and they were investigated in filtered waters from drinking-water-treatment plants, heavily wastewater-impacted natural waters, and secondary effluents from wastewater treatment plants. CAPs had greater DCAcAm formation potential than two representative amino acid precursors. However, in drinking waters with ng/L levels of CAPs, they will not contribute as much to DCAcAm formation as the μg/L levels of amino acids. Also, the effect of advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) on DCAcAm formation from CAPs in real water samples during subsequent chlorination was evaluated. Preoxidation of CAPs with AOPs reduced the formation of DCAcAm during postchlorination. The results of this study suggest that CAPs should be considered as possible precursors of DCAcAm, especially in heavily wastewater-impacted waters.

More effective nutrition label formats are not necessarily preferred.

PubMed

Levy, A S; Fein, S B; Schucker, R E

1992-10-01

An experimental design was used to compare performance and preference for five nutrition label formats. Four performance measures--accuracy and false-positives in identifying nutrient differences, time required, and correctness in judging which product was more nutritious--were derived from a product-comparison task. A sample of 1,460 food shoppers over 18 years old was recruited by a shopping mall-intercept method. Results of the study demonstrated that preferences and performance do not necessarily agree. The Control format, which had no nutrition profile information, performed the best but was liked the least. The Adjectival format, which provided nutrition profile information in the form of descriptive adjectives, was the most preferred. Results also showed that listing Daily Reference Values or nutrition profile aids increased preference but either did not affect performance or decreased it, depending on the specific aid and performance measure. Formats that some subjects liked for having adequate information others disliked for being hard to use. Formats that some subjects liked for being easy to use others disliked for having inadequate information. Age, education, and race were related to all of the performance measures except judgment of relative nutrition. Only gender was related to preference. Results of the study are useful as guidance for the development of consumer education materials.

Topical bisphosphonate augments fixation of bone-grafted hydroxyapatite coated implants, BMP-2 causes resorption-based decrease in bone.

PubMed

Baas, Jorgen; Vestermark, Marianne; Jensen, Thomas; Bechtold, Joan; Soballe, Kjeld; Jakobsen, Thomas

2017-04-01

Bone allograft is used in total joint arthroplasties in order to enhance implant fixation. BMPs are known to stimulate new bone formation within allograft, but also known to accelerate graft resorption. Bisphosphonates are strong inhibitor of bone resorption. The aim of this study was to investigate whether the bisphosphonate zoledronate was able to counteract the accelerated graft resorption without interfering with the BMP induced bone formation. In the present study the two drugs alone and in combination were studied in our canine model of impaction bone grafting. We included 10 dogs in this study. Cancellous allograft bone grafts were soaked in either saline or zoledronate solution (0.005mg/mL) and then vehicle or BMP2 (0.15mg rhBMP2) was added. This produced four treatment groups: A) control, B) BMP2, C) zoledronate and D) BMP2+zoledronate. The allograft treated with A, B, C or D was impacted into a circumferential defect of 2.5mm around HA-coated porous Ti implants. Each dog received all four treatment groups with two implants in the distal part of each femur. The group with allograft soaked in zoledronate (C) showed better biomechanical fixation than all other groups (p<0.05). It had less allograft resorption compared to all other groups (p<0.005) without any statistically significant change in new bone formation. The addition of BMP2 to the allograft did not increase new bone formation significantly, but did accelerate allograft resorption. This was also the case where the allograft was treated with BMP2 and zoledronate in combination (D). This caused a decrease in mechanical implant fixation in both these groups compared to the control group, however only statistically significant for the BMP2 group compared to control. The study shows that topical zoledronate can be a valuable tool for augmenting bone grafts when administered optimally. The use of BMP2 in bone grafting procedures seems associated with a high risk of bone resorption and mechanical weakening. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Topical Bisphosphonate Augments Fixation of Bone-grafted Hydroxyapatite coated Implants, BMP-2 causes Resorption-based decrease in Bone

PubMed Central

Baas, Jorgen; Vestermark, Marianne; Jensen, Thomas; Bechtold, Joan; Soballe, Kjeld; Jakobsen, Thomas

2017-01-01

Bone allograft is used in total joint artroplasties in order to enhance implant fixation. BMPs are known to stimulate new bone formation within allograft, but also known to accelerate graft resorption. Bisphosphonates are strong inhibitor of bone resorption. The aim of this study was to investigate whether the bisphosphonate zoledronate was able to counteract the accelerated graft resorption without interfering with the BMP induced bone formation. In the present study the two drugs alone and in combination were studied in our canine model of impaction bone grafting. We included 10 dogs in this study. Cancellous allograft bone grafts were soaked in either saline or zoledronate solution (0.005 mg/mL) and then vehicle or BMP2 (0.15 mg rhBMP2) was added. This produced four treatment groups: A) control B) BMP2 C) zoledronate and D) BMP2+ zoledronate. The allograft treated with A,B,C or D was impacted into a circumferential defect of 2.5 mm around HA-coated porous Ti implants. Each dog received all four treatment groups with two implants in the distal part of each femur. The group with allograft soaked in zoledronate (C) showed better biomechanical fixation than all other groups (p<0.05). It had less allograft resorption compared to all other groups (p<0.005) without any statistically significant change in new bone formation. The addition of BMP2 to the allograft did not increase new bone formation significantly, but did accelerate allograft resorption. This was also the case where the allograft was treated with BMP2 and zoledronate in combination (D). This caused a decrease in mechanical implant fixation in both these groups compared to the control group, however only statistically significant for the BMP2 group compared to control. The study shows that topical zoledronate can be a valuable tool for augmenting bone grafts when administered optimally. The use of BMP2 in bone grafting procedures seems associated with a high risk of bone resorption and mechanical weakening. PMID:28082076

Self-organization of granular media in airborne ultrasonic fields

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bobrovskaya, A. I.; Stepanenko, D. A.; Minchenya, V. T.

2012-05-01

The article presents results of experimental and theoretical studies of behaviour of granular media (powder materials) in airborne ultrasonic field created by flexurally-vibrating ring-shaped waveguide with resonant frequency in the range 20-40 kHz. Experiments show that action of acoustic radiation forces results in formation of ordered structures in the form of ultrathin walls (monolayers) with number corresponding to the number of ring nodal points. Action of secondary radiation forces (König forces) results in formation of collateral (secondary) walls situated nearby primary walls. Experimental observations are compared with results of modelling of acoustic radiation force field inside the ring by means of COMSOL Multiphysics and MathCad software. Results of the studies can be used in development of devices for ultrasonic separation and concentration of particles as well as for formation of ordered monolayers from spherical particles.

Human plasma enhances the expression of Staphylococcal microbial surface components recognizing adhesive matrix molecules promoting biofilm formation and increases antimicrobial tolerance In Vitro.

PubMed

Cardile, Anthony P; Sanchez, Carlos J; Samberg, Meghan E; Romano, Desiree R; Hardy, Sharanda K; Wenke, Joseph C; Murray, Clinton K; Akers, Kevin S

2014-07-17

Microbial biofilms have been associated with the development of chronic human infections and represent a clinical challenge given their increased antimicrobial tolerance. Staphylococcus aureus is a major human pathogen causing a diverse range of diseases, of which biofilms are often involved. Staphylococcal attachment and the formation of biofilms have been shown to be facilitated by host factors that accumulate on surfaces. To better understand how host factors enhance staphylococcal biofilm formation, we evaluated the effect of whole human plasma on biofilm formation in clinical isolates of S. aureus and the expression of seven microbial surface components recognizing adhesive matrix molecules (MSCRAMMs) known to be involved in biofilm formation by quantitative real-time PCR. We also evaluated whether plasma augmented changes in S. aureus biofilm morphology and antimicrobial resistance. Exposure of clinical isolates of S. aureus to human plasma (10%) within media, and to a lesser extent when coated onto plates, significantly enhanced biofilm formation in all of the clinical isolates tested. Compared to biofilms grown under non-supplemented conditions, plasma-augmented biofilms displayed significant changes in both the biofilm phenotype and cell morphology as determined by confocal scanning laser microscopy (CLSM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), respectively. Exposure of bacteria to plasma resulted in a significant fold-increase in MSCRAMM expression in both a time and isolate-dependent manner. Additionally, plasma-augmented biofilms displayed an increased tolerance to vancomycin compared to biofilms grown in non-supplemented media. Collectively, these studies support previous findings demonstrating a role for host factors in biofilm formation and provide further insight into how plasma, a preferred growth medium for staphylococcal biofilm formation enhances as well as augments other intrinsic properties of S. aureus biofilms. Consequently, these findings indicate that incorporation of host factors may be necessary to better replicate in vivo conditions and for the best utility of a clinical biofilm assay to evaluate the process of biofilm formation and treatments.

Comparison of Composition and Anticaries Effect of Galla Chinensis Extracts with Different Isolation Methods

PubMed Central

Huang, Xuelian; Deng, Meng; Liu, Mingdong; Cheng, Lei; Exterkate, R.A.M.; Li, Jiyao; Zhou, Xuedong; Ten Cate, Jacob. M.

2017-01-01

Objectives: Galla chinensis water extract (GCE) has been demonstrated to inhibit dental caries by favorably shifting the demineralization/remineralization balance of enamel and inhibiting the biomass and acid formation of dental biofilm. The present study focused on the comparison of composition and anticaries effect of Galla chinensis extracts with different isolation methods, aiming to improve the efficacy of caries prevention. Methods: The composition of water extract (GCE), ethanol extract (eGCE) and commercial tannic acid was compared. High performance liquid chromatography coupled to electrospray ionization-time of flight-mass spectrometry (HPLC-ESI-TOF-MS) analysis was used to analyze the main ingredients. In vitro pH-cycling regime and polymicrobial biofilms model were used to assess the ability of different Galla chinensis extracts to inhibit enamel demineralization, acid formation and biofilm formation. Results: All the GCE, eGCE and tannic acid contained a high level of total phenolics. HPLC-ESI-TOF-MS analysis showed that the main ingredients of GCE were gallic acid (GA), while eGCE mainly contained 4-7 galloylglucopyranoses (GGs) and tannic acid mainly contained 5-10 GGs. Furthermore, eGCE and tannic acid showed a better effect on inhibiting enamel demineralization, acid formation and biofilm formation compared to GCE. Conclusions: Galla chinensis extracts with higher tannin content were suggested to have higher potential to prevent dental caries. PMID:28979574

Enhanced formation of aerenchyma and induction of a barrier to radial oxygen loss in adventitious roots of Zea nicaraguensis contribute to its waterlogging tolerance as compared with maize (Zea mays ssp. mays).

PubMed

Abiko, Tomomi; Kotula, Lukasz; Shiono, Katsuhiro; Malik, Al Imran; Colmer, Timothy David; Nakazono, Mikio

2012-09-01

Enhancement of oxygen transport from shoot to root tip by the formation of aerenchyma and also a barrier to radial oxygen loss (ROL) in roots is common in waterlogging-tolerant plants. Zea nicaraguensis (teosinte), a wild relative of maize (Zea mays ssp. mays), grows in waterlogged soils. We investigated the formation of aerenchyma and ROL barrier induction in roots of Z. nicaraguensis, in comparison with roots of maize (inbred line Mi29), in a pot soil system and in hydroponics. Furthermore, depositions of suberin in the exodermis/hypodermis and lignin in the epidermis of adventitious roots of Z. nicaraguensis and maize grown in aerated or stagnant deoxygenated nutrient solution were studied. Growth of maize was more adversely affected by low oxygen in the root zone (waterlogged soil or stagnant deoxygenated nutrient solution) compared with Z. nicaraguensis. In stagnant deoxygenated solution, Z. nicaraguensis was superior to maize in transporting oxygen from shoot base to root tip due to formation of larger aerenchyma and a stronger barrier to ROL in adventitious roots. The relationships between the ROL barrier formation and suberin and lignin depositions in roots are discussed. The ROL barrier, in addition to aerenchyma, would contribute to the waterlogging tolerance of Z. nicaraguensis. © 2012 Blackwell Publishing Ltd.

Cellular metabolic responses of the marine diatom Pseudo-nitzschia multiseries associated with cell wall formation.

PubMed

Xu, Bin; Luo, Chun-Shan; Liang, Jun-Rong; Chen, Dan-Dan; Zhuo, Wen-Hao; Gao, Ya-Hui; Chen, Chang-Ping; Song, Si-Si

2014-08-01

In this study a comparative proteomics approach involving a mass spectrometric analysis of synchronized cells was employed to investigate the cellular-level metabolic mechanisms associated with siliceous cell wall formation in the pennate diatom Pseudo-nitzschia multiseries. Cultures of P. multiseries were synchronized using the silicate limitation method. Approximately 75% of cells were arrested at the G2+M phase of the cell cycle after 48 h of silicate starvation. The majority of cells progressed to new valve synthesis within 5h of silicon replenishment. We compared the proteome of P. multiseries at 0, 4, 5, and 6h of synchronization progress upon silicon replenishment using two-dimensional gel electrophoresis. Forty-eight differentially expressed protein spots were identified in abundance (greater than two-fold change; P<0.005), some of which are predicted to be involved in intracellular trafficking, cytoskeleton, photosynthesis, lipid metabolism, and protein biosynthesis. Cytoskeleton proteins and clathrin coat components were also hypothesized to play potential roles in cell wall formation. The proteomic profile analysis suggests that P. multiseries most likely employs multiple synergistic biochemical mechanisms for cell wall formation. These results improve our understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying silicon cell wall formation and enhance our understanding of the important role played by diatoms in silicon biogeochemical cycling. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Preferences and Experiences of Traditional and Nontraditional University Students

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Woods, Kathryn; Frogge, George

2017-01-01

This study compared and contrasted preferences and experiences of traditional and nontraditional students. Students at a midsized state university in the southeast region of the United States were surveyed to determine the number of hours spent working off campus, hours spent studying, their preferred learning format, and current grade point…

Representational Task Formats and Problem Solving Strategies in Kinematics and Work

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ibrahim, Bashirah; Rebello, N. Sanjay

2012-01-01

Previous studies have reported that students employed different problem solving approaches when presented with the same task structured with different representations. In this study, we explored and compared students' strategies as they attempted tasks from two topical areas, kinematics and work. Our participants were 19 engineering students…

Portfolios in Context: A Comparative Study in Two Preservice Teacher Education Programs

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Fiedler, Rebecca L.; Mullen, Laurie; Finnegan, Margaret

2009-01-01

Portfolio authoring tools within teacher preparation institutions have changed dramatically as portfolios have moved from paper to electronic formats and now to the Web. This study used Engestrom's Cultural-Historical Activity Theory (1987) to examine how portfolio tools, along with external influences and institutional contexts, mediate the…

Multi-Fluid Simulations of Field Reversed Configuration Formation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sousa, Eder; Martin, Robert

2017-10-01

The use of field reversed configuration (FRC) have been studied extensively for fusion application but here we investigate them for propulsion purposes. FRCs have the potential to produce highly variable thrust and specific impulse using different gases as propellant. Aspects of the FRC formation physics, using a rotating magnetic field (RMF) at low power, are simulated using a multi-fluid plasma model. Results are compared with experimental observations with emphasis in the development of instabilities and robustness of the field reversal. The use of collisional radiative models are used to help compare experiment versus simulation results. Distribution A: Approved for public release; distribution unlimited; Clearance No. 17445. This work is supported by the Air Force Office of Scientific Research Grant Number 17RQCOR465.

Comparing ICD9-encoded diagnoses and NLP-processed discharge summaries for clinical trials pre-screening: a case study.

PubMed

Li, Li; Chase, Herbert S; Patel, Chintan O; Friedman, Carol; Weng, Chunhua

2008-11-06

The prevalence of electronic medical record (EMR) systems has made mass-screening for clinical trials viable through secondary uses of clinical data, which often exist in both structured and free text formats. The tradeoffs of using information in either data format for clinical trials screening are understudied. This paper compares the results of clinical trial eligibility queries over ICD9-encoded diagnoses and NLP-processed textual discharge summaries. The strengths and weaknesses of both data sources are summarized along the following dimensions: information completeness, expressiveness, code granularity, and accuracy of temporal information. We conclude that NLP-processed patient reports supplement important information for eligibility screening and should be used in combination with structured data.

Effects of local vibration and pulsed electromagnetic field on bone fracture: A comparative study.

PubMed

Bilgin, Hakkı Murat; Çelik, Ferhat; Gem, Mehmet; Akpolat, Veysi; Yıldız, İsmail; Ekinci, Aysun; Özerdem, Mehmet Siraç; Tunik, Selçuk

2017-07-01

The effectiveness of various therapeutic methods on bone fracture has been demonstrated in several studies. In the present study, we tried to evaluate the effect of local low-magnitude, high-frequency vibration (LMHFV) on rat tibia fracture in comparison with pulsed electromagnetic fields (PEMF) during the healing process. Mid-diaphysis tibiae fractures were induced in 30 Sprague-Dawley rats. The rats were assigned into groups such as control (CONT), LMHFV (15 min/day, 7 days/week), and PEMF (3.5 h/day, 7 days/week) for a three-week treatment. Nothing was applied to control group. Radiographs, serum osteocalcin levels, and stereological bone analyses of the three groups were compared. The X-rays of tibiae were taken 21 days after the end of the healing process. PEMF and LMHFV groups had more callus formation when compared to CONT group; however, the difference was not statistically significant (P = 0.375). Serum osteocalcin levels were elevated in the experimental groups compared to CONT (P ≤ 0.001). Stereological tests also showed higher osteogenic results in experimental groups, especially in LMHFV group. The results of the present study suggest that application of direct local LMHFV on fracture has promoted bone formation, showing great potential in improving fracture outcome. Bioelectromagnetics. 38:339-348, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Lipopeptide biosurfactant viscosin enhances dispersal of Pseudomonas fluorescens SBW25 biofilms

PubMed Central

Bygvraa Svenningsen, Nanna; Rybtke, Morten; de Bruijn, Irene; Raaijmakers, Jos M.; Tolker-Nielsen, Tim; Nybroe, Ole

2015-01-01

Pseudomonads produce several lipopeptide biosurfactants that have antimicrobial properties but that also facilitate surface motility and influence biofilm formation. Detailed studies addressing the significance of lipopeptides for biofilm formation and architecture are rare. Hence, the present study sets out to determine the specific role of the lipopeptide viscosin in Pseudomonas fluorescens SBW25 biofilm formation, architecture and dispersal, and to relate viscA gene expression to viscosin production and effect. Initially, we compared biofilm formation of SBW25 and the viscosin-deficient mutant strain SBW25ΔviscA in static microtitre assays. These experiments demonstrated that viscosin had little influence on the amount of biofilm formed by SBW25 during the early stages of biofilm development. Later, however, SBW25 formed significantly less biofilm than SBW25ΔviscA. The indication that viscosin is involved in biofilm dispersal was confirmed by chemical complementation of the mutant biofilm. Furthermore, a fluorescent bioreporter showed that viscA expression was induced in biofilms 4 h prior to dispersal. Subsequent detailed studies of biofilms formed in flow cells for up to 5 days revealed that SBW25 and SBW25ΔviscA developed comparable biofilms dominated by well-defined, mushroom-shaped structures. Carbon starvation was required to obtain biofilm dispersal in this system. Dispersal of SBW25 biofilms was significantly greater than of SBW25ΔviscA biofilms after 3 h and, importantly, carbon starvation strongly induced viscA expression, in particular for cells that were apparently leaving the biofilm. Thus, the present study points to a role for viscosin-facilitated motility in dispersal of SBW25 biofilms. PMID:26419730

In vivo study of magnesium plate and screw degradation and bone fracture healing.

PubMed

Chaya, Amy; Yoshizawa, Sayuri; Verdelis, Kostas; Myers, Nicole; Costello, Bernard J; Chou, Da-Tren; Pal, Siladitya; Maiti, Spandan; Kumta, Prashant N; Sfeir, Charles

2015-05-01

Each year, millions of Americans suffer bone fractures, often requiring internal fixation. Current devices, like plates and screws, are made with permanent metals or resorbable polymers. Permanent metals provide strength and biocompatibility, but cause long-term complications and may require removal. Resorbable polymers reduce long-term complications, but are unsuitable for many load-bearing applications. To mitigate complications, degradable magnesium (Mg) alloys are being developed for craniofacial and orthopedic applications. Their combination of strength and degradation make them ideal for bone fixation. Previously, we conducted a pilot study comparing Mg and titanium devices with a rabbit ulna fracture model. We observed Mg device degradation, with uninhibited healing. Interestingly, we observed bone formation around degrading Mg, but not titanium, devices. These results highlighted the potential for these fixation devices. To better assess their efficacy, we conducted a more thorough study assessing 99.9% Mg devices in a similar rabbit ulna fracture model. Device degradation, fracture healing, and bone formation were evaluated using microcomputed tomography, histology and biomechanical tests. We observed device degradation throughout, and calculated a corrosion rate of 0.40±0.04mm/year after 8 weeks. In addition, we observed fracture healing by 8 weeks, and maturation after 16 weeks. In accordance with our pilot study, we observed bone formation surrounding Mg devices, with complete overgrowth by 16 weeks. Bend tests revealed no difference in flexural load of healed ulnae with Mg devices compared to intact ulnae. These data suggest that Mg devices provide stabilization to facilitate healing, while degrading and stimulating new bone formation. Copyright © 2015 Acta Materialia Inc. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Lipopeptide biosurfactant viscosin enhances dispersal of Pseudomonas fluorescens SBW25 biofilms.

PubMed

Bonnichsen, Lise; Bygvraa Svenningsen, Nanna; Rybtke, Morten; de Bruijn, Irene; Raaijmakers, Jos M; Tolker-Nielsen, Tim; Nybroe, Ole

2015-12-01

Pseudomonads produce several lipopeptide biosurfactants that have antimicrobial properties but that also facilitate surface motility and influence biofilm formation. Detailed studies addressing the significance of lipopeptides for biofilm formation and architecture are rare. Hence, the present study sets out to determine the specific role of the lipopeptide viscosin in Pseudomonas fluorescens SBW25 biofilm formation, architecture and dispersal, and to relate viscA gene expression to viscosin production and effect. Initially, we compared biofilm formation of SBW25 and the viscosin-deficient mutant strain SBW25ΔviscA in static microtitre assays. These experiments demonstrated that viscosin had little influence on the amount of biofilm formed by SBW25 during the early stages of biofilm development. Later, however, SBW25 formed significantly less biofilm than SBW25ΔviscA. The indication that viscosin is involved in biofilm dispersal was confirmed by chemical complementation of the mutant biofilm. Furthermore, a fluorescent bioreporter showed that viscA expression was induced in biofilms 4 h prior to dispersal. Subsequent detailed studies of biofilms formed in flow cells for up to 5 days revealed that SBW25 and SBW25ΔviscA developed comparable biofilms dominated by well-defined, mushroom-shaped structures. Carbon starvation was required to obtain biofilm dispersal in this system. Dispersal of SBW25 biofilms was significantly greater than of SBW25ΔviscA biofilms after 3 h and, importantly, carbon starvation strongly induced viscA expression, in particular for cells that were apparently leaving the biofilm. Thus, the present study points to a role for viscosin-facilitated motility in dispersal of SBW25 biofilms.

The Nature of Elementary Science Teachers' Experiences with Synchronous Online, Asynchronous Online and Face-to-Face Coaching

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gilbert, Amanda M.

This study investigated the nature of instructional coaching interactions in three formats: online synchronous, online asynchronous, and face-to-face. Knight's (2007) Seven Partnership Principles of Instructional Coaching were used as a framework to analyze and compare the coaching interactions between coach and teacher to determine whether online coaching may be a viable option to provide support for the teachers unprepared to teach the new science standards. Some previous research has suggested that online communication can result in deeper personal interactions (Walther, 1996), while other studies suggest that interactions are more natural and easier in formats that are more similar to face-to-face interactions (Kock, 2005). The findings of this study support the media naturalness theory (Kock, 2005) and suggest that collaboration may be especially difficult in asynchronous online communication. Although differences were noted in the actual interactions, teacher perception remained fairly consistently positive across the three formats. Research beyond this exploratory study is needed to make findings generalizable.

Effect of Pineapple Leaf Fibers (PALF) concentration on nanofibers formation by electrospinning

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Surip, S. N.; Aziz, F. M. Abdul; Bonnia, N. N.; Sekak, K. A.

2018-01-01

Electrospinning method has been studied widely in producing nanofibers due to its straightforward and versatile method. In this study, Pineapple Leaf Fibers (PALF) solution were electrospinning to obtain mat of PALF electrospun. PALF were diluted in Trifluoacetic Acid (TFA) into five different concentrations to study the effect of concentration to the nanofibers formation. Raw sample of PALF (PALFraw), PALF after dewax (PALFdewax) and PALF after dilute with TFA (PALFTFA) were analyzed and compared using FTIR to study the structural change occur. TFA solvent has removed and recreated some of the functional group in PALF thus disrupt strong hydrogen bonds that hold hemicellulose, cellulose and lignin together. All the PALF sample has been proceed to electrospinning process. Low concentration of solution cause the solution jet to break up even before reach the collector however high concentration of solution made the solvent volatile faster and the solution dried easily. Therefore, PALF with optimum concentration of 0.02 gml-1 had favors the formation of nanofibers and succeed in forming membrane at the collector.

Local probing of ionic diffusion by electrochemical strain microscopy: Spatial resolution and signal formation mechanisms

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Morozovska, A. N.; Eliseev, E. A.; Balke, N.; Kalinin, S. V.

2010-09-01

Electrochemical insertion-deintercalation reactions are typically associated with significant change in molar volume of the host compound. This strong coupling between ionic currents and strains underpins image formation mechanisms in electrochemical strain microscopy (ESM), and allows exploring the tip-induced electrochemical processes locally. Here we analyze the signal formation mechanism in ESM, and develop the analytical description of operation in frequency and time domains. The ESM spectroscopic modes are compared to classical electrochemical methods including potentiostatic and galvanostatic intermittent titration, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. This analysis illustrates the feasibility of spatially resolved studies of Li-ion dynamics on the sub-10-nm level using electromechanical detection.

Phase selection during crystallization of undercooled liquid eutectic lead-tin alloys

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Fecht, H. J.

1991-01-01

During rapid solidification substantial amounts of undercooling are in general required for formation of metastable phases. Crystallization at varying levels of undercooling and melting of metastable phases were studied during slow cooling and heating of emulsified PB-Sn alloys. Besides the experimental demonstration of the reversibility of metastable phase equilibra, two different principal solidification paths have been identified and compared with the established metastable phase diagram and predictions from classical nucleation theory. The results suggest that the most probable solidification path is described by the 'step rule' resulting in the formation of metastable phases at low undercooling, whereas the stable eutectic phase mixture crystallizes without metastable phase formation at high undercooling.

Ir catalysts: Preventing CH3COOH formation in ethanol oxidation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Miao, Bei; Wu, Zhipeng; Xu, Han; Zhang, Minhua; Chen, Yifei; Wang, Lichang

2017-11-01

Current catalysts used for ethanol oxidation reaction (EOR) cannot effectively prevent CH3COOH formation, and thus become a major hindrance for direct ethanol fuel cell applications. We report an Ir catalyst that shows great promise for a complete EOR based on density functional theory calculations using PBE functional. The reaction barrier on Ir(1 0 0) was found to be 2.10 eV for CH3COOH formation, which is much higher than currently used Pd and Pt, and 0.57 eV for Csbnd C bond cleavage in CHCO species, which are comparable to Pd and Pt. The result suggests future directions for studying optimal complete EOR catalysts.

Proline Residues as Switches in Conformational Changes Leading to Amyloid Fibril Formation

PubMed Central

Taler-Verčič, Ajda; Hasanbašić, Samra; Berbić, Selma; Stoka, Veronika; Turk, Dušan; Žerovnik, Eva

2017-01-01

Here we discuss studies of the structure, folding, oligomerization and amyloid fibril formation of several proline mutants of human stefin B, which is a protein inhibitor of lysosomal cysteine cathepsins and a member of the cystatin family. The structurally important prolines in stefin B are responsible for the slow folding phases and facilitate domain swapping (Pro 74) and loop swapping (Pro 79). Moreover, our findings are compared to β2-microglobulin, a protein involved in dialysis-related amyloidosis. The assessment of the contribution of proline residues to the process of amyloid fibril formation may shed new light on the critical molecular events involved in conformational disorders. PMID:28272335

Feasibility and acceptability of a child sexual abuse prevention program for childcare professionals: comparison of a web-based and in-person training.

PubMed

Rheingold, Alyssa A; Zajac, Kristyn; Patton, Meghan

2012-01-01

Recent prevention research has established the efficacy of some child sexual abuse prevention programs targeting adults; however, less is known about the feasibility of implementing such programs. The current study examines the feasibility and acceptability of a child sexual abuse prevention program for child care professionals provided in two different formats: in person and Web based. The sample consisted of 188 child care professionals from a large-scale, multisite, randomized controlled trial. Findings indicate that both in-person and online training formats are feasible to implement and acceptable to professionals. When comparing formats, the in-person format was favored in terms of comfort level and likelihood of sharing information with others. These findings have significant implications for dissemination of child sexual abuse prevention programs for child care professionals.

LBGs properties from z˜3 to z˜6

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

de Barros, S.; Schaerer, D.; Stark, D. P.

2011-12-01

We analyse the spectral energy distribution (SED) of U, B, V and i-dropout samples from GOODS-MUSIC and we determine their physical properties, such as stellar age and mass, dust attenuation and star formation rate (SFR). Furthermore, we examine how the strength of Lyα emission can be constrained from broad-band SED fits instead of relying in spectroscopy. We use our SED fitting tool including the effects of nebular emission and we explore different star formation histories (SFHs). We find that SEDs are statistically better fitted with nebular emission and exponentially decreasing star formation. Considering this result, stellar mass and star formation rate (SFR) estimations modify the specific SFR (SFR/M_{⋆}) - redshift relation, in compared to previous studies. Finally, our inferred Lyα properties are in good agreement with the available spectroscopic observations.

Site-specificity of abnormal excision: the mechanism of formation of a specialized transducing bacteriophage lambda plac5.

PubMed Central

Shpakovski, G V; Berlin, Y A

1984-01-01

Molecular mechanism of the specialized transducing bacteriophage lambda plac5 formation has been studied. Phage-bacterial DNA junctions in lambda plac5 DNA are localized and primary structure of regions of the abnormal excisional recombination leading to the phage formation is elucidated; the crossover region proved to be comparable with the central part of attP and attB sites (the core and the adjacent tetranucleotide) in length and degree of homology. Bacterial insert in lambda plac5 DNA is shown to end immediately after Z-Y spacer, the DNA not containing lacY gene segments. The data obtained led to the conclusion of site-specific (homologous) character of abnormal excision upon formation of lambda transducing bacteriophages. Possible mechanisms of the excision are discussed. Images PMID:6091038

Star Formation Rates in Cooling Flow Clusters: A UV Pilot Study with Archival XMM-Newton Optical Monitor Data

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hicks, A. K.; Mushotzky, R.

2006-01-01

We have analyzed XMM-Newton Optical Monitor (OM) UV (180-400 nm) data for a sample of 33 galaxies. 30 are cluster member galaxies, and nine of these are central cluster galaxies (CCGs) in cooling flow clusters having mass deposition rates which span a range of 8 - 525 Solar Mass/yr. By comparing the ratio of UV to 2MASS J band fluxes, we find a significant UV excess in many, but not all, cooling flow CCGs, a finding consistent with the outcome of previous studies based on optical imaging data (McNamara & O'Connell 1989; Cardiel, Gorgas, & Aragon-Salamanca 1998; Crawford et al. 1999). This UV excess is a direct indication of the presence of young massive stars, and therefore recent star formation, in these galaxies. Using the Starburst99 spectral energy distribution (SED) model of continuous star formation over a 900 Myr period, we derive star formation rates of 0.2 - 219 solar Mass/yr for the cooling flow sample. For 2/3 of this sample it is possible to equate Chandra/XMM cooling flow mass deposition rates with UV inferred star formation rates, for a combination of starburst lifetime and IMF slope. This is a pilot study of the well populated XMM UV cluster archive and a more extensive follow up study is currently underway.

Biofilm Inhibition by Novel Natural Product- and Biocide-Containing Coatings Using High-Throughput Screening.

PubMed

Salta, Maria; Dennington, Simon P; Wharton, Julian A

2018-05-10

The use of natural products (NPs) as possible alternative biocidal compounds for use in antifouling coatings has been the focus of research over the past decades. Despite the importance of this field, the efficacy of a given NP against biofilm (mainly bacteria and diatoms) formation is tested with the NP being in solution, while almost no studies test the effect of an NP once incorporated into a coating system. The development of a novel bioassay to assess the activity of NP-containing and biocide-containing coatings against marine biofilm formation has been achieved using a high-throughput microplate reader and highly sensitive confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM), as well as nucleic acid staining. Juglone, an isolated NP that has previously shown efficacy against bacterial attachment, was incorporated into a simple coating matrix. Biofilm formation over 48 h was assessed and compared against coatings containing the NP and the commonly used booster biocide, cuprous oxide. Leaching of the NP from the coating was quantified at two time points, 24 h and 48 h, showing evidence of both juglone and cuprous oxide being released. Results from the microplate reader showed that the NP coatings exhibited antifouling efficacy, significantly inhibiting biofilm formation when compared to the control coatings, while NP coatings and the cuprous oxide coatings performed equally well. CLSM results and COMSTAT analysis on biofilm 3D morphology showed comparable results when the NP coatings were tested against the controls, with higher biofilm biovolume and maximum thickness being found on the controls. This new method proved to be repeatable and insightful and we believe it is applicable in antifouling and other numerous applications where interactions between biofilm formation and surfaces is of interest.

Poor Centrosomal Function of Cat Testicular Spermatozoa Impairs Embryo Development In Vitro after Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection1

PubMed Central

Comizzoli, Pierre; Wildt, David E.; Pukazhenthi, Budhan S.

2007-01-01

In the domestic cat, morula-blastocyst formation in vitro is compromised after intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) with testicular compared to ejaculated spermatozoa. The aim of this study was to determine the cellular basis of the lower developmental potential of testicular spermatozoa. Specifically, we examined the influence of sperm DNA fragmentation (evaluated by TUNEL assay) and centrosomal function (assessed by sperm aster formation after ICSI) on first-cleavage timing, developmental rate, and morula-blastocyst formation. Because the incidences of DNA fragmentation were not different between testicular and ejaculated sperm suspensions, DNA integrity was not the origin of the reduced developmental potential of testicular spermatozoa. After ICSI, proportions of fertilized and cleaved oocytes were similar and not influenced by sperm source. However, observations made at 5 h post-activation clearly demonstrated that 1) zygotes generally contained a large sperm aster after ICSI with ejaculated spermatozoa, a phenomenon never observed with testicular spermatozoa, and 2) proportions of zygotes with short or absent sperm asters were higher after ICSI with testicular spermatozoa than using ejaculated spermatozoa. The poor pattern of aster formation arose from the testicular sperm centrosome, which contributed to a delayed first cleavage, a slower developmental rate, and a reduced formation of morulae and blastocysts compared to ejaculated spermatozoa. When a testicular sperm centrosome was replaced by a centrosome from an ejaculated spermatozoon, kinetics of first cell cycle as well as embryo development quality significantly improved and were comparable to data from ejaculated spermatozoa. Results demonstrate for the first time in mammals that maturity of the cat sperm centrosome (likely via epididymal transit) contributes to an enhanced ability of the spermatozoon to produce embryos that develop normally to the morula and blastocyst stages. PMID:16687647

Fracture in Hydrogen-Implanted Germanium

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

Mazen, F.; Tauzin, A.; Sanchez, L.

2008-11-03

We have studied the mechanism of fracture in hydrogen-implanted Ge. First, the as-implanted Ge state and its evolution during subsequent annealing were characterized via TEM and FTIR-MIR spectroscopy. Results showed that the extended defects formation and growth follow the same basic mechanism in Ge as in Si, which is the reference material. Nevertheless, the global damage level in the implanted Ge layer is higher compared to Si. Second, the fracture step was studied via the fracture kinetics analysis, SIMS and AFM on the transferred layer. An activation energy comparable to the reported data from blistering studies was obtained. Just likemore » in Si, the Cmax of H in Ge measured via SIMS was found to decrease during the fracture anneal. This decrease is associated with the formation of gaseous H{sub 2} that pressurizes the internal cavities and then contributes to the fracture. Finally, a high roughness of the Ge transferred layer was measured, which results from the large thickness of the implantation damaged zone.« less

Xylem and phloem phenology in co-occurring conifers exposed to drought.

PubMed

Swidrak, Irene; Gruber, Andreas; Oberhuber, Walter

2014-01-01

Variability in xylem and phloem phenology among years and species is caused by contrasting temperatures prevailing at the start of the growing season and species-specific sensitivity to drought. The focus of this study was to determine temporal dynamics of xylem and phloem formation in co-occurring deciduous and evergreen coniferous species in a dry inner Alpine environment (750 m a.s.l., Tyrol, Austria). By repeated micro-sampling of the stem, timing of key phenological dates of xylem and phloem formation was compared among mature Pinus sylvestris , Larix decidua and Picea abies during two consecutive years. Xylem formation in P. sylvestris started in mid and late April 2011 and 2012, respectively, and in both years about 2 week later in P. abies and L. decidua . Phloem formation preceded xylem formation on average by 3 week in P. sylvestris , and c . 5 week in P. abies and L. decidua . Based on modeled cell number increase, tracheid production peaked between early through late May 2011 and late May through mid-June 2012. Phloem formation culminated between late April and mid-May in 2011 and in late May 2012. Production of xylem and phloem cells continued for about 4 and 5-6 months, respectively. High variability in xylem increment among years and species is related to exogenous control by climatic factors and species-specific sensitivity to drought, respectively. On the other hand, production of phloem cells was quite homogenous and showed asymptotic decrease with respect to xylem cells indicating endogenous control. Results indicate that onset and culmination of xylem and phloem formation are controlled by early spring temperature, whereby strikingly advanced production of phloem compared to xylem cells suggests lower temperature requirement for initiation of the former.

Salicylic Acid-Based Polymers for Guided Bone Regeneration Using Bone Morphogenetic Protein-2

PubMed Central

Subramanian, Sangeeta; Mitchell, Ashley; Yu, Weiling; Snyder, Sabrina; Uhrich, Kathryn

2015-01-01

Bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2) is used clinically to promote spinal fusion, treat complex tibia fractures, and to promote bone formation in craniomaxillofacial surgery. Excessive bone formation at sites where BMP-2 has been applied is an established complication and one that could be corrected by guided tissue regeneration methods. In this study, anti-inflammatory polymers containing salicylic acid [salicylic acid-based poly(anhydride-ester), SAPAE] were electrospun with polycaprolactone (PCL) to create thin flexible matrices for use as guided bone regeneration membranes. SAPAE polymers hydrolyze to release salicylic acid, which is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug. PCL was used to enhance the mechanical integrity of the matrices. Two different SAPAE-containing membranes were produced and compared: fast-degrading (FD-SAPAE) and slow-degrading (SD-SAPAE) membranes that release salicylic acid at a faster and slower rate, respectively. Rat femur defects were treated with BMP-2 and wrapped with FD-SAPAE, SD-SAPAE, or PCL membrane or were left unwrapped. The effects of different membranes on bone formation within and outside of the femur defects were measured by histomorphometry and microcomputed tomography. Bone formation within the defect was not affected by membrane wrapping at BMP-2 doses of 12 μg or more. In contrast, the FD-SAPAE membrane significantly reduced bone formation outside the defect compared with all other treatments. The rapid release of salicylic acid from the FD-SAPAE membrane suggests that localized salicylic acid treatment during the first few days of BMP-2 treatment can limit ectopic bone formation. The data support development of SAPAE polymer membranes for guided bone regeneration applications as well as barriers to excessive bone formation. PMID:25813520

Studies on Aspirin Crystals Generated by a Modified Vapor Diffusion Method.

PubMed

Mittal, Amit; Malhotra, Deepak; Jain, Preeti; Kalia, Anupama; Shunmugaperumal, Tamilvanan

2016-08-01

The objectives of the current investigation were (1) to study the influence of selected two different non-solvents (diethylether and dichloromethane) on the drug crystal formation of a model drug, aspirin (ASP-I) by the modified vapor diffusion method and (2) to characterize and compare the generated crystals (ASP-II and ASP-III) using different analytical techniques with that of unprocessed ASP-I. When compared to the classical vapor diffusion method which consumes about 15 days to generate drug crystals, the modified method needs only 12 h to get the same. Fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) reveals that the internal structures of ASP-II and ASP-III crystals were identical when compared with ASP-I. Although the drug crystals showed a close similarity in X-ray diffraction patterns, the difference in the relative intensities of some of the diffraction peaks (especially at 2θ values of around 7.7 and 15.5) could be attributed to the crystal habit or crystal size modification. Similarly, the differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) study speculates that only the crystal habit modifications might occur but without involving any change in internal structure of the generated drug polymorphic form I. This is further substantiated from the scanning electron microscopy (SEM) pictures that indicated the formation of platy shape for the ASP-II crystals and needle shape for the ASP-III crystals. In addition, the observed slow dissolution of ASP crystals should indicate polymorph form I formation. Thus, the modified vapor diffusion method could routinely be used to screen and legally secure all possible forms of other drug entities too.

C-reactive protein in atherosclerosis - A risk marker but not a causal factor? A 13-year population-based longitudinal study: The Tromsø study.

PubMed

Eltoft, Agnethe; Arntzen, Kjell Arne; Hansen, John-Bjarne; Wilsgaard, Tom; Mathiesen, Ellisiv B; Johnsen, Stein Harald

2017-08-01

CRP predicts cardiovascular disease (CVD) in large epidemiologic studies. The aim of the present study was to elucidate the role of CRP in atherosclerosis formation and progression in a prospective population-based study. 6503 middle-aged subjects from The Tromsø study had serum CRP, carotid ultrasound and complete covariate data collected at baseline in 1994. Of these, 4730 and 2917 attended follow-up surveys with repeated assessments in 2001 and 2007, respectively. The cross-sectional associations between CRP and subclinical carotid atherosclerosis, and the longitudinal associations between baseline CRP and novel plaque formation and plaque progression were assessed in generalized estimating equations and linear mixed models stratified by sex. At baseline, traditional risk factors and plaque prevalence increased by CRP risk categories (<1 mg/L, 1-3 mg/L, and >3 mg/L) in both sexes. In cross-sectional analyses, multivariable-adjusted CRP was associated with plaque prevalence and total plaque area (TPA) in men and women. Age-adjusted baseline CRP >3 mg/L compared to CRP <1 mg/L predicted novel plaque formation (OR 1.44, CI 1.08-1.92) and TPA progression (β = 0.0.029 (CI, 0.003-0.056)) in men, but not in women. In neither men nor women was baseline CRP a predictor of TPA-progression or novel plaque formation when adjusted for traditional risk factors. CRP was associated with plaque presence and TPA in cross-sectional analyses, but was not an independent predictor of novel plaque formation or plaque progression. Our findings suggest that CRP may link to CVD by other mechanisms than promoting formation and progression of atherosclerotic plaques. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

CEMS study of strain induced phase transformation in manganese Hadfield steel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cabanillas, E. D.; Alvarez, E. P.; Hey, A.; Mercader, R. C.

1991-11-01

A Conversion Electron Mössbauer Spectroscopy, (CEMS), study of phase transformations in a Hadfield steel induced by high rate strains is reported. Hadfield steel samples were impact deformed and the ensuing changes in the magnetic properties at the deformed zone and its surroundings have been studied by CEMS. The CEMS results are compared with wear tests and optical microscopy and show a formation of martensite by impact deformation only at the surface. Martensite is not produced by compression or tensile stresses but appears after wear tests in proportions that depend on the load and velocity conditions of test. The understanding of martensite phase formation and its evolution during deformation processes is also addressed.

Osteointegration of porous absorbable bone substitutes: A systematic review of the literature

PubMed Central

Paulo, Maria Júlia Escanhoela; dos Santos, Mariana Avelino; Cimatti, Bruno; Gava, Nelson Fabrício; Riberto, Marcelo; Engel, Edgard Eduard

2017-01-01

Biomaterials’ structural characteristics and the addition of osteoinductors influence the osteointegration capacity of bone substitutes. This study aims to identify the characteristics of porous and resorbable bone substitutes that influence new bone formation. An Internet search for studies reporting new bone formation rates in bone defects filled with porous and resorbable substitutes was performed in duplicate using the PubMed, Web of Science, Scielo, and University of São Paulo Digital Library databases. Metaphyseal or calvarial bone defects 4 to 10 mm in diameter from various animal models were selected. New bone formation rates were collected from the histomorphometry or micro-CT data. The following variables were analyzed: animal model, bone region, defect diameter, follow-up time after implantation, basic substitute material, osteoinductor addition, pore size and porosity. Of 3,266 initially identified articles, 15 articles describing 32 experimental groups met the inclusion criteria. There were no differences between the groups in the experimental model characteristics, except for the follow-up time, which showed a very weak to moderate correlation with the rate of new bone formation. In terms of the biomaterial and structural characteristics, only porosity showed a significant influence on the rate of new bone formation. Higher porosity is related to higher new bone formation rates. The influence of other characteristics could not be identified, possibly due to the large variety of experimental models and methodologies used to estimate new bone formation rates. We suggest the inclusion of standard control groups in future experimental studies to compare biomaterials. PMID:28793006

The birth of a supermassive black hole binary

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pfister, Hugo; Lupi, Alessandro; Capelo, Pedro R.; Volonteri, Marta; Bellovary, Jillian M.; Dotti, Massimo

2017-11-01

We study the dynamical evolution of supermassive black holes, in the late stage of galaxy mergers, from kpc to pc scales. In particular, we capture the formation of the binary, a necessary step before the final coalescence, and trace back the main processes causing the decay of the orbit. We use hydrodynamical simulations of galaxy mergers with different resolutions, from 20 pc down to 1 pc, in order to study the effects of the resolution on our results, remove numerical effects, and assess that resolving the influence radius of the orbiting black hole is a minimum condition to fully capture the formation of the binary. Our simulations include the relevant physical processes, namely star formation, supernova feedback, accretion on to the black holes and the ensuing feedback. We find that, in these mergers, dynamical friction from the smooth stellar component of the nucleus is the main process that drives black holes from kpc to pc scales. Gas does not play a crucial role and even clumps do not induce scattering or perturb the orbits. We compare the time needed for the formation of the binary to analytical predictions and suggest how to apply such analytical formalism to obtain estimates of binary formation times in lower resolution simulations.

Self-organized surface ripple pattern formation by ion implantation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hofsäss, Hans; Zhang, Kun; Bobes, Omar

2016-10-01

Ion induced ripple pattern formation on solid surfaces has been extensively studied in the past and the theories describing curvature dependent ion erosion as well as redistribution of recoil atoms have been very successful in explaining many features of the pattern formation. Since most experimental studies use noble gas ion irradiation, the incorporation of the ions into the films is usually neglected. In this work we show that the incorporation or implantation of non-volatile ions also leads to a curvature dependent term in the equation of motion of a surface height profile. The implantation of ions can be interpreted as a negative sputter yield; and therefore, the effect of ion implantation is opposite to the one of ion erosion. For angles up to about 50°, implantation of ions stabilizes the surface, whereas above 50°, ion implantation contributes to the destabilization of the surface. We present simulations of the curvature coefficients using the crater function formalism and we compare the simulation results to the experimental data on the ion induced pattern formation using non-volatile ions. We present several model cases, where the incorporation of ions is a crucial requirement for the pattern formation.

A comparison of the currency of secondary information sources in the biochemical literature. II. MEDLINE online and on CD-ROM.

PubMed

Grainger, F; Lyon, E

1992-12-01

The currency of selected versions of the MEDLINE database on CD-ROM and in online format was studied. The arrival of issues from 72 monthly journals and nine weekly titles during a 3-month period was monitored and their appearance in the various MEDLINE formats were recorded. Availability data for MEDLINE published by the National Library of Medicine were used as a baseline and subsequent distribution delays for the different MEDLINE formats were calculated. The study suggests a delay of approximately 2 weeks for indexing and mounting the MEDLINE file on to host computers for online access. A delay of 6-8 weeks was calculated for the MEDLINE data to be encoded on to compact disk, shipped and posted to the library customer. The currency of the MEDLINE database formats was compared with a weekly current-awareness service, CURRENT CONTENTS ON DISKETTE LIFE SCIENCES (CCOD). The majority of papers were indexed and distributed in CCOD within 10 weeks of publication date. Most papers appeared within 15 weeks in the online MEDLINE format and within 20 weeks in CD-ROM MEDLINE. The primary journal arrived at the library site within 5 weeks in most cases.

Display format, highlight validity, and highlight method: Their effects on search performance

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Donner, Kimberly A.; Mckay, Tim D.; Obrien, Kevin M.; Rudisill, Marianne

1991-01-01

Display format and highlight validity were shown to affect visual display search performance; however, these studies were conducted on small, artificial displays of alphanumeric stimuli. A study manipulating these variables was conducted using realistic, complex Space Shuttle information displays. A 2x2x3 within-subjects analysis of variance found that search times were faster for items in reformatted displays than for current displays. Responses to valid applications of highlight were significantly faster than responses to non or invalidly highlighted applications. The significant format by highlight validity interaction showed that there was little difference in response time to both current and reformatted displays when the highlight validity was applied; however, under the non or invalid highlight conditions, search times were faster with reformatted displays. A separate within-subject analysis of variance of display format, highlight validity, and several highlight methods did not reveal a main effect of highlight method. In addition, observed display search times were compared to search time predicted by Tullis' Display Analysis Program. Benefits of highlighting and reformatting displays to enhance search and the necessity to consider highlight validity and format characteristics in tandem for predicting search performance are discussed.

Biglycan potentially regulates angiogenesis during fracture repair by altering expression and function of endostatin

PubMed Central

Myren, Maja; Kirby, David J.; Noonan, Megan L.; Maeda, Azusa; Owens, Rick T.; Ricard-Blum, Sylvie; Kram, Vardit; Kilts, Tina M.; Young, Marian F.

2016-01-01

The small proteoglycan biglycan (Bgn) is highly expressed in the organic matrix of bone and plays a role in bone formation. Previous work implicated Bgn in vessel growth during bone healing (1). By infusing barium sulfate (BaSO4) into WT and Bgn-deficient mice we discovered the positive effect of Bgn in modulating angiogenesis during fracture healing. Using micro-computed tomography angiography we found significant differences in the vessel size and volume among other parameters. To further understand the mechanistic basis for this, we explored the relationship between Bgn and the anti-angiogenic protein endostatin. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) showed co-localization of Bgn and endostatin in regions of bone formation, with increased endostatin staining in Bgn-KO compared to WT at 14 days post-fracture. To further elucidate the relationship between Bgn and endostatin, an endothelial cell tube formation assay was used. This study showed that endothelial cells treated with endostatin had significantly decreased vessel length and vessel branches compared to untreated cells, while cells treated with endostatin and Bgn at a 1:1 molar ratio had vessel length and vessel branches comparable to untreated cells. This indicated that Bgn was able to mitigate the inhibitory effect of endostatin on endothelial cell growth. In summary, these results suggest that Bgn is needed for proper blood vessel formation during fracture healing, and one mechanism by which Bgn impacts angiogenesis is through inhibition of endostatin. PMID:27072616

Using animated computer-generated text and graphics to depict the risks and benefits of medical treatment.

PubMed

Tait, Alan R; Voepel-Lewis, Terri; Brennan-Martinez, Colleen; McGonegal, Maureen; Levine, Robert

2012-11-01

Conventional print materials for presenting risks and benefits of treatment are often difficult to understand. This study was undertaken to evaluate and compare subjects' understanding and perceptions of risks and benefits presented using animated computerized text and graphics. Adult subjects were randomized to receive identical risk/benefit information regarding taking statins that was presented on an iPad (Apple Corp, Cupertino, Calif) in 1 of 4 different animated formats: text/numbers, pie chart, bar graph, and pictograph. Subjects completed a questionnaire regarding their preferences and perceptions of the message delivery together with their understanding of the information. Health literacy, numeracy, and need for cognition were measured using validated instruments. There were no differences in subject understanding based on the different formats. However, significantly more subjects preferred graphs (82.5%) compared with text (17.5%, P<.001). Specifically, subjects preferred pictographs (32.0%) and bar graphs (31.0%) over pie charts (19.5%) and text (17.5%). Subjects whose preference for message delivery matched their randomly assigned format (preference match) had significantly greater understanding and satisfaction compared with those assigned to something other than their preference. Results showed that computer-animated depictions of risks and benefits offer an effective means to describe medical risk/benefit statistics. That understanding and satisfaction were significantly better when the format matched the individual's preference for message delivery is important and reinforces the value of "tailoring" information to the individual's needs and preferences. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Transfer of Training with Formation Flight Trainer.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Reid, Gary B.; Cyrus, Michael L.

The present research was conducted to determine transfer of practice from a formation simulator to actual aircraft flight for the wing aircraft component of the formation flying task. Evidence in support of positive transfer was obtained by comparing students trained in the formation simulator with students who were essentially untrained and with…

Assessing the Subsequent Effect of a Formative Evaluation on a Program.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Brown, J. Lynne; Kiernan, Nancy Ellen

2001-01-01

Conducted a formative evaluation of an osteoporosis prevention health education program using several methods, including questionnaires completed by 256 women, and then compared formative evaluation results to those of a summative evaluation focusing on the same target group. Results show the usefulness of formative evaluation for strengthening…

The Use of Tooth Particles as a Biomaterial in Post-Extraction Sockets. Experimental Study in Dogs.

PubMed

Calvo-Guirado, José Luis; Maté-Sánchez de Val, José Eduardo; Ramos-Oltra, María Luisa; Pérez-Albacete Martínez, Carlos; Ramírez-Fernández, María Piedad; Maiquez-Gosálvez, Manuel; Gehrke, Sergio A; Fernández-Domínguez, Manuel; Romanos, Georgios E; Delgado-Ruiz, Rafael Arcesio

2018-05-06

Objectives : The objective of this study was to evaluate new bone formation derived from freshly crushed extracted teeth, grafted immediately in post-extraction sites in an animal model, compared with sites without graft filling, evaluated at 30 and 90 days. Material and Methods : The bilateral premolars P2, P3, P4 and the first mandibular molar were extracted atraumatically from six Beagle dogs. The clean, dry teeth were ground immediately using the Smart Dentin Grinder. The tooth particles obtained were subsequently sieved through a special sorting filter into two compartments; the upper container isolating particles over 1200 μm, the lower container isolated particles over 300 μm. The crushed teeth were grafted into the post-extraction sockets at P3, P4 and M1 (test group) (larger and smaller post-extraction alveoli), while P2 sites were left unfilled and acted as a control group. Tissue healing and bone formation were evaluated by histological and histomorphometric analysis after 30 and 90 days. Results : At 30 days, test site bone formation was greater in the test group than the control group ( p < 0.05); less immature bone was observed in the test group (25.71%) than the control group (55.98%). At 90 days, significant differences in bone formation were found with more in the test group than the control group. No significant differences were found in new bone formation when comparing the small and large alveoli post-extraction sites. Conclusions : Tooth particles extracted from dog’s teeth, grafted immediately after extractions can be considered a suitable biomaterial for socket preservation.

Human mesenchymal stromal cell-derived extracellular vesicles attenuate aortic aneurysm formation and macrophage activation via microRNA-147.

PubMed

Spinosa, Michael; Lu, Guanyi; Su, Gang; Bontha, Sai Vineela; Gehrau, Ricardo; Salmon, Morgan D; Smith, Joseph R; Weiss, Mark L; Mas, Valeria R; Upchurch, Gilbert R; Sharma, Ashish K

2018-05-29

The formation of an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is characterized by inflammation, macrophage infiltration, and vascular remodeling. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that mesenchymal stromal cell (MSC)-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs) immunomodulate aortic inflammation, to mitigate AAA formation via modulation of microRNA-147. An elastase-treatment model of AAA was used in male C57BL/6 wild-type (WT) mice. Administration of EVs in elastase-treated WT mice caused a significant attenuation of aortic diameter and mitigated proinflammatory cytokines, inflammatory cell infiltration, an increase in smooth muscle cell α-actin expression, and a decrease in elastic fiber disruption, compared with untreated mice. A 10-fold up-regulation of microRNA (miR)-147, a key mediator of macrophage inflammatory responses, was observed in murine aortic tissue in elastase-treated mice compared with controls on d 14. EVs derived from MSCs transfected with miR-147 mimic, but not with miR-147 inhibitor, attenuated aortic diameter, inflammation, and leukocyte infiltration in elastase-treated mice. In vitro studies of human aortic tissue explants and murine-derived CD11b + macrophages induced proinflammatory cytokines after elastase treatment, and the expression was attenuated by cocultures with EVs transfected with miR-147 mimic, but not with miR-147 inhibitor. Thus, our findings define a critical role of MSC-derived EVs in attenuation of aortic inflammation and macrophage activation via miR-147 during AAA formation.-Spinosa, M., Lu, G., Su, G., Bontha, S. V., Gehrau, R., Salmon, M. D., Smith, J. R., Weiss, M. L., Mas, V. R., Upchurch, G. R., Sharma, A. K. Human mesenchymal stromal cell-derived extracellular vesicles attenuate aortic aneurysm formation and macrophage activation via microRNA-147.

Inhibitory activity of Asian spices on heterocyclic amines formation in cooked beef patties.

PubMed

Puangsombat, Kanithaporn; Jirapakkul, Wannee; Smith, J Scott

2011-10-01

Heterocyclic amines (HCAs) are mutagenic compounds formed when foods are cooked at high temperatures. Numerous reports have shown that natural antioxidants from spices, fruits, chocolate, and tea can inhibit formation. In this study, we evaluated HCA formation in the presence of 5 of Asian spices: galangal (Alpinia galangal), fingerroot (Boesenbergia pandurata), turmeric (Curcuma longa), cumin (Cuminum cyminum), and coriander seeds (Coriandrum sativum). HCA levels were compared to patties containing rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis), of which the inhibitory effect is well documented. Inhibition of HCA formation by the spices was evaluated in beef patties cooked at 204 °C (400 °F) for 10 min. All spices were mixed into patties at 0.2% before cooking, and HCAs levels were measured in the final product. All patties, including the control, contained 2-amino-3,8-dimethylimidazo [4,5-f]quinoxaline (MeIQx) and 2-amino-1-methyl -6-phenylimidazo [4,5-b]pyridine (PhIP). The average HCA content of the control patties was 7 ng/g MeIQx and 6.53 ng/g PhIP. Turmeric (39.2% inhibition), fingerroot (33.5% inhibition), and galangal (18.4% inhibition) significantly decreased HCAs compared with the control. But, only turmeric and fingerroot were as effective as rosemary in preventing HCA formation. The HCA inhibition in patties containing spices was significantly correlated to the total phenolic content (R(2) = 0.80) and the scavenging activity (R(2) = 0.84) of the spices as measured by the 2,2-diphenyl-β-picrylhydrazyl assay. Results of this study suggest that addition of Asian spices can be an important factor in decreasing the levels of HCAs in fried beef patties. © 2011 Institute of Food Technologists®

Poly-ε-caprolactone scaffold and reduced in vitro cell culture: beneficial effect on compaction and improved valvular tissue formation.

PubMed

Brugmans, Marieke M C P; Driessen-Mol, Anita; Rubbens, Mirjam P; Cox, Martijn A J; Baaijens, Frank P T

2015-12-01

Tissue-engineered heart valves (TEHVs), based on polyglycolic acid (PGA) scaffolds coated with poly-4-hydroxybutyrate (P4HB), have shown promising in vivo results in terms of tissue formation. However, a major drawback of these TEHVs is compaction and retraction of the leaflets, causing regurgitation. To overcome this problem, the aim of this study was to investigate: (a) the use of the slowly degrading poly-ε-caprolactone (PCL) scaffold for prolonged mechanical integrity; and (b) the use of lower passage cells for enhanced tissue formation. Passage 3, 5 and 7 (P3, P5 and P7) human and ovine vascular-derived cells were seeded onto both PGA-P4HB and PCL scaffold strips. After 4 weeks of culture, compaction, tissue formation, mechanical properties and cell phenotypes were compared. TEHVs were cultured to observe retraction of the leaflets in the native-like geometry. After culture, tissues based on PGA-P4HB scaffold showed 50-60% compaction, while PCL-based tissues showed compaction of 0-10%. Tissue formation, stiffness and strength were increased with decreasing passage number; however, this did not influence compaction. Ovine PCL-based tissues did render less strong tissues compared to PGA-P4HB-based tissues. No differences in cell phenotype between the scaffold materials, species or cell passage numbers were observed. This study shows that PCL scaffolds may serve as alternative scaffold materials for human TEHVs with minimal compaction and without compromising tissue composition and properties, while further optimization of ovine TEHVs is needed. Reducing cell expansion time will result in faster generation of TEHVs, providing more rapid treatment for patients. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Role of HIF-1α and CASPASE-3 in cystogenesis of odontogenic cysts and tumors.

PubMed

da Costa, Natacha M M; de Siqueira, Adriane S; Ribeiro, André L R; da Silva Kataoka, Maria S; Jaeger, Ruy G; de Alves-Júnior, Sérgio M; Smith, Andrew M; de Jesus Viana Pinheiro, João

2018-01-01

Odontogenic cysts and tumors are the most relevant lesions that affect the gnathic bones. These lesions have in common the formation of cystic areas and this common feature may suggest involvement of similar mechanisms. The hypoxia inducible factor 1 alpha (HIF-1α), a responsive protein to hypoxia and caspase-3, an irreversible apoptosis marker, may contribute to cyst formation. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the immunoexpression of these proteins in odontogenic cysts and tumors. Twenty cases of ameloblastoma, keratocystic odontogenic tumor (KOT) (n = 20), radicular cyst (RC) (n = 18), dentigerous cyst (DC) (n = 11), calcifying cystic odontogenic tumor (n = 8), and dental follicle (DF) (n = 10) were used to investigate HIF-1α and caspase-3 expression in sequential serial cuts by immunohistochemistry. HIF-1α was overexpressed in RC, DC, and ameloblastoma when compared with DF. The basal and sometimes the lower suprabasal layer showed no or very low expression in DC, KOT, and ameloblastoma, the last also showing strong expression in solid epithelial areas and initial cystic formation regions. Caspase-3 was found to be overexpressed in all lesions, with the highest expression in odontogenic cysts compared to tumors. HIF-1α and caspase-3 were localized in similar areas of the same lesions, especially in the epithelium surrounding cystic formations. This study showed distinct immunoexpression of HIF-1α and caspase-3 in odontogenic cyst and tumors, with higher expression observed in odontogenic cysts. These findings suggest a possible correlation between hypoxia, apoptosis, and cystogenesis, leading to understand the mechanisms responsible to cystic formation in odontogenic lesions.

The preventive effect of Rofecoxib in postoperative intraperitoneal adhesions.

PubMed

Aldemir, M; Oztürk, H; Erten, C; Büyükbayram, H

2004-02-01

Previous studies showed that nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAI) drugs suppressed prostaglandin synthesis and were able to prevent adhesion formation following surgical trauma to the peritoneum. The selective suppression inflammatory cascade may prevent adhesion formation. Therefore, we planned this study to experimentally evaluate the effects of Rofecoxib, the selective cyclo-oxygenase-2 inhibitor, in postoperative intraperitoneal adhesions in an animal model. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into three groups of 10. All rats underwent midline laparotomy under ketamine anaesthesia (25 mg/kg im). In group 1 (n = 10), the sham operation group (SG); abdominal walls were closed without any process after 2 minutes. In Group 2 (n = 10), the control group (CG); standard serosal damage was constituted and the abdominal wall was closed. In group 3 (n = 10), the COX-2 group (COXG), after serosal damage, the abdominal wall was closed. A 12 mg/kg/day dose of was given orally to the rats during one week. On the 7th postoperative day, all rats were sacrificed and intra-abdominal adhesions were evaluated both macroscopically and microscopically. Macroscopically, no serious adhesion formations were seen in the SG. Multiple adhesion formations of the CG were significantly more than those of the SG (p < 0.0001). It was determined that adhesions of the COXG diminished (p < 0.0001) when macromorphological adhesion scale results of the COXG were compared with those of the CG. The adhesion scores of the CG were compared microscopically with those of the COXG and granulation tissue formation and fibrosis in the COXG were found to be significantly less than those of the CG (respectively p = 0.002, p < 0.0001). We were of the opinion that Rofecoxib, the selective cyclo-oxygenase inhibitor, was effective in the prevention of postoperative peritoneal adhesions.

Contribution of low vapor pressure-volatile organic compounds (LVP-VOCs) from consumer products to ozone formation in urban atmospheres

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shin, Hyeong-Moo; McKone, Thomas E.; Bennett, Deborah H.

2015-05-01

Because recent laboratory testing indicates that some low vapor pressure-volatile organic compounds (LVP-VOC) solvents readily evaporate at ambient conditions, LVP-VOCs used in some consumer product formulations may contribute to ozone formation. The goal of this study is to determine the fraction of LVP-VOCs available for ozone formation from the use of consumer products for two hypothetical emissions. This study calculates and compares the fraction of consumed product available for ozone formation as a result of (a) volatilization to air during use and (b) down-the-drain disposal. The study also investigates the impact of different modes of releases on the overall fraction available in ambient air for ozone formation. For the portion of the LVP-VOCs volatilized to air during use, we applied a multi-compartment mass-balance model to track the fate of emitted LVP-VOCs in a multimedia urban environment. For the portion of the LVP-VOCs disposed down the drain, we used a wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) fate model to predict the emission rates of LVP-VOCs to ambient air at WWTPs or at the discharge zone of the facilities and then used these results as emissions in the multimedia urban environment model. In a WWTP, the LVP-VOCs selected in this study are primarily either biodegraded or removed via sorption to sludge depending on the magnitude of the biodegradation half-life and the octanol-water partition coefficient. Less than 0.2% of the LVP-VOCs disposed down the drain are available for ozone formation. In contrast, when the LVP-VOC in a consumer product is volatilized from the surface to which it has been applied, greater than 90% is available for photochemical reactions either at the source location or in the downwind areas. Comparing results from these two modes of releases allows us to understand the importance of determining the fraction of LVP-VOCs volatilized versus disposed down the drain when the product is used by consumers. The results from this study provide important information and modeling tools to evaluate the impact of LVP-VOCs on air quality and suggest the need for future research on emissions of LVP-VOCs at the point of use.

Teaching with the Case Study Method to Promote Active Learning in a Small Molecule Crystallography Course for Chemistry Students

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Campbell, Michael G.; Powers, Tamara M.; Zheng, Shao-Liang

2016-01-01

Implementing the case study method in a practical X-ray crystallography course designed for graduate or upper-level undergraduate chemistry students is described. Compared with a traditional lecture format, assigning small groups of students to examine literature case studies encourages more active engagement with the course material and…

Comparative study of carotenoids, catalase and radical formation in human and animal skin.

PubMed

Haag, S F; Bechtel, A; Darvin, M E; Klein, F; Groth, N; Schäfer-Korting, M; Bittl, R; Lademann, J; Sterry, W; Meinke, M C

2010-01-01

Animal skin is widely used in dermatological free radical research. Porcine ear skin is a well-studied substitute for human skin. The use of bovine udder skin is rare but its high carotenoid content makes it particularly appropriate for studying the redox state of the skin. Yet, information on the suitability of animal skin for the study of external hazard effects on the redox state of human skin has been lacking. In this study, we investigated the activity of the antioxidant enzyme catalase and the carotenoid content defining the redox status as well as UV-induced radical formation of human, porcine ear and bovine udder skin ex vivo. In human skin only low levels of radical formation were detected following UV irradiation, whereas bovine skin contains the highest amount of carotenoids but the lowest amount of catalase. Porcine ear skin does not exhibit a carotenoid signal but its catalase activity is close to human skin. Therefore, radical formation can neither be correlated to the amount of catalase nor to the amount of carotenoids in the skin. All skin types can be used for electron paramagnetic resonance-based detection of radicals, but porcine skin was found to be the most suitable type. Copyright 2010 S. Karger AG, Basel.

The Effects of Sugars on the Biofilm Formation of Escherichia coli 185p on Stainless Steel and Polyethylene Terephthalate Surfaces in a Laboratory Model.

PubMed

Khangholi, Mahdi; Jamalli, Ailar

2016-09-01

Bacteria utilize various methods in order to live in protection from adverse environmental conditions. One such method involves biofilm formation; however, this formation is dependent on many factors. The type and concentration of substances such as sugars that are present in an environment can be effective facilitators of biofilm formation. First, the physico-chemical properties of the bacteria and the target surface were studied via the MATS and contact angle measurement methods. Additionally, adhesion to different surfaces in the presence of various concentrations of sugars was compared in order to evaluate the effect of these factors on the biofilm formation of Escherichia coli , which represents a major food contaminant . Results showed that the presence of sugars has no effect on the bacterial growth rate; all three concentrations of sugars were hydrophilic and demonstrated a high affinity toward binding to the surfaces. The impact of sugars and other factors on biofilm formation can vary depending on the type of bacteria present.

Design study of the geometry of the blanking tool to predict the burr formation of Zircaloy-4 sheet

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ha, Jisun; Lee, Hyungyil; Kim, Dongchul; Kim, Naksoo

2013-12-01

In this work, we investigated factors that influence burr formation for zircaloy-4 sheet used for spacer grids of nuclear fuel roads. Factors we considered are geometric factors of punch. We changed clearance and velocity in order to consider the failure parameters, and we changed shearing angle and corner radius of L-shaped punch in order to consider geometric factors of punch. First, we carried out blanking test with failure parameter of GTN model using L-shaped punch. The tendency of failure parameters and geometric factors that affect burr formation by analyzing sheared edges is investigated. Consequently, geometric factor's influencing on the burr formation is also high as failure parameters. Then, the sheared edges and burr formation with failure parameters and geometric factors is investigated using FE analysis model. As a result of analyzing sheared edges with the variables, we checked geometric factors more affect burr formation than failure parameters. To check the reliability of the FE model, the blanking force and the sheared edges obtained from experiments are compared with the computations considering heat transfer.

Interactive computer-assisted instruction vs. lecture format in dental education.

PubMed

Howerton, W Bruce; Enrique, Platin R T; Ludlow, John B; Tyndall, Donald A

2004-01-01

The purpose of this study was to compare computer-assisted instruction (CAI) with lecture format using recent hardware and software advances. A pre- and post-test was used to determine student performance and instructional preference. In addition, a post-instruction survey was used to determine student learning preferences. Seventy-five first-year University of North Carolina (UNC) dental students who were registered for the introductory radiology course were asked to participate. All agreed and were randomly placed in one of three groups: interactive CD only, interactive CD and lecture, and lecture only. The content of the multimedia instruction focused on intraoral radiography. A pre- and post-test was administered to determine if there was a significant difference between interactive CD and lecture formats, and an evaluation instrument was used to determine if there was a student learning preference between CAI and lecture format. Analysis of covariance and the sign test were used to determine significance (p<.05). There was no significant difference between pre- and post-test outcomes, indicating that similar learning took place using the interactive CD and/or lecture format. However, students preferred CAI to lecture format.

Load response and gap formation in a single-row cruciate suture rotator cuff repair.

PubMed

Huntington, Lachlan; Richardson, Martin; Sobol, Tony; Caldow, Jonathon; Ackland, David C

2017-06-01

Double-row rotator cuff tendon repair techniques may provide superior contact area and strength compared with single-row repairs, but are associated with higher material expenses and prolonged operating time. The purpose of this study was to evaluate gap formation, ultimate tensile strength and stiffness of a single-row cruciate suture rotator cuff repair construct, and to compare these results with those of the Mason-Allen and SutureBridge repair constructs. Infraspinatus tendons from 24 spring lamb shoulders were harvested and allocated to cruciate suture, Mason-Allen and SutureBridge repair groups. Specimens were loaded cyclically between 10 and 62 N for 200 cycles, and gap formation simultaneously measured using a high-speed digital camera. Specimens were then loaded in uniaxial tension to failure, and construct stiffness and repair strength were evaluated. Gap formation in the cruciate suture repair was significantly lower than that of the Mason-Allen repair (mean difference = 0.6 mm, P = 0.009) and no different from that of the SutureBridge repair (P > 0.05). Both the cruciate suture repair (mean difference = 15.7 N/mm, P = 0.002) and SutureBridge repair (mean difference = 15.8 N/mm, P = 0.034) were significantly stiffer than that of the Mason-Allen repair; however, no significant differences in ultimate tensile strength between repair groups were discerned (P > 0.05). The cruciate suture repair construct, which may represent a simple and cost-effective alternative to double-row and double-row equivalent rotator cuff repairs, has comparable biomechanical strength and integrity with that of the SutureBridge repair, and may result in improved construct longevity and tendon healing compared with the Mason-Allen repair. © 2017 Royal Australasian College of Surgeons.

Formation Energies and Electronic Properties of Vanadium Carbides Found in High Strength Steel Alloys

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Limmer, Krista; Medvedeva, Julia

2013-03-01

Carbide formation and stabilization in steels is of great interest owing to its effect on the microstructure and properties of the Fe-based alloys. The appearance of carbides with different metal/C ratios strongly depends on the carbon concentration, alloy composition as well as the heat treatment. Strong carbide-forming elements such as Ti, V, and Nb have been used in microalloyed steels; with VC showing an increased solubility in the iron matrix as compared with TiC and NbC. This allows for dissolution of the VC into the steel during heating and fine precipitation during cooling. In addition to VC, the primary vanadium carbide with cubic structure, a wide range of non-stoichiometric compositions VCy with y varying from 0.72 to 0.88, has been observed. This range includes two ordered compounds, V8C7 and V6C5. In this study, first-principles density functional theory (DFT) is employed to examine the stability of the binary carbides by calculating their formation energies. We compare the local structures (atomic coordination, bond distances and angles) and the density of states in optimized geometries of the carbides. Further, the effect of alloying additions, such as niobium and titanium, on the carbide stabilization is investigated. We determine the energetically preferable substitutional atom location in each carbide and study the impurity distribution as well as its role in the carbide formation energy and electronic structure.

Formation of hydroxymethylfurfural in domestic high-fructose corn syrup and its toxicity to the honey bee (Apis mellifera).

PubMed

LeBlanc, Blaise W; Eggleston, Gillian; Sammataro, Diana; Cornett, Charles; Dufault, Renee; Deeby, Thomas; St Cyr, Eldwin

2009-08-26

In the United States, high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS) has become a sucrose replacement for honey bees and has widespread use as a sweetener in many processed foods and beverages for human consumption. It is utilized by commercial beekeepers as a food for honey bees for several reasons: to promote brood production, after bees have been moved for commercial pollination, and when field-gathered nectar sources are scarce. Hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) is a heat-formed contaminant and is the most noted toxin to honey bees. Currently, there are no rapid field tests that would alert beekeepers of dangerous levels of HMF in HFCS or honey. In this study, the initial levels and the rates of formation of HMF at four temperatures were evaluated in U.S.-available HFCS samples. Different HFCS brands were analyzed and compared for acidity and metal ions by inductively coupled plasma mass spectroscopy. Levels of HMF in eight HFCS products were evaluated over 35 days, and the data were fit to polynomial and exponential equations, with excellent correlations. The data can be used by beekeepers to predict HMF formation on storage. Caged bee studies were conducted to evaluate the HMF dose-response effect on bee mortality. Finally, commercial bases such as lime, potash, and caustic soda were added to neutralize hydronium ion in HMF samples, and the rates of HMF formation were compared at 45 degrees C.

Spontaneous lung metastasis formation of human Merkel cell carcinoma cell lines transplanted into scid mice.

PubMed

Knips, Jill; Czech-Sioli, Manja; Spohn, Michael; Heiland, Max; Moll, Ingrid; Grundhoff, Adam; Schumacher, Udo; Fischer, Nicole

2017-07-01

Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is an aggressive skin cancer entity that frequently leads to rapid death due to its high propensity to metastasize. The etiology of most MCC cases is linked to Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV), a virus which is monoclonally integrated in up to 95% of tumors. While there are presently no animal models to study the role of authentic MCPyV infection on transformation, tumorigenesis or metastasis formation, xenograft mouse models employing engrafted MCC-derived cell lines (MCCL) represent a promising approach to study certain aspects of MCC pathogenesis. Here, the two MCPyV-positive MCC cell lines WaGa and MKL-1 were subcutaneously engrafted in scid mice. Engraftment of both MCC cell lines resulted in the appearance of circulating tumor cells and metastasis formation, with WaGa-engrafted mice showing a significantly shorter survival time as well as increased numbers of spontaneous lung metastases compared to MKL-1 mice. Interestingly, explanted tumors compared to parental cell lines exhibit an upregulation of MCPyV sT-Antigen expression in all tumors, with WaGa tumors showing significantly higher sT-Antigen expression than MKL-1 tumors. RNA-Seq analysis of explanted tumors and parental cell lines furthermore revealed that in the more aggressive WaGa tumors, genes involved in inflammatory response, growth factor activity and Wnt signalling pathway are significantly upregulated, suggesting that sT-Antigen is the driver of the observed differences in metastasis formation. © 2017 UICC.

An integrated study of geochemistry and mineralogy of the Upper Tukau Formation, Borneo Island (East Malaysia): Sediment provenance, depositional setting and tectonic implications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nagarajan, Ramasamy; Roy, Priyadarsi D.; Kessler, Franz L.; Jong, John; Dayong, Vivian; Jonathan, M. P.

2017-08-01

An integrated study using bulk chemical composition, mineralogy and mineral chemistry of sedimentary rocks from the Tukau Formation of Borneo Island (Sarawak, Malaysia) is presented in order to understand the depositional and tectonic settings during the Neogene. Sedimentary rocks are chemically classified as shale, wacke, arkose, litharenite and quartz arenite and consist of quartz, illite, feldspar, rutile and anatase, zircon, tourmaline, chromite and monazite. All of them are highly matured and were derived from a moderate to intensively weathered source. Bulk and mineral chemistries suggest that these rocks were recycled from sedimentary to metasedimentary source regions with some input from granitoids and mafic-ultramafic rocks. The chondrite normalized REE signature indicates the presence of felsic rocks in the source region. Zircon geochronology shows that the samples were of Cretaceous and Triassic age. Comparable ages of zircon from the Tukau Formation sedimentary rocks, granitoids of the Schwaner Mountains (southern Borneo) and Tin Belt of the Malaysia Peninsular suggest that the principal provenance for the Rajang Group were further uplifted and eroded during the Neogene. Additionally, presence of chromian spinels and their chemistry indicate a minor influence of mafic and ultramafic rocks present in the Rajang Group. From a tectonic standpoint, the Tukau Formation sedimentary rocks were deposited in a passive margin with passive collisional and rift settings. Our key geochemical observation on tectonic setting is comparable to the regional geological setting of northwestern Borneo as described in the literature.

Comparison of lactate, formate, and propionate as hydrogen donors for the reductive dehalogenation of trichloroethene in a continuous-flow column.

PubMed

Azizian, Mohammad F; Marshall, Ian P G; Behrens, Sebastian; Spormann, Alfred M; Semprini, Lewis

2010-04-01

A continuous-flow column study was conducted to analyze the reductive dehalogenation of trichloroethene (TCE) with aquifer material with high content of iron oxides. The column was bioaugmented with the Point Mugu (PM) culture, which is a mixed microbial enrichment culture capable of completely transforming TCE to ethene (ETH). We determined whether lactate, formate, or propionate fermentation resulted in more effective dehalogenation. Reductive dehalogenation, fermentation, and sulfate, Fe(III), and Mn(IV) reduction were all exhibited within the column. Different steady-states of dehalogenation were achieved based on the concentration of substrates added, with effective transformation to ETH obtained when ample electron donor equivalents were provided. Most of the metabolic reducing equivalents were channeled to sulfate, Fe(III), and Mn(IV) reduction. When similar electron reducing equivalents were added, the most effective dehalogenation was achieved with formate, with 14% of the electron equivalents going towards dehalogenation reactions, compared to 6.5% for lactate and 9.6% for propionate. Effective dehalogenation was maintained over 1000 days of column operation. Over 90% of electron equivalents added could be accounted for by the different electron accepting processes in the column, with 50% associated with soluble and precipitated Fe(II) and Mn(II). Bulk Fe(III) and Mn(IV) reduction was rather associated with lactate and propionate addition than formate addition. Sulfate reduction was a competing electron acceptor reaction with all three electron donors. DNA was extracted from solid coupon samples obtained during the course of the experiment and analyzed using 16S rRNA gene clone libraries and quantitative PCR. Lactate and propionate addition resulted in a significant increase in Geobacter, Spirochaetes, and Desulfitobacterium phylotypes relative to "Dehalococcoides" when compared to formate addition. Results from the molecular biological analyses support chemical observations that a greater percentage of the electron donor addition was channeled to Fe(III) reduction when lactate and propionate were added compared to formate, and formate was more effective than lactate in supporting dehalogenation. The results demonstrate the importance of electron donor selection and competing electron acceptor reactions when implementing reductive dehalogenation remediation technologies. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Comparison of lactate, formate, and propionate as hydrogen donors for the reductive dehalogenation of trichloroethene in a continuous-flow column

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Azizian, Mohammad F.; Marshall, Ian P. G.; Behrens, Sebastian; Spormann, Alfred M.; Semprini, Lewis

2010-04-01

A continuous-flow column study was conducted to analyze the reductive dehalogenation of trichloroethene (TCE) with aquifer material with high content of iron oxides. The column was bioaugmented with the Point Mugu (PM) culture, which is a mixed microbial enrichment culture capable of completely transforming TCE to ethene (ETH). We determined whether lactate, formate, or propionate fermentation resulted in more effective dehalogenation. Reductive dehalogenation, fermentation, and sulfate, Fe(III), and Mn(IV) reduction were all exhibited within the column. Different steady-states of dehalogenation were achieved based on the concentration of substrates added, with effective transformation to ETH obtained when ample electron donor equivalents were provided. Most of the metabolic reducing equivalents were channeled to sulfate, Fe(III), and Mn(IV) reduction. When similar electron reducing equivalents were added, the most effective dehalogenation was achieved with formate, with 14% of the electron equivalents going towards dehalogenation reactions, compared to 6.5% for lactate and 9.6% for propionate. Effective dehalogenation was maintained over 1000 days of column operation. Over 90% of electron equivalents added could be accounted for by the different electron accepting processes in the column, with 50% associated with soluble and precipitated Fe(II) and Mn(II). Bulk Fe(III) and Mn(IV) reduction was rather associated with lactate and propionate addition than formate addition. Sulfate reduction was a competing electron acceptor reaction with all three electron donors. DNA was extracted from solid coupon samples obtained during the course of the experiment and analyzed using 16S rRNA gene clone libraries and quantitative PCR. Lactate and propionate addition resulted in a significant increase in Geobacter, Spirochaetes, and Desulfitobacterium phylotypes relative to " Dehalococcoides" when compared to formate addition. Results from the molecular biological analyses support chemical observations that a greater percentage of the electron donor addition was channeled to Fe(III) reduction when lactate and propionate were added compared to formate, and formate was more effective than lactate in supporting dehalogenation. The results demonstrate the importance of electron donor selection and competing electron acceptor reactions when implementing reductive dehalogenation remediation technologies.

Lactobacillus acidophilus ATCC 4356 inhibits biofilm formation by C. albicans and attenuates the experimental candidiasis in Galleria mellonella.

PubMed

Vilela, Simone F G; Barbosa, Júnia O; Rossoni, Rodnei D; Santos, Jéssica D; Prata, Marcia C A; Anbinder, Ana Lia; Jorge, Antonio O C; Junqueira, Juliana C

2015-01-01

Probiotic strains of Lactobacillus have been studied for their inhibitory effects on Candida albicans. However, few studies have investigated the effect of these strains on biofilm formation, filamentation and C. albicans infection. The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of Lactobacillus acidophilus ATCC 4356 on C. albicans ATCC 18804 using in vitro and in vivo models. In vitro analysis evaluated the effects of L. acidophilus on the biofilm formation and on the capacity of C. albicans filamentation. For in vivo study, Galleria mellonella was used as an infection model to evaluate the effects of L. acidophilus on candidiasis by survival analysis, quantification of C. albicans CFU/mL, and histological analysis. The direct effects of L. acidophilus cells on C. albicans, as well as the indirect effects using only a Lactobacillus culture filtrate, were evaluated in both tests. The in vitro results showed that both L. acidophilus cells and filtrate were able to inhibit C. albicans biofilm formation and filamentation. In the in vivo study, injection of L. acidophilus into G. mellonella larvae infected with C. albicans increased the survival of these animals. Furthermore, the number of C. albicans CFU/mL recovered from the larval hemolymph was lower in the group inoculated with L. acidophilus compared to the control group. In conclusion, L. acidophilus ATCC 4356 inhibited in vitro biofilm formation by C. albicans and protected G. mellonella against experimental candidiasis in vivo.

Lactobacillus acidophilus ATCC 4356 inhibits biofilm formation by C. albicans and attenuates the experimental candidiasis in Galleria mellonella

PubMed Central

Vilela, Simone FG; Barbosa, Júnia O; Rossoni, Rodnei D; Santos, Jéssica D; Prata, Marcia CA; Anbinder, Ana Lia; Jorge, Antonio OC; Junqueira, Juliana C

2015-01-01

Probiotic strains of Lactobacillus have been studied for their inhibitory effects on Candida albicans. However, few studies have investigated the effect of these strains on biofilm formation, filamentation and C. albicans infection. The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of Lactobacillus acidophilus ATCC 4356 on C. albicans ATCC 18804 using in vitro and in vivo models. In vitro analysis evaluated the effects of L. acidophilus on the biofilm formation and on the capacity of C. albicans filamentation. For in vivo study, Galleria mellonella was used as an infection model to evaluate the effects of L. acidophilus on candidiasis by survival analysis, quantification of C. albicans CFU/mL, and histological analysis. The direct effects of L. acidophilus cells on C. albicans, as well as the indirect effects using only a Lactobacillus culture filtrate, were evaluated in both tests. The in vitro results showed that both L. acidophilus cells and filtrate were able to inhibit C. albicans biofilm formation and filamentation. In the in vivo study, injection of L. acidophilus into G. mellonella larvae infected with C. albicans increased the survival of these animals. Furthermore, the number of C. albicans CFU/mL recovered from the larval hemolymph was lower in the group inoculated with L. acidophilus compared to the control group. In conclusion, L. acidophilus ATCC 4356 inhibited in vitro biofilm formation by C. albicans and protected G. mellonella against experimental candidiasis in vivo. PMID:25654408

Metabolite profiling of microfluidic cell culture conditions for droplet based screening.

PubMed

Bjork, Sara M; Sjostrom, Staffan L; Andersson-Svahn, Helene; Joensson, Haakan N

2015-07-01

We investigate the impact of droplet culture conditions on cell metabolic state by determining key metabolite concentrations in S. cerevisiae cultures in different microfluidic droplet culture formats. Control of culture conditions is critical for single cell/clone screening in droplets, such as directed evolution of yeast, as cell metabolic state directly affects production yields from cell factories. Here, we analyze glucose, pyruvate, ethanol, and glycerol, central metabolites in yeast glucose dissimilation to establish culture formats for screening of respiring as well as fermenting yeast. Metabolite profiling provides a more nuanced estimate of cell state compared to proliferation studies alone. We show that the choice of droplet incubation format impacts cell proliferation and metabolite production. The standard syringe incubation of droplets exhibited metabolite profiles similar to oxygen limited cultures, whereas the metabolite profiles of cells cultured in the alternative wide tube droplet incubation format resemble those from aerobic culture. Furthermore, we demonstrate retained droplet stability and size in the new better oxygenated droplet incubation format.

Isopach map of the interval from surface elevation to the top of the Pennsylvanian and Permian Minnelusa Formation and equivalents, Powder River basin, Wyoming and Montana

USGS Publications Warehouse

Crysdale, B.L.

1990-01-01

This map is one in a series of U.S. Geological Survey Miscellaneous Field Studies (MF) maps showing computer-generated structure contours, isopachs, and cross sections of selected formations in the Powder River basin, Wyoming and Montana. The map and cross sections were constructed from information stored in a U.S. Geological Survey Evolution of Sedimentary Basins data base. This data base contains picks of geologic formation and (or) unit tops and bases determined from electric resistivity and gamma-ray logs of 8,592 wells penetrating Tertiary and older rocks in the Powder River basin. Well completion cards (scout tickets) were reviewed and compared with copies of all logs, and formation or unit contacts determined by N. M. Denson, D.L. Macke, R. R. Schumann and others. This isopach map is based on information from 1,480 of these wells that penetrate the Minnelusa Formation and equivalents.

Map showing contours on the top of the Pennsylvanian and Permian Minnelusa Formation and equivalents, Powder River basin, Wyoming and Montana

USGS Publications Warehouse

Crysdale, B.L.

1990-01-01

This map is one in a series of U.S. Geological Survey Miscellaneous Field Studies (MF) maps showing computer-generated structure contours, isopachs, and cross sections of selected formations in the Powder River basin, Wyoming and Montana. The map and cross sections were constructed from information stored in a U.S. Geological Survey Evolution of Sedimentary Basins data base. This data base contains picks of geologic formation and (or) unit tops and bases determined from electric resistivity and gamma-ray logs of 8,592 wells penetrating Tertiary and older rocks in the Powder River basin. Well completion cards (scout tickets) were reviewed and compared with copies of all logs, and formation or unit contacts determined by N. M. Denson, D.L. Macke, R. R. Schumann and others. This isopach map is based on information from 1,480 of these wells that penetrate the Minnelusa Formation and equivalents.

Effects of binary stellar populations on direct collapse black hole formation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Agarwal, Bhaskar; Cullen, Fergus; Khochfar, Sadegh; Klessen, Ralf S.; Glover, Simon C. O.; Johnson, Jarrett

2017-06-01

The critical Lyman-Werner (LW) flux required for direct collapse blackholes (DCBH) formation, or Jcrit, depends on the shape of the irradiating spectral energy distribution (SED). The SEDs employed thus far have been representative of realistic single stellar populations. We study the effect of binary stellar populations on the formation of DCBH, as a result of their contribution to the LW radiation field. Although binary populations with ages > 10 Myr yield a larger LW photon output, we find that the corresponding values of Jcrit can be up to 100 times higher than single stellar populations. We attribute this to the shape of the binary SEDs as they produce a sub-critical rate of H- photodetaching 0.76 eV photons as compared to single stellar populations, reaffirming the role that H- plays in DCBH formation. This further corroborates the idea that DCBH formation is better understood in terms of a critical region in the H2-H- photodestruction rate parameter space, rather than a single value of LW flux.

Biofilm formation by strains of Leuconostoc citreum and L. mesenteroides

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Aims: To compare for the first time biofilm formation among strains of Leuconostoc citreum and L. mesenteroides that produce varying types of extracellular glucans. Methods and Results: Twelve strains of Leuconostoc sp. that produce extracellular glucans were compared for their capacity to produ...

Comparative clinical efficacy of three toothpastes in the control of supragingival calculus formation.

PubMed

Kraivaphan, Petcharat; Amornchat, Cholticha

2017-01-01

The purpose of this double-blind, parallel clinical study was to assess clinical efficacy in supragingival calculus formation reduction using Abhaibhubejhr Herbal Toothpaste compared to Colgate Total and Colgate Cavity Protection toothpastes. A total of 150 subjects participated in the pretest phase. All subjects were given oral soft/hard tissue evaluation, calculus examination using Volpe-Manhold calculus, and whole mouth oral prophylaxis. They received noncalculus control fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush to brush for 1 min two times daily for 8 weeks. After which, subjects were given a test phase oral soft/hard tissue evaluation and calculus examination and were randomized into one of the three toothpaste groups. All subjects in the test phase received a whole mouth oral prophylaxis and were given their assigned toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush to brush for 1 min two times a day for 12 weeks. Thereafter, subjects were assessed for their oral soft/hard tissue and calculus formation. Mean Volpe-Manhold calculus index scores for the Cavity Protection, Abhaibhubejhr, and Total toothpaste groups were 0.78, 0.62, and 0.48, respectively, at the 12-week test phase evaluation. Abhaibhubejhr and Total toothpaste groups show 20.51% and 38.46% significantly less calculus formation than the Cavity Protection toothpaste group ( P < 0.05). Total toothpaste group also show 22.58% significantly less calculus formation than the Abhaibhubejhr toothpaste group ( P < 0.05). The use of Colgate Total toothpaste over a 12-week period was clinically more effective than either Abhaibhubejhr or Colgate Cavity Protection toothpastes in controlling supragingival calculus formation.

Decreased PCDD/F formation when co-firing a waste fuel and biomass in a CFB boiler by addition of sulphates or municipal sewage sludge.

PubMed

Åmand, Lars-Erik; Kassman, Håkan

2013-08-01

Polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs) and polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs) are formed during waste incineration and in waste-to-energy boilers. Incomplete combustion, too short residence times at low combustion temperatures (<700 °C), incineration of electronic waste and plastic waste containing chlorine are all factors influencing the formation of PCDD/Fs in boilers. The impact of chlorine and catalysing metals (such as copper and iron) in the fuel on PCDD/F formation was studied in a 12 MW(th) circulating fluidised bed (CFB) boiler. The PCDD/F concentrations in the raw gas after the convection pass of the boiler and in the fly ashes were compared. The fuel types were a so-called clean biomass with low content of chlorine, biomass with enhanced content of chlorine from supply of PVC, and solid recovered fuel (SRF) which is a waste fuel containing higher concentrations of both chlorine, and catalysing metals. The PCDD/F formation increased for the biomass with enhanced chlorine content and it was significantly reduced in the raw gas as well as in the fly ashes by injection of ammonium sulphate. A link, the alkali chloride track, is demonstrated between the level of alkali chlorides in the gas phase, the chlorine content in the deposits in the convection pass and finally the PCDD/F formation. The formation of PCDD/Fs was also significantly reduced during co-combustion of SRF with municipal sewage sludge (MSS) compared to when SRF was fired without MSS as additional fuel. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Understanding the influence of external perturbation on aziridinium ion formation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sinha, Sourab; Bhattacharyya, Pradip Kr

2018-01-01

A density functional theory study is performed to understand the effect of discrete water molecules during Az+ ion formation in nitrogen mustards. A comparative study in gas phase, and implicit and explicit solvation models of three drug molecules (mustine, chlorambucil and melphalan) is reported. Noteworthy changes in the structure and C-N stretching frequencies of the transition states have been observed in the presence of explicit water molecules. Presence of explicit water molecules reduces the positive charge around the tricyclic Az+ ring, and hence stabilising it. Both activation energy and rate constants are seen to be significantly affected in the presence of discrete water molecules.

Laser produced nanocavities in silica and sapphire: a parametric study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hallo, L.; Bourgeade, A.; Travaillé, G.; Tikhonchuk, V. T.; Nkonga, B.; Breil, J.

2008-05-01

We present a model, that describes a sub-micron cavity formation in a transparent dielectric under a tight focusing of a ultra-short laser pulse. The model solves the full set of Maxwell's equations in the three-dimensional geometry along with non-linear propagation phenomenons. This allows us to initialize hydrodynamic simulations of the sub-micron cavity formation. Cavity characteristics, which depend on 3D energy release and non linear effects, have been investigated and compared with experimental results. For this work, we want to deeply acknowledge the numerical support provided by the CEA Centre de Calcul Recherche et Technologie, whose help guaranteed the achievement of this study.

Formation of biofilm by Listeria monocytogenes ATCC 19112 at different incubation temperatures and concentrations of sodium chloride

PubMed Central

Lee, H.Y.; Chai, L.C.; Pui, C.F.; Mustafa, S.; Cheah, Y.K.; Nishibuchi, M.; Radu, S.

2013-01-01

Biofilm formation can lead to various consequences in the food processing line such as contamination and equipment breakdowns. Since formation of biofilm can occur in various conditions; this study was carried out using L. monocytogenes ATCC 19112 and its biofilm formation ability tested under various concentrations of sodium chloride and temperatures. Cultures of L. monocytogenes ATCC 19112 were placed in 96-well microtitre plate containing concentration of sodium chloride from 1–10% (w/v) and incubated at different temperature of 4 °C, 30 °C and 45 °C for up to 60 h. Absorbance reading of crystal violet staining showed the density of biofilm formed in the 96-well microtitre plates was significantly higher when incubated in 4 °C. The formation of biofilm also occurs at a faster rate at 4 °C and higher optical density (OD 570 nm) was observed at 45 °C. This shows that storage under formation of biofilm that may lead to a higher contamination along the processing line in the food industry. Formation of biofilm was found to be more dependent on temperature compared to sodium chloride stress. PMID:24159283

Professional Learning Communities: An Analysis of Teacher Participation in a PLC and the Relationship with Student Academic Achievement

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Aylsworth, Anthony James

2012-01-01

This study sought to compare teacher participation in a Professional Learning Community with the performance of their students. Student achievement data from multiple subject-alike groups were compared in a pre-and post-PLC format, using an independent, two-sample t-test. Overall, 10 PLCs from one high school in a suburban, Iowa setting were…

Comparing Two Forms of Dynamic Assessment and Traditional Assessment of Preschool Phonological Awareness

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kantor, Patricia Thatcher; Wagner, Richard K.; Torgesen, Joseph K.; Rashotte, Carol A.

2011-01-01

The goal of the current study was to compare two forms of dynamic assessment and standard assessment of preschool children's phonological awareness. The first form of dynamic assessment was a form of scaffolding in which item formats were modified in response to an error so as to make the task easier or more explicit. The second form of dynamic…

Comparing the Use of Global Rating Scale with Checklists for the Assessment of Central Venous Catheterization Skills Using Simulation

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ma, Irene W. Y.; Zalunardo, Nadia; Pachev, George; Beran, Tanya; Brown, Melanie; Hatala, Rose; McLaughlin, Kevin

2012-01-01

The use of checklists is recommended for the assessment of competency in central venous catheterization (CVC) insertion. To explore the use of a global rating scale in the assessment of CVC skills, this study seeks to compare its use with two checklists, within the context of a formative examination using simulation. Video-recorded performances of…

Physical characterization and osteogenic activity of the quaternized chitosan-loaded PMMA bone cement.

PubMed

Tan, Honglue; Guo, Shengrong; Yang, Shengbing; Xu, Xiaofen; Tang, Tingting

2012-07-01

Gentamicin-loaded polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA), widely used for primary cemented arthroplasty and revision surgery for preventing or treating infections, may lead to the evolution of antibiotic-resistant bacteria and dysfunction of osteogenic cells, which further influence the osteointegration of bone cement. In a previous study, we reported that a new quaternized chitosan derivative (hydroxypropyltrimethyl ammonium chloride chitosan, HACC) that was loaded into PMMA significantly inhibited the formation of biofilms caused by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus strains. In the present study, we further investigated the surface morphology, hydrophilicity, apatite formation ability and osteogenic activity of HACC-loaded PMMA. Chitosan-loaded PMMA, gentamicin-loaded PMMA and PMMA without antibiotic were also investigated and compared. The results showed that, compared to other PMMA-based cements, HACC-loaded PMMA had improved properties such as a lower polymerization temperature, prolonged setting time, porous structures after immersion in phosphate-buffered saline, higher hydrophilicity, more apatite formation on the surface after immersion in simulated body fluid, and better attachment and spreading of the human-marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells. We also found better stem cell proliferation, osteogenic differentiation, and osteogenesis-associated genes expression on the surface of the HACC-loaded PMMA compared to the gentamicin-loaded PMMA. Therefore, this new anti-infective bone cement had improved physical properties and osteogenic activity, which may lead to better osteointegration of the bone cement in cemented arthroplasty. Copyright © 2012 Acta Materialia Inc. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

A visual analytics approach for pattern-recognition in patient-generated data.

PubMed

Feller, Daniel J; Burgermaster, Marissa; Levine, Matthew E; Smaldone, Arlene; Davidson, Patricia G; Albers, David J; Mamykina, Lena

2018-06-13

To develop and test a visual analytics tool to help clinicians identify systematic and clinically meaningful patterns in patient-generated data (PGD) while decreasing perceived information overload. Participatory design was used to develop Glucolyzer, an interactive tool featuring hierarchical clustering and a heatmap visualization to help registered dietitians (RDs) identify associative patterns between blood glucose levels and per-meal macronutrient composition for individuals with type 2 diabetes (T2DM). Ten RDs participated in a within-subjects experiment to compare Glucolyzer to a static logbook format. For each representation, participants had 25 minutes to examine 1 month of diabetes self-monitoring data captured by an individual with T2DM and identify clinically meaningful patterns. We compared the quality and accuracy of the observations generated using each representation. Participants generated 50% more observations when using Glucolyzer (98) than when using the logbook format (64) without any loss in accuracy (69% accuracy vs 62%, respectively, p = .17). Participants identified more observations that included ingredients other than carbohydrates using Glucolyzer (36% vs 16%, p = .027). Fewer RDs reported feelings of information overload using Glucolyzer compared to the logbook format. Study participants displayed variable acceptance of hierarchical clustering. Visual analytics have the potential to mitigate provider concerns about the volume of self-monitoring data. Glucolyzer helped dietitians identify meaningful patterns in self-monitoring data without incurring perceived information overload. Future studies should assess whether similar tools can support clinicians in personalizing behavioral interventions that improve patient outcomes.

Systemic depletion of macrophages in the subacute phase of wound healing reduces hypertrophic scar formation.

PubMed

Zhu, Zhensen; Ding, Jie; Ma, Zengshuan; Iwashina, Takashi; Tredget, Edward E

2016-07-01

Hypertrophic scars are caused by trauma or burn injuries to the deep dermis and can cause cosmetic disfigurement and psychological issues. Studies suggest that M2-like macrophages are pro-fibrotic and contribute to hypertrophic scar formation. A previous study from our lab showed that M2 macrophages were present in developing hypertrophic scar tissues in vivo at 3-4 weeks after wounding. In this study, the effect of systemic macrophage depletion on scar formation was explored at subacute phase of wound healing. Thirty-six athymic nude mice that received human skin transplants were randomly divided into macrophage depletion group and control group. The former received intraperitoneal injections of clodronate liposomes while the controls received sterile saline injections on day 7, 10, and 13 postgrafting. Wound area, scar thickness, collagen abundance and collagen bundle structure, mast cell infiltration, myofibroblast formation, M1, and M2 macrophages together with gene expression of M1 and M2 related factors in the grafted skin were investigated at 2, 4, and 8 weeks postgrafting. The transplanted human skin from the control group developed contracted, elevated, and thickened scars while the grafted skin from the depletion group healed with significant less contraction and elevation. Significant reductions in myofibroblast number, collagen synthesis, and hypertrophic fiber morphology as well as mast cell infiltration were observed in the depletion group compared to the control group. Macrophage depletion significantly reduced M1 and M2 macrophage number in the depletion group 2 weeks postgrafting as compared to the control group. These findings suggest that systemic macrophage depletion in subacute phase of wound healing reduces scar formation, which provides evidence for the pro-fibrotic role of macrophages in fibrosis of human skin as well as insight into the potential benefits of specifically depleting M2 macrophages in vivo. © 2016 by the Wound Healing Society.

SOA from BVOCs in the Southeastern United States

EPA Science Inventory

Biogenic hydrocarbons contribute to organic aerosol in the southeast United States. In this work, we represent aerosol formation from the oxidation of isoprene and monoterpenes in CMAQ and compare to data from the Southeast Oxidants and Aerosol Study (SOAS). Sensitivity simulatio...

Who We Are: A Case Study on the Institutional Identity of One Public Institution

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Driggers, Mallory C.

2016-01-01

This research examined the formation, change and sustainment of institutional identity over a period of almost three decades under one leader at a public research institution in the southwest. This qualitative case study used constant comparative analysis with interview transcripts and convocation address transcripts to examine the change in…

The Contingent Valuation Method in Public Libraries

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Chung, Hye-Kyung

2008-01-01

This study aims to present a new model measuring the economic value of public libraries, combining the dissonance minimizing (DM) and information bias minimizing (IBM) format in the contingent valuation (CV) surveys. The possible biases which are tied to the conventional CV surveys are reviewed. An empirical study is presented to compare the model…

Individual Factors and Successful Learning in a Hybrid Course

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Arispe, Kelly; Blake, Robert J.

2012-01-01

What personality factors make for a successful hybrid L2 learning experience? While previous studies have examined online learning in comparative terms (i.e. Which format is better: in class or hybrid?), this study examines certain personality and cognitive factors that might define the ideal hybrid language learner. All informants studied…

Three Interaction Patterns on Asynchronous Online Discussion Behaviours: A Methodological Comparison

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Jo, I.; Park, Y.; Lee, H.

2017-01-01

An asynchronous online discussion (AOD) is one format of instructional methods that facilitate student-centered learning. In the wealth of AOD research, this study evaluated how students' behavior on AOD influences their academic outcomes. This case study compared the differential analytic methods including web log mining, social network analysis…

Atomistic study on the FCC/BCC interface structure with {112}KS orientation

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

Kang, Keonwook; Beyerlein, Irene; Han, Weizhong

2011-09-23

In this study, atomistic simulation is used to explore the atomic interface structure, the intrinsic defect network, and mechanism of twin formation from the {112}KS Cu-Nb interface. The interface structure of different material systems AI-Fe and AI-Nb are also compared with Cu-Nb interface.

Medical Informatics Specialty in the Developed English-Speaking Countries: The Terminology Comparative Analysis

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kobryn, Nadia

2015-01-01

The article studies the development process of medical informatics specialty terminology as the ground for further research into foreign countries' experience, including the Canadian one, of specialists' professional training in the field of MI. The study determines the origin and chief stages of the formation and development of the medical…