21 CFR 314.50 - Content and format of an application.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-04-01

... the protocol and a description of the statistical analyses used to evaluate the study. If the study... application: (i) Three copies of the analytical procedures and related descriptive information contained in... the samples and to validate the applicant's analytical procedures. The related descriptive information...

21 CFR 314.50 - Content and format of an application.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-04-01

... the protocol and a description of the statistical analyses used to evaluate the study. If the study... application: (i) Three copies of the analytical procedures and related descriptive information contained in... the samples and to validate the applicant's analytical procedures. The related descriptive information...

21 CFR 314.50 - Content and format of an application.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-04-01

... the protocol and a description of the statistical analyses used to evaluate the study. If the study... application: (i) Three copies of the analytical procedures and related descriptive information contained in... the samples and to validate the applicant's analytical procedures. The related descriptive information...

21 CFR 314.50 - Content and format of an application.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-04-01

... the protocol and a description of the statistical analyses used to evaluate the study. If the study... application: (i) Three copies of the analytical procedures and related descriptive information contained in... the samples and to validate the applicant's analytical procedures. The related descriptive information...

A Multi-Scale Approach to Assess and Restore Ecosystems in a Watershed Context

DTIC Science & Technology

2013-09-01

Laguna Formation .. Mehrten Formation .. Metamorphic Rocks , Undifferentiated .. Modesto Formation. Upper Unit c=J North Merced Gravel .. Riverbank...distribution is unlimited. The US Army Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC) solves the nation’s toughest engineering and environmental...watershed assessment procedure that can be used to evaluate existing ecological conditions as well as proposed changes. The approach employs indicators

The Effect of Anisotropic Scatter on Atmospheric Neutron Transport

DTIC Science & Technology

2015-03-26

Labratory, ENDF-6 Formats Manual: Data Formats and Procedures for the Evaluated Nuclear Data Files ENDF/B-VI and ENDF/B-VII. BNL - 90365-2009, Revision 2...Upton, NY: BNL , December 2011 [7] Microsoft Visual Studio Professional 2013, Version 12.0.30501.00 Update 2. Computer Software. Microsoft Corporation

The Warm-Cold Study: A Classroom Demonstration of Impression Formation.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Symbaluk, Diane G.; Cameron, Judy

1998-01-01

Describes a procedure for teaching experimental design to students in the social sciences. Argues that by replicating Solomon Asch's and H. Kelley's classic studies on impression formation, students learn how to conduct experiments, analyze data, and evaluate the significance of research. Provides instructions for implementing the strategy. (DSK)

An Optometric Clinical Practicum Examination Model.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Eskridge, Jess B.

1979-01-01

A practical clinical examination model for use by state board examiners in optometry is described including purpose, format, examination design, procedures, evaluation examples and administration. (JMF)

Program Evaluation: Roles and Responsibilities of Boards of Education Relative to Thorough and Efficient Legislation.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Research for Better Schools, Inc., Philadelphia, PA.

The process for providing a "thorough and efficient" (T & E) education according to New Jersey statutes and regulations involves six basic steps. This document suggests procedures for handling the fifth step, educational program evaluation. Processes discussed include committee formation, evaluation planning, action plan…

Comparison of MWD and wireline applications and decision criteria, Malay Basin

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

Zainun, K.; Redzuan, M.; Said, M.

1994-07-01

Since 1987, usage of measurement while drilling (MWD) technology within Esso Production Malaysia Inc. (EPMI) has evolved from an auxiliary directional drilling service to providing a reliable alternative to wireline logs for formation evaluation and well-completion purposes. The shift in EPMI's attitude toward the use of MWD in formation evaluation is attributed to the availability of a complete suite of logging services for the log analysis procedure, accuracy of the data, sufficient control in reservoir quality, and continuity in fields where there are already a high density of wireline-logged wells, increasing number of high angle and horizontal wells being drilled,more » a favorable track record, and realized economic benefits. The in-house analysis procedure, (EPMILOG[sup 6]), requires the availability of a deep and/or shallow investigating resistivity, formation density, neutron porosity, and gamma ray tools for a complete analysis. The availability of these services in MWD and also comparative evaluations of MWD responses with their correlative wireline counterparts show that MWD technology can be used, to a large extent, to complement or replace routine wireline logging services. MWD resistivity measurements are frequently observed to be less effected by mud filtrate invasion than the correlative wireline measurements and are, therefore, closer to the true resistivity of the formation. MWD formation evaluation services are most widely used in fields where there are already a high density of wells that were logged using wireline. The MWD data is used to decide perforation depths and intervals.« less

Dangerous liaison: successful percutaneous edge-to-edge mitral valve repair in patients with end-stage systolic heart failure can cause left ventricular thrombus formation.

PubMed

Orban, Martin; Braun, Daniel; Sonne, Carolin; Orban, Mathias; Thaler, Raffael; Grebmer, Christian; Lesevic, Hasema; Schömig, Albert; Mehilli, Julinda; Massberg, Steffen; Hausleiter, Jörg

2014-06-01

To evaluate the characteristics and clinical outcome of patients with new formation of left ventricular (LV) thrombus after percutaneous edge-to-edge mitral valve repair. Between 2009 and 2012 we intended to treat 150 patients with severe mitral regurgitation (MR) with percutaneous edge-to-edge mitral valve repair in our centre. Post-procedural transthoracic echocardiographic examinations scheduled during the hospital stay revealed the new formation of LV thrombi in three out of 150 patients. All three patients suffered from end-stage systolic heart failure with a LV ejection fraction (LVEF) below 20% and were successfully treated in terms of MR reduction (reduction of at least two MR grades). No thrombus formation was observed in patients with a LVEF >20% treated in our centre (a total of 136 patients). The frequency of new LV thrombus formation in the cohort of patients with a LVEF ≤20% treated in our centre was 21% (three out of 14 patients). New formation of LV thrombus was detected in patients with severely depressed LVEF (≤20%) after successful reduction of MR following percutaneous edge-to-edge mitral valve repair. This phenomenon could be a play of chance, but percutaneous edge-to-edge mitral valve repair using the MitraClip¨ system is a new procedure. Special care is needed when performing new procedures, and the unexpected post-procedural finding of LV thrombus formation in approximately 20% in this cohort is worth reporting.

Differentiation of ileostomy from colostomy procedures: assessing the accuracy of current procedural terminology codes and the utility of natural language processing.

PubMed

Vo, Elaine; Davila, Jessica A; Hou, Jason; Hodge, Krystle; Li, Linda T; Suliburk, James W; Kao, Lillian S; Berger, David H; Liang, Mike K

2013-08-01

Large databases provide a wealth of information for researchers, but identifying patient cohorts often relies on the use of current procedural terminology (CPT) codes. In particular, studies of stoma surgery have been limited by the accuracy of CPT codes in identifying and differentiating ileostomy procedures from colostomy procedures. It is important to make this distinction because the prevalence of complications associated with stoma formation and reversal differ dramatically between types of stoma. Natural language processing (NLP) is a process that allows text-based searching. The Automated Retrieval Console is an NLP-based software that allows investigators to design and perform NLP-assisted document classification. In this study, we evaluated the role of CPT codes and NLP in differentiating ileostomy from colostomy procedures. Using CPT codes, we conducted a retrospective study that identified all patients undergoing a stoma-related procedure at a single institution between January 2005 and December 2011. All operative reports during this time were reviewed manually to abstract the following variables: formation or reversal and ileostomy or colostomy. Sensitivity and specificity for validation of the CPT codes against the mastery surgery schedule were calculated. Operative reports were evaluated by use of NLP to differentiate ileostomy- from colostomy-related procedures. Sensitivity and specificity for identifying patients with ileostomy or colostomy procedures were calculated for CPT codes and NLP for the entire cohort. CPT codes performed well in identifying stoma procedures (sensitivity 87.4%, specificity 97.5%). A total of 664 stoma procedures were identified by CPT codes between 2005 and 2011. The CPT codes were adequate in identifying stoma formation (sensitivity 97.7%, specificity 72.4%) and stoma reversal (sensitivity 74.1%, specificity 98.7%), but they were inadequate in identifying ileostomy (sensitivity 35.0%, specificity 88.1%) and colostomy (75.2% and 80.9%). NLP performed with greater sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy than CPT codes in identifying stoma procedures and stoma types. Major differences where NLP outperformed CPT included identifying ileostomy (specificity 95.8%, sensitivity 88.3%, and accuracy 91.5%) and colostomy (97.6%, 90.5%, and 92.8%, respectively). CPT codes can identify effectively patients who have had stoma procedures and are adequate in distinguishing between formation and reversal; however, CPT codes cannot differentiate ileostomy from colostomy. NLP can be used to differentiate between ileostomy- and colostomy-related procedures. The role of NLP in conjunction with electronic medical records in data retrieval warrants further investigation. Published by Mosby, Inc.

The National Evaluation of Project Follow Through: 1967-1968.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kurfeerst, Marvin; Stephens, Thomas M.

Twenty-nine projects evaluated during the 1967-68 school year in the national evaluation of Project Follow Through are discussed in this final report. The report provides, in a narrative format, only the "hard" data gathered during the pre-test period. Specifically, this report reviews relevant literature, describes the procedures and…

Evaluation Manual for CIP Courses: Objectives and Implementation Procedures.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Siri, Carmen

This manual has been designed to guide courses on potato production sponsored by the International Potato Center (CIP) in Lima (Peru). It describes the CIP Course Evaluation System that is presently used and provides guidelines on how to use feedback more effectively for improving training. CIP evaluations are largely formative. The CIP focuses on…

The Monitoring the Future Project After Thirty-Two Years: Design and Procedures. Monitoring the Future Occasional Paper 64

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bachman, Jerald G.; Johnston, Lloyd D.; O'Malley, Patrick M.; Schulenberg, John E.

2006-01-01

This occasional paper updates and extends earlier papers in the Monitoring the Future project. It provides a detailed description of the project's design, including sampling design, data collection procedures, measurement content, and questionnaire format. It attempts to include sufficient information for others who wish to evaluate the results,…

An Investigation of Item Fit Statistics for Mixed IRT Models

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Chon, Kyong Hee

2009-01-01

The purpose of this study was to investigate procedures for assessing model fit of IRT models for mixed format data. In this study, various IRT model combinations were fitted to data containing both dichotomous and polytomous item responses, and the suitability of the chosen model mixtures was evaluated based on a number of model fit procedures.…

An Empirical Investigation of Methods for Assessing Item Fit for Mixed Format Tests

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Chon, Kyong Hee; Lee, Won-Chan; Ansley, Timothy N.

2013-01-01

Empirical information regarding performance of model-fit procedures has been a persistent need in measurement practice. Statistical procedures for evaluating item fit were applied to real test examples that consist of both dichotomously and polytomously scored items. The item fit statistics used in this study included the PARSCALE's G[squared],…

Women in Technical Education. Annual Report 1990-91.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Texas State Technical Coll., Waco.

First-year activities of Women in Technical Education, a project to develop a model for women in that field, were evaluated. A formative evaluation showed that intense development and implementation activity enabled achievement of first-year goals and objectives during the 1990-91 year. Procedures to accomplish objectives were effective.…

Standardized Evaluation for Multi-National Development Programs.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Farrell, W. Timothy

This paper takes the position that standardized evaluation formats and procedures for multi-national development programs are not only desirable but possible in diverse settings. The key is the localization of standard systems, which involves not only the technical manipulation of items and scales, but also the contextual interpretation of…

Efficacy of Negative Pressure Wound Treatment in Preventing Surgical Site Infections after Whipple Procedures.

PubMed

Gupta, Ryan; Darby, Geoffrey C; Imagawa, David K

2017-10-01

Surgical site infections (SSIs) occur at an average rate of 21.1 per cent after Whipple procedures per NSQIP data. In the setting of adherence to standard National Surgery Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) Hepatopancreatobiliary recommendations including wound protector use and glove change before closing, this study seeks to evaluate the efficacy of using negative pressure wound treatment (NPWT) over closed incision sites after a Whipple procedure to prevent SSI formation. We retrospectively examined consecutive patients from January 2014 to July 2016 who met criteria of completing Whipple procedures with full primary incision closure performed by a single surgeon at a single institution. Sixty-one patients were included in the study between two cohorts: traditional dressing (TD) (n = 36) and NPWT dressing (n = 25). There was a statistically significant difference (P = 0.01) in SSI formation between the TD cohort (n = 15, SSI rate = 0.41) and the NPWT cohort (n = 3, SSI rate = 0.12). The adjusted odds ratio (OR) of SSI formation was significant for NPWT use [OR = 0.15, P = 0.036] and for hospital length of stay [OR = 1.21, P = 0.024]. Operative length, operative blood loss, units of perioperative blood transfusion, intraoperative gastrojejunal tube placement, preoperative stent placement, and postoperative antibiotic duration did not significantly impact SSI formation (P > 0.05).

Identification of Printed Nonsense Words for an Individual with Autism: A Comparison of Constant Time Delay and Stimulus Fading

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Redhair, Emily

2011-01-01

This study compared a stimulus fading (SF) procedure with a constant time delay (CTD) procedure for identification of consonant-vowel-consonant (CVC) nonsense words for a participant with autism. An alternating treatments design was utilized through a computer-based format. Receptive identification of target words was evaluated using a computer…

Identification of Printed Nonsense Words for an Individual with Autism: A Comparison of Constant Time Delay and Stimulus Fading

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Redhair, Emily I.; McCoy, Kathleen M.; Zucker, Stanley H.; Mathur, Sarup R.; Caterino, Linda

2013-01-01

This study compared a stimulus fading (SF) procedure with a constant time delay (CTD) procedure for identification of consonant-vowel-consonant (CVC) nonsense words for a participant with autism. An alternating treatments design was utilized through a computer-based format. Receptive identification of target words was evaluated using a computer…

Effect of hydrocarbon fuel type on fuel

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

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

1982-01-01

A modified jet fuel thermal oxidation tester (JFTOT) procedure was used to evaluate deposit and sediment formation for four pure hydrocarbon fuels over the temperature range 150 to 450 C in 316-stainless-steel heater tubes. Fuel types were a normal alkane, an alkene, a naphthene, and an aromatic. Each fuel exhibited certain distinctive deposit and sediment formation characteristics. The effect of aluminum and 316-stainless-steel heater tube surfaces on deposit formation for the fuel n-decane over the same temperature range was investigated. Results showed that an aluminum surface had lower deposit formation rates at all temperatures investigated. By using a modified JFTOT procedure the thermal stability of four pure hydrocarbon fuels and two practical fuels (Jet A and home heating oil no. 2) was rated on the basis of their breakpoint temperatures. Results indicate that this method could be used to rate thermal stability for a series of fuels.

Head-camera video recordings of trauma core competency procedures can evaluate surgical resident's technical performance as well as colocated evaluators.

PubMed

Mackenzie, Colin F; Pasley, Jason; Garofalo, Evan; Shackelford, Stacy; Chen, Hegang; Longinaker, Nyaradzo; Granite, Guinevere; Pugh, Kristy; Hagegeorge, George; Tisherman, Samuel A

2017-07-01

Unbiased evaluation of trauma core competency procedures is necessary to determine if residency and predeployment training courses are useful. We tested whether a previously validated individual procedure score (IPS) for individual procedure vascular exposure and fasciotomy (FAS) performance skills could discriminate training status by comparing IPS of evaluators colocated with surgeons to blind video evaluations. Performance of axillary artery (AA), brachial artery (BA), and femoral artery (FA) vascular exposures and lower extremity FAS on fresh cadavers by 40 PGY-2 to PGY-6 residents was video-recorded from head-mounted cameras. Two colocated trained evaluators assessed IPS before and after training. One surgeon in each pretraining tertile of IPS for each procedure was randomly identified for blind video review. The same 12 surgeons were video-recorded repeating the procedures less than 4 weeks after training. Five evaluators independently reviewed all 96 randomly arranged deidentified videos. Inter-rater reliability/consistency, intraclass correlation coefficients were compared by colocated versus video review of IPS, and errors. Study methodology and bias were judged by Medical Education Research Study Quality Instrument and the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies criteria. There were no differences (p ≥ 0.5) in IPS for AA, FA, FAS, whether evaluators were colocated or reviewed video recordings. Evaluator consistency was 0.29 (BA) - 0.77 (FA). Video and colocated evaluators were in total agreement (p = 1.0) for error recognition. Intraclass correlation coefficient was 0.73 to 0.92, dependent on procedure. Correlations video versus colocated evaluations were 0.5 to 0.9. Except for BA, blinded video evaluators discriminated (p < 0.002) whether procedures were performed before training versus after training. Study methodology by Medical Education Research Study Quality Instrument criteria scored 15.5/19, Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies 2 showed low bias risk. Video evaluations of AA, FA, and FAS procedures with IPS are unbiased, valid, and have potential for formative assessments of competency. Prognostic study, level II.

Bill Wilkins as a Model for Sensitivity Training.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Smith, Henry C.

This case study is presented as a model for a sensitivity training program planned at Michigan State University. The goals, procedures, and criteria for conducting a program are illustrated. Based on the assumption that empathy is the mainspring of impression formation, and that empathy and evaluation interact, the goal is accurate evaluation.…

Data management in large-scale collaborative toxicity studies: how to file experimental data for automated statistical analysis.

PubMed

Stanzel, Sven; Weimer, Marc; Kopp-Schneider, Annette

2013-06-01

High-throughput screening approaches are carried out for the toxicity assessment of a large number of chemical compounds. In such large-scale in vitro toxicity studies several hundred or thousand concentration-response experiments are conducted. The automated evaluation of concentration-response data using statistical analysis scripts saves time and yields more consistent results in comparison to data analysis performed by the use of menu-driven statistical software. Automated statistical analysis requires that concentration-response data are available in a standardised data format across all compounds. To obtain consistent data formats, a standardised data management workflow must be established, including guidelines for data storage, data handling and data extraction. In this paper two procedures for data management within large-scale toxicological projects are proposed. Both procedures are based on Microsoft Excel files as the researcher's primary data format and use a computer programme to automate the handling of data files. The first procedure assumes that data collection has not yet started whereas the second procedure can be used when data files already exist. Successful implementation of the two approaches into the European project ACuteTox is illustrated. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

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.

A hydrochemical data base for the Hanford Site, Washington

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

Early, T.O.; Mitchell, M.D.; Spice, G.D.

1986-05-01

This data package contains a revision of the Site Hydrochemical Data Base for water samples associated with the Basalt Waste Isolation Project (BWIP). In addition to the detailed chemical analyses, a summary description of the data base format, detailed descriptions of verification procedures used to check data entries, and detailed descriptions of validation procedures used to evaluate data quality are included. 32 refs., 21 figs., 3 tabs.

Planning and evaluating prescribed fires--a standard procedure

Treesearch

William C. Fischer

1978-01-01

Provides a standard format and checklist to guide the land manager through the important steps for prescribed burning. Describes the kind of information needed to prepare fire prescriptions and burning plans. Identifies the elements of a fire prescription, a burning plan, and a prescribed fire evaluation. A plan written for an actual prescribed burning is included as...

Developing a Teacher Evaluation Instrument to Provide Formative Feedback Using Student Ratings of Teaching Acts

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

van der Lans, Rikkert M.; van de Grift, Wim J. C. M.; van Veen, Klaas

2015-01-01

This study reports on the development of a teacher evaluation instrument, based on students' observations, which exhibits cumulative ordering in terms of the complexity of teaching acts. The study integrates theory on teacher development with theory on teacher effectiveness and applies a cross-validation procedure to verify whether teaching acts…

Production Plan and Formative Evaluation Report.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Castle, Thomas J.; And Others

1981-01-01

Instructional development projects in Medical Terminology and Orientation to Hearing Aids are reviewed to demonstrate the procedural steps used and the interactive dynamics employed by development teams at the National Technical Institute for the Deaf. Six references are provided. (MER)

Role of CT scanning in formation evaluation

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

Bergosh, J.L.; Dibona, B.G.

1988-01-01

The use of the computerized tomographic (CT) scanner in formation evaluation of difficult to analyze core samples has moved from the research and development phase to daily, routine use in the core-analysis laboratory. The role of the CT scanner has become increasingly important as geologists try to obtain more representative core material for accurate formation evaluation. The most common problem facing the core analyst when preparing to measure petrophysical properties is the selection of representative and unaltered core samples for routine and special core testing. Recent data have shown that heterogeneous reservoir rock can be very difficult, if not impossible,more » to assess correctly when using standard core examination procedures, because many features, such as fractures, are not visible on the core surface. Another problem is the invasion of drilling mud into the core sample. Flushing formation oil and water from the core can greatly alter the saturation and distribution of fluids and lead to serious formation evaluation problems. Because the quality and usefulness of the core date are directly tied to proper sample selection, it has become imperative that the CT scanner be used whenever possible.« less

Initial development and performance evaluation of a process for formation of dense carbon by pyrolysis of methane

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Noyes, G. P.; Cusick, R. J.

1985-01-01

The three steps in pyrolytic carbon formation are: (1) gaseous hydrocarbon polymerization and aromatic formation; (2) gas-phase condensation and surface adsorption/impingement of polyaromatic hydrocarbon; and (3) final dehydration to carbon. The structure of the carbon in the various stages of formation is examined. The apparatuses and experimental procedures for the pyrolysis of methane in a 60 cm long quartz reactor tube at temperatures ranging from 1400-1600 K are described. The percentage of carbon converted and its density are calculated and tabularly presented. The results reveal that dense carbon formation is maximized and soot eliminated by this procedure. It is observed that conversion efficiency depends on the composition of the inlet gas and conversion increases with increasing temperature. Based on the experimental data a three-man carbon reactor subsystem (CRS) is developed; the functions of the Sabatier Methanation Reactor, two carbon formation reactors and fluid handling components of the CRS are analyzed. The CRS forms 16 kg of carbon at a rate of 0.8 kg/day for 20 days in a two percent volume density quartz wool packing at temperature of 1500-1600 K.

Ultrasound-assisted green bromination of N-cinnamoyl amino acid amides - Structural characterization and antimicrobial evaluation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Stoykova, Boyka; Chochkova, Maya; Ivanova, Galya; Markova, Nadezhda; Enchev, Venelin; Tsvetkova, Iva; Najdenski, Hristo; Štícha, Martin; Milkova, Tsenka

2017-05-01

N-phenylpropenoyl amino acid amides have been brominated using two alternative sonochemically activated green chemistry procedures. The first synthetic procedure has involved an ultrasound assisted bromination in an aqueous medium using ionic liquid as a catalyst of the reaction, whereas in the second one an in situ formation of Br2 via oxidation of HBr by H2O2 has been used. For comparison, the conventional bromination procedure was also used. The newly brominated compounds were characterized by appropriate analytical techniques. A detailed NMR spectroscopic analysis and quantum chemical calculations using Density Functional Theory (DFT) methods have been used to define the stereochemistry of the products. The results confirmed the physicochemical identity and similar yields of the products obtained by the three synthetic procedures employed, and reveal the co-existence of two diastereoisomeric forms of the newly synthesized products. The antibacterial and antifungal activities of the dibrominated amides were evaluated.

The state agency experience (evaluation/selection of hardware for automated, geo-based information systems)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Campbell, L. F., Jr.

1981-01-01

The purpose and format of a panel session that addressed the procedures by which the hardware components of geographic information systems are evaluated and selected are described. State agencies from Alaska, Colorado, Montana, and Washington were represented and the topic was discussed within the general context of information requirements in land management decision making.

An "Environmental Issues in Agronomy" Course.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Barbarick, K. A.

1992-01-01

Describes and evaluates the format and grading procedure of an Environmental Agronomy course offered at Colorado State University. Teaching methods include videotape use, field trips, and lectures addressing topics such as integrated pest management, land application of sewage sludge, pesticide degradation, and organic farming. Standard course…

Blood loss in the space of Retzius and pelvis with tension-free vaginal tape and trans-obturator tape procedures.

PubMed

Huffaker, R Keith; Copas, Pleas

2006-11-01

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the space of Retzius and pelvis for hematoma formation and blood loss following placement of tension-free vaginal tapes (TVT) and transobturator tapes (TOT). 25 women were examined with ultrasonography on post-operative days one, two, three, four or five. One patient underwent TVT while the other 24 underwent TOT. Additional procedures were performed on most patients. No hematomas or collections of free fluid were identified post-operatively. TVT and TOT procedures are relatively safe procedures. We encountered no vascular complications in this small series of patients. Review of literature has yielded reports of infrequent complications.

Developing Performance Measures for Manned-Unmanned Teaming Skills

DTIC Science & Technology

2015-02-01

Moves aircraft to safe area Utilize standardized radio communication and signal operating procedures Perform BDA Utilize Standard report formats...UAS does not conduct BDA ; assumes target is destroyed without verification UAS evaluates target; reports BDA to engaging aircraft (or...ground unit) after prompting UAS evaluates target; proactively reports BDA to engaging aircraft (or ground unit) 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 B

Towards a standardised informed consent procedure for live donor nephrectomy: the PRINCE (Process of Informed Consent Evaluation) project-study protocol for a nationwide prospective cohort study.

PubMed

Kortram, Kirsten; Spoon, Emerentia Q W; Ismail, Sohal Y; d'Ancona, Frank C H; Christiaans, Maarten H L; van Heurn, L W Ernest; Hofker, H Sijbrand; Hoksbergen, Arjan W J; Homan van der Heide, Jaap J; Idu, Mirza M; Looman, Caspar W N; Nurmohamed, S Azam; Ringers, Jan; Toorop, Raechel J; van de Wetering, Jacqueline; Ijzermans, Jan N M; Dor, Frank J M F

2016-04-01

Informed consent is mandatory for all (surgical) procedures, but it is even more important when it comes to living kidney donors undergoing surgery for the benefit of others. Donor education, leading to informed consent, needs to be carried out according to certain standards. Informed consent procedures for live donor nephrectomy vary per centre, and even per individual healthcare professional. The basis for a standardised, uniform surgical informed consent procedure for live donor nephrectomy can be created by assessing what information donors need to hear to prepare them for the operation and convalescence. The PRINCE (Process of Informed Consent Evaluation) project is a prospective, multicentre cohort study, to be carried out in all eight Dutch kidney transplant centres. Donor knowledge of the procedure and postoperative course will be evaluated by means of pop quizzes. A baseline cohort (prior to receiving any information from a member of the transplant team in one of the transplant centres) will be compared with a control group, the members of which receive the pop quiz on the day of admission for donor nephrectomy. Donor satisfaction will be evaluated for all donors who completed the admission pop-quiz. The primary end point is donor knowledge. In addition, those elements that have to be included in the standardised format informed consent procedure will be identified. Secondary end points are donor satisfaction, current informed consent practices in the different centres (eg, how many visits, which personnel, what kind of information is disclosed, in which format, etc) and correlation of donor knowledge with surgeons' estimation thereof. Approval for this study was obtained from the medical ethical committee of the Erasmus MC, University Medical Center, Rotterdam, on 18 February 2015. Secondary approval has been obtained from the local ethics committees in six participating centres. Approval in the last centre has been sought. Outcome will be published in a scientific journal. NTR5374; Pre-results. Published by the BMJ Publishing Group Limited. For permission to use (where not already granted under a licence) please go to http://www.bmj.com/company/products-services/rights-and-licensing/

Towards a standardised informed consent procedure for live donor nephrectomy: the PRINCE (Process of Informed Consent Evaluation) project—study protocol for a nationwide prospective cohort study

PubMed Central

Kortram, Kirsten; Spoon, Emerentia Q W; Ismail, Sohal Y; d'Ancona, Frank C H; Christiaans, Maarten H L; van Heurn, L W Ernest; Hofker, H Sijbrand; Hoksbergen, Arjan W J; Homan van der Heide, Jaap J; Idu, Mirza M; Looman, Caspar W N; Nurmohamed, S Azam; Ringers, Jan; Toorop, Raechel J; van de Wetering, Jacqueline; Ijzermans, Jan N M; Dor, Frank J M F

2016-01-01

Introduction Informed consent is mandatory for all (surgical) procedures, but it is even more important when it comes to living kidney donors undergoing surgery for the benefit of others. Donor education, leading to informed consent, needs to be carried out according to certain standards. Informed consent procedures for live donor nephrectomy vary per centre, and even per individual healthcare professional. The basis for a standardised, uniform surgical informed consent procedure for live donor nephrectomy can be created by assessing what information donors need to hear to prepare them for the operation and convalescence. Methods and analysis The PRINCE (Process of Informed Consent Evaluation) project is a prospective, multicentre cohort study, to be carried out in all eight Dutch kidney transplant centres. Donor knowledge of the procedure and postoperative course will be evaluated by means of pop quizzes. A baseline cohort (prior to receiving any information from a member of the transplant team in one of the transplant centres) will be compared with a control group, the members of which receive the pop quiz on the day of admission for donor nephrectomy. Donor satisfaction will be evaluated for all donors who completed the admission pop-quiz. The primary end point is donor knowledge. In addition, those elements that have to be included in the standardised format informed consent procedure will be identified. Secondary end points are donor satisfaction, current informed consent practices in the different centres (eg, how many visits, which personnel, what kind of information is disclosed, in which format, etc) and correlation of donor knowledge with surgeons' estimation thereof. Ethics and dissemination Approval for this study was obtained from the medical ethical committee of the Erasmus MC, University Medical Center, Rotterdam, on 18 February 2015. Secondary approval has been obtained from the local ethics committees in six participating centres. Approval in the last centre has been sought. Results Outcome will be published in a scientific journal. Trial registration number NTR5374; Pre-results. PMID:27036141

48 CFR 715.370-1 - Title XII selection procedure-general.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... essential, a statement of work, estimate of personnel requirements, special requirements (logistic support... statement of work, an estimate of the personnel required, and special provisions (such as logistic support, government furnished equipment, and so forth), a proposed contract format, and evaluation criteria. No cost...

Computer-Based Reading Instruction for Young Children with Disabilities

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Lee, Yeunjoo; Vail, Cynthia O.

2005-01-01

This investigation examined the effectiveness of a computer program in teaching sight word recognition to four young children with developmental disabilities. The intervention program was developed through a formative evaluation process. It embedded a constant-time-delay procedure and involved sounds, video, text, and animations. Dependent…

Instructional Resources and Materials for Business-Spanish Courses.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Cere, Ronald

The program, curriculum, and materials needed to provide business Spanish training are described, and the available instructional materials are reviewed and listed. In developing a business Spanish program, decisions must be made regarding goals, content, structure, instructional format, evaluation procedures, and target population. The content of…

34 CFR 427.21 - What selection criteria does the Secretary use?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... measurable goals for student enrollment, completion, and placement and describes how the applicant sets the... have the greatest need for bilingual vocational training; (v) Assessment procedures that evaluate the... proficiency, for each occupation for which training is provided; (4) Includes activities during the formative...

34 CFR 427.21 - What selection criteria does the Secretary use?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... measurable goals for student enrollment, completion, and placement and describes how the applicant sets the... have the greatest need for bilingual vocational training; (v) Assessment procedures that evaluate the... proficiency, for each occupation for which training is provided; (4) Includes activities during the formative...

An Enumeration of Research to Determine the Optimal Design and Use of Army Flight Training Simulators

DTIC Science & Technology

1987-10-01

abstract display format (Williams & Flexman, 1949; Flexman, Matheny, & Brown, 1950; Flexman, Townsend, and Ornstein, 1954; Creelman , 1959; Hennessy, Lintern...Resources Laboratory. Creelman , J. A. (1959). Evaluation of approach training procedures. Pensacola, FL: US. Naval School of Aviation Medicine, 162

Analysis of Memory Formation during General Anesthesia (Propofol/Remifentanil) for Elective Surgery Using the Process-dissociation Procedure.

PubMed

Hadzidiakos, Daniel; Horn, Nadja; Degener, Roland; Buchner, Axel; Rehberg, Benno

2009-08-01

There have been reports of memory formation during general anesthesia. The process-dissociation procedure has been used to determine if these are controlled (explicit/conscious) or automatic (implicit/unconscious) memories. This study used the process-dissociation procedure with the original measurement model and one which corrected for guessing to determine if more accurate results were obtained in this setting. A total of 160 patients scheduled for elective surgery were enrolled. Memory for words presented during propofol and remifentanil general anesthesia was tested postoperatively by using a word-stem completion task in a process-dissociation procedure. To assign possible memory effects to different levels of anesthetic depth, the authors measured depth of anesthesia using the BIS XP monitor (Aspect Medical Systems, Norwood, MA). Word-stem completion performance showed no evidence of memory for intraoperatively presented words. Nevertheless, an evaluation of these data using the original measurement model for process-dissociation data suggested an evidence of controlled (C = 0.05; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.02-0.08) and automatic (A = 0.11; 95% CI 0.09-0.12) memory processes (P < 0.01). However, when the data were evaluated with an extended measurement model taking base rates into account adequately, no evidence for controlled (C = 0.00; 95% CI -0.04 to 0.04) or automatic (A = 0.00; 95% CI -0.02 to 0.02) memory processes was obtained. The authors report and discuss parallel findings for published data sets that were generated by using the process-dissociation procedure. Patients had no memories for auditory information presented during propofol/remifentanil anesthesia after midazolam premedication. The use of the process-dissociation procedure with the original measurement model erroneously detected memories, whereas the extended model, corrected for guessing, correctly revealed no memory.

Achievement Monitoring of Individually Paced Instruction. Final Report.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Pinsky, Paul D.

A study was made to monitor achievement of individually paced instruction. The project concentrated on designing testing procedures in group paced instructional programs to provide information to student, teachers, parents and administrators which could be used in both a formative and summative evaluation. The three objectives of the project were:…

Training for the Infantry Fighting Vehicle-M2: An Evaluation of the 11M10 Course

DTIC Science & Technology

1981-10-30

selected partially because of the evaluator’s familiarity with the procedure, but primarily because of the short lead time for the IFV evaluation. Only...right. Hence the majority of comments are negative and may give a distorted picture of a class. In almost all classes, more things were right th.~n wrong...format guide to assure all areas were covered rather than as a traditional rating sheet. Negative checks were used to generate notes and conmments which

Comparison of three methods for determination of N-nitrosopyrrolidine in fried dry-cured bacon.

PubMed

Gates, R A; Pensabene, J W; Fiddler, W

1984-01-01

The recently developed Eastern Regional Research Center ( ERRC ) dry column chromatographic procedure for determining N-nitrosopyrrolidine (NPYR) in fried cure-pumped bacon was evaluated for its applicability to fried dry-cured bacon. The method was then compared with 2 established procedures for volatile nitrosamine analysis in cured meat products: the multidetection thermal energy analyzer (MD) method and the mineral oil distillation (MOD) screening procedure. No significant difference (P less than 0.05) in NPYR values was found between the ERRC and MD procedures, but significant differences were found between the ERRC and MOD procedures and between the MOD and MD procedures. No artifactual nitrosamine formation was found in the ERRC procedure, but significant amounts were found in samples analyzed by the MOD procedure. The ERRC method was demonstrated to be rugged and very rapid. It is proposed that the ERRC method replace the MOD method as the official screening procedure for NPYR in fried bacon.

Evaluation of a peer assessment approach for enhancing the organizational capacity of state injury prevention programs.

PubMed

Hunter, Wanda M; Schmidt, Ellen R; Zakocs, Ronda

2005-01-01

To conduct a formative and pilot impact evaluation of the State Technical Assessment Team (STAT) program, a visitation-based (visitatie) peer assessment program designed to enhance the organizational capacity of state health department injury prevention programs. The formative evaluation was based on observational, record review, and key informant interview data collected during the implementation of the first 7 STAT visits. Pilot impact data were derived from semi-structured interviews with state injury prevention personnel one year after the visit. Formative evaluation identified 6 significant implementation problems in the first visits that were addressed by the program planners, resulting in improvements to the STAT assessment protocol. Impact evaluation revealed that after one year, the 7 state injury prevention programs had acted on 81% of the recommendations received during their STAT visits. All programs reported gains in visibility and credibility within the state health department and increased collaboration and cooperation with other units and agencies. Other significant program advancements were also reported. Specific program standards and review procedures are important to the success of peer assessment programs such as STAT. Early impact evaluation suggests that peer assessment protocols using the visitatie model can lead to gains in organizational capacity.

Optimal Parameters for Intervertebral Disk Resection Using Aqua-Plasma Beams.

PubMed

Yoon, Sung-Young; Kim, Gon-Ho; Kim, Yushin; Kim, Nack Hwan; Lee, Sangheon; Kawai, Christina; Hong, Youngki

2018-06-14

 A minimally invasive procedure for intervertebral disk resection using plasma beams has been developed. Conventional parameters for the plasma procedure such as voltage and tip speed mainly rely on the surgeon's personal experience, without adequate evidence from experiments. Our objective was to determine the optimal parameters for plasma disk resection.  Rate of ablation was measured at different procedural tip speeds and voltages using porcine nucleus pulposi. The amount of heat formation during experimental conditions was also measured to evaluate the thermal safety of the plasma procedure.  The ablation rate increased at slower procedural speeds and higher voltages. However, for thermal safety, the optimal parameters for plasma procedures with minimal tissue damage were an electrical output of 280 volts root-mean-square (V rms ) and a procedural tip speed of 2.5 mm/s.  Our findings provide useful information for an effective and safe plasma procedure for disk resection in a clinical setting. Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York.

The AME2016 atomic mass evaluation (I). Evaluation of input data; and adjustment procedures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Huang, W. J.; Audi, G.; Wang, Meng; Kondev, F. G.; Naimi, S.; Xu, Xing

2017-03-01

This paper is the first of two articles (Part I and Part II) that presents the results of the new atomic mass evaluation, AME2016. It includes complete information on the experimental input data (also including unused and rejected ones), as well as details on the evaluation procedures used to derive the tables of recommended values given in the second part. This article describes the evaluation philosophy and procedures that were implemented in the selection of specific nuclear reaction, decay and mass-spectrometric results. These input values were entered in the least-squares adjustment for determining the best values for the atomic masses and their uncertainties. Details of the calculation and particularities of the AME are then described. All accepted and rejected data, including outweighted ones, are presented in a tabular format and compared with the adjusted values obtained using the least-squares fit analysis. Differences with the previous AME2012 evaluation are discussed and specific information is presented for several cases that may be of interest to AME users. The second AME2016 article gives a table with the recommended values of atomic masses, as well as tables and graphs of derived quantities, along with the list of references used in both the AME2016 and the NUBASE2016 evaluations (the first paper in this issue). AMDC: http://amdc.impcas.ac.cn/ Contents The AME2016 atomic mass evaluation (I). Evaluation of input data; and adjustment proceduresAcrobat PDF (1.2 MB) Table I. Input data compared with adjusted valuesAcrobat PDF (1.3 MB)

75 FR 3925 - Proposed Information Collection Request for Administrative Procedures-20 CFR 601 Including Form...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-01-25

... provided in the desired format, reporting burden (time and financial resources) is minimized, collection... prescribes the use of Form MA 8-7, Transmittal for Unemployment Insurance Materials. This simple check off... interested in comments that: Evaluate whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the...

Delusions as performance failures.

PubMed

Gerrans, P

2001-08-01

Delusions are explanations of anomalous experiences. A theory of delusion requires an explanation of both the anomalous experience and the apparently irrational explanation generated by the delusional subject. Hence, we require a model of rational belief formation against which the belief formation of delusional subjects can be evaluated. I first describe such a model, distinguishing procedural from pragmatic rationality. Procedural rationality is the use of rules or procedures, deductive or inductive, that produce an inferentially coherent set of propositions. Pragmatic rationality is the use of procedural rationality in context. I then apply the distinction to the explanation of the Capgras and the Cotard delusions. I then argue that delusions are failures of pragmatic rationality. I examine the nature of these failures employing the distinction between performance and competence familiar from Chomskian linguistics. This approach to the irrationality of delusions reconciles accounts in which the explanation of the anomalous experience exhausts the explanation of delusion, accounts that appeal to further deficits within the reasoning processes of delusional subjects, and accounts that argue that delusions are not beliefs at all. (Respectively, one-stage, two-stage, and expressive accounts.) In paradigm cases that concern cognitive neuropsychiatry the irrationality of delusional subjects should be thought of as a performance deficit in pragmatic rationality.

Histological and radiological evaluation of sintered and non-sintered deproteinized bovine bone substitute materials in sinus augmentation procedures. A prospective, randomized-controlled, clinical multicenter study.

PubMed

Fienitz, Tim; Moses, Ofer; Klemm, Christoph; Happe, Arndt; Ferrari, Daniel; Kreppel, Matthias; Ormianer, Zeev; Gal, Moti; Rothamel, Daniel

2017-04-01

The objective of this study is to histologically and radiologically compare a sintered and a non-sintered bovine bone substitute material in sinus augmentation procedures. Thirty-three patients were included in the clinically controlled randomized multicentre study resulting in a total of 44 treated sinuses. After lateral approach, sinuses were filled with either a sintered (SBM, Alpha Bio's Graft ® ) or a non-sintered (NSBM, Bio Oss ® ) deproteinized bovine bone substitute material. The augmentation sites were radiologically assessed before and immediately after the augmentation procedure as well as prior to implant placement. Bone trephine biopsies for histological analysis were harvested 6 months after augmentation whilst preparing the osteotomies for implant placement. Healing was uneventful in all patients. After 6 months, radiological evaluation of 43 sinuses revealed a residual augmentation height of 94.65 % (±2.74) for SBM and 95.76 % (±2.15) for NSBM. One patient left the study for personal reasons. Histological analysis revealed a percentage of new bone of 29.71 % (±13.67) for SBM and 30.57 % (±16.07) for NSBM. Residual bone substitute material averaged at 40.68 % (±16.32) for SBM compared to 43.43 % (±19.07) for NSBM. All differences between the groups were not statistically significant (p > 0.05, Student's t test). Both xenogeneic bone substitute materials showed comparable results regarding new bone formation and radiological height changes in external sinus grafting procedures. Both bone substitute materials allow for a predictable new bone formation following sinus augmentation procedures.

Developing an educational video on lung lobectomy for the general surgery resident.

PubMed

Hayden, Emily L; Seagull, F Jacob; Reddy, Rishindra M

2015-06-15

The educational resources available to general surgery residents preparing for complex thoracic surgeries vary greatly in content and target audience. We hypothesized that the preparatory resources could be improved in both efficiency of use and targeting. A formal needs analysis was performed to determine residents' knowledge gaps and desired format and/or content of an educational tool while preparing for their first lung resections. The results of the needs assessment then guided the creation of a 20-min video tool. The video was evaluated by a focus group of experts for appropriateness to the target audience, ease of use, and relevance. The needs assessment illustrated that residents feel there is a paucity of appropriate resources available to them while preparing for the lung resection procedure; 82% of respondents felt that easy-to-use and concise resources on the lobectomy procedure were either "not at all" or "somewhat" accessible. Residents reported that video was their preferred format for a learning tool overall and identified a broad spectrum of most challenging procedural aspects. These results were used to guide the creation of a 20-min video tool. A focus group validated the efficacy and appropriateness of the video. Targeted and efficient tools for residents preparing for complex subspecialty procedures are needed and valued. These results clearly encourage further work in the creation of focused educational tools for surgical residents, especially in the format of short video overviews. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

System status display evaluation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Summers, Leland G.

1988-01-01

The System Status Display is an electronic display system which provides the crew with an enhanced capability for monitoring and managing the aircraft systems. A flight simulation in a fixed base cockpit simulator was used to evaluate alternative design concepts for this display system. The alternative concepts included pictorial versus alphanumeric text formats, multifunction versus dedicated controls, and integration of the procedures with the system status information versus paper checklists. Twelve pilots manually flew approach patterns with the different concepts. System malfunctions occurred which required the pilots to respond to the alert by reconfiguring the system. The pictorial display, the multifunction control interfaces collocated with the system display, and the procedures integrated with the status information all had shorter event processing times and lower subjective workloads.

Development of an in vitro Assay, Based on the BioFilm Ring Test®, for Rapid Profiling of Biofilm-Growing Bacteria

PubMed Central

Di Domenico, Enea G.; Toma, Luigi; Provot, Christian; Ascenzioni, Fiorentina; Sperduti, Isabella; Prignano, Grazia; Gallo, Maria T.; Pimpinelli, Fulvia; Bordignon, Valentina; Bernardi, Thierry; Ensoli, Fabrizio

2016-01-01

Microbial biofilm represents a major virulence factor associated with chronic and recurrent infections. Pathogenic bacteria embedded in biofilms are highly resistant to environmental and chemical agents, including antibiotics and therefore difficult to eradicate. Thus, reliable tests to assess biofilm formation by bacterial strains as well as the impact of chemicals or antibiotics on biofilm formation represent desirable tools for a most effective therapeutic management and microbiological risk control. Current methods to evaluate biofilm formation are usually time-consuming, costly, and hardly applicable in the clinical setting. The aim of the present study was to develop and assess a simple and reliable in vitro procedure for the characterization of biofilm-producing bacterial strains for future clinical applications based on the BioFilm Ring Test® (BRT) technology. The procedure developed for clinical testing (cBRT) can provide an accurate and timely (5 h) measurement of biofilm formation for the most common pathogenic bacteria seen in clinical practice. The results gathered by the cBRT assay were in agreement with the traditional crystal violet (CV) staining test, according to the κ coefficient test (κ = 0.623). However, the cBRT assay showed higher levels of specificity (92.2%) and accuracy (88.1%) as compared to CV. The results indicate that this procedure offers an easy, rapid and robust assay to test microbial biofilm and a promising tool for clinical microbiology. PMID:27708625

Evaluation of Ocean Color Scanner (OCS) photographic and digital data: Santa Barbara Channel test site, 29 October 1975 overflight

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kraus, S. P.; Estes, J. E.; Kronenberg, M. R.; Hajic, E. J.

1977-01-01

A summary of Ocean Color Scanner data was examined to evaluate detection and discrimination capabilities of the system for marine resources, oil pollution and man-made sea surface targets of opportunity in the Santa Barbara Channel. Assessment of the utility of OCS for the determination of sediment transport patterns along the coastal zone was a secondary goal. Data products provided 1975 overflight were in digital and analog formats. In evaluating the OCS data, automated and manual procedures were employed. A total of four channels of data in digital format were analyzed, as well as three channels of color combined imagery, and four channels of black and white imagery. In addition, 1:120,000 scale color infrared imagery acquired simultaneously with the OCS data were provided for comparative analysis purposes.

A demonstration of the application of the new paradigm for the evaluation of forensic evidence under conditions reflecting those of a real forensic-voice-comparison case.

PubMed

Enzinger, Ewald; Morrison, Geoffrey Stewart; Ochoa, Felipe

2016-01-01

The new paradigm for the evaluation of the strength of forensic evidence includes: The use of the likelihood-ratio framework. The use of relevant data, quantitative measurements, and statistical models. Empirical testing of validity and reliability under conditions reflecting those of the case under investigation. Transparency as to decisions made and procedures employed. The present paper illustrates the use of the new paradigm to evaluate strength of evidence under conditions reflecting those of a real forensic-voice-comparison case. The offender recording was from a landline telephone system, had background office noise, and was saved in a compressed format. The suspect recording included substantial reverberation and ventilation system noise, and was saved in a different compressed format. The present paper includes descriptions of the selection of the relevant hypotheses, sampling of data from the relevant population, simulation of suspect and offender recording conditions, and acoustic measurement and statistical modelling procedures. The present paper also explores the use of different techniques to compensate for the mismatch in recording conditions. It also examines how system performance would have differed had the suspect recording been of better quality. Copyright © 2015 The Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences. Published by Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Bone formation in sinus augmentation procedures using autologous bone, porcine bone, and a 50 : 50 mixture: a human clinical and histological evaluation at 2 months.

PubMed

Cassetta, Michele; Perrotti, Vittoria; Calasso, Sabrina; Piattelli, Adriano; Sinjari, Bruna; Iezzi, Giovanna

2015-10-01

The aim of this study was to perform a 2 months clinical and histological comparison of autologous bone, porcine bone, and a 50 : 50 mixture in maxillary sinus augmentation procedures. A total of 10 consecutive patients, undergoing two-stage sinus augmentation procedures using 100% autologous bone (Group A), 100% porcine bone (Group B), and a 50 : 50 mixture of autologous and porcine bone (Group C) were included in this study. After a 2-month healing period, at the time of implant insertion, clinical evaluation was performed and bone core biopsies were harvested and processed for histological analysis. The postoperative healing was uneventful regardless of the materials used for the sinus augmentation procedures. The histomorphometrical analysis revealed comparable percentages of newly formed bone, marrow spaces, and residual grafted material in the three groups. The clinical and histological results of this study indicated that porcine bone alone or in combination with autologous bone are biocompatible and osteoconductive materials and can be successfully used in sinus augmentation procedures. © 2014 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

An Experimental Study of Group Size and Participants' Role in Developmental Testing.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Burt, Charles W.

The research in progress that is presented in this paper focuses on the preliminary results of a study examining the differences and similarities in data obtained using the one-to-one versus small group procedures for designing and conducting formative evaluations of instructional materials. The materials chosen were the microbiology print module…

When to Adapt Materials and When to Initiate Fresh Instructional Development.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Rojas, Alicia M.

A study was conducted to examine the procedures and requirements of a formative evaluation when it is carried out for instructional materials that have been designed for a U.S. target audience, but which also have potential use by a population of another country, e.g., Brazil. The study concentrated on determining whether different formative…

Clinical evaluation of Apamarga-Ksharataila Uttarabasti in the management of urethral stricture

PubMed Central

Reddy, K. Rajeshwar

2013-01-01

Stricture urethra, though a rare condition, still is a rational and troublesome problem in the international society. Major complications caused by this disease are obstructed urine flow, urine stasis leading to urinary tract infection, calculi formation, etc. This condition can be correlated with Mutramarga Sankocha in Ayurveda. Modern medical science suggests urethral dilatation, which may cause bleeding, false passage and fistula formation in few cases. Surgical procedures have their own complications and limitations. Uttarabasti, a para-surgical procedure is the most effective available treatment in Ayurveda for the diseases of Mutravaha Strotas. In the present study, total 60 patients of urethral stricture were divided into two groups and treated with Uttarabasti (Group A) and urethral dilatation (Group B). The symptoms like obstructed urine flow, straining, dribbling and prolongation of micturation were assessed before and after treatment. The results of the study were significant on all the parameters. PMID:24250127

Clinical evaluation of Apamarga-Ksharataila Uttarabasti in the management of urethral stricture.

PubMed

Reddy, K Rajeshwar

2013-04-01

Stricture urethra, though a rare condition, still is a rational and troublesome problem in the international society. Major complications caused by this disease are obstructed urine flow, urine stasis leading to urinary tract infection, calculi formation, etc. This condition can be correlated with Mutramarga Sankocha in Ayurveda. Modern medical science suggests urethral dilatation, which may cause bleeding, false passage and fistula formation in few cases. Surgical procedures have their own complications and limitations. Uttarabasti, a para-surgical procedure is the most effective available treatment in Ayurveda for the diseases of Mutravaha Strotas. In the present study, total 60 patients of urethral stricture were divided into two groups and treated with Uttarabasti (Group A) and urethral dilatation (Group B). The symptoms like obstructed urine flow, straining, dribbling and prolongation of micturation were assessed before and after treatment. The results of the study were significant on all the parameters.

The AME2016 atomic mass evaluation (I). Evaluation of input data; and adjustment procedures

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

Huang, W. J.; Audi, G.; Wang, Meng

This paper is the first of two articles (Part I and Part II) that presents the results of the new atomic mass evaluation, Ame2016. It includes complete information on the experimental input data (also including unused and rejected ones), as well as details on the evaluation procedures used to derive the tables of recommended values given in the second part. This article describes the evaluation philosophy and procedures that were implemented in the selection of specific nuclear reaction, decay and mass-spectrometric results. These input values were entered in the least-squares adjustment for determining the best values for the atomic massesmore » and their uncertainties. Details of the calculation and particularities of the Ame are then described. All accepted and rejected data, including outweighted ones, are presented in a tabular format and compared with the adjusted values obtained using the least-squares fit analysis. Differences with the previous Ame2012 evaluation are discussed and specific information is presented for several cases that may be of interest to Ame users. The second Ame2016 article gives a table with the recommended values of atomic masses, as well as tables and graphs of derived quantities, along with the list of references used in both the Ame2016 and the Nubase2016 evaluations (the first paper in this issue). Amdc: http://amdc.impcas.ac.cn/« less

Load-sharing through elastic micro-motion accelerates bone formation and interbody fusion.

PubMed

Ledet, Eric H; Sanders, Glenn P; DiRisio, Darryl J; Glennon, Joseph C

2018-02-13

Achieving a successful spinal fusion requires the proper biological and biomechanical environment. Optimizing load-sharing in the interbody space can enhance bone formation. For anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF), loading and motion are largely dictated by the stiffness of the plate, which can facilitate a balance between stability and load-sharing. The advantages of load-sharing may be substantial for patients with comorbidities and in multilevel procedures where pseudarthrosis rates are significant. We aimed to evaluate the efficacy of a novel elastically deformable, continuously load-sharing anterior cervical spinal plate for promotion of bone formation and interbody fusion relative to a translationally dynamic plate. An in vivo animal model was used to evaluate the effects of an elastically deformable spinal plate on bone formation and spine fusion. Fourteen goats underwent an ACDF and received either a translationally dynamic or elastically deformable plate. Animals were followed up until 18 weeks and were evaluated by plain x-ray, computed tomography scan, and undecalcified histology to evaluate the rate and quality of bone formation and interbody fusion. Animals treated with the elastically deformable plate demonstrated statistically significantly superior early bone formation relative to the translationally dynamic plate. Trends in the data from 8 to 18 weeks postoperatively suggest that the elastically deformable implant enhanced bony bridging and fusion, but these enhancements were not statistically significant. Load-sharing through elastic micro-motion accelerates bone formation in the challenging goat ACDF model. The elastically deformable implant used in this study may promote early bony bridging and increased rates of fusion, but future studies will be necessary to comprehensively characterize the advantages of load-sharing through micro-motion. Copyright © 2018 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

A stop-smoking telephone help line that nobody called.

PubMed Central

Glasgow, R E; Lando, H; Hollis, J; McRae, S G; La Chance, P A

1993-01-01

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the reach of a smoker's hotline that provided a variety of services to over 2100 health maintenance organization members. Formative evaluation procedures identified topics of concern, and repeated promotions advertised the service via multiple channels. Excluding a special giveaway promotion, an average of less than three calls per month were made during the 33 months of operation. To be cost-effective, smoker's hotlines should be offered to large populations and should be consistently and intensively publicized. PMID:8427333

Sclerotherapy of hydroceles and spermatoceles with alcohol: results and effects on the semen analysis.

PubMed

Shan, Chen Jen; Lucon, Antonio Marmo; Pagani, Rodrigo; Srougi, Miguel

2011-01-01

To evaluate the success rates of sclerotherapy of the tunica vaginalis with alcohol for the treatment of hydroceles and/or spermatoceles, as well as, evaluation of pain, formation of hematomas, infection and its effects in spermatogenesis. A total of 69 patients, with offsprings and diagnosis of hydrocele and/or spermatocele, were treated during the period from April 2003 to June 2007. Semen analysis was obtained from patients who were able to provide us with samples. The sclerotherapy with alcohol at 99.5% was undertaken as outpatient procedure. The average volume drained pre-sclerotherapy was 279.82 mL (27 to 1145). The median follow-up was 43 months (9 to 80). A total of 114 procedures were performed on 84 units, with an average of 1.35 procedures/unit and an overall success rate of 97.62%. Of the 69 patients, 7 (10.14%) reported minor pain immediately after the procedure, 3 (4.35%) moderate pain and 2 (2.89%) intense pain. Post-Sclerotherapy spermograms revealed reduction of the parameters regarding: concentration, motility and morphology up to 6 months post procedure, with return to normal parameters 12th months after procedure. Sclerotherapy of hydroceles and spermatoceles with 99.5% alcohol is an efficient procedure that can be performed without difficulties, cost-effectiveness, with few side effects and which may be performed in patients who wish fertility.

Renoduodenal Fistula After Transcatheter Embolization of Renal Angiomyolipoma

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

Sheth, Rahul A.; Feldman, Adam S.; Walker, T. Gregory, E-mail: tgwalker@partners.org

Transcatheter embolization of renal angiomyolipomas is a routinely performed, nephron-sparing procedure with a favorable safety profile. Complications from this procedure are typically minor in severity, with postembolization syndrome the most common minor complication. Abscess formation is a recognized but uncommon major complication of this procedure and is presumably due to superinfection of the infarcted tissue after arterial embolization. In this case report, we describe the formation of a renoduodenal fistula after embolization of an angiomyolipoma, complicated by intracranial abscess formation and requiring multiple percutaneous drainage procedures and eventual partial nephrectomy.

Biofilms of Enterococcus faecalis and Enterococcus faecium isolated from the processing of ricotta and the control of these pathogens through cleaning and sanitization procedures.

PubMed

da Silva Fernandes, Meg; Kabuki, Dirce Yorika; Kuaye, Arnaldo Yoshiteru

2015-05-04

The biofilm formation of Enterococcus faecalis and Enterococcus faecium isolated from the processing of ricotta on stainless steel coupons was evaluated, and the effect of cleaning and sanitization procedures in the control of these biofilms was determined. The formation of biofilms was observed while varying the incubation temperature (7, 25 and 39°C) and time (0, 1, 2, 4, 6 and 8 days). At 7°C, the counts of E. faecalis and E. faecium were below 2 log10 CFU/cm(2). For the temperatures of 25 and 39°C, after 1 day, the counts of E. faecalis and E. faecium were 5.75 and 6.07 log10 CFU/cm(2), respectively, which is characteristic of biofilm formation. The tested sanitation procedures a) acid-anionic tensioactive cleaning, b) anionic tensioactive cleaning+sanitizer and c) acid-anionic tensioactive cleaning+sanitizer were effective in removing the biofilms, reducing the counts to levels below 0.4 log10 CFU/cm(2). The sanitizer biguanide was the least effective, and peracetic acid was the most effective. These studies revealed the ability of enterococci to form biofilms and the importance of the cleaning step and the type of sanitizer used in sanitation processes for the effective removal of biofilms. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Effect of formative evaluation using direct observation of procedural skills in assessment of postgraduate students of obstetrics and gynecology: Prospective study.

PubMed

Kumar, Naina; Singh, Namit Kant; Rudra, Samar; Pathak, Swanand

2017-01-01

Direct Observation of Procedural Skills (DOPS) is a way of evaluating procedural skills through observation in the workplace. The purpose of this study was to assess the role of DOPS in teaching and assessment of postgraduate students and to know the effect of repeated DOPS on improvement of the skills and confidence of the students. In both phases, significant difference was observed between the two groups on first DOPS comparison (1st phase: p=0.000; 2nd phase: p=0.002), with simulation group performing better. Comparison of sixth DOPS in the two groups revealed no difference in both phases, but significant difference on first and sixth DOPS comparison in each group (p=0.000). Repeated DOPS results in improved skills and confidence of students in managing real life obstetric emergencies irrespective of the teaching modality. Repeated DOPS results in improved skills and confidence of students in managing real life obstetric emergencies irrespective of the teaching modality.

Contrail Formation in Aircraft Wakes Using Large-Eddy Simulations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Paoli, R.; Helie, J.; Poinsot, T. J.; Ghosal, S.

2002-01-01

In this work we analyze the issue of the formation of condensation trails ("contrails") in the near-field of an aircraft wake. The basic configuration consists in an exhaust engine jet interacting with a wing-tip training vortex. The procedure adopted relies on a mixed Eulerian/Lagrangian two-phase flow approach; a simple micro-physics model for ice growth has been used to couple ice and vapor phases. Large eddy simulations have carried out at a realistic flight Reynolds number to evaluate the effects of turbulent mixing and wake vortex dynamics on ice-growth characteristics and vapor thermodynamic properties.

Instructor Support Feature Guidelines. Volume 2.

DTIC Science & Technology

1986-05-01

starts his final approach, the display formats change to provide graphic depictions of glideslope, lineup and airspeed parameters, and indications of...and evaluate several facets of student performance simultaneously . It may also provide objective, standardized performance measurement of the student’s...procedures monitoring feature shall provide the instructor cation with a method of monitoring the sequential mission training activities of a student. The

Protection of copper surface with phytic acid against corrosion in chloride solution.

PubMed

Peca, Dunja; Pihlar, Boris; Ingrid, Milošev

2014-01-01

Phytic acid (inositol hexaphosphate) was tested as a corrosion inhibitor for copper in 3% sodium chloride. Phytic acid is a natural compound derived from plants, it is not toxic and can be considered as a green inhibitor. Electrochemical methods of linear polarization and potentiodynamic polarization were used to study the electrochemical behaviour and evaluate the inhibition effectiveness. To obtain the optimal corrosion protection the following experimental conditions were investigated: effect of surface pre-treatment (abrasion and three procedures of surface roughening), pre-formation of the layer of phytic acid, time of immersion and concentration of phytic acid. To evaluate the surface pre-treatment procedures the surface roughness and contact angle were measured. Optimal conditions for formation of phytic layer were selected resulting in the inhibition effectiveness of nearly 80%. Morphology and composition of the layer were further studied by scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The layer of phytic acid with thickness in the nanometer range homogeneously covers the copper surface. The obtained results show that this natural compound can be used as a mildly effective corrosion inhibitor for copper in chloride solution.

5-inch-size liquid crystal flat panel display evaluation test by flight simulator

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kawahara, Hiroyasu; Watanabe, Akira; Wakairo, Kaoru; Udagawa, Tomoyuki; Kurihara, Yoichiro

An evaluation test is conducted on the function, performance, and display format of a 5x5 inch flat panel display (FPD) in a flight simulator. The FPD utilizes a color liquid crystal panel that is compact and lightweight and has excellent visibility. The simulator evaluation test is carried out in sequence with the conventional takeoff and landing to altitude, and then conversion to STOL procedures for flight path and subsequent approach and landing. It is shown that the liquid crystal display could be employed as a satisfactory indicator for aircraft instrumentation.

Setting priorities for space research: An experiment in methodology

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1995-01-01

In 1989, the Space Studies Board created the Task Group on Priorities in Space Research to determine whether scientists should take a role in recommending priorities for long-term space research initiatives and, if so, to analyze the priority-setting problem in this context and develop a method by which such priorities could be established. After answering the first question in the affirmative in a previous report, the task group set out to accomplish the second task. The basic assumption in developing a priority-setting process is that a reasoned and structured approach for ordering competing initiatives will yield better results than other ways of proceeding. The task group proceeded from the principle that the central criterion for evaluating a research initiative must be its scientific merit -- the value of the initiative to the proposing discipline and to science generally. The group developed a two-stage methodology for priority setting and constructed a procedure and format to support the methodology. The first of two instruments developed was a standard format for structuring proposals for space research initiatives. The second instrument was a formal, semiquantitative appraisal procedure for evaluating competing proposals. This report makes available complete templates for the methodology, including the advocacy statement and evaluation forms, as well as an 11-step schema for a priority-setting process. From the beginning of its work, the task group was mindful that the issue of priority setting increasingly pervades all of federally supported science and that its work would have implications extending beyond space research. Thus, although the present report makes no recommendations for action by NASA or other government agencies, it provides the results of the task group's work for the use of others who may study priority-setting procedures or take up the challenge of implementing them in the future.

Electronic Procedures for Medical Operations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

2015-01-01

Electronic procedures are replacing text-based documents for recording the steps in performing medical operations aboard the International Space Station. S&K Aerospace, LLC, has developed a content-based electronic system-based on the Extensible Markup Language (XML) standard-that separates text from formatting standards and tags items contained in procedures so they can be recognized by other electronic systems. For example, to change a standard format, electronic procedures are changed in a single batch process, and the entire body of procedures will have the new format. Procedures can be quickly searched to determine which are affected by software and hardware changes. Similarly, procedures are easily shared with other electronic systems. The system also enables real-time data capture and automatic bookmarking of current procedure steps. In Phase II of the project, S&K Aerospace developed a Procedure Representation Language (PRL) and tools to support the creation and maintenance of electronic procedures for medical operations. The goal is to develop these tools in such a way that new advances can be inserted easily, leading to an eventual medical decision support system.

A prospective, randomised trial of different matching procedures for structured mentoring programmes in medical education.

PubMed

Schäfer, Matthias; Pander, Tanja; Pinilla, Severin; Fischer, Martin R; von der Borch, Philip; Dimitriadis, Konstantinos

2016-09-01

Spontaneous formation of mentoring relationships can be seen as the gold standard in mentoring. Unfortunately, it happens very infrequently. The purpose of structured mentoring programmes is to facilitate the formation of mentoring relationships. This remains a challenging task, especially for large institutions. We set out to investigate and compare three methods of matchmaking in the setting of our structured mentoring programme. In a prospective, randomised trial we compared personal matching (PM) by an experienced expert to two different electronic data processing (EDP)-supported matching procedures: "online algorithm" (OA) versus "online search" (OS). PM was performed after structured interviews of prospective protégés by one founder of our mentoring programme. The OA provides students with a choice of 10 potential mentors based on comparison of online profiles. OS lets students filter and search through all available mentor profiles. One hundred and ninty medical students were randomised into the three groups. One year later, we evaluated the endpoints 1. "establishment of a mentoring relationship" and 2. "satisfaction with the mentoring relationship". Satisfaction with the mentoring relationship was assessed using Munich-Evaluation-of-Mentoring-Questionnaire (MEMeQ). One hundred sixty-five out of the 190 study participants found a mentor. With regards to endpoint one we found an advantage of PM compared to both EDP-supported matching procedures. There was no significant difference between OA and OS. Concerning endpoint two the differences between the investigated matching procedures were not significant. PM is superior as to the number of mentoring relationships formed per participating student compared to EDP-supported methods. In our data, there was no significant difference in the level of satisfaction. Considering the high investments associated with PM of mentors and protégés, EDP-supported matching procedures seem a viable compromise between effectiveness and efficiency especially for large-scale structured mentoring programmes in medical education.

Evaluation of LANDSAT multispectral scanner images for mapping altered rocks in the east Tintic Mountains, Utah

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rowan, L. C.; Abrams, M. J. (Principal Investigator)

1979-01-01

The author has identified the following significant results. Positive findings of earlier evaluations of the color-ratio compositing technique for mapping limonitic altered rocks in south-central Nevada are confirmed, but important limitations in the approach used are pointed out. These limitations arise from environmental, geologic, and image processing factors. The greater vegetation density in the East Tintic Mountains required several modifications in procedures to improve the overall mapping accuracy of the CRC approach. Large format ratio images provide better internal registration of the diazo films and avoids the problems associated with magnifications required in the original procedure. Use of the Linoscan 204 color recognition scanner permits accurate consistent extraction of the green pixels representing limonitic bedrock maps that can be used for mapping at large scales as well as for small scale reconnaissance.

Study of oxygen gas production phenomenon during stand and discharge in silver-zinc batteries

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1974-01-01

Standard production procedures for manufacturing silver zinc batteries are evaluated and modified to reduce oxygen generation during open circuit stand and discharge. Production predictions of several variable combinations using analysis models are listed for minimum gassing, with emphasis on the concentration of potassium hydroxide in plate formation. A recommendation for work optimizing the variables involved in plate processing is included.

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…

ART-ML - a novel XML format for the biological procedures modeling and the representation of blood flow simulation.

PubMed

Karvounis, E C; Tsakanikas, V D; Fotiou, E; Fotiadis, D I

2010-01-01

The paper proposes a novel Extensible Markup Language (XML) based format called ART-ML that aims at supporting the interoperability and the reuse of models of blood flow, mass transport and plaque formation, exported by ARTool. ARTool is a platform for the automatic processing of various image modalities of coronary and carotid arteries. The images and their content are fused to develop morphological models of the arteries in easy to handle 3D representations. The platform incorporates efficient algorithms which are able to perform blood flow simulation. In addition atherosclerotic plaque development is estimated taking into account morphological, flow and genetic factors. ART-ML provides a XML format that enables the representation and management of embedded models within the ARTool platform and the storage and interchange of well-defined information. This approach influences in the model creation, model exchange, model reuse and result evaluation.

Concept of Operations Evaluation for Mitigating Space Flight-Relevant Medical Issues in a Planetary Habitat

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Barsten, Kristina; Hurst, Victor, IV; Scheuring, Richard; Baumann, David K.; Johnson-Throop, Kathy

2010-01-01

Introduction: Analogue environments assist the NASA Human Research Program (HRP) in developing capabilities to mitigate high risk issues to crew health and performance for space exploration. The Habitat Demonstration Unit (HDU) is an analogue habitat used to assess space-related products for planetary missions. The Exploration Medical Capability (ExMC) element at the NASA Johnson Space Center (JSC) was tasked with developing planetary-relevant medical scenarios to evaluate the concept of operations for mitigating medical issues in such an environment. Methods: Two medical scenarios were conducted within the simulated planetary habitat with the crew executing two space flight-relevant procedures: Eye Examination with a corneal injury and Skin Laceration. Remote guidance for the crew was provided by a flight surgeon (FS) stationed at a console outside of the habitat. Audio and video data were collected to capture the communication between the crew and the FS, as well as the movements of the crew executing the procedures. Questionnaire data regarding procedure content and remote guidance performance also were collected from the crew immediately after the sessions. Results: Preliminary review of the audio, video, and questionnaire data from the two scenarios conducted within the HDU indicate that remote guidance techniques from an FS on console can help crew members within a planetary habitat mitigate planetary-relevant medical issues. The content and format of the procedures were considered concise and intuitive, respectively. Discussion: Overall, the preliminary data from the evaluation suggest that use of remote guidance techniques by a FS can help HDU crew execute space exploration-relevant medical procedures within a habitat relevant to planetary missions, however further evaluations will be needed to implement this strategy into the complete concept of operations for conducting general space medicine within similar environments

Pesticide nonextractable residue formation in soil: insights from inverse modeling of degradation time series.

PubMed

Loos, Martin; Krauss, Martin; Fenner, Kathrin

2012-09-18

Formation of soil nonextractable residues (NER) is central to the fate and persistence of pesticides. To investigate pools and extent of NER formation, an established inverse modeling approach for pesticide soil degradation time series was evaluated with a Monte Carlo Markov Chain (MCMC) sampling procedure. It was found that only half of 73 pesticide degradation time series from a homogeneous soil source allowed for well-behaved identification of kinetic parameters with a four-pool model containing a parent compound, a metabolite, a volatile, and a NER pool. A subsequent simulation indeed confirmed distinct parameter combinations of low identifiability. Taking the resulting uncertainties into account, several conclusions regarding NER formation and its impact on persistence assessment could nonetheless be drawn. First, rate constants for transformation of parent compounds to metabolites were correlated to those for transformation of parent compounds to NER, leading to degradation half-lives (DegT50) typically not being larger than disappearance half-lives (DT50) by more than a factor of 2. Second, estimated rate constants were used to evaluate NER formation over time. This showed that NER formation, particularly through the metabolite pool, may be grossly underestimated when using standard incubation periods. It further showed that amounts and uncertainties in (i) total NER, (ii) NER formed from the parent pool, and (iii) NER formed from the metabolite pool vary considerably among data sets at t→∞, with no clear dominance between (ii) and (iii). However, compounds containing aromatic amine moieties were found to form significantly more total NER when extrapolating to t→∞ than the other compounds studied. Overall, our study stresses the general need for assessing uncertainties, identifiability issues, and resulting biases when using inverse modeling of degradation time series for evaluating persistence and NER formation.

Biofilms and Oxidizing Biocides; Evaluation of Disinfection and Removal Effects by Using Established Microbial Systems.

PubMed

Tachikawa, Mariko

2017-01-01

The formation of bacterial biofilms and their disinfection and removal have been important subjects in the maintenance of water quality in areas such as public spas, swimming pools, food processing lines, industrial water systems, and in the hygienic control of medical devices, hospital procedures, etc. Presented here is an outline of biofilm formation, as well as studies on the disinfection and removal of biofilms by oxidizing biocides using established biofilms. These studies using established biofilms may increase the understanding of the variable response of biofilms to planktonic bacteria, and the unique aspects of oxidizing biocides in the disinfection and removal of biofilms.

Bromide's effect on DBP formation, speciation, and control; Part 1: Ozonation

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

Shukairy, H.M.; Summers, R.S.; Miltner, R.J.

1994-06-01

The effect of variable ozone dosage and bromide concentration on the formation of organic disinfection by-products (DBPs) and bromate were evaluated. Low ozone dosages resulted in oxidation of organic precursors, yielding decreases in the formation potential for total trihalomethanes (THMs), six haloacetic acids (HAAs), and total organic halide (TOX). Increasing the ozone dosage oxidized bromide to bromate, decreasing the bromide for incorporation into DBPs. Bromate concentrations were linearly correlated with ozone residuals. Changes in the bromine incorporation factors n and n[prime] reflected differences in the resulting speciation of THMs and HAAs, respectively. Because TOX measurements based on chloride equivalence maymore » underestimate the halogenated DBP yield for high-bromide waters, a procedure is described whereby bromide and bromate concentrations were used to correct the TOX measurement.« less

Clinical case in digital technology for nursing students' learning: An integrative review.

PubMed

Hara, Cristina Yuri Nakata; Aredes, Natália Del Angelo; Fonseca, Luciana Mara Monti; Silveira, Renata Cristina de Campos Pereira; Camargo, Rosangela Andrade Aukar; de Goes, Fernanda Santos Nogueira

2016-03-01

This review aimed to analyze the available evidences in literature about clinical case studies inserted in digital technologies for nursing education, characterizing the technology resources and cognitive, procedural and attitudinal learnings. Integrative review of literature with the following steps: development of the research problem, data collection, data extraction and critic evaluation, data analysis and interpretation and presentation of results. The research question was: how does the clinical case study inserted in educational digital technology collaborate for cognitive, attitudinal and procedural learning of nursing students? data bases LILACS, PUBMED, CINAHL and Scopus. the search resulted in 437 studies: 136 from LILACS, 122 from PUBMED, 104 from Scopus and 75 from CINAHL. Of these, 143 did not meet the including criteria, 93 were duplicated and four studies were unavailable. After analyzing all abstracts based on inclusion and exclusion criteria, there were selected 197 studies and after full text analysis the final sample resulted in 21 primary studies. Case study use in educational digital technologies allowed the students to build different types of learning: cognitive learning (n 16 studies), attitudinal learning (n=12 studies) and procedural learning (n=8 studies). It is possible to conclude that case studies can collaborate with the students to develop different learnings which can be built integrate, continuous, informative and formative, aiming integral formation and aligned to policies of formation in nursing, both national and international. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Surgical Management of Dural Arteriovenous Fistula After Craniotomy: Case Report and Review of Literature.

PubMed

Pabaney, Aqueel H; Robin, Adam M; Basheer, Azam; Malik, Ghaus

2016-05-01

Development of dural arteriovenous fistula (dAVF) with cortical venous drainage at the site of previous craniotomy is a rare manifestation of nontraumatic subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). The authors present a case of postcraniotomy dAVF formation and discuss plausible underlying mechanisms of fistula formation and treatment options as well as review the literature. A 62-year-old man, who had undergone craniotomy 2 decades previously, presented with SAH. Workup revealed a low-flow dAVF with leptomeningeal venous drainage at the posterior margin of the craniotomy. Surgical resection of fistula was undertaken that resulted in cure. Spontaneous SAH in patients with a previous history of an intracranial procedure (e.g., craniotomy, ventriculostomy) should prompt detailed imaging evaluation. In the absence of vascular disease, meticulous review of the angiogram must be undertaken to rule out dAVF at the procedure site and it should be treated definitively. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

History of Science and Conceptual Change: The Formation of Shadows by Extended Light Sources

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dedes, Christos; Ravanis, Konstantinos

2009-09-01

This study investigates the effectiveness of a teaching conflict procedure whose purpose was the transformation of the representations of 12-16-year-old pupils in Greece concerning light emission and shadow formation by extended light sources. The changes observed during the children’s effort to destabilize and reorganise their representations towards a model that was compatible with the respective scientific model were studied using three groups of pupils belonging to different age groups. The methodological plan implemented was based on input from the History of Science, while the parameters of the geometrical optics model were derived from Kepler’s relevant historic experiment. The effectiveness of the teaching procedure was evaluated 2 weeks after the intervention. The results showed that the majority of the subjects accepted the model of geometrical optics, i.e. the pupils were able to correctly predict and adequately justify the experimental results based on the principle of punctiform light emission. Educational and research implications are discussed.

Formation of Aluminide Coatings on Fe-Based Alloys by Chemical Vapor Deposition

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

Zhang, Ying; Pint, Bruce A; Cooley, Kevin M

2008-01-01

Aluminide and Al-containing coatings were synthesized on commercial ferritic (P91) and austenitic (304L) alloys via a laboratory chemical vapor deposition (CVD) procedure for rigorous control over coating composition, purity and microstructure. The effect of the CVD aluminizing parameters such as temperature, Al activity, and post-aluminizing anneal on coating growth was investigated. Two procedures involving different Al activities were employed with and without including Cr-Al pellets in the CVD reactor to produce coatings with suitable thickness and composition for coating performance evaluation. The phase constitution of the as-synthesized coatings was assessed with the aid of a combination of X-ray diffraction, electronmore » probe microanalysis, and existing phase diagrams. The mechanisms of formation of these CVD coatings on the Fe-based alloys are discussed, and compared with nickel aluminide coatings on Ni-base superalloys. In addition, Cr-Al pellets were replaced with Fe-Al metals in some aluminizing process runs and similar coatings were achieved.« less

Real-time slicing algorithm for Stereolithography (STL) CAD model applied in additive manufacturing industry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Adnan, F. A.; Romlay, F. R. M.; Shafiq, M.

2018-04-01

Owing to the advent of the industrial revolution 4.0, the need for further evaluating processes applied in the additive manufacturing application particularly the computational process for slicing is non-trivial. This paper evaluates a real-time slicing algorithm for slicing an STL formatted computer-aided design (CAD). A line-plane intersection equation was applied to perform the slicing procedure at any given height. The application of this algorithm has found to provide a better computational time regardless the number of facet in the STL model. The performance of this algorithm is evaluated by comparing the results of the computational time for different geometry.

Stress wave propagation on standing trees. Part 2, Formation of 3D stress wave contour maps.

Treesearch

Juan Su; Houjiang Zhang; Xiping Wang

2009-01-01

Nondestructive evaluation (NDE) of wood quality in standing trees is an important procedure in the forest operational value chain worldwide. The goal of this paper is to investigate how a stress wave travel in a tree stem as it is introduced into the tree through a mechanical impact. Experimental stress wave data was obtained on freshly cut red pine logs in the...

Policy Level Information on Logistics-Oriented Research.

DTIC Science & Technology

1980-08-01

Logistics Planann and System Long-Range Management Technology Planning Evaluation of Rold Miasion of Support Organizacion Effective Cross-Service Policies...guidelines, solution procedures, etc. The documentation format (technical report, user’s manual , briefing slides, etc.) also falls into this category...CHECK AT LEAST ONE) PhD Dissertation SMaster’s Thesis 7 Memorandum L Briefing Q Technical Report 7 Software Product O Hardware Product Q7 User’s Manual

Seismic Performance Evaluation of Reinforced Concrete Frames Subjected to Seismic Loads

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zameeruddin, Mohd.; Sangle, Keshav K.

2017-06-01

Ten storied-3 bays reinforced concrete bare frame designed for gravity loads following the guidelines of IS 456 and IS 13920 for ductility is subjected to seismic loads. The seismic demands on this building were calculated by following IS 1893 for response spectra of 5% damping (for hard soil type). Plastic hinges were assigned to the beam and column at both ends to represent the failure mode, when member yields. Non-linear static (pushover) analysis was performed to evaluate the performance of the building in reference to first (ATC 40), second (FEMA 356) and next-generation (FEMA 440) performance based seismic design procedures. Base shear against top displacement curve of structure, known as pushover curve was obtained for two actions of plastic hinge behavior, force-controlled (brittle) and deformation-controlled (ductile) actions. Lateral deformation corresponding to performance point proves the building capability to sustain a certain level of seismic loads. The failure is represented by a sequence of formation of plastic hinges. Deformation-controlled action of hinges showed that building behaves like strong-column-weak-beam mechanism, whereas force-controlled action showed formation of hinges in the column. The study aims to understand the first, second and next generation performance based design procedure in prediction of actual building responses and their conservatism into the acceptance criteria.

[Scientific monitoring of the visitation procedure in inpatient rehabilitation centres of the German statutory pension insurance fund--the "Visit II" Project].

PubMed

Neuderth, S; Saupe-Heide, M; Brückner, U; Gross, B; Wenderoth, N; Vogel, H

2012-06-01

Visitation procedures are an established method of external quality assurance. They have been conducted for many years in the German statutory pension insurance's medical rehabilitation centres and have continuously been refined and standardized. The overall goal of the visitation procedure implemented by the German statutory pension fund is to ensure compliance with defined quality standards as well as information exchange and counselling of rehabilitation centres. In the context of advancing the visitation procedure in the German statutory pension funds' medical rehabilitation centres, the "Visit II" Project was initiated to evaluate the perspectives and expectations of the various professional groups involved in the visitations and to modify the materials used during visitations (documentation form and manual). Evaluation data from the rehabilitation centres visited in 2008 were gathered using both written surveys (utilization analysis) and telephone-based interviews with administration managers and chief physicians. The utilization analysis procedure was evaluated with regard to its methodological quality. In addition, the pension insurance physicians in charge of patient allocation during socio-medical assessment were surveyed with regard to potential needs for revision of the visitation procedure. Data collection was complemented by expert panels with auditors. Interviews with users as part of the formative evaluation of the visitation procedure showed positive results regarding acceptance and applicability of the visitations as well as of the utilization analysis procedures. Various suggestions were made with regard to modification and revision of the visitation materials, that could be implemented in many cases. Documentation forms were supplemented by current scientifically-based topics in rehabilitation (e. g., vocationally oriented measures), whereas items with minor relevance were skipped. The manual (for somatic indications) was thoroughly revised. The transparent presentation of visitation processes and visitation criteria has proven to be a useful basis for strengthening the cooperation between the statutory pension insurance funds and the rehabilitation centres. Moreover, it is a helpful tool for the systematic and continuous advancement of this complex method by including all parties involved. © Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York.

Genotoxic activity of 4,4',5'-trimethylazapsoralen on plasmid DNA.

PubMed

Lagatolla, C; Dolzani, L; Granzotto, M; Monti-Bragadin, C

1998-01-01

The genotoxic activities of 8-methoxypsoralen (8-MOP) and 4,4',5'-trimethylazapsoralen (4,4',5'-TMAP) on plasmid DNA have been compared. In a previous work, 4,4',5'-TMAP, a methyl derivative of a psoralen isoster, had shown potential photochemotherapeutic activity. The mutagenic activity of mono- and bifunctional lesions caused by these compounds was evaluated both after UVA irradiation, which causes the formation of both kinds of lesions, and after a two-step irradiation procedure of the psoralen-plasmid DNA complex, which allowed monoadducts and interstrand crosslinks to be studied separately. Furthermore, we used a procedure that allowed us to evaluate both the mutagenic and recombinogenic activity of the two compounds. Results indicate that the most important difference between 8-MOP and 4,4',5'-TMAP consists in their mode of photoreaction with DNA rather than in their mutagenic potential. In fact, in all of the experimental procedures, 4,4',5'-TMAP shows a lower ability than 8-MOP to generate interstrand crosslinks. However, when comparable toxicity levels are reached, the two compounds show the same mutagenic potentiality.

ENDF-6 Formats Manual Data Formats and Procedures for the Evaluated Nuclear Data File ENDF/B-VI and ENDF/B-VII

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

Herman, M.; Members of the Cross Sections Evaluation Working Group

2009-06-01

In December 2006, the Cross Section Evaluation Working Group (CSEWG) of the United States released the new ENDF/B-VII.0 library. This represented considerable achievement as it was the 1st major release since 1990 when ENDF/B-VI has been made publicly available. The two libraries have been released in the same format, ENDF-6, which has been originally developed for the ENDF/B-VI library. In the early stage of work on the VII-th generation of the library CSEWG made important decision to use the same formats. This decision was adopted even though it was argued that it would be timely to modernize the formats andmore » several interesting ideas were proposed. After careful deliberation CSEWG concluded that actual implementation would require considerable resources needed to modify processing codes and to guarantee high quality of the files processed by these codes. In view of this the idea of format modernization has been postponed and ENDF-6 format was adopted for the new ENDF/B-VII library. In several other areas related to ENDF we made our best to move beyond established tradition and achieve maximum modernization. Thus, the 'Big Paper' on ENDF/B-VII.0 has been published, also in December 2006, as the Special Issue of Nuclear Data Sheets 107 (1996) 2931-3060. The new web retrieval and plotting system for ENDF-6 formatted data, Sigma, was developed by the NNDC and released in 2007. Extensive paper has been published on the advanced tool for nuclear reaction data evaluation, EMPIRE, in 2007. This effort was complemented with release of updated set of ENDF checking codes in 2009. As the final item on this list, major revision of ENDF-6 Formats Manual was made. This work started in 2006 and came to fruition in 2009 as documented in the present report.« less

Beyond procedure's content: the role of accessibility experiences and personal uncertainty in procedural justice judgements.

PubMed

Greifeneder, Rainer; Müller, Patrick; Stahlberg, Dagmar; Van den Bos, Kees; Bless, Herbert

2011-01-01

Procedural justice concerns play a critical role in economic settings, politics, and other domains of human life. Despite the vast evidence corroborating their relevance, considerably less is known about how procedural justice judgments are formed. Whereas earlier theorizing focused on the systematic integration of content information, the present contribution provides a new perspective on the formation of justice judgments by examining the influence of accessibility experiences. Specifically, we hypothesize that procedural justice judgments may be formed based on the ease or difficulty with which justice-relevant information comes to mind. Three experiments corroborate this prediction in that procedures were evaluated less positively when the retrieval of associated unfair aspects was easy compared to difficult. Presumably this is because when it feels easy (difficult) to retrieve unfair aspects, these are perceived as frequent (infrequent), and hence the procedure as unjust (just). In addition to demonstrating that ease-of-retrieval may influence justice judgments, the studies further revealed that reliance on accessibility experiences is high in conditions of personal certainty. We suggest that this is because personal uncertainty fosters systematic processing of content information, whereas personal certainty may invite less taxing judgmental strategies such as reliance on ease-of-retrieval.

20 CFR 903.5 - Procedures for amendment of records regarding individual-format, agency review and appeal from...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-04-01

... 20 Employees' Benefits 3 2010-04-01 2010-04-01 false Procedures for amendment of records regarding individual-format, agency review and appeal from initial adverse agency determination. 903.5 Section 903.5 Employees' Benefits JOINT BOARD FOR THE ENROLLMENT OF ACTUARIES ACCESS TO RECORDS Records Pertaining to Individuals § 903.5 Procedures for...

20 CFR 903.5 - Procedures for amendment of records regarding individual-format, agency review and appeal from...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-04-01

... 20 Employees' Benefits 4 2012-04-01 2012-04-01 false Procedures for amendment of records regarding individual-format, agency review and appeal from initial adverse agency determination. 903.5 Section 903.5 Employees' Benefits JOINT BOARD FOR THE ENROLLMENT OF ACTUARIES ACCESS TO RECORDS Records Pertaining to Individuals § 903.5 Procedures for...

20 CFR 903.5 - Procedures for amendment of records regarding individual-format, agency review and appeal from...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-04-01

... 20 Employees' Benefits 4 2013-04-01 2013-04-01 false Procedures for amendment of records regarding individual-format, agency review and appeal from initial adverse agency determination. 903.5 Section 903.5 Employees' Benefits JOINT BOARD FOR THE ENROLLMENT OF ACTUARIES ACCESS TO RECORDS Records Pertaining to Individuals § 903.5 Procedures for...

20 CFR 903.5 - Procedures for amendment of records regarding individual-format, agency review and appeal from...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-04-01

... 20 Employees' Benefits 4 2014-04-01 2014-04-01 false Procedures for amendment of records regarding individual-format, agency review and appeal from initial adverse agency determination. 903.5 Section 903.5 Employees' Benefits JOINT BOARD FOR THE ENROLLMENT OF ACTUARIES ACCESS TO RECORDS Records Pertaining to Individuals § 903.5 Procedures for...

20 CFR 903.5 - Procedures for amendment of records regarding individual-format, agency review and appeal from...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-04-01

... 20 Employees' Benefits 3 2011-04-01 2011-04-01 false Procedures for amendment of records regarding individual-format, agency review and appeal from initial adverse agency determination. 903.5 Section 903.5 Employees' Benefits JOINT BOARD FOR THE ENROLLMENT OF ACTUARIES ACCESS TO RECORDS Records Pertaining to Individuals § 903.5 Procedures for...

Evaluation of Hands-Free Devices for the Display of Maintenance Procedures

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Whitmore, Mihriban; Hoffman, Ronald B.; Litaker, Harry, Jr.; Solem, Jody; Holden, Kritina; Twyford, Evan; Conlee, Carl

2007-01-01

Over the past year, NASA's focus has turned to crewed long duration and exploration missions. On these journeys, crewmembers will be required to execute thousands of procedures to maintain life support systems, check out space suits, conduct science experiments, and perform medical exams. To support the many complex tasks crewmembers undertake in microgravity, NASA is interested in providing crewmembers a hands-free work environment to promote more efficient operations. The overarching objective is to allow crewmembers to use both of their hands for tasks related to their mission, versus holding a paper manual or interacting with a display. The use of advanced, hands-free tools will undoubtedly make the crewmembers task easier, but they can also add to overall task complexity if not properly designed. A leading candidate technology for supporting a hands-free environment is the Head-Mounted Display (HMD). A more recent technology (e-book reader) that could be easily temp-stowed near the work area is also a potential hands-free solution. Previous work at NASA involved the evaluation of several commercially available HMDs for visual quality, comfort, and fit, as well as suitability for use in microgravity. Based on results from this work, three HMDs were selected for further evaluation (along with an e-book reader), using International Space Station (ISS)-like maintenance procedures. Two evaluations were conducted in the Space Station Mockup and Trainer Facility (SSMTF) located at the NASA Johnson Space Center (building 9). The SSMTF is a full scale, medium fidelity replica of the pressurized portions of the ISS. It supports crew training such as ingress and egress, habitability, and emergency procedures. In each of the two evaluations, the participants performed two maintenance procedures. One maintenance procedure involved inspecting air filters in a life support system and replacing them with a clean filter if one were found to be contaminated. The second maintenance procedure focused on working in a confined space; specifically, pulling down a rack to inspect wiring configurations, and rewiring in a different pattern. The maintenance procedures were selected to assess mobility, tool use, and access to multiple document sources during task performance. That is, the participant had to move from rack to rack, use a wrench, a camera, etc., replace components, and refer to diagrams to complete tasks. A constraint was imposed that the ISS-like format of the procedures was to be retained, and not modified or optimized for the electronic device ("plug and play" approach). This was based on future plans to test with real procedures on ISS.

Development and evaluation of spherical molecularly imprinted polymer beads.

PubMed

Kempe, Henrik; Kempe, Maria

2006-06-01

The majority of studies on molecularly imprinted polymers has until now been carried out on irregularly shaped particles prepared by grinding of polymer monoliths. The preparation procedures are time- and labor-consuming and produce particles of wide size distributions. To answer the need for fast and straightforward routes to spherical molecularly imprinted polymer beads, we have developed a method comprising the formation of droplets of pre-polymerization solution directly in mineral oil by vigorous mixing followed by transformation of the droplets into solid spherical beads by photoinduced free-radical polymerization. No detergents or stabilizers were required for the droplet formation. Factors influencing the bead synthesis have been investigated and are detailed here. The beads were evaluated in parallel with corresponding irregularly shaped particles prepared from polymer monoliths. Conditions for the synthesis of propranolol-imprinted poly(methacrylic acid-co-trimethylolpropane trimethacrylate) beads in the size range of 1-100 microm in almost quantitative yield are described. The beads were applied as the recognition element in a 96-well plate format radioligand assay of propranolol in human serum.

Osteo-odonto-keratoprosthesis surgery: a combined ocular-oral procedure for ocular blindness.

PubMed

Tay, A B G; Tan, D T H; Lye, K W; Theng, J; Parthasarathy, A; Por, Y-M

2007-09-01

The aim of this retrospective study was to describe the oral procedures used in osteo-odonto-keratoprosthesis (OOKP) surgery, and the demographics and oral findings of candidate patients in Singapore. The OOKP procedure utilizes an autologous tooth-bone complex to mount a poly-methylmethacrylate optical cylinder, as an artificial cornea, stabilized by an overlying autologous buccal mucosal graft. Consecutive patients referred over 3 years for dental evaluation prior to OOKP surgery were included. A total of 21 patients underwent oral clinical and radiographic evaluation. The aetiology of blindness included Stevens-Johnson's syndrome (11 cases), chemical burns (9 cases) and multiple failed corneal grafts (1 case). Evaluation revealed that 12 patients were suitable for OOKP surgery, 8 were at risk of complication or failure and 1 had no usable teeth. Fourteen patients have undergone unilateral OOKP Stage 1 surgery successfully. Complications included fracture of a tooth from its lingual bone necessitating the harvesting of a second tooth (1 case), oronasal perforation (1 case), exposure of adjacent roots (5 teeth), lower lip paresthesia (2 cases) and submucosal scar band formation in the buccal mucosal graft donor site (10 cases). Thirteen patients have completed Stage 2 surgery, with attainment of their best possible visual potential following OOKP surgery.

A Connectionist Model of Stimulus Class Formation with a Yes/No Procedure and Compound Stimuli

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Tovar, Angel E.; Chavez, Alvaro Torres

2012-01-01

We analyzed stimulus class formation in a human study and in a connectionist model (CM) with a yes/no procedure, using compound stimuli. In the human study, the participants were six female undergraduate students; the CM was a feed-forward back-propagation network. Two 3-member stimulus classes were trained with a similar procedure in both the…

Mechanisms of deterioration of nutrients. [freeze drying methods for space flight food

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Karel, M.; Flink, J. M.

1974-01-01

Methods are reported by which freeze dried foods of improved quality will be produced. The applicability of theories of flavor retention has been demonstrated for a number of food polymers, both proteins and polysacchardies. Studies on the formation of structures during freeze drying have been continued for emulsified systems. Deterioration of organoleptic quality of freeze dried foods due to high temperature heating has been evaluated and improved procedures developed. The influence of water activity and high temperature on retention of model flavor materials and browning deterioration has been evaluated for model systems and food materials.

SEM evaluation of metallization on semiconductors. [Scanning Electron Microscope

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Fresh, D. L.; Adolphsen, J. W.

1974-01-01

A test method for the evaluation of metallization on semiconductors is presented and discussed. The method has been prepared in MIL-STD format for submittal as a proposed addition to MIL-STD-883. It is applicable to discrete devices and to integrated circuits and specifically addresses batch-process oriented defects. Quantitative accept/reject criteria are given for contact windows, other oxide steps, and general interconnecting metallization. Figures are provided that illustrate typical types of defects. Apparatus specifications, sampling plans, and specimen preparation and examination requirements are described. Procedures for glassivated devices and for multi-metal interconnection systems are included.

Escherichia coli promoter sequences predict in vitro RNA polymerase selectivity.

PubMed

Mulligan, M E; Hawley, D K; Entriken, R; McClure, W R

1984-01-11

We describe a simple algorithm for computing a homology score for Escherichia coli promoters based on DNA sequence alone. The homology score was related to 31 values, measured in vitro, of RNA polymerase selectivity, which we define as the product KBk2, the apparent second order rate constant for open complex formation. We found that promoter strength could be predicted to within a factor of +/-4.1 in KBk2 over a range of 10(4) in the same parameter. The quantitative evaluation was linked to an automated (Apple II) procedure for searching and evaluating possible promoters in DNA sequence files.

Mental Health Evaluations for Adolescents Prior to Bariatric Surgery: A Review of Existing Practices and a Specific Example of Assessment Procedures.

PubMed

Sysko, Robyn; Zandberg, Laurie J; Devlin, Michael J; Annunziato, Rachel A; Zitsman, Jeffrey L; Walsh, B Timothy

2013-06-01

Best practice guidelines for adolescents considering bariatric surgery recommend a pre-operative mental health evaluation. However, only general information about these assessments appears in the literature, which makes consistency of administration challenging. This review proposes a specific empirically-derived format for pre-surgical mental health evaluations and summarizes currently available data on the psychiatric functioning of adolescents seeking bariatric surgery. Studies of mental health evaluations for adults preparing for bariatric surgery are reviewed, as is the limited literature relevant to adolescent evaluations. A specific and detailed example of an evaluation (clinical interview, self-report questionnaires, cognitive assessment) used for younger patients at a major metropolitan hospital center is presented, followed by data from an initial group of adolescents completing this evaluation. 200 adolescents (n=139 female; age: 14-18 y, BMI: 35.4-83.3 kg/m 2 ) presenting for bariatric surgery. A notable subset of adolescents reported current Axis I conditions (31.5%) and current mental health treatment (29.5%), but reports of current illicit drug use (1.5%) and regular alcohol use (0.5%) were relatively rare. Procedures for using the completed evaluation and post-surgery monitoring of psychosocial issues are discussed. Adolescents considering weight loss surgery should receive comprehensive pre-surgical mental health evaluations, but additional data are needed to develop specific recommendations the use of these evaluations in post-operative care.

Decision Process to Identify Lessons for Transition to a Distributed (or Blended) Learning Instructional Format

DTIC Science & Technology

2009-09-01

instructional format. Using a mixed- method coding and analysis approach, the sample of POIs were categorized, coded, statistically analyzed, and a... Method SECURITY CLASSIFICATION OF 19. LIMITATION OF 20. NUMBER 21. RESPONSIBLE PERSON 16. REPORT Unclassified 17. ABSTRACT...transition to a distributed (or blended) learning format. Procedure: A mixed- methods approach, combining qualitative coding procedures with basic

Determination of the mechanical integrity of polyvinylidene difluoride in LiNi1/3Co1/3Mn1/3O2 electrodes for lithium ion batteries by use of the micro-indentation technique

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wendt, Christian; Niehoff, Philip; Winter, Martin; Schappacher, Falko M.

2018-07-01

Understanding the mechanical aging of lithium ion batteries influencing the binder stability is of particular interest for enhanced battery life. In this study we present an indentation method to investigate the changes in the elasticity of PVdF in NCM electrodes with high reproducibility. To determine changes in elasticity by calculating the indentation work (ηit), a 50 μm flat punch indenter was used. In addition, a drying procedure for DMC washed samples was evaluated to reduce the effect of the washing procedure on the elasticity due to swelling of the binder. NCM electrodes soaked with electrolyte and electrodes after formation were investigated, showing a significant decrease in elasticity due to the contact with the LiPF6 containing organic carbonate solvent based electrolyte and due to the electrochemical formation procedure. Further electrochemical aging reduced the elasticity to nearly ≈50% compared to the pristine electrode. Method development and the obtained results are discussed in detail. The developed method provides a low standard deviation and high reproducibility. Hence, it is a valid methodology for the quantification of related aging mechanisms taking place in lithium ion batteries.

Does stinging nettle (Urtica dioica) have an effect on bone formation in the expanded inter-premaxillary suture?

PubMed

Irgin, Celal; Çörekçi, Bayram; Ozan, Fatih; Halicioğlu, Koray; Toptaş, Orçun; Birinci Yildirim, Arzu; Türker, Arzu; Yilmaz, Fahri

2016-09-01

To determine whether systemically given stinging nettle (SN) has an effect on bone formation in response to expansion of the rat inter-premaxillary suture. A total of 28 male Wistar albino rats were randomly divided into 4 equal groups: control (C), only expansion (OE), SN extract given only during the expansion and retention periods (SN group; a total of 17days), and SN extract given during the nursery phase before expansion (a period of 40days) and during the expansion and retention periods (N+SN group; a total of 57days). After the 5-day expansion period was completed, the rats in the OE, SN, and N+SN groups underwent 12days of mechanical retention, after which they were sacrificed, and their premaxilla were dissected and fixed. A histologic evaluation was done to determine the number of osteoblasts, osteoclasts, and capillaries, as well as the number and intensity of inflammatory cells and new bone formation. Statistically significant differences were found between the groups in all histologic parameters except the ratio of intensities of inflammatory cells. New bone formation and the number of capillaries were significantly higher in the SN groups than in the other groups. The statistical analysis also showed that the numbers of osteoblasts, osteoclasts, and capillaries were highest in the N+SN group. Systemic administration of SN may be effective in accelerating new bone formation and reducing inflammation in the maxillary expansion procedure. It may also be beneficial in preventing relapse after the expansion procedure. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

The NASTRAN User's Manual Level 16.0 and Supplement

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1976-01-01

The user's manual is restricted to those items related to the use of NASTRAN that are independent of the computing system being used. The features of NASTRAN described include: (1) procedures for defining and loading a structural model and a functional reference for every card that is used for structural modeling; (2) the NASTRAN data deck, including the details for each of the data cards; (3) the NASTRAN control cards that are associated with the use of the program; (4) rigid format procedures, along with specific instructions for the use of each rigid format: (5) procedures for using instructions for the use of each rigid format; (5) procedures for using the NASTRAN plotting capability; (6) procedures governing the creation of DMAP programs; and (7) the NASTRAN diagnostic messages. The NASTRAN dictionary of mnemonics, acronyms, phrases, and other commonly used NASTRAN terms is included along with a limited number of sample problems.

Original Experimental Approach for Assessing Transport Fuel Stability.

PubMed

Bacha, Kenza; Ben Amara, Arij; Alves Fortunato, Maira; Wund, Perrine; Veyrat, Benjamin; Hayrault, Pascal; Vannier, Axel; Nardin, Michel; Starck, Laurie

2016-10-21

The study of fuel oxidation stability is an important issue for the development of future fuels. Diesel and kerosene fuel systems have undergone several technological changes to fulfill environmental and economic requirements. These developments have resulted in increasingly severe operating conditions whose suitability for conventional and alternative fuels needs to be addressed. For example, fatty acid methyl esters (FAMEs) introduced as biodiesel are more prone to oxidation and may lead to deposit formation. Although several methods exist to evaluate fuel stability (induction period, peroxides, acids, and insolubles), no technique allows one to monitor the real-time oxidation mechanism and to measure the formation of oxidation intermediates that may lead to deposit formation. In this article, we developed an advanced oxidation procedure (AOP) based on two existing reactors. This procedure allows the simulation of different oxidation conditions and the monitoring of the oxidation progress by the means of macroscopic parameters, such as total acid number (TAN) and advanced analytical methods like gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and Fourier Transform Infrared - Attenuated Total Reflection (FTIR-ATR). We successfully applied AOP to gain an in-depth understanding of the oxidation kinetics of a model molecule (methyl oleate) and commercial diesel and biodiesel fuels. These developments represent a key strategy for fuel quality monitoring during logistics and on-board utilization.

KEEPING A STEP AHEAD - FORMATIVE PHASE OF A WORKPLACE INTERVENTION TRIAL TO PREVENT OBESITY

PubMed Central

Zapka, Jane; Lemon, Stephenie C.; Estabrook, Barbara B.; Jolicoeur, Denise G.

2008-01-01

Background Ecological interventions hold promise for promoting overweight and obesity prevention in worksites. Given the paucity of evaluative research in the hospital worksite setting, considerable formative work is required for successful implementation and evaluation. Purpose This paper describes the formative phases of Step Ahead, a site-randomized controlled trial of a multi-level intervention that promotes physical activity and healthy eating in 6 hospitals in central Massachusetts. The purpose of the formative research phase was to increase the feasibility, effectiveness and likelihood of sustainability of the intervention. Design and Procedures The Step Ahead ecological intervention approach targets change at the organization, the interpersonal work environment and the individual levels. The intervention was developed using fundamental steps of intervention mapping and important tenets of participatory research. Formative research methods were used to engage leadership support and assistance and to develop an intervention plan that is both theoretically and practically grounded. This report uses observational data, program minutes and reports, and process tracking data. Developmental Strategies and Observations Leadership involvement (key informant interviews and advisory boards), employee focus groups and advisory boards, and quantitative environmental assessments cultivated participation and support. Determining multiple foci of change and designing measurable objectives and generic assessment tools to document progress are complex challenges encountered in planning phases. Lessons Learned Multi-level trials in diverse organizations require flexibility and balance of theory application and practice-based perspectives to affect impact and outcome objectives. Formative research is an essential component. PMID:18073339

Making a web based ulcer record work by aligning architecture, legislation and users - a formative evaluation study.

PubMed

Ekeland, Anne G; Skipenes, Eva; Nyheim, Beate; Christiansen, Ellen K

2011-01-01

The University Hospital of North Norway selected a web-based ulcer record used in Denmark, available from mobile phones. Data was stored in a common database and easily accessible. According to Norwegian legislation, only employees of the organization that owns an IT system can access the system, and use of mobile units requires strong security solutions. The system had to be changed. The paper addresses interactions in order to make the system legal, and assesses regulations that followed. By addressing conflicting scripts and the contingent nature of knowledge, we conducted a formative evaluation aiming at improving the object being studied. Participatory observation in a one year process, minutes from meetings and information from participants, constitute the data material. In the technological domain, one database was replaced by four. In the health care delivery domain, easy access was replaced by a more complicated log on procedure, and in the domain of law and security, a clarification of risk levels was obtained, thereby allowing for access by mobile phones with today's authentication mechanisms. Flexibility concerning predefined scripts was important in all domains. Changes were made that improved the platform for further development of legitimate communication of patient data via mobile units. The study also shows the value of formative evaluations in innovations.

Conversion of school nurse policy and procedure manual to electronic format.

PubMed

Randall, Joellyn; Knee, Rachel; Galemore, Cynthia

2006-10-01

Policy and procedure manuals are essential to establishing standards of practice and ensuring quality of care to students and families. The Olathe District Schools (Kansas) Technology Department created the Virtual File Cabinet to provide online access to employee policies, school board policies, forms, and other documents. A task force of school nurses was formed to convert the nursing department's policies, procedures, protocols, and forms from hard copy to electronic format and make them available on the district's Virtual File Cabinet. Having the policy and procedure manuals in electronic format allows for quick access and ease in updating information, thereby guaranteeing the school nurses have access to the most current information. Cost savings were realized by reducing the amount of paper and staff time needed to copy, collate, and assemble materials.

Vertical ridge augmentation using xenogenous bone blocks: a comparison between the flap and tunneling procedures.

PubMed

Xuan, Feng; Lee, Chun-Ui; Son, Jeong-Seog; Fang, Yiqin; Jeong, Seung-Mi; Choi, Byung-Ho

2014-09-01

Previous studies have shown that the subperiosteal tunneling procedure in vertical ridge augmentation accelerates healing after grafting and prevents graft exposure, with minor postoperative complications. It is conceivable that new bone formation would be greater with the tunneling procedure than with the flap procedure, because the former is minimally invasive. This hypothesis was tested in this study by comparing new bone formation between the flap and tunneling procedures after vertical ridge augmentation using xenogenous bone blocks in a canine mandible model. Two Bio-Oss blocks were placed on the edentulous ridge in each side of the mandibles of 6 mongrel dogs. The blocks in each side were randomly assigned to grafting with a flap procedure (flap group) or grafting with a tunneling procedure (tunneling group). The mean percentage of newly formed bone within the block was 15.3 ± 6.6% in the flap group and 46.6 ± 23.4% in the tunneling group. Based on data presented in this study, when a tunneling procedure is used to place xenogenous bone blocks for vertical ridge augmentation, bone formation in the graft sites is significantly greater than when a flap procedure is used. Copyright © 2014 American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Near-field noise prediction for aircraft in cruising flight: Methods manual. [laminar flow control noise effects analysis

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Tibbetts, J. G.

1979-01-01

Methods for predicting noise at any point on an aircraft while the aircraft is in a cruise flight regime are presented. Developed for use in laminar flow control (LFC) noise effects analyses, they can be used in any case where aircraft generated noise needs to be evaluated at a location on an aircraft while under high altitude, high speed conditions. For each noise source applicable to the LFC problem, a noise computational procedure is given in algorithm format, suitable for computerization. Three categories of noise sources are covered: (1) propulsion system, (2) airframe, and (3) LFC suction system. In addition, procedures are given for noise modifications due to source soundproofing and the shielding effects of the aircraft structure wherever needed. Sample cases, for each of the individual noise source procedures, are provided to familiarize the user with typical input and computed data.

Free radical development in phacoemulsification cataract surgery.

PubMed

Takahashi, Hiroshi

2005-02-01

Phacoemulsification and aspiration (PEA) has become the most popular cataract surgery, due to the establishment of safe surgical techniques and development of associated instruments. However, corneal endothelial damage still represents a serious complication, as excessive damage can lead to irreversible bullous keratopathy. In addition to causes such as mechanical or heat injuries, free radical formation due to ultrasound has been posited as another cause of corneal endothelium damage in PEA. Ultrasound in aqueous solution induces cavitation, directly causing water molecule disintegration and resulting in the formation of hydroxylradicals, the most potent of the reactive oxygen species. Considering the oxidative insult to endothelial cells caused by free radicals, their presence in the anterior chamber may represent one of the most harmful factors during these procedures. Indeed, some researchers have recently started to evaluate PEA from the perspective of oxidative stress. Conversely, the major ingredient in ophthalmic viscosurgical devices (OVDs), which are indispensable for maintaining the anterior chamber in PEA surgery, is sodium hyaluronate, a known free radical scavenger. OVDs can thus be expected to provide some anti-free radical effect during PEA procedures. In addition, since commercially available OVDs display different properties regarding retention in the anterior chamber during PEA, the anti-free radical effect of OVDs is likely to depend on behavior during irrigation and aspiration. The present study followed standard PEA procedures in an eye model and measured hydroxylradicals in the anterior chamber using electron spin resonance. The kinetics of free radical intensity and effects of several OVDs during clinical PEA were also demonstrated. These studies may be of significance in re-evaluating OVDs as a chemical protectant for corneal endothelium, since the OVD has thus far only been regarded as a physical barrier. In addition, many reports about corneal endothelium damage during PEA have been published, but objective evaluation of various damaging factors has been difficult. The present assay of free radicals in a simulation of clinical PEA offers the first method to quantitatively assess stress on the corneal endothelium.

The Effects of Assignment Format and Choice on Task Completion

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hua, Youjia; Lee, David; Stansbery, Samuel; McAfee, James

2014-01-01

Modifying task presentation format and providing opportunities to choose are two effective procedures teachers can use to improve academic productivity for students with learning difficulties. Combining the two procedures may result in academic interventions that teachers can use without significantly changing the curriculum. The present study…

Rectal augmentation: short- and mid-term evaluation of a novel procedure for severe fecal urgency with associated incontinence.

PubMed

Murphy, Jamie; Chan, Christopher L H; Scott, S Mark; Vasudevan, Subash P; Lunniss, Peter J; Williams, Norman S

2008-03-01

Rectal augmentation (RA) with or without electrically stimulated gracilis neosphincter (ESGN) was developed to address the physiologic and anatomic abnormalities present in a subset of patients with incapacitating fecal urgency and associated urge fecal incontinence (UFI). This study evaluated the short- and medium-term clinical and physiologic results. Eleven patients with fecal urgency and UFI underwent RA, 6 with concomitant ESGN formation. Patients were evaluated preoperatively, and at a median of 12.5 and 54 months after surgery. At 4.5 years, 7/11 patients had avoided stoma construction. Symptoms recurred leading to permanent stoma formation in 1 patient, whereas one other developed evacuatory difficulty with overflow incontinence. Median ability to defer defecation improved from seconds preoperatively to 10 minutes at 1 year (P = 0.0002), and 15 minutes at 4.5 years (P = 0.002). Median Wexner incontinence scores improved from 15 preoperatively to 3 at 1 year (P = 0.002), and 4 at 4.5 years (P = 0.02). At 1 year, 2 of the rectal sensory thresholds (DDV: P = 0.008; MTV: P = 0.008) and compliance were normalized (P = 0.008), whereas at 4.5 years, all sensation thresholds improved (FCS: P = 0.002; DDV: P = 0.002; MTV: P = 0.002), but changes in compliance were not significant. RA with or without ESGN improved reported symptoms and normalized rectal sensation. Improvements were sustained in the medium term. The procedure had no associated morbidity or mortality, and should be considered in the surgical management of a select group of patients presenting with severe urgency and UFI.

Evaluating Bangestan reservoirs and targeting productive zones in Dezful embayment of Iran

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nasseri, Aynur; Jafar Mohammadzadeh, Mohammad; HashemTabatabaee, Seyyed

2016-12-01

A progressive stepwise procedure was adopted to evaluate the main reservoirs of the Bangestan group in a southwestern oil field of Iran. In order to identify productive zones, the results of lithofacies and well tops correlation were assessed using well log and core data. Accordingly the resulting zonation based on lithofacies revealed inaccurate results. Therefore, in order to limit the uncertainty of zonation, well tops correlations were considered. For this purpose, boundaries of reservoirs were precisely defined and well logs correlation was carried out based on geological information and full set logs. The resulting well tops correlation indicates the presence of several reservoirs such as Ilam and Sarvak formations, and each of these has several zones. Among them, the Ilam formation is recognized as the best reservoir in the field and the Sarvak formation in the second priority for oil production. Due to changes in the facies trend of the Sarvak formation, more than Ilam, the Sarvak formation was mostly considered in this study. Subsequently the Ilam formation was divided into four zones, among them (Ilam-Upper, Ilam- Main, Ilam-Poor) were identified as the oil reservoir units. Similarly, the Sarvak formation was also divided into 11 units, where the Sarvak-L2b unit was identified as the oil-bearing reservoir in the formation. Furthermore, in order to contribute for better analysis of the depositional environment and to improve the understanding of its lateral and vertical variations, 3D modeling of reservoir units was established, which lead to limit the uncertainty in evaluation. Based on the well correlation results, deep and thickness maps, porosity, water saturation and the hydrocarbon column assessments were prepared, in addition the distribution of petrophysical parameters was also evaluated. Finally, an oil reserve estimation was carried out based on volumetric estimation and its corresponding distribution maps in different reservoir units of the formation were presented. This study indicates that the consecutive sequential approach to the problem, by self controlling the process, lead to the detection of the Sarvak-L2b unit as one of the productive zones in the field. This zone also indicates favorable conditions for high productivity in central areas of the field where the reservoir has a high quality for production.

Histomorphological evaluation of Compound bone of Granulated Ricinus in bone regeneration in rabbits

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pavan Mateus, Christiano; Orivaldo Chierice, Gilberto; Okamoto, Tetuo

2011-09-01

Histological evaluation is an effective method in the behavioral description of the qualitative and quantitative implanted materials. The research validated the performance of Compound bone of Granulated Ricinus on bone regeneration with the histomorphological analysis results. Were selected 30 rabbits, females, divided into 3 groups of 10 animals (G1, G2, G3) with a postoperative time of 45, 70 and 120 days respectively. Each animal is undergone 2 bone lesions in the ilium, one implemented in the material: Compound bone of Granulated Ricinus and the other for control. After the euthanasia, the iliac bone was removed, identified and subjected to histological procedure. The evaluation histological, histomorphological results were interpreted and described by quantitative and qualitative analysis based facts verified in the three experimental groups evaluating the rate of absorption of the material in the tissue regeneration, based on the neo-bone formation. The histomorphologic results classified as a material biocompatible and biologically active. Action in regeneration by bone resorption occurs slowly and gradually. Knowing the time and rate of absorption and neo-formation bone biomaterial, which can be determined in the bone segment applicable in the clinical surgical area.

The conical scanner evaluation system design

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Cumella, K. E.; Bilanow, S.; Kulikov, I. B.

1982-01-01

The software design for the conical scanner evaluation system is presented. The purpose of this system is to support the performance analysis of the LANDSAT-D conical scanners, which are infrared horizon detection attitude sensors designed for improved accuracy. The system consists of six functionally independent subsystems and five interface data bases. The system structure and interfaces of each of the subsystems is described and the content, format, and file structure of each of the data bases is specified. For each subsystem, the functional logic, the control parameters, the baseline structure, and each of the subroutines are described. The subroutine descriptions include a procedure definition and the input and output parameters.

TEACHING EARLY BRAILLE LITERACY SKILLS WITHIN A STIMULUS EQUIVALENCE PARADIGM TO CHILDREN WITH DEGENERATIVE VISUAL IMPAIRMENTS

PubMed Central

Toussaint, Karen A; Tiger, Jeffrey H

2010-01-01

Despite the need for braille literacy, there has been little attempt to systematically evaluate braille-instruction programs. The current study evaluated an instructive procedure for teaching early braille-reading skills with 4 school-aged children with degenerative visual impairments. Following a series of pretests, braille instruction involved providing a sample braille letter and teaching the selection of the corresponding printed letter from a comparison array. Concomitant with increases in the accuracy of this skill, we assessed and captured the formation of equivalence classes through tests of symmetry and transitivity among the printed letters, the corresponding braille letters, and their spoken names. PMID:21119894

Teaching early braille literacy skills within a stimulus equivalence paradigm to children with degenerative visual impairments.

PubMed

Toussaint, Karen A; Tiger, Jeffrey H

2010-01-01

Despite the need for braille literacy, there has been little attempt to systematically evaluate braille-instruction programs. The current study evaluated an instructive procedure for teaching early braille-reading skills with 4 school-aged children with degenerative visual impairments. Following a series of pretests, braille instruction involved providing a sample braille letter and teaching the selection of the corresponding printed letter from a comparison array. Concomitant with increases in the accuracy of this skill, we assessed and captured the formation of equivalence classes through tests of symmetry and transitivity among the printed letters, the corresponding braille letters, and their spoken names.

Preoperative evaluation in infants and children: recommendations of the Italian Society of Pediatric and Neonatal Anesthesia and Intensive Care (SARNePI).

PubMed

Serafini, G; Ingelmo, P M; Astuto, M; Baroncini, S; Borrometi, F; Bortone, L; Ceschin, C; Gentili, A; Lampugnani, E; Mangia, G; Meneghini, L; Minardi, C; Montobbio, G; Pinzoni, F; Rosina, B; Rossi, C; Sahillioğlu, E; Sammartino, M; Sonzogni, R; Sonzogni, V; Tesoro, S; Tognon, C; Zadra, N

2014-04-01

The preoperative assessment involves the process of evaluating the patient's clinical condition, which is intended to define the physical status classification, eligibility for anesthesia and the risks associated with it, thus providing elements to select the most appropriate and individualized anesthetic plan. The aim of this recommendation was provide a framework reference for the preoperative evaluation assessment of pediatric patients undergoing elective surgery or diagnostic/therapeutic procedures. We obtained evidence concerning pediatric preoperative evaluation from a systematic search of the electronic databases MEDLINE and Embase between January 1998 and February 2012. We used the format developed by the Italian Center for Evaluation of the Effectiveness of Health Care's scoring system for assessing the level of evidence and strength of recommendations. We produce a set of consensus guidelines on the preoperative assessment and on the request for preoperative tests. A review of the existing literature supporting these recommendations is provided. In reaching consensus, emphasis was placed on the level of evidence, clinical relevance and the risk/benefit ratio. Preoperative evaluation is mandatory before any diagnostic or therapeutic procedure that requires the use of anesthesia or sedation. The systematic prescription of complementary tests in children should be abandoned, and replaced by a selective and rational prescription, based on the patient history and clinical examination performed during the preoperative evaluation.

Mental Health Evaluations for Adolescents Prior to Bariatric Surgery: A Review of Existing Practices and a Specific Example of Assessment Procedures

PubMed Central

Sysko, Robyn; Zandberg, Laurie J.; Devlin, Michael J.; Annunziato, Rachel A.; Zitsman, Jeffrey L.; Walsh, B. Timothy

2013-01-01

Objective Best practice guidelines for adolescents considering bariatric surgery recommend a pre-operative mental health evaluation. However, only general information about these assessments appears in the literature, which makes consistency of administration challenging. This review proposes a specific empirically-derived format for pre-surgical mental health evaluations and summarizes currently available data on the psychiatric functioning of adolescents seeking bariatric surgery. Design Studies of mental health evaluations for adults preparing for bariatric surgery are reviewed, as is the limited literature relevant to adolescent evaluations. A specific and detailed example of an evaluation (clinical interview, self-report questionnaires, cognitive assessment) used for younger patients at a major metropolitan hospital center is presented, followed by data from an initial group of adolescents completing this evaluation. Subjects 200 adolescents (n=139 female; age: 14–18 y, BMI: 35.4–83.3 kg/m2) presenting for bariatric surgery. Results A notable subset of adolescents reported current Axis I conditions (31.5%) and current mental health treatment (29.5%), but reports of current illicit drug use (1.5%) and regular alcohol use (0.5%) were relatively rare. Procedures for using the completed evaluation and post-surgery monitoring of psychosocial issues are discussed. Conclusions Adolescents considering weight loss surgery should receive comprehensive pre-surgical mental health evaluations, but additional data are needed to develop specific recommendations the use of these evaluations in post-operative care. PMID:24073019

Evaluation of enamel micro-cracks characteristics after removal of metal brackets in adult patients.

PubMed

Dumbryte, Irma; Linkeviciene, Laura; Malinauskas, Mangirdas; Linkevicius, Tomas; Peciuliene, Vytaute; Tikuisis, Kristupas

2013-06-01

The purpose of this study was to evaluate and compare enamel micro-crack characteristics of adult patients before and after removal of metal brackets. After the examination with scanning electron microscopy (SEM), 45 extracted human teeth were divided into three groups of equal size: group 1, the teeth having enamel micro-cracks, group 2, the teeth without initial enamel micro-cracks, and group 3, control group to study the effect of dehydration on existing micro-cracks or formation of new ones. For all the teeth in groups 1 and 2, the same bonding and debonding procedures of metal brackets were conducted. The length and width of the longest enamel micro-crack were measured for all the teeth before and after removal of metal brackets. The changes in the location of the micro-cracks were also evaluated. In group 3, teeth were subjected to the same analysis but not bonded. The mean overall width of micro-cracks after removal of metal brackets was 3.82 μm greater than before bonding procedure (P < 0.05). Also, a significant difference was noticed between the width of micro-cracks in first zone (cervical third) and third zone (occlusal third) after debonding procedure (P < 0.05). New enamel micro-cracks were found in 6 of 15 (40 per cent) examined teeth. Greatest changes in the width of enamel micro-cracks after debonding procedure appear in the cervical third of the tooth. On the basis of this result, the dentist must pay extra care and attention to this specific area of enamel during removal of metal brackets in adult patients.

Evaluation of the influence of proline, hydroxyproline or pyrrolidine in the presence of sodium nitrite on N-nitrosamine formation when heating cured meat.

PubMed

Drabik-Markiewicz, G; Dejaegher, B; De Mey, E; Impens, S; Kowalska, T; Paelinck, H; Vander Heyden, Y

2010-01-11

N-nitrosamines are meant to be probable or possible carcinogenic components, possibly formed out of a reaction between nitrite and N-containing substances such as amino acids and secondary amines. Nitrite is often used for processing meat products because of its colouring and antimicrobial properties. During this experimental setup, the influence of proline, hydroxyproline or pyrrolidine on N-nitrosamine formation in meat samples was evaluated. The N-nitrosamines concentrations were measured with gas chromatography-thermal energy analyzer. Only the concentrations of N-nitrosodimethylamine and N-nitrosopyrrolidine were found above the limit of detection in a number of tested experimental conditions. The concentration of these two N-nitrosamines was modelled as a function of temperature and nitrite concentration for different situations (presence or absence of added natural N-containing meat components). It could be concluded that proline and pyrrolidine promoted the formation of N-nitrosopyrrolidine. It could also be confirmed that the higher the temperature of the meat processing procedure and the higher the sodium nitrite amounts added, the higher were the yields of the respective N-nitrosamines.

Bi-Factor MIRT Observed-Score Equating for Mixed-Format Tests

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Lee, Guemin; Lee, Won-Chan

2016-01-01

The main purposes of this study were to develop bi-factor multidimensional item response theory (BF-MIRT) observed-score equating procedures for mixed-format tests and to investigate relative appropriateness of the proposed procedures. Using data from a large-scale testing program, three types of pseudo data sets were formulated: matched samples,…

A genetic meta-algorithm-assisted inversion approach: hydrogeological study for the determination of volumetric rock properties and matrix and fluid parameters in unsaturated formations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Szabó, Norbert Péter

2018-03-01

An evolutionary inversion approach is suggested for the interpretation of nuclear and resistivity logs measured by direct-push tools in shallow unsaturated sediments. The efficiency of formation evaluation is improved by estimating simultaneously (1) the petrophysical properties that vary rapidly along a drill hole with depth and (2) the zone parameters that can be treated as constant, in one inversion procedure. In the workflow, the fractional volumes of water, air, matrix and clay are estimated in adjacent depths by linearized inversion, whereas the clay and matrix properties are updated using a float-encoded genetic meta-algorithm. The proposed inversion method provides an objective estimate of the zone parameters that appear in the tool response equations applied to solve the forward problem, which can significantly increase the reliability of the petrophysical model as opposed to setting these parameters arbitrarily. The global optimization meta-algorithm not only assures the best fit between the measured and calculated data but also gives a reliable solution, practically independent of the initial model, as laboratory data are unnecessary in the inversion procedure. The feasibility test uses engineering geophysical sounding logs observed in an unsaturated loessy-sandy formation in Hungary. The multi-borehole extension of the inversion technique is developed to determine the petrophysical properties and their estimation errors along a profile of drill holes. The genetic meta-algorithmic inversion method is recommended for hydrogeophysical logging applications of various kinds to automatically extract the volumetric ratios of rock and fluid constituents as well as the most important zone parameters in a reliable inversion procedure.

Verbal autopsy: current practices and challenges.

PubMed Central

Soleman, Nadia; Chandramohan, Daniel; Shibuya, Kenji

2006-01-01

Cause-of-death data derived from verbal autopsy (VA) are increasingly used for health planning, priority setting, monitoring and evaluation in countries with incomplete or no vital registration systems. In some regions of the world it is the only method available to obtain estimates on the distribution of causes of death. Currently, the VA method is routinely used at over 35 sites, mainly in Africa and Asia. In this paper, we present an overview of the VA process and the results of a review of VA tools and operating procedures used at demographic surveillance sites and sample vital registration systems. We asked for information from 36 field sites about field-operating procedures and reviewed 18 verbal autopsy questionnaires and 10 cause-of-death lists used in 13 countries. The format and content of VA questionnaires, field-operating procedures, cause-of-death lists and the procedures to derive causes of death from VA process varied substantially among sites. We discuss the consequences of using varied methods and conclude that the VA tools and procedures must be standardized and reliable in order to make accurate national and international comparisons of VA data. We also highlight further steps needed in the development of a standard VA process. PMID:16583084

A 96-well-plate-based optical method for the quantitative and qualitative evaluation of Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilm formation and its application to susceptibility testing.

PubMed

Müsken, Mathias; Di Fiore, Stefano; Römling, Ute; Häussler, Susanne

2010-08-01

A major reason for bacterial persistence during chronic infections is the survival of bacteria within biofilm structures, which protect cells from environmental stresses, host immune responses and antimicrobial therapy. Thus, there is concern that laboratory methods developed to measure the antibiotic susceptibility of planktonic bacteria may not be relevant to chronic biofilm infections, and it has been suggested that alternative methods should test antibiotic susceptibility within a biofilm. In this paper, we describe a fast and reliable protocol for using 96-well microtiter plates for the formation of Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilms; the method is easily adaptable for antimicrobial susceptibility testing. This method is based on bacterial viability staining in combination with automated confocal laser scanning microscopy. The procedure simplifies qualitative and quantitative evaluation of biofilms and has proven to be effective for standardized determination of antibiotic efficiency on P. aeruginosa biofilms. The protocol can be performed within approximately 60 h.

Procedure optimization for green synthesis of silver nanoparticles by aqueous extract of Eucalyptus oleosa.

PubMed

Pourmortazavi, Seied Mahdi; Taghdiri, Mehdi; Makari, Vajihe; Rahimi-Nasrabadi, Mehdi

2015-02-05

The present study is dealing with the green synthesis of silver nanoparticles using the aqueous extract of Eucalyptus oleosa as a green synthesis procedure without any catalyst, template or surfactant. Colloidal silver nanoparticles were synthesized by reacting aqueous AgNO3 with E. oleosa leaf extract at non-photomediated conditions. The significance of some synthesis conditions such as: silver nitrate concentration, concentration of the plant extract, time of synthesis reaction and temperature of plant extraction procedure on the particle size of synthesized silver particles was investigated and optimized. The participations of the studied factors in controlling the particle size of reduced silver were quantitatively evaluated via analysis of variance (ANOVA). The results of this investigation showed that silver nanoparticles could be synthesized by tuning significant parameters, while performing the synthesis procedure at optimum conditions leads to form silver nanoparticles with 21nm as averaged size. Ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy was used to monitor the development of silver nanoparticles formation. Meanwhile, produced silver nanoparticles were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray, and FT-IR techniques. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Justifying scale type for a latent variable: Formative or reflective?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Hao; Bahron, Arsiah; Bagul, Awangku Hassanal Bahar Pengiran

2015-12-01

The study attempted to explore the possibilities to create a procedure at the experimental level to double confirm whether manifest variables scale type is formative or reflective. Now, the criteria of making such a decision are heavily depended on researchers' judgment at the conceptual and operational level. The study created an experimental procedure that seems could double confirm the decisions from the conceptual and operational level judgments. The experimental procedure includes the following tests, Variance Inflation Factor (VIF), Tolerance (TOL), Ridge Regression, Cronbach's alpha, Dillon-Goldstein's rho, and first and second eigenvalue. The procedure considers manifest variables' both multicollinearity and consistency. As the result, the procedure received the same judgment with the carefully established decision making at the concept and operational level.

Judicial case management and the custody and access assessment: melding the approaches.

PubMed

Leverette, J; Crowe, T; Wenglensky, R; Dunbar, M

1997-08-01

The presence of the Unified Family Court, with procedures emphasizing judicial case management and settlement in custody disputes, provided an opportunity to combine these practices with those of a university hospital-based family court clinic experienced in the provision of custody assessments. Specifically, a process integrating the clinical custody assessment with the work of counsel and court procedures was developed. This format, incorporating the preparation of a clinical settlement conference brief, was then evaluated with emphasis on time management, outcome in relation to settlement or trial, and the effect of clinical assessment at critical points in the combined endeavour. Seventy-two judicial referrals conducted using this format were reviewed. To assess efficiency, we determined time intervals to various points in the process and compared them to previous local practice. Settlement rates, recorded incrementally to mark each component's contribution, were compared with rates noted in the literature. Assessment functions were identified according to the point of resolution of the dispute and in a manner to facilitate comparison with previously published work. The format resulted in 50% of cases settling without trial in under 5 months, a minimum settlement rate of 50%, and confirmed the ability of clinical assessment to contribute flexibly to dispute resolution in several conciliation venues and at trial. Combining legal and mental health efforts can results in more efficient use of resources and a substantial diversion of cases from continuing litigation. While altering the process of clinical assessments enhances such findings, further work is required to assure appropriate selection criteria for various intervention formats.

75 FR 81474 - Approval and Promulgation of Air Quality Implementation Plans; West Virginia; Update to Materials...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-12-28

... revised the procedures for incorporating by reference Federally-approved SIPs as a result of consultations... procedures and ``Identification of plan'' format are discussed in further detail in the May 22, 1997 Federal... column so that the date format is consistent with that found throughout the paragraph. c. 45 CSR 21...

Teacher Agency within the Context of Formative Teacher Assessment: An In-Depth Analysis

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Verberg, Christel P. M.; Tigelaar, Dineke E. H.; van Veen, Klaas; Verloop, Nico

2016-01-01

Teachers' agency has an effect on their own learning process at the workplace. In this study we explored the extent to which teachers participating in a formative teacher assessment procedure developed a sense of agency. We investigated not only whether teachers participating in a such an assessment procedure experienced agency and thus felt in…

77 FR 57035 - Notice of Commission's Implementation of Procedure of Serving Parties in an Electronic Format

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-09-17

... FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION 47 CFR Part 1 [GC Docket No. 10-44; DA 12-1401] Notice of... . SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: This is a synopsis of the Commission's Public Notice, document DA 12-1401, released... Procedure of Serving Parties in an Electronic Format. The full text of DA [[Page 57036

78 FR 67076 - Practices and Procedures

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-11-08

... as an attachment in any common electronic format, including word processing applications, HTML and PDF. If possible, commenters are asked to use a text format and not an image format for attachments...

Optical evaluation of the wave filtering properties of graded undulated lattices

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Trainiti, G.; Rimoli, J. J.; Ruzzene, M.

2018-03-01

We investigate and experimentally demonstrate the elastic wave filtering properties of graded undulated lattices. Square reticulates composed of curved beams are characterized by graded mechanical properties which result from the spatial modulation of the curvature parameter. Among such properties, the progressive formation of frequency bandgaps leads to strong wave attenuation over a broad frequency range. The experimental investigation of wave transmission and the detection of full wavefields effectively illustrate this behavior. Transmission measurements are conducted using a scanning laser Doppler vibrometer, while a dedicated digital image correlation procedure is implemented to capture in-plane wave motion at selected frequencies. The presented results illustrate the broadband attenuation characteristics resulting from spatial grading of the lattice curvature, whose in-depth investigation is enabled by the presented experimental procedures.

Recent Achievements of the Collaboratory for the Study of Earthquake Predictability

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jackson, D. D.; Liukis, M.; Werner, M. J.; Schorlemmer, D.; Yu, J.; Maechling, P. J.; Zechar, J. D.; Jordan, T. H.

2015-12-01

Maria Liukis, SCEC, USC; Maximilian Werner, University of Bristol; Danijel Schorlemmer, GFZ Potsdam; John Yu, SCEC, USC; Philip Maechling, SCEC, USC; Jeremy Zechar, Swiss Seismological Service, ETH; Thomas H. Jordan, SCEC, USC, and the CSEP Working Group The Collaboratory for the Study of Earthquake Predictability (CSEP) supports a global program to conduct prospective earthquake forecasting experiments. CSEP testing centers are now operational in California, New Zealand, Japan, China, and Europe with 435 models under evaluation. The California testing center, operated by SCEC, has been operational since Sept 1, 2007, and currently hosts 30-minute, 1-day, 3-month, 1-year and 5-year forecasts, both alarm-based and probabilistic, for California, the Western Pacific, and worldwide. We have reduced testing latency, implemented prototype evaluation of M8 forecasts, and are currently developing formats and procedures to evaluate externally-hosted forecasts and predictions. These efforts are related to CSEP support of the USGS program in operational earthquake forecasting and a DHS project to register and test external forecast procedures from experts outside seismology. A retrospective experiment for the 2010-2012 Canterbury earthquake sequence has been completed, and the results indicate that some physics-based and hybrid models outperform purely statistical (e.g., ETAS) models. The experiment also demonstrates the power of the CSEP cyberinfrastructure for retrospective testing. Our current development includes evaluation strategies that increase computational efficiency for high-resolution global experiments, such as the evaluation of the Global Earthquake Activity Rate (GEAR) model. We describe the open-source CSEP software that is available to researchers as they develop their forecast models (http://northridge.usc.edu/trac/csep/wiki/MiniCSEP). We also discuss applications of CSEP infrastructure to geodetic transient detection and how CSEP procedures are being adapted to ground motion prediction experiments.

Steps in the design, development and formative evaluation of obesity prevention-related behavior change trials.

PubMed

Baranowski, Tom; Cerin, Ester; Baranowski, Janice

2009-01-21

Obesity prevention interventions through dietary and physical activity change have generally not been effective. Limitations on possible program effectiveness are herein identified at every step in the mediating variable model, a generic conceptual framework for understanding how interventions may promote behavior change. To minimize these problems, and thereby enhance likely intervention effectiveness, four sequential types of formative studies are proposed: targeted behavior validation, targeted mediator validation, intervention procedure validation, and pilot feasibility intervention. Implementing these studies would establish the relationships at each step in the mediating variable model, thereby maximizing the likelihood that an intervention would work and its effects would be detected. Building consensus among researchers, funding agencies, and journal editors on distinct intervention development studies should avoid identified limitations and move the field forward.

Steps in the design, development and formative evaluation of obesity prevention-related behavior change trials

PubMed Central

Baranowski, Tom; Cerin, Ester; Baranowski, Janice

2009-01-01

Obesity prevention interventions through dietary and physical activity change have generally not been effective. Limitations on possible program effectiveness are herein identified at every step in the mediating variable model, a generic conceptual framework for understanding how interventions may promote behavior change. To minimize these problems, and thereby enhance likely intervention effectiveness, four sequential types of formative studies are proposed: targeted behavior validation, targeted mediator validation, intervention procedure validation, and pilot feasibility intervention. Implementing these studies would establish the relationships at each step in the mediating variable model, thereby maximizing the likelihood that an intervention would work and its effects would be detected. Building consensus among researchers, funding agencies, and journal editors on distinct intervention development studies should avoid identified limitations and move the field forward. PMID:19159476

Sampling the kinetic pathways of a micelle fusion and fission transition.

PubMed

Pool, René; Bolhuis, Peter G

2007-06-28

The mechanism and kinetics of micellar breakup and fusion in a dilute solution of a model surfactant are investigated by path sampling techniques. Analysis of the path ensemble gives insight in the mechanism of the transition. For larger, less stable micelles the fission/fusion occurs via a clear neck formation, while for smaller micelles the mechanism is more direct. In addition, path analysis yields an appropriate order parameter to evaluate the fusion and fission rate constants using stochastic transition interface sampling. For the small, stable micelle (50 surfactants) the computed fission rate constant is a factor of 10 lower than the fusion rate constant. The procedure opens the way for accurate calculation of free energy and kinetics for, e.g., membrane fusion, and wormlike micelle endcap formation.

KC-135 and Other Microgravity Simulations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Skinner, Noel C.

1999-01-01

This document represents a summary of medical and scientific evaluations conducted aboard the KC-135 from June 20, 1998 to June 20, 1999. Included is a general overview of KC-135 activities manifested and coordinated by the Life Sciences Research Laboratories. A collection of brief reports that describes tests conducted aboard the KC-135 follows the overview. Principal investigators and test engineers contributed significantly to the content of the report describing their particular experiment or hardware evaluation. Although this document follows general guidelines, each report format may vary to accommodate differences in experiment design and procedures. This document concludes with an appendix that provides background information concerning the KC-135 and the Reduced-Gravity Program.

C-9 and Other Microgravity Simulations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hecht, Sharon (Editor); Reeves, Jacqueline M. (Editor); Spector, Elisabeth (Editor)

2009-01-01

This document represents a summary of medical and scientific evaluations conducted aboard the C-9 and other NASA-sponsored aircraft from June 2008 to June 2009. Included is a general overview of investigations manifested and coordinated by the Human Adaptation and Counter-measures Division. A collection of brief reports that describe tests conducted aboard the NASA-sponsored aircraft follows the overview. Principal investigators and test engineers contributed significantly to the content of the report, describing their particular experiment or hardware evaluation. Although this document follows general guidelines, each report format may vary to accommodate differences in experiment design and procedures. This document concludes with an appendix that provides background information concerning the Reduced Gravity Program. Acknowledgments

C-9 and Other Microgravity Simulations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Schlegel, Todd; Skinner, Noel

2007-01-01

This document represents a summary of medical and scientific evaluations conducted aboard the C-9 or other NASA-sponsored aircraft from June 30, 2006, to June 30, 2007. Included is a general overview of investigations manifested and coordinated by the Human Adaptation and Countermeasures Office. A collection of brief reports that describe tests conducted aboard the NASA-sponsored aircraft follows the overview. Principal investigators and test engineers contributed significantly to the content of the report, describing their particular experiment or hardware evaluation. Although this document follows general guidelines, each report format may vary to accommodate differences in experiment design and procedures. This document concludes with an appendix that provides background information about the Reduced Gravity Program.

KC-135 and Other Microgravity Simulations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Skinner, Noel C.; Schlegel, Todd T. (Technical Monitor)

2001-01-01

This document represents a summary of medical and scientific evaluations conducted aboard the KC-135 from January to June 15, 2001. Included is a general overview of KC-135 activities manifested and coordinated by the Human Adaptation and Countermeasures Office. A collection of brief reports that describes tests conducted aboard the KC-135 follows the overview. Principal investigators and test engineers contributed significantly to the content of the report describing their particular experiment or hardware evaluation. Although this document follows general guidelines, each report format may vary to accommodate differences in experiment design and procedures. This document concludes with an appendix that provides background information concerning the KC-135 and the Reduced-Gravity Program.

C-9 and Other Microgravity Simulations Summary Report

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

2010-01-01

This document represents a summary of medical and scientific evaluations conducted aboard the C-9 and other NASA-sponsored aircraft from June 2009 to June 2010. Included is a general overview of investigations manifested and coordinated by the Human Adaptation and Countermeasures Division. A collection of brief reports that describe tests conducted aboard the NASA-sponsored aircraft follows the overview. Principal investigators and test engineers contributed significantly to the content of the report, describing their particular experiment or hardware evaluation. Although this document follows general guidelines, each report format may vary to accommodate differences in experiment design and procedures. This document concludes with an appendix that provides background information concerning the Reduced Gravity Program.

Rare Complication of Stomas: Peristomal Necrotizing Fasciitis.

PubMed

Peker, Kivanc Derya; Ilhan, Burak M

2016-12-01

A stoma formation is a frequently performed procedure in patients undergoing colorectal surgery. Although stoma formation is a simple process, it should be performed with caution. The aim of this study was to attract physicians' attention to this rare disease and also to identify the surgical and medical treatment options for peristomal necrotizing fasciitis as a rare complication. Risk factors including age, sex, additional diseases, previous surgical procedures, source of infection, physical findings, and vital signs of 14 patients with peristomal necrotizing fasciitis over a period of 10 years from 2005 to 2015 were retrospectively evaluated. Of the 14 patients, 9 were men and 5 were women. The average age was 63.28 years (range, 45-85 years). Risk factors were also observed: diabetes mellitus, 4 (28.57%); obesity, 3 (21.42%); alcoholism, 1 (7.14%); and malignancy, 10 (71.42%). Prophylactic antibiotic treatment was given to all patients, and they all underwent debridement and stoma replacement. Peristomal necrotizing fasciitis is an urgent and mortal disease. Risk factors, physical findings, and infection sources should be determined, and treatment modalities should be applied immediately. Medical treatment and surgical options should be performed, and vacuum devices should also be considered when treating this complication.

Solubility parameters of hypromellose acetate succinate and plasticization in dry coating procedures.

PubMed

Klar, Fabian; Urbanetz, Nora Anne

2016-10-01

Solubility parameters of HPMCAS have not yet been investigated intensively. On this account, total and three-dimensional solubility parameters of HPMCAS were determined by using different experimental as well as computational methods. In addition, solubility properties of HPMCAS in a huge number of solvents were tested and a Teas plot for HPMCAS was created. The total solubility parameter of about 24 MPa(0.5) was confirmed by various procedures and compared with values of plasticizers. Twenty common pharmaceutical plasticizers were evaluated in terms of their suitability for supporting film formation of HPMCAS under dry coating conditions. Therefore, glass transition temperatures of mixtures of polymer and plasticizers were inspected and film formation of potential ones was further investigated in dry coating of pellets. Contact angles of plasticizers on HPMCAS were determined in order to give a hint of achievable coating efficiencies in dry coating, but none was found to spread on HPMCAS. A few common substances, e.g. dimethyl phthalate, glycerol monocaprylate, and polyethylene glycol 400, enabled plasticization of HPMCAS; however, only triethyl citrate and triacetin were found to be suitable for use in dry coating. Addition of acetylated monoglycerides to triacetin increased coating efficiency, which was likewise previously demonstrated for triethyl citrate.

14 CFR 331.23 - In what format must applications be submitted?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... 14 Aeronautics and Space 4 2010-01-01 2010-01-01 false In what format must applications be... SERVICE PROVIDERS IN THE WASHINGTON, DC AREA Application Procedures § 331.23 In what format must... hardcopy format and, if possible, in electronic format. The Department has made available an electronic...

Heterotopic ossification after the use of recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-7

PubMed Central

Papanagiotou, Marianthi; Dailiana, Zoe H; Karachalios, Theophilos; Varitimidis, Sokratis; Hantes, Michael; Dimakopoulos, Georgios; Vlychou, Marianna; Malizos, Konstantinos N

2017-01-01

AIM To present the incidence of heterotopic ossification after the use of recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-7 (rhBMP-7) for the treatment of nonunions. METHODS Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) promote bone formation by auto-induction. Recombinant human BMP-7 in combination with bone grafts was used in 84 patients for the treatment of long bone nonunions. All patients were evaluated radiographicaly for the development of heterotopic ossification during the standard assessment for the nonunion healing. In all patients (80.9%) with radiographic signs of heterotopic ossification, a CT scan was performed. Nonunion site palpation and ROM evaluation of the adjacent joints were also carried out. Factors related to the patient (age, gender), the nonunion (location, size, chronicity, number of previous procedures, infection, surrounding tissues condition) and the surgical procedure (graft and fixation type, amount of rhBMP-7) were correlated with the development of heterotopic ossification and statistical analysis with Pearsons χ2 test was performed. RESULTS Eighty point nine percent of the nonunions treated with rhBMP-7, healed with no need for further procedures. Heterotopic bone formation occurred in 15 of 84 patients (17.8%) and it was apparent in the routine radiological evaluation of the nonunion site, in a mean time of 5.5 mo after the rhBMP-7 application (range 3-12). The heterotopic ossification was located at the femur in 8 cases, at the tibia in 6, and at the humerus in οne patient. In 4 patients a palpable mass was present and only in one patient, with a para-articular knee nonunion treated with rhBMP-7, the size of heterotopic ossification affected the knee range of motion. All the patients with heterotopic ossification were male. Statistical analysis proved that patient’s gender was the only important factor for the development of heterotopic ossification (P = 0.007). CONCLUSION Heterotopic ossification after the use of rhBMP-7 in nonunions was common but it did not compromise the final clinical outcome in most cases, and affected only male patients. PMID:28144577

Determination of the heat of hydride formation/decomposition by high-pressure differential scanning calorimetry (HP-DSC).

PubMed

Rongeat, Carine; Llamas-Jansa, Isabel; Doppiu, Stefania; Deledda, Stefano; Borgschulte, Andreas; Schultz, Ludwig; Gutfleisch, Oliver

2007-11-22

Among the thermodynamic properties of novel materials for solid-state hydrogen storage, the heat of formation/decomposition of hydrides is the most important parameter to evaluate the stability of the compound and its temperature and pressure of operation. In this work, the desorption and absorption behaviors of three different classes of hydrides are investigated under different hydrogen pressures using high-pressure differential scanning calorimetry (HP-DSC). The HP-DSC technique is used to estimate the equilibrium pressures as a function of temperature, from which the heat of formation is derived. The relevance of this procedure is demonstrated for (i) magnesium-based compounds (Ni-doped MgH2), (ii) Mg-Co-based ternary hydrides (Mg-CoHx) and (iii) Alanate complex hydrides (Ti-doped NaAlH4). From these results, it can be concluded that HP-DSC is a powerful tool to obtain a good approximation of the thermodynamic properties of hydride compounds by a simple and fast study of desorption and absorption properties under different pressures.

[Does the GHQ-12 scoring system affect its factor structure? An exploratory study of Ibero American students].

PubMed

Urzúa, Alfonso; Caqueo-Urízar, Alejandra; Bargsted, Mariana; Irarrázaval, Matías

2015-06-01

This study aimed to evaluate whether the scoring system of the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12) alters the instrument's factor structure. The method considered 1,972 university students from nine Ibero American countries. Modeling was performed with structural equations for 1, 2, and 3 latent factors. The mechanism for scoring the questions was analyzed within each type of structure. The results indicate that models with 2 and 3 factors show better goodness-of-fit. In relation to scoring mechanisms, procedure 0-1-1-1 for models with 2 and 3 factors showed the best fit. In conclusion, there appears to be a relationship between the response format and the number of factors identified in the instrument's structure. The model with the best fit was 3-factor 0-1-1-1-formatted, but 0-1-2-3 has acceptable and more stable indicators and provides a better format for two- and three-dimensional models.

Sphygmomanometers and thermometers as potential fomites of Staphylococcus haemolyticus: biofilm formation in the presence of antibiotics.

PubMed

Sued, Bruna Pinto Ribeiro; Pereira, Paula Marcele Afonso; Faria, Yuri Vieira; Ramos, Juliana Nunes; Binatti, Vanessa Batista; Santos, Kátia Regina Netto Dos; Seabra, Sérgio Henrique; Hirata, Raphael; Vieira, Verônica Viana; Mattos-Guaraldi, Ana Luíza; Pereira, José Augusto Adler

2017-03-01

The association between Staphylococcus haemolyticus and severe nosocomial infections is increasing. However, the extent to which fomites contribute to the dissemination of this pathogen through patients and hospital wards remains unknown. In the present study, sphygmomanometers and thermometers were evaluated as potential fomites of oxacillin-resistant S. haemolyticus (ORSH). The influence of oxacillin and vancomycin on biofilm formation by ORSH strains isolated from fomites was also investigated. The presence of ORSH on swabs taken from fomite surfaces in a Brazilian hospital was assessed using standard microbiological procedures. Antibiotic susceptibility profiles were determined by the disk diffusion method, and clonal distribution was assessed in pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) assays. Minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of oxacillin and vancomycin were evaluated via the broth microdilution method. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays were performed to detect the mecA and icaAD genes. ORSH strains grown in media containing 1/4 MIC of vancomycin or oxacillin were investigated for slime production and biofilm formation on glass, polystyrene and polyurethane catheter surfaces. ORSH strains comprising five distinct PFGE types were isolated from sphygmomanometers (n = 5) and a thermometer (n = 1) used in intensive care units and surgical wards. ORSH strains isolated from fomites showed susceptibility to only linezolid and vancomycin and were characterised as multi-drug resistant (MDR). Slime production, biofilm formation and the survival of sessile bacteria differed and were independent of the presence of the icaAD and mecA genes, PFGE type and subtype. Vancomycin and oxacillin did not inhibit biofilm formation by vancomycin-susceptible ORSH strains on abiotic surfaces, including on the catheter surface. Enhanced biofilm formation was observed in some situations. Moreover, a sub-lethal dose of vancomycin induced biofilm formation by an ORSH strain on polystyrene. Sphygmomanometers and thermometers are fomites for the transmission of ORSH. A sub-lethal dose of vancomycin may favor biofilm formation by ORSH on fomites and catheter surfaces.

Sphygmomanometers and thermometers as potential fomites of Staphylococcus haemolyticus: biofilm formation in the presence of antibiotics

PubMed Central

Sued, Bruna Pinto Ribeiro; Pereira, Paula Marcele Afonso; Faria, Yuri Vieira; Ramos, Juliana Nunes; Binatti, Vanessa Batista; dos Santos, Kátia Regina Netto; Seabra, Sérgio Henrique; Hirata, Raphael; Vieira, Verônica Viana; Mattos-Guaraldi, Ana Luíza; Pereira, José Augusto Adler

2017-01-01

BACKGROUND The association between Staphylococcus haemolyticus and severe nosocomial infections is increasing. However, the extent to which fomites contribute to the dissemination of this pathogen through patients and hospital wards remains unknown. OBJECTIVES In the present study, sphygmomanometers and thermometers were evaluated as potential fomites of oxacillin-resistant S. haemolyticus (ORSH). The influence of oxacillin and vancomycin on biofilm formation by ORSH strains isolated from fomites was also investigated. METHODS The presence of ORSH on swabs taken from fomite surfaces in a Brazilian hospital was assessed using standard microbiological procedures. Antibiotic susceptibility profiles were determined by the disk diffusion method, and clonal distribution was assessed in pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) assays. Minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of oxacillin and vancomycin were evaluated via the broth microdilution method. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays were performed to detect the mecA and icaAD genes. ORSH strains grown in media containing 1/4 MIC of vancomycin or oxacillin were investigated for slime production and biofilm formation on glass, polystyrene and polyurethane catheter surfaces. FINDINGS ORSH strains comprising five distinct PFGE types were isolated from sphygmomanometers (n = 5) and a thermometer (n = 1) used in intensive care units and surgical wards. ORSH strains isolated from fomites showed susceptibility to only linezolid and vancomycin and were characterised as multi-drug resistant (MDR). Slime production, biofilm formation and the survival of sessile bacteria differed and were independent of the presence of the icaAD and mecA genes, PFGE type and subtype. Vancomycin and oxacillin did not inhibit biofilm formation by vancomycin-susceptible ORSH strains on abiotic surfaces, including on the catheter surface. Enhanced biofilm formation was observed in some situations. Moreover, a sub-lethal dose of vancomycin induced biofilm formation by an ORSH strain on polystyrene. MAIN CONCLUSIONS Sphygmomanometers and thermometers are fomites for the transmission of ORSH. A sub-lethal dose of vancomycin may favor biofilm formation by ORSH on fomites and catheter surfaces. PMID:28225903

Enthalpy of Formation for Cu–Zn–Sn–S (CZTS) Calculated from Surface Binding Energies Experimentally Measured by Ion Sputtering

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

Baryshev, Sergey V.; Thimsen, Elijah

2015-04-14

Herein, we report an analytical procedure to calculate the enthalpy of formation for thin film multinary compounds from sputtering rates measured during ion bombardment. The method is based on Sigmunds sputtering theory and the BornHaber cycle. Using this procedure, an enthalpy of formation for a CZTS film of the composition Cu1.9Zn1.5Sn0.8S4 was measured as -930 +/- 98 kJ mol1. This value is much more negative than the sum of the enthalpies of formation for the constituent binary compounds, meaning the multinary formation reaction is predicted to be exothermic. The measured enthalpy of formation was used to estimate the temperature dependencemore » of the Gibbs free energy of reaction, which appears consistent with many experimental reports in the CZTS processing literature.« less

Fabrication and characteristics of experimental radiographic amplifier screens. [image transducers with improved image contrast and resolution

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Szepesi, Z.

1978-01-01

The fabrication process and transfer characteristics for solid state radiographic image transducers (radiographic amplifier screens) are described. These screens are for use in realtime nondestructive evaluation procedures that require large format radiographic images with contrast and resolution capabilities unavailable with conventional fluoroscopic screens. The screens are suitable for in-motion, on-line radiographic inspection by means of closed circuit television. Experimental effort was made to improve image quality and response to low energy (5 kV and up) X-rays.

A new procedure for processing extracted teeth for immediate grafting in post-extraction sockets. An experimental study in American Fox Hound dogs.

PubMed

Calvo-Guirado, José Luis; Cegarra Del Pino, Pilar; Sapoznikov, Lari; Delgado Ruiz, Rafael Arcesio; Fernández-Domínguez, Manuel; Gehrke, Sérgio Alexandre

2018-05-01

To investigate freshly extracted dental particulate used to graft post-extraction sockets in dogs, comparing new bone formation at experimental and control sites. Bilateral premolars P2, P3, P4 and first mandibular molars were extracted atraumatically from six American Fox Hound dogs. The teeth were ground immediately using a 'Smart Dentin Grinder'. The dentin particulate was sieved to ensure a grain size of 300-1200μm and immersed in an alcohol cleanser to dissolve organic debris and bacteria, followed by washing in sterile saline buffer solution. The animals were divided into two groups randomly: group 'A' (control) samples were left to heal without any extraction socket grafting procedure; group 'B' (experimental) sockets were filled with the autogenous dentin particulate graft. The rate of tissue healing and the quantity of bone formation were evaluated using histological and histomorphometric analyses at 60 and 90 days post-grafting. The type of bone generated was categorized as woven (immature bone) or lamellar bone (mature bone). Substantially more bone formation was found in Group B (experimental) than Group A (control) at 60 and 90 days (p<0.05). Less immature bone was identified in the dentin grafted group (25.7%) than the control group (5.9%). Similar differences were also observed at 90 days post grafting. Autogenous dentin particulate grafted immediately after extractions may be considered a useful biomaterial for socket preservation, protecting both buccal and lingual plates, generating large amounts of new woven bone formation after 60 days, and small amounts of lamellar bone after 90 days healing. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.

The impact of histones linked to sperm chromatin on embryo development and ART outcome.

PubMed

Fournier, C; Labrune, E; Lornage, J; Soignon, G; Giscard d'Estaing, S; Guérin, J-F; Benchaib, M

2018-03-02

The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between the proportion of sperm chromatin linked to remaining histone and assisted reproductive technology (ART) outcome. A prospective cohort study was performed on couples undergoing ART process at the Department of Reproduction Medicine (HFME, Bron, France). The histone-to-protamine ratio (HPR) was measured using the method described by Wykes & Krawetz (2003) J Biol Chem 278, 29471. The correlations with sperm DFI, blastocyst formation, pregnancy rate, and delivery rate were investigated. A total of 291 ART cycles were included (42 c-IVF and 249 ICSI procedures): 3870 oocytes were punctured and 2211 embryos were obtained, among which 507 were transferred and 336 frozen. The mean HPR was 18.9%. A significant negative correlation was found between HPR and DFI (r = -0.12, p < 0.05). Regarding the type of ART procedure (c-IVF or ICSI), the same kind of relationship between HPR and ART parameters was observed. Regardless of the type of ART procedure used, when the HPR was within the range [6%; 26%], the blastocyst formation rate was higher: 87.8% vs. 71.2% (HPR<6%; p < 0.01) and 74.6% (HPR >26%; p < 0.01). The highest delivery rate (DR; 24.5%) was obtained for HPR within the range [6%; 26%]; DR was 21.9% for HPR<6% and 18.3% for HPR>26%; however, the differences were not statistically significant. The procedure described in this study seems to be a reliable evaluation of the HPR. The HPR parameter seems to be correlated to embryonic development up to the blastocyst stage, but its involvement in clinical pregnancy/delivery could not be confirmed. HPR should be further investigated for confirming the relationship with blastocyst formation. After this, the next step will be to investigate the etiologies of HPR alterations for improving the sperm nucleus quality for increasing the chance of pregnancy. © 2018 American Society of Andrology and European Academy of Andrology.

Formative Assessment of Procedural Skills: Students' Responses to the Objective Structured Clinical Examination and the Integrated Performance Procedural Instrument

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Nestel, Debra; Kneebone, Roger; Nolan, Carmel; Akhtar, Kash; Darzi, Ara

2011-01-01

Assessment of clinical skills is a critical element of undergraduate medical education. We compare a traditional approach to procedural skills assessment--the Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) with the Integrated Performance Procedural Instrument (IPPI). In both approaches, students work through "stations" or…

Environmental and toxicological planning in polymer production and disposal.

PubMed Central

Levinskas, G J

1975-01-01

There is neither a prescribed format nor a rigid sequence of testing to follow for the assessment of health and environmental effects of chemicals. Conventional animal toxicity tests plus medical surveillance and monitoring of exposed human populations will provide knowledge of the biological effects of chemicals and assurance that they can be handled safely. Useful information also can be derived from other test procedures. These include extraction studies to measure the amounts of additives which can leach from polymers, toxicity tests using aquatic organisms and birds, and determination of the biodegradability of materials and their potential for accumulation and magnification in biological systems. Current concern over pyrolysis products of polymers points up the need for defining the variables involved and development of test procedures by which meaningful evaluations of potential health hazards can be made. PMID:1175554

A method for determining the weak statistical stationarity of a random process

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sadeh, W. Z.; Koper, C. A., Jr.

1978-01-01

A method for determining the weak statistical stationarity of a random process is presented. The core of this testing procedure consists of generating an equivalent ensemble which approximates a true ensemble. Formation of an equivalent ensemble is accomplished through segmenting a sufficiently long time history of a random process into equal, finite, and statistically independent sample records. The weak statistical stationarity is ascertained based on the time invariance of the equivalent-ensemble averages. Comparison of these averages with their corresponding time averages over a single sample record leads to a heuristic estimate of the ergodicity of a random process. Specific variance tests are introduced for evaluating the statistical independence of the sample records, the time invariance of the equivalent-ensemble autocorrelations, and the ergodicity. Examination and substantiation of these procedures were conducted utilizing turbulent velocity signals.

Endodontic Procedural Errors: Frequency, Type of Error, and the Most Frequently Treated Tooth.

PubMed

Yousuf, Waqas; Khan, Moiz; Mehdi, Hasan

2015-01-01

Introduction. The aim of this study is to determine the most common endodontically treated tooth and the most common error produced during treatment and to note the association of particular errors with particular teeth. Material and Methods. Periapical radiographs were taken of all the included teeth and were stored and assessed using DIGORA Optime. Teeth in each group were evaluated for presence or absence of procedural errors (i.e., overfill, underfill, ledge formation, perforations, apical transportation, and/or instrument separation) and the most frequent tooth to undergo endodontic treatment was also noted. Results. A total of 1748 root canal treated teeth were assessed, out of which 574 (32.8%) contained a procedural error. Out of these 397 (22.7%) were overfilled, 155 (8.9%) were underfilled, 16 (0.9%) had instrument separation, and 7 (0.4%) had apical transportation. The most frequently treated tooth was right permanent mandibular first molar (11.3%). The least commonly treated teeth were the permanent mandibular third molars (0.1%). Conclusion. Practitioners should show greater care to maintain accuracy of the working length throughout the procedure, as errors in length accounted for the vast majority of errors and special care should be taken when working on molars.

Germ tube and chlamydospore formation by Candida albicans on a new medium.

PubMed

Beheshti, F; Smith, A G; Krause, G W

1975-10-01

A new medium composed of "cream of rice" infusion, oxgall, Tween 80, and agar is described for the sequential development of germ tubes and chlamydospores by Candida albicans. The procedure used (Dalmau's technique) is an improvement over the fluid substrate procedures previously advocated for germ tube formation. That the same preparation is then used for chlamydospore production is of practical importance for the clinical mycology laboratory.

Clinical impact of an open-irrigated radiofrequency catheter with direct force measurement on atrial fibrillation ablation.

PubMed

Martinek, Martin; Lemes, Christine; Sigmund, Elisabeth; Derndorfer, Michael; Aichinger, Josef; Winter, Siegmund; Nesser, Hans-Joachim; Pürerfellner, Helmut

2012-11-01

Electrode-tissue contact is crucial for adequate lesion formation in radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFCA). We assessed the impact of direct catheter force measurement on acute procedural parameters during RFCA of atrial fibrillation (AF). Fifty consecutive patients (28 male) with paroxysmal AF who underwent their first procedure of circumferential pulmonary vein (PV) isolation (PVI) were assigned to either RFCA using (1) a standard 3.5-mm open-irrigated-tip catheter or (2) a catheter with contact force measurement capabilities. Using the endpoint of PVI with entry and exit block, acute procedural parameters were assessed. Procedural data showed a remarkable decline in ablation time (radiofrequency time needed for PVI) from 50.5 ± 15.9 to 39.0 ± 11.0 minutes (P = 0.007) with a reduction in overall procedure duration from 185 ± 46 to 154 ± 39 minutes (P = 0.022). In parallel, the total energy delivered could be significantly reduced from 70,926 ± 19,470 to 58,511 ± 14,655 Ws (P = 0.019). The number of acute PV reconnections declined from 36% to 12% (P = 0.095). The use of contact force sensing technology is able to significantly reduce ablation and procedure times in PVI. In addition, energy delivery is substantially reduced by avoiding radiofrequency ablation in positions with insufficient surface contact. Procedural efficacy and safety of this new feature have to be evaluated in larger cohorts. ©2012, The Authors. Journal compilation ©2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

How to Write Effective Procedure Manuals.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Wold, Geoffrey H.

1987-01-01

Describes six key guidelines for developing usable procedure manuals, including defining the audience; designing a standard format; preparing an outline; using a clear, concise writing style; testing the procedures; and "finalizing" the product with indices, glossaries, appendices, and section tabs. Well-written manuals can increase…

Evaluation of the MICAST #2-12 AI-7wt%Si Sample Directionally Solidified Aboard the International Space Station

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Tewari, Surendra N.; Ghods, Masoud; Angart, Samuel G.; Lauer, Mark; Grugel, Richard N.; Poirier, David R.

2016-01-01

The US team of the European led "MIcrostructure Formation in CASTing of Technical Alloys under Diffusive and Magnetically Controlled Convective Conditions" (MICAST) program recently received a third Aluminum - 7wt% silicon alloy that was processed in the microgravity environment aboard the International Space Station. The sample, designated MICAST#2-12, was directionally solidified in the Solidification with Quench Furnace (SQF) at a constant rate of 40micometers/s through an imposed temperature gradient of 31K/cm. Procedures taken to evaluate the state of the sample prior to sectioning for metallographic analysis are reviewed and rational for measuring the microstructural constituents, in particular the primary dendrite arm spacing (Lambda (sub1)), is given. The data are presented, put in context with the earlier samples, and evaluated in view of a relevant theoretical model.

Theoretical Mechanistic and Kinetic Studies on Homogeneous Gas-Phase Formation of Polychlorinated Naphthalene from 2-Chlorophenol as Forerunner

PubMed Central

Xu, Fei; Zhang, Ruiming; Li, Yunfeng; Zhang, Qingzhu; Wang, Wenxing

2015-01-01

Polychlorinated naphthalenes (PCNs) are dioxins-like compounds and are formed along with polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs) and polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs) in thermal and combustion procedures. Chlorophenols (CPs) are the most important forerunners of PCNs. A comprehensive comprehension of PCN formation procedure from CPs is a precondition for reducing the discharge of PCNs. Experiments on the formation of PCNs from CPs have been hindered by PCN toxicity and short of precise detection methods for active intermediate radicals. In this work, PCN formation mechanism in gas-phase condition from 2-chlorophenol (2-CP) as forerunner was studied by quantum chemistry calculations. Numbers of energetically advantaged formation routes were proposed. The rate constants of key elementary steps were calculated over 600–1200 K using canonical variational transition-state theory (CVT) with small curvature tunneling contribution (SCT) method. This study illustrates formation of PCNs with one chlorine atom loss from 2-CP is preferred over that without chlorine atom loss. In comparison with formation of PCDFs from 2-CP, PCN products are less chlorinated and have lower formation potential. PMID:26516839

Theoretical Mechanistic and Kinetic Studies on Homogeneous Gas-Phase Formation of Polychlorinated Naphthalene from 2-Chlorophenol as Forerunner.

PubMed

Xu, Fei; Zhang, Ruiming; Li, Yunfeng; Zhang, Qingzhu; Wang, Wenxing

2015-10-26

Polychlorinated naphthalenes (PCNs) are dioxins-like compounds and are formed along with polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs) and polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs) in thermal and combustion procedures. Chlorophenols (CPs) are the most important forerunners of PCNs. A comprehensive comprehension of PCN formation procedure from CPs is a precondition for reducing the discharge of PCNs. Experiments on the formation of PCNs from CPs have been hindered by PCN toxicity and short of precise detection methods for active intermediate radicals. In this work, PCN formation mechanism in gas-phase condition from 2-chlorophenol (2-CP) as forerunner was studied by quantum chemistry calculations. Numbers of energetically advantaged formation routes were proposed. The rate constants of key elementary steps were calculated over 600-1200 K using canonical variational transition-state theory (CVT) with small curvature tunneling contribution (SCT) method. This study illustrates formation of PCNs with one chlorine atom loss from 2-CP is preferred over that without chlorine atom loss. In comparison with formation of PCDFs from 2-CP, PCN products are less chlorinated and have lower formation potential.

Trial-Based Functional Analysis Informs Treatment for Vocal Scripting.

PubMed

Rispoli, Mandy; Brodhead, Matthew; Wolfe, Katie; Gregori, Emily

2018-05-01

Research on trial-based functional analysis has primarily focused on socially maintained challenging behaviors. However, procedural modifications may be necessary to clarify ambiguous assessment results. The purposes of this study were to evaluate the utility of iterative modifications to trial-based functional analysis on the identification of putative reinforcement and subsequent treatment for vocal scripting. For all participants, modifications to the trial-based functional analysis identified a primary function of automatic reinforcement. The structure of the trial-based format led to identification of social attention as an abolishing operation for vocal scripting. A noncontingent attention treatment was evaluated using withdrawal designs for each participant. This noncontingent attention treatment resulted in near zero levels of vocal scripting for all participants. Implications for research and practice are presented.

An evaluation of smear layer with various desensitizing agents after tooth preparation.

PubMed

Zaimoglu, A; Aydin, A K

1992-09-01

According to hydrodynamics, any agent blocking the dentinal tubules reduces the flow of fluids and diminishes hypersensitivity. The properties of the desensitizing agents that sponsor tubular occlusion and the barrier efficiency resulting from the interaction of the smear layer with test materials were examined with the scanning electron microscope and energy-dispersive x-ray microanalysis. Selected dentinal desensitizing was accomplished with burnishing procedures, cavity varnish, calcium hydroxide, and topical fluoride. Subjective evaluations were also recorded clinically after tooth preparation. This investigation indicated that the smear layer did not protect against zinc phosphate cement, and that cavity varnish prevented the formation of the smear plugs. The smear layer and plugs were basically composed of calcium and phosphorus, the major ingredients of dentin.

Histopathologic changes in fallopian tubes subsequent to sterilization procedures.

PubMed

Stock, R J

1983-01-01

Longitudinal serial and serial step sections of fallopian tubes from more than 100 patients, subsequent to tubal sterilization procedures, were examined. Thirteen of these patients had pregnancies following their sterilizations. The histologic findings at the previous surgical sites were compatible with what would be expected for a normal healing process. Evidence for a unique tubal epithelial process, as suggested by the terms "endosalpingiosis" or "recanalization," was lacking. Likewise, the author found no evidence of tuboperitoneal fistula formation and/or the subsequent occurrence of pregnancy secondary to localized endometriosis. The histologic notations of proximal luminal dilatation, plical attenuation, chronic inflammatory infiltrates with pseudopolyp formation, and the findings of plical thickening in the distal segment of remaining tube after an interruption type of procedure seem to be associated with the length of time from the sterilization procedure. These may be factors related to the apparent reduced success rate, with time, of microsurgical reanastomotic procedures.

Artificial time constraints on the Iowa Gambling Task: the effects on behavioural performance and subjective experience.

PubMed

Bowman, Caroline H; Evans, Cathryn E Y; Turnbull, Oliver H

2005-02-01

In the last decade, the Iowa Gambling Task (IGT) has become a widely employed neuropsychological research instrument for the investigation of executive function. The task has been employed in a wide range of formats, from 'manual' procedures to more recently introduced computerised versions. Computer-based formats often require that responses on the task should be artificially delayed by a number of seconds between trials to collect skin-conductance data. Participants, however, may become frustrated when they want to select from a particular deck in the time-limited versions--so that an unintended emotional experience of frustration might well disrupt a task presumed to be reliant on emotion-based learning. We investigated the effect of the various types of Iowa Gambling Task format on performance, using three types of task: the classic manual administration, with no time limitations; a computerised administration with a 6-s enforced delay; and a control computerised version which had no time constraints. We also evaluated the subjective experience of participants on each task. There were no significant differences in performance, between formats, in behavioural terms. Subjective experience measures on the task also showed consistent effects across all three formats-with substantial, and rapidly developing, awareness of which decks were 'good' and 'bad.'

Involving parents from the start: formative evaluation for a large randomised controlled trial with Botswana Junior Secondary School students.

PubMed

Vig, Jessica; Miller, Kim S; Chirwa-Motswere, Catherine; Winskell, Kate; Stallcup, Elizabeth

2016-01-01

While HIV prevention research conducted among adolescent populations may encounter parental resistance, the active engagement of parents from inception to trial completion may alleviate opposition. In preparation for implementing a large randomised controlled trial (RCT) examining the efficacy of a behavioural intervention targeting adolescent sexual risk behaviours, a formative evaluation was undertaken to assess parental reactions to the proposed trial. Six focus groups were conducted with parents of adolescents (aged 13-17) from rural, peri-urban and urban junior secondary schools in Botswana. Focus groups explored comprehension and acceptability among parents of the forthcoming trial including HSV-2 testing, the return of results to the adolescent (not the parent), trial information materials and the parental consent process. Parents welcomed the study and understood and accepted its moral and ethical considerations. Their reactions regarding return of HSV-2 results only to adolescents (not the parent) were mixed. Parents understood the consent process and most agreed to consent, while indicating their desire to remain informed and involved throughout the RCT. The focus group discussions (FGDs) provided valuable information and insights that helped strengthen the study. As a result of parents' feedback, counselling procedures were strengthened and direct linkages to local services and care were made. Informational materials were revised to increase clarity, and materials and procedures were developed to encourage and support parental involvement and parent-child dialogue. Ultimately, parental feedback led to a decision by the Government of Botswana to allow parents to access their child's HSV-2 test results.

Involving parents from the start: Formative evaluation for a large RCT with Botswana Junior Secondary School students

PubMed Central

Miller, Kim S.; Chirwa-Motswere, Catherine; Winskell, Kate; Stallcup, Elizabeth

2016-01-01

While HIV prevention research conducted among adolescent populations may encounter parental resistance, the active engagement of parents from inception to trial completion may alleviate opposition. In preparation for implementing a large randomized controlled trial (RCT) examining the efficacy of a behavioural intervention targeting adolescent sexual risk behaviours, a formative evaluation was undertaken to assess parental reactions to the proposed trial. Six focus groups were conducted with parents of adolescents (aged 13–17) from rural, peri-urban, and urban Botswana junior secondary schools. Focus groups explored comprehension and acceptability among parents of the forthcoming trial including HSV-2 testing, the return of results to the adolescent (not the parent), trial information materials and the parental consent process. Parents welcomed the study and understood and accepted its moral and ethical considerations. Their reactions regarding return of HSV-2 results only to adolescents (not the parent) were mixed. Parents understood the consent process and most agreed to consent, while indicating their desire to remain informed and involved throughout the RCT. The FGDs provided valuable information and insights that helped strengthen the study. As a result of parents’ feedback, counselling procedures were strengthened and direct linkages to local services and care were made. Informational materials were revised to increase clarity, and materials and procedures were developed to encourage and support parental involvement and parent-child dialogue. Ultimately, parental feedback led to a decision by the Government of Botswana to allow parents to access their child’s HSV-2 test results. PMID:27002354

Bubble formation in microgravity

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Antar, Basil N.

1994-01-01

Two KC-135 flight campaigns have been conducted to date which are specifically dedicated to study bubble formation in microgravity. The first flight was conducted during March 14-18, 1994, and the other during June 20-24, 1994. The results from the June 1994 flight have not been analyzed yet, while the results from the March flight have been partially analyzed. In the first flight three different experiments were performed, one with the specific aim at determining whether or not cavitation can take place during any of the fluid handling procedures adopted in the shuttle bioprocessing experiments. The other experiments were concerned with duplicating some of the procedures that resulted in bubble formation, namely the NCS filling procedure and the needle scratch of a solid surface. The results from this set of experiments suggest that cavitation did not take place during any of the fluid handling procedures. The results clearly indicate that almost all were generated as a result of the breakup of the gas/liquid interface. This was convincingly demonstrated in the scratch tests as well as in the liquid fill tests.

48 CFR 45.202 - Evaluation procedures.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... 48 Federal Acquisition Regulations System 1 2010-10-01 2010-10-01 false Evaluation procedures. 45... MANAGEMENT GOVERNMENT PROPERTY Solicitation and Evaluation Procedures 45.202 Evaluation procedures. (a) The... evaluation purposes only, a rental equivalent evaluation factor. (b) The contracting officer shall ensure the...

Processing of intended and unintended strategic issues and integration into the strategic agenda.

PubMed

Ridder, Hans-Gerd; Schrader, Jan Simon

2017-11-01

Strategic change is needed in hospitals due to external and internal pressures. However, research on strategic change, as a combination of management and medical expertise in hospitals, remains scarce. We analyze how intended strategic issues are processed into deliberate strategies and how unintended strategic issues are processed into emergent strategies in the management of strategy formation in hospitals. This study empirically investigates the integration of medical and management expertise in strategy formation. The longitudinal character of the case study enabled us to track patterns of intended and unintended strategic issues over 2 years. We triangulated data from interviews, observations, and documents. In accordance with the quality standards of qualitative research procedures, we analyzed the data by pattern matching and provided analytical generalization regarding strategy formation in hospitals. Our findings suggest that strategic issues are particularly successful within the strategy formation process if interest groups are concerned with the strategic issue, prospective profits are estimated, and relevant decisions makers are involved early on. Structure and interaction processes require clear criteria and transparent procedures for effective strategy formation. There is systematic neglect of medical expertise in processes of generating strategies. Our study reveals that the decentralized structure of medical centers is an adequate template for both the operationalization of intended strategic issues and the development of unintended strategic issues. However, tasks, roles, responsibility, resources, and administrative support are necessary for effective management of strategy formation. Similarly, criteria, procedures, and decision-making are prerequisites for effective strategy formation.

Germ tube and chlamydospore formation by Candida albicans on a new medium.

PubMed Central

Beheshti, F; Smith, A G; Krause, G W

1975-01-01

A new medium composed of "cream of rice" infusion, oxgall, Tween 80, and agar is described for the sequential development of germ tubes and chlamydospores by Candida albicans. The procedure used (Dalmau's technique) is an improvement over the fluid substrate procedures previously advocated for germ tube formation. That the same preparation is then used for chlamydospore production is of practical importance for the clinical mycology laboratory. Images PMID:1102561

Field methods to evaluate effects of pesticides on wildlife of the northwestern United States

USGS Publications Warehouse

Henny, C.J.

1987-01-01

Field .methods used to evaluate the impact of organochlorine and organophosphate pesticides on wildlife populations in the Pacific Northwest are reviewed. Five field studies, presented in a CASE HISTORY format, illustrate study designs .and thetypes of information collected. The pesticides investigated included DDT, heptachlor, endr1n, and famphur, and the species studied included the American kestrel (Falco sparverius), Canada goose (Branta canadensis}, black--crowned night-heron (Nycticorax nycticorac), and black-billed magpie (Pica pica). Wildlife biologists conducting field studies of pesticides encounter a variety of design and logistics problems. However, a number of procedures are now available to the researcher for field evaluations. The three principa1 types of insecticides (organochlorines (OC's), organophosphates (OP's) and carbamates (CB's) require different field approaches. In this paper, five field studies, conducted by my colleagues and me between 1974 and 1982, in the northwestern portion of the United States (Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and northern Nevada), are reviewed to illustrate procedures for evaluating the effects of these insecticides.on wildlife populations. Althought most OC pesticides were banned in the United States during the 1970's (.for review, see F1eming et al. 1983), we studied several OC applications, including the last major DDT spray project in 1974. Use of OP's and CB's increased during the 1970's and 1980s as the OC's were phased out.

Macroscopic and pathological assessment of methylene blue and normal saline on postoperative adhesion formation in a rat cecum model.

PubMed

Panahi, Farzad; Sadraie, Seyed Homayoon; Khoshmohabat, Hadi; Shahram, Elias; Kaka, Gholamreza; Hosseinalipour, Mohammad

2012-01-01

Adhesion formation after abdominal surgery is a major cause of postoperative bowel obstruction, infertility, and chronic abdominal pain. In this study, we evaluated the effect of normal saline and methylene blue (MB) on postoperative adhesion formation in a rat cecum model. A total of 30 Wistar female rats in 2 treatment and 1 control groups underwent midline laparotomy and standardized abrasion of the visceral peritoneum. Normal saline and methylene blue were administrated intraperitoneally at the end of the surgical procedure in 2 treatment groups. Fourteen days after surgery, a re-laparotomy was performed for macroscopic and pathological assessment. The adhesion grade and extent of the normal saline group was lower than control and MB groups in macroscopic assessment (P<0.05 for both). A comparison of adhesion stages in pathological assessment showed increment in abdominal adhesion by usage methylene blue 1% and demonstrated significant difference between MB and 2 other groups (P<0.05). Administrated normal saline individually reduce the adhesion grade near cecum. Conversely, usage of methylene blue 1% may unpredictably increase risk of adhesion formation. Copyright © 2012 Surgical Associates Ltd. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

XML syntax for clinical laboratory procedure manuals.

PubMed

Saadawi, Gilan; Harrison, James H

2003-01-01

We have developed a document type description (DTD) in Extensable Markup Language (XML) for clinical laboratory procedures. Our XML syntax can adequately structure a variety of procedure types across different laboratories and is compatible with current procedure standards. The combination of this format with an XML content management system and appropriate style sheets will allow efficient procedure maintenance, distributed access, customized display and effective searching across a large body of test information.

A “Cookbook” Cost Analysis Procedure for Medical Information Systems*

PubMed Central

Torrance, Janice L.; Torrance, George W.; Covvey, H. Dominic

1983-01-01

A costing procedure for medical information systems is described. The procedure incorporates state-of-the-art costing methods in an easy to follow “cookbook” format. Application of the procedure consists of filling out a series of Mac-Tor EZ-Cost forms. The procedure and forms have been field tested by application to a cardiovascular database system. This article describes the major features of the costing procedure. The forms and other details are available upon request.

31 CFR 33.108 - Application procedures.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... 31 Money and Finance: Treasury 1 2014-07-01 2014-07-01 false Application procedures. 33.108 Section 33.108 Money and Finance: Treasury Office of the Secretary of the Treasury WAIVERS FOR STATE INNOVATION § 33.108 Application procedures. (a) Acceptable formats for applications. Applications for initial...

31 CFR 33.108 - Application procedures.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... 31 Money and Finance: Treasury 1 2012-07-01 2012-07-01 false Application procedures. 33.108 Section 33.108 Money and Finance: Treasury Office of the Secretary of the Treasury WAIVERS FOR STATE INNOVATION § 33.108 Application procedures. (a) Acceptable formats for applications. Applications for initial...

31 CFR 33.108 - Application procedures.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... 31 Money and Finance: Treasury 1 2013-07-01 2013-07-01 false Application procedures. 33.108 Section 33.108 Money and Finance: Treasury Office of the Secretary of the Treasury WAIVERS FOR STATE INNOVATION § 33.108 Application procedures. (a) Acceptable formats for applications. Applications for initial...

32 CFR 623.4 - Accounting procedures.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... 32 National Defense 3 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 true Accounting procedures. 623.4 Section 623.4... ARMY MATERIEL § 623.4 Accounting procedures. (a) Loan document format. (1) When the lending accountable... property accounting purposes. (3) Loans will be processed by accountable property officers according to...

Evaluation of lens absorbed dose with Cone Beam IGRT procedures.

PubMed

Palomo, R; Pujades, M C; Gimeno-Olmos, J; Carmona, V; Lliso, F; Candela-Juan, C; Vijande, J; Ballester, F; Perez-Calatayud, J

2015-12-01

The purpose of this work is to evaluate the absorbed dose to the eye lenses due to the cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) system used to accurately position the patient during head-and-neck image guided procedures. The on-board imaging (OBI) systems (v.1.5) of Clinac iX and TrueBeam (Varian) accelerators were used to evaluate the imparted dose to the eye lenses and some additional points of the head. All CBCT scans were acquired with the Standard-Dose Head protocol from Varian. Doses were measured using thermoluminescence dosimeters (TLDs) placed in an anthropomorphic phantom. TLDs were calibrated at the beam quality used to reduce their energy dependence. Average dose to the lens due to the OBI systems of the Clinac iX and the TrueBeam were 0.71  ±  0.07 mGy/CBCT and 0.70  ±  0.08 mGy/CBCT, respectively. The extra absorbed dose received by the eye lenses due to one CBCT acquisition with the studied protocol is far below the 500 mGy threshold established by ICRP for cataract formation (ICRP 2011 Statement on Tissue Reactions). However, the incremental effect of several CBCT acquisitions during the whole treatment should be taken into account.

The development and evaluation of a nursing information system for caring clinical in-patient.

PubMed

Fang, Yu-Wen; Li, Chih-Ping; Wang, Mei-Hua

2015-01-01

The research aimed to develop a nursing information system in order to simplify the admission procedure for caring clinical in-patient, enhance the efficiency of medical information documentation. Therefore, by correctly delivering patients’ health records, and providing continues care, patient safety and care quality would be effectively improved. The study method was to apply Spiral Model development system to compose a nursing information team. By using strategies of data collection, working environment observation, applying use-case modeling, and conferences of Joint Application Design (JAD) to complete the system requirement analysis and design. The Admission Care Management Information System (ACMIS) mainly included: (1) Admission nursing management information system. (2) Inter-shift meeting information management system. (3) The linkage of drug management system and physical examination record system. The framework contained qualitative and quantitative components that provided both formative and summative elements of the evaluation. System evaluation was to apply information success model, and developed questionnaire of consisting nurses’ acceptance and satisfaction. The results of questionnaires were users’ satisfaction, the perceived self-involvement, age and information quality were positively to personal and organizational effectiveness. According to the results of this study, the Admission Care Management Information System was practical to simplifying clinic working procedure and effective in communicating and documenting admission medical information.

Method for homogenizing alloys susceptible to the formation of carbide stringers and alloys prepared thereby

DOEpatents

Braski, David N.; Leitnaker, James M.

1980-01-01

A novel fabrication procedure prevents or eliminates the reprecipitation of segregated metal carbides such as stringers in Ti-modified Hastelloy N and stainless steels to provide a novel alloy having carbides uniformly dispersed throughout the matrix. The fabrication procedure is applicable to other alloys prone to the formation of carbide stringers. The process comprises first annealing the alloy at a temperature above the single phase temperature for sufficient time to completely dissolve carbides and then annealing the single phase alloy for an additional time to prevent the formation of carbide stringers upon subsequent aging or thermomechanical treatment.

24 CFR 208.108 - Requirements.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-04-01

... their software packages and begin electronic transmission of that data in a HUD specified format by... for certification, recertification and subsidy billing procedures in a HUD specified format to the... format after appropriate review and correction of the data. (d) Projects specified in § 208.104(c...

75 FR 14401 - Amendment of Certain of the Commission's Rules of Practice and Procedure and Rules of Commission...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-03-25

... were created, such as Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Word, or Microsoft PowerPoint (``native format'')? We... (condensed) or expanded (detailed) format Export search results to Excel or PDF As noted above, system is...., Microsoft Word ``.doc'' format or non-copy protected text- searchable ``.pdf'' format)? Should submissions...

Study of the use of axial viewed inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry with ultrasonic nebulization for the determination of select elemental impurities in oral drug products.

PubMed

Menoutis, James; Parisi, Angela; Verma, Natasha

2018-04-15

In efforts to control the potential presence of heavy metals in pharmaceuticals, the United States Pharmacopeia (USP) and International Conference on Harmonization (ICH) have put forth new requirements and guidelines for their control. The new requirements and guidelines establish specific daily exposures (PDE) for 24 heavy metals/elemental impurities (EI) based upon their toxicological properties. USP General Chapter 〈233〉 provides a general reference procedure for preparing pharmaceutical samples for analysis employing microwave assisted digestion (MWAD). It also provides two Compendial Procedures, Procedure 1 employing ICP-AES, and Procedure 2 employing ICP-MS. Given the extremely low detection limits afforded by ICP-MS, much work has been done in developing and evaluating analytical methods to support the analysis of elemental impurities in finished pharmaceutical products, active pharmaceutical ingredients, and excipients by this analytical technique. In this study, we have evaluated the use of axial ICP-AES. This employs ultrasonic nebulization (UN) for the determination of Class 1 and 2 EI, instead of traditional pneumatic nebulization. The study also employed closed vessel MWAD to prepare samples for analysis. Limits of quantitation were element specific and significantly lower than the PDEs for oral drugs. Spike recoveries for the elements studied ranged between 89.3% and 109.25%, except for Os, which was subject to OsO4 formation during MWAD. The use of axial ICP-AES UN provides an alternative to ICP-MS in the analysis of EI requiring low detection limits. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Teaching Letter Formation.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Graham, Steve; Madan, Avi J.

1981-01-01

The authors describe a remedial technique for teaching letter formation to students with handwriting difficulties. The approach blends traditional procedures (modeling, physical prompts, tracing, self correction, etc.) with cognitive behavior modification principles. (CL)

High-speed RNA microextraction technology using magnetic oligo-dT beads and lateral magnetophoresis.

PubMed

Lee, Hwanyong; Jung, Jinhee; Han, Song-I; Han, Ki-Ho

2010-10-21

This paper presents a high-speed RNA microextractor for the direct isolation of RNA from peripheral blood lysate using magnetic oligo-dT beads. The extraction is achieved through lateral magnetophoresis, generated by a ferromagnetic wire array inlaid on a glass substrate. This RNA microextractor separated more than 80% of magnetic beads with a flow rate up to 20 ml h(-1), and the overall extraction procedure was completed within 1 min. The absorbance ratio of RNA to protein (A(260)/A(280)) was >1.7, indicating that the extraction technology yielded nearly pure RNA. The feasibility of this technique was evaluated further for its applicability to reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) procedures by performing cDNA synthesis and PCR. The analysis verified that the RNA microextractor is a practical method for easy, rapid, and high-precision RT-PCR using minimal reagent volumes without requiring highly trained personnel. In addition, it can be readily incorporated into genetic analysis procedures for realizing automated on-chip genetic platforms in a micro format.

Psychophysics of complex auditory and speech stimuli

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pastore, Richard E.

1993-10-01

A major focus on the primary project is the use of different procedures to provide converging evidence on the nature of perceptual spaces for speech categories. Completed research examined initial voiced consonants, with results providing strong evidence that different stimulus properties may cue a phoneme category in different vowel contexts. Thus, /b/ is cued by a rising second format (F2) with the vowel /a/, requiring both F2 and F3 to be rising with /i/, and is independent of the release burst for these vowels. Furthermore, cues for phonetic contrasts are not necessarily symmetric, and the strong dependence of prior speech research on classification procedures may have led to errors. Thus, the opposite (falling F2 and F3) transitions lead somewhat ambiguous percepts (i.e., not /b/) which may be labeled consistently (as /d/ or /g/), but requires a release burst to achieve high category quality and similarity to category exemplars. Ongoing research is examining cues in other vowel contexts and issuing procedures to evaluate the nature of interaction between cues for categories of both speech and music.

Adolescent varicocele: Tauber antegrade sclerotherapy versus Palomo repair.

PubMed

Mazzoni, G; Spagnoli, A; Lucchetti, M C; Villa, M; Capitanucci, M L; Ferro, F

2001-10-01

There is general agreement on treatment for varicocele in pediatric patients. Randomized prospective studies have shown that anatomical and functional lesions may be corrected. Due to the impossibility of seminal examination patients with moderate to large varicocele or ipsilateral testicular hypertrophy, characterized by a change in testicular consistency or symptoms, should undergo surgical correction. The best therapeutic approach is still under discussion. At 2 centers 2 therapeutic approaches to varicocele treatment in pediatric patients were compared, namely the Palomo repair and antegrade sclerotherapy according to Tauber. The 89 patients from the same geographical area elected 1 procedure after an explanation. From the medical records we retrospectively evaluated operative time, postoperative analgesics, postoperative fever onset, complications, convalescence, recurrence and postoperative hydrocele. After Palomo repair in 45 patients there were 2 recurrences (4.4%) and 2 postoperative hydroceles (4.4%). Of 44 antegrade sclerotherapy cases 1 was converted to Palomo repair, there was no hydrocele formation and recurrence developed in 2 (4.5%). Testicular atrophy was not observed in any patient regardless of the method used. The cost of the procedure was lower in the sclerotherapy group. These data suggest that the failure rate was similar in both groups. The principal advantages of sclerotherapy are simplicity, decreased cost and lack of hydrocele formation.

Determination of arsenic species in rice samples using CPE and ETAAS.

PubMed

Costa, Bruno Elias Dos Santos; Coelho, Nívia Maria Melo; Coelho, Luciana Melo

2015-07-01

A highly sensitive and selective procedure for the determination of arsenate and total arsenic in food by electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry after cloud point extraction (ETAAS/CPE) was developed. The procedure is based on the formation of a complex of As(V) ions with molybdate in the presence of 50.0 mmol L(-1) sulfuric acid. The complex was extracted into the surfactant-rich phase of 0.06% (w/v) Triton X-114. The variables affecting the complex formation, extraction and phase separation were optimized using factorial designs. Under the optimal conditions, the calibration graph was linear in the range of 0.05-10.0 μg L(-1). The detection and quantification limits were 10 and 33 ng L(-1), respectively and the corresponding value for the relative standard deviation for 10 replicates was below 5%. Recovery values of between 90.8% and 113.1% were obtained for spiked samples. The accuracy of the method was evaluated by comparison with the results obtained for the analysis of a rice flour sample (certified material IRMM-804) and no significant difference at the 95% confidence level was observed. The method was successfully applied to the determination of As(V) and total arsenic in rice samples. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Improved resistive switching characteristics of a Pt/HfO2/Pt resistor by controlling anode interface with forming and switching polarity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jung, Yong Chan; Seong, Sejong; Lee, Taehoon; Kim, Seon Yong; Park, In-Sung; Ahn, Jinho

2018-03-01

The anode interface effects on the resistive switching characteristics of Pt/HfO2/Pt resistors are investigated by changing the forming and switching polarity. Resistive switching properties are evaluated and compared with the polarity operation procedures, such as the reset voltage (Vr), set voltage (Vs), and current levels at low and high resistance states. When the same forming and switching voltage polarity are applied to the resistor, their switching parameters are widely distributed. However, the opposite forming and switching voltage polarity procedures enhance the uniformity of the switching parameters. In particular, the Vs distribution is strongly affected by the voltage polarity variation. A model is proposed based on cone-shaped filament formation through the insulator and the cone diameter at the anode interface to explain the improved resistive switching characteristics under opposite polarity operation. The filament cone is thinner near the anode interface during the forming process; hence, the anode is altered by the application of a switching voltage with opposite polarity to the forming voltage polarity and the converted anode interface becomes the thicker part of the cone. The more uniform and stable switching behavior is attributed to control over the formation and rupture of the cone-shaped filaments at their thicker parts.

Rowan Gorilla I rigged up, heads for eastern Canada

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

Not Available

1984-03-01

Designed to operate in very hostile offshore environments, the first of the Rowan Gorilla class of self-elevating drilling rigs has been towed to its drilling assignment offshore Nova Scotia. About 40% larger than other jackups, these rigs can operate in 300 ft of water, drilling holes as deep as 30,000 ft. They also feature unique high-pressure and solids control systems that are expected to improve drilling procedures and efficiencies. A quantitative formation pressure evaluation program for the Hewlett-Packard HP-41 handheld calculator computes formation pressures by three independent methods - the corrected d exponent, Bourgoyne and Young, and normalized penetration ratemore » techniques for abnormal pressure detection and computation. Based on empirically derived drilling rate equations, each of the methods can be calculated separately, without being dependent on or influenced by the results or stored data from the other two subprograms. The quantitative interpretation procedure involves establishing a normal drilling rate trend and calculating the pore pressure from the magnitude of the drilling rate trend or plotting parameter increases above the trend line. Mobil's quick, accurate program could aid drilling operators in selecting the casing point, minimizing differential sticking, maintaining the proper mud weights to avoid kicks and lost circulation, and maximizing penetration rates.« less

17 CFR 23.605 - Conflicts of interest policies and procedures.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-04-01

... subject to this rule must adopt and implement written policies and procedures reasonably designed to... information in the research report, to provide for non-substantive editing, to format the layout or style of... swap participant must establish written policies and procedures reasonably designed to ensure the...

Commensalism in Teaching: Parliamentary Procedure and Argumentation.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Botan, Carl H.; Ziegelmueller, George W.

Parliamentary procedure might best be taught in a context specific format; it would be better understood by students if not taught as a "stand alone" subject. Since the basic concepts of argumentation theory--propositions, stasis, and presumption and burden of proof--are reinforced by the rules of parliamentary procedure, instructors can…

Developing Flowcharted Procedures Manuals for School District Administration within the ISO 9000 Context.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Schoch, Robert

2002-01-01

Describes how the School District of Lancaster, Pennsylvania, implemented a districtwide quality-management system based on the Geneva-based International Standards Organization 9001, a major component of which is the documentation of procedures. Includes sections on implementation, procedure manuals, quality management, uniformity, formatting,…

Direct optical detection of protein-ligand interactions.

PubMed

Gesellchen, Frank; Zimmermann, Bastian; Herberg, Friedrich W

2005-01-01

Direct optical detection provides an excellent means to investigate interactions of molecules in biological systems. The dynamic equilibria inherent to these systems can be described in greater detail by recording the kinetics of a biomolecular interaction. Optical biosensors allow direct detection of interaction patterns without the need for labeling. An overview covering several commercially available biosensors is given, with a focus on instruments based on surface plasmon resonance (SPR) and reflectometric interference spectroscopy (RIFS). Potential assay formats and experimental design, appropriate controls, and calibration procedures, especially when handling low molecular weight substances, are discussed. The single steps of an interaction analysis combined with practical tips for evaluation, data processing, and interpretation of kinetic data are described in detail. In a practical example, a step-by-step procedure for the analysis of a low molecular weight compound interaction with serum protein, determined on a commercial SPR sensor, is presented.

Mesenchymal stem cells promote hard-tissue repair after direct pulp capping.

PubMed

Obeid, Maram; Saber, Shehab El Din Mohamed; Ismael, Alaa El Din; Hassanien, Ehab

2013-05-01

The aim of this study was to investigate the potential of autologous mesenchymal bone marrow stem cells (BMSCs) to promote hard-tissue formation after direct pulp capping procedures. Bone marrow was aspirated from the iliac crest of healthy dogs of nonspecific race. Mononuclear cells were obtained using the Histopaque (Sigma-Aldrich, St Louis, MO) protocol and cultured for 21 days. Direct pulp capping procedures were performed in posterior teeth, and then mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA), hydroxyapatite/tricalcium phosphate, or BMSCs were used as direct pulp capping agents. After 3 months, animals were sacrificed, and jaw segments were processed for radiographic examination using cone-beam computed tomography scanning and histologic examination to assess the formation of a hard-tissue barrier according to a scoring system. The longitudinal and cross-sectional radiophotographs and histologic sections confirmed the formation of an evident calcific barrier after direct pulp capping with MTA and BMSCs. Statistical analysis of the scores given for radiographic and histologic calcific bridge formation showed that both MTA and BMSCs had a comparable tendency to produce a hard-tissue barrier that was significantly higher than hydroxyapatite tricalcium phosphate (P < .05). Autologous mesenchymal BMSCs were able to promote hard-tissue formation after direct pulp capping procedures. Copyright © 2013 American Association of Endodontists. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

SAS FORMATS: USES AND ABUSES

EPA Science Inventory

SAS formats are a very powerful tool. They allow you to display the data in a more readable manner without modifying it. Formats can also be used to group data into categories for use in various procedures like PROC FREQ, PROC TTEST, and PROC MEANS (as a class variable). As ...

360° Operative Videos: A Randomised Cross-Over Study Evaluating Attentiveness and Information Retention.

PubMed

Harrington, Cuan M; Kavanagh, Dara O; Wright Ballester, Gemma; Wright Ballester, Athena; Dicker, Patrick; Traynor, Oscar; Hill, Arnold; Tierney, Sean

2017-11-06

Although two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional videos have traditionally provided foundations for reviewing operative procedures, the recent 360º format may provide new dimensions to surgical education. This study sought to describe the production of a high quality 360º video for an index-operation (augmented with educational material), while evaluating for variances in attentiveness, information retention, and appraisal compared to 2D. A 6-camera synchronised array (GoPro Omni, [California, United States]) was suspended inverted and recorded an elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy in 2016. A single-blinded randomised cross-over study was performed to evaluate this video in 360º vs 2D formats. Group A experienced the 360º video using Samsung (Suwon, South-Korea) GearVR virtual-reality headsets, followed by the 2D experience on a 75-inch television. Group B were reversed. Each video was probed at designated time points for engagement levels and task-unrelated images or thoughts. Alternating question banks were administered following each video experience. Feedback was obtained via a short survey at study completion. The New Academic and Education Building (NAEB) in Dublin, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, July 2017. Preclinical undergraduate students from a medical university in Ireland. Forty students participated with a mean age of 23.2 ± 4.5 years and equal sex involvement. The 360º video demonstrated significantly higher engagement (p < 0.01) throughout the experience and lower task-unrelated images or thoughts (p < 0.01). Significant variances in information retention between the 2 groups were absent (p = 0.143) but most (65%) reported the 360º video as their learning platform of choice. Mean appraisal levels for the 360º platform were positive with mean responses of >8/10 for the platform for learning, immersion, and entertainment. This study describes the successful development and evaluation of a 360º operative video. This new video format demonstrated significant engagement and attentiveness benefits compared to traditional 2D formats. This requires further evaluation in the field of technology enhanced learning. Copyright © 2017 Association of Program Directors in Surgery. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Impact of Aneurysm Projection on Intraoperative Complications During Surgical Clipping of Ruptured Posterior Communicating Artery Aneurysms.

PubMed

Fukuda, Hitoshi; Hayashi, Kosuke; Yoshino, Kumiko; Koyama, Takashi; Lo, Benjamin; Kurosaki, Yoshitaka; Yamagata, Sen

2016-03-01

Surgical clipping of ruptured posterior communicating artery (PCoA) aneurysms is a well-established procedure to date. However, preoperative factors associated with procedure-related risk require further elucidation. To investigate the impact of the direction of aneurysm projection on the incidence of procedure-related complications during surgical clipping of ruptured PCoA aneurysms. A total of 65 patients with ruptured PCoA aneurysms who underwent surgical clipping were retrospectively analyzed from a single-center, prospective, observational cohort database in this study. The aneurysms were categorized into lateral and posterior projection groups, depending on direction of the dome. Characteristics and operative findings of each projection group were identified. We also evaluated any correlation of aneurysm projection with the incidence of procedure-related complications. Patients with ruptured PCoA aneurysms with posterior projection more likely presented with good-admission-grade subarachnoid hemorrhage (P = .01, χ test) and were less to also have intracerebral hematoma (P = .01). These aneurysms were found to be associated with higher incidence of intraoperative rupture (P = .02), complex clipping with fenestrated clips (P = .02), and dense adherence to PCoA or its perforators (P = .04) by univariate analysis. Aneurysms with posterior projection were also correlated with procedure-related complications, including postoperative cerebral infarction or hematoma formation (odds ratio, 5.87; 95% confidence interval, 1.11-31.1; P = .04) by multivariable analysis. Ruptured PCoA aneurysms with posterior projection carried a higher risk of procedure-related complications of surgical clipping than those with lateral projection.

Effectiveness of granite cleaning procedures in cultural heritage: A review.

PubMed

Pozo-Antonio, J S; Rivas, T; López, A J; Fiorucci, M P; Ramil, A

2016-11-15

Most of the Cultural Heritage built in NW Iberian Peninsula is made of granite which exposition to the environment leads to the formation of deposits and coatings, mainly two types: biological colonization and sulphated black crusts. Nowadays, another form of alteration derives from graffiti paints when these are applied as an act of vandalism. A deep revision needs to be addressed considering the severity of these deterioration forms on granite and the different cleaning effectiveness achieved by cleaning procedures used to remove them. The scientific literature about these topics on granite is scarcer than on sedimentary carbonate stones and marbles, but the importance of the granite in NW Iberian Peninsula Cultural Heritage claims this review centred on biological colonization, sulphated black crusts and graffiti on granite and their effectiveness of the common cleaning procedures. Furthermore, this paper carried out a review of the knowledge about those three alteration forms on granite, as well as bringing together all the major studies in the field of the granite cleaning with traditional procedures (chemical and mechanical) and with the recent developed technique based on the laser ablation. Findings concerning the effectiveness evaluation of these cleaning procedures, considering the coating extraction ability and the damage induced on the granite surface, are described. Finally, some futures research lines are pointed out. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Evaluation of Preclinical Assays to Investigate an Anthroposophic Pharmaceutical Process Applied to Mistletoe (Viscum album L.) Extracts

PubMed Central

Flückiger, Heidi

2014-01-01

Extracts from European mistletoe (Viscum album L.) developed in anthroposophic medicine are based on specific pharmaceutical procedures to enhance remedy efficacy. One such anthroposophic pharmaceutical process was evaluated regarding effects on cancer cell toxicity in vitro and on colchicine tumor formation in Lepidium sativum. Anthroposophically processed Viscum album extract (APVAE) was produced by mixing winter and summer mistletoe extracts in the edge of a high-speed rotating disk and was compared with manually mixed Viscum album extract (VAE). The antiproliferative effect of VAE/APVAE was determined in five cell lines (NCI-H460, DU-145, HCC1143, MV3, and PA-TU-8902) by WST-1 assay in vitro; no difference was found between VAE and APVAE in any cell line tested (P > 0.14). Incidence of colchicine tumor formation was assessed by measurement of the root/shoot-ratio of seedlings of Lepidium sativum treated with colchicine as well as VAE, APVAE, or water. Colchicine tumor formation decreased after application of VAE (−5.4% compared to water, P < 0.001) and was even stronger by APVAE (−8.8% compared to water, P < 0.001). The high-speed mistletoe extract mixing process investigated thus did not influence toxicity against cancer cells but seemed to sustain morphostasis and to enhance resistance against external noxious influences leading to phenomenological malformations. PMID:24876872

Conceptual structure and the procedural affordances of rational numbers: relational reasoning with fractions and decimals.

PubMed

DeWolf, Melissa; Bassok, Miriam; Holyoak, Keith J

2015-02-01

The standard number system includes several distinct types of notations, which differ conceptually and afford different procedures. Among notations for rational numbers, the bipartite format of fractions (a/b) enables them to represent 2-dimensional relations between sets of discrete (i.e., countable) elements (e.g., red marbles/all marbles). In contrast, the format of decimals is inherently 1-dimensional, expressing a continuous-valued magnitude (i.e., proportion) but not a 2-dimensional relation between sets of countable elements. Experiment 1 showed that college students indeed view these 2-number notations as conceptually distinct. In a task that did not involve mathematical calculations, participants showed a strong preference to represent partitioned displays of discrete objects with fractions and partitioned displays of continuous masses with decimals. Experiment 2 provided evidence that people are better able to identify and evaluate ratio relationships using fractions than decimals, especially for discrete (or discretized) quantities. Experiments 3 and 4 found a similar pattern of performance for a more complex analogical reasoning task. When solving relational reasoning problems based on discrete or discretized quantities, fractions yielded greater accuracy than decimals; in contrast, when quantities were continuous, accuracy was lower for both symbolic notations. Whereas previous research has established that decimals are more effective than fractions in supporting magnitude comparisons, the present study reveals that fractions are relatively advantageous in supporting relational reasoning with discrete (or discretized) concepts. These findings provide an explanation for the effectiveness of natural frequency formats in supporting some types of reasoning, and have implications for teaching of rational numbers.

Evaluation of anti-plaque microbial activity of Azadirachta indica (neem oil) in vitro: A pilot study.

PubMed

Elavarasu, Sugumari; Abinaya, P; Elanchezhiyan, S; Thangakumaran; Vennila, K; Naziya, K B

2012-08-01

Probably microbial plaque is the main etiology for periodontal tissue inflammation. Various chemical agents have been evaluated over the years with respect to their antimicrobial effects in the oral cavity. However, all are associated with side effects that prohibit regular long-term use. Therefore, the effectiveness of Azadirachta indica (neem) against plaque formation is considered to be vital, with lesser side effects. The aim of the present study is to evaluate and prove the antimicrobial activity of neem using plaque samples. Culture was prepared using brain heart infusion broth reagent. Dental plaque samples were used for that. Kirby-Bauer antimicrobial susceptibility test procedure was carried away with the sample. Neem oil was kept in the agar plate with culture and the diameter of inhibition zones was calculated. Results showed inhibition zones on the agar plate around neem oil. Study shows definite antiplaque activity of neem oil.

Histological evaluation of direct pulp capping with all-in-one adhesives in rat teeth.

PubMed

Shinkai, Koichi; Taira, Yoshihisa; Kawashima, Satoki; Suzuki, Shiro; Suzuki, Masaya

2017-05-31

The aim of this study was to histologically evaluate direct pulp capping using different all-in-one adhesives in rat teeth. Five all-in-one adhesives and a control material (MTA) were used. Each material was applied on the exposed pulp, and each cavity was subsequently restored with the resin composite. Rats were sacrificed 14 days after the surgical procedure. Serial stained sections were histologically evaluated for examining pulp tissue disorganization (PTD), inflammatory cell infiltration (ICI), dentin bridge formation (DBF), and bacterial penetration (BP). We found that rat pulps, which were direct capped with all-in-one adhesives, showed various degrees of PTD, ICI, and DBF depending on the material, and that there were no complete dentin bridges. In contrast, rat pulps capped with MTA showed no PTD and ICI, and there were complete dentin bridges in all, but one specimen. No BP was observed in any specimen.

The use of observational diaries in in-training evaluation: student perceptions.

PubMed

Govaerts, Marjan J B; van der Vleuten, Cees P M; Schuwirth, Lambert W T; Muijtjens, Arno M M

2005-08-01

In health science education clinical clerkships serve the twofold purpose of guiding student learning and assessment of performance. Evidently, both formative and summative assessment procedures are needed in clerkship assessment. In-training evaluation (ITE) has the potential to serve both assessment functions. Implementation of effective ITE, however, has been shown to be problematic, partly because integration of assessment functions may have negative consequences for teaching and learning. This study investigates student perceptions of the impact of an integrated assessment approach, seeking to refine criteria for effective ITE. In the curriculum of Maastricht Midwifery School (MMS), clerkship assessment is based on ITE serving both assessment functions. The ITE model is based on principles of extensive work sampling, and frequent documentation of performance. A focus group technique was used to explore student perceptions on the impact of the ITE approach on student learning and supervisor teaching behaviour, and on the usefulness of information for decision making. Results indicate that the assessment approach is effective in guidance of student learning. Furthermore, students consider the frequent performance documentation essential in clerkship grading. Acceptance and effectivity of ITE requires a learning environment which is safe and respectful. Transparency of assessment processes is the key to success. Suggestions for improvement focus on variation in evaluation formats, improvement of feedback (narrative, complete) and student involvement in assessment. ITE can fulfill both its formative and summative purposes when some crucial conditions are taken into account. Careful training of both supervisors and students in the use of ITE for student learning and performance measurement is essential.

Deciding if lifestyle is a problem: GP risk assessments or patient evaluations? A conversation analytic study of preventive consultations in general practice

PubMed Central

Guassora, Ann Dorrit; Nielsen, Søren Beck; Reventlow, Susanne

2015-01-01

Objective. The aim of this study is to analyse the interaction between patients and GPs in preventive consultations with an emphasis on how patients answer GPs’ questions about lifestyle, and the conditions these answers impose on the process of establishing agreement about lifestyle as a problem or not. Design. Six general practitioners (GPs) video-recorded 15 annual preventive consultations. From these, 32 excerpts of discussions about lifestyle were analysed using conversation analysis (CA). Results. GPs used an interview format to assess risk in patients’ lifestyles. In some cases patients adhered to this format and answered the GPs’ questions, but in many cases patients gave what we have termed “anticipatory answers”. These answers indicate that the patients anticipate a response from their GPs that would highlight problems with their lifestyle. Typically, in an anticipatory answer, patients bypass the interview format to give their own evaluation of their lifestyle and GPs accept this evaluation. In cases of “no-problem” answers from patients, GPs usually encouraged patients by adding support for current habits. Conclusion. Patients anticipated that GPs might assess their lifestyles as problematic and they incorporated this possibility into their responses. They thereby controlled the definition of their lifestyle as a problem or not. GPs generally did not use the information provided in these answers as a resource for further discussion, but rather relied on standard interview procedures. Staying within the patients’ frame of reference and using the patients’ anticipatory answers might provide GPs with a better point of departure for discussion regarding lifestyle. PMID:26467342

SAS FORMATS: USES AND ABUSES

EPA Science Inventory

SAS formats are a very powerful tool. They allow you to display the data in a more readable manner without modifying it. Formats can also be used to group data into categories for use in various procedures like PROC FREQ, PROC TTEST, and PROC MEANS (as a class variable). As w...

Rock Slide Risk Assessment: A Semi-Quantitative Approach

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Duzgun, H. S. B.

2009-04-01

Rock slides can be better managed by systematic risk assessments. Any risk assessment methodology for rock slides involves identification of rock slide risk components, which are hazard, elements at risk and vulnerability. For a quantitative/semi-quantitative risk assessment for rock slides, a mathematical value the risk has to be computed and evaluated. The quantitative evaluation of risk for rock slides enables comparison of the computed risk with the risk of other natural and/or human-made hazards and providing better decision support and easier communication for the decision makers. A quantitative/semi-quantitative risk assessment procedure involves: Danger Identification, Hazard Assessment, Elements at Risk Identification, Vulnerability Assessment, Risk computation, Risk Evaluation. On the other hand, the steps of this procedure require adaptation of existing or development of new implementation methods depending on the type of landslide, data availability, investigation scale and nature of consequences. In study, a generic semi-quantitative risk assessment (SQRA) procedure for rock slides is proposed. The procedure has five consecutive stages: Data collection and analyses, hazard assessment, analyses of elements at risk and vulnerability and risk assessment. The implementation of the procedure for a single rock slide case is illustrated for a rock slope in Norway. Rock slides from mountain Ramnefjell to lake Loen are considered to be one of the major geohazards in Norway. Lake Loen is located in the inner part of Nordfjord in Western Norway. Ramnefjell Mountain is heavily jointed leading to formation of vertical rock slices with height between 400-450 m and width between 7-10 m. These slices threaten the settlements around Loen Valley and tourists visiting the fjord during summer season, as the released slides have potential of creating tsunami. In the past, several rock slides had been recorded from the Mountain Ramnefjell between 1905 and 1950. Among them, four of the slides caused formation of tsunami waves which washed up to 74 m above the lake level. Two of the slides resulted in many fatalities in the inner part of the Loen Valley as well as great damages. There are three predominant joint structures in Ramnefjell Mountain, which controls failure and the geometry of the slides. The first joint set is a foliation plane striking northeast-southwest and dipping 35˚ -40˚ to the east-southeast. The second and the third joint sets are almost perpendicular and parallel to the mountain side and scarp, respectively. These three joint sets form slices of rock columns with width ranging between 7-10 m and height of 400-450 m. It is stated that the joints in set II are opened between 1-2 m, which may bring about collection of water during heavy rainfall or snow melt causing the slices to be pressed out. It is estimated that water in the vertical joints both reduces the shear strength of sliding plane and causes reduction of normal stress on the sliding plane due to formation of uplift force. Hence rock slides in Ramnefjell mountain occur in plane failure mode. The quantitative evaluation of rock slide risk requires probabilistic analysis of rock slope stability and identification of consequences if the rock slide occurs. In this study failure probability of a rock slice is evaluated by first-order reliability method (FORM). Then in order to use the calculated probability of failure value (Pf) in risk analyses, it is required to associate this Pf with frequency based probabilities (i.ePf / year) since the computed failure probabilities is a measure of hazard and not a measure of risk unless they are associated with the consequences of the failure. This can be done by either considering the time dependent behavior of the basic variables in the probabilistic models or associating the computed Pf with frequency of the failures in the region. In this study, the frequency of previous rock slides in the previous century in Remnefjell is used for evaluation of frequency based probability to be used in risk assessment. The major consequence of a rock slide is generation of a tsunami in the lake Loen, causing inundation of residential areas around the lake. Risk is assessed by adapting damage probability matrix approach, which is originally developed for risk assessment for buildings in case of earthquake.

Procedure for calculating estimated ultimate recoveries of Bakken and Three Forks Formations horizontal wells in the Williston Basin

USGS Publications Warehouse

Cook, Troy A.

2013-01-01

Estimated ultimate recoveries (EURs) are a key component in determining productivity of wells in continuous-type oil and gas reservoirs. EURs form the foundation of a well-performance-based assessment methodology initially developed by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS; Schmoker, 1999). This methodology was formally reviewed by the American Association of Petroleum Geologists Committee on Resource Evaluation (Curtis and others, 2001). The EUR estimation methodology described in this paper was used in the 2013 USGS assessment of continuous oil resources in the Bakken and Three Forks Formations and incorporates uncertainties that would not normally be included in a basic decline-curve calculation. These uncertainties relate to (1) the mean time before failure of the entire well-production system (excluding economics), (2) the uncertainty of when (and if) a stable hyperbolic-decline profile is revealed in the production data, (3) the particular formation involved, (4) relations between initial production rates and a stable hyperbolic-decline profile, and (5) the final behavior of the decline extrapolation as production becomes more dependent on matrix storage.

Dual-species biofilm of Listeria monocytogenes and Escherichia coli on stainless steel surface.

PubMed

de Grandi, Aline Zago; Pinto, Uelinton Manoel; Destro, Maria Teresa

2018-04-12

Listeria monocytogenes is a Gram-positive bacterium commonly associated with foodborne diseases. Due its ability to survive under adverse environmental conditions and to form biofilm, this bacterium is a major concern for the food industry, since it can compromise sanitation procedures and increase the risk of post-processing contamination. Little is known about the interaction between L. monocytogenes and Gram-negative bacteria on biofilm formation. Thus, in order to evaluate this interaction, Escherichia coli and L. monocytogenes were tested for their ability to form biofilms together or in monoculture. We also aimed to evaluate the ability of L. monocytogenes 1/2a and its isogenic mutant strain (ΔprfA ΔsigB) to form biofilm in the presence of E. coli. We assessed the importance of the virulence regulators, PrfA and σ B , in this process since they are involved in many aspects of L. monocytogenes pathogenicity. Biofilm formation was assessed using stainless steel AISI 304 #4 slides immersed into brain heart infusion broth, reconstituted powder milk and E. coli preconditioned medium at 25 °C. Our results indicated that a higher amount of biofilm was formed by the wild type strain of L. monocytogenes than by its isogenic mutant, indicating that prfA and sigB are important for biofilm development, especially maturation under our experimental conditions. The presence of E. coli or its metabolites in preconditioned medium did not influence biofilm formation by L. monocytogenes. Our results confirm the possibility of concomitant biofilm formation by L. monocytogenes and E. coli, two bacteria of major significance in the food industry.

Single-stage cell-based cartilage regeneration using a combination of chondrons and mesenchymal stromal cells: comparison with microfracture.

PubMed

Bekkers, Joris E J; Tsuchida, Anika I; van Rijen, Mattie H P; Vonk, Lucienne A; Dhert, Wouter J A; Creemers, Laura B; Saris, Daniel B F

2013-09-01

Autologous chondrocyte implantation (ACI) is traditionally a 2-step procedure used to repair focal articular cartilage lesions. With use of a combination of chondrons (chondrocytes in their own territorial matrix) and mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs), ACI could be innovated and performed in a single step, as sufficient cells would be available to fill the defect within a 1-step surgical procedure. Chondrons have been shown to have higher regenerative capacities than chondrocytes without such a pericellular matrix. To evaluate cartilage formation by a combination of chondrons and MSCs in vitro and in both small and large animal models. Controlled laboratory study. Chondrons and MSCs were cultured at different ratios in vitro containing 0%, 5%, 10%, 20%, 50%, or 100% chondrons (n = 3); embedded in injectable fibrin glue (Beriplast); and implanted subcutaneously in nude mice (n = 10; ratios of 0%, 5%, 10%, and 20% chondrons). Also, in a 1-step procedure, a combination of chondrons and MSCs was implanted in a freshly created focal articular cartilage lesion (10% chondrons) in goats (n = 8) and compared with microfracture. The effect of both treatments, after 6-month follow-up, was evaluated using biochemical glycosaminoglycan (GAG) and GAG/DNA analysis and scored using validated scoring systems for macroscopic and microscopic defect repairs. The addition of MSCs to chondron cultures enhanced cartilage-specific matrix production as reflected by a higher GAG production (P < .03), both in absolute levels and normalized to DNA content, compared with chondrocyte and 100% chondron cultures. Similar results were observed after 4 weeks of subcutaneous implantation in nude mice. Treatment of freshly created cartilage defects in goats using a combination of chondrons and MSCs in Beriplast resulted in better microscopic, macroscopic, and biochemical cartilage regeneration (P ≤ .02) compared with microfracture treatment. The combination of chondrons and MSCs increased cartilage matrix formation, and this combination of cells was safely applied in a goat model for focal cartilage lesions, outperforming microfracture. This study describes the bench-to-preclinical development of a new cell-based regenerative treatment for focal articular cartilage defects that outperforms microfracture in goats. In addition, it is a single-step procedure, thereby making the expensive cell expansion and reimplantation of dedifferentiated cells, as in ACI, redundant.

Establishment of a rat and guinea pig aortic interposition graft model reveals model-specific patterns of intimal hyperplasia.

PubMed

Gregory, Elaine K; Vercammen, Janet M; Flynn, Megan E; Kibbe, Melina R

2016-12-01

Although the aortic interposition bypass model has been widely used to evaluate biomaterials for bypass grafting, there is no comprehensive description of the procedure or of the distribution of intimal hyperplasia that results. The objectives of this study were to (1) review and summarize approaches of aortic interposition grafting in animal models, (2) determine the pertinent anatomy for this procedure, (3) validate this model in the rat and guinea pig, and (4) compare the distribution of intimal hyperplasia that develops in each species. A literature search was performed in PubMed from 1980 to the present to analyze the use of anesthesia, anticoagulation, antiplatelet agents, graft material, suture, and anastomotic techniques. Using 10-week-old male Sprague-Dawley rats and Hartley guinea pigs, we established pertinent aortic anatomy, developed comparable models, and assessed complications for each model. At 30 days, the graft and associated aorta were explanted, intimal formation was assessed morphometrically, and cellularity was assessed via nuclear counting. We reviewed 30 articles and summarized the pertinent procedural findings. Upon establishing both animal models, key anatomic differences between the species that affect this model were noted. Guinea pigs have a much larger cecum, increased retroperitoneal fat, and lack the iliolumbar vessels compared with the rat. Surgical outcomes for the rat model included a 53% technical success rate and a 32% technical error rate. Surgical outcomes for the guinea pig model included a 69% technical success rate and a 31% technical error rate. These two species demonstrated unique distribution of intimal hyperplasia at 30 days. Intimal hyperplasia in the rat model was greatest at two areas, the proximal graft (5400 μm 2 ; P < .001) and distal graft (2800 μm 2 ; P < .04), whereas the guinea pig model developed similar intimal hyperplasia throughout the graft (4500-5100 μm 2 ; P < .01). In this report, we summarize the literature on the aortic interposition graft model, present a detailed description of the anatomy and aortic interposition graft procedure in the rat and guinea pig, and describe a unique distribution of intimal formation that results in both species. This information will be helpful when designing studies to evaluate novel graft materials in the future. Published by Elsevier Inc.

NHEXAS PHASE I ARIZONA STUDY--STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURE FOR PREPARATION OF STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURES (SOPS) (UA-G-1.0)

EPA Science Inventory

The purpose of this SOP is to establish a uniform format for the preparation of SOPs. Use of these protocols ensures consistent implementation of project tasks, documents the preparation and implementation of the procedures used, describes quality control measures and the limits...

10 CFR 436.15 - Formatting cost data.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-01-01

... Procedures for Life Cycle Cost Analyses § 436.15 Formatting cost data. In establishing cost data under §§ 436... software referenced in the Life Cycle Cost Manual for the Federal Energy Management Program. ...

10 CFR 436.15 - Formatting cost data.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-01-01

... Procedures for Life Cycle Cost Analyses § 436.15 Formatting cost data. In establishing cost data under §§ 436... software referenced in the Life Cycle Cost Manual for the Federal Energy Management Program. ...

10 CFR 436.15 - Formatting cost data.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-01-01

... Procedures for Life Cycle Cost Analyses § 436.15 Formatting cost data. In establishing cost data under §§ 436... software referenced in the Life Cycle Cost Manual for the Federal Energy Management Program. ...

10 CFR 436.15 - Formatting cost data.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... Procedures for Life Cycle Cost Analyses § 436.15 Formatting cost data. In establishing cost data under §§ 436... software referenced in the Life Cycle Cost Manual for the Federal Energy Management Program. ...

High Throughput Assay for Bacterial Adhesion on Acellular Dermal Matrices and Synthetic Surgical Materials

PubMed Central

Nyame, Theodore T.; Lemon, Katherine P.; Kolter, Roberto; Liao, Eric C.

2013-01-01

Background There has been increasing use of various synthetic and biologically derived materials in surgery. Biologic surgical materials are used in many plastic surgery procedures, ranging from breast reconstruction to hernia repairs. In particular, acellular dermal matrix (ADM) material has gained popularity in these applications. There is a paucity of data on how ADM compares to other surgical materials as a substrate for bacterial adhesion, the first step in formation biofilm, which occurs in prosthetic wound infections. We have designed a high throughput assay to evaluate Staphylococcus aureus adherence on various synthetic and biologically derived materials. Methods Clinical isolates of Staphylococcus aureus (strains SC-1 and UAMS-1) were cultured with different materials and bacterial adherence was measured using a resazurin cell vitality reporter microtiter assay. Four materials that are commonly utilized in reconstructive procedures were evaluated: prolene mesh, vicryl mesh, and two different ADM preparations (AlloDerm®, FlexHD®). We were able to develop a high throughput and reliable assay for quantifying bacterial adhesion on synthetic and biologically derived materials. Results The resazurin vitality assay can be reliably used to quantify bacterial adherence to acellular dermal matrix material, as well as synthetic material. S. aureus strains SC-1 and UAMS-1 both adhered better to ADM materials (AlloDerm® vs. FlexHD®) than to the synthetic material prolene. S. aureus also adhered better to vicryl than to prolene. Strain UAMS-1 adhered better to vicryl and ADM materials than did strain SC-1. Conclusion Our results suggest that S. aureus adheres more readily to ADM material than to synthetic material. We have developed an assay to rapidly test bacterial formation on surgical materials, using two S. aureus bacterial strains. This provides a standard method to evaluate existing and new materials with regard to bacterial adherence and potential propensity for infection. This assay is particularly important in the clinical context of the severe sequelae of post-operative infection. PMID:22030489

Calibration of a texture-based model of a ground-water flow system, western San Joaquin Valley, California

USGS Publications Warehouse

Phillips, Steven P.; Belitz, Kenneth

1991-01-01

The occurrence of selenium in agricultural drain water from the western San Joaquin Valley, California, has focused concern on the semiconfined ground-water flow system, which is underlain by the Corcoran Clay Member of the Tulare Formation. A two-step procedure is used to calibrate a preliminary model of the system for the purpose of determining the steady-state hydraulic properties. Horizontal and vertical hydraulic conductivities are modeled as functions of the percentage of coarse sediment, hydraulic conductivities of coarse-textured (Kcoarse) and fine-textured (Kfine) end members, and averaging methods used to calculate equivalent hydraulic conductivities. The vertical conductivity of the Corcoran (Kcorc) is an additional parameter to be evaluated. In the first step of the calibration procedure, the model is run by systematically varying the following variables: (1) Kcoarse/Kfine, (2) Kcoarse/Kcorc, and (3) choice of averaging methods in the horizontal and vertical directions. Root mean square error and bias values calculated from the model results are functions of these variables. These measures of error provide a means for evaluating model sensitivity and for selecting values of Kcoarse, Kfine, and Kcorc for use in the second step of the calibration procedure. In the second step, recharge rates are evaluated as functions of Kcoarse, Kcorc, and a combination of averaging methods. The associated Kfine values are selected so that the root mean square error is minimized on the basis of the results from the first step. The results of the two-step procedure indicate that the spatial distribution of hydraulic conductivity that best produces the measured hydraulic head distribution is created through the use of arithmetic averaging in the horizontal direction and either geometric or harmonic averaging in the vertical direction. The equivalent hydraulic conductivities resulting from either combination of averaging methods compare favorably to field- and laboratory-based values.

Generalization of cross-modal stimulus equivalence classes: operant processes as components in human category formation.

PubMed Central

Lane, S D; Clow, J K; Innis, A; Critchfield, T S

1998-01-01

This study employed a stimulus-class rating procedure to explore whether stimulus equivalence and stimulus generalization can combine to promote the formation of open-ended categories incorporating cross-modal stimuli. A pretest of simple auditory discrimination indicated that subjects (college students) could discriminate among a range of tones used in the main study. Before beginning the main study, 10 subjects learned to use a rating procedure for categorizing sets of stimuli as class consistent or class inconsistent. After completing conditional discrimination training with new stimuli (shapes and tones), the subjects demonstrated the formation of cross-modal equivalence classes. Subsequently, the class-inclusion rating procedure was reinstituted, this time with cross-modal sets of stimuli drawn from the equivalence classes. On some occasions, the tones of the equivalence classes were replaced by novel tones. The probability that these novel sets would be rated as class consistent was generally a function of the auditory distance between the novel tone and the tone that was explicitly included in the equivalence class. These data extend prior work on generalization of equivalence classes, and support the role of operant processes in human category formation. PMID:9821680

Evaluating the performance of two neutron spectrum unfolding codes based on iterative procedures and artificial neural networks

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

Ortiz-Rodriguez, J. M.; Reyes Alfaro, A.; Reyes Haro, A.

In this work the performance of two neutron spectrum unfolding codes based on iterative procedures and artificial neural networks is evaluated. The first one code based on traditional iterative procedures and called Neutron spectrometry and dosimetry from the Universidad Autonoma de Zacatecas (NSDUAZ) use the SPUNIT iterative algorithm and was designed to unfold neutron spectrum and calculate 15 dosimetric quantities and 7 IAEA survey meters. The main feature of this code is the automated selection of the initial guess spectrum trough a compendium of neutron spectrum compiled by the IAEA. The second one code known as Neutron spectrometry and dosimetrymore » with artificial neural networks (NDSann) is a code designed using neural nets technology. The artificial intelligence approach of neural net does not solve mathematical equations. By using the knowledge stored at synaptic weights on a neural net properly trained, the code is capable to unfold neutron spectrum and to simultaneously calculate 15 dosimetric quantities, needing as entrance data, only the rate counts measured with a Bonner spheres system. Similarities of both NSDUAZ and NSDann codes are: they follow the same easy and intuitive user's philosophy and were designed in a graphical interface under the LabVIEW programming environment. Both codes unfold the neutron spectrum expressed in 60 energy bins, calculate 15 dosimetric quantities and generate a full report in HTML format. Differences of these codes are: NSDUAZ code was designed using classical iterative approaches and needs an initial guess spectrum in order to initiate the iterative procedure. In NSDUAZ, a programming routine was designed to calculate 7 IAEA instrument survey meters using the fluence-dose conversion coefficients. NSDann code use artificial neural networks for solving the ill-conditioned equation system of neutron spectrometry problem through synaptic weights of a properly trained neural network. Contrary to iterative procedures, in neural net approach it is possible to reduce the rate counts used to unfold the neutron spectrum. To evaluate these codes a computer tool called Neutron Spectrometry and dosimetry computer tool was designed. The results obtained with this package are showed. The codes here mentioned are freely available upon request to the authors.« less

Evaluating the performance of two neutron spectrum unfolding codes based on iterative procedures and artificial neural networks

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ortiz-Rodríguez, J. M.; Reyes Alfaro, A.; Reyes Haro, A.; Solís Sánches, L. O.; Miranda, R. Castañeda; Cervantes Viramontes, J. M.; Vega-Carrillo, H. R.

2013-07-01

In this work the performance of two neutron spectrum unfolding codes based on iterative procedures and artificial neural networks is evaluated. The first one code based on traditional iterative procedures and called Neutron spectrometry and dosimetry from the Universidad Autonoma de Zacatecas (NSDUAZ) use the SPUNIT iterative algorithm and was designed to unfold neutron spectrum and calculate 15 dosimetric quantities and 7 IAEA survey meters. The main feature of this code is the automated selection of the initial guess spectrum trough a compendium of neutron spectrum compiled by the IAEA. The second one code known as Neutron spectrometry and dosimetry with artificial neural networks (NDSann) is a code designed using neural nets technology. The artificial intelligence approach of neural net does not solve mathematical equations. By using the knowledge stored at synaptic weights on a neural net properly trained, the code is capable to unfold neutron spectrum and to simultaneously calculate 15 dosimetric quantities, needing as entrance data, only the rate counts measured with a Bonner spheres system. Similarities of both NSDUAZ and NSDann codes are: they follow the same easy and intuitive user's philosophy and were designed in a graphical interface under the LabVIEW programming environment. Both codes unfold the neutron spectrum expressed in 60 energy bins, calculate 15 dosimetric quantities and generate a full report in HTML format. Differences of these codes are: NSDUAZ code was designed using classical iterative approaches and needs an initial guess spectrum in order to initiate the iterative procedure. In NSDUAZ, a programming routine was designed to calculate 7 IAEA instrument survey meters using the fluence-dose conversion coefficients. NSDann code use artificial neural networks for solving the ill-conditioned equation system of neutron spectrometry problem through synaptic weights of a properly trained neural network. Contrary to iterative procedures, in neural net approach it is possible to reduce the rate counts used to unfold the neutron spectrum. To evaluate these codes a computer tool called Neutron Spectrometry and dosimetry computer tool was designed. The results obtained with this package are showed. The codes here mentioned are freely available upon request to the authors.

Molecular Modeling and Physicochemical Properties of Supramolecular Complexes of Limonene with α- and β-Cyclodextrins.

PubMed

Dos Passos Menezes, Paula; Dos Santos, Polliana Barbosa Pereira; Dória, Grace Anne Azevedo; de Sousa, Bruna Maria Hipólito; Serafini, Mairim Russo; Nunes, Paula Santos; Quintans-Júnior, Lucindo José; de Matos, Iara Lisboa; Alves, Péricles Barreto; Bezerra, Daniel Pereira; Mendonça Júnior, Francisco Jaime Bezerra; da Silva, Gabriel Francisco; de Aquino, Thiago Mendonça; de Souza Bento, Edson; Scotti, Marcus Tullius; Scotti, Luciana; de Souza Araujo, Adriano Antunes

2017-02-01

This study evaluated three different methods for the formation of an inclusion complex between alpha- and beta-cyclodextrin (α- and β-CD) and limonene (LIM) with the goal of improving the physicochemical properties of limonene. The study samples were prepared through physical mixing (PM), paste complexation (PC), and slurry complexation (SC) methods in the molar ratio of 1:1 (cyclodextrin:limonene). The complexes prepared were evaluated with thermogravimetry/derivate thermogravimetry, infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, complexation efficiency through gas chromatography/mass spectrometry analyses, molecular modeling, and nuclear magnetic resonance. The results showed that the physical mixing procedure did not produce complexation, but the paste and slurry methods produced inclusion complexes, which demonstrated interactions outside of the cavity of the CDs. However, the paste obtained with β-cyclodextrin did not demonstrate complexation in the gas chromatographic technique because, after extraction, most of the limonene was either surface-adsorbed by β-cyclodextrin or volatilized during the procedure. We conclude that paste complexation and slurry complexation are effective and economic methods to improve the physicochemical character of limonene and could have important applications in pharmacological activities in terms of an increase in solubility.

Spatial Correlation in the Ambient Core Noise Field of a Turbofan Engine

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Miles, Jeffrey Hilton

2012-01-01

An acoustic transfer function relating combustion noise and turbine exit noise in the presence of enclosed ambient core noise is investigated using a dynamic system model and an acoustic system model for the particular turbofan engine studied and for a range of operating conditions. Measurements of cross-spectra magnitude and phase between the combustor and turbine exit and auto-spectra at the turbine exit and combustor are used to show the presence of indirect and direct combustion noise over the frequency range of 0 400 Hz. The procedure used evaluates the ratio of direct to indirect combustion noise. The procedure used also evaluates the post-combustion residence time in the combustor which is a factor in the formation of thermal NOx and soot in this region. These measurements are masked by the ambient core noise sound field in this frequency range which is observable since the transducers are situated within an acoustic wavelength of one another. An ambient core noise field model based on one and two dimensional spatial correlation functions is used to replicate the spatially correlated response of the pair of transducers. The spatial correlation function increases measured attenuation due to destructive interference and masks the true attenuation of the turbine.

Experience With Laser Safety In The USA--A Review

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sliney, David H.

1986-10-01

Following several research programs in the 1960's aimed at studying the adverse biological effects of lasers and other optical radiation sources, laser occupational exposure limits were set and general safety standards were developed. Today, the experience from laser accidents and the development of new lasers and new applications have altered the format of the exposure limits and the safety procedures. It is critically important to distinguish between different biological injury mechanisms. The biological effects of ultraviolet radiation upon the skin and eye are additive over a period of at least one workday, and require different safety procedures. The scattered UV irradiance from excimer lasers may be quite hazardous, depending upon wavelength and action spectra. Since laser technology is young, the exposure of an individual in natural sunlight must be studied to evaluate the potential for chronic effects. The safety measures necessary in the use of lasers depend upon a hazard evaluation. The appropriate control measures and alternate means of enclosure, baffling, and operational control measures are presented. Present laser safety standards are explained briefly. Eye protective techniques and eyewear are considered for a variety of sources. The optical properties of enclosure materials are also discussed.

Comparative Evaluation of Cell Viability Immediately After Osteotomy for Implants With Drills and Piezosurgery: Immunohistochemistry Analysis.

PubMed

Pereira, Cassiano Costa Silva; Batista, Fábio Roberto de Souza; Jacob, Ricardo Garcia Mureb; Nogueira, Lamis Meorin; Carvalho, Abrahão Cavalcante Gomes de Souza; Gealh, Walter Cristiano; Garcia-Júnior, Idelmo Rangel; Okamoto, Roberta

2018-05-08

To evaluate the effect of reusing drills and piezosurgery tips during implant osteotomy on immediate bone cell viability through immunohistochemical analysis. Six male rabbits were divided into 2 groups and then divided into 5 subgroups-correspond to drills and tips used 10, 20, 30, 40, and 50 times, respectively. All animals received 10 osteotomies in each tibia, by use of the classic drilling procedure in one group (G1) and the piezosurgery device in the other group (G2). For immunohistochemical technique were utilized the osteoprotegerin, RANKL, osteocalcin, and caspase 3. Control procedures were performed by omitting the primary antibodies (negative control). Bone formation and resorption responses presented in more intense way during the piezosurgery. The expression of osteocalcin had become quite intense in piezosurgery groups, but with reduced immunostaining from the 30th osteotomy. The caspase 3 showed the viability of the osteoblast from the 20th osteotomy with piezosurgery and remained constant until the 50th. Piezosurgery provides greater osteoblastic cell viability than the system of conventional drilling. This study will provide data so that the authors can recycle the drills and tips for implant placement, thus enabling a better cell viability for osseointegration.

Transverse maxillary distraction with a bone-anchored appliance: dento-periodontal effects and clinical and radiological results.

PubMed

Ramieri, G A; Spada, M C; Austa, M; Bianchi, S D; Berrone, S

2005-06-01

In 29 adult patients presenting with maxillary deficiency, a bone-anchored palatal distractor (Surgi-Tec NV, Brugge, Belgium) was applied after osteotomy of the anterolateral walls of the maxillary sinuses, midpalatal suture, and, eventually, separation of the pterygomaxillary sutures. Expansion proceeded at a rate of 0.33-0.66 mm per day and the device was retained for 4-6 months for consolidation. Active orthodontic therapy was started after 8-10 weeks. The increment of arch width and the perimeter were evaluated using dental casts. Tooth thermal sensitivity and the periodontal side effects of treatment were monitored clinically after distraction, at device removal, and after 1 year. Bone healing was also investigated during the procedure using conventional radiological techniques. This experience confirms that transverse maxillary distraction is an effective technique in adult patients, leading to the formation of new bone. There were no noticeable intraoperative complications, but postsurgical periodontal side effects were documented. The procedure offers advantages over traditional teeth-borne appliances in terms of rapidity of treatment and the absence of mechanical forces acting on the teeth. Further evaluation is required to assess the long-term stability and periodontal consequences of this technique.

Investigation of new techniques for aircraft navigation using the omega navigation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Baxa, E. G., Jr.

1978-01-01

An OMEGA navigation receiver with a microprocessor as the computational component was investigated. A version of the INTEL 4004 microprocessor macroassembler suitable for use on the CDC-6600 system and development of a FORTRAN IV simulator program for the microprocessor was developed. Supporting studies included development and evaluation of navigation algorithms to generate relative position information from OMEGA VLF phase measurements. Simulation studies were used to evaluate assumptions made in developing a navigation equation in OMEGA Line of Position (LOP) coordinates. Included in the navigation algorithms was a procedure for calculating a position in latitude/longitude given an OMEGA LOP fix. Implementation of a digital phase locked loop (DPLL) was evaluated on the basic of phase response characteristics over a range of input phase variations. Included also is an analytical evaluation on the basis of error probability of an algorithm for automatic time synchronization of the receiver to the OMEGA broadcast format. The use of actual OMEGA phase data and published propagation prediction corrections to determine phase velocity estimates was discussed.

29 CFR 1956.22 - Procedures for evaluation and monitoring.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... 29 Labor 9 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 false Procedures for evaluation and monitoring. 1956.22 Section 1956.22 Labor Regulations Relating to Labor (Continued) OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH ADMINISTRATION..., Change, Evaluation and Withdrawal of Approval Procedures § 1956.22 Procedures for evaluation and...

DAM - detection and mapping

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1977-01-01

Integrated set of manual procedures, computer programs, and graphic devices processes multispectral scanner data from orbiting Landsat into precisely registered and formatted maps of surface water and other resources at variety of scales, sheet formats, and tick intervals.

Definition of an XML markup language for clinical laboratory procedures and comparison with generic XML markup.

PubMed

Saadawi, Gilan M; Harrison, James H

2006-10-01

Clinical laboratory procedure manuals are typically maintained as word processor files and are inefficient to store and search, require substantial effort for review and updating, and integrate poorly with other laboratory information. Electronic document management systems could improve procedure management and utility. As a first step toward building such systems, we have developed a prototype electronic format for laboratory procedures using Extensible Markup Language (XML). Representative laboratory procedures were analyzed to identify document structure and data elements. This information was used to create a markup vocabulary, CLP-ML, expressed as an XML Document Type Definition (DTD). To determine whether this markup provided advantages over generic markup, we compared procedures structured with CLP-ML or with the vocabulary of the Health Level Seven, Inc. (HL7) Clinical Document Architecture (CDA) narrative block. CLP-ML includes 124 XML tags and supports a variety of procedure types across different laboratory sections. When compared with a general-purpose markup vocabulary (CDA narrative block), CLP-ML documents were easier to edit and read, less complex structurally, and simpler to traverse for searching and retrieval. In combination with appropriate software, CLP-ML is designed to support electronic authoring, reviewing, distributing, and searching of clinical laboratory procedures from a central repository, decreasing procedure maintenance effort and increasing the utility of procedure information. A standard electronic procedure format could also allow laboratories and vendors to share procedures and procedure layouts, minimizing duplicative word processor editing. Our results suggest that laboratory-specific markup such as CLP-ML will provide greater benefit for such systems than generic markup.

An Innovative Regenerative Endodontic Procedure Using Leukocyte and Platelet-rich Fibrin Associated with Apical Surgery: A Case Report.

PubMed

Pinto, Nelson; Harnish, Alexandra; Cabrera, Carolina; Andrade, Catherine; Druttman, Tony; Brizuela, Claudia

2017-11-01

Regenerative endodontic procedures (REPs) associated with apical surgery could represent an alternative treatment strategy for patients whose teeth present incomplete root formation and extensive apical lesions. Leukocyte platelet-rich fibrin (L-PRF) has potential benefits in REPs; it could promote apical root formation and optimal bone healing. The aim of this case report was to describe innovative regenerative endodontic therapy using L-PRF in the root canal and an extensive apical lesion in an immature tooth with dens invaginatus and asymptomatic apical periodontitis. A healthy 20-year-old woman was referred to the dental clinic of the Universidad de Los Andes, Santiago, Chile, for endodontic treatment in tooth # 22 with incomplete root development and an extensive apical lesion. The diagnosis was asymptomatic apical periodontitis associated with dens invaginatus type II. The patient was treated with an innovative approach using L-PRF in REPs associated with apical surgery. Follow-ups were performed at 6 months and 1 year later. They included periapical radiographs, cone-beam computed tomographic imaging, sensitivity, and vitality tests. The clinical evaluations performed at 6 months and 1 year revealed an absence of symptoms. The radiographic evaluations showed that the apical lesion was resolved. The cone-beam images indicated that the root length increased and the walls had thickened. The sensitivity tests were positive, and the laser Doppler flowmetry showed positive blood flow after 1 year. The success of the results in this case report indicate that L-PRF can be used as a complement in apical surgery and REPs and could provide an innovative alternative treatment strategy for complex clinical cases like these. Copyright © 2017 American Association of Endodontists. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Novel test procedure to evaluate the treatability of wastewater with ozone.

PubMed

Schindler Wildhaber, Yael; Mestankova, Hana; Schärer, Michael; Schirmer, Kristin; Salhi, Elisabeth; von Gunten, Urs

2015-05-15

Organic micropollutants such as pharmaceuticals, estrogens or pesticides enter the environment continuously through the effluent of municipal wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs). Enhanced treatment of wastewater (WW) by ozone (O3) is probably one of the simplest measures for abatement of organic micropollutants to avoid their discharge to the aquatic environment. During ozonation most organic micropollutants present in treated WW are oxidized either by a direct reaction with O3 or by secondarily formed hydroxyl radicals (OH). However, undesired oxidation by-products from the oxidative transformation of matrix components can also be formed. A modular laboratory decision tool based on the findings of previous investigations is presented to test the feasibility of ozonation as an option to upgrade specific WWTPs. These modules consist of investigations to assess (i) the matrix effects on ozone stability, (ii) the efficiency of micropollutant removal, (iii) the oxidation by-product formation, as well as (iv) bioassays to measure specific and unspecific toxicity of the treated WWs. Matrix effects on ozone stability (quantified as O3 and OH exposures) can give first indications on the suitability of an ozonation step. Ozonation of WWs yielding O3 and OH exposures and micropollutant abatement similar to reference values evoked a significant improvement of the water quality as indicated by a broad range of bioassays. Irregular behavior of the ozonation points towards unknown compounds, possibly leading to the formation of undesired degradation products. It has been observed that in such WWs ozonation partly enhanced toxicity. In summary, the presented tiered laboratory test procedure represents a relatively cheap and straight-forward methodology to evaluate the feasibility of ozonation to upgrade specific WWTPs for micropollutant removal based on chemical and biological measurements. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

[HoLEP learning curve: Toward a standardised formation and a team strategy].

PubMed

Baron, M; Nouhaud, F-X; Delcourt, C; Grise, P; Pfister, C; Cornu, J-N; Sibert, L

2016-09-01

Holmium laser enucleation of prostate (HoLEP) is renowned for the difficulty of its learning curve. Our aim was to evaluate the interest of a three-step tutorial in the HoLEP learning curve, in a university center. It is a retrospective, monocentric study of the 82 first procedures done consecutively by the same operator with a proctoring in early experience and after 40 procedures. For all patients were noted: enucleation efficiency (g/min), morcellation efficiency (g/min), percentage of enucleated tissue (enucleated tissue/adenome weigth evaluated by ultrasonography. g/g), perioperative morbidity (Clavien), length of hospital stay, length of urinary drainage, functional outcomes at short and middle term (Qmax, post-void residual volume [PVR], QOL scores and IPSS at 3 and 6months). Enucleation and morcellation efficiency were significantly higher after the second proctoring (0.87 vs 0.44g/min; P<0.0001 and 4.2 vs 3.37g/min, P=0.038, respectively) so as the prostatic volume (43.5 vs 68.1mL, P=0.0001). Percentage of enucleated tissue was higher in the second group, however, the difference was not significant (69.5% vs 80.4%, P=0.03). Per- and postoperative complications, hospital length of stay, urinary drainage length and functional results at 3 and 6months were not significantly different. The learning curve did not interfere with functional results. The second proctoring was essential to us in order to grasp the technique. These data underlined the necessity of a pedagogic reflexion in order to built a standardized formation technique to the HoLEP. 4. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

A Test of Two Theories in the Initial Process Stage of Coalition Formation.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Flaherty, John F.; Arenson, Sidney J.

1978-01-01

Males and females participated in a coalition formation procedure by interacting with a computer program that simulated a pachisi game situation. Female partner preference data supported a weighted probability model of coalition formation over a bargaining theory. Male partner preference data did not support either theory. (Author)

Integrated visualization of remote sensing data using Google Earth

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Castella, M.; Rigo, T.; Argemi, O.; Bech, J.; Pineda, N.; Vilaclara, E.

2009-09-01

The need for advanced visualization tools for meteorological data has lead in the last years to the development of sophisticated software packages either by observing systems manufacturers or by third-party solution providers. For example, manufacturers of remote sensing systems such as weather radars or lightning detection systems include zoom, product selection, archive access capabilities, as well as quantitative tools for data analysis, as standard features which are highly appreciated in weather surveillance or post-event case study analysis. However, the fact that each manufacturer has its own visualization system and data formats hampers the usability and integration of different data sources. In this context, Google Earth (GE) offers the possibility of combining several graphical information types in a unique visualization system which can be easily accessed by users. The Meteorological Service of Catalonia (SMC) has been evaluating the use of GE as a visualization platform for surveillance tasks in adverse weather events. First experiences are related to the integration in real-time of remote sensing data: radar, lightning, and satellite. The tool shows the animation of the combined products in the last hour, giving a good picture of the meteorological situation. One of the main advantages of this product is that is easy to be installed in many computers and does not need high computational requirements. Besides this, the capability of GE provides information about the most affected areas by heavy rain or other weather phenomena. On the opposite, the main disadvantage is that the product offers only qualitative information, and quantitative data is only available though the graphical display (i.e. trough color scales but not associated to physical values that can be accessed by users easily). The procedure developed to run in real time is divided in three parts. First of all, a crontab file launches different applications, depending on the data type (satellite, radar, or lightning) to be treated. For each type of data, the time of launching is different, and goes from 5 (satellite and lightning) to 6 minutes (radar). The second part is the use of IDL and ENVI programs, which search in each archive file the last images in one hour. In the case of lightning data, the files are generated for the procedure, while for the others the procedure searches for existing imagery. Finally, the procedure generates metadata information required by GE, kml files, and sends them to the internal server. At the same time, in the local computer where GE is running, there exists kml files which update the information referring to the server ones. Another application that has been evaluated is the analysis of past events. In this sense, further work is devoted to develop access procedures to archived data via cgi scripts in order to retrieve and convert the information in a format suitable for GE. The presentation includes examples of the evaluation of the use of GE, and a brief comparison with other existing visualization systems available within the SMC.

Computerized procedures system

DOEpatents

Lipner, Melvin H.; Mundy, Roger A.; Franusich, Michael D.

2010-10-12

An online data driven computerized procedures system that guides an operator through a complex process facility's operating procedures. The system monitors plant data, processes the data and then, based upon this processing, presents the status of the current procedure step and/or substep to the operator. The system supports multiple users and a single procedure definition supports several interface formats that can be tailored to the individual user. Layered security controls access privileges and revisions are version controlled. The procedures run on a server that is platform independent of the user workstations that the server interfaces with and the user interface supports diverse procedural views.

Alternative causes of bioreaction to prosthetic heart valves: three cases with pannus formation.

PubMed

Karakoyun, Süleyman; Gürsoy, Ozan Mustafa; Kalçık, Macit; Coban Kökten, Sermin; Ozkan, Mehmet

2014-01-01

Pannus formation is an infrequent but serious complication of prosthetic heart valve surgery. The cause of pannus is recognized as a bioreaction to the prostheses; histological investigations have shown that pannus comprises collagen and elastic tissues containing endothelial cells, chronic inflammatory cells, and myofibroblasts. However, the detailed mechanism of its formation has not been fully demonstrated. We aimed to evaluate the potential role of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) in the pathogenesis of pannus formation in three patients with mechanical prosthetic heart valves. Pannus specimens removed from the prostheses were fixed in 10% neutral-buffered formalin for 24 hours after surgical removal and paraffin-embedded using standard procedures. Serial sections were cut at 4 µm for immunohistochemistry analysis. Hematoxylin and eosin (HE) was used in the histological analysis. VEGF and MMP-2 were studied in the immunohistochemistry analysis. Three patients with mechanical prosthetic obstruction due to pannus overgrowth underwent redo valve surgery. In the first and second patients, the mitral prosthesis was explanted along with the pannus overgrowth. The third patient had both aortic and mitral prostheses; the aortic prosthesis was explanted with obstructive pannus formation, whereas the mitral valve was spared with excision of the nonobstructive pannus. The immunohistochemical study demonstrated the expressions of MMP-2 and VEGF in all of the pannus specimens acquired from these cases. VEGF and MMP-2 may play a role in the mechanism of pannus formation as the elements of the chronic active inflammatory process.

[The role of autografts in the treatment of complicated incisional hernias].

PubMed

Martis, Gábor; Damjanovich, László

2016-06-01

Complicated incisional hernias (at least one time recurrent and/or multilocular and/or infected synthetic mesh) still represent a significant problem. Presentation of operating techniques desribed so far, as well as publication of a novel procedure and results invented by the authors. Between 01/2011 and 09/2015, 41 patients with recurrent and/or infected incisional hernias with or without entero- and subcutaneous fistulas were operated using the method of the s.c. double-layer autologous tension free dermal flap technique. An accurate follow-up method and a continuous registration of the results was conducted in case of every patient. The body mass index (BMI) and presence of diabetes mellitus (DM) were distinguished factors out of the patients' clinical data. Surgical complications, bulking or laxity, recurrence and the patients' satisfactory index - among other things - were recorded considering the procedure. Patients' clinical data and results: Average age was 59.2 years (13 male / 28 female) in the cohort. 1, 2, 3 times recurrent incisional hernias had 12, 23, 6 patients, respectively. Average BMI was 32,1 kg/m2. 12 patients were treated with type II diabetes. 13 patients had entero- or subcutaneous fistulas and/or infected synthetic meshes at the time of operations. Average follow-up time was 32 months (2-58 months). Seroma formation was registered in 13 cases (31.7%). Fistula formation was registered in one case (2.4%). Bulking formation or laxity was observed in 3 patients (7.3%) and recurrence was noticed in 3 patients (7.3%), 13, 17 and 19 months later in the postoperative period. All the entero- and subcutaneous fistulas developed prior to the last procedure were completely healed. There was no lethal outcome. The method developed by the authors is recommended and suitable for the solution to complicated and/or infected incisional abdominal wall hernias especially in cases of obese (BMI ≥ 25 kg/m(2)) and diabetic, high risk patients. After acquiring the precise operative technique, the method is safe, feasible and it comes along with lower complication and recurrence rate, compared to other applied and well established ones. Further clinical trials need to be conducted in the future in order to be evaluated definetely this procedure.

U.S.-MEXICO BORDER PROGRAM ARIZONA BORDER STUDY--STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURE FOR PREPARATION OF STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURES (SOPS) (UA-G-1.0)

EPA Science Inventory

The purpose of this SOP is to establish a uniform format for the preparation of SOPs. Use of these protocols ensures consistent implementation of project tasks, documents the preparation and implementation of the procedures used, describes quality control measures and the limits...

34 CFR 300.304 - Evaluation procedures.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... Educational Placements Evaluations and Reevaluations § 300.304 Evaluation procedures. (a) Notice. The public... conducting the evaluation, the public agency must— (1) Use a variety of assessment tools and strategies to... evaluation procedures. Each public agency must ensure that— (1) Assessments and other evaluation materials...

Photography in Dermatologic Surgery: Selection of an Appropriate Camera Type for a Particular Clinical Application.

PubMed

Chen, Brian R; Poon, Emily; Alam, Murad

2017-08-01

Photographs are an essential tool for the documentation and sharing of findings in dermatologic surgery, and various camera types are available. To evaluate the currently available camera types in view of the special functional needs of procedural dermatologists. Mobile phone, point and shoot, digital single-lens reflex (DSLR), digital medium format, and 3-dimensional cameras were compared in terms of their usefulness for dermatologic surgeons. For each camera type, the image quality, as well as the other practical benefits and limitations, were evaluated with reference to a set of ideal camera characteristics. Based on these assessments, recommendations were made regarding the specific clinical circumstances in which each camera type would likely be most useful. Mobile photography may be adequate when ease of use, availability, and accessibility are prioritized. Point and shoot cameras and DSLR cameras provide sufficient resolution for a range of clinical circumstances, while providing the added benefit of portability. Digital medium format cameras offer the highest image quality, with accurate color rendition and greater color depth. Three-dimensional imaging may be optimal for the definition of skin contour. The selection of an optimal camera depends on the context in which it will be used.

Retrospective Study on Laser Treatment of Oral Vascular Lesions Using the "Leopard Technique": The Multiple Spot Irradiation Technique with a Single-Pulsed Wave.

PubMed

Miyazaki, Hidetaka; Ohshiro, Takafumi; Romeo, Umberto; Noguchi, Tadahide; Maruoka, Yutaka; Gaimari, Gianfranco; Tomov, Georgi; Wada, Yoshitaka; Tanaka, Kae; Ohshiro, Toshio; Asamura, Shinichi

2018-06-01

This study aimed to retrospectively evaluate the efficacy and safety of laser treatment of oral vascular lesions using the multiple spot irradiation technique with a single-pulsed wave. In laser therapy for vascular lesions, heat accumulation induced by excessive irradiation can cause adverse events postoperatively, including ulcer formation, resultant scarring, and severe pain. To prevent heat accumulation and side effects, we have applied a multiple pulsed spot irradiation technique, the so-called "leopard technique" (LT) to oral vascular lesions. This approach was originally proposed for laser treatment of nevi. It can avoid thermal concentration at the same spot and spare the epithelium, which promotes smooth healing. The goal of the study was to evaluate this procedure and treatment outcomes. The subjects were 46 patients with 47 oral vascular lesions treated with the LT using a Nd:YAG laser (1064 nm), including 24 thick lesions treated using a combination of the LT and intralesional photocoagulation. All treatment outcomes were satisfactory without serious complications such as deep ulcer formation, scarring, bleeding, or severe swelling. Laser therapy with the LT is a promising less-invasive treatment for oral vascular lesions.

Different matrix evaluation for the bone regeneration of rats' femours using time domain optical coherence tomography

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rusu, Laura-Cristina; Negrutiu, Meda Lavinia; Sinescu, Cosmin; Hoinoiu, Bogdan; Zaharia, Cristian; Ardelean, Lavinia; Duma, Virgil-Florin; Podoleanu, Adrian G.

2014-01-01

The osteoconductive materials are important in bone regeneration procedures. Three dimensional (3D) reconstructions were obtained from the analysis. The aim of this study is to investigate the interface between the femur rat bone and the new bone that is obtained using a method of tissue engineering that is based on two artificial matrixes inserted in previously artificially induced defects. For this study, under strict supervision 20 rats were used in conformity with ethical procedures. In all the femurs a round defect was induced by drilling with a 1 mm spherical Co-Cr surgical drill. The matrixes used were IngeniOss (for ten samples) and 4Bone(for the other ten samples). These materials were inserted into the induced defects. The femurs were investigated at 1 month, after the surgical procedures. The interfaces were examined using Time Domain (TD) Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) combined with Confocal Microscopy (CM). The scanning procedure is similar to that used in any CM, where the fast scanning is en-face (line rate) and the scanning in depth is much slower (at the frame rate). The optical configuration uses two single mode directional couplers with a superluminiscent diode as the source centered at 1300 nm. The results showed open interfaces due to the insufficient healing process, as well as closed interfaces due to a new bone formation inside the defect. The conclusion of this study is that TD-OCT can act as a valuable tool in the investigation of the interface between the old bone and the one that has been newly created due to the osteoinductive process. The TD-OCT has proven a valuable tool for the non-invasive evaluation of the matrix bone interfaces.

Advanced communications technology satellite high burst rate link evaluation terminal communication protocol software user's guide, version 1.0

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Reinhart, Richard C.

1993-01-01

The Communication Protocol Software was developed at the NASA Lewis Research Center to support the Advanced Communications Technology Satellite High Burst Rate Link Evaluation Terminal (ACTS HBR-LET). The HBR-LET is an experimenters terminal to communicate with the ACTS for various experiments by government, university, and industry agencies. The Communication Protocol Software is one segment of the Control and Performance Monitor (C&PM) Software system of the HBR-LET. The Communication Protocol Software allows users to control and configure the Intermediate Frequency Switch Matrix (IFSM) on board the ACTS to yield a desired path through the spacecraft payload. Besides IFSM control, the C&PM Software System is also responsible for instrument control during HBR-LET experiments, uplink power control of the HBR-LET to demonstrate power augmentation during signal fade events, and data display. The Communication Protocol Software User's Guide, Version 1.0 (NASA CR-189162) outlines the commands and procedures to install and operate the Communication Protocol Software. Configuration files used to control the IFSM, operator commands, and error recovery procedures are discussed. The Communication Protocol Software Maintenance Manual, Version 1.0 (NASA CR-189163, to be published) is a programmer's guide to the Communication Protocol Software. This manual details the current implementation of the software from a technical perspective. Included is an overview of the Communication Protocol Software, computer algorithms, format representations, and computer hardware configuration. The Communication Protocol Software Test Plan (NASA CR-189164, to be published) provides a step-by-step procedure to verify the operation of the software. Included in the Test Plan is command transmission, telemetry reception, error detection, and error recovery procedures.

Rate-dependent inverse-addition beta-selective mannosylation and contiguous sequential glycosylation involving beta-mannosidic bond formation.

PubMed

Chang, Shih-Sheng; Shih, Che-Hao; Lai, Kwun-Cheng; Mong, Kwok-Kong Tony

2010-05-03

The beta-selectivity of mannosylation has been found to be dependent on the addition rate of the mannosyl trichloroacetimidate donor in an inverse-addition (I-A) procedure. This rate dependent I-A procedure can improve the selectivity of direct beta-mannosylation and is applicable to orthogonal glycosylations of thioglycoside acceptors. Further elaboration of this novel procedure enables the development of the contiguous sequential glycosylation strategy, which streamlines the preparation of oligosaccharides invoking beta-mannosidic bond formation. The synthetic utility of the contiguous glycosylation strategy was demonstrated by the preparation of the trisaccharide core of human N-linked glycoproteins and the trisaccharide repeating unit of the O-specific polysaccharide found in the cellular capsule of Salmonelle bacteria.

Predictive modeling of altitude decompression sickness in humans

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kenyon, D. J.; Hamilton, R. W., Jr.; Colley, I. A.; Schreiner, H. R.

1972-01-01

The coding of data on 2,565 individual human altitude chamber tests is reported as part of a selection procedure designed to eliminate individuals who are highly susceptible to decompression sickness, individual aircrew members were exposed to the pressure equivalent of 37,000 feet and observed for one hour. Many entries refer to subjects who have been tested two or three times. This data contains a substantial body of statistical information important to the understanding of the mechanisms of altitude decompression sickness and for the computation of improved high altitude operating procedures. Appropriate computer formats and encoding procedures were developed and all 2,565 entries have been converted to these formats and stored on magnetic tape. A gas loading file was produced.

Evaluation of Dentin Defect Formation during Retreatment with Hand and Rotary Instruments: A Micro-CT Study.

PubMed

Yilmaz, Ayca; Helvacioglu-Yigit, Dilek; Gur, Cansu; Ersev, Handan; Kiziltas Sendur, Gullu; Avcu, Egemen; Baydemir, Canan; Abbott, Paul Vincent

2017-01-01

The purpose of this study was to compare the incidence and longitudinal propagation of dentin defects after gutta-percha removal with hand and rotary instruments using microcomputed tomography. Twenty mandibular incisors were prepared using the balanced-force technique and scanned in a 19.9  μ m resolution. Following filling with the lateral compaction technique, gutta-percha was removed with ProTaper Universal Retreatment (PTUR) or hand instruments. After rescanning, a total of 24,120 cross-sectional images were analyzed. The numbers, types, and longitudinal length changes of defects were recorded. Defects were observed in 36.90% of the cross sections. A total of 73 defects were comprised of 87.67% craze lines, 2.73% partial cracks, and 9.58% fractures. No significant difference in terms of new defect formation was detected between the retreatment groups. The apical and middle portions of the roots had more dentin defects than the coronal portions. Defects in three roots of the PTUR instrument group increased in length. Under the conditions of this in vitro study, gutta-percha removal seemed to not increase the incidence of dentin defect formation, but the longitudinal defect propagation finding suggests possible cumulative dentinal damage due to additional endodontic procedures. Hand and rotary instrumentation techniques caused similar dentin defect formation during root canal retreatment.

A framework for assessing the uncertainty in wave energy delivery to targeted subsurface formations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Karve, Pranav M.; Kallivokas, Loukas F.; Manuel, Lance

2016-02-01

Stress wave stimulation of geological formations has potential applications in petroleum engineering, hydro-geology, and environmental engineering. The stimulation can be applied using wave sources whose spatio-temporal characteristics are designed to focus the emitted wave energy into the target region. Typically, the design process involves numerical simulations of the underlying wave physics, and assumes a perfect knowledge of the material properties and the overall geometry of the geostructure. In practice, however, precise knowledge of the properties of the geological formations is elusive, and quantification of the reliability of a deterministic approach is crucial for evaluating the technical and economical feasibility of the design. In this article, we discuss a methodology that could be used to quantify the uncertainty in the wave energy delivery. We formulate the wave propagation problem for a two-dimensional, layered, isotropic, elastic solid truncated using hybrid perfectly-matched-layers (PMLs), and containing a target elastic or poroelastic inclusion. We define a wave motion metric to quantify the amount of the delivered wave energy. We, then, treat the material properties of the layers as random variables, and perform a first-order uncertainty analysis of the formation to compute the probabilities of failure to achieve threshold values of the motion metric. We illustrate the uncertainty quantification procedure using synthetic data.

Neurons in the Primate Medial Basal Forebrain Signal Combined Information about Reward Uncertainty, Value, and Punishment Anticipation

PubMed Central

Leopold, David A.; Hikosaka, Okihide

2015-01-01

It has been suggested that the basal forebrain (BF) exerts strong influences on the formation of memory and behavior. However, what information is used for the memory-behavior formation is unclear. We found that a population of neurons in the medial BF (medial septum and diagonal band of Broca) of macaque monkeys encodes a unique combination of information: reward uncertainty, expected reward value, anticipation of punishment, and unexpected reward and punishment. The results were obtained while the monkeys were expecting (often with uncertainty) a rewarding or punishing outcome during a Pavlovian procedure, or unexpectedly received an outcome outside the procedure. In vivo anterograde tracing using manganese-enhanced MRI suggested that the major recipient of these signals is the intermediate hippocampal formation. Based on these findings, we hypothesize that the medial BF identifies various contexts and outcomes that are critical for memory processing in the hippocampal formation. PMID:25972172

Microneedling combined with platelet-rich plasma or trichloroacetic acid peeling for management of acne scarring: A split-face clinical and histologic comparison.

PubMed

El-Domyati, Moetaz; Abdel-Wahab, Hossam; Hossam, Aliaa

2018-02-01

Minimally invasive procedures provide effective, safe, relatively long-lasting, and natural results without large damage to the skin. A combination treatment is considered an approach that includes at least 2 different and unrelated modalities. This study aims to evaluate the use and effectiveness of some combined minimally invasive procedures for management of acne scarring. Twenty-four volunteers with postacne atrophic scars were randomly divided into 3 equal groups according to performed procedure on each side of the face (microneedling by dermaroller alone or combined with platelet-rich plasma [PRP] or trichloroacetic acid [TCA] 15% peeling) and received 6 bi-weekly sessions of treatment. Photography and punch biopsies were taken before and after 3 months of treatment for clinical, histological, and histometrical evaluation. Combined treatment of dermaroller and PRP or dermaroller and TCA 15% showed significant improvement when compared with dermaroller alone (P = .015 and .011 respectively). Epidermal thickness showed statistically significant increase in studied groups, mainly after dermaroller and TCA 15%. Moreover, the 3 studied groups showed more organized collagen bundles and newly formed collagen formation and markedly decreased abnormal elastic fibers. Based on the clinical, histometrical, and histochemical assessment, inspite that most volunteers showed significant improvement after treatment, however, the combined use of dermaroller and TCA 15% was more effective in postacne atrophic scars than the use of dermaroller and PRP or dermaroller only. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

78 FR 56829 - Standard Instrument Approach Procedures, and Takeoff Minimums and Obstacle Departure Procedures...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-09-16

... Minimums and ODP copies may be obtained from: 1. FAA Public Inquiry Center (APA-200), FAA Headquarters..., and the need for a special format make their verbatim publication in the Federal Register expensive...

77 FR 56762 - Standard Instrument Approach Procedures, and Takeoff Minimums and Obstacle Departure Procedures...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-09-14

... Minimums and ODP copies may be obtained from: 1. FAA Public Inquiry Center (APA-200), FAA Headquarters..., and the need for a special format make their verbatim publication in the Federal Register expensive...

Methods and apparatus for measurement of the resistivity of geological formations from within cased boreholes

DOEpatents

Vail, W.B. III.

1989-04-11

Methods and apparatus are disclosed which allow measurement of the resistivity of a geological formation through borehole casing which may be surrounded by brine saturated cement. A.C. current is passed from an electrode in electrical contact with the interior of the borehole casing to an electrode on the surface of the earth. The A.C. voltage difference is measured between two additional vertically disposed electrodes on the interior of the casing which provides a measure of the resistivity of the geological formation. A calibration and nulling procedure is presented which minimizes the influence of variations in the thickness of the casing. The procedure also minimizes the influence of inaccurate placements of the additional vertically disposed electrodes. 3 figs.

Tetrahedron Formation Control

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Petruzzo, Charles; Guzman, Jose

2004-01-01

This paper considers the preliminary development of a general optimization procedure for tetrahedron formation control. The maneuvers are assumed to be impulsive and a multi-stage optimization method is employed. The stages include (1) targeting to a fixed tetrahedron location and orientation, and (2) rotating and translating the tetrahedron. The number of impulsive maneuvers can also be varied. As the impulse locations and times change, new arcs are computed using a differential corrections scheme that varies the impulse magnitudes and directions. The result is a continuous trajectory with velocity discontinuities. The velocity discontinuities are then used to formulate the cost function. Direct optimization techniques are employed. The procedure is applied to the NASA Goddard Magnetospheric Multi-Scale (MMS) mission to compute preliminary formation control fuel requirements.

Methods and apparatus for measurement of the resistivity of geological formations from within cased boreholes

DOEpatents

Vail, III, William B.

1989-01-01

Methods and apparatus are disclosed which allow measurement of the resistivity of a geological formation through borehole casing which may be surrounded by brine saturated cement. A.C. current is passed from an electrode in electrical contact with the interior of the borehole casing to an electrode on the surface of the earth. The A.C. voltage difference is measured between two additional vertically disposed electrodes on the interior of the casing which provides a measure of the resistivity of the geological formation. A calibration and nulling procedure is presented which minimizes the influence of variations in the thickness of the casing. The procedure also minimizes the influence of inaccurate placements of the additional vertically disposed electrodes.

Maxillary distraction osteogenesis in cleft lip and palate cases with midface hypoplasia using rigid external distractor: an alternative technique.

PubMed

Dua, Gaurav; Navin Kumar, Andrews; Roy, Indranil Deb; Roy, Supriyo Kumar

2014-05-01

Patients with operated cleft lip and palate present with a problem of midface hypoplasia, and such patients have been traditionally treated with orthognathic surgery. Such a procedure has its own limitations of relapse and hence a newer modality of distraction osteogenesis with histiogenesis can be chosen to overcome such limitations for midfacial advancement. The purpose of this study is to evaluate an alternative technique and its postoperative stability in maxillary distraction osteogenesis in patients of cleft lip and cleft palate using a rigid external device (RED). Nine patients with midface bone stock deficiency were selected for maxillary advancement. At the first surgery under general anesthesia, after Le Fort I osteotomy, RED system was used with the alternative technique. After distraction, evaluation was done for ease of the procedure, stability, and complications. Lateral cephalograms were evaluated at 3 stages: T1, pre-distraction; T2, post-distraction; and T3, 1 year post-distraction. A mean 13.4-mm midface advancement was shown with bone formation at the pterygomaxillary region without losing the vector and having a standby mode in case the wire broke during distraction The results were stable even at 1 year of follow-up. Maxillary position improved in relation to the cranial base. This study showed that the RED was versatile in midface advancement.

User's manual for the Shuttle Electric Power System analysis computer program (SEPS), volume 2 of program documentation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bains, R. W.; Herwig, H. A.; Luedeman, J. K.; Torina, E. M.

1974-01-01

The Shuttle Electric Power System Analysis SEPS computer program which performs detailed load analysis including predicting energy demands and consumables requirements of the shuttle electric power system along with parameteric and special case studies on the shuttle electric power system is described. The functional flow diagram of the SEPS program is presented along with data base requirements and formats, procedure and activity definitions, and mission timeline input formats. Distribution circuit input and fixed data requirements are included. Run procedures and deck setups are described.

Exploring Flow Procedures for Diazonium Formation.

PubMed

Hu, Te; Baxendale, Ian R; Baumann, Marcus

2016-07-14

The synthesis of diazonium salts is historically an important transformation extensively utilized in dye manufacture. However the highly reactive nature of the diazonium functionality has additionally led to the development of many new reactions including several carbon-carbon bond forming processes. It is therefore highly desirable to determine optimum conditions for the formation of diazonium compounds utilizing the latest processing tools such as flow chemistry to take advantage of the increased safety and continuous manufacturing capabilities. Herein we report a series of flow-based procedures to prepare diazonium salts for subsequent in-situ consumption.

76 FR 31887 - Procedures by Which the Agricultural Marketing Service Develops, Revises, Suspends, or Terminates...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-06-02

... format consistent with recent revisions of other U.S. grade standards. This format has been designed to...''. These changes would provide a uniform format consistent with recent revisions of other U.S. grade standards. The term, ``Hard, woody okra material'' would be added to the standards. These terms and...

Toward Best Practice in Evaluation: A Study of Australian Health Promotion Agencies.

PubMed

Francis, Louise J; Smith, Ben J

2015-09-01

Evaluation makes a critical contribution to the evidence base for health promotion programs and policy. Because there has been limited research about the characteristics and determinants of evaluation practice in this field, this study audited evaluations completed by health promotion agencies in Victoria, Australia, and explored the factors that enabled or hindered evaluation performance. Twenty-four agencies participated. A systematic assessment of 29 recent evaluation reports was undertaken, and in-depth interviews were carried out with 18 experienced practitioners. There was wide variability in the scope of evaluations and the level of reporting undertaken. Formative evaluation was uncommon, but almost all included process evaluation, especially of strategy reach and delivery. Impact evaluation was attempted in the majority of cases, but the designs and measures used were often not specified. Practitioners strongly endorsed the importance of evaluation, but the reporting requirements and inconsistent administrative procedures of the funding body were cited as significant barriers. Budget constraints, employment of untrained coworkers, and lack of access to measurement tools were other major barriers to evaluation. Capacity building to strengthen evaluation needs to encompass system, organizational, and practitioner-level action. This includes strengthening funding and reporting arrangements, fostering partnerships, and tailoring workforce development opportunities for practitioners. © 2015 Society for Public Health Education.

The Effect of Alendronate on Various Graft Materials Used in Maxillary Sinus Augmentation: A Rabbit Study.

PubMed

Ayranci, Ferhat; Gungormus, Metin; Omezli, Mehmet Melih; Gundogdu, Betul

2015-12-01

Increasing sinus pneumatization and the accompanying alveolar bone resorption complicate dental implant placement. This problem can be overcome today by raising the maxillary sinus floor with graft materials. Bisphosphonates are commonly used to accelerate the recovery of the graft materials and to prevent resorption. The purpose of this study is to investigate whether systemic administration of a bisphosphonate (alendronate) would improve new bone formation and reduce fibrous tissue formation over a 6-week follow-up in rabbits treated with two different grafting materials for maxillary sinus floor augmentation. This experimental animal study was conducted at the Experimental Medical Application and Research Center at Erzurum/ Turkey. Twelve New Zealand rabbits, each weighing between 2.7 and 3.3 kg, were used. Twenty-four maxillary sinus floor elevation operations were performed, two on each animal (n = 24). Each elevation was repaired with either deproteinized bovine bone (xenograft) or autogenous bone graft obtained from the iliac crest. Both groups were divided into 2 subgroups: saline-treated and alendronate-treated. All groups underwent the same surgical procedures and evaluation, and were sacrificed at the 6th postoperative week. Sinuses augmented with deproteinized bovine bone (xenograft) and autogenous bone graft were examined histopathologically and histomorphometrically. At 6 weeks, the bone area was significantly larger in the Xenograft-Alendronate group (33.0% ± 5.0%) than in the Xenograft-Saline group (20.8% ± 4.9%) and the bone area was significantly larger in the Autogenous-Alendronate group (43.3% ± 3.8%) than in the Autogenous-Saline group (37.5% ± 6.6%) (P = 0.001). The histomorphometric and histopathological results consistently showed that alendronate stimulated bone formation and reduced fibrous tissue formation in maxillary sinus augmentation grafts, especially in the deproteinized bovine bone group (xenograft). Alendronate may be considered a therapeutic option for improving the bone formation process and reducing resorption in different bone grafting procedures. Further detailed studies should focus on dosage and time-dependent effects of alendronate on bone remodeling.

The Effect of Alendronate on Various Graft Materials Used in Maxillary Sinus Augmentation: A Rabbit Study

PubMed Central

Ayranci, Ferhat; Gungormus, Metin; Omezli, Mehmet Melih; Gundogdu, Betul

2015-01-01

Background: Increasing sinus pneumatization and the accompanying alveolar bone resorption complicate dental implant placement. This problem can be overcome today by raising the maxillary sinus floor with graft materials. Bisphosphonates are commonly used to accelerate the recovery of the graft materials and to prevent resorption. Objectives: The purpose of this study is to investigate whether systemic administration of a bisphosphonate (alendronate) would improve new bone formation and reduce fibrous tissue formation over a 6-week follow-up in rabbits treated with two different grafting materials for maxillary sinus floor augmentation. Materials and Methods: This experimental animal study was conducted at the Experimental Medical Application and Research Center at Erzurum/ Turkey. Twelve New Zealand rabbits, each weighing between 2.7 and 3.3 kg, were used. Twenty-four maxillary sinus floor elevation operations were performed, two on each animal (n = 24). Each elevation was repaired with either deproteinized bovine bone (xenograft) or autogenous bone graft obtained from the iliac crest. Both groups were divided into 2 subgroups: saline-treated and alendronate-treated. All groups underwent the same surgical procedures and evaluation, and were sacrificed at the 6th postoperative week. Sinuses augmented with deproteinized bovine bone (xenograft) and autogenous bone graft were examined histopathologically and histomorphometrically. Results: At 6 weeks, the bone area was significantly larger in the Xenograft-Alendronate group (33.0% ± 5.0%) than in the Xenograft-Saline group (20.8% ± 4.9%) and the bone area was significantly larger in the Autogenous-Alendronate group (43.3% ± 3.8%) than in the Autogenous-Saline group (37.5% ± 6.6%) (P = 0.001). The histomorphometric and histopathological results consistently showed that alendronate stimulated bone formation and reduced fibrous tissue formation in maxillary sinus augmentation grafts, especially in the deproteinized bovine bone group (xenograft). Conclusions: Alendronate may be considered a therapeutic option for improving the bone formation process and reducing resorption in different bone grafting procedures. Further detailed studies should focus on dosage and time-dependent effects of alendronate on bone remodeling. PMID:26756022

Automation of Command and Data Entry in a Glovebox Work Volume: An Evaluation of Data Entry Devices

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Steele, Marianne K.; Nakamura, Gail; Havens, Cindy; LeMay, Moira

1996-01-01

The present study was designed to examine the human-computer interface for data entry while performing experimental procedures within a glovebox work volume in order to make a recommendation to the Space Station Biological Research Project for a data entry system to be used within the Life Sciences Glovebox. Test subjects entered data using either a manual keypad, similar to a standard computer numerical keypad located within the glovebox work volume, or a voice input system using a speech recognition program with a microphone headset. Numerical input and commands were programmed in an identical manner between the two systems. With both electronic systems, a small trackball was available within the work volume for cursor control. Data, such as sample vial identification numbers, sample tissue weights, and health check parameters of the specimen, were entered directly into procedures that were electronically displayed on a video monitor within the glovebox. A pen and paper system with a 'flip-chart' format for procedure display, similar to that currently in use on the Space Shuttle, was used as a baseline data entry condition. Procedures were performed by a single operator; eight test subjects were used in the study. The electronic systems were tested under both a 'nominal' or 'anomalous' condition. The anomalous condition was introduced into the experimental procedure to increase the probability of finding limitations or problems with human interactions with the electronic systems. Each subject performed five test runs during a test day: two procedures each with voice and keypad, one with and one without anomalies, and one pen and paper procedure. The data collected were both quantitative (times, errors) and qualitative (subjective ratings of the subjects).

Is retrograde drilling really useful for osteochondral lesion of talus with subchondral cyst?: A case report.

PubMed

Jeong, Seong-Yup; Kim, Jong-Kil; Lee, Kwang-Bok

2016-12-01

Retrograde drilling is a well accepted procedure for osteochondral lesion of the talus and subchondral cyst with intact overlying cartilage. It has good results in most reports. Compared to anterograde drilling, retrograde drilling can protect the integrity of the articular cartilage. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the suitability of using retrograde drilling for osteochondral lesion with subchondral cyst and discuss the mechanism involved in the development of subchondral cyst. We report a 53-year-old man who had complained left ankle pain that lasted over 6 months which was exacerbated by walking. We diagnosed it as osteochondral lesion of the talus with subchondral cyst. Plain X-ray, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the ankle. He undertook retrograde drilling without debridement of cartilage. After the surgery, the pain had been subsided for 1 year, although arthritic change had progressed. However, after 5 years of retrograde drilling, he revisited our hospital due to severe ankle pain. Plain X-ray and MRI showed arthritic change of the ankle and multiple cystic formation of talus. Retrograde drilling has some problem because this procedure is not theoretically correct when the development of a subchondral cyst in osteochondral lesion of the talus is considered. In addition, retrograde drilling may impair uninjured bone marrow of the talus, resulting in the development of multiple cystic formations.

Massive pulmonary embolism caused by internal iliac vein thrombosis with free-floating thrombus formation in the inferior vena cava.

PubMed

Brodmann, Marianne; Gary, Thomas; Hafner, Franz; Tiesenhausen, Kurt; Deutschmann, Hannes; Pilger, Enrst

2012-04-01

Nowadays, compression ultrasonography (CUS) is the gold standard for the routine diagnosis of deep venous thrombosis (DVT). The drawback of CUS is the low sensitivity concerning the diagnosis of isolated pelvic vein thrombosis, especially referring to isolated internal iliac vein and ovarian vein thromboses. Therefore, magnetic resonance (MR) venography has become a valuable alternative. We present the case of a 45-year-old female patient with a massive pulmonary embolism with the indication for thrombolytic therapy due to severe right ventricular overload. We were not able to detect a DVT in the lower limbs of this patient with CUS. However, further DVT workup by MR venography showed a free-floating thrombus formation originating from the right internal iliac veins into the inferior vena cava. Owing to the fact that this thrombus was free floating, surgical removal of the thrombus was scheduled and performed successfully. In some patients it might be important to look for so-called rare causes of pulmonary embolism, even when CUS of the lower limbs does not reveal any DVTs. The diagnostic procedure of choice for these patients seems to be MR phlebography, as iliac and pelvic veins can be evaluated without radiation exposure with this procedure. Copyright © 2012 Annals of Vascular Surgery Inc. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

The crystalline sponge method: MOF terminal ligand effects† †Electronic supplementary information (ESI) available: Experimental and crystallographic procedures, and data tables. CCDC 1063685 and 1063686. For ESI and crystallographic data in CIF or other electronic format see DOI: 10.1039/c5cc03840e Click here for additional data file. Click here for additional data file.

PubMed Central

Ramadhar, Timothy R.; Zheng, Shao-Liang; Chen, Yu-Sheng

2015-01-01

Bromide and chloride analogs of the commonly used zinc iodide-based metal organic framework for the crystalline sponge method were synthesized and evaluated. Inclusion of (1R)-(–)-menthyl acetate into these MOFs was analysed using third-generation synchrotron radiation, and the effects and potential benefits of varying the MOF terminal ligand are discussed. PMID:26081991

The US Nuclear Data Network

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

Not Available

1993-10-19

This report discusses the following topics: US Nuclear Data Network Meeting; TUNL A=3--20 Data Project Activity Report 1993; INEL Mass-chain Evaluation Project Activity Report for 1993; 1993 Isotopes; Nuclear Data Project Activity Report; The NNDC Activity Report Parts A and B; Minutes of the Formats and Procedures Subcommittee; Evaluation of High-spin Nuclear Data for ENSDF and Table of Superdeformed Nuclear Bands; Proposal for Support of a Experimental High-spin; Data File/Data-Network Coordinator; Radioactive Decay and Applications; A Plan for a Horizontal Evaluation of Decay Data; ENSDF On-line System; The MacNuclide Project Expanding the Scope of the Nuclear Structure Reference File; ENSDAT:more » Evaluated Nuclear Structure Drawings and Tables; Cross Section Evaluation Working Group (CSEWG) and CSEWG Strategy Session; A Draft Proposal for a USNDN Program Advisory Council; Recommendations of Focus Group 1; Recommendations of Focus Group 2; Recommendations of Focus Group 3; Recommendations of Focus Group 4; The Table of Isotopes; The Isotopes CD-ROM; Electronic Table of Isotopes (ETOI); and Electronic Access to Nuclear Data.« less

Empowerment evaluation of a Swedish gender equity plan

PubMed Central

Gavriilidis, Georgios; Gavriilidou, Nivetha Natarajan; Pettersson, Erika; Renhammar, Eva; Balkfors, Anna; Östergren, Per-Olof

2014-01-01

Background Empowerment is essential for gender equity and health. The city of Malmö, Sweden, has formulated a development plan for gender equity integration (GEIDP). A ‘Policy Empowerment Index’ (PEI) was previously developed to assess the empowerment potential of policies. Objectives To pilot-evaluate the GEIDP’s potential for empowerment and to test the PEI for future policy evaluations. Design The GEIDP was analyzed and scored according to electronically retrieved evidence on constituent opinion, participation, capacity development, evaluation–adaptation, and impact. Results The plan’s PEI score was 64% (CI: 48–78) and was classified as ‘enabling’, ranging between ‘enabling’ and ‘supportive’. The plan’s strengths were: 1) constituent knowledge and concern; 2) peripheral implementation; 3) protection of vulnerable groups; and 4) evaluation/adaptation procedures. It scored average on: 1) policy agenda setting; 2) planning; 3) provisions for education; 4) network formation; 5) resource mobilization. The weakest point was regarding promotion of employment and entrepreneurship. Conclusions The PEI evaluation highlighted the plan’s potential of constituency empowerment and proposed how it could be augmented. PMID:24993349

77 FR 37799 - Standard Instrument Approach Procedures, and Takeoff Minimums and Obstacle Departure Procedures...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-06-25

..., individual SIAP and Takeoff Minimums and ODP copies may be obtained from: 1. FAA Public Inquiry Center (APA... number of SIAPs, their complex nature, and the need for a special format make their verbatim publication...

77 FR 5694 - Standard Instrument Approach Procedures, and Takeoff Minimums and Obstacle Departure Procedures...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-02-06

... Minimums and ODP copies may be obtained from: 1. FAA Public Inquiry Center (APA-200), FAA Headquarters..., their complex nature, and the need for a special format make their verbatim publication in the Federal...

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

Bhatia, Shivank S., E-mail: sbhatia1@med.miami.edu; Spector, Seth, E-mail: sspector@med.miami.edu; Echenique, Ana, E-mail: aechenique@med.miami.edu

PurposeThe purpose of this study was to evaluate need for antibiotic prophylaxis for radiofrequency ablation (RFA) of liver tumors in patients with no significant co-existing risk factors for infection.Materials and MethodsFrom January 2004 to September 2013, 83 patients underwent 123 percutaneous RFA procedures for total of 152 hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) lesions. None of the patients had pre-existing biliary enteric anastomosis (BEA) or any biliary tract abnormality predisposing to ascending biliary infection or uncontrolled diabetes mellitus. No pre- or post-procedure antibiotic prophylaxis was provided for 121 procedures. Data for potential risk factors were reviewed retrospectively and analyzed for the frequency ofmore » infectious complications, including abscess formation.ResultsOne patient (1/121 (0.8 %) RFA sessions) developed a large segment 5 liver abscess/infected biloma communicating with the gallbladder 7 weeks after the procedure, successfully treated over 10 weeks with IV and PO antibiotic therapy and percutaneous catheter drainage. This patient did not receive any antibiotics prior to RFA. During the procedure, there was inadvertent placement of RFA probe tines into the gallbladder. No other infectious complications were documented.ConclusionThese data suggest that the routine use of prophylactic antibiotics for liver RFA is not necessary in majority of the patients undergoing liver ablation for HCC and could be limited to patients with high-risk factors such as the presence of BEA or other biliary abnormalities, uncontrolled diabetes mellitus, and large centrally located tumors in close proximity to central bile ducts. Larger randomized studies are needed to confirm this hypothesis.« less

Results of a Two-stage Technique for Treatment of Proximal Hypospadias with Severe Curvature: Creation of a Urethral Plate Using a Vascularized Preputial Island Flap.

PubMed

Ozcan, Rahsan; Emre, Senol; Kendigelen, Pinar; Elicevik, Mehmet; Emir, Haluk; Soylet, Yunus; Buyukunal, S N Cenk

2016-04-16

To present the results of a two-stage technique used for the treatment of proximal hypospadias with severe curvature. The medical records of children with proximal hypospadias and severe curvature were retrospectively analyzed. A 2-stage procedure was performed in 30 children. In the first stage, the release of chordee was performed, and a well-vascularized preputial island flap was created. The vascularized island flap was brought anteriorly and sutured over the ventral surface of the glans and degloved penile shaft. The second stage was performed 6-8 months later. A neourethra was reconstructed by the tubularization of the preputial-urethral plate utilizing the principles of Duplay technique. All surgical procedures were performed between 2005 and 2011. The mean age of the patients was 4.4 years (1-17 years). The mean duration of urethral catheterization was 6 days after the first stage and 10 days following the second stage. The flaps were viable in all of the children. There was no residual chordee. Following the second stage (n = 30), complications developed in 11 children (36%), namely, a fistula in 7, a pinpoint fistula in 3, and a diverticulum formation in 1. The cosmetic outcome was satisfactory. Uroflowmetry measurements were evaluated, and only one patient had a diverticulum formation at the late follow-up. Vascularized preputial island flap is an alternative to free grafts for the reconstruction of the urethra. The main advantage of this flap technique is the creation of a thick, healthy and well-vascularized urethral plate. The advantages of this technique include better aesthetic appearance, an acceptable complication rate, and a very low rate of diverticula formation.

Assessing the extent, stability, purity and properties of silanised detonation nanodiamond

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Duffy, Emer; Mitev, Dimitar P.; Thickett, Stuart C.; Townsend, Ashley T.; Paull, Brett; Nesterenko, Pavel N.

2015-12-01

The functionalisation of nanodiamond is a key step in furthering its application in areas such as surface coatings, drug delivery, bio imaging and other biomedical avenues. Accordingly, analytical methods for the detailed characterisation of functionalised nano-material are of great importance. This work presents an alternative approach for the elemental analysis of zero-dimensional nanocarbons, specifically detonation nanodiamond (DND) following purification and functionalisation procedures. There is a particular emphasis on the presence of silicon, both for the purified DND and after its functionalisation with silanes. Five different silylation procedures for purified DND were explored and assessed quantitatively using inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) for analysis of dilute suspensions. A maximum Si loading of 29,300 μg g-1 on the DND was achieved through a combination of silylating reagents. The presence of 28 other elements in the DND materials was also quantified by ICP-MS. The characterisation of Si-bond formation was supported by FTIR and XPS evaluation of relevant functional groups. The thermal stability of the silylated DND was examined by thermogravimetric analysis. Improved particle size distribution and dispersion stability resulted from the silylation procedure, as confirmed by dynamic light scattering and capillary zone electrophoresis.

Reliability analysis applied to structural tests

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Diamond, P.; Payne, A. O.

1972-01-01

The application of reliability theory to predict, from structural fatigue test data, the risk of failure of a structure under service conditions because its load-carrying capability is progressively reduced by the extension of a fatigue crack, is considered. The procedure is applicable to both safe-life and fail-safe structures and, for a prescribed safety level, it will enable an inspection procedure to be planned or, if inspection is not feasible, it will evaluate the life to replacement. The theory has been further developed to cope with the case of structures with initial cracks, such as can occur in modern high-strength materials which are susceptible to the formation of small flaws during the production process. The method has been applied to a structure of high-strength steel and the results are compared with those obtained by the current life estimation procedures. This has shown that the conventional methods can be unconservative in certain cases, depending on the characteristics of the structure and the design operating conditions. The suitability of the probabilistic approach to the interpretation of the results from full-scale fatigue testing of aircraft structures is discussed and the assumptions involved are examined.

Post-operative ventricular flow dynamics following atrioventricular valve surgical and device therapies: A review.

PubMed

Nguyen, Yen Ngoc; Ismail, Munirah; Kabinejadian, Foad; Tay, Edgar Lik Wui; Leo, Hwa Liang

2018-04-01

Intra-ventricular flow dynamics has recently emerged as an important evaluation and diagnosis tool in different cardiovascular conditions. The formation of vortex pattern during the cardiac cycle has been suggested to play important epigenetic and energy-modulation roles in cardiac remodelling, adaptations and mal-adaptations. In this new perspective, flow alterations due to different cardiovascular procedures can affect the long-term outcome of those procedures. Especially, repairs and replacements performed on atrioventricular valves are likely to exert direct impact on intra-ventricular flow pattern. In this review, current consensus around the roles of vortex dynamics in cardiac function is discussed. An overview of physiological vortex patterns found in healthy left and right ventricles as well as post-operative ventricular flow phenomenon owing to different atrioventricular valvular procedures are reviewed, followed by the summary of different vortex identification schemes used to characterise intraventricular flow. This paper also emphasises on future research directions towards a comprehensive understanding of intra-cardiac flow and its clinical relevance. The knowledge could encourage more effective pre-operative planning and better outcomes for current clinical practices. Copyright © 2018. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

SR-XFA of uranium-containing materials. A case of Bazhenov formation rocks exploration

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Phedorin, M. A.; Bobrov, V. A.; Tchebykin, Ye. P.; Melgunov, M. S.

2000-06-01

When an X-ray fluorescent analysis (XFA) is carried out, errors are possible because fluorescent K-lines of "light" elements and L-lines of some "dark" elements can overlap in energy domain. With certain contents of these elements and insufficient resolution of the spectrometer, this leads to considerable errors of determination. An example is the overlapping of a large number of uranium (U) L-lines and Rb, Nb, Mo K-lines. In this paper a procedure is suggested to correct such overlapping. It was tested on uranium-containing rock samples. These samples represent the oil-producing Bazhenov rock formation, which is characterized by organic matter accumulated in abundance and accompanied by "organophile" elements, including U. The procedure is based on scanning the energy of initial exciting X-radiation. This may be regarded advisable only in the XFA versions that use synchrotron radiation — SR-XFA. As a result of this investigation, geochemical characteristics of the Bazhenov formation rocks are demonstrated and the efficiency of energy scanning procedure in determining both Rb, Nb, Mo and U contents is revealed (using comparison with other methods). The energy scanning procedure also works in the presence of L-lines of some other dark elements (Pb, Th, etc.) in the energy domain of K-lines of As-Mo.

34 CFR 300.304 - Evaluation procedures.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... Placements Evaluations and Reevaluations § 300.304 Evaluation procedures. (a) Notice. The public agency must... evaluation, the public agency must— (1) Use a variety of assessment tools and strategies to gather relevant... procedures. Each public agency must ensure that— (1) Assessments and other evaluation materials used to...

Formative and Summative Evaluation: Related Issues in Performance Measurement.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Wholey, Joseph S.

1996-01-01

Performance measurement can serve both formative and summative evaluation functions. Formative evaluation is typically more useful for government purposes whereas performance measurement is more useful than one-shot evaluations of either formative or summative nature. Evaluators should study performance measurement through case studies and…

Cost analysis for computer supported multiple-choice paper examinations

PubMed Central

Mandel, Alexander; Hörnlein, Alexander; Ifland, Marianus; Lüneburg, Edeltraud; Deckert, Jürgen; Puppe, Frank

2011-01-01

Introduction: Multiple-choice-examinations are still fundamental for assessment in medical degree programs. In addition to content related research, the optimization of the technical procedure is an important question. Medical examiners face three options: paper-based examinations with or without computer support or completely electronic examinations. Critical aspects are the effort for formatting, the logistic effort during the actual examination, quality, promptness and effort of the correction, the time for making the documents available for inspection by the students, and the statistical analysis of the examination results. Methods: Since three semesters a computer program for input and formatting of MC-questions in medical and other paper-based examinations is used and continuously improved at Wuerzburg University. In the winter semester (WS) 2009/10 eleven, in the summer semester (SS) 2010 twelve and in WS 2010/11 thirteen medical examinations were accomplished with the program and automatically evaluated. For the last two semesters the remaining manual workload was recorded. Results: The cost of the formatting and the subsequent analysis including adjustments of the analysis of an average examination with about 140 participants and about 35 questions was 5-7 hours for exams without complications in the winter semester 2009/2010, about 2 hours in SS 2010 and about 1.5 hours in the winter semester 2010/11. Including exams with complications, the average time was about 3 hours per exam in SS 2010 and 2.67 hours for the WS 10/11. Discussion: For conventional multiple-choice exams the computer-based formatting and evaluation of paper-based exams offers a significant time reduction for lecturers in comparison with the manual correction of paper-based exams and compared to purely electronically conducted exams it needs a much simpler technological infrastructure and fewer staff during the exam. PMID:22205913

Cost analysis for computer supported multiple-choice paper examinations.

PubMed

Mandel, Alexander; Hörnlein, Alexander; Ifland, Marianus; Lüneburg, Edeltraud; Deckert, Jürgen; Puppe, Frank

2011-01-01

Multiple-choice-examinations are still fundamental for assessment in medical degree programs. In addition to content related research, the optimization of the technical procedure is an important question. Medical examiners face three options: paper-based examinations with or without computer support or completely electronic examinations. Critical aspects are the effort for formatting, the logistic effort during the actual examination, quality, promptness and effort of the correction, the time for making the documents available for inspection by the students, and the statistical analysis of the examination results. Since three semesters a computer program for input and formatting of MC-questions in medical and other paper-based examinations is used and continuously improved at Wuerzburg University. In the winter semester (WS) 2009/10 eleven, in the summer semester (SS) 2010 twelve and in WS 2010/11 thirteen medical examinations were accomplished with the program and automatically evaluated. For the last two semesters the remaining manual workload was recorded. The cost of the formatting and the subsequent analysis including adjustments of the analysis of an average examination with about 140 participants and about 35 questions was 5-7 hours for exams without complications in the winter semester 2009/2010, about 2 hours in SS 2010 and about 1.5 hours in the winter semester 2010/11. Including exams with complications, the average time was about 3 hours per exam in SS 2010 and 2.67 hours for the WS 10/11. For conventional multiple-choice exams the computer-based formatting and evaluation of paper-based exams offers a significant time reduction for lecturers in comparison with the manual correction of paper-based exams and compared to purely electronically conducted exams it needs a much simpler technological infrastructure and fewer staff during the exam.

Hematoma formation during breast core needle biopsy in women taking antithrombotic therapy.

PubMed

Chetlen, Alison L; Kasales, Claudia; Mack, Julie; Schetter, Susann; Zhu, Junjia

2013-07-01

The purpose of this study was to compare hematoma formation after breast core needle biopsy performed on patients undergoing and those not undergoing concurrent antithrombotic therapy. A prospective assessment of core needle biopsies (stereotactic, ultrasound guided, or MRI guided) performed on patients enrolled between September 2011 and July 2012 formed the basis of this study. Postprocedure mediolateral and craniocaudal mammograms were evaluated for the presence and size of hematomas. Patients were clinically evaluated for complications 24-48 hours after the procedure through telephone call or face-to-face consultation. Needle size, type of biopsy, and presence of hematoma and documented complications were correlated with use of antithrombotic agents (including aspirin, warfarin, clopidogrel, and daily nonsteroidal antiinflammatory medications). No clinically significant hematomas or bleeding complications were found. Eighty-nine of 617 (14.4%) non-clinically significant hematomas were detected on postprocedure mammograms. The probability of development of a non-clinically significant hematoma was 21.6% for patients taking antithrombotics and 13.0% for those not taking antithrombotics. Concurrent antithrombotic therapy and larger needle gauge were significant factors contributing to the probability of hematoma formation. The volume of the hematoma was not related to needle gauge or presence of antithrombotic therapy. No clinically significant hematomas were found. Because there are potential life-threatening risks to stopping antithrombotic therapy before breast biopsy, withholding antithrombotic therapy for core needle breast biopsy is not recommended because the incidence of non-clinically significant hematoma is low.

12 CFR 792.13 - Can I get the records in different forms or formats?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-01-01

... FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT AND PRIVACY ACT, AND BY SUBPOENA; SECURITY PROCEDURES FOR CLASSIFIED... computer disk, if the record is readily reproducible by us in that form or format, but we will not provide...

12 CFR 792.13 - Can I get the records in different forms or formats?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-01-01

... FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT AND PRIVACY ACT, AND BY SUBPOENA; SECURITY PROCEDURES FOR CLASSIFIED... computer disk, if the record is readily reproducible by us in that form or format, but we will not provide...

12 CFR 792.13 - Can I get the records in different forms or formats?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT AND PRIVACY ACT, AND BY SUBPOENA; SECURITY PROCEDURES FOR CLASSIFIED... computer disk, if the record is readily reproducible by us in that form or format, but we will not provide...

12 CFR 792.13 - Can I get the records in different forms or formats?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-01-01

... FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT AND PRIVACY ACT, AND BY SUBPOENA; SECURITY PROCEDURES FOR CLASSIFIED... computer disk, if the record is readily reproducible by us in that form or format, but we will not provide...

12 CFR 792.13 - Can I get the records in different forms or formats?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT AND PRIVACY ACT, AND BY SUBPOENA; SECURITY PROCEDURES FOR CLASSIFIED... computer disk, if the record is readily reproducible by us in that form or format, but we will not provide...

Analysis of Slug Tests in Formations of High Hydraulic Conductivity

USGS Publications Warehouse

Butler, J.J.; Garnett, E.J.; Healey, J.M.

2003-01-01

A new procedure is presented for the analysis of slug tests performed in partially penetrating wells in formations of high hydraulic conductivity. This approach is a simple, spreadsheet-based implementation of existing models that can be used for analysis of tests from confined or unconfined aquifers. Field examples of tests exhibiting oscillatory and nonoscillatory behavior are used to illustrate the procedure and to compare results with estimates obtained using alternative approaches. The procedure is considerably simpler than recently proposed methods for this hydrogeologic setting. Although the simplifications required by the approach can introduce error into hydraulic-conductivity estimates, this additional error becomes negligible when appropriate measures are taken in the field. These measures are summarized in a set of practical field guidelines for slug tests in highly permeable aquifers.

Analysis of slug tests in formations of high hydraulic conductivity.

PubMed

Butler, James J; Garnett, Elizabeth J; Healey, John M

2003-01-01

A new procedure is presented for the analysis of slug tests performed in partially penetrating wells in formations of high hydraulic conductivity. This approach is a simple, spreadsheet-based implementation of existing models that can be used for analysis of tests from confined or unconfined aquifers. Field examples of tests exhibiting oscillatory and nonoscillatory behavior are used to illustrate the procedure and to compare results with estimates obtained using alternative approaches. The procedure is considerably simpler than recently proposed methods for this hydrogeologic setting. Although the simplifications required by the approach can introduce error into hydraulic-conductivity estimates, this additional error becomes negligible when appropriate measures are taken in the field. These measures are summarized in a set of practical field guidelines for slug tests in highly permeable aquifers.

Estimating procedure for major highway construction bid item cost : final report.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1978-06-01

The present procedure for estimating construction bid item cost makes use of the quarterly weighted average unit price report coupled with engineering judgement. The limitation to this method is that this report format provides only the lowest bid da...

76 FR 52237 - Standard Instrument Approach Procedures, and Takeoff Minimums and Obstacle Departure Procedures...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-08-22

... SIAPs, their complex nature, and the need for a special format make their verbatim publication in the... Publication AIRAC Date State City Airport FDC No. FDC Date Subject 22-Sep-11 MN RED WING RED WING RGNL...

An analytic survey of signing inventory procedures in Virginia.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1972-01-01

An analytic survey was made of the highway signing and sign-maintenance inventory systems in each of the districts of the Virginia Department of Highways. Of particular concern in reviewing the procedures was the format of the inventory forms, the ap...

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.

Development of use of an Operational Procedure Information System (OPIS) for future space missions

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Illmer, N.; Mies, L.; Schoen, A.; Jain, A.

1994-01-01

A MS-Windows based electronic procedure system, called OPIS (Operational Procedure Information System), was developed. The system consists of two parts, the editor, for 'writing' the procedure and the notepad application, for the usage of the procedures by the crew during training and flight. The system is based on standardized, structured procedure format and language. It allows the embedding of sketches, photos, animated graphics and video sequences and the access to off-nominal procedures by linkage to an appropriate database. The system facilitates the work with procedures of different degrees of detail, depending on the training status of the crew. The development of a 'language module' for the automatic translation of the procedures, for example into Russian, is planned.

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 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…

21 CFR 807.92 - Content and format of a 510(k) summary.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-04-01

... 21 Food and Drugs 8 2010-04-01 2010-04-01 false Content and format of a 510(k) summary. 807.92... IMPORTERS OF DEVICES Premarket Notification Procedures § 807.92 Content and format of a 510(k) summary. (a) A 510(k) summary shall be in sufficient detail to provide an understanding of the basis for a...

21 CFR 807.93 - Content and format of a 510(k) statement.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-04-01

... 21 Food and Drugs 8 2012-04-01 2012-04-01 false Content and format of a 510(k) statement. 807.93... IMPORTERS OF DEVICES Premarket Notification Procedures § 807.93 Content and format of a 510(k) statement. (a)(1) A 510(k) statement submitted as part of a premarket notification shall state as follows: I...

21 CFR 807.93 - Content and format of a 510(k) statement.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-04-01

... 21 Food and Drugs 8 2010-04-01 2010-04-01 false Content and format of a 510(k) statement. 807.93... IMPORTERS OF DEVICES Premarket Notification Procedures § 807.93 Content and format of a 510(k) statement. (a)(1) A 510(k) statement submitted as part of a premarket notification shall state as follows: I...

21 CFR 807.92 - Content and format of a 510(k) summary.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-04-01

... 21 Food and Drugs 8 2012-04-01 2012-04-01 false Content and format of a 510(k) summary. 807.92... IMPORTERS OF DEVICES Premarket Notification Procedures § 807.92 Content and format of a 510(k) summary. (a) A 510(k) summary shall be in sufficient detail to provide an understanding of the basis for a...

21 CFR 807.92 - Content and format of a 510(k) summary.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-04-01

... 21 Food and Drugs 8 2014-04-01 2014-04-01 false Content and format of a 510(k) summary. 807.92... IMPORTERS OF DEVICES Premarket Notification Procedures § 807.92 Content and format of a 510(k) summary. (a) A 510(k) summary shall be in sufficient detail to provide an understanding of the basis for a...

21 CFR 807.93 - Content and format of a 510(k) statement.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-04-01

... 21 Food and Drugs 8 2013-04-01 2013-04-01 false Content and format of a 510(k) statement. 807.93... IMPORTERS OF DEVICES Premarket Notification Procedures § 807.93 Content and format of a 510(k) statement. (a)(1) A 510(k) statement submitted as part of a premarket notification shall state as follows: I...

21 CFR 807.93 - Content and format of a 510(k) statement.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-04-01

... 21 Food and Drugs 8 2014-04-01 2014-04-01 false Content and format of a 510(k) statement. 807.93... IMPORTERS OF DEVICES Premarket Notification Procedures § 807.93 Content and format of a 510(k) statement. (a)(1) A 510(k) statement submitted as part of a premarket notification shall state as follows: I...

21 CFR 807.93 - Content and format of a 510(k) statement.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-04-01

... 21 Food and Drugs 8 2011-04-01 2011-04-01 false Content and format of a 510(k) statement. 807.93... IMPORTERS OF DEVICES Premarket Notification Procedures § 807.93 Content and format of a 510(k) statement. (a)(1) A 510(k) statement submitted as part of a premarket notification shall state as follows: I...

21 CFR 807.92 - Content and format of a 510(k) summary.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-04-01

... 21 Food and Drugs 8 2011-04-01 2011-04-01 false Content and format of a 510(k) summary. 807.92... IMPORTERS OF DEVICES Premarket Notification Procedures § 807.92 Content and format of a 510(k) summary. (a) A 510(k) summary shall be in sufficient detail to provide an understanding of the basis for a...

21 CFR 807.92 - Content and format of a 510(k) summary.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-04-01

... 21 Food and Drugs 8 2013-04-01 2013-04-01 false Content and format of a 510(k) summary. 807.92... IMPORTERS OF DEVICES Premarket Notification Procedures § 807.92 Content and format of a 510(k) summary. (a) A 510(k) summary shall be in sufficient detail to provide an understanding of the basis for a...

49 CFR Appendix D to Part 40 - Report Format: Split Specimen Failure To Reconfirm

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

... 49 Transportation 1 2011-10-01 2011-10-01 false Report Format: Split Specimen Failure To Reconfirm D Appendix D to Part 40 Transportation Office of the Secretary of Transportation PROCEDURES FOR TRANSPORTATION WORKPLACE DRUG AND ALCOHOL TESTING PROGRAMS Pt. 40, App. D Appendix D to Part 40—Report Format: Split Specimen Failure To Reconfirm Mail,...

22 CFR 96.100 - Procedures for evaluating applicants for temporary accreditation.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-04-01

...) Procedures and Standards Relating to Temporary Accreditation § 96.100 Procedures for evaluating applicants... 22 Foreign Relations 1 2013-04-01 2013-04-01 false Procedures for evaluating applicants for... entity must: (1) Review the agency's written application and supporting documentation; and (2) Verify the...

A feasible method to eliminate nanoleakage in dentin hybrid layers.

PubMed

Chen, Ji-Hua; Liu, Yan; Niu, Li-Na; Lu, Shuai; Tay, Franklin R; Gao, Yu

2014-10-01

To determine whether high-pressure air blowing during adhesive application affects the infiltration of resin comonomers and nanoleakage manifestation in the resin/dentin interface under simulated pulpal pressure. Thirty mid-coronal dentin surfaces were bonded with an etch-and-rinse adhesive (Adper Single Bond 2) under simulated pulpal pressure. In the control group, the adhesive was thinned by ordinary air blowing with a pressure of 0.2 MPa, while in the experimental group, a high-pressure air blowing technique (pressure: 0.4 MPa) was used. All other procedures followed the manufacturer's instructions. Resin tag formation and nanoleakage in the bonding interface were evaluated with scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). When adhesive was thinned with high pressure air blowing, longer and more homogeneous resin tags were formed. The bonding interface demonstrated good overall morphology and integrity. Almost perfect infiltration of resin and no obvious nanoleakage were observed. Thinning of adhesive with high-pressure air blowing provides a clinically feasible adjunctive procedure for better resin infiltration.

ASHRAE's new Chiller Heat Recovery Application Guide

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

Dorgan, C.B.; Dorgan, C.E.

2000-07-01

The new Chiller Heat Recovery Application Guide, published by the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE), provides a comprehensive reference manual on the options available for chiller heat recovery. The information in the guide will assist engineers, owners, and system operators in evaluating the potential of integrating chiller heat recovery into their cooling and heating systems. The primary focus is on new construction and applications where a chiller is being replaced due to inefficiency, high operating and maintenance (O and M) costs, or elimination of refrigerants containing ozone-depleting chemicals known as CFC/HCFCs. While chiller systems for commercialmore » buildings are the primary focus of the guide, the information and procedures also apply to industrial heat pumps. The function of this paper is to highlight key information contained in the guide, including the major benefits of chiller heat recovery, primary candidates, and application procedures. A description of the guide's general format and contents is also provided.« less

Major System Source Evaluation and Selection Procedures.

DTIC Science & Technology

1987-04-02

A-RIBI I" MAJOR SYSTEM SOURCE EVALUATION AND SELECTION PROCEDURES / (U) BUSINESS MANAGEMENT RESEARCH ASSOCIATES INC ARLINGTON VA 02 APR 6? ORMC-5...BRMC-85-5142-1 0 I- MAJOR SYSTEM SOURCE EVALUATION AND SELECTION PROCEDURES o I Business Management Research Associates, Inc. 1911 Jefferson Davis...FORCE SOURCE EVALUATION AND SELECTI ON PROCEDURES Prepared by Business Management Research Associates, Inc., 1911 Jefferson Davis Highway, Arlington

Training Joint, Interagency, Intergovernmental, and Multinational (JIIM) Participants for Stability Operations

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-09-01

boxes) using a third-party commercial software component. When creating version 1, it was necessary to enter raw Hypertext Markup Language (HTML) tags...Markup Language (HTML) web page. Figure 12. Authors create procedures using the Procedure Editor. Users run procedures using the...step presents instructions to the user using formatted text and graphics specified using the Hypertext Markup Language (HTML). Instructions can

Vesicopreputial anastomosis for the treatment of obstructive urolithiasis in goats.

PubMed

Cypher, Elizabeth Erin; van Amstel, Sarel R; Videla, Ricardo; Force Clark, Kyle; Anderson, David E

2017-02-01

To describe a novel surgical technique for the correction of recurrent obstructive urolithiasis in male goats. Clinical case series. Castrated male goats (n = 4). Medical records of male goats having undergone vesicopreputial anastomosis (VPA) as a treatment for obstructive urolithiasis were reviewed for history, signalment, clinical signs, and intraoperative and postoperative complications. Long-term follow-up (≥12 months) was obtained by telephone interview with owners or by clinical examination. All goats had undergone at least one surgical procedure (median, 2.5, range 2-4) to correct obstructive urolithiasis before undergoing VPA. Postoperative complications included premature removal of the tube from the bladder (1 goat), bacterial cystitis (2), and abscess formation (1). One goat suffered stricture of the anastomosis site 3 months following the original procedure and underwent a second VPA and 1 goat died 7 months after surgery due to severe, acute hydronephrosis and renal failure. Long-term survival ≥12 months was good with 3/4 goats (75%) or 3/5 VPA procedures (60%) having unobstructed urine flow at 12 months. Vesicopreputial anastomosis is a feasible surgical procedure for the correction of recurrent obstructive urolithiasis in male goats and one that can result in a favorable clinical outcome. Further investigation in a larger population of goats is warranted for the evaluation of the suitability of VPA in male goats with obstructive urolithiasis. © 2017 The American College of Veterinary Surgeons.

Seven fundamental procedures for definitive correction of unilateral secondary cleft lip nasal deformity in soft tissue aspects.

PubMed

Lee, Dong Won; Choi, Bong-Kyoon; Park, Be-Young Yun

2011-11-01

It is accepted that patients who undergo appropriate primary repair for cleft lip will have secondary deformities. Because these deformities are caused by complex and diverse patterns, the deformities were categorized to provide a standardized treatment for each category. Pathologic characteristics of 1,170 patients were classified into 7 categories. Corrections were performed using 7 fundamental procedures corresponding to the surgical resolution of each deformity: 1) transposition of the caudal septum; 2) release of the septal-cartilaginous junction; 3) medial crus elevation; 4) lateral crus elevation; 5) release of the orbicularis oris muscle from the lip elevators; 6) anchoring of the orbicularis oris muscle to the anterior nasal spine; and 7) philtral column formation. A satisfaction survey was performed to evaluate the overall outcomes in 171 patients and an anthropometric analysis was performed in 38 patients. Satisfactory scores obtained through postoperative follow-up were higher than preoperative scores, and there was no difference between postoperative scores obtained over the short and long term. All preoperative anthropometric measurements were different from the postoperative measurements, indicating that the fundamental procedure achieved effective outcomes. These proposed 7 fundamental procedures can be used as guidelines that can always be applied for the correction of any secondary cleft lip nasal deformity to obtain ideal treatment outcomes. Copyright © 2011. Published by Elsevier Inc.

Status of WSTF Pyrovalve Handbook Development in Year 2000

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Howard, Julien L.; Hart, Matthew; Smith, William; Saulsberry Regor L.; Fries, Joseph (Technical Monitor)

1999-01-01

Significant data have been generated through various spacecraft propulsion system projects involving the use of pyrotechnically operated valves (pyrovalves). These data need to be analyzed, interpreted, summarized, associated, and formatted so they can be made available for spacecraft propulsion system design involving pyrovalves and used to specify test procedures in the performance evaluation and qualification of these systems. To meet this need, a Pyrovalve Handbook is being developed at the NASA White Sands Test Facility. Standards of performance for pyrovalve applications are being formulated under the sponsorship of the NASA Technical Standards Program, as are pyrovalve testing standards under the sponsorship of the NASA Safety and Risk Management Program. The ultimate goal is to have the Handbook adopted as a voluntary standard under the guidance of the AIAA Energetic Components and Systems Technical Committee and, in a more restrictive format, become an integral part of ISO standards for Explosive Systems and Devices Used on Space Vehicles. Feedback from both Government and industry is encouraged and will be the focus of the presentation. It is especially critical that feedback be received on content and formatting of the Handbook to maximize benefit to the technical community. Submission of validated data from organizations outside of NASA is also encouraged.

Effect of a pre-brush mounthrinse containing triclosan and a copolymer on calculus formation: a three-month clinical study in Thailand.

PubMed

Triratana, T; Kraivaphan, P; Tandhachoon, K; Rustogi, K; Volpe, A R; Petrone, M

1995-01-01

A three-month, double-blind, parallel clinical study was conducted on a population of Thai adults to evaluate the effect of the twice daily use of a commercially available pre-brush mouthrinse on supragingival calculus formation. The mouthrinse test product contained 0.03% triclosan and 0.13% PVM/MA copolymer with the absence of fluoride. The subjects were initially examined for calculus using the Volpe-Manhold procedure. All subjects received an oral prophylaxis and were assigned to the use of either 1) a triclosan-copolymer mouthrinse, or 2) a matching flavored/colored water placebo mouthrinse. Subjects were instructed to rinse twice daily with 10 cc of the assigned mouthrinse for 1 minute, followed by brushing with the provided toothpaste containing fluoride for 45 seconds. After three months of using the assigned mouthrinse, the subjects were reexamined for calculus formation. The results indicated that the subjects using triclosan/copolymer mouthrinse had 23.17% less supragingival calculus than the placebo mouthrinse subjects. This reduction was statistically significant at the 99% or greater (F = 24.35, p<0.001) level of confidence.

Educational recommendations for the conduct, content and format of EULAR musculoskeletal ultrasound Teaching the Teachers Courses.

PubMed

Iagnocco, A; Terslev, L; Backhaus, M; Balint, P; Bruyn, G A W; Damjanov, N; Filippucci, E; Hammer, H B; Jousse-Joulin, S; Kane, D; Koski, J M; Mandl, P; Möller, I; Peetrons, P; Schmidt, W; Szkudlarek, M; Vojinovic, J; Wakefield, R J; Hofer, M; D'Agostino, M A; Naredo, E

2015-01-01

To produce educational guidelines for the conduct, content and format of theoretical and practical teaching at EULAR musculoskeletal ultrasound (MSUS) Teaching the Teachers (TTT) Courses. A Delphi-based procedure with 24 recommendations covering five main areas (Duration and place of the course; Faculty members; Content of the course; Evaluation of the teaching skills; TTT competency assessment) was distributed among a group of experts involved in MSUS teaching, in addition to an advisory educational expert being present. Consensus for each recommendation was considered achieved when the percentage of agreement was >75%. 21 of 24 invited participants responded to the first Delphi questionnaire (88% response rate). All 21 participants also responded to the second round. Agreement on 19 statements was obtained after two rounds. This project has led to the development of guidelines for the conduct, content and format of teaching at the EULAR MSUS TTT Courses that are organised annually, with the aim of training future teachers of EULAR MSUS Courses, EULAR Endorsed MSUS Courses, as well as national and local MSUS Courses. The presented work gives indications on how to homogenise the teaching at the MSUS TTT Courses, thus resolving current discrepancies in the field.

Experimental Evaluation of the Effectiveness of Demineralized Bone Matrix and Collagenated Heterologous Bone Grafts Used Alone or in Combination with Platelet-Rich Fibrin on Bone Healing in Sinus Floor Augmentation.

PubMed

Peker, Elif; Karaca, Inci Rana; Yildirim, Benay

2016-01-01

The aim of this study was an experimental evaluation of the effectiveness of demineralized bone matrix (DBM) and collagenated heterologous bone graft (CHBG) used alone or in combination with platelet-rich fibrin on bone healing in sinus floor augmentation procedures. In this study, 36 New Zealand rabbits were used. The bilateral sinus elevation was performed, and 72 defects were obtained. The rabbit maxillary sinuses were divided into four groups according to the augmentation biomaterials obtained: demineralized bone matrix (Grafton DBM Putty, Osteotech; DBM group), DBM combined with platelet-rich fibrin (PRF; DBM + PRF group), collagenated heterologous bone graft (CHBG; Apatos Mix, OsteoBiol, Tecnoss; CHBG group), CHBG combined with PRF (CHBG + PRF group). All groups were sacrificed at 2, 4, and 8 weeks after surgery for histologic, histomorphometric, and immunohistochemical analyses. The inflammatory reaction was moderate to intense at the second week in all groups and declined from 2 to 8 weeks. New bone formation was started at the second week and increased from 2 to 8 weeks in all groups. There was no significant difference in bone formation between the experimental groups that used PRF mixed graft material and control groups that used only graft material. The percentage of new bone formation showed a significant difference in DBM groups and DBM + PRF groups compared with other groups. There were osteoclasts around all the bone graft materials used, but the percentage of residual graft particles was significantly higher in CHBG groups and CHBG + PRF groups at the eighth week. There is no beneficial effect of the application of PRF in combination with demineralized bone matrix or collagenated heterologous bone graft on bone formation in sinus floor augmentation. The results of this study showed that both collagenated heterologous bone graft and demineralized bone matrix have osteoconductive properties, but demineralized bone matrix showed more bone formation than collagenated heterologous bone graft.

17 CFR 17.03 - Delegation of authority to the Director of the Division of Market Oversight.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-04-01

... information using the format, coding structure or electronic data transmission procedures otherwise required...) Pursuant to § 17.00(a), the authority to approve a format and coding structure other than that set forth in...

Differential effects of beta-adrenergic receptor blockade in the medial prefrontal cortex during aversive and incidental taste memory formation.

PubMed

Reyes-López, J; Nuñez-Jaramillo, L; Morán-Guel, E; Miranda, M I

2010-08-11

The medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) is a brain area crucial for memory, attention, and decision making. Specifically, the noradrenergic system in this cortex is involved in aversive learning, as well as in the retrieval of these memories. Some evidence suggests that this area has an important role during taste memory, particularly during conditioned taste aversion (CTA), a model of aversive memory. Despite some previous evidence, there is scarce information about the role of adrenergic receptors in the mPFC during formation of aversive taste memory and appetitive/incidental taste memory. The goal of this research was to evaluate the role of mPFC beta-adrenergic receptors during CTA acquisition/consolidation or CTA retrieval, as well as during incidental taste memory formation using the model of latent inhibition of CTA. The results showed that infusions in the mPFC of the beta-adrenergic antagonist propranolol before CTA acquisition impaired both short- and long-term aversive taste memory formation, and also that propranolol infusions before the memory test impaired CTA retrieval. However, propranolol infusions before pre-exposure to the taste during the latent inhibition procedure had no effect on incidental taste memory acquisition or consolidation. These data indicate that beta-adrenergic receptors in the mPFC have different functions during taste memory formation: they have an important role during aversive taste association as well as during aversive retrieval but not during incidental taste memory formation. Copyright (c) 2010 IBRO. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

A Comparison of Formative and Summative Evaluation.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Belenski, Mary Jo

Formative and summative evaluations in education are compared, and appropriate uses of these methods in program evaluation are discussed. The main purpose of formative evaluation is to determine a level of mastery of a learning task, along with discovering any part of the task that was not mastered. In other words, formative evaluation focuses the…

Write Procedures That Work.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Cubberley, Carol W.

1991-01-01

Discusses written procedures that explain library tasks and describes methods for writing them clearly and coherently. The use of appropriate terminology and vocabulary is discussed; the value of illustrations, typography, and format to enhance the visual effect is explained; the intended audience is considered; and examples are given. (seven…

Dynamic Assessment in School Psychology

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Lidz, Carol S.

2009-01-01

Dynamic assessment (DA) is a generic term for a variety of procedures that embed intervention within the assessment itself. Typically administered in pretest-intervention-posttest format, DA procedures provide information about the response and responsiveness of the individual to intervention and generate ideas and evidence about potentially…

Allogeneic cultured keratinocytes vs. cadaveric skin to cover wide-mesh autogenous split-thickness skin grafts.

PubMed

Monstrey, S; Beele, H; Kettler, M; Van Landuyt, K; Blondeel, P; Matton, G; Naeyaert, J M

1999-09-01

Improved shock therapy has extended the limits of survival in patients with massive burns, and nowadays skin coverage has become the major problem in burn management. The use of mesh skin grafts is still the simplest technique to expand the amount of available donor skin. However, very wide-mesh skin grafts take a very long time to heal, often resulting in unaesthetic scar formation. On the other hand, allogeneic cultured keratinocytes have been reported as a natural source of growth factors and thus could be useful to improve wound healing of these wide-mesh grafts. A clinical study was performed to compare the use of cryopreserved allogeneic cultured keratinocytes vs. the traditional cadaveric skin as a double layer over widely expanded autogenous skin grafts. This procedure was performed in 18 pairs of full-thickness burn wounds (with similar depth and location) in 11 severely burned patients. Early clinical evaluation was made at 2, 3, and 4 to 5 weeks. Parameters such as epithelialization, granulation tissue formation, infection, and scar formation were evaluated. Biopsies were taken to compare the histological characteristics of the epidermis, the epidermal-dermal junction, and the dermis. Late evaluations were performed at 6 and 12 months regarding color, softness, thickness, and subjective feeling of the scar tissue. Aside from a faster (p < 0.05) epithelialization in the keratinocyte group at 2 weeks, there were no statistically different results in any of the early evaluated parameters, neither clinically nor histologically. At long-term follow-up, clinical results and scar characteristics were not significantly different in the two compared groups. It is concluded from the results of this study that, during the early phase, epithelialization was faster with allogeneic cultured keratinocytes compared with cadaveric skin. However, taking into account the substantial difference in costs, the described use of cryopreserved allogeneic cultured keratinocytes as a double layer on meshed autogenous split-thickness skin grafts can hardly be advocated.

Evaluation of anti-plaque microbial activity of Azadirachta indica (neem oil) in vitro: A pilot study

PubMed Central

Elavarasu, Sugumari; Abinaya, P.; Elanchezhiyan, S.; Thangakumaran; Vennila, K.; Naziya, K. B.

2012-01-01

Background: Probably microbial plaque is the main etiology for periodontal tissue inflammation. Various chemical agents have been evaluated over the years with respect to their antimicrobial effects in the oral cavity. However, all are associated with side effects that prohibit regular long-term use. Therefore, the effectiveness of Azadirachta indica (neem) against plaque formation is considered to be vital, with lesser side effects. The aim of the present study is to evaluate and prove the antimicrobial activity of neem using plaque samples. Materials and Methods: Culture was prepared using brain heart infusion broth reagent. Dental plaque samples were used for that. Kirby–Bauer antimicrobial susceptibility test procedure was carried away with the sample. Neem oil was kept in the agar plate with culture and the diameter of inhibition zones was calculated. Results: Results showed inhibition zones on the agar plate around neem oil. Conclusion: Study shows definite antiplaque activity of neem oil. PMID:23066297

Development of nano-fabrication technique utilizing self-organizational behavior of point defects induced by ion irradiation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nitta, Noriko; Taniwaki, Masafumi

2006-04-01

The present authors proposed a novel nano-fabrication technique that is able to arrange the fine cells orderly, based on their finding in GaSb implanted at a low temperature. In this article, first the experimental results that anomalous cellular structure was formed in GaSb by ion implantation is introduced and the self-organizational formation mechanism of the structure is described. Next a nano-fabrication technique that utilizes focused ion beam is described. This technique consists of two procedures, i.e. the formation process of the voids array and the development of the initial array to ordered cellular structure. Finally, the nano-fabrication is actually performed by this technique and their results are reported. Fabrication succeeded in structures where the dot (cell) interval was 100 nm or larger. The minimum ion dose for initial voids which develops to the ordered cellular structure is evaluated. It is also shown that the substrate temperature during implantation is an essential parameter for this technique.

29 CFR 1956.22 - Procedures for evaluation and monitoring.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

..., Change, Evaluation and Withdrawal of Approval Procedures § 1956.22 Procedures for evaluation and... enforcement authority under section 18(e) of the Act is not relevant to Phase II and III monitoring under...

Launching a permanent out-of-hour interventional radiology service: single-center experience from a German University Hospital.

PubMed

Goltz, J P; Janssen, H; Petritsch, B; Kickuth, R

2014-02-01

To evaluate the feasibility, frequency of use, types of intervention and labor costs of a formal round-the-clock interventional radiology on-call service. In 11/2011 a formal and permanent out-of-hour interventional radiology rota in addition to the general radiology out-of-hour rota (OOHR) was established. We retrospectively screened the interventional radiology database for procedures completed outside regular working hours, reviewed all interventions and manually selected cases in which the on-call interventionist was called in from home. We determined the type, frequency of use and costs (€/year and procedure) of this service between 1/2012 and 12/2012. The referring physicians' (sub-) specialties were evaluated. During the 12-month period, the on-call interventionists (n = 3) performed 92 procedures OOH. The procedures included angiography and hemorrhage control (n = 36, 39.1 %), angiography and intervention for acute limb ischemia (n = 25, 27.2 %), percutaneous biliary drainage (PTCD) (n = 10, 10.9 %), angiography for non-occlusive ischemia (n = 7, 7.6 %), and other (n = 14, 15.3 %). The total labor costs for the OOHR were € 42,312.21 (€ 32,982.60 lump sum for stand-by, €  9,329.61 for hours spent on procedures). The labor costs per procedure totaled € 459.92. The referring physicians' specialties were general/visceral (n = 25), vascular surgery (n = 24), internal medicine (n = 21), cardiac/thoracic vascular (n = 9), trauma surgery (n = 5), urology (n = 5), and anesthesiology (n = 3). A formal interventional OOHR is practicable in a university hospital setting. Most procedures were requested by general, vascular, and thoracic surgery as well as internal medicine with a focus on hemorrhage control, treatment of acute limb ischemia, and PTCD. The overall labor costs for the OOHR appear moderate. • In a university setting an OOHR for IR is feasible.• Labor costs per procedure appear moderate.• Hemorrhage control and treatment of limb ischemia were the most frequent procedures. Citation Format: • Goltz JP, Janssen H, Petritsch B et al. Launching a Permanent Out-of-Hour Interventional Radiology Service: Single-Center Experience from a German University Hospital. Fortschr Röntgenstr 2014; 186: 136 - 141. © Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York.

Assessment of medical communication skills by computer: assessment method and student experiences.

PubMed

Hulsman, R L; Mollema, E D; Hoos, A M; de Haes, J C J M; Donnison-Speijer, J D

2004-08-01

A computer-assisted assessment (CAA) program for communication skills designated ACT was developed using the objective structured video examination (OSVE) format. This method features assessment of cognitive scripts underlying communication behaviour, a broad range of communication problems covered in 1 assessment, highly standardised assessment and rating procedures, and large group assessments without complex organisation. The Academic Medical Centre (AMC) at the University of Amsterdam, the Netherlands. Aims To describe the development of the AMC Communication Test (ACT); to describe our experiences with the examination and rating procedures; to present test score descriptives, and to present the students' opinions of ACT. The ACT presents films on history taking, breaking bad news and shared decision making. Each film is accompanied by 3 types of short essay questions derived from our assessment model: "knows", "knows why/when" and "knows how". Evaluation questions about ACT were integrated into the assessment. Participants A total of 210 third year medical undergraduates were assessed. This study reports on the 110 (53%) students who completed all evaluation questions. Marking 210 examinations took about 17 days. The test score matched a normal distribution and showed a good level of discrimination of the students. About 75% passed the examination. Some support for the validity of our assessment model was found in the students' differential performance on the 3 types of questions. The ACT was well received. Student evaluations confirmed our efforts to develop realistic films that related well to the communication training programme. The ACT is a useful assessment method which complements interpersonal assessment methods for the evaluation of the medical communication skills of undergraduates.

Methodology of ETV Formative Evaluation.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Duby, Aliza

Formative evaluation is discussed as it relates to educational television (ETV). Formative evaluation, used to improve a project during its development, is especially valuable in the production of television programs. Methods useful in the formative evaluation of ETV are: (1) try-out studies; (2) learner verification and revision; (3)…

Spatial correlation in the ambient core noise field of a turbofan engine.

PubMed

Miles, Jeffrey Hilton

2012-06-01

An acoustic transfer function relating combustion noise and turbine exit noise in the presence of enclosed ambient core noise is investigated using a dynamic system model and an acoustic system model for the particular turbofan engine studied and for a range of operating conditions. Measurements of cross-spectra magnitude and phase between the combustor and turbine exit and auto-spectra at the turbine exit and combustor are used to show the presence of indirect and direct combustion noise over the frequency range of 0-400 Hz. The procedure used evaluates the ratio of direct to indirect combustion noise. The procedure used also evaluates the post-combustion residence time in the combustor which is a factor in the formation of thermal NO(x) and soot in this region. These measurements are masked by the ambient core noise sound field in this frequency range which is observable since the transducers are situated within an acoustic wavelength of one another. An ambient core noise field model based on one and two dimensional spatial correlation functions is used to replicate the spatially correlated response of the pair of transducers. The spatial correlation function increases measured attenuation due to destructive interference and masks the true attenuation of the turbine.

A procedure for the assessment of the toxicity of intermediates and products formed during the accidental thermal decomposition of a chemical species.

PubMed

Di Somma, Ilaria; Pollio, Antonino; Pinto, Gabriele; De Falco, Maria; Pizzo, Elio; Andreozzi, Roberto

2010-04-15

The knowledge of the substances which form when a molecule undergoes chemical reactions under unusual conditions is required by European legislation to evaluate the risks associated with an industrial chemical process. A thermal decomposition is often the result of a loss of control of the process which leads to the formation of many substances in some cases not easily predictable. The evaluation of the change of an overall toxicity passing from the parent compound to the mixture of its thermal decomposition products has been already proposed as a practical approach to this problem when preliminary indications about the temperature range in which the molecule decomposes are available. A new procedure is proposed in this work for the obtainment of the mixtures of thermal decomposition products also when there is no previous information about the thermal behaviour of investigated molecules. A scanning calorimetric run that is aimed to identify the onset temperature of the decomposition process is coupled to an isoperibolic one in order to obtain and collect the products. An algal strain is adopted for toxicological assessments of chemical compounds and mixtures. An extension of toxicological investigations to human cells is also attempted. 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

[Combined use of active chlorine and coagulants for drinking water purification and disinfection].

PubMed

Rakhmanin, Iu A; Zholdakova, Z I; Poliakova, E E; Kir'ianova, L F; Miasnikov, I N; Tul'skaia, E A; Artemova, T Z; Ivanova, L V; Dmitrieva, R A; Doskina, T V

2004-01-01

The authors made an experimental study of the efficiency of water purification procedures based on the combined use of active chlorine and coagulants and hygienically evaluated the procedures. The study included the evaluation of water disinfection with various coagulants and active chlorine; the investigation of the processes of production of deleterious organic chlorine compounds; the assessment of the quality of water after its treatment. The coagulants representing aluminum polyoxychloride: RAX-10 (AQUA-AURATE 10) and RAX-18 (AQUA-AURATE 18), and aluminum sulfate, technically pure grade were tested. The treatment of river water with the coagulants RAX-10 and RAX-18, followed by precipitation, filtration, and chlorination under laboratory conditions, was shown to result in water disinfection to the levels complying with the requirements described in SanPiN 2.1.4.1074-01. RAX-18 showed the best disinfecting activity against total and heat-tolerant coliform bacteria, but also to the highly chlorine-resistant microrganisms--the spores of sulfite-reducing Clostridia, phages, and viruses. Since the coagulants have an increased sorptive capacity relative to humus and other organic substances, substitution of primary chlorination for coagulant treatment may induce a reduction in the risk of formation of oncogenically and mutagenically hazardous chlorinated hydrocarbons.

Preoperative evaluation of neurovascular relationships for microvascular decompression in the cerebellopontine angle in a virtual reality environment.

PubMed

Du, Zhuo-Ying; Gao, Xiang; Zhang, Xiao-Luo; Wang, Zhi-Qiu; Tang, Wei-Jun

2010-09-01

In this paper the authors' goal was to evaluate the feasibility and efficacy of a virtual reality (VR) system in preoperative planning for microvascular decompression (MVD) procedures treating idiopathic trigeminal neuralgia and hemifacial spasm. The system's role in surgical simulation and training was also assessed. Between May 2008 and April 2009, the authors used the Dextroscope system to visualize the neurovascular complex and simulate MVD in the cerebellopontine angle in a VR environment in 16 patients (6 patients had trigeminal neuralgia and 10 had hemifacial spasm). Reconstructions were carried out 2-3 days before MVD. Images were printed in a red-blue stereoscopic format for teaching and discussion and were brought into the operating room to be compared with real-time intraoperative findings. The VR environment was a powerful aid for spatial understanding of the neurovascular relationship in MVD for operating surgeons and trainees. Through an initial series of comparison/confirmation experiences, the senior neurosurgeon became accustomed to the system. He could predict intraoperative problems and simulate surgical maneuvering, which increased his confidence in performing the procedure. The Dextroscope system is an easy and rapid method to create a stereoscopic neurovascular model for MVD that is highly concordant with intraoperative findings. It effectively shortens the learning curve and adds to the surgeon's confidence.

Tetrahedron Formation Control

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Guzman, Jose J.

2003-01-01

Spacecraft flying in tetrahedron formations are excellent instrument platforms for electromagnetic and plasma studies. A minimum of four spacecraft - to establish a volume - is required to study some of the key regions of a planetary magnetic field. The usefulness of the measurements recorded is strongly affected by the tetrahedron orbital evolution. This paper considers the preliminary development of a general optimization procedure for tetrahedron formation control. The maneuvers are assumed to be impulsive and a multi-stage optimization method is employed. The stages include targeting to a fixed tetrahedron orientation, rotating and translating the tetrahedron and/or varying the initial and final times. The number of impulsive maneuvers citn also be varied. As the impulse locations and times change, new arcs are computed using a differential corrections scheme that varies the impulse magnitudes and directions. The result is a continuous trajectory with velocity discontinuities. The velocity discontinuities are then used to formulate the cost function. Direct optimization techniques are employed. The procedure is applied to the Magnetospheric Multiscale Mission (MMS) to compute preliminary formation control fuel requirements.

43 CFR 26.7 - Application format and instructions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... must be made using the Office of Management and Budget approved form (SF-424) entitled “Federal...' State Grant Procedures Handbook. General instructions for completing the form by part numbers are: (a... State Grant Procedures Handbook for definitions of cost categories and for budget narrative instructions...

The information needs of patients receiving procedural sedation in a hospital emergency department.

PubMed

Revell, Sue; Searle, Judy; Thompson, Shona

2017-07-01

This research investigated the information needs of patients receiving ED procedural sedation to determine the best format to consistently deliver key information in a way acceptable to all involved. Of particular interest was the question concerning patients' need for receiving written information. A descriptive exploratory study gathered qualitative data through face-to-face interviews and focus groups involving patients, nurses and medical staff. Individual interviews were conducted with eight adult patients following procedural sedation. They identified very few gaps in terms of specific information they needed pertaining to procedural sedation and rejected the need for receiving information in a written format. Their information needs related to a central concern for safety and trust. Focus groups, reflecting on the findings from patients, were conducted with five ED nurses and four emergency medicine consultants/registrars who regularly provided procedural sedation. Themes that emerged from the analysis of data from all three groups identified the issues concerning patient information needs as being: competence and efficiency of staff; explanations of procedures and progress; support person presence; and medico-legal issues. The research confirms that the quality of the patient's ED experience, specifically related to procedural sedation, is enhanced by ED staff, especially nurses, providing them with ongoing and repeated verbal information relevant to their circumstances. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Rare complication of needleless mini-sling procedure: Case report.

PubMed

Karalar, Mustafa; Keles, Ibrahim; Unlu, Serdar; Sarici, Hasmet; Kose, Mesut; Ay, Cemil

2017-01-01

The mini-sling procedure is a widely used, minimally invasive treatment for stress urinary incontinence. While bladder perforation and stone formation over the mesh is not an expected complication of the mini-sling procedure, in this case, we report on the management of bladder calculi formed over the mesh, which was passed through the bladder while applying the mini-sling procedure, and was eventually removed using holmium laser. Performing cystoscopy in patients with irritative and obstructive symptoms after the sling procedure will help confirm bladder perforation, and an endoscopic approach using holmium laser is an effective treatment.

A framework for assessing the adequacy and effectiveness of software development methodologies

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Arthur, James D.; Nance, Richard E.

1990-01-01

Tools, techniques, environments, and methodologies dominate the software engineering literature, but relatively little research in the evaluation of methodologies is evident. This work reports an initial attempt to develop a procedural approach to evaluating software development methodologies. Prominent in this approach are: (1) an explication of the role of a methodology in the software development process; (2) the development of a procedure based on linkages among objectives, principles, and attributes; and (3) the establishment of a basis for reduction of the subjective nature of the evaluation through the introduction of properties. An application of the evaluation procedure to two Navy methodologies has provided consistent results that demonstrate the utility and versatility of the evaluation procedure. Current research efforts focus on the continued refinement of the evaluation procedure through the identification and integration of product quality indicators reflective of attribute presence, and the validation of metrics supporting the measure of those indicators. The consequent refinement of the evaluation procedure offers promise of a flexible approach that admits to change as the field of knowledge matures. In conclusion, the procedural approach presented in this paper represents a promising path toward the end goal of objectively evaluating software engineering methodologies.

Evaluation of standardized sample collection, packaging, and ...

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

Journal Sample collection procedures and primary receptacle (sample container and bag) decontamination methods should prevent contaminant transfer between contaminated and non-contaminated surfaces and areas during bio-incident operations. Cross-contamination of personnel, equipment, or sample containers may result in the exfiltration of biological agent from the exclusion (hot) zone and have unintended negative consequences on response resources, activities and outcomes. The current study was designed to: (1) evaluate currently recommended sample collection and packaging procedures to identify procedural steps that may increase the likelihood of spore exfiltration or contaminant transfer; (2) evaluate the efficacy of currently recommended primary receptacle decontamination procedures; and (3) evaluate the efficacy of outer packaging decontamination methods. Wet- and dry-deposited fluorescent tracer powder was used in contaminant transfer tests to qualitatively evaluate the currently-recommended sample collection procedures. Bacillus atrophaeus spores, a surrogate for Bacillus anthracis, were used to evaluate the efficacy of spray- and wipe-based decontamination procedures.

NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme in England: formative evaluation of the programme in early phase implementation.

PubMed

Penn, Linda; Rodrigues, Angela; Haste, Anna; Marques, Marta M; Budig, Kirsten; Sainsbury, Kirby; Bell, Ruth; Araújo-Soares, Vera; White, Martin; Summerbell, Carolyn; Goyder, Elizabeth; Brennan, Alan; Adamson, Ashley J; Sniehotta, Falko F

2018-02-21

Evaluation of the demonstrator phase and first wave roll-out of the National Health Service (NHS) Diabetes Prevention Programme (DPP) in England. To examine: (1) intervention design, provision and fidelity assessment procedures; (2) risk assessment and recruitment pathways and (3) data collection for monitoring and evaluation. To provide recommendations informing decision makers on programme quality, improvements and future evaluation. We reviewed programme documents, mapping against the NHS DPP specification and National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) public health guideline: Type 2 diabetes (T2D) prevention in people at high risk (PH38), conducted qualitative research using individual interviews and focus group discussions with stakeholders and examined recruitment, fidelity and data collection procedures. Seven NHS DPP demonstrator sites and, subsequently, 27 first wave areas across England. Intensive behavioural intervention with weight loss, diet and physical activity goals. The national programme specifies at least 13 sessions over 9 months, delivered face to face to groups of 15-20 adults with non-diabetic hyperglycaemia, mainly recruited from primary care and NHS Health Checks. Participants for qualitative research were purposively sampled to provide a spread of stakeholder experience. Documents for review were provided via the NHS DPP Management Group. The NHS DPP specification reflected current evidence with a clear framework for service provision. Providers, with national capacity to deliver, supplied intervention plans compliant with this framework. Stakeholders highlighted limitations in fidelity assessment and recruitment and retention challenges, especially in reach and equity, that could adversely impact on implementation. Risk assessment for first wave eligibility differed from NICE guidance. The NHS DPP provides an evidence-based behavioural intervention for prevention of T2D in adults at high risk, with capacity to deliver nationally. Framework specification allows for balance between consistency and contextual variation in intervention delivery, with session details devolved to providers. Limitations in fidelity assurance, data collection procedures and recruitment issues could adversely impact on intervention effectiveness and restrict evaluation. © 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.

NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme in England: formative evaluation of the programme in early phase implementation

PubMed Central

Penn, Linda; Rodrigues, Angela; Haste, Anna; Marques, Marta M; Budig, Kirsten; Sainsbury, Kirby; Bell, Ruth; Araújo-Soares, Vera; White, Martin; Summerbell, Carolyn; Goyder, Elizabeth; Brennan, Alan; Adamson, Ashley J; Sniehotta, Falko F

2018-01-01

Objectives Evaluation of the demonstrator phase and first wave roll-out of the National Health Service (NHS) Diabetes Prevention Programme (DPP) in England. To examine: (1) intervention design, provision and fidelity assessment procedures; (2) risk assessment and recruitment pathways and (3) data collection for monitoring and evaluation. To provide recommendations informing decision makers on programme quality, improvements and future evaluation. Design We reviewed programme documents, mapping against the NHS DPP specification and National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) public health guideline: Type 2 diabetes (T2D) prevention in people at high risk (PH38), conducted qualitative research using individual interviews and focus group discussions with stakeholders and examined recruitment, fidelity and data collection procedures. Setting Seven NHS DPP demonstrator sites and, subsequently, 27 first wave areas across England. Interventions Intensive behavioural intervention with weight loss, diet and physical activity goals. The national programme specifies at least 13 sessions over 9 months, delivered face to face to groups of 15–20 adults with non-diabetic hyperglycaemia, mainly recruited from primary care and NHS Health Checks. Participants Participants for qualitative research were purposively sampled to provide a spread of stakeholder experience. Documents for review were provided via the NHS DPP Management Group. Findings The NHS DPP specification reflected current evidence with a clear framework for service provision. Providers, with national capacity to deliver, supplied intervention plans compliant with this framework. Stakeholders highlighted limitations in fidelity assessment and recruitment and retention challenges, especially in reach and equity, that could adversely impact on implementation. Risk assessment for first wave eligibility differed from NICE guidance. Conclusions The NHS DPP provides an evidence-based behavioural intervention for prevention of T2D in adults at high risk, with capacity to deliver nationally. Framework specification allows for balance between consistency and contextual variation in intervention delivery, with session details devolved to providers. Limitations in fidelity assurance, data collection procedures and recruitment issues could adversely impact on intervention effectiveness and restrict evaluation. PMID:29467134

A decision support system-based procedure for evaluation and monitoring of protected areas sustainability for the Mediterranean region

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pediaditi, K.; Buono, F.; Pompigna, F.; Bogliotti, C.; Nurlu, E.; Ladisa, G.; Petropoulos, G. P.

2011-10-01

Despite common acknowledgement of the value of protected areas as instruments in ensuring sustainability, and their promotion for the achievement of policies on halting the loss of biodiversity, there is no common approach today for monitoring and evaluating them. This paper presents a novel integrated nature conservation management procedure developed to monitor and evaluate the sustainability of Mediterranean protected areas. This procedure was successfully implemented and formally evaluated by protected area managers in six Mediterranean countries, results of which are presented here together with an overview of the web-based Decision Support System (DSS) developed to facilitate its wide adoption. The DSS and procedure has been designed and evaluated by managers as a useful tool, which facilitates and provides needed procedural guidance for protected area monitoring whilst minimizing input requirements to do so. The procedure and DSS were developed following a review of existing protected area assessment tools and a detailed primary investigation of the needs and capacity of its intended users. Essentially, the procedure and DSS guides provide the facilities for protected area managers, in following a participatory approach to develop a context-specific sustainability monitoring strategy, for their protected area. Consequently, the procedure is, by design, participatory, context specific, holistic and relevant to protected area management and institutional procedures. The procedure was piloted and formally evaluated in Greece, Italy, Turkey, Egypt, Malta and Cyprus. Feedback collected from the pilot evaluations is also summarised herein.

Bone tissue engineering with a collagen–hydroxyapatite scaffold and culture expanded bone marrow stromal cells

PubMed Central

Villa, Max M.; Wang, Liping; Huang, Jianping; Rowe, David W.; Wei, Mei

2015-01-01

Osteoprogenitor cells combined with supportive biomaterials represent a promising approach to advance the standard of care for bone grafting procedures. However, this approach faces challenges, including inconsistent bone formation, cell survival in the implant, and appropriate biomaterial degradation. We have developed a collagen–hydroxyapatite (HA) scaffold that supports consistent osteogenesis by donor derived osteoprogenitors, and is more easily degraded than a pure ceramic scaffold. Herein, the material properties are characterized as well as cell attachment, viability, and progenitor distribution in vitro. Furthermore, we examined the biological performance in vivo in a critical-size mouse calvarial defect. To aid in the evaluation of the in-house collagen–HA scaffold, the in vivo performance was compared with a commercial collagen–HA scaffold (Healos®, Depuy). The in-house collagen–HA scaffold supported consistent bone formation by predominantly donor-derived osteoblasts, nearly completely filling a 3.5 mm calvarial defect with bone in all samples (n=5) after 3 weeks of implantation. In terms of bone formation and donor cell retention at 3 weeks postimplantation, no statistical difference was found between the in-house and commercial scaffold following quantitative histomorphometry. The collagen–HA scaffold presented here is an open and well-defined platform that supports robust bone formation and should facilitate the further development of collagen–hydroxyapatite biomaterials for bone tissue engineering. PMID:24909953

Evaluation of site plan review procedures.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1988-01-01

The site plan review procedures of the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) were evaluated. The objectives of the evaluation were to recommend (1) a set of site plan review procedures including a checklist, (2) definitions of the roles and re...

SAS FORMATS: USES AND ABUSES

EPA Science Inventory

SAS formats are a very powerful tool. They allow you to display the data in a more readable manner without modifying the data. They can also be used to group data into categories for use in various procedures like PROC FREQ, PROC TTEST, and PROC MEANS (as a class variable). ...

Medical Decision-Making Among Elderly People in Long Term Care.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Tymchuk, Alexander J.; And Others

1988-01-01

Presented informed consent information on high and low risk medical procedures to elderly persons in long term care facility in standard, simplified, or storybook format. Comprehension was significantly better for simplified and storybook formats. Ratings of decision-making ability approximated comprehension test results. Comprehension test…

Evaluated kinetic and photochemical data for atmospheric chemistry

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Baulch, D. L.; Cox, R. A.; Hampson, R. F., Jr.; Kerr, J. A.; Troe, J.; Watson, R. T.

1980-01-01

This paper contains a critical evaluation of the kinetics and photochemistry of gas phase chemical reactions of neutral species involved in middle atmosphere chemistry (10-55 km altitude). Data sheets have been prepared for 148 thermal and photochemical reactions, containing summaries of the available experimental data with notes giving details of the experimental procedures. For each reaction a preferred value of the rate coefficient at 298 K is given together with a temperature dependency where possible. The selection of the preferred value is discussed, and estimates of the accuracies of the rate coefficients and temperature coefficients have been made for each reaction. The data sheets are intended to provide the basic physical chemical data needed as input for calculations which model atmospheric chemistry. A table summarizing the preferred rate data is provided, together with an appendix listing the available data on enthalpies of formation of the reactant and product species.

Multifractal-based nuclei segmentation in fish images.

PubMed

Reljin, Nikola; Slavkovic-Ilic, Marijeta; Tapia, Coya; Cihoric, Nikola; Stankovic, Srdjan

2017-09-01

The method for nuclei segmentation in fluorescence in-situ hybridization (FISH) images, based on the inverse multifractal analysis (IMFA) is proposed. From the blue channel of the FISH image in RGB format, the matrix of Holder exponents, with one-by-one correspondence with the image pixels, is determined first. The following semi-automatic procedure is proposed: initial nuclei segmentation is performed automatically from the matrix of Holder exponents by applying predefined hard thresholding; then the user evaluates the result and is able to refine the segmentation by changing the threshold, if necessary. After successful nuclei segmentation, the HER2 (human epidermal growth factor receptor 2) scoring can be determined in usual way: by counting red and green dots within segmented nuclei, and finding their ratio. The IMFA segmentation method is tested over 100 clinical cases, evaluated by skilled pathologist. Testing results show that the new method has advantages compared to already reported methods.

Integrated Nondestructive Evaluation and Finite Element Analysis Predicts Crack Location and Shape

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Abdul-Azia, Ali; Baaklini, George Y.; Trudell, Jeffrey J.

2002-01-01

This study describes the finite-element analyses and the NDE modality undertaken on two flywheel rotors that were spun to burst speed. Computed tomography and dimensional measurements were used to nondestructively evaluate the rotors before and/or after they were spun to the first crack detection. Computed tomography data findings of two- and three-dimensional crack formation were used to conduct finite-element (FEA) and fracture mechanics analyses. A procedure to extend these analyses to estimate the life of these components is also outlined. NDE-FEA results for one of the rotors are presented in the figures. The stress results, which represent the radial stresses in the rim, clearly indicate that the maximum stress region is within the section defined by the computed tomography scan. Furthermore, the NDE data correlate well with the FEA results. In addition, the measurements reported show that the NDE and FEA data are in parallel.

Institutional Conservation Program evaluation project: Results of elementary and secondary education survey pretest

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

Collins, N.E.; Carroll, W.L.; Gaines, L.L.

As part of a study of energy conservation efforts in schools and hospitals and an evaluation of the Institutional Conservation Program sponsored by the US Department of Energy, survey instruments that will be sent to large numbers of elementary and secondary schools and school districts were pretested. The survey instruments solicit information on energy conservation activities, decision-making processes, and energy use. The pretest had several purposes, including identification of problems in the survey instruments' formats and in the wording of instructions and questions; it also helped in establishing the sampling strategy for the survey itself. Both site visits and mailingsmore » were used in the pretest. This report covers all aspects of the pretest. Characteristics of the pretest schools, districts, and interviewees are discussed in narrative summaries. Pretest procedures are described and responses to some of the survey questions are provided.« less

Development of nickel-metal hydride cell: An update

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kuwajima, S.; Kusawake, Hiroaki; Nakatani, Kensuke; Yano, Y.

1994-01-01

This paper presents in viewgraph format an overview of NASDA's evaluation of commercial nickel metal-hydride (Ni-MH) cells and the development and testing of Ni-MH cells for use in space. The commercial cells are concluded to be feasible and suitable for use in LEO; for GEO, the durability for overcharge is needed because long-term charge retention is required. For the aerospace Ni-MH cell design, two activation procedures are applied to evaluate the effect of the difference in the amount of overcharge protection and precharge. Specific energy of the Ni-MH cell is nearly accomplished at 50 Wh/kg. Initial characteristics indicate the effect derived from precharge. Thirty-five amp-hour class Ni-MH cells have good performance for LEO cycle of 25 and 40 percent DOD up to 3000 cycles as similar to commercial cells. The effect of the difference in the amount of overcharge protection will appear in life test.

Enzymatic cell wall degradation of high-pressure-homogenized tomato puree and its effect on lycopene bioaccessibility.

PubMed

Palmero, Paola; Colle, Ines; Lemmens, Lien; Panozzo, Agnese; Nguyen, Tuyen Thi My; Hendrickx, Marc; Van Loey, Ann

2016-01-15

High-pressure homogenization disrupts cell structures, assisting carotenoid release from the matrix and subsequent micellarization. However, lycopene bioaccessibility of tomato puree upon high-pressure homogenization is limited by the formation of a process-induced barrier. In this context, cell wall-degrading enzymes were applied to hydrolyze the formed barrier and enhance lycopene bioaccessibility. The effectiveness of the enzymes in degrading their corresponding substrates was evaluated (consistency, amount of reducing sugars, molar mass distribution and immunolabeling). An in vitro digestion procedure was applied to evaluate the effect of the enzymatic treatments on lycopene bioaccessibility. Enzymatic treatments with pectinases and cellulase were proved to effectively degrade their corresponding cell wall polymers; however, no further significant increase in lycopene bioaccessibility was obtained. A process-induced barrier consisting of cell wall material is not the only factor governing lycopene bioaccessibility upon high-pressure homogenization. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry.

An evaluation of coding methodologies for potential use in the Alabama Resource Information System (ARIS)-transportation study for the state of Alabama

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Montgomery, O. L.

1977-01-01

Procedures developed for digitizing the transportation arteries, airports, and dock facilities of Alabama and placing them in a computerized format compatible with the Alabama Resource Information System are described. The time required to digitize by the following methods: (a) manual, (b) Telereadex 29 with film reading and digitizing system, and (c) digitizing tablets was evaluated. A method for digitizing and storing information from the U. T. M. grid cell base which was compatible with the system was developed and tested. The highways, navigable waterways, railroads, airports, and docks in the study area were digitized and the data stored. The manual method of digitizing was shown to be best for small amounts of data, while the graphic input from the digitizing tablets would be the best approach for entering the large amounts of data required for an entire state.

Experience with a mouse intranasal test for the predictive identification of respiratory sensitization potential of proteins.

PubMed

Blaikie, L; Basketter, D A

1999-08-01

The predictive identification of respiratory allergenic potential is an important primary step in the safety evaluation of (novel) proteins, such as the enzymes used in a range of consumer laundry products. In the past this has been achieved by assessing the relative ability of proteins to give rise to the formation of anaphylactic antibody in the guinea pig. Recently, an alternative model has been proposed which assesses the formation of specific IgG1 antibody in a mouse intranasal test (MINT), the assumption being that specific IgG1 antibody is a surrogate for anaphylactic antibody in the mouse. This procedure has undergone successful initial intralaboratory and interlaboratory assessment. In the present work, the MINT has been evaluated in a more thorough intralaboratory study using eight enzymes plus ovalbumin. While the data generated with a reference enzyme protein, Alcalase, showed good reproducibility, results with the remaining eight proteins led to estimates of their relative antigenic or sensitization potential several of which were at variance from those derived from the guinea pig/ human experience. In consequence, it is concluded that the MINT requires substantial further investigation before it can be adopted as a model for the assessment of the relative ability of proteins to behave as respiratory allergens.

Development and process evaluation of a Web-based responsible beverage service training program.

PubMed

Danaher, Brian G; Dresser, Jack; Shaw, Tracy; Severson, Herbert H; Tyler, Milagra S; Maxwell, Elisabeth D; Christiansen, Steve M

2012-09-22

Responsible beverage service (RBS) training designed to improve the appropriate service of alcohol in commercial establishments is typically delivered in workshops. Recently, Web-based RBS training programs have emerged. This report describes the formative development and subsequent design of an innovative Web-delivered RBS program, and evaluation of the impact of the program on servers' knowledge, attitudes, and self-efficacy. Formative procedures using focus groups and usability testing were used to develop a Web-based RBS training program. Professional alcohol servers (N = 112) who worked as servers and/or mangers in alcohol service settings were recruited to participate. A pre-post assessment design was used to assess changes associated with using the program. Participants who used the program showed significant improvements in their RBS knowledge, attitudes, and self-efficacy. Although the current study did not directly observe and determine impact of the intervention on server behaviors, it demonstrated that the development process incorporating input from a multidisciplinary team in conjunction with feedback from end-users resulted in creation of a Web-based RBS program that was well-received by servers and that changed relevant knowledge, attitudes, and self-efficacy. The results also help to establish a needed evidence base in support of the use of online RBS training, which has been afforded little research attention.

A Spanish matrix sentence test for assessing speech reception thresholds in noise.

PubMed

Hochmuth, Sabine; Brand, Thomas; Zokoll, Melanie A; Castro, Franz Zenker; Wardenga, Nina; Kollmeier, Birger

2012-07-01

To develop, optimize, and evaluate a new Spanish sentence test in noise. The test comprises a basic matrix of ten names, verbs, numerals, nouns, and adjectives. From this matrix, test lists of ten sentences with an equal syntactical structure can be formed at random, with each list containing the whole speech material. The speech material represents the phoneme distribution of the Spanish language. The test was optimized for measuring speech reception thresholds (SRTs) in noise by adjusting the presentation levels of the individual words. Subsequently, the test was evaluated by independent measurements investigating the training effects, the comparability of test lists, open-set vs. closed-set test format, and performance of listeners of different Spanish varieties. In total, 68 normal-hearing native Spanish-speaking listeners. SRTs measured using an adaptive procedure were 6.2 ± 0.8 dB SNR for the open-set and 7.2 ± 0.7 dB SNR for the closed-set test format. The residual training effect was less than 1 dB after using two double-lists before data collection. No significant differences were found for listeners of different Spanish varieties indicating that the test is applicable to Spanish as well as Latin American listeners. Test lists can be used interchangeably.

Topical combined application of dexamethasone, vitamin C, and β-sodium glycerophosphate for healing the extraction socket in rabbits.

PubMed

Chen, J; He, Y; Shan, C; Pan, Q; Li, M; Xia, D

2015-10-01

An osteogenic inducer (OI) consisting of dexamethasone, vitamin C, and β-sodium glycerophosphate has the capacity to induce bone formation in vitro. The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of the application of this OI on extraction socket healing. The bilateral first mandibular premolars were extracted from 75 New Zealand rabbits. Gelatin sponges carrying OI were implanted into the sockets. Sockets undergoing implantation of gelatin sponges alone were also evaluated, as well as non-implantation sockets. Specimens from each group were evaluated radiographically, histologically, and histomorphometrically using haematoxylin-eosin staining. Results showed earlier new bone formation and higher bone quality and quantity in the OI group compared to the other groups, and the differences were significant at 2, 4, 8, and 12 weeks postoperative. The OI significantly reduced the absorption of alveolar bone in terms of height; however, changes in the width were not significantly different between the three groups (P>0.05). The OI was shown to have a positive effect on healing of the tooth extraction sockets, was inexpensive, and was convenient to use during the operational procedure; therefore this could represent a promising implant material for human clinical application. Copyright © 2015 International Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

34 CFR 668.24 - Record retention and examinations.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

...) Participants in the Federal Perkins Loan Program shall follow procedures established in 34 CFR 674.19 for... media format; and (v) Participants in the Federal Perkins Loan Program shall follow procedures... administration of the Federal Perkins Loan, FWS, FSEOG, Federal Pell Grant, ACG, National SMART Grant, or TEACH...

75 FR 42639 - Amendments to Procedures for Certain Determinations and Decisions

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-07-22

... clear? Would a different format make the rules easier to understand, e.g., grouping and order of... and procedure; Blind, Disability benefits; Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance; Reporting and... subpart N as set forth below: PART 404--FEDERAL OLD-AGE, SURVIVORS AND DISABILITY INSURANCE (1950...

49 CFR 194.119 - Submission and approval procedures.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... PLANS FOR ONSHORE OIL PIPELINES Response Plans § 194.119 Submission and approval procedures. (a) Each operator shall submit two copies of the response plan required by this part. Copies of the response plan...: Submission of plans in electronic format is preferred. (b) If PHMSA determines that a response plan requiring...

49 CFR 194.119 - Submission and approval procedures.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

... PLANS FOR ONSHORE OIL PIPELINES Response Plans § 194.119 Submission and approval procedures. (a) Each operator shall submit two copies of the response plan required by this part. Copies of the response plan...: Submission of plans in electronic format is preferred. (b) If PHMSA determines that a response plan requiring...

49 CFR 194.119 - Submission and approval procedures.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-10-01

... PLANS FOR ONSHORE OIL PIPELINES Response Plans § 194.119 Submission and approval procedures. (a) Each operator shall submit two copies of the response plan required by this part. Copies of the response plan...: Submission of plans in electronic format is preferred. (b) If PHMSA determines that a response plan requiring...

49 CFR 194.119 - Submission and approval procedures.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-10-01

... PLANS FOR ONSHORE OIL PIPELINES Response Plans § 194.119 Submission and approval procedures. (a) Each operator shall submit two copies of the response plan required by this part. Copies of the response plan...: Submission of plans in electronic format is preferred. (b) If PHMSA determines that a response plan requiring...

49 CFR 194.119 - Submission and approval procedures.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-10-01

... PLANS FOR ONSHORE OIL PIPELINES Response Plans § 194.119 Submission and approval procedures. (a) Each operator shall submit two copies of the response plan required by this part. Copies of the response plan...: Submission of plans in electronic format is preferred. (b) If PHMSA determines that a response plan requiring...

Ventricular beat classifier using fractal number clustering.

PubMed

Bakardjian, H

1992-09-01

A two-stage ventricular beat 'associative' classification procedure is described. The first stage separates typical beats from extrasystoles on the basis of area and polarity rules. At the second stage, the extrasystoles are classified in self-organised cluster formations of adjacent shape parameter values. This approach avoids the use of threshold values for discrimination between ectopic beats of different shapes, which could be critical in borderline cases. A pattern shape feature conventionally called a 'fractal number', in combination with a polarity attribute, was found to be a good criterion for waveform evaluation. An additional advantage of this pattern classification method is its good computational efficiency, which affords the opportunity to implement it in real-time systems.

NOBLAST and JAMBLAST: New Options for BLAST and a Java Application Manager for BLAST results.

PubMed

Lagnel, Jacques; Tsigenopoulos, Costas S; Iliopoulos, Ioannis

2009-03-15

NOBLAST (New Options for BLAST) is an open source program that provides a new user-friendly tabular output format for various NCBI BLAST programs (Blastn, Blastp, Blastx, Tblastn, Tblastx, Mega BLAST and Psi BLAST) without any use of a parser and provides E-value correction in case of use of segmented BLAST database. JAMBLAST using the NOBLAST output allows the user to manage, view and filter the BLAST hits using a number of selection criteria. A distribution package of NOBLAST and JAMBLAST including detailed installation procedure is freely available from http://sourceforge.net/projects/JAMBLAST/ and http://sourceforge.net/projects/NOBLAST. Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.

Exact BPF and FBP algorithms for nonstandard saddle curves.

PubMed

Yu, Hengyong; Zhao, Shiying; Ye, Yangbo; Wang, Ge

2005-11-01

A hot topic in cone-beam CT research is exact cone-beam reconstruction from a general scanning trajectory. Particularly, a nonstandard saddle curve attracts attention, as this construct allows the continuous periodic scanning of a volume-of-interest (VOI). Here we evaluate two algorithms for reconstruction from data collected along a nonstandard saddle curve, which are in the filtered backprojection (FBP) and backprojection filtration (BPF) formats, respectively. Both the algorithms are implemented in a chord-based coordinate system. Then, a rebinning procedure is utilized to transform the reconstructed results into the natural coordinate system. The simulation results demonstrate that the FBP algorithm produces better image quality than the BPF algorithm, while both the algorithms exhibit similar noise characteristics.

Multiresolution 3-D reconstruction from side-scan sonar images.

PubMed

Coiras, Enrique; Petillot, Yvan; Lane, David M

2007-02-01

In this paper, a new method for the estimation of seabed elevation maps from side-scan sonar images is presented. The side-scan image formation process is represented by a Lambertian diffuse model, which is then inverted by a multiresolution optimization procedure inspired by expectation-maximization to account for the characteristics of the imaged seafloor region. On convergence of the model, approximations for seabed reflectivity, side-scan beam pattern, and seabed altitude are obtained. The performance of the system is evaluated against a real structure of known dimensions. Reconstruction results for images acquired by different sonar sensors are presented. Applications to augmented reality for the simulation of targets in sonar imagery are also discussed.

The Evaluation of Foreign-Language-Teacher Education Programmes

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Peacock, Matthew

2009-01-01

This article presents a new procedure for the evaluation of EFL teacher-training programmes based on principles of programme evaluation and foreign-language-teacher (FLT) education. The procedure focuses on programme strengths and weaknesses and how far the programme meets the needs of students. I tested the procedure through an evaluation of a…

Display formats manual

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Runnels, R. L.

1973-01-01

The standards and procedures for the generation of operational display formats to be used in the Mission Control Center (MCC) display control system are presented. The required effort, forms, and fundamentals for the design, specifications, and production of display formats are identified. The principles of display design and system constraints controlling the creation of optimum operational displays for mission control are explained. The basic two types of MCC display systems for presenting information are described.

Bone Healing Around Dental Implants: Simplified vs Conventional Drilling Protocols at Speed of 400 rpm.

PubMed

Gil, Luiz Fernando; Sarendranath, Alvin; Neiva, Rodrigo; Marão, Heloisa F; Tovar, Nick; Bonfante, Estevam A; Janal, Malvin N; Castellano, Arthur; Coelho, Paulo G

This study evaluated whether simplified drilling protocols would provide comparable histologic and histomorphometric results to conventional drilling protocols at a low rotational speed. A total of 48 alumina-blasted and acid-etched Ti-6Al-4V implants with two diameters (3.75 and 4.2 mm, n = 24 per group) were bilaterally placed in the tibiae of 12 dogs, under a low-speed protocol (400 rpm). Within the same diameter group, half of the implants were inserted after a simplified drilling procedure (pilot drill + final diameter drill), and the other half were placed using the conventional drilling procedure. After 3 and 5 weeks, the animals were euthanized, and the retrieved bone-implant samples were subjected to nondecalcified histologic sectioning. Histomorphology, bone-to-implant contact (BIC), and bone area fraction occupancy (BAFO) analysis were performed. Histology showed that new bone was formed around implants, and inflammation or bone resorption was not evident for both groups. Histomorphometrically, when all independent variables were collapsed over drilling technique, no differences were detected for BIC and BAFO; when drilling technique was analyzed as a function of time, the conventional groups reached statistically higher BIC and BAFO at 3 weeks, but comparable values between techniques were observed at 5 weeks; 4.2-mm implants obtained statistically higher BAFO relative to 3.75-mm implants. Based on the present methodology, the conventional technique improved bone formation at 3 weeks, and narrower implants were associated with less bone formation.

48 CFR 217.7103-1 - Content and format of master agreements.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-10-01

... master agreements. 217.7103-1 Section 217.7103-1 Federal Acquisition Regulations System DEFENSE... CONTRACTING METHODS Master Agreement for Repair and Alteration of Vessels 217.7103-1 Content and format of master agreements. Follow the procedures at PGI 217.7103-1 for preparation of master agreements. [71 FR...

48 CFR 217.7103-1 - Content and format of master agreements.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... master agreements. 217.7103-1 Section 217.7103-1 Federal Acquisition Regulations System DEFENSE... CONTRACTING METHODS Master Agreement for Repair and Alteration of Vessels 217.7103-1 Content and format of master agreements. Follow the procedures at PGI 217.7103-1 for preparation of master agreements. [71 FR...

48 CFR 217.7103-1 - Content and format of master agreements.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-10-01

... master agreements. 217.7103-1 Section 217.7103-1 Federal Acquisition Regulations System DEFENSE... CONTRACTING METHODS Master Agreement for Repair and Alteration of Vessels 217.7103-1 Content and format of master agreements. Follow the procedures at PGI 217.7103-1 for preparation of master agreements. [71 FR...

48 CFR 217.7103-1 - Content and format of master agreements.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-10-01

... master agreements. 217.7103-1 Section 217.7103-1 Federal Acquisition Regulations System DEFENSE... CONTRACTING METHODS Master Agreement for Repair and Alteration of Vessels 217.7103-1 Content and format of master agreements. Follow the procedures at PGI 217.7103-1 for preparation of master agreements. [71 FR...

48 CFR 217.7103-1 - Content and format of master agreements.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

... master agreements. 217.7103-1 Section 217.7103-1 Federal Acquisition Regulations System DEFENSE... CONTRACTING METHODS Master Agreement for Repair and Alteration of Vessels 217.7103-1 Content and format of master agreements. Follow the procedures at PGI 217.7103-1 for preparation of master agreements. [71 FR...

Technique development for conducting mechanical tests to study the pore formation process in case of material fracture

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Magomedova, D. K.; Efimov, M. A.; Murashkin, M. Yu.

2018-05-01

The main purpose of this work was the development of an experimental technique for search and analysis of pore formation in the presented material. Geometry of the samples, the procedure of experiment and processing the samples for investigation were developed.

Evaluation of standardized sample collection, packaging, and decontamination procedures to assess cross-contamination potential during Bacillus anthracis incident response operations

PubMed Central

Calfee, M. Worth; Tufts, Jenia; Meyer, Kathryn; McConkey, Katrina; Mickelsen, Leroy; Rose, Laura; Dowell, Chad; Delaney, Lisa; Weber, Angela; Morse, Stephen; Chaitram, Jasmine; Gray, Marshall

2016-01-01

Sample collection procedures and primary receptacle (sample container and bag) decontamination methods should prevent contaminant transfer between contaminated and non-contaminated surfaces and areas during bio-incident operations. Cross-contamination of personnel, equipment, or sample containers may result in the exfiltration of biological agent from the exclusion (hot) zone and have unintended negative consequences on response resources, activities and outcomes. The current study was designed to: (1) evaluate currently recommended sample collection and packaging procedures to identify procedural steps that may increase the likelihood of spore exfiltration or contaminant transfer; (2) evaluate the efficacy of currently recommended primary receptacle decontamination procedures; and (3) evaluate the efficacy of outer packaging decontamination methods. Wet- and dry-deposited fluorescent tracer powder was used in contaminant transfer tests to qualitatively evaluate the currently-recommended sample collection procedures. Bacillus atrophaeus spores, a surrogate for Bacillus anthracis, were used to evaluate the efficacy of spray- and wipe-based decontamination procedures. Both decontamination procedures were quantitatively evaluated on three types of sample packaging materials (corrugated fiberboard, polystyrene foam, and polyethylene plastic), and two contamination mechanisms (wet or dry inoculums). Contaminant transfer results suggested that size-appropriate gloves should be worn by personnel, templates should not be taped to or removed from surfaces, and primary receptacles should be selected carefully. The decontamination tests indicated that wipe-based decontamination procedures may be more effective than spray-based procedures; efficacy was not influenced by material type but was affected by the inoculation method. Incomplete surface decontamination was observed in all tests with dry inoculums. This study provides a foundation for optimizing current B. anthracis response procedures to minimize contaminant exfiltration. PMID:27362274

Evaluation of standardized sample collection, packaging, and decontamination procedures to assess cross-contamination potential during Bacillus anthracis incident response operations.

PubMed

Calfee, M Worth; Tufts, Jenia; Meyer, Kathryn; McConkey, Katrina; Mickelsen, Leroy; Rose, Laura; Dowell, Chad; Delaney, Lisa; Weber, Angela; Morse, Stephen; Chaitram, Jasmine; Gray, Marshall

2016-12-01

Sample collection procedures and primary receptacle (sample container and bag) decontamination methods should prevent contaminant transfer between contaminated and non-contaminated surfaces and areas during bio-incident operations. Cross-contamination of personnel, equipment, or sample containers may result in the exfiltration of biological agent from the exclusion (hot) zone and have unintended negative consequences on response resources, activities and outcomes. The current study was designed to: (1) evaluate currently recommended sample collection and packaging procedures to identify procedural steps that may increase the likelihood of spore exfiltration or contaminant transfer; (2) evaluate the efficacy of currently recommended primary receptacle decontamination procedures; and (3) evaluate the efficacy of outer packaging decontamination methods. Wet- and dry-deposited fluorescent tracer powder was used in contaminant transfer tests to qualitatively evaluate the currently-recommended sample collection procedures. Bacillus atrophaeus spores, a surrogate for Bacillus anthracis, were used to evaluate the efficacy of spray- and wipe-based decontamination procedures. Both decontamination procedures were quantitatively evaluated on three types of sample packaging materials (corrugated fiberboard, polystyrene foam, and polyethylene plastic), and two contamination mechanisms (wet or dry inoculums). Contaminant transfer results suggested that size-appropriate gloves should be worn by personnel, templates should not be taped to or removed from surfaces, and primary receptacles should be selected carefully. The decontamination tests indicated that wipe-based decontamination procedures may be more effective than spray-based procedures; efficacy was not influenced by material type but was affected by the inoculation method. Incomplete surface decontamination was observed in all tests with dry inoculums. This study provides a foundation for optimizing current B. anthracis response procedures to minimize contaminant exfiltration.

Magnitude processing of symbolic and non-symbolic proportions: an fMRI study.

PubMed

Mock, Julia; Huber, Stefan; Bloechle, Johannes; Dietrich, Julia F; Bahnmueller, Julia; Rennig, Johannes; Klein, Elise; Moeller, Korbinian

2018-05-10

Recent research indicates that processing proportion magnitude is associated with activation in the intraparietal sulcus. Thus, brain areas associated with the processing of numbers (i.e., absolute magnitude) were activated during processing symbolic fractions as well as non-symbolic proportions. Here, we investigated systematically the cognitive processing of symbolic (e.g., fractions and decimals) and non-symbolic proportions (e.g., dot patterns and pie charts) in a two-stage procedure. First, we investigated relative magnitude-related activations of proportion processing. Second, we evaluated whether symbolic and non-symbolic proportions share common neural substrates. We conducted an fMRI study using magnitude comparison tasks with symbolic and non-symbolic proportions, respectively. As an indicator for magnitude-related processing of proportions, the distance effect was evaluated. A conjunction analysis indicated joint activation of specific occipito-parietal areas including right intraparietal sulcus (IPS) during proportion magnitude processing. More specifically, results indicate that the IPS, which is commonly associated with absolute magnitude processing, is involved in processing relative magnitude information as well, irrespective of symbolic or non-symbolic presentation format. However, we also found distinct activation patterns for the magnitude processing of the different presentation formats. Our findings suggest that processing for the separate presentation formats is not only associated with magnitude manipulations in the IPS, but also increasing demands on executive functions and strategy use associated with frontal brain regions as well as visual attention and encoding in occipital regions. Thus, the magnitude processing of proportions may not exclusively reflect processing of number magnitude information but also rather domain-general processes.

Disinfection by-products in ballast water treatment: an evaluation of regulatory data.

PubMed

Werschkun, Barbara; Sommer, Yasmin; Banerji, Sangeeta

2012-10-15

To reduce the global spread of invasive aquatic species, international regulations will soon require reductions of the number of organisms in ballast water discharged by ships. For this purpose, ballast water treatment systems were developed and approved by an international procedure. These systems rely on established water treatment principles which, to different degrees, have been proven to generate disinfection by-products with hazardous properties but have only scarcely been investigated in marine environments. Our study evaluates the publicly available documentation about approved ballast water treatment systems with regard to by-product formation. The most commonly employed methods are chlorination, ozonation, and ultraviolet (UV) irradiation. Chlorination systems generate trihalomethanes, halogenated acetic acids, and bromate in substantially larger quantities than reported for other areas of application. Levels are highest in brackish water, and brominated species predominate, in particular bromoform and dibromoacetic acid. Ozonation, which is less frequently utilized, produces bromoform in lower concentrations but forms higher levels of bromate, both of which were effectively reduced by active carbon treatment. In systems based on UV radiation, medium pressure lamps are employed as well as UV-induced advanced oxidation. For all UV systems, by-product formation is reported only occasionally. The most notable observations were small increases in nitrite, hydrogen peroxide, halogenated methanes and acetic acids. The assessment of by-product formation during ballast water treatment is limited by the lacking completeness and quality of available information. This concerns the extent and statistical characterisation of chemical analysis as well as the documentation of the test water parameters. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Statistics of Scientific Procedures on Living Animals 2014: A new format, and hopefully a new era of diminishing animal experimentation?

PubMed

Hudson-Shore, Michelle

2016-03-01

The Annual Statistics of Scientific Procedures on Living Animals Great Britain 2014 reports a welcome decline in animal experimentation in the UK. However, caution has to be exercised when interpreting these most recent figures, due to the significant changes made to satisfy the requirements of Directive 2010/63/EU as to what information is reported and how it is reported. Comparisons to the figures and trends reported in previous years is difficult, so this paper focuses on the specifics of the current report, providing information on overall animal use and highlighting specific issues associated with genetically-altered animals, fish and primates. There is a detailed discussion of the extent of the changes, commenting on the benefits and disadvantages of the new format, in areas such as severity of procedures, legislation and techniques of special interest. It also considers the consequences of the changes on the effective monitoring of laboratory animal use, the openness and transparency regarding the impacts of animal use, and the implementation of Three Rs initiatives. In addition, suggestions for further improvements to the new format are made to the Home Office. 2016 FRAME.

Simulation Experiment Description Markup Language (SED-ML) Level 1 Version 2.

PubMed

Bergmann, Frank T; Cooper, Jonathan; Le Novère, Nicolas; Nickerson, David; Waltemath, Dagmar

2015-09-04

The number, size and complexity of computational models of biological systems are growing at an ever increasing pace. It is imperative to build on existing studies by reusing and adapting existing models and parts thereof. The description of the structure of models is not sufficient to enable the reproduction of simulation results. One also needs to describe the procedures the models are subjected to, as recommended by the Minimum Information About a Simulation Experiment (MIASE) guidelines. This document presents Level 1 Version 2 of the Simulation Experiment Description Markup Language (SED-ML), a computer-readable format for encoding simulation and analysis experiments to apply to computational models. SED-ML files are encoded in the Extensible Markup Language (XML) and can be used in conjunction with any XML-based model encoding format, such as CellML or SBML. A SED-ML file includes details of which models to use, how to modify them prior to executing a simulation, which simulation and analysis procedures to apply, which results to extract and how to present them. Level 1 Version 2 extends the format by allowing the encoding of repeated and chained procedures.

Simulation Experiment Description Markup Language (SED-ML) Level 1 Version 2.

PubMed

Bergmann, Frank T; Cooper, Jonathan; Le Novère, Nicolas; Nickerson, David; Waltemath, Dagmar

2015-06-01

The number, size and complexity of computational models of biological systems are growing at an ever increasing pace. It is imperative to build on existing studies by reusing and adapting existing models and parts thereof. The description of the structure of models is not sufficient to enable the reproduction of simulation results. One also needs to describe the procedures the models are subjected to, as recommended by the Minimum Information About a Simulation Experiment (MIASE) guidelines. This document presents Level 1 Version 2 of the Simulation Experiment Description Markup Language (SED-ML), a computer-readable format for encoding simulation and analysis experiments to apply to computational models. SED-ML files are encoded in the Extensible Markup Language (XML) and can be used in conjunction with any XML-based model encoding format, such as CellML or SBML. A SED-ML file includes details of which models to use, how to modify them prior to executing a simulation, which simulation and analysis procedures to apply, which results to extract and how to present them. Level 1 Version 2 extends the format by allowing the encoding of repeated and chained procedures.

42 CFR 422.502 - Evaluation and determination procedures.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... SERVICES (CONTINUED) MEDICARE PROGRAM MEDICARE ADVANTAGE PROGRAM Application Procedures and Contracts for Medicare Advantage Organizations § 422.502 Evaluation and determination procedures. (a) Basis for...

Implications of cost-effectiveness analysis of medical technology. background paper number 5. four common x-ray procedures: problems and prospects for economic evaluation

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

Wagner, J.L.; Krieger, M.J.

This paper is about the economic evaluation of diagnostic procedures. The issue of economic evaluation is explored in the context of four common diagnostic X-ray procedures: the chest X-ray, the skull X-ray, the barium enema study, and the excretory urogram. The paper is divided into two parts. The first part summarizes the different evaluative models underlying studies of the four diagnostic X-ray procedures and to lay out the strengths and weaknesses of each method. The second part contains four separate chapters summarizing what is known about the utilization, costs, risks, and benefits of each procedure, with particular emphasis on themore » evaluative methods employed.« less

Mirage events & driver haptic steering alerts in a motion-base driving simulator: A method for selecting an optimal HMI.

PubMed

Talamonti, Walter; Tijerina, Louis; Blommer, Mike; Swaminathan, Radhakrishnan; Curry, Reates; Ellis, R Darin

2017-11-01

This paper describes a new method, a 'mirage scenario,' to support formative evaluation of driver alerting or warning displays for manual and automated driving. This method provides driving contexts (e.g., various Times-To-Collision (TTCs) to a lead vehicle) briefly presented and then removed. In the present study, during each mirage event, a haptic steering display was evaluated. This haptic display indicated a steering response may be initiated to drive around an obstacle ahead. A motion-base simulator was used in a 32-participant study to present vehicle motion cues similar to the actual application. Surprise was neither present nor of concern, as it would be for a summative evaluation of a forward collision warning system. Furthermore, no collision avoidance maneuvers were performed, thereby reducing the risk of simulator sickness. This paper illustrates the mirage scenario procedures, the rating methods and definitions used with the mirage scenario, and analysis of the ratings obtained, together with a multi-attribute utility theory (MAUT) approach to evaluate and select among alternative designs for future summative evaluation. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Behavior of optical properties of coagulated blood sample at 633 nm wavelength

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Morales Cruzado, Beatriz; Vázquez y Montiel, Sergio; Delgado Atencio, José Alberto

2011-03-01

Determination of tissue optical parameters is fundamental for application of light in either diagnostics or therapeutical procedures. However, in samples of biological tissue in vitro, the optical properties are modified by cellular death or cellular agglomeration that can not be avoided. This phenomena change the propagation of light within the biological sample. Optical properties of human blood tissue were investigated in vitro at 633 nm using an optical setup that includes a double integrating sphere system. We measure the diffuse transmittance and diffuse reflectance of the blood sample and compare these physical properties with those obtained by Monte Carlo Multi-Layered (MCML). The extraction of the optical parameters: absorption coefficient μa, scattering coefficient μs and anisotropic factor g from the measurements were carried out using a Genetic Algorithm, in which the search procedure is based in the evolution of a population due to selection of the best individual, evaluated by a function that compares the diffuse transmittance and diffuse reflectance of those individuals with the experimental ones. The algorithm converges rapidly to the best individual, extracting the optical parameters of the sample. We compare our results with those obtained by using other retrieve procedures. We found that the scattering coefficient and the anisotropic factor change dramatically due to the formation of clusters.

Procedures to develop a computerized adaptive test to assess patient-reported physical functioning.

PubMed

McCabe, Erin; Gross, Douglas P; Bulut, Okan

2018-06-07

The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate the procedures to develop and implement a computerized adaptive patient-reported outcome (PRO) measure using secondary analysis of a dataset and items from fixed-format legacy measures. We conducted secondary analysis of a dataset of responses from 1429 persons with work-related lower extremity impairment. We calibrated three measures of physical functioning on the same metric, based on item response theory (IRT). We evaluated efficiency and measurement precision of various computerized adaptive test (CAT) designs using computer simulations. IRT and confirmatory factor analyses support combining the items from the three scales for a CAT item bank of 31 items. The item parameters for IRT were calculated using the generalized partial credit model. CAT simulations show that reducing the test length from the full 31 items to a maximum test length of 8 items, or 20 items is possible without a significant loss of information (95, 99% correlation with legacy measure scores). We demonstrated feasibility and efficiency of using CAT for PRO measurement of physical functioning. The procedures we outlined are straightforward, and can be applied to other PRO measures. Additionally, we have included all the information necessary to implement the CAT of physical functioning in the electronic supplementary material of this paper.

Surgical repair of the iatrogenic falsepassage in the treatment of trauma-induced posterior urethral injuries.

PubMed

Dogan, Faruk; Sahin, Ali Feyzullah; Sarıkaya, Tevfik; Dırık, Alper

2014-03-28

Pelvic fracture associated urethral injury (PFAUI) is a rare and challenging sequel of blunt pelvic trauma. Treatment of iatrogenic false urethral passage (FUP) remains as a challenge for urologists. In this case report we reviewed the iatrogenic FUP caused by wrong procedures performed in the treatment of a patient with PFAUI and the treatment of posterior urethral stricture with transperineal bulbo-prostatic anatomic urethroplasty in the management of FUP. A 37-year-old male patient with PFAUI had undergone a laparotomy procedure for pelvic bone fracture, complete urethral rupture, and bladder perforation 8 years ago. After stricture formation, patient had undergone procedures that caused FUP. Following operations, he had a low urinary flow rate, and incontinence and urgency even with small amounts of urine. FUP was diagnosed by voiding cystourethrography and retrograde urethrography. FUP was fixed with open urethroplasty with the guidance of flexible antegrade urethtoscopy. False passage should always be taken into account in the differential diagnosis of patients with persistent symptoms that underwent PFAUI therapy. In addition, we believe that in the evaluation of patients with PFAUI suspected for having a false passage, bladder neck and urethra should be assessed by combining routine voiding cystourethrography and retrograde urethrography with preoperative flexible cystoscopy via suprapubic route.

Side Effects of Radiographic Contrast Media: Pathogenesis, Risk Factors, and Prevention

PubMed Central

Tasanarong, Adis

2014-01-01

Radiocontrast media (RCM) are medical drugs used to improve the visibility of internal organs and structures in X-ray based imaging techniques. They may have side effects ranging from itching to a life-threatening emergency, known as contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN). We define CIN as acute renal failure occurring within 24–72 hrs of exposure to RCM that cannot be attributed to other causes. It usually occurs in patients with preexisting renal impairment and diabetes. The mechanisms underlying CIN include reduction in medullary blood flow leading to hypoxia and direct tubule cell damage and the formation of reactive oxygen species. Identification of patients at high risk for CIN is important. We have reviewed the risk factors and procedures for prevention, providing a long list of references enabling readers a deep evaluation of them both. The first rule to follow in patients at risk of CIN undergoing radiographic procedure is monitoring renal function by measuring serum creatinine and calculating the eGFR before and once daily for 5 days after the procedure. It is advised to discontinue potentially nephrotoxic medications, to choose radiocontrast media at lowest dosage, and to encourage oral or intravenous hydration. In high-risk patients N-acetylcysteine may also be given. PMID:24895606

Assessment of adhesion formation after laparoscopic intraperitoneal implantation of Dynamesh IPOM mesh

PubMed Central

Jałyński, Marek; Piskorz, Łukasz; Brocki, Marian

2013-01-01

Introduction Formation of adhesions after laparoscopic hernia repair using the intra-peritoneal onlay mesh (IPOM) procedure can lead to intestinal obstruction or mesh erosion into intestinal lumen. The aims of this study included: measurement of adhesion formation with Dynamesh IPOM after laparoscopic intraperitoneal implantation, and assessment of the occurrence of isolated adhesions at the fastening sites of slowly absorbable sutures. Material and methods Twelve healthy pigs underwent laparoscopic implantation of 2 Dynamesh IPOM mesh fragments each, one was fastened with PDSII, and the other with Maxon sutures. An assessment of adhesion formation was carried out after 6 weeks and included an evaluation of surface area, hardness according to the Zhulke scale, and index values. The occurrence of isolated adhesions at slowly absorbable suture fixation points was also analyzed. Results Adhesions were noted in 83.3% of Dynamesh IPOM meshes. Adhesions covered on average 37.7% of the mesh surface with mean hardness 1.46 and index value 78.8. In groups fixed with PDS in comparison to Maxon sutures adhesions covered mean 31.6% vs. 42.5% (p = 0.62) of the mesh surface, mean hardness was 1.67 vs.1.25 (p = 0.34) and index 85.42 vs. 72.02 (p = 0.95). Conclusions The Dynamesh IPOM mesh, in spite of its anti-adhesive layer of PVDF, does not prevent the formation of adhesions. Adhesion hardness, surface area, and index values of the Dynamesh IPOM mesh are close to the mean values of these parameters for other commercially available 2-layer meshes. Slowly absorbable sutures used for fastening did not increase the risk of adhesion formation. PMID:23847671

17 CFR 1.71 - Conflicts of interest policies and procedures by futures commission merchants and introducing...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-04-01

... subject to this rule must adopt and implement written policies and procedures reasonably designed to... broker must establish structural and institutional safeguards reasonably designed to ensure that the... for non-substantive editing, to format the layout or style of the research report, or to identify any...

17 CFR 1.71 - Conflicts of interest policies and procedures by futures commission merchants and introducing...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-04-01

... subject to this rule must adopt and implement written policies and procedures reasonably designed to... broker must establish structural and institutional safeguards reasonably designed to ensure that the... for non-substantive editing, to format the layout or style of the research report, or to identify any...

Conversion of School Nurse Policy and Procedure Manual to Electronic Format

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Randall, Joellyn; Knee, Rachel; Galemore, Cynthia

2006-01-01

Policy and procedure manuals are essential to establishing standards of practice and ensuring quality of care to students and families. The Olathe District Schools (Kansas) Technology Department created the Virtual File Cabinet to provide online access to employee policies, school board policies, forms, and other documents. A task force of school…

Toward the Development of a Model to Estimate the Readability of Credentialing-Examination Materials

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Badgett, Barbara A.

2010-01-01

The purpose of this study was to develop a set of procedures to establish readability, including an equation, that accommodates the multiple-choice item format and occupational-specific language related to credentialing examinations. The procedures and equation should be appropriate for learning materials, examination materials, and occupational…

Linking Factual and Procedural Knowledge in Solving Science Problems: A Case Study in a Thermodynamics Course.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Mettes, C. T. C. W.; And Others

1981-01-01

Describes the reconstruction of a conventional thermodynamics curriculum using the Galperin theory of stage-by-stage formation of mental actions and Landa's description of the "through" systematization of knowledge, and discusses the generalizability of the procedures followed in developing the plan for instruction. A 33-item…

Debate as Encapsulated Conflict: Ruled Controversy as an Approach to Learning Conflict Management Skills.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Lee, David G.; Hensley, Carl Wayne

Debate can provide a format for the development of communication skills to aid students in managing conflicts, because an understanding of rule-governed communication in conflict situations is invaluable in constructive conflict management. Since in debate procedural rules restrict discussion primarily to substantive and procedural topics, debate…

Office Procedures 20-30. Business Education Curriculum Guide.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Alberta Dept. of Education, Edmonton. Curriculum Branch.

This curriculum guide is one of nine such guides developed for an Alberta high school business education program. Its content covers the main subject area or strand of office procedures. Subject to the constraints outlined in the guide, the modules are to be formatted into three- or four-credit courses within each strand. Introductory materials…

Label-free offline versus online activity methods for nucleoside diphosphate kinase b using high performance liquid chromatography.

PubMed

Lima, Juliana Maria; Salmazo Vieira, Plínio; Cavalcante de Oliveira, Arthur Henrique; Cardoso, Carmen Lúcia

2016-08-07

Nucleoside diphosphate kinase from Leishmania spp. (LmNDKb) has recently been described as a potential drug target to treat leishmaniasis disease. Therefore, screening of LmNDKb ligands requires methodologies that mimic the conditions under which LmNDKb acts in biological systems. Here, we compare two label-free methodologies that could help screen LmNDKb ligands and measure NDKb activity: an offline LC-UV assay for soluble LmNDKb and an online two-dimensional LC-UV system based on LmNDKb immobilised on a silica capillary. The target enzyme was immobilised on the silica capillary via Schiff base formation (to give LmNDKb-ICER-Schiff) or affinity attachment (to give LmNDKb-ICER-His). Several aspects of the ICERs resulting from these procedures were compared, namely kinetic parameters, stability, and procedure steps. Both the LmNDKb immobilisation routes minimised the conformational changes and preserved the substrate binding sites. However, considering the number of steps involved in the immobilisation procedure, the cost of reagents, and the stability of the immobilised enzyme, immobilisation via Schiff base formation proved to be the optimal procedure.

Bubble formation in microgravity

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Antar, Basil N.

1996-01-01

An extensive experimental program was initiated for the purpose of understanding the mechanisms leading to bubble generation during fluid handling procedures in a microgravity environment. Several key fluid handling procedures typical for PCG experiments were identified for analysis in that program. Experiments were designed to specifically understand how such procedures can lead to bubble formation. The experiments were then conducted aboard the NASA KC-135 aircraft which is capable of simulating a low gravity environment by executing a parabolic flight attitude. However, such a flight attitude can only provide a low gravity environment of approximately 10-2go for a maximum period of 30 seconds. Thus all of the tests conducted for these experiments were designed to last no longer than 20 seconds. Several experiments were designed to simulate some of the more relevant fluid handling procedures during protein crystal growth experiments. These include submerged liquid jet cavitation, filling of a cubical vessel, submerged surface scratch, attached drop growth, liquid jet impingement, and geysering experiments. To date, four separate KC-135 flight campaigns were undertaken specifically for performing these experiments. However, different experiments were performed on different flights.

Systematic Evaluation of Professional Performance: Legally Supported Procedure and Process.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kerl, Stella Beatriz; Garcia, John L.; McCullough, C. Sue; Maxwell, Melissa Elaine

2002-01-01

Legal challenges to counseling students' dismissal that are based on interpersonal or clinical incompetence require sound systematic academic evaluation and adherence to procedural and substantive due process. Presents an examination of professional competency from counselor education and legal perspectives, an evaluation procedure and process,…

The effects of age, illustrations, and task variables on the performance of procedural assembly tasks.

PubMed

Morrell, R W; Park, D C

1993-09-01

Older adults may be disadvantaged in the performance of procedural assembly tasks because of age-related declines in working memory operations. It was hypothesized that adding illustrations to instructional text may lessen age-related performance differences by minimizing processing demands on working memory in the elderly. In the present study, younger and older adults constructed a series of 3-dimensional objects from 3 types of instructions (text only, illustration only, or text and illustrations). Results indicated that instructions consisting of text and illustrations reduced errors in construction for both age groups compared with the other formats. Younger adults, however, outperformed older adults under all instructional format conditions. Measures of spatial and verbal working memory and text comprehension ability accounted for substantial age-related variance across the different format conditions but did not fully account for the age differences observed.

Initialization of distributed spacecraft for precision formation flying

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hadaegh, F. Y.; Scharf, D. P.; Ploen, S. R.

2003-01-01

In this paper we present a solution to the formation initialization problem for N distributed spacecraft located in deep space. Our solution to the FI problem is based on a three-stage sky search procedure that reduces the FI problem for N spacecraft to the simpler problem of initializing a set of sub-formations. We demonstrate our FI algorithm in simulation using NASA's five spacecraft Terrestrial Planet Finder mission as an example.

32 CFR Appendix B to Part 150 - Format for Assignment of Errors and Brief on Behalf of Accused (§ 150.15)

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... 32 National Defense 1 2013-07-01 2013-07-01 false Format for Assignment of Errors and Brief on Behalf of Accused (§ 150.15) B Appendix B to Part 150 National Defense Department of Defense OFFICE OF... OF PRACTICE AND PROCEDURE Pt. 150, App. B Appendix B to Part 150—Format for Assignment of Errors and...

32 CFR Appendix B to Part 150 - Format for Assignment of Errors and Brief on Behalf of Accused (§ 150.15)

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... 32 National Defense 1 2011-07-01 2011-07-01 false Format for Assignment of Errors and Brief on Behalf of Accused (§ 150.15) B Appendix B to Part 150 National Defense Department of Defense OFFICE OF... OF PRACTICE AND PROCEDURE Pt. 150, App. B Appendix B to Part 150—Format for Assignment of Errors and...

Smoking Behavior and Friendship Formation: The Importance of Time Heterogeneity in Studying Social Network Dynamics

DTIC Science & Technology

2010-01-01

Smoking Behavior and Friendship Formation: The Importance of Time Heterogeneity in Studying Social Network Dynamics Joshua A. Lospinoso Department of...djsatchell@gmail.com Abstract—This study illustrates the importance of assessing and accounting for time heterogeneity in longitudinal social net- work...analysis. We apply the time heterogeneity model selection procedure of [1] to a dataset collected on social tie formation for university freshman in the

28 CFR 104.31 - Procedure for claims evaluation.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... 28 Judicial Administration 2 2011-07-01 2011-07-01 false Procedure for claims evaluation. 104.31 Section 104.31 Judicial Administration DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE (CONTINUED) SEPTEMBER 11TH VICTIM... any required documents. (b) Procedural tracks. Each claim will be placed on a procedural track...

28 CFR 104.31 - Procedure for claims evaluation.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... 28 Judicial Administration 2 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 false Procedure for claims evaluation. 104.31 Section 104.31 Judicial Administration DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE (CONTINUED) SEPTEMBER 11TH VICTIM... any required documents. (b) Procedural tracks. Each claim will be placed on a procedural track...

Apollo: AN Automatic Procedure to Forecast Transport and Deposition of Tephra

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Folch, A.; Costa, A.; Macedonio, G.

2007-05-01

Volcanic ash fallout represents a serious threat to communities around active volcanoes. Reliable short term predictions constitute a valuable support for to mitigate the effects of fallout on the surrounding area during an episode of crisis. We present a platform-independent automatic procedure aimed to daily forecast volcanic ash dispersal. The procedure builds on a series of programs and interfaces that allow an automatic data/results flow. Firstly the procedure downloads mesoscale meteorological forecasts for the region and period of interest, filters and converts data from its native format (typically GRIB format files), and sets up the CALMET diagnostic meteorological model to obtain hourly wind field and micro-meteorological variables on a finer mesh. Secondly a 1-D version of the buoyant plume equations assesses the distribution of mass along the eruptive column depending on the obtained wind field and on the conditions at the vent (granulometry, mass flow rate, etc.). All these data are used as input for the ash dispersion model(s). Any model able to face physical complexity and coupling processes with adequate solving times can be plugged into the system by means of an interface. Currently, the procedure contains the models HAZMAP, TEPHRA and FALL3D, the latter in both serial and parallel versions. Parallelization of FALL3D is done at two levels one for particle classes and one for spatial domain. The last step is to post-processes the model(s) outcomes to end up with homogeneous maps written on portable format files. Maps plot relevant quantities such as predicted ground load, expected deposit thickness or visual and flight safety concentration thresholds. Several applications are shown as examples.

Endothelial protection: avoiding air bubble formation at the phacoemulsification tip.

PubMed

Kim, Eung Kweon; Cristol, Stephen M; Kang, Shin J; Edelhauser, Henry F; Yeon, Dong-Soo; Lee, Jae Bum

2002-03-01

To investigate the conditions under which bubbles form during phacoemulsification. Department of Ophthalmology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea. In the first part of the study, the partial pressure of oxygen (pO(2)) was used as a surrogate measure for the partial pressure of air. Irrigation solutions packaged in glass and plastic containers were studied. A directly vented glass bottle was also tested. The pO(2) of the various irrigation solutions was measured as the containers were emptied. In the second part, phacoemulsification procedures were performed in rabbit eyes with different power settings and different irrigation solutions. Intracameral bubble formation during the procedure was recorded. Following the phacoemulsification procedures, the corneas were stained for F-actin and examined for endothelial injury. The initial pO(2) in irrigation solutions packaged in glass bottles was about half that at atmospheric levels; in solutions packaged in plastic, it was at atmospheric levels. As irrigation solutions were drained from the container, the pO(2) of the solution tended to rise toward atmospheric levels. The rate of pO(2) increase was markedly reduced by using a directly vented glass bottle. In the phacoemulsification procedures, bubble formation was most likely to occur with higher pO(2) and higher power settings. Observation of bubbles by the surgeon was highly correlated with endothelial damage. Keeping the pO(2) low reduced the risk of endothelial damage, especially at higher phacoemulsification powers. The packaging of irrigation solutions was the most important factor in controlling the initial pO(2) of the solution. The pO(2) can be minimized throughout a phacoemulsification procedure by using a directly vented glass bottle.

A novel bone scraper for intraoral harvesting: a device for filling small bone defects.

PubMed

Zaffe, Davide; D'Avenia, Ferdinando

2007-08-01

To evaluate histologically the morphology and characteristics of bone chips harvested intraorally by Safescraper, a specially designed cortical bone collector. Bone chips harvested near a bone defect or in other intraoral sites were grafted into a post-extractive socket or applied in procedures for maxillary sinus floor augmentation or guided bone regeneration. Core biopsies were performed at implant insertion. Undecalcified specimens embedded in PMMA were studied by histology, histochemistry and SEM. Intraoral harvesting by Safescraper provided a simple, clinically effective regenerative procedure with low morbidity for collecting cortical bone chips (0.9-1.7 mm in length, roughly 100 microm thick). Chips had an oblong or quadrangular shape and contained live osteocytes (mean viability: 45-72%). Bone chip grafting produced newly formed bone tissue suitable for implant insertion. Trabecular bone volume measured on biopsies decreased with time (from 45-55% to 23%). Grafted chips made up 50% or less of the calcified tissue in biopsies. Biopsies presented remodeling activities, new bone formation by apposition and live osteocytes (35% or higher). In conclusion, Safescraper is capable of collecting adequate amounts of cortical bone chips from different intraoral sites. The procedure is effective for treating alveolar defects for endosseous implant insertion and provides good healing of small bone defects after grafting with bone chips. The study indicates that Safescraper is a very useful device for in-office bone harvesting procedures in routine peri-implant bone regeneration.

Omega "Ω" Pulley Plasty for Surgical Management of DeQuervain's Disease.

PubMed

Bakhach, Joseph; Chaya, Bachar; Papazian, Nazareth

2018-06-01

DeQuervain tenosynovitis, refractory to medical conservative treatment, has been traditionally treated by a simple division of the pulley, a procedure associated with several complications. Many authors attempted to prevent these complications by describing techniques of pulley reconstruction after its release necessitating suturing the different flaps and subsequently promoting extensor tendons adhesions. The authors present an alternative procedure for the first extensor compartment pulley decompression: "Omegaplasty". 25 Patients with 29 DeQuervain tenosynovitis cases were enrolled in a prospective, nonrandomized clinical trial from 2012 to 2016. At enrollment they were offered the option of Omegaplasty as a surgical treatment modality for their cases. The procedure is based on liberating the anterior attachment of the pulley from the anterior lip of the styloïd process while respecting its continuity with the periosteal flap as well as promoting expansion of the tunnel volume. All operated patients were evaluated using the "Opposition Kapandji Score". The authors present the results of 29 different "Omegaplasty" procedures. Based on the Kapandji opposition score, twenty cases scored 10/10 while the remaining nine cases yielded an 8/10 score each. The described technique is simple, reliable and respects the extensor tendons gliding physiology and biodynamics. By preserving the anatomical continuity of the first extensor compartment pulley at the wrist, the risk of adhesion formation is reduced. The preliminary results are encouraging and provide the "Ω" plasty the potential to be considered as a surgical option for treatment of De Quervain Tenosynovitis.

Optimization of the pepsin digestion method for anisakids inspection in the fishing industry.

PubMed

Llarena-Reino, María; Piñeiro, Carmen; Antonio, José; Outeriño, Luis; Vello, Carlos; González, Ángel F; Pascual, Santiago

2013-01-31

During the last 50 years human anisakiasis has been rising while parasites have increased their prevalence at determined fisheries becoming an emergent major public health problem. Although artificial enzymatic digestion procedure by CODEX (STAN 244-2004: standard for salted Atlantic herring and salted sprat) is the recommended protocol for anisakids inspection, no international agreement has been achieved in veterinary and scientific digestion protocols to regulate this growing source of biological hazard in fish products. The aim of this work was to optimize the current artificial digestion protocol by CODEX with the purpose of offering a faster, more useful and safer procedure for factories workers, than the current one for anisakids detection. To achieve these objectives, the existing pepsin chemicals and the conditions of the digestion method were evaluated and assayed in fresh and frozen samples, both in lean and fatty fish species. Results showed that the new digestion procedure considerably reduces the assay time, and it is more handy and efficient (the quantity of the resulting residue was considerably lower after less time) than the widely used CODEX procedure. In conclusion, the new digestion method herein proposed based on liquid pepsin format is an accurate reproducible and user-friendly off-site tool, that can be useful in the implementation of screening programs for the prevention of human anisakiasis (and associated gastroallergic disorders) due to the consumption of raw or undercooked contaminated seafood products. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Molecular Hydrogen Formation : Effect of Dust Grain Temperature Fluctuations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bron, Emeric; Le Bourlot, Jacques; Le Petit, Franck

2013-06-01

H_{2} formation is a hot topic in astrochemistry. Thanks to Copernicus and FUSE satellites, its formation rate on dust grains in diffuse interstellar gas has been inferred (Jura 1974, Gry et al. 2002). Nevertheless, detection of H_2 emission in PDRs by ISO and Spitzer (Habart et al., 2004, 2005, 2011 ) showed that its formation mechanism can be efficient on warm grains (warmer than 30K), whereas experimental studies showed that Langmuir-Hinshelwood mechanism is only efficient in a narrow window of grain temperatures (typically between 10-20 K). The Eley-Rideal mechanism, in which H atoms are chemically bound to grains surfaces could explain such a formation rate in PDRs (Le Bourlot et al. 2012 ). Usual dust size distributions (e.g. Mathis et al. 1977 ) favor smaller grains in a way that makes most of the available grain surface belong to small grains. As small grains are subject to large temperature fluctuations due to UV-photons absorption, calculations at a fixed temperature give incorrect results under strong UV-fields. Here, we present a comprehensive study of the influence of this stochastic effect on H_2 formation by Langmuir-Hinshelwood and Eley-Rideal mechanisms. We use a master equation approach to calculate the statistics of coupled fluctuations of the temperature and adsorbed H population of a grain. Doing so, we are able to calculate the formation rate on a grain under a given radiation field and given gas conditions. We find that the Eley-Rideal mechanism remains an efficient mechanism in PDRs, and that the Langmuir-Hinshelwood mechanism is more efficient than expected on warm grains. This procedure is then coupled to full cloud simulations with the Meudon PDR code. We compare the new results with more classical evaluations of the formation rate, and present the differences in terms of chemical structure of the cloud and observable line intensities. We will also highlight the influence of some microphysical parameters on the results.

Student Services Program Planning and Evaluation: Responsibility, Procedures, Instrument, and Guidelines.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Repp, Charles A.; Brach, Ronald C.

The manual provides a rationale, procedural guidelines, time-schedules, instruments, and supporting documentation for student services program evaluation at SUNY Agricultural and Technical College, Delhi. Six procedural guidelines include: (1) all programs and services should be evaluated at least once every four years, with provision for annual…

Development of reliable analytical tools for evaluating the influence of reductive winemaking on the quality of Lugana wines.

PubMed

Mattivi, Fulvio; Fedrizzi, Bruno; Zenato, Alberto; Tiefenthaler, Paolo; Tempesta, Silvano; Perenzoni, Daniele; Cantarella, Paolo; Simeoni, Federico; Vrhovsek, Urska

2012-06-30

This paper presents methods for the definition of important analytical tools, such as the development of sensitive and rapid methods for analysing reduced and oxidised glutathione (GSH and GSSG), hydroxycinnamic acids (HCA), bound thiols (GSH-3MH and Cys-3MH) and free thiols (3MH and 3MHA), and their first application to evaluate the effect of reductive winemaking on the composition of Lugana juices and wines. Lugana is a traditional white wine from the Lake Garda region (Italy), produced using a local grape variety, Trebbiano di Lugana. An innovative winemaking procedure based on preliminary cooling of grape berries followed by crushing in an inert environment was implemented and explored on a winery scale. The effects of these procedures on hydroxycinnamic acids, GSH, GSSG, free and bound thiols and flavanols content were investigated. The juices and wines produced using different protocols were examined. Moreover, wines aged in tanks for 1, 2 and 3 months were analysed. The high level of GSH found in Lugana grapes, which can act as a natural antioxidant and be preserved in must and young wines, thus reducing the need of exogenous antioxidants, was particularly interesting. Moreover, it was clear that polyphenol concentrations (hydroxycinnamic acids and catechins) were strongly influenced by winemaking and pressing conditions, which required fine tuning of pressing. Above-threshold levels of 3-mercaptohexan-1-ol (3MH) and 3-mercaptohexyl acetate (3MHA) were found in the wines and changed according to the winemaking procedure applied. Interestingly, the evolution during the first three months also varied depending on the procedure adopted. Organic synthesis of cysteine and glutathione conjugates was carried out and juices and wines were subjected to LC-MS/MS analysis. These two molecules appeared to be strongly affected by the winemaking procedure, but did not show any significant change during the first 3 months of post-bottling ageing. This supports the theory, already proposed in the literature, that there are other synthetic pathways for free thiol formation. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Recent Achievements of the Collaboratory for the Study of Earthquake Predictability

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jordan, T. H.; Liukis, M.; Werner, M. J.; Schorlemmer, D.; Yu, J.; Maechling, P. J.; Jackson, D. D.; Rhoades, D. A.; Zechar, J. D.; Marzocchi, W.

2016-12-01

The Collaboratory for the Study of Earthquake Predictability (CSEP) supports a global program to conduct prospective earthquake forecasting experiments. CSEP testing centers are now operational in California, New Zealand, Japan, China, and Europe with 442 models under evaluation. The California testing center, started by SCEC, Sept 1, 2007, currently hosts 30-minute, 1-day, 3-month, 1-year and 5-year forecasts, both alarm-based and probabilistic, for California, the Western Pacific, and worldwide. Our tests are now based on the hypocentral locations and magnitudes of cataloged earthquakes, but we plan to test focal mechanisms, seismic hazard models, ground motion forecasts, and finite rupture forecasts as well. We have increased computational efficiency for high-resolution global experiments, such as the evaluation of the Global Earthquake Activity Rate (GEAR) model, introduced Bayesian ensemble models, and implemented support for non-Poissonian simulation-based forecasts models. We are currently developing formats and procedures to evaluate externally hosted forecasts and predictions. CSEP supports the USGS program in operational earthquake forecasting and a DHS project to register and test external forecast procedures from experts outside seismology. We found that earthquakes as small as magnitude 2.5 provide important information on subsequent earthquakes larger than magnitude 5. A retrospective experiment for the 2010-2012 Canterbury earthquake sequence showed that some physics-based and hybrid models outperform catalog-based (e.g., ETAS) models. This experiment also demonstrates the ability of the CSEP infrastructure to support retrospective forecast testing. Current CSEP development activities include adoption of the Comprehensive Earthquake Catalog (ComCat) as an authorized data source, retrospective testing of simulation-based forecasts, and support for additive ensemble methods. We describe the open-source CSEP software that is available to researchers as they develop their forecast models. We also discuss how CSEP procedures are being adapted to intensity and ground motion prediction experiments as well as hazard model testing.

Groundwater technical procedures of the U.S. Geological Survey

USGS Publications Warehouse

Cunningham, William L.; Schalk, Charles W.

2011-01-01

A series of groundwater technical procedures documents (GWPDs) has been released by the U.S. Geological Survey, Water-Resources Discipline, for general use by the public. These technical procedures were written in response to the need for standardized technical procedures of many aspects of groundwater science, including site and measuring-point establishment, measurement of water levels, and measurement of well discharge. The techniques are described in the GWPDs in concise language and are accompanied by necessary figures and tables derived from cited manuals, reports, and other documents. Because a goal of this series of procedures is to remain current with the state of the science, and because procedures change over time, this report is released in an online format only. As new procedures are developed and released, they will be linked to this document.

Evaluation of a technique to simplify depictions of visually complex aeronautical procedures for NextGen

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2013-10-04

Performance based navigation supports the design of more precise flight procedures. However, these new procedures can be visually complex, which may impact the usability of charts that depict the procedures. The purpose of the study was to evaluate w...

Designing Flightdeck Procedures

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Barshi, Immanuel; Mauro, Robert; Degani, Asaf; Loukopoulou, Loukia

2016-01-01

The primary goal of this document is to provide guidance on how to design, implement, and evaluate flight deck procedures. It provides a process for developing procedures that meet clear and specific requirements. This document provides a brief overview of: 1) the requirements for procedures, 2) a process for the design of procedures, and 3) a process for the design of checklists. The brief overview is followed by amplified procedures that follow the above steps and provide details for the proper design, implementation and evaluation of good flight deck procedures and checklists.

History of Science and Conceptual Change: The Formation of Shadows by Extended Light Sources

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Dedes, Christos; Ravanis, Konstantinos

2009-01-01

This study investigates the effectiveness of a teaching conflict procedure whose purpose was the transformation of the representations of 12-16-year-old pupils in Greece concerning light emission and shadow formation by extended light sources. The changes observed during the children's effort to destabilize and reorganise their representations…

Automatic Scoring of Paper-and-Pencil Figural Responses. Research Report.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Martinez, Michael E.; And Others

Large-scale testing is dominated by the multiple-choice question format. Widespread use of the format is due, in part, to the ease with which multiple-choice items can be scored automatically. This paper examines automatic scoring procedures for an alternative item type: figural response. Figural response items call for the completion or…

29 CFR 1614.703 - Manner and format of data.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... 29 Labor 4 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 false Manner and format of data. 1614.703 Section 1614.703 Labor Regulations Relating to Labor (Continued) EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY COMMISSION FEDERAL SECTOR EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY Procedures Under the Notification and Federal Employee Antidiscrimination and Retaliation Act of 2002 (No FEAR Act) §...

Wolves in Sheep's Clothing and Other Vygotskian Constructs

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Towsey, Paula M.; Macdonald, Carol A.

2009-01-01

In 2007 a South African study examined new concept formation from early childhood to adulthood (N = 60, 3 to 76 years old) using the Vygotsky/Sakharov Blocks procedure (also known as the functional method of double stimulation for the study of concept formation) to establish whether contemporary adults and children produced the same or similar…

29 CFR 1614.703 - Manner and format of data.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... 29 Labor 4 2012-07-01 2012-07-01 false Manner and format of data. 1614.703 Section 1614.703 Labor Regulations Relating to Labor (Continued) EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY COMMISSION FEDERAL SECTOR EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY Procedures Under the Notification and Federal Employee Antidiscrimination and Retaliation Act of 2002 (No FEAR Act) §...

29 CFR 1614.703 - Manner and format of data.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... 29 Labor 4 2014-07-01 2014-07-01 false Manner and format of data. 1614.703 Section 1614.703 Labor Regulations Relating to Labor (Continued) EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY COMMISSION FEDERAL SECTOR EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY Procedures Under the Notification and Federal Employee Antidiscrimination and Retaliation Act of 2002 (No FEAR Act) §...

29 CFR 1614.703 - Manner and format of data.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... 29 Labor 4 2013-07-01 2013-07-01 false Manner and format of data. 1614.703 Section 1614.703 Labor Regulations Relating to Labor (Continued) EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY COMMISSION FEDERAL SECTOR EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY Procedures Under the Notification and Federal Employee Antidiscrimination and Retaliation Act of 2002 (No FEAR Act) §...

10 CFR 436.15 - Formatting cost data.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... Procedures for Life Cycle Cost Analyses § 436.15 Formatting cost data. In establishing cost data under §§ 436.16 and 436.17 and measuring cost effectiveness by the modes of analysis described by § 436.19 through... software referenced in the Life Cycle Cost Manual for the Federal Energy Management Program. ...

Integrated Testlets: A New Form of Expert-Student Collaborative Testing

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Shiell, Ralph C.; Slepkov, Aaron D.

2015-01-01

Integrated testlets are a new assessment tool that encompass the procedural benefits of multiple-choice testing, the pedagogical advantages of free-response-based tests, and the collaborative aspects of a viva voce or defence examination format. The result is a robust assessment tool that provides a significant formative aspect for students.…

SU-C-BRD-02: A Team Focused Clinical Implementation and Failure Mode and Effects Analysis of HDR Skin Brachytherapy Using Valencia and Leipzig Surface Applicators

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

Sayler, E; Harrison, A; Eldredge-Hindy, H

Purpose: and Leipzig applicators (VLAs) are single-channel brachytherapy surface applicators used to treat skin lesions up to 2cm diameter. Source dwell times can be calculated and entered manually after clinical set-up or ultrasound. This procedure differs dramatically from CT-based planning; the novelty and unfamiliarity could lead to severe errors. To build layers of safety and ensure quality, a multidisciplinary team created a protocol and applied Failure Modes and Effects Analysis (FMEA) to the clinical procedure for HDR VLA skin treatments. Methods: team including physicists, physicians, nurses, therapists, residents, and administration developed a clinical procedure for VLA treatment. The procedure wasmore » evaluated using FMEA. Failure modes were identified and scored by severity, occurrence, and detection. The clinical procedure was revised to address high-scoring process nodes. Results: Several key components were added to the clinical procedure to minimize risk probability numbers (RPN): -Treatments are reviewed at weekly QA rounds, where physicians discuss diagnosis, prescription, applicator selection, and set-up. Peer review reduces the likelihood of an inappropriate treatment regime. -A template for HDR skin treatments was established in the clinical EMR system to standardize treatment instructions. This reduces the chances of miscommunication between the physician and planning physicist, and increases the detectability of an error during the physics second check. -A screen check was implemented during the second check to increase detectability of an error. -To reduce error probability, the treatment plan worksheet was designed to display plan parameters in a format visually similar to the treatment console display. This facilitates data entry and verification. -VLAs are color-coded and labeled to match the EMR prescriptions, which simplifies in-room selection and verification. Conclusion: Multidisciplinary planning and FMEA increased delectability and reduced error probability during VLA HDR Brachytherapy. This clinical model may be useful to institutions implementing similar procedures.« less

Enhancement of equivalence class formation by pretraining discriminative functions.

PubMed

Nartey, Richard K; Arntzen, Erik; Fields, Lanny

2015-03-01

The present experiment showed that a simple discriminative function acquired by an abstract stimulus through simultaneous and/or successive discrimination training enhanced the formation of an equivalence class of which that stimulus was a member. College students attempted to form three equivalence classes composed of three nodes and five members (A→B→C→D→E), using the simultaneous protocol. In the PIC group, the C stimuli were pictures and the A, B, D, and E stimuli were abstract shapes. In the ABS group, all of the stimuli were abstract shapes. In the SIM + SUCC (simultaneous and successive) group, simple discriminations were formed with the C stimuli through both simultaneous and successive discrimination training before class formation. Finally, in the SIM-only and SUCC-only groups, prior to class formation, simple discriminations were established for the C stimuli with a simultaneous procedure and a successive procedure, respectively. Equivalence classes were formed by 80% and 70% of the participants in the PIC and SIM + SUCC groups respectively, by 30% in the SUCC-only group, and by 10% apiece in the ABS and SIM-only groups. Thus, pretraining of combined simultaneous and successive discriminations enhanced class formation, as did the inclusion of a meaningful stimulus in a class. The isolated effect of forming successive discriminations was more influential than that of forming simultaneous discriminations. The establishment of both discriminations together produced an enhancement greater than the sum of the two procedures alone. Finally, a sorting test documented the maintenance of the classes formed during the simultaneous protocol. These results also provide a stimulus control-function account of the class-enhancing effects of meaningful stimuli.

Acute Epidural Hematoma Formation in Cervical Spine After Interlaminar Epidural Steroid Injection Despite Discontinuation of Clopidogrel.

PubMed

Benyamin, Ramsin M; Vallejo, Ricardo; Wang, Victor; Kumar, Nitesh; Cedeño, David L; Tamrazi, Anobel

2016-01-01

Perioperative management of patients on anticoagulant therapy prior to interventional pain procedures creates a challenge when balancing the risk of bleeding against thromboembolic events. We report a case of epidural hematoma formation in the cervical spine following interlaminar epidural steroid injection in an elderly woman with chronic neck and arm pain, who was on clopidogrel therapy. This is the first reported case of hematoma formation immediately following an epidural steroid injection possibly associated with clopidogrel, even though established guidelines on the timing of the discontinuation of clopidogrel prior to the procedure were exceeded. Severe pain appears to be the first symptom of hematoma formation, and therefore immediate diagnostic workup and evacuation of hematoma are essential in preventing neurological damage. It may be advisable to carry out a test specific for clopidogrel such as the P2Y12 to ensure that there is no residual action on platelet aggregation function, particularly in patients who may be slow metabolizers of clopidogrel. Caution is advised prior to administering analgesics with antiplatelet effects such as ketorolac.

A new approach for in vitro regeneration of tomato plants devoid of exogenous plant growth hormones.

PubMed

Plana, Dagmara; Fuentes, Alejandro; Alvarez, Marta; Lara, Regla M; Alvarez, Félix; Pujol, Merardo

2006-10-01

Many available methodologies for in vitro regeneration of commercial tomato varieties promote not only the production of normal shoots but also individual leaves, shoots without apical meristems and vitrified structures. All these abnormal formations influence and diminish the regeneration efficiency. At the basis of this phenomenon lies callus development. We optimized an alternative procedure by which the regeneration occurs without abnormal shoot formation. The portion including the proximal part of hypocotyls and the radicle was cultured on medium consisting of Murashige and Skoog salts, 4 mg/L thiamine, 100 mg/L mio-inositol and 3% sucrose. After two-three weeks, 60% explants showed adventitious shoot formation. No changes in the morphological characteristics of regenerated plants and fruits were observed as compared with parents. Karyotypic analysis of regenerated plants showed no variations in chromosome number. The optimized procedure offers the advantage of tomato plant regeneration avoiding callus formation, which enables normal plant recovery with an efficiency ranging from 1.45 +/- 0.05 to 2.57 +/- 0.06 shoots per explant in Campbell-28, Amalia, Lignon, and Floradel cultivars.

Methodology Measuring Rare Earth Elements in High TDS Reservoir Brines Application as Natural Tracers in CCUS Studies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Smith, W.; Mcling, T. L.; Smith, R. W.; Neupane, H.

2013-12-01

In recent years rare earth elements (REE) have been demonstrated to be useful natural tracers for geochemical processes in aqueous environments. The application of REE's to carbon dioxide utilization and storage (CCUS) could provide researchers with a sensitive, inexpensive tool for tracking the movement of CO2 and displaced formation brines. By definition, geologic reservoirs that have been deemed suitable for carbon capture and storage contain formation brine with total dissolved solids (TDS) greater than 10,000 ppm and often these formation brines exceed 75,000 ppm TDS. This high TDS water makes it very difficult to measure REE, which typically occur at part per trillion concentrations. Critical to the use of REE for CCUS studies is the development of a procedure, which allows for the pre-concentration of REE's across a wide range of water quality. Additionally, due to the large number of samples that will need analysis, any developed procedure must be inexpensive, reproducible, and quick to implement. As part of the Big Sky Carbon Sequestration Project the INL's Center for Advance Energy Studies is developing REE pre-concentration procedures based on methods reported in the literature. While there are many REE pre-concentration procedures in the literature, our tests have shown these methods have difficulty at TDS greater than seawater (roughly 35,000 ppm TDS). Therefore, the ability to quantitatively measure REE's in formation brines with very high TDS has required the modification of an already developed procedure. After careful consideration and testing we selected methods modified after those described by Kingston et al., 1978 and Strachan et al., 1989 utilizing chelating media for very high TDS waters and ion-exchange media as detailed by Crock et al., 1984; Robinson et al., 1985; and Stetzenbach et al., 1994 for low TDS (<10,000 ppm TDS) waters. These modified procedures have been successfully tested in our laboratory and have proven effective in greatly reducing interfering monovalent and divalent cation concentrations (e.g. Ba) and enriching the REE up to 100X for analysis. The procedures are straightforward, inexpensive, and require little infrastructure, using only single chromatography columns with inexpensive, reusable, commercially available resins and wash chemicals. The procedures have been tested with synthetic brines and waters (up to 250,000 ppm TDS) and field water samples (up to 5,000 ppm TDS). Testing has produced data with REE capture efficiency exceeding 95%, while reducing interfering elements by more than 93%. Further method development and testing continues in preparation for brine analysis of waters from the Big Sky Carbon Sequestration Partnership's Kevin Dome Pilot Study and the University of Wyoming's Carbon Institutes Rock Springs Uplift.

Test Operations Procedure (TOP) 08-2-188 Chemical Point Detector Vapor Testing

DTIC Science & Technology

2018-04-27

Evaluation Command 6617 Aberdeen Boulevard Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD 21005-5001 10. SPONSOR/MONITOR’S ACRONYM(S) 11. SPONSOR/MONITOR’S REPORT NUMBER(S...AND EVALUATION COMMAND TEST OPERATIONS PROCEDURE *Test Operations Procedure 08-2-188 27 April 2018 DTIC AD No. CHEMICAL POINT DETECTOR VAPOR...188 27 April 2018 2 1. SCOPE. This Test Operations Procedure (TOP), which has been endorsed by the Test and Evaluation Capabilities and

Multi-protein Delivery by Nanodiamonds Promotes Bone Formation

PubMed Central

Moore, L.; Gatica, M.; Kim, H.; Osawa, E.; Ho, D.

2013-01-01

Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) are well-studied regulators of cartilage and bone development that have been Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved for the promotion of bone formation in certain procedures. BMPs are seeing more use in oral and maxillofacial surgeries because of recent FDA approval of InFUSE® for sinus augmentation and localized alveolar ridge augmentation. However, the utility of BMPs in medical and dental applications is limited by the delivery method. Currently, BMPs are delivered to the surgical site by the implantation of bulky collagen sponges. Here we evaluate the potential of detonation nanodiamonds (NDs) as a delivery vehicle for BMP-2 and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF). Nanodiamonds are biocompatible, 4- to 5-nm carbon nanoparticles that have previously been used to deliver a wide variety of molecules, including proteins and peptides. We find that both BMP-2 and bFGF are readily loaded onto NDs by physisorption, forming a stable colloidal solution, and are triggered to release in slightly acidic conditions. Simultaneous delivery of BMP-2 and bFGF by ND induces differentiation and proliferation in osteoblast progenitor cells. Overall, we find that NDs provide an effective injectable alternative for the delivery of BMP-2 and bFGF to promote bone formation. PMID:24045646

Multi-protein delivery by nanodiamonds promotes bone formation.

PubMed

Moore, L; Gatica, M; Kim, H; Osawa, E; Ho, D

2013-11-01

Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) are well-studied regulators of cartilage and bone development that have been Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved for the promotion of bone formation in certain procedures. BMPs are seeing more use in oral and maxillofacial surgeries because of recent FDA approval of InFUSE(®) for sinus augmentation and localized alveolar ridge augmentation. However, the utility of BMPs in medical and dental applications is limited by the delivery method. Currently, BMPs are delivered to the surgical site by the implantation of bulky collagen sponges. Here we evaluate the potential of detonation nanodiamonds (NDs) as a delivery vehicle for BMP-2 and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF). Nanodiamonds are biocompatible, 4- to 5-nm carbon nanoparticles that have previously been used to deliver a wide variety of molecules, including proteins and peptides. We find that both BMP-2 and bFGF are readily loaded onto NDs by physisorption, forming a stable colloidal solution, and are triggered to release in slightly acidic conditions. Simultaneous delivery of BMP-2 and bFGF by ND induces differentiation and proliferation in osteoblast progenitor cells. Overall, we find that NDs provide an effective injectable alternative for the delivery of BMP-2 and bFGF to promote bone formation.

Kinetic theory of pattern formation in mixtures of microtubules and molecular motors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Maryshev, Ivan; Marenduzzo, Davide; Goryachev, Andrew B.; Morozov, Alexander

2018-02-01

In this study we formulate a theoretical approach, based on a Boltzmann-like kinetic equation, to describe pattern formation in two-dimensional mixtures of microtubular filaments and molecular motors. Following the previous work by Aranson and Tsimring [Phys. Rev. E 74, 031915 (2006), 10.1103/PhysRevE.74.031915] we model the motor-induced reorientation of microtubules as collision rules, and devise a semianalytical method to calculate the corresponding interaction integrals. This procedure yields an infinite hierarchy of kinetic equations that we terminate by employing a well-established closure strategy, developed in the pattern-formation community and based on a power-counting argument. We thus arrive at a closed set of coupled equations for slowly varying local density and orientation of the microtubules, and study its behavior by performing a linear stability analysis and direct numerical simulations. By comparing our method with the work of Aranson and Tsimring, we assess the validity of the assumptions required to derive their and our theories. We demonstrate that our approximation-free evaluation of the interaction integrals and our choice of a systematic closure strategy result in a rather different dynamical behavior than was previously reported. Based on our theory, we discuss the ensuing phase diagram and the patterns observed.

A framework for the evaluation of new interventional procedures.

PubMed

Lourenco, Tania; Grant, Adrian M; Burr, Jennifer M; Vale, Luke

2012-03-01

The introduction of new interventional procedures is less regulated than for other health technologies such as pharmaceuticals. Decisions are often taken on evidence of efficacy and short-term safety from small-scale usually observational studies. This reflects the particular challenges of evaluating interventional procedures - the extra facets of skill and training and the difficulty defining a 'new' technology. Currently, there is no framework to evaluate new interventional procedures before they become available in clinical practice as opposed to new pharmaceuticals. This paper proposes a framework to guide the evaluation of a new interventional procedure. A framework was developed consisting of a four-stage progressive evaluation for a new interventional procedure: Stage 1: Development; Stage 2: Efficacy and short-term safety; Stage 3: Effectiveness and cost-effectiveness; and Stage 4: Implementation. The framework also suggests the types of studies or data collection methods that can be used to satisfy each stage. This paper makes a first step on a framework for generating evidence on new interventional procedures. The difficulties and limitations of applying such a framework are discussed. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Understanding Nanoemulsion Formation and Developing a Procedure for Porous Material Growth using Assembled Nanoemulsions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yeranossian, Vahagn Frounzig

Nanoemulsions as an emerging technology have found many applications in consumer products, drug delivery, and even particle formation. However, knowledge gaps exist in how some of these emulsions are formed, specifically what pathways are traversed to reach the final state. Moreover, how these pathways affect the final properties of the nanoemulsions would affect the applications that these droplets possess. Some nanoemulsions possess unique properties, including the assembly of droplets. While the assembly of droplets is being studied in the Helgeson lab, work must be done to understand how the assembly itself could be used to control the growth of porous materials, such a hydrogels. Thus, this thesis aims to address two factors of nanoemulsions: the formation of water-in-oil nanoemulsions and the use of assemblying droplets in oil-in-water nanoemulsions to form macroporous hydrogels. To elucidate the formation mechanism of water-in-oil nanoemulsions, a combination of dynamic light scattering and small angle neutron scattering were used to study the intermediate and final states of the nanoemulsion during its formation. These nanoemulsions were prepared by slowly adding water to an oil and surfactant mixture and were diluted to effectively measure using scattering techniques without multiple scattering events. To develop a procedure to use assembled nanoemulsions for the growth of porous materials, a combination of optical microscopy and diffusional studies were employed. Optical microscopy images taken at various stages of the procedure help elucidate how the pore sizes of the final porous material is related to the droplet-rich domains of the assembled nanoemulsion. Meanwhile, diffusional measurements help confirm the size and interconnectedness of the macropores. From the work done in the completion of my thesis, the formation mechanism of the water-in-oil nanoemulsion studied has been elucidated. The neutron scattering measurements show that during the formation of the nanoemulsion, a combination of droplets and vesicles form. The presence of vesicles provides insight into how chemical additives in the water would affect the final droplet properties. This insight can be used to design water-in-oil nanoemulsions to be used for the controlled synthesis of solid nanoparticles. Additionally, this work demonstrates a potential procedure for developing macroporous hydrogels using nanoemulsions that are assembled into droplet-rich and droplet-poor domains. Through mild UV cross-linking conditions and mild solvent extraction techniques, the pore sizes could be equivalent to the droplet-rich domain sizes. The final hydrogels can control diffusivity of molecules, giving them potential applications in drug delivery.

Numerical simulations of induction and MWD logging tools and data inversion method with X-window interface on a UNIX workstation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tian, Xiang-Dong

The purpose of this research is to simulate induction and measuring-while-drilling (MWD) logs. In simulation of logs, there are two tasks. The first task, the forward modeling procedure, is to compute the logs from known formation. The second task, the inversion procedure, is to determine the unknown properties of the formation from the measured field logs. In general, the inversion procedure requires the solution of a forward model. In this study, a stable numerical method to simulate induction and MWD logs is presented. The proposed algorithm is based on a horizontal eigenmode expansion method. Vertical propagation of modes is modeled by a three-layer module. The multilayer cases are treated as a cascade of these modules. The mode tracing algorithm possesses stable characteristics that are superior to other methods. This method is applied to simulate the logs in the formations with both vertical and horizontal layers, and also used to study the groove effects of the MWD tool. The results are very good. Two-dimensional inversion of induction logs is an nonlinear problem. Nonlinear functions of the apparent conductivity are expanded into a Taylor series. After truncating the high order terms in this Taylor series, the nonlinear functions are linearized. An iterative procedure is then devised to solve the inversion problem. In each iteration, the Jacobian matrix is calculated, and a small variation computed using the least-squares method is used to modify the background medium. Finally, the inverted medium is obtained. The horizontal eigenstate method is used to solve the forward problem. It is found that a good inverted formation can be obtained by using measurements. In order to help the user simulate the induction logs conveniently, a Wellog Simulator, based on the X-window system, is developed. The application software (FORTRAN codes) embedded in the Simulator is designed to simulate the responses of the induction tools in the layered formation with dipping beds. The graphic user-interface part of the Wellog Simulator is implemented with C and Motif. Through the user interface, the user can prepare the simulation data, select the tools, simulate the logs and plot the results.

Biofilm characteristics and evaluation of the sanitation procedures of thermophilic Aeribacillus pallidus E334 biofilms.

PubMed

Kilic, Tugba; Karaca, Basar; Ozel, Beste Piril; Ozcan, Birgul; Cokmus, Cumhur; Coleri Cihan, Arzu

2017-04-01

The ability of Aeribacillus pallidus E334 to produce pellicle and form a biofilm was studied. Optimal biofilm formation occurred at 60 °C, pH 7.5 and 1.5% NaCl. Extra polymeric substances (EPS) were composed of proteins and eDNA (21.4 kb). E334 formed biofilm on many surfaces, but mostly preferred polypropylene and glass. Using CLSM analysis, the network-like structure of the EPS was observed. The A. pallidus biofilm had a novel eDNA content. DNaseI susceptibility (86.8% removal) of eDNA revealed its importance in mature biofilms, but the purified eDNA was resistant to DNaseI, probably due to its extended folding outside the matrix. Among 15 cleaning agents, biofilms could be removed with alkaline protease and sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS). The removal of cells from polypropylene and biomass on glass was achieved with combined SDS/alkaline protease treatment. Strong A. pallidus biofilms could cause risks for industrial processes and abiotic surfaces must be taken into consideration in terms of sanitation procedures.

Enhanced equivalence class formation by the delay and relational functions of meaningful stimuli.

PubMed

Arntzen, Erik; Nartey, Richard K; Fields, Lanny

2015-05-01

Undergraduates in six groups of 10 attempted to form three 3-node 5-member equivalence classes (A → B → C → D → E) under the simultaneous protocol. In five of six groups, all stimuli were abstract shapes; in the PIC group, C stimuli were pictures with the remainder being abstract shapes. Before class formation, participants in the Identity-S and Identity-D groups were given preliminary training to form identity conditional discriminations with the C stimuli using simultaneous and 6 s delayed matching-to-sample procedures, respectively. In the Arbitrary-S and Arbitrary-D groups, before class formation, arbitrary conditional discriminations were formed between C and X stimuli using simultaneous and 6 s delayed matching-to-sample procedures, respectively. With no preliminary training, classes in the PIC and ABS groups were formed by 80% and 0% of participants, respectively. After preliminary training, class formation (yield) increased with delay, regardless of relational type. For each of the two delays, yield was slightly greater after forming arbitrary- instead of identity-relations. Yield was greatest, however, when a class contained a meaningful stimulus (PIC). During failed class formation, probes produced experimenter-defined relations, participant-defined relations, and unsystematic responding; delay, but not the relation type in preliminary training influenced relational and indeterminate responding. These results suggest how meaningful stimuli enhance equivalence class formation. © Society for the Experimental Analysis of Behavior.

Catheter for Cleaning Surgical Optics During Surgical Procedures: A Possible Solution for Residue Buildup and Fogging in Video Surgery.

PubMed

de Abreu, Igor Renato Louro Bruno; Abrão, Fernando Conrado; Silva, Alessandra Rodrigues; Corrêa, Larissa Teresa Cirera; Younes, Riad Nain

2015-05-01

Currently, there is a tendency to perform surgical procedures via laparoscopic or thoracoscopic access. However, even with the impressive technological advancement in surgical materials, such as improvement in quality of monitors, light sources, and optical fibers, surgeons have to face simple problems that can greatly hinder surgery by video. One is the formation of "fog" or residue buildup on the lens, causing decreased visibility. Intracavitary techniques for cleaning surgical optics and preventing fog formation have been described; however, some of these techniques employ the use of expensive and complex devices designed solely for this purpose. Moreover, these techniques allow the cleaning of surgical optics when they becomes dirty, which does not prevent the accumulation of residue in the optics. To solve this problem we have designed a device that allows cleaning the optics with no surgical stops and prevents the fogging and residue accumulation. The objective of this study is to evaluate through experimental testing the effectiveness of a simple device that prevents the accumulation of residue and fogging of optics used in surgical procedures performed through thoracoscopic or laparoscopic access. Ex-vivo experiments were performed simulating the conditions of residue presence in surgical optics during a video surgery. The experiment consists in immersing the optics and catheter set connected to the IV line with crystalloid solution in three types of materials: blood, blood plus fat solution, and 200 mL of distilled water and 1 vial of methylene blue. The optics coupled to the device were immersed in 200 mL of each type of residue, repeating each immersion 10 times for each distinct residue for both thirty and zero degrees optics, totaling 420 experiments. A success rate of 98.1% was observed after the experiments, in these cases the device was able to clean and prevent the residue accumulation in the optics.

WISP information display system user's manual

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Alley, P. L.; Smith, G. R.

1978-01-01

The wind shears program (WISP) supports the collection of data on magnetic tape for permanent storage or analysis. The document structure provides: (1) the hardware and software configuration required to execute the WISP system and start up procedure from a power down condition; (2) data collection task, calculations performed on the incoming data, and a description of the magnetic tape format; (3) the data display task and examples of displays obtained from execution of the real time simulation program; and (4) the raw data dump task and examples of operator actions required to obtained the desired format. The procedures outlines herein will allow continuous data collection at the expense of real time visual displays.

Reaching a Conclusion--Procedures and Processes of Judgement Formation in School Inspection Teams

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Dedering, Kathrin; Sowada, Moritz G.

2017-01-01

School inspections have become an important instrument of quality assurance and quality development in many European countries. So far, the focus of empirical research on school inspections has been on the acceptance of the procedure among the school-internal actors, its influence for internal quality development and its effects on student…

Standard interface files and procedures for reactor physics codes, version III

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

Carmichael, B.M.

Standards and procedures for promoting the exchange of reactor physics codes are updated to Version-III status. Standards covering program structure, interface files, file handling subroutines, and card input format are included. The implementation status of the standards in codes and the extension of the standards to new code areas are summarized. (15 references) (auth)

77 FR 76417 - Approval and Promulgation of Air Quality Implementation Plans; Idaho; Update to Materials...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-12-28

... result of consultations between EPA and the Office of the Federal Register (OFR). The description of the revised SIP document, IBR procedures and ``Identification of plan'' format are discussed in further detail... the ``good cause'' exemption in section 553(b)(3)(B) of the Administrative Procedures Act (APA) [[Page...

75 FR 45047 - Standard Instrument Approach Procedures, and Takeoff Minimums and Obstacle Departure Procedures...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-08-02

...;Prices of new books are listed in the first FEDERAL REGISTER issue of each #0;week. #0; #0; #0; #0;#0..., individual SIAP and Takeoff Minimums and ODP copies may be obtained from: 1. FAA Public Inquiry Center (APA... for a special format make publication in the Federal Register expensive and impractical. Furthermore...

75 FR 25759 - Standard Instrument Approach Procedures, and Takeoff Minimums and Obstacle Departure Procedures...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-05-10

...;Prices of new books are listed in the first FEDERAL REGISTER issue of each #0;week. #0; #0; #0; #0;#0... may be obtained from: 1. FAA Public Inquiry Center (APA-200), FAA Headquarters Building, 800... special format make their verbatim publication in the Federal Register expensive and impractical. Further...

Small Schools Music Curriculum, K-3: Scope, Objectives, Activities, Resources, Monitoring Procedures. The Comprehensive Arts in Education Program.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ott, Mary Lou, Comp.

By following the Washington Small Schools Curriculum format of listing learning objectives with recommended grade placement levels and suggested activities, monitoring procedures, and resources used in teaching, this music curriculum for grades K-3 encourages teacher involvement and decision making. Goals for the program focus on the student,…

78 FR 7650 - Standard Instrument Approach Procedures, and Takeoff Minimums and Obstacle Departure Procedures...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-02-04

... complex nature and the need for a special format make publication in the Federal Register expensive and..., RNAV (GPS) RWY 27, Orig Beverly, MA, Beverly Muni, RNAV (GPS) RWY 34, Orig Eveleth, MN, Eveleth-Virginia Muni, GPS RWY 27, Amdt 1A, CANCELED Eveleth, MN, Eveleth-Virginia Muni, RNAV (GPS) RWY 27, Orig...

Establishment and Maintenance of Positive Behavior Change Under Alternate Procedures for Microeconomy Initiation and Termination.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Byrd, Gary R.; Locke, Bill J.

Token management procedures, initiated in a community residential home for six reatarded subjects, were designed to affect social behaviors and personal care habits. Two delivery formats were used, one in which prior announcement of reinforcement contingencies was explained, a second in which target behaviors were consequated as they occurred. The…

Evaluation of Bias-Variance Trade-Off for Commonly Used Post-Summarizing Normalization Procedures in Large-Scale Gene Expression Studies

PubMed Central

Qiu, Xing; Hu, Rui; Wu, Zhixin

2014-01-01

Normalization procedures are widely used in high-throughput genomic data analyses to remove various technological noise and variations. They are known to have profound impact to the subsequent gene differential expression analysis. Although there has been some research in evaluating different normalization procedures, few attempts have been made to systematically evaluate the gene detection performances of normalization procedures from the bias-variance trade-off point of view, especially with strong gene differentiation effects and large sample size. In this paper, we conduct a thorough study to evaluate the effects of normalization procedures combined with several commonly used statistical tests and MTPs under different configurations of effect size and sample size. We conduct theoretical evaluation based on a random effect model, as well as simulation and biological data analyses to verify the results. Based on our findings, we provide some practical guidance for selecting a suitable normalization procedure under different scenarios. PMID:24941114

A Human Clinical, Histological, Histomorphometrical, and Radiographical Study on Biphasic HA-Beta-TCP 30/70 in Maxillary Sinus Augmentation.

PubMed

Mangano, Carlo; Sinjari, Bruna; Shibli, Jamil A; Mangano, Francesco; Hamisch, Sabine; Piattelli, Adriano; Perrotti, Vittoria; Iezzi, Giovanna

2015-06-01

By mixing hydroxyapatite (HA) and tricalcium phosphate (TCP), biphasic calcium phosphate ceramics can be obtained, and by varying their ratio it is possible to tailor the characteristics of the biomaterial. The aim of the present human study was to evaluate the histological and radiographical aspects of bone formation in maxillary sinus augmentation using a 30/70 HA-beta-TCP with a reticular structure. A total of 12 patients, undergoing two-stage sinus augmentation procedure using HA-beta-TCP at a ratio of 30/70, were included in the present study. After a 6-month healing period, during implant insertion, radiographical analysis was performed, and then the bone core biopsies were harvested and processed for histology. At radiographic evaluation, the bone gain was on average 6.85 ± 0.60 mm. HA-beta-TCP 30/70 appeared to be lined by newly formed bone, with no gaps at the interface. The histomorphometric analysis revealed 26 ± 2% of residual grafted biomaterial, 29 ± 3% of newly formed bone, and 45 ± 2% of marrow spaces. The present results indicate histologically the high biocompatibility and osteoconductivity of HA-beta-TCP 30/70, and clinically its successful use for sinus augmentation procedures. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Mini-tablets versus pellets as promising multiparticulate modified release delivery systems for highly soluble drugs.

PubMed

Gaber, Dina M; Nafee, Noha; Abdallah, Osama Y

2015-07-05

Whether mini-tablets (tablets, diameters ≤6mm) belong to single- or multiple-unit dosage forms is still questionable. Accordingly, Pharmacopoeial evaluation procedures for mini-tablets are lacking. In this study, the aforementioned points were discussed. Moreover, their potential for oral controlled delivery was assessed. The antidepressant venlafaxine hydrochloride (Vx), a highly soluble drug undergoing first pass effect, low bioavailability and short half-life was selected as a challenging payload. In an attempt to weigh up mini-tablets versus pellets as multiparticulate carriers, Vx-loaded mini-tablets were compared to formulated pellets of the same composition and the innovator Effexor(®)XR pellets. Formulations were prepared using various polymer hydrogels in the core and ethyl cellulose film coating with increasing thickness. Mini-tablets (diameter 2mm) showed extended Vx release (<60%, 8h). Indeed, release profiles comparable to Effexor(®)XR pellets were obtained. Remarkably higher coating thickness was required for pellets to provide equivalent retardation. Ethyl cellulose in the core ensured faster release due to polymer migration to the surface and pore formation in the coat. mini-tablets showed higher stability to pellets upon storage. Industrially speaking, mini-tablets proved to be superior to pellets in terms of manufacturing, product quality and economical aspects. Results point out the urgent need for standardized evaluation procedures for mini-tablets. Copyright © 2015. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Association of fibrosis in the infrapatellar fat pad and degenerative cartilage change of patellofemoral joint after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction.

PubMed

Yoon, Kyoung Ho; Tak, Dae Hyun; Ko, Taeg Su; Park, Sang Eon; Nam, Juhyun; Lee, Sang Hak

2017-03-01

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the prevalence and risk factor of cartilage degeneration of the patellofemoral joint (PFJ) that was diagnosed by second-look arthroscopy. One-hundred and seven patients who underwent ACL reconstruction were evaluated by preoperative MRI, postoperative MRI and second-look arthroscopy. Severity of infrapatellar fat pad (IPFP) fibrosis was evaluated by MRI at an average of 26months after ACL reconstruction. Cartilage degeneration was assessed by second-look arthroscopy at 29months. Twenty-five patients (24.0%) showed cartilage degeneration of the PFJ in second-look arthroscopy. Patients were divided into three groups according to severity of IPFP fibrosis of postoperative MRI (i.e. Group A, focal and incomplete band fibrosis, n=69; Group B, complete band fibrosis, n=31; and Group C, diffuse and infiltrated fibrosis, n=7). Cartilage degeneration of the PFJ was significantly worsened with more fibrosis formation of the IPFP (P<0.001). Other factors for instabilities (BMI, age, concomitant meniscal procedure, time from injury to reconstruction, severity of IPFP fibrosis at preoperative MRI and clinical scores) were not correlated with cartilage degeneration of the PFJ. The multivariate logistic regression analysis of degeneration of the PFJ after ACL reconstruction identified more severe fibrosis tissue formation of the IPFP and initial cartilage defect as significant predictors. More extensive fibrosis of the IPFP and initial cartilage defect may be related to further degenerative changes of the PFJ. Other factors did not affect cartilage degeneration of the PFJ, although the muscle strength, the individual activity level or the rehabilitation protocol was not evaluated in the short-term follow-up period. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Abdominal binders may reduce pain and improve physical function after major abdominal surgery - a systematic review.

PubMed

Rothman, Josephine Philip; Gunnarsson, Ulf; Bisgaard, Thue

2014-11-01

Evidence for the effect of post-operative abdominal binders on post-operative pain, seroma formation, physical function, pulmonary function and increased intra-abdominal pressure among patients after surgery remains largely un-investigated. A systematic review was conducted. The PubMed, EMBASE and Cochrane databases were searched for studies on the use of abdominal binders after abdominal surgery or abdominoplasty. All types of clinical studies were included. Two independent assessors evaluated the scientific quality of the studies. The primary outcomes were pain, seroma formation and physical function. A total of 50 publications were identified; 42 publications were excluded leaving eight publications counting a total of 578 patients for analysis. Generally, the scientific quality of the studies was poor. Use of abdominal binder revealed a non-significant tendency to reduce seroma formation after laparoscopic ventral herniotomy and a non-significant reduction in pain. Physical function was improved, whereas evidence supports a beneficial effect on psychological distress after open abdominal surgery. Evidence also supports that intra-abdominal pressure increases with the use of abdominal binders. Reduction of pulmonary function during use of abdominal binders has not been revealed. Abdominal binders reduce post-operative psychological distress, but their effect on post-operative pain after laparotomy and seroma formation after ventral hernia repair remains unclear. Due to the sparse evidence and poor quality of the literature, solid conclusions may be difficult to make, and procedure-specific, high-quality randomised clinical trials are warranted.

Early supra- and subgingival plaque formation in experimental gingivitis in smokers and never-smokers.

PubMed

Branco, Paula; Weidlich, Patricia; Oppermann, Rui Vicente; Rösing, Cassiano Kuchenbecker

2015-01-01

To evaluate supragingival and subgingival plaque formation on the dentogingival area in smokers and never smokers using the experimental gingivitis model and a plaque scoring system that considers the presence of an area free of plaque between plaque and the gingival sulcus called the plaque free zone (PFZ). Male volunteers, 9 current smokers and 10 never-smokers, refrained from oral hygiene procedures in the maxillary incisors and canines (test teeth) for 25 days. Under conditions of clinically healthy gingiva (phase 1) and gingival inflammation (phase 2), the supragingival plaque formation pattern was observed for 4 days in the dentogingival area. Gingival crevicular fluid was also measured. Plaque was dyed with fucsine and its presence was recorded by a calibrated examiner based on a 3-criteria scoring system: 0 - absence of stained plaque; 1 - presence of stained plaque and supragingival PFZ; 2 - presence of stained plaque and absence of PFZ, indicating that subgingival plaque formation has taken place. In both phases, smokers presented a significantly lower relative frequency of sites with subgingival plaque compared to never-smokers (P < 0.001). Mean gingival crevicular fluid was significantly higher in the presence of gingival inflammation for both groups (P = 0.001), whereas smokers demonstrated a significantly lower frequency of gingival bleeding than did non-smokers (23.6% vs 66.1%; P < 0.001). Smokers presented significantly lower percentages of sites with subgingival plaque in all experimental periods and presented less gingival inflammation as shown by GBI and gingival crevicular fluid quantification.

Serosal Laceration During Firing of Powered Linear Stapler Is a Predictor of Staple Malformation.

PubMed

Matsuzawa, Fumihiko; Homma, Shigenori; Yoshida, Tadashi; Konishi, Yuji; Shibasaki, Susumu; Ishikawa, Takahisa; Kawamura, Hideki; Takahashi, Norihiko; Iijima, Hiroaki; Taketomi, Akinobu

2017-12-01

Although several types of staplers have been developed, staple-line leaks have been a great problem in gastrointestinal surgery. Powered linear staplers were recently developed to further reduce the risk of tissue trauma during laparoscopic surgery. The aim of this study was to identify the factors that predict staple malformation and determine the effect of precompression and slow firing on the staple formation of this novel powered stapling method. Porcine stomachs were divided using an endoscopic powered linear stapler with gold reloads. We divided the specimens into 9 groups according to the precompression time (0/60/180 seconds) and firing time (0/60/180 seconds). The occurrence and length of laceration and the shape of the staples were evaluated. We examined the factors influencing successful stapling and investigated the key factors for staple malformation. Precompression significantly decreased the occurrence and length of serosal laceration. Precompression and slow firing significantly improved the optimal stapling formation rate. Univariate analysis showed that the precompression time (0 seconds), firing time (0 seconds), and presence of serosal laceration were significantly associated with a low optimal formation rate. Multivariate analysis showed that these three factors were associated independently with low optimal formation rate and that the presence of serosal laceration was the only factor that could be detected during the stapling procedure. We have shown that serosal laceration is a predictor of staple malformation and demonstrated the importance of precompression and slow stapling when using the powered stapling method.