Debris flow-induced topographic changes: effects of recurrent debris flow initiation.

PubMed

Chen, Chien-Yuan; Wang, Qun

2017-08-12

Chushui Creek in Shengmu Village, Nantou County, Taiwan, was analyzed for recurrent debris flow using numerical modeling and geographic information system (GIS) spatial analysis. The two-dimensional water flood and mudflow simulation program FLO-2D were used to simulate debris flow induced by rainfall during typhoon Herb in 1996 and Mindulle in 2004. Changes in topographic characteristics after the debris flows were simulated for the initiation of hydrological characteristics, magnitude, and affected area. Changes in topographic characteristics included those in elevation, slope, aspect, stream power index (SPI), topographic wetness index (TWI), and hypsometric curve integral (HI), all of which were analyzed using GIS spatial analysis. The results show that the SPI and peak discharge in the basin increased after a recurrence of debris flow. The TWI was higher in 2003 than in 2004 and indicated higher potential of landslide initiation when the slope of the basin was steeper. The HI revealed that the basin was in its mature stage and was shifting toward the old stage. Numerical simulation demonstrated that the parameters' mean depth, maximum depth, affected area, mean flow rate, maximum flow rate, and peak flow discharge were increased after recurrent debris flow, and peak discharge occurred quickly.

The Value of Surgery for Retroperitoneal Sarcoma

PubMed Central

Gholami, Sepideh; Jacobs, Charlotte D.; Kapp, Daniel S.; Parast, Layla M.; Norton, Jeffrey A.

2009-01-01

Introduction. Retroperitoneal sarcomas are uncommon large malignant tumors. Methods. Forty-one consecutive patients with localized retroperitoneal sarcoma were retrospectively studied. Results. Median age was 58 years (range 20–91 years). Median tumor size was 17.5 cm (range 4–41 cm). Only 2 tumors were <5 cm. Most were liposarcoma (44%) and high-grade (59%). 59% were stage 3 and the rest was stage 1. Median followup was 10 months (range 1–106 months). Thirty-eight patients had an initial complete resection; 15 (37%) developed recurrent sarcoma and 12 (80%) had a second complete resection. Patients with an initial complete resection had a 5-year survival of 46%. For all patients, tumor grade affected overall survival (P = .006). Complete surgical resection improved overall survival for high-grade tumors (P = .03). Conclusions. Tumor grade/stage and complete surgical resection for high-grade tumors are important prognostic variables. Radiation therapy or chemotherapy had no significant impact on overall or recurrence-free survival. Complete surgical resection is the treatment of choice for patients with initial and locally recurrent retroperitoneal sarcoma. PMID:19826633

Combustion and NOx emission characteristics with respect to staged-air damper opening in a 600 MWe down-fired pulverized-coal furnace under deep-air-staging conditions.

PubMed

Kuang, Min; Li, Zhengqi; Wang, Zhihua; Jing, Xinjing; Liu, Chunlong; Zhu, Qunyi; Ling, Zhongqian

2014-01-01

Deep-air-staging combustion conditions, widely used in tangential-fired and wall-arranged furnaces to significantly reduce NOx emissions, are premature up to now in down-fired furnaces that are designed especially for industry firing low-volatile coals such as anthracite and lean coal. To uncover combustion and NOx emission characteristics under deep-air-staging conditions within a newly operated 600 MWe down-fired furnace and simultaneously understand the staged-air effect on the furnace performance, full-load industrial-size measurements taken of gas temperatures and species concentrations in the furnace, CO and NOx emissions in flue gas, and carbon in fly ash were performed at various staged-air damper openings of 10%, 20%, 30%, and 50%. Increasing the staged-air damper opening, gas temperatures along the flame travel (before the flame penetrating the staged-air zone) increased initially but then decreased, while those in the staged-air zone and the upper part of the hopper continuously decreased and increased, respectively. On opening the staged-air damper to further deepen the air-staging conditions, O2 content initially decreased but then increased in both two near-wall regions affected by secondary air and staged air, respectively, whereas CO content in both two regions initially increased but then decreased. In contrast to the conventional understanding about the effects of deep-air-staging conditions, here increasing the staged-air damper opening to deepen the air-staging conditions essentially decreased the exhaust gas temperature and carbon in fly ash and simultaneously increased both NOx emissions and boiler efficiency. In light of apparently low NOx emissions and high carbon in fly ash (i.e., 696-878 mg/m(3) at 6% O2 and 9.81-13.05%, respectively) developing in the down-fired furnace under the present deep-air-staging conditions, further adjustments such as enlarging the staged-air declination angle to prolong pulverized-coal residence times in the furnace should be considered to improve the deep-air-staging combustion configuration.

Posterior cortical atrophy variant of Alzheimer's dementia-A case report.

PubMed

Mukku, Shiva Shanker Reddy; Chintala, Haripriya; Nagaraj, Chandana; Mangalore, Sandhya; Sivakumar, Palanimuthu T; Varghese, Mathew

2018-05-17

Alzheimer's dementia (AD) is the commonest type of dementia presenting with initial episodic memory decline followed by involvement of other cognitive domains. Posterior cortical atrophy (PCA) is one of the variants of Alzheimer's dementia (AD) characterized by the atypical presentation of relatively persevered memory in the initial stage. PCA is an uncommon early onset dementia affecting adults between 50 and 65 years. It presents predominantly with visuo-spatial and visuo-perceptual deficits. PCA is a phenotype with varied etiology most common being Alzheimer's disease. The complex and atypical presentation with preserved memory and insight in patients with PCA poses challenge to clinicians in diagnosing at initial stages. There is also paucity of research on prevalence, course, prognosis and management of PCA. In this article we describe a middle aged gentlemen presenting with clinical features suggestive of PCA. We also discussed relevant literature. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Sleep-Dependent Learning and Motor-Skill Complexity

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kuriyama, Kenichi; Stickgold, Robert; Walker, Matthew P.

2004-01-01

Learning of a procedural motor-skill task is known to progress through a series of unique memory stages. Performance initially improves during training, and continues to improve, without further rehearsal, across subsequent periods of sleep. Here, we investigate how this delayed sleep-dependent learning is affected when the task characteristics…

Multicriteria analysis of product operational effectiveness at design stages

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Irzaev, G. Kh

2018-03-01

The multicriteria rapid assessment method of techno-economic parameters of new products is developed. It avoids expensive engineering changes during the operational stages through the analysis of external and internal factors at an early stage in the design that affect the maintainability and manufacturability of the product. The expert selection of the initial multitude of indicators from the five enlarged criteria groups and their subsequent pairwise comparison allow one to distinguish the complex compliance criteria of product design with the average and optimum values of the operational effectiveness. The values comparison provides an opportunity to decide on the continuation of the process for designing and preparation of the product manufacture.

Stress Modulates Illness-Course of Substance Use Disorders: A Translational Review

PubMed Central

Lijffijt, Marijn; Hu, Kesong; Swann, Alan C.

2014-01-01

Childhood trauma and post-childhood chronic/repeated stress could increase the risk of a substance use disorder by affecting five stages of addiction illness-course: (a) initial experimentation with substances; (b) shifting from experimental to regular use; (c) escalation from regular use to abuse or dependence; (d) motivation to quit; and (e) risk of (re-)lapse. We reviewed the human literature on relationships between stress and addiction illness-course. We explored per illness-course stage: (i) whether childhood trauma and post-childhood chronic/repeated stress have comparable effects and (ii) whether effects cut across classes of substances of abuse. We further discuss potential underlying mechanisms by which stressors may affect illness-course stages for which we relied on evidence from studies in animals and humans. Stress and substances of abuse both activate stress and dopaminergic motivation systems, and childhood trauma and post-childhood stressful events are more chronic and occur more frequently in people who use substances. Stressors increase risk to initiate early use potentially by affecting trait-like factors of risk-taking, decision making, and behavioral control. Stressors also accelerate transition to regular use potentially due to prior effects of stress on sensitization of dopaminergic motivation systems, cross-sensitizing with substances of abuse, especially in people with high trait impulsivity who are more prone to sensitization. Finally, stressors increase risk for abuse and dependence, attenuate motivation to quit, and increase relapse risk potentially by intensified sensitization of motivational systems, by a shift from positive to negative reinforcement due to sensitization of the amygdala by corticotropin releasing factor, and by increased sensitization of noradrenergic systems. Stress generally affects addiction illness-course across stressor types and across classes of substances of abuse. PMID:25101007

LMO2 is required for TAL1 DNA binding activity and initiation of definitive haematopoiesis at the haemangioblast stage.

PubMed

Stanulovic, Vesna S; Cauchy, Pierre; Assi, Salam A; Hoogenkamp, Maarten

2017-09-29

LMO2 is a bridging factor within a DNA binding complex and is required for definitive haematopoiesis to occur. The developmental stage of the block in haematopoietic specification is not known. We show that Lmo2-/- mouse embryonic stem cells differentiated to Flk-1+ haemangioblasts, but less efficiently to haemogenic endothelium, which only produced primitive haematopoietic progenitors. Genome-wide approaches indicated that LMO2 is required at the haemangioblast stage to position the TAL1/LMO2/LDB1 complex to regulatory elements that are important for the establishment of the haematopoietic developmental program. In the absence of LMO2, the target site recognition of TAL1 is impaired. The lack of LMO2 resulted in altered gene expression levels already at the haemangioblast stage, with transcription factor genes accounting for ∼15% of affected genes. Comparison of Lmo2-/- with Tal1-/- Flk-1+ cells further showed that TAL1 was required to initiate or sustain Lmo2 expression. © The Author(s) 2017. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of Nucleic Acids Research.

Preharvest Interval Periods and their relation to fruit growth stages and pesticide formulations.

PubMed

Alister, Claudio; Araya, Manuel; Becerra, Kevin; Saavedra, Jorge; Kogan, Marcelo

2017-04-15

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of pesticide formulations and fruit growth stages on the Pre-harvest Interval Period (PHI). Results showed that pesticide formulations did not affect the initial deposit and dissipation rate. However, the fruit growth stage at the application time showed a significant effect on the above-mentioned parameters. Fruit diameter increases in one millimeter pesticide dissipation rates were reduced in -0.033mgkg -1 day -1 (R 2 =0.87; p<0.001) for grapes and -0.014mgkg -1 day -1 (R 2 =0.85; p<0.001) for apples. The relation between solar radiation, air humidity and temperature, and pesticide dissipation rates were dependent on fruit type. PHI could change according to the application time, because of the initial amount of pesticide deposit in the fruits and change in the dissipation rates. Because Maximum Residue Level are becoming more restrictive, it is more important to consider the fruit growth stage effects on pesticide when performing dissipation studies to define PHI. Copyright © 2016. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Quantitative Proteomics Reveals the Flooding-Tolerance Mechanism in Mutant and Abscisic Acid-Treated Soybean.

PubMed

Yin, Xiaojian; Nishimura, Minoru; Hajika, Makita; Komatsu, Setsuko

2016-06-03

Flooding negatively affects the growth of soybean, and several flooding-specific stress responses have been identified; however, the mechanisms underlying flooding tolerance in soybean remain unclear. To explore the initial flooding tolerance mechanisms in soybean, flooding-tolerant mutant and abscisic acid (ABA)-treated plants were analyzed. In the mutant and ABA-treated soybeans, 146 proteins were commonly changed at the initial flooding stress. Among the identified proteins, protein synthesis-related proteins, including nascent polypeptide-associated complex and chaperonin 20, and RNA regulation-related proteins were increased in abundance both at protein and mRNA expression. However, these proteins identified at the initial flooding stress were not significantly changed during survival stages under continuous flooding. Cluster analysis indicated that glycolysis- and cell wall-related proteins, such as enolase and polygalacturonase inhibiting protein, were increased in abundance during survival stages. Furthermore, lignification of root tissue was improved even under flooding stress. Taken together, these results suggest that protein synthesis- and RNA regulation-related proteins play a key role in triggering tolerance to the initial flooding stress in soybean. Furthermore, the integrity of cell wall and balance of glycolysis might be important factors for promoting tolerance of soybean root to flooding stress during survival stages.

Modeling Two-Stage Bunch Compression With Wakefields: Macroscopic Properties And Microbunching Instability

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

Bosch, R.A.; Kleman, K.J.; /Wisconsin U., SRC

2011-09-08

In a two-stage compression and acceleration system, where each stage compresses a chirped bunch in a magnetic chicane, wakefields affect high-current bunches. The longitudinal wakes affect the macroscopic energy and current profiles of the compressed bunch and cause microbunching at short wavelengths. For macroscopic wavelengths, impedance formulas and tracking simulations show that the wakefields can be dominated by the resistive impedance of coherent edge radiation. For this case, we calculate the minimum initial bunch length that can be compressed without producing an upright tail in phase space and associated current spike. Formulas are also obtained for the jitter in themore » bunch arrival time downstream of the compressors that results from the bunch-to-bunch variation of current, energy, and chirp. Microbunching may occur at short wavelengths where the longitudinal space-charge wakes dominate or at longer wavelengths dominated by edge radiation. We model this range of wavelengths with frequency-dependent impedance before and after each stage of compression. The growth of current and energy modulations is described by analytic gain formulas that agree with simulations.« less

Identification of controlling factors for the initiation of corrosion of fresh concrete sewers.

PubMed

Jiang, Guangming; Sun, Xiaoyan; Keller, Jurg; Bond, Philip L

2015-09-01

The development of concrete corrosion in new sewer pipes undergoes an initiation process before reaching an active corrosion stage. This initiation period is assumed to last several months to years but the key factors affecting the process, and its duration, are not well understood. This study is therefore focused on this initial stage of the corrosion process and the effect of key environmental factors. Such knowledge is important for the effective management of corrosion in new sewers, as every year of life extension of such systems has a very high financial benefit. This long-term (4.5 year) study has been conducted in purpose-built corrosion chambers that closely simulated the sewer environment, but with control of three key environmental factors being hydrogen sulfide (H2S) gas phase concentration, relative humidity and air temperature. Fresh concrete coupons, cut from an industry-standard sewer pipe, were exposed to the corrosive conditions in the chambers, both in the gas phase and partially submerged in wastewater. A total of 36 exposure conditions were investigated to determine the controlling factors by regular retrieval of concrete coupons for detailed analysis of surface pH, sulfur compounds (elemental sulfur and sulfate) and concrete mass loss. Corrosion initiation times were thus determined for different exposure conditions. It was found that the corrosion initiation time of both gas-phase and partially-submerged coupons was positively correlated with the gas phase H2S concentration, but only at levels of 10 ppm or below, indicating that sulfide oxidation rate rather than the H2S concentration was the limiting factor during the initiation stage. Relative humidity also played a role for the corrosion initiation of the gas-phase coupons. However, the partially-submerged coupons were not affected by humidity as these coupons were in direct contact with the sewage and hence did have sufficient moisture to enable the microbial processes to proceed. The corrosion initiation time was also shortened by higher gas temperature due to its positive impact on reaction kinetics. These findings provide real opportunities for pro-active sewer asset management with the aim to delay the on-set of the corrosion processes, and hence extend the service life of sewers, through improved prediction and optimization capacity. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Integrating Assistive Technology into Teacher Education Programs: Trials, Tribulations, and Lessons Learned

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Van Laarhoven, Toni; Munk, Dennis D.; Chandler, Lynette K.; Zurita, Leslie; Lynch, Kathleen

2012-01-01

This article describes several stages in the integration of assistive technology (AT) into and across the curriculum of a teacher education program. The multi-year initiative included several projects and strategies that differentially affected faculty ability to integrate training and evaluation in using AT in their coursework. All strategies…

Evaluation of Prostate Cancer with 11C- and 18F-Choline PET/CT: Diagnosis and Initial Staging.

PubMed

Nitsch, Sascha; Hakenberg, Oliver W; Heuschkel, Martin; Dräger, Desiree; Hildebrandt, Guido; Krause, Bernd J; Schwarzenböck, Sarah M

2016-10-01

Early diagnosis and adequate staging are crucial for the choice of adequate treatment in prostate cancer (PC). Morphologic and functional imaging modalities, such as CT and MRI, have had limited accuracy in the diagnosis and nodal staging of PC. Molecular PET/CT imaging with 11 C- or 18 F-choline-labeled derivatives is increasingly being used, but its role in the diagnosis and initial staging of PC is controversial because of limitations in sensitivity and specificity for the detection of primary PC. For T staging, functional MRI is superior to 11 C- or 18 F-choline PET/CT. For N staging, 11 C- or 18 F-choline PET/CT can provide potentially useful information that may influence treatment planning. For the detection of bone metastases, 11 C- or 18 F-choline PET/CT has had promising results; however, in terms of cost-effectiveness, the routine use of 11 C- or 18 F-choline PET/CT is still debatable. 11 C- or 18 F-choline PET/CT might be used in high-risk PC before radiation treatment planning, potentially affecting this planning (e.g., regarding dose escalation). This review provides an overview of the diagnostic accuracy and limitations of 11 C- or 18 F-choline PET/CT in the diagnosis and staging of PC. © 2016 by the Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, Inc.

Abdomen/pelvis computed tomography in staging of pediatric Hodgkin Lymphoma: is it always necessary?

PubMed

Farruggia, Piero; Puccio, Giuseppe; Sala, Alessandra; Todesco, Alessandra; Terenziani, Monica; Mura, Rosamaria; D'Amico, Salvatore; Casini, Tommaso; Mosa, Clara; Pillon, Marta; Boaro, Maria Paola; Bottigliero, Gaetano; Burnelli, Roberta; Consarino, Caterina; Fedeli, Fausto; Mascarin, Maurizio; Perruccio, Katia; Schiavello, Elisabetta; Trizzino, Angela; Ficola, Umberto; Garaventa, Alberto; Rossello, Mario

2016-09-01

The purpose of the study was to determine if abdomen/pelvis computed tomography (CT) can be safety omitted in the initial staging of a subgroup of children affected by Hodgkin Lymphoma (HL). Every participating center of A.I.E.O.P (Associazione Italiana di Ematologia ed Oncologia Pediatrica) sent local staging reports of 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (PET) and abdominal ultrasound (US) along with digital images of staging abdomen/pelvis CT to the investigation center where the CT scans were evaluated by an experienced pediatric radiologist. The local radiologist who performed the US was unaware of local CT and PET reports (both carried out after US), and the reviewer radiologist examining the CT images was unaware of local US, PET and CT reports. A new abdominal staging of 123 patients performed on the basis of local US report, local PET report, and centralized CT report was then compared to a simpler staging based on local US and PET. No additional lesion was discovered by CT in patients with abdomen/pelvis negativity in both US and PET or isolated spleen positivity in US (or US and PET), and so it seems that in the initial staging, abdomen/pelvis CT can be safety omitted in about 1/2 to 2/3 of children diagnosed with HL. © 2016 The Authors. Cancer Medicine published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Length of stay and fat content of migrant semipalmated sandpipers in eastern Maine

USGS Publications Warehouse

Dunn, P.O.; May, T.A.; McCollough, M.A.; Howe, M.A.

1988-01-01

Semipalmated Sandpipers (Calidris pusilla) stop at coastal staging areas in the Canadian maritime provinces and northeastern United States to replenish fat reserves before initiating a nonstop transoceanic flight of at least 3,200 km to wintering areas in South America. The relationship between estimated fat content at capture and length of stay (days between marking and last observation) of Semipalmated Sandpipers at one of these staging areas in eastern Maine was studied during 1980-1982. Total body mass and wing chord length were used to estimate fat content. When data were analyzed by week of initial capture, mean length of stay of both adults and juveniles decreased with increasing fat content. This supports the assumption that resumption of migration is affected by fat content at staging areas for long-distance nonstop flights. However, fat content at capture was a poor predictor of length of stay, which suggests that other factors are more important in determining length of stay.

Acute radiation nephritis. Its evolution on sequential bone imaging

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

Palestro, C.; Fineman, D.; Goldsmith, S.J.

1988-11-01

Acute radiation nephritis typically affects the kidneys 3-12 months after radiation exposure and may occur with doses as low as 2500 rads. After an initial latent period, the affected portions of the kidneys become swollen and edematous, and develop multiple petechiae. Necrotizing vasculitis and interstitial hemorrhage occur, and the end stage is that of scarring. Two patients are presented in whom localized acute radiation nephritis developed, and whose kidneys demonstrated the characteristic sequential changes of this entity on serial bone imaging.

Effects of Prior Experience on Shelter-Seeking Behavior of Juvenile American Lobsters.

PubMed

Bayer, Skylar R; Bianchi, Katherine M; Atema, Jelle; Jacobs, Molly W

2017-04-01

Shelter-seeking behaviors are vital for survival for a range of juvenile benthic organisms. These behaviors may be innate or they may be affected by prior experience. After hatching, American lobsters Homarus americanus likely first come into contact with shelter during the late postlarval (decapodid) stage, known as stage IV. After the subsequent molt to the first juvenile stage (stage V), they are entirely benthic and are thought to be highly cryptic. We hypothesized that postlarval (stage IV) experience with shelter would carry over into the first juvenile stage (stage V) and reduce the time needed for juveniles to locate and enter shelters (sheltering). We found some evidence of a carryover effect, but not the one we predicted: stage V juveniles with postlarval shelter experience took significantly longer to initiate sheltering. We also hypothesized that stage V juveniles would demonstrate learning by relocating shelters more quickly with immediate prior experience. Our findings were mixed. In a maze, juveniles with immediate prior experience were faster to regain visual contact with shelter, suggesting that they had learned the location of the shelter. In contrast, there was no significant effect of immediate prior experience on time to initiate sheltering in an open arena, or in the maze after juveniles had regained visual contact. We conclude that very young (stage V) juvenile lobsters modify their shelter-seeking behavior based on prior experiences across several timescales. Ecologically relevant variation in habitat exposure among postlarval and early juvenile lobsters may influence successful recruitment in this culturally and commercially important fishery species.

Laser photocoagulation stops diabetic retinopathy by controlling lactic acid formation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wolbarsht, Myron L.

1994-08-01

Many different types of proliferative retinopathy induced by various types of initial disorders have a common pathology in their mid and terminal stages. Thus, proper therapy is devoted toward elimination of the initial cause as well as alleviation of the proliferative processes. Vasodilatation, which is an initial symptom of diabetes, is itself destructive to the retinal capillary bed and appears to be a constant feature in all stages of diabetic retinopathy. In the mid and late stages, the vasodilatation seems very dependent upon capillary dropout, whereas the initial vasodilatation may derive from quite different causes. The efficacy of photocoagulation as a therapy for all stages seems to derive from decreasing the metabolism in the photoreceptor layer sufficiently to result in vasoconstriction of the retinal vessels. A model is proposed to show how diabetes, by altering the metabolism in the photoreceptor layer to produce excess lactic acid, causes the initial vasodilatation. The lactic acid also induces free radical (superoxide) formation; both act together to destroy the retinal capillary bed followed by vasoproliferation. Photocoagulation, thus, is even more appropriate for this particular syndrome than previously had been thought, as it not only reduces potentially destructive vasodilatation but also removes the metabolic cause of the free radical induced destruction of the capillary endothelium which is the initial step in capillary drop-out. A review of the present data indicates that the best type of pan- retinal photocoagulation is a very light type affecting the photoreceptors only with a minimal amount of damage to other parts of retina and the vessels in the choroid. The possible use of photochemical types of destruction of the photoreceptor as a therapeutic modality is attractive, but it is certainly too speculative to use until more detailed investigations have been completed. However, the basic therapeutic approach of choice may be to prevent the initial vascular involvement by preventing lactic acid buildup (or keeping the tissue pH normal) or by blocking the generation of superoxide with Allopurinol or similar medication.

Flt-1 (VEGFR-1) coordinates discrete stages of blood vessel formation

PubMed Central

Chappell, John C.; Cluceru, Julia G.; Nesmith, Jessica E.; Mouillesseaux, Kevin P.; Bradley, Vanessa B.; Hartland, Caitlin M.; Hashambhoy-Ramsay, Yasmin L.; Walpole, Joseph; Peirce, Shayn M.; Mac Gabhann, Feilim; Bautch, Victoria L.

2016-01-01

Aims In developing blood vessel networks, the overall level of vessel branching often correlates with angiogenic sprout initiations, but in some pathological situations, increased sprout initiations paradoxically lead to reduced vessel branching and impaired vascular function. We examine the hypothesis that defects in the discrete stages of angiogenesis can uniquely contribute to vessel branching outcomes. Methods and results Time-lapse movies of mammalian blood vessel development were used to define and quantify the dynamics of angiogenic sprouting. We characterized the formation of new functional conduits by classifying discrete sequential stages—sprout initiation, extension, connection, and stability—that are differentially affected by manipulation of vascular endothelial growth factor-A (VEGF-A) signalling via genetic loss of the receptor flt-1 (vegfr1). In mouse embryonic stem cell-derived vessels genetically lacking flt-1, overall branching is significantly decreased while sprout initiations are significantly increased. Flt-1−/− mutant sprouts are less likely to retract, and they form increased numbers of connections with other vessels. However, loss of flt-1 also leads to vessel collapse, which reduces the number of new stable conduits. Computational simulations predict that loss of flt-1 results in ectopic Flk-1 signalling in connecting sprouts post-fusion, causing protrusion of cell processes into avascular gaps and collapse of branches. Thus, defects in stabilization of new vessel connections offset increased sprout initiations and connectivity in flt-1−/− vascular networks, with an overall outcome of reduced numbers of new conduits. Conclusions These results show that VEGF-A signalling has stage-specific effects on vascular morphogenesis, and that understanding these effects on dynamic stages of angiogenesis and how they integrate to expand a vessel network may suggest new therapeutic strategies. PMID:27142980

Factors affecting knowledge transfer from continuing professional education to clinical practice: Development and psychometric properties of a new instrument.

PubMed

Vasli, Parvaneh; Dehghan-Nayeri, Nahid; Khosravi, Laleh

2018-01-01

Despite the emphasis placed on the implementation of continuing professional education programs in Iran, researchers or practitioners have not developed an instrument for assessing the factors that affect the knowledge transfer from such programs to clinical practice. The aim of this study was to design and validate such instrument for the Iranian context. The research used a three-stage mix method. In the first stage, in-depth interviews with nurses and content analysis were conducted, after which themes were extracted from the data. In the second stage, the findings of the content analysis and literature review were examined, and preliminary instrument options were developed. In the third stage, qualitative content validity, face validity, content validity ratio, content validity index, and construct validity using exploratory factor analysis was conducted. The reliability of the instrument was measured before and after the determination of construct validity. Primary tool instrument initially comprised 53 items, and its content validity index was 0.86. In the multi-stage factor analysis, eight questions were excluded, thereby reducing 11 factors to five and finally, to four. The final instrument with 43 items consists of the following dimensions: structure and organizational climate, personal characteristics, nature and status of professionals, and nature of educational programs. Managers can use the Iranian instrument to identify factors affecting knowledge transfer of continuing professional education to clinical practice. Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Anorectal Cancer: Critical Anatomic and Staging Distinctions That Affect Use of Radiation Therapy

PubMed Central

Mamon, Harvey J.; Fuchs, Charles S.; Doyle, Leona A.; Tirumani, Sree Harsha; Ramaiya, Nikhil H.; Rosenthal, Michael H.

2015-01-01

Although rectal and anal cancers are anatomically close, they are distinct entities with different histologic features, risk factors, staging systems, and treatment pathways. Imaging is at the core of initial clinical staging of these cancers and most commonly includes magnetic resonance imaging for local-regional staging and computed tomography for evaluation of metastatic disease. The details of the primary tumor and involvement of regional lymph nodes are crucial in determining if and how radiation therapy should be used in treatment of these cancers. Unfortunately, available imaging modalities have been shown to have imperfect accuracy for identification of nodal metastases and imaging features other than size. Staging of nonmetastatic rectal cancers is dependent on the depth of invasion (T stage) and the number of involved regional lymph nodes (N stage). Staging of nonmetastatic anal cancers is determined according to the size of the primary mass and the combination of regional nodal sites involved; the number of positive nodes at each site is not a consideration for staging. Patients with T3 rectal tumors and/or involvement of perirectal, mesenteric, and internal iliac lymph nodes receive radiation therapy. Almost all anal cancers warrant use of radiation therapy, but the extent and dose of the radiation fields is altered on the basis of both the size of the primary lesion and the presence and extent of nodal involvement. The radiologist must recognize and report these critical anatomic and staging distinctions, which affect use of radiation therapy in patients with anal and rectal cancers. ©RSNA, 2015 PMID:26562239

Effects of 4-META/MMA-TBB Resin at Different Curing Stages on Osteoblasts and Gingival Epithelial Cells.

PubMed

Morotomi, Takahiko; Hirata-Tsuchiya, Shizu; Washio, Ayako; Kitamura, Chiaki

2016-01-01

To assess the effects of different curing stages of 4-META/MMA-TBB resin on osteoblasts and gingival keratinocytes. The MC3T3-E1 murine pre-osteoblastic cell line and GE-1 murine gingival epithelial cell line were cultured with mixtures of Super-Bond C&B at different curing stages, and the cell viability was assessed. The alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity of the MC3T3-E1 cells was also assessed. The majority of the MC3T3-E1 cells died and showed no ALP activity when cultured with 4-META/MMA-TBB resin during the initial curing phase (1 min of curing). A later curing phase of the 4-META/MMA-TBB resin (7 min of curing) showed cytotoxicity at day 1, but the toxic effect was temporary and the proliferative capacity and ALP activity in the cells were similar to control cells at day 7. Completely cured 4-META/MMA-TBB resin (after 1 or 12 h of curing) did not affect the cell viability or ALP activity of the MC3T3-E1 cells. In contrast, 4-META/MMA-TBB resin showed no effect on the GE-1 cells at any stage of curing. Although 4-META/MMA-TBB resin during the initial curing phase shows toxic effects on MC3T3-E1 cells, that cytotoxicity is minimal at later curing phases. In contrast, neither the uncured nor cured resins affected the GE-1 cells.

A tissue-dependent hypothesis of dental caries.

PubMed

Simón-Soro, A; Belda-Ferre, P; Cabrera-Rubio, R; Alcaraz, L D; Mira, A

2013-01-01

Current understanding of dental caries considers this disease a demineralization of the tooth tissues due to the acid produced by sugar-fermenting microorganisms. Thus, caries is considered a diet- and pH-dependent process. We present here the first metagenomic analysis of the bacterial communities present at different stages of caries development, with the aim of determining whether the bacterial composition and biochemical profile are specific to the tissue affected. The data show that microbial composition at the initial, enamel-affecting stage of caries is significantly different from that found at subsequent stages, as well as from dental plaque of sound tooth surfaces. Although the relative proportion of Streptococcus mutans increased from 0.12% in dental plaque to 0.72% in enamel caries, Streptococcus mitis and Streptococcus sanguinis were the dominant streptococci in these lesions. The functional profile of caries-associated bacterial communities indicates that genes involved in acid stress tolerance and dietary sugar fermentation are overrepresented only at the initial stage (enamel caries), whereas other genes coding for osmotic stress tolerance as well as collagenases and other proteases enabling dentin degradation are significantly overrepresented in dentin cavities. The results support a scenario in which pH and diet are determinants of the disease during the degradation of enamel, but in dentin caries lesions not only acidogenic but also proteolytic bacteria are involved. We propose that caries disease is a process of varying etiology, in which acid-producing bacteria are the vehicle to penetrate enamel and allow dentin degrading microorganisms to expand the cavity. © 2013 S. Karger AG, Basel.

Cost Effectiveness of Natural Regeneration for Sustaining Production Continuity in Commercial Pine Plantations

Treesearch

T.R. Clason

2002-01-01

Reforestation is a key to production continuity in commercial pine plantations. Although natural and artificial regeneration methods have been used successfully for pine seedling establishment, it is seedling growth during early stage of plantation development that affects the financial potential of a pine plantation. A study was initiated to determine the effect of...

Soil microbial communities as affected by organic fertilizer and sunn hemp as a cover crop in organic sweet pepper production in Puerto Rico

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Organic production in Puerto Rico is at an early stage and research is needed to validate the sustainability of different management practices. This research initiated evaluation of selected soil properties including the microbial communities to evaluate the effects of Tropic sunn (Crotalaria juncea...

Investigation into Motivation Types and Influences on Motivation: The Case of Chinese Non-English Majors

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Zhao, Lei

2012-01-01

Motivation is one of the most important factors affecting students' performance of English learning, which is widely concerned by foreign language teachers and researchers for a long time. However, how to promote students' motivation in learning English by knowing their English learning motivation types at the initial stages and the factors that…

Variable Relationships Affecting Agriscience Teachers' Stages of Concern for Content Area Reading Strategies

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Warner, Anna J.; Myers, Brian E.

2013-01-01

In spite of national initiatives such as the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001, American students continue to be struggling readers. Research on content area reading strategies (CARS) has shown that such strategies increase students' ability to read and comprehend text. The purpose of this research was to assess agricultural educators'…

[The health-related quality of life and bio-psycho-social adaptation effects in patients with head and neck cancer: a longitudinal study].

PubMed

Yang, Hui-Ching; Wang, Li-Fei; Chang, Joseph Tung-Chieh; Fang, Fumin

2013-10-01

Because of the therapies and methods involved in its treatment, head and neck cancer patients often face unpredictable changes in both quality of life (QoL) and psychological status over the long course of their disease. Most studies have used fixed-term measurements that do not consider time variance and its effects. To facilitate medical communication and rehabilitation interventions, we investigated changes in HNC (head and neck cancer) patients' bio-psycho-social status and QoL over time. This study examines QoL growth patterns and the bio-psycho-social adaptation effect in HNC patients as well as how various variables affect within-individual and between-individual level factors during the 4 stages of HNC. A total of 109 HNC patients participated in this study. Two hundred and fifty-seven valid questionnaires were gathered. Questionnaires were given to each patient at 4 times: initial disease diagnosis; during the therapy period; 3 months after therapy; and 6 months after therapy. Descriptive statistics and hierarchical linear models were used in data analysis. The main results revealed that: (1) degree of mood disturbance decreased linearly as illness stage progressed. Age, gender, religion, and job impacted patients' initial status, while gender, cancer stage, and education degree were significant moderators of the rate at which a participant's adaptation effect grew; (2) patient QoL showed no significant difference over time. Age and job were significant impact factors affecting patients' initial status. Cancer stage, educational degree, and marital status had a significant moderating effect on the growth rate of participants' adaptation effect score. Our results indicate that participants in this study had a higher level of anxiety and depression than the average population and that their QoL was negatively influenced by the side effects of their therapy. Therefore, study findings recommend that timely psycho-social intervention and side-effect education should be reinforced to enhance patients' quality of life.

Genetic and Phenotypic Analysis of Lateral Root Development in Arabidopsis thaliana.

PubMed

Napsucialy-Mendivil, Selene; Dubrovsky, Joseph G

2018-01-01

Root system formation to a great extent depends on lateral root (LR) formation. In Arabidopsis thaliana, LRs are initiated within a parent root in pericycle that is an external tissue of the stele. LR initiation takes place in a strictly acropetal pattern, whereas posterior lateral root primordium (LRP) formation is asynchronous. In this chapter, we focus on methods of genetic and phenotypic analysis of LR initiation, LRP morphogenesis, and LR emergence in Arabidopsis. We provide details on how to make cleared root preparations and how to identify the LRP stages. We also pay attention to the categorization of the LRP developmental stages and their variations and to the normalization of the number of LRs and LRPs formed, per length of the primary root, and per number of cells produced within a root. Hormonal misbalances and mutations affect LRP morphogenesis significantly, and the evaluation of LRP abnormalities is addressed as well. Finally, we deal with various molecular markers that can be used for genetic and phenotypic analyses of LR development.

Effects of microgravity modeled by large gradient high magnetic field on the osteogenic initiation of human mesenchymal stem cells.

PubMed

Shi, Dongyan; Meng, Rui; Deng, Wanglong; Ding, Wenchao; Zheng, Qiang; Yuan, Wenji; Liu, Liyue; Zong, Chen; Shang, Peng; Wang, Jinfu

2010-12-01

Microgravity (MG) leads to a decrease in osteogenic potential of human bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs). In the present study, we used large gradient high magnetic field (LGHMF) produced by a superconducting magnet to model MG (LGHMF-MG) and analyzed the effects of LGHMF-MG on survival, cytoskeleton and osteogenic potential of hMSCs. Results showed that the LGHMF-MG treatment for 6 h disrupted the cytoskeleton of hMSCs, and the LGHMF-MG treatment for 24 h led to cell death. LGHMF-MG treatments for 6 h in early stages of osteogenic induction (the pre-treatment before osteogenic induction, the beginning-treatment in the beginning-stage of osteogenic induction and the middle-treatment in the middle-stage of osteogenic induction) resulted in suppression on osteogenesis of hMSCs. The suppression intensity was reduced gradually as the treatment stage of LGHMF-MG was postponed. The LGHMF-MG treatment for 6 h in the ending-stage of osteogenic induction (the ending-treatment) had no obvious effect on osteogenesis of hMSCs. These results indicated that LGHMF-MG should affect the initiation of osteogenesis. Finally, the possible mechanism for the inhibition effect of LGHMF-MG on osteogenesis of hMSCs is discussed.

Categorizing accident sequences in the external radiotherapy for risk analysis

PubMed Central

2013-01-01

Purpose This study identifies accident sequences from the past accidents in order to help the risk analysis application to the external radiotherapy. Materials and Methods This study reviews 59 accidental cases in two retrospective safety analyses that have collected the incidents in the external radiotherapy extensively. Two accident analysis reports that accumulated past incidents are investigated to identify accident sequences including initiating events, failure of safety measures, and consequences. This study classifies the accidents by the treatments stages and sources of errors for initiating events, types of failures in the safety measures, and types of undesirable consequences and the number of affected patients. Then, the accident sequences are grouped into several categories on the basis of similarity of progression. As a result, these cases can be categorized into 14 groups of accident sequence. Results The result indicates that risk analysis needs to pay attention to not only the planning stage, but also the calibration stage that is committed prior to the main treatment process. It also shows that human error is the largest contributor to initiating events as well as to the failure of safety measures. This study also illustrates an event tree analysis for an accident sequence initiated in the calibration. Conclusion This study is expected to provide sights into the accident sequences for the prospective risk analysis through the review of experiences. PMID:23865005

Developmental expression and function analysis of protein tyrosine phosphatase receptor type D in oligodendrocyte myelination

PubMed Central

Zhu, Qiang; Tan, Zhou; Zhao, Shufang; Huang, Hao; Zhao, Xiaofeng; Hu, Xuemei; Zhang, Yiping; Shields, Christopher B; Uetani, Noriko; Qiu, Mengsheng

2015-01-01

Receptor protein tyrosine phosphatases (RPTPs) are extensively expressed in the central nervous system (CNS), and have distinct spatial and temporal patterns in different cell types during development. Previous studies have demonstrated possible roles for RPTPs in axon outgrowth, guidance, and synaptogenesis. In the present study, our results revealed that protein tyrosine phosphatase, receptor type D (PTPRD) was initially expressed in mature neurons in embryonic CNS, and later in oligodendroglial cells at postnatal stages when oligodendrocyte undergo active axonal myelination process. In PTPRD mutants, oligodendrocyte differentiation was normal and a transient myelination delay occurred at early postnatal stages, indicating the contribution of PTPRD to the initiation of axonal myelination. Our results also showed that the remyelination process was not affected in the absence of PTPRD function after a cuprizone-induced demyelination in adult animals. PMID:26341907

Intravitreal erythropoietin injection in late-stage optic neuropathy: a safety study on human.

PubMed

Acar, Ugur; Kucuk, Bekir; Sevinc, Mehmet Koray; Aykas, Seckin; Erdurmus, Mesut; Sobaci, Gungor

2018-06-01

To evaluate the whether intravitreal erythropoietin (EPO) administration has any beneficial or adverse effect in patients with late-stage optic neuropathy (ON) or not. The study examined 16 eyes of 16 patients who had late-stage ON and ≥1/20 best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) in their affected eye. There were nonarteritic ischemic ON in 10 (62.5%) eyes, traumatic ON in 4 (25.0%) eyes and methanol-induced ON in 2 (12.5%) eyes. Using pars plana approach, 2000 IU/0.2 ml EPO was administered intravitreally with a 30-gauge needle. Injections were administered three times with 6-week intervals. We compared the differences in the BCVA, intraocular pressure (IOP), retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness, pattern visual evoked potentials (p-VEP) and pattern electroretinography (p-ERG) parameters performed at initial examination and final visits. The mean age of the patients was 52.38 ± 12.00 years; 2 (12.50%) of them were female, and 14 (87.50%) of them were male. The mean BCVA levels of 16 patients with optic atrophy were 1.12 ± 0.25 logMAR at the initial examination and 1.08 ± 0.26 logMAR at the final visit (p = 0.102). There was no statistically significant difference between the initial and final RNFL thicknesses, IOP values, p-ERG or p-VEP responses. Intravitreal EPO injections have no beneficial or detrimental effect on the late stage of ON. Further studies are necessary to compare our results in patients with ON in earlier stages.

Serum Ionized Calcium Quantification for Staging Canine Periodontal Disease: A Preliminary Study.

PubMed

Miguel Carreira, L; Daniela, Dias; Pedro, Azevedo

2015-06-01

Periodontal diseases (PD) are infectious, inflammatory, progressive diseases of the oral cavity affecting people and dogs. PD takes 2 forms: gingivitis and periodontitis. Diagnosing or staging PD can be achieved only with dental x-rays and periodontal probing, both of which require the use of general anesthesia in dogs. This study aimed to determine whether serum ionized calcium ([iCa(2+)]) levels can be useful in preliminary PD staging in dogs. A sample of 40 dogs (n = 40) was divided into 4 groups (n = 10 each) based on the following PD stages: G1 (gingivitis), G2 (initial periodontitis), G3 (moderate periodontitis), and G4 (severe periodontitis). The groups were then subjected to [iCa(2+)] quantification. Statistically significant differences were observed between PD stages and [iCa(2+)] for all stages except G3 and G4. Therefore, this parameter can be used as an additional tool to establish and monitor preliminary PD status. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Acute periostitis in early acquired syphilis simulating shin splints in a jogger.

PubMed

Meier, J L; Mollet, E

1986-01-01

Acute periostitis affecting the long bones is a characteristic but uncommon manifestation of syphilis in the adult with an early acquired infection. This report describes the history of a jogger who developed acute localized periostitis of the shaft of both tibiae during the early stage of acquired syphilis. Symptomatology was initially attributed to the medial tibial stress syndrome.

The plurennial life cycles of the European Tettigoniidae (Insecta: Orthoptera) : 3. The effect of drought and the variable duration of the initial diapause.

PubMed

Ingrisch, Sigfrid

1986-11-01

The effect of drought on embryonic development and on hatching was studied in 13 European Tettigoniidae species. Drought can affect development in three different ways: (1) Embryonic development proceeds slower than if the eggs are in contact with water; (2) it stops (for final diapause) in an earlier embryonic stage; (3) it affects maintenance and termination of the initial embryonic diapause.In many Tettigoniidae species, the initial diapause is prolonged, and may last several years. Without draught stress, between 1 and 7 cold treatments in the laboratory, and with eggs of the Tettigonia-species between 1 and 6 winters in the field were necessary to enable all eggs to complete initial diapause. In Central European species, the number of eggs maintaining initial diapause significantly increased when the eggs had no contact with water at the time when they should recover from diapause. In contrast, termination of initial diapause in Tettigonia caudata from Greece, when the environment became favorable for growth again, was highest in that group of eggs that had lost most water in a preceding period of drought. The importance of the prolonged initial diapause for the survival of unpredictable adverse conditions is discussed.

Hedgehog signaling is required at multiple stages of zebrafish tooth development.

PubMed

Jackman, William R; Yoo, James J; Stock, David W

2010-11-30

The accessibility of the developing zebrafish pharyngeal dentition makes it an advantageous system in which to study many aspects of tooth development from early initiation to late morphogenesis. In mammals, hedgehog signaling is known to be essential for multiple stages of odontogenesis; however, potential roles for the pathway during initiation of tooth development or in later morphogenesis are incompletely understood. We have identified mRNA expression of the hedgehog ligands shha and the receptors ptc1 and ptc2 during zebrafish pharyngeal tooth development. We looked for, but did not detect, tooth germ expression of the other known zebrafish hedgehog ligands shhb, dhh, ihha, or ihhb, suggesting that as in mammals, only Shh participates in zebrafish tooth development. Supporting this idea, we found that morphological and gene expression evidence of tooth initiation is eliminated in shha mutant embryos, and that morpholino antisense oligonucleotide knockdown of shha, but not shhb, function prevents mature tooth formation. Hedgehog pathway inhibition with the antagonist compound cyclopamine affected tooth formation at each stage in which we applied it: arresting development at early stages and disrupting mature tooth morphology when applied later. These results suggest that hedgehog signaling is required continuously during odontogenesis. In contrast, over-expression of shha had no effect on the developing dentition, possibly because shha is normally extensively expressed in the zebrafish pharyngeal region. We have identified previously unknown requirements for hedgehog signaling for early tooth initiation and later morphogenesis. The similarity of our results with data from mouse and other vertebrates suggests that despite gene duplication and changes in the location of where teeth form, the roles of hedgehog signaling in tooth development have been largely conserved during evolution.

Boiling water jet outflow from a thin nozzle: spatial modeling

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bolotnova, R. Kh.; Korobchinskaya, V. A.

2017-09-01

This study presents dual-temperature two-phase model for liquid-vapor mixture with account for evaporation and inter-phase heat transfer (taken in single-velocity single-pressure approximation). Simulation was performed using the shock-capturing method and moving Lagrangian grids. Analysis was performed for simulated and experimental values of nucleation frequency (for refining the initial number and radius of microbubbles) which affect the evaporation rate. Validity of 2D and 1D simulation was examined through comparison with experimental data. The peculiarities of the water-steam formation at the initial stage of outflow through a thin nozzle were studied for different initial equilibrium states of water for the conditions close to chosen experimental conditions.

Annual clinical updates in hematological malignancies: a continuing medical education series. Hodgkin lymphoma: 2011 update on diagnosis, risk-stratification, and management.

PubMed

Ansell, Stephen M

2011-10-01

Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) is an uncommon B-cell lymphoid malignancy affecting 8,500 new patients annually and representing approximately 11% of all lymphomas in the United States. HL is composed of two distinct disease entities; the more commonly diagnosed classical HL and the rare nodular lymphocyte predominant HL. Nodular sclerosis, mixed cellularity, lymphocyte depletion, and lymphocyte-rich HL are subgroups under the designation of classical HL. An accurate assessment of the stage of disease in patients with HL is critical for the selection of the appropriate therapy. Prognostic models that identify patients at low or high risk for recurrence are used to optimize therapy for patients with limited or advanced stage disease. Initial therapy for HL patients is based on the histology of the disease, the anatomical stage, and the presence of poor prognostic features. Patients with early stage disease are treated with combined modality strategies using abbreviated courses of combination chemotherapy followed by involved-field radiation therapy, while those with advanced stage disease receive a longer course of chemotherapy often without radiation therapy. High-dose chemotherapy (HDCT) followed by an autologous stem-cell transplant (ASCT) is the standard of care for most patients who relapse following initial therapy. For patients who fail HDCT with ASCT, palliative chemotherapy, nonmyeloablative allogeneic transplant, or participation in a clinical trial should be considered. 2011 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Hodgkin lymphoma: 2012 update on diagnosis, risk-stratification, and management.

PubMed

Ansell, Stephen M

2012-12-01

Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) is an uncommon B-cell lymphoid malignancy affecting 9,000 new patients annually and representing approximately 11% of all lymphomas in the United States. HL is composed of two distinct disease entities; the more commonly diagnosed classical HL and the rare nodular lymphocyte predominant HL. Nodular sclerosis, mixed cellularity, lymphocyte depletion, and lymphocyte-rich HL are subgroups under the designation of classical HL. An accurate assessment of the stage of disease in patients with HL is critical for the selection of the appropriate therapy. Prognostic models that identify patients at low or high risk for recurrence are used to optimize therapy for patients with limited or advanced stage disease. Initial therapy for HL patients is based on the histology of the disease, the anatomical stage and the presence of poor prognostic features. Patients with early stage disease are treated with combined modality strategies utilizing abbreviated courses of combination chemotherapy followed by involved-field radiation therapy, while those with advanced stage disease receive a longer course of chemotherapy often without radiation therapy. High-dose chemotherapy (HDCT) followed by an autologous stem cell transplant (ASCT) is the standard of care for most patients who relapse following initial therapy. For patients who fail HDCT with ASCT, brentuximab vedotin, palliative chemotherapy, non-myeloablative allogeneic transplant or participation in a clinical trial should be considered. Copyright © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Adaptor protein complexes-1 and 3 are involved at distinct stages of flavivirus life-cycle

PubMed Central

Agrawal, Tanvi; Schu, Peter; Medigeshi, Guruprasad R.

2013-01-01

Intracellular protein trafficking pathways are hijacked by viruses at various stages of viral life-cycle. Heterotetrameric adaptor protein complexes (APs) mediate vesicular trafficking at distinct intracellular sites and are essential for maintaining the organellar homeostasis. In the present study, we studied the effect of AP-1 and AP-3 deficiency on flavivirus infection in cells functionally lacking these proteins. We show that AP-1 and AP-3 participate in flavivirus life-cycle at distinct stages. AP-3-deficient cells showed delay in initiation of Japanese encephalitis virus and dengue virus RNA replication, which resulted in reduction of infectious virus production. AP-3 was found to colocalize with RNA replication compartments in infected wild-type cells. AP-1 deficiency affected later stages of dengue virus infection where increased intracellular accumulation of infectious virus was observed. Therefore, our results propose a novel role for AP-1 and AP-3 at distinct stages of infection of some of the RNA viruses. PMID:23657274

Adaptor protein complexes-1 and 3 are involved at distinct stages of flavivirus life-cycle.

PubMed

Agrawal, Tanvi; Schu, Peter; Medigeshi, Guruprasad R

2013-01-01

Intracellular protein trafficking pathways are hijacked by viruses at various stages of viral life-cycle. Heterotetrameric adaptor protein complexes (APs) mediate vesicular trafficking at distinct intracellular sites and are essential for maintaining the organellar homeostasis. In the present study, we studied the effect of AP-1 and AP-3 deficiency on flavivirus infection in cells functionally lacking these proteins. We show that AP-1 and AP-3 participate in flavivirus life-cycle at distinct stages. AP-3-deficient cells showed delay in initiation of Japanese encephalitis virus and dengue virus RNA replication, which resulted in reduction of infectious virus production. AP-3 was found to colocalize with RNA replication compartments in infected wild-type cells. AP-1 deficiency affected later stages of dengue virus infection where increased intracellular accumulation of infectious virus was observed. Therefore, our results propose a novel role for AP-1 and AP-3 at distinct stages of infection of some of the RNA viruses.

Model of unplanned smoking initiation of children and adolescents: an integrated stage model of smoking behavior.

PubMed

Kremers, S P J; Mudde, A N; De Vries, H

2004-05-01

Two lines of psychological research have attempted to spell out the stages of adolescent smoking initiation. The first has focused on behavioral stages of smoking initiation, while the second line emphasized motivational stages. A large international sample of European adolescents (N = 10,170, mean age = 13.3 years) was followed longitudinally. Self-reported motivational and behavioral stages of smoking initiation were integrated, leading to the development of the Model of Unplanned Smoking Initiation of Children and Adolescents (MUSICA). The MUSICA postulates that youngsters experiment with smoking while they are in an unmotivated state as regards their plans for smoking regularly in the future. More than 95% of the total population resided in one of the seven stages distinguished by MUSICA. The probability of starting to smoke regularly during the 12 months follow-up period increased with advanced stage assignment at baseline. Unique social cognitive predictors of stage progression from the various stages were identified, but effect sizes of predictors of transitions were small. The integration of motivational and behavioral dimensions improves our understanding of the process of smoking initiation. In contrast to current theories of smoking initiation, adolescent uptake of smoking behavior was found to be an unplanned action.

Small Launch Vehicle Concept Development for Affordable Multi-Stage Inline Configurations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Beers, Benjamin R.; Waters, Eric D.; Philips, Alan D.; Threet, Grady E., Jr.

2014-01-01

The Advanced Concepts Office at NASA's George C. Marshall Space Flight Center conducted a study of two configurations of a three stage, inline, liquid propellant small launch vehicle concept developed on the premise of maximizing affordability by targeting a specific payload capability range based on current industry demand. The initial configuration, NESC-1, employed liquid oxygen as the oxidizer and rocket propellant grade kerosene as the fuel in all three stages. The second and more heavily studied configuration, NESC-4, employed liquid oxygen and rocket propellant grade kerosene on the first and second stages and liquid oxygen and liquid methane fuel on the third stage. On both vehicles, sensitivity studies were first conducted on specific impulse and stage propellant mass fraction in order to baseline gear ratios and drive the focus of concept development. Subsequent sensitivity and trade studies on the NESC-4 configuration investigated potential impacts to affordability due to changes in gross liftoff weight and/or vehicle complexity. Results are discussed at a high level to understand the severity of certain sensitivities and how those trade studies conducted can either affect cost, performance or both.

Small Launch Vehicle Concept Development for Affordable Multi-Stage Inline Configurations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Beers, Benjamin R.; Waters, Eric D.; Philips, Alan D.; Threet, Grady E. Jr.

2013-01-01

The Advanced Concepts Office at NASA's George C. Marshall Space Flight Center conducted a study of two configurations of a three-stage, inline, liquid propellant small launch vehicle concept developed on the premise of maximizing affordability by targeting a specific payload capability range based on current industry demand. The initial configuration, NESC-1, employed liquid oxygen as the oxidizer and rocket propellant grade kerosene as the fuel in all three stages. The second and more heavily studied configuration, NESC-4, employed liquid oxygen and RP-1 on the first and second stages and liquid oxygen and liquid methane fuel on the third stage. On both vehicles, sensitivity studies were first conducted on specific impulse and stage propellant mass fraction in order to baseline gear ratios and drive the focus of concept development. Subsequent sensitivity and trade studies on the NESC-4 concept investigated potential impacts to affordability due to changes in gross liftoff weight and/or vehicle complexity. Results are discussed at a high level to understand the impact severity of certain sensitivities and how those trade studies conducted can either affect cost, performance, or both.

Effect of Elevated CO2 Concentration, Elevated Temperature and No Nitrogen Fertilization on Methanogenic Archaeal and Methane-Oxidizing Bacterial Community Structures in Paddy Soil

PubMed Central

Liu, Dongyan; Tago, Kanako; Hayatsu, Masahito; Tokida, Takeshi; Sakai, Hidemitsu; Nakamura, Hirofumi; Usui, Yasuhiro; Hasegawa, Toshihiro; Asakawa, Susumu

2016-01-01

Elevated concentrations of atmospheric CO2 ([CO2]) enhance the production and emission of methane in paddy fields. In the present study, the effects of elevated [CO2], elevated temperature (ET), and no nitrogen fertilization (LN) on methanogenic archaeal and methane-oxidizing bacterial community structures in a free-air CO2 enrichment (FACE) experimental paddy field were investigated by PCR-DGGE and real-time quantitative PCR. Soil samples were collected from the upper and lower soil layers at the rice panicle initiation (PI) and mid-ripening (MR) stages. The composition of the methanogenic archaeal community in the upper and lower soil layers was not markedly affected by the elevated [CO2], ET, or LN condition. The abundance of the methanogenic archaeal community in the upper and lower soil layers was also not affected by elevated [CO2] or ET, but was significantly increased at the rice PI stage and significantly decreased by LN in the lower soil layer. In contrast, the composition of the methane-oxidizing bacterial community was affected by rice-growing stages in the upper soil layer. The abundance of methane-oxidizing bacteria was significantly decreased by elevated [CO2] and LN in both soil layers at the rice MR stage and by ET in the upper soil layer. The ratio of mcrA/pmoA genes correlated with methane emission from ambient and FACE paddy plots at the PI stage. These results indicate that the decrease observed in the abundance of methane-oxidizing bacteria was related to increased methane emission from the paddy field under the elevated [CO2], ET, and LN conditions. PMID:27600710

Effect of Elevated CO2 Concentration, Elevated Temperature and No Nitrogen Fertilization on Methanogenic Archaeal and Methane-Oxidizing Bacterial Community Structures in Paddy Soil.

PubMed

Liu, Dongyan; Tago, Kanako; Hayatsu, Masahito; Tokida, Takeshi; Sakai, Hidemitsu; Nakamura, Hirofumi; Usui, Yasuhiro; Hasegawa, Toshihiro; Asakawa, Susumu

2016-09-29

Elevated concentrations of atmospheric CO2 ([CO2]) enhance the production and emission of methane in paddy fields. In the present study, the effects of elevated [CO2], elevated temperature (ET), and no nitrogen fertilization (LN) on methanogenic archaeal and methane-oxidizing bacterial community structures in a free-air CO2 enrichment (FACE) experimental paddy field were investigated by PCR-DGGE and real-time quantitative PCR. Soil samples were collected from the upper and lower soil layers at the rice panicle initiation (PI) and mid-ripening (MR) stages. The composition of the methanogenic archaeal community in the upper and lower soil layers was not markedly affected by the elevated [CO2], ET, or LN condition. The abundance of the methanogenic archaeal community in the upper and lower soil layers was also not affected by elevated [CO2] or ET, but was significantly increased at the rice PI stage and significantly decreased by LN in the lower soil layer. In contrast, the composition of the methane-oxidizing bacterial community was affected by rice-growing stages in the upper soil layer. The abundance of methane-oxidizing bacteria was significantly decreased by elevated [CO2] and LN in both soil layers at the rice MR stage and by ET in the upper soil layer. The ratio of mcrA/pmoA genes correlated with methane emission from ambient and FACE paddy plots at the PI stage. These results indicate that the decrease observed in the abundance of methane-oxidizing bacteria was related to increased methane emission from the paddy field under the elevated [CO2], ET, and LN conditions.

Effects of foot posture on fifth metatarsal fracture healing: a finite element study.

PubMed

Brilakis, Emmanuel; Kaselouris, Evaggelos; Xypnitos, Frank; Provatidis, Christopher G; Efstathopoulos, Nicolas

2012-01-01

The goal of this study was to evaluate the effects of maintaining different foot postures during healing of proximal fifth metatarsal fractures for each of 3 common fracture types. A 3-dimensional (3D) finite element model of a human foot was developed and 3 loading situations were evaluated, including the following: (1) normal weightbearing, (2) standing with the affected foot in dorsiflexion at the ankle, and (3) standing with the affected foot in eversion. Three different stages of the fracture-healing process were studied, including: stage 1, wherein the material interposed between the fractured edges was the initial connective tissue; stage 2, wherein connective tissue had been replaced by soft callus; and stage 3, wherein soft callus was replaced by mature bone. Thus, 30 3D finite element models were analyzed that took into account fracture type, foot posture, and healing stage. Different foot postures did not statistically significantly affect the peak-developed strains on the fracture site. When the fractured foot was everted or dorsiflexed, it developed a slightly higher strain within the fracture than when it was in the normal weightbearing position. In Jones fractures, eversion of the foot caused further torsional strain and we believe that this position should be avoided during foot immobilization during the treatment of fifth metatarsal base fractures. Tuberosity avulsion fractures and Jones fractures seem to be biomechanically stable fractures, as compared with shaft fractures. Our understanding of the literature and experience indicate that current clinical observations and standard therapeutic options are in accordance with the results that we observed in this investigation, with the exception of Jones fractures. Copyright © 2012 American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Feeling Touched: Emotional Modulation of Somatosensory Potentials to Interpersonal Touch.

PubMed

Ravaja, N; Harjunen, V; Ahmed, I; Jacucci, G; Spapé, M M

2017-01-12

Although the previous studies have shown that an emotional context may alter touch processing, it is not clear how visual contextual information modulates the sensory signals, and at what levels does this modulation take place. Therefore, we investigated how a toucher's emotional expressions (anger, happiness, fear, and sadness) modulate touchee's somatosensory-evoked potentials (SEPs) in different temporal ranges. Participants were presented with tactile stimulation appearing to originate from expressive characters in virtual reality. Touch processing was indexed using SEPs, and self-reports of touch experience were collected. Early potentials were found to be amplified after angry, happy and sad facial expressions, while late potentials were amplified after anger but attenuated after happiness. These effects were related to two stages of emotional modulation of tactile perception: anticipation and interpretation. The findings show that not only does touch affect emotion, but also emotional expressions affect touch perception. The affective modulation of touch was initially obtained as early as 25 ms after the touch onset suggesting that emotional context is integrated to the tactile sensation at a very early stage.

Feeling Touched: Emotional Modulation of Somatosensory Potentials to Interpersonal Touch

PubMed Central

Ravaja, N.; Harjunen, V.; Ahmed, I.; Jacucci, G.; Spapé, M. M.

2017-01-01

Although the previous studies have shown that an emotional context may alter touch processing, it is not clear how visual contextual information modulates the sensory signals, and at what levels does this modulation take place. Therefore, we investigated how a toucher’s emotional expressions (anger, happiness, fear, and sadness) modulate touchee’s somatosensory-evoked potentials (SEPs) in different temporal ranges. Participants were presented with tactile stimulation appearing to originate from expressive characters in virtual reality. Touch processing was indexed using SEPs, and self-reports of touch experience were collected. Early potentials were found to be amplified after angry, happy and sad facial expressions, while late potentials were amplified after anger but attenuated after happiness. These effects were related to two stages of emotional modulation of tactile perception: anticipation and interpretation. The findings show that not only does touch affect emotion, but also emotional expressions affect touch perception. The affective modulation of touch was initially obtained as early as 25 ms after the touch onset suggesting that emotional context is integrated to the tactile sensation at a very early stage. PMID:28079157

Initial fuel temperature effects on burning rate of pool fire.

PubMed

Chen, Bing; Lu, Shou-Xiang; Li, Chang-Hai; Kang, Quan-Sheng; Lecoustre, Vivien

2011-04-15

The influence of the initial fuel temperature on the burning behavior of n-heptane pool fire was experimentally studied at the State Key Laboratory of Fire Science (SKLFS) large test hall. Circular pool fires with diameters of 100mm, 141 mm, and 200 mm were considered with initial fuel temperatures ranging from 290 K to 363 K. Burning rate and temperature distributions in fuel and vessel wall were recorded during the combustion. The burning rate exhibited five typical stages: initial development, steady burning, transition, bulk boiling burning, and decay. The burning rate during the steady burning stage was observed to be relatively independent of the initial fuel temperature. In contrast, the burning rate of the bulk boiling burning stage increases with increased initial fuel temperature. It was also observed that increased initial fuel temperature decreases the duration of steady burning stage. When the initial temperature approaches the boiling point, the steady burning stage nearly disappears and the burning rate moves directly from the initial development stage to the transition stage. The fuel surface temperature increases to its boiling point at the steady burning stage, shortly after ignition, and the bulk liquid reaches boiling temperature at the bulk boiling burning stage. No distinguished cold zone is formed in the fuel bed. However, boiling zone is observed and the thickness increases to its maximum value when the bulk boiling phenomena occurs. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Biochemical and physiological responses of oil palm to bud rot caused by Phytophthora palmivora.

PubMed

Moreno-Chacón, Andrés Leonardo; Camperos-Reyes, Jhonatan Eduardo; Ávila Diazgranados, Rodrigo Andrés; Romero, Hernán Mauricio

2013-09-01

In recent years, global consumption of palm oil has increased significantly, reaching almost 43 million tons in 2010. The sustainability of oil palm (Elaeis guineensis) cultivation has been compromised because of the bud rot disease whose initial symptoms are caused by Phytophthora palmivora. There was a significant incidence of the disease, from an initial stage 1 of the disease to the highest stage 5, that affected photosynthetic parameters, content of pigments, sugars, polyamines, enzymatic antioxidant activities, phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL, EC 4.3.1.5) and β-(1,3) glucanase (β-Gluc, EC 3.2.1.39). In healthy palms photosynthesis was 13.29 μmol CO2 m(-2) s(-1) in average, while in stage 5 the average photosynthesis was around 3.66 μmol CO2 m(-2) s(-1). Additionally, total chlorophyll was reduced by half at the last stage of the disease. On the contrary, the contents of putrescine, spermine and spermidine increased three, nine and twelve times with respect to stage 5, respectively. Antioxidant enzyme activities, as well as the phenylalanine ammonia-lyase and β-(1,3) glucanase showed an increase as the severity of the disease increased, with the latter increasing from 0.71 EAU in healthy palms to 2.60 EAU in plants at stage 5 of the disease. The peroxidase (POD, EC 1.11.1.7) enzymatic activity and the content of spermidine were the most sensitive indicators of disease. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

A Protein Aggregation Based Test for Screening of the Agents Affecting Thermostability of Proteins

PubMed Central

Eronina, Tatyana; Borzova, Vera; Maloletkina, Olga; Kleymenov, Sergey; Asryants, Regina; Markossian, Kira; Kurganov, Boris

2011-01-01

To search for agents affecting thermal stability of proteins, a test based on the registration of protein aggregation in the regime of heating with a constant rate was used. The initial parts of the dependences of the light scattering intensity (I) on temperature (T) were analyzed using the following empiric equation: I = K agg(T−T 0)2, where K agg is the parameter characterizing the initial rate of aggregation and T 0 is a temperature at which the initial increase in the light scattering intensity is registered. The aggregation data are interpreted in the frame of the model assuming the formation of the start aggregates at the initial stages of the aggregation process. Parameter T 0 corresponds to the moment of the origination of the start aggregates. The applicability of the proposed approach was demonstrated on the examples of thermal aggregation of glycogen phosphorylase b from rabbit skeletal muscles and bovine liver glutamate dehydrogenase studied in the presence of agents of different chemical nature. The elaborated approach to the study of protein aggregation may be used for rapid identification of small molecules that interact with protein targets. PMID:21760963

Densification kinetics of nanocrystalline zirconia powder using microwave and spark plasma sintering--a comparative study.

PubMed

Vasylkiv, Oleg; Demirskyi, Dmytro; Sakka, Yoshio; Ragulya, Andrey; Borodianska, Hanna

2012-06-01

Two-stage densification process of nanosized 3 mol% yttria-stabilized zirconia (3Y-SZ) polycrystalline compacts during consolidation via microwave and spark-plasma sintering have been observed. The values of activation energies obtained for microwave and spark-plasma sintering 260-275 kJ x mol(-1) are quite similar to that of conventional sintering of zirconia, suggesting that densification during initial stage is controlled by the grain-boundary diffusion mechanism. The sintering behavior during microwave sintering was significantly affected by preliminary pressing conditions, as the surface diffusion mechanism (230 kJ x mol(-1)) is active in case of cold-isostatic pressing procedure was applied.

Evidence of Selection against Complex Mitotic-Origin Aneuploidy during Preimplantation Development

PubMed Central

McCoy, Rajiv C.; Demko, Zachary P.; Ryan, Allison; Banjevic, Milena; Hill, Matthew; Sigurjonsson, Styrmir; Rabinowitz, Matthew; Petrov, Dmitri A.

2015-01-01

Whole-chromosome imbalances affect over half of early human embryos and are the leading cause of pregnancy loss. While these errors frequently arise in oocyte meiosis, many such whole-chromosome abnormalities affecting cleavage-stage embryos are the result of chromosome missegregation occurring during the initial mitotic cell divisions. The first wave of zygotic genome activation at the 4–8 cell stage results in the arrest of a large proportion of embryos, the vast majority of which contain whole-chromosome abnormalities. Thus, the full spectrum of meiotic and mitotic errors can only be detected by sampling after the initial cell divisions, but prior to this selective filter. Here, we apply 24-chromosome preimplantation genetic screening (PGS) to 28,052 single-cell day-3 blastomere biopsies and 18,387 multi-cell day-5 trophectoderm biopsies from 6,366 in vitro fertilization (IVF) cycles. We precisely characterize the rates and patterns of whole-chromosome abnormalities at each developmental stage and distinguish errors of meiotic and mitotic origin without embryo disaggregation, based on informative chromosomal signatures. We show that mitotic errors frequently involve multiple chromosome losses that are not biased toward maternal or paternal homologs. This outcome is characteristic of spindle abnormalities and chaotic cell division detected in previous studies. In contrast to meiotic errors, our data also show that mitotic errors are not significantly associated with maternal age. PGS patients referred due to previous IVF failure had elevated rates of mitotic error, while patients referred due to recurrent pregnancy loss had elevated rates of meiotic error, controlling for maternal age. These results support the conclusion that mitotic error is the predominant mechanism contributing to pregnancy losses occurring prior to blastocyst formation. This high-resolution view of the full spectrum of whole-chromosome abnormalities affecting early embryos provides insight into the cytogenetic mechanisms underlying their formation and the consequences for human fertility. PMID:26491874

Development and Implementation of an International Counseling Outreach Effort in Bhutan: A Group Stage Conceptualization

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Guth, Lorraine J.; Lorelle, Sonya; Hinkle, J. Scott; Remley, Theodore P.

2015-01-01

This article highlights the development and implementation of an international counseling outreach program in Bhutan using a group stage conceptualization that includes the initial, transition, working, and final stages. The initial stage included a counseling initiative started by one of the queens as well as meetings with key leaders from the…

Adventures in hepatocarcinogenesis.

PubMed

Pitot, Henry C

2007-01-01

Neoplasia is a heritably altered, relatively autonomous growth of tissue. Hepatocarcinogenesis, the pathogenesis of neoplasia in liver, as modeled in the rat exhibits three distinct, quantifiable stages: initiation, promotion, and progression. Simple mutations and/or epigenetic alterations may result in the irreversible stage of initiation. The stage of promotion results from selective enhancement of cell replication and selective inhibition of cellular apoptosis of initiated cells dependent on the genetic and/or epigenetic alterations of the latter. The irreversible stage of progression results from initial karyotypic alterations that evolve into greater degrees of genomic instability. The initial genomic alteration in the transition from promotion to progression may involve primarily epigenetic mechanisms driven by epigenetic and genetic alterations fixed during the stage of promotion.

The symbiotic role of O-antigen of Burkholderia symbiont in association with host Riptortus pedestris.

PubMed

Kim, Jiyeun Kate; Park, Ha Young; Lee, Bok Luel

2016-07-01

Riptortus pedestris harboring Burkholderia symbiont is a useful symbiosis model to study the molecular interactions between insects and bacteria. We recently reported that the lipopolysaccharide O-antigen is absent in the Burkholderia symbionts isolated from Riptortus guts. Here, we investigated the symbiotic role of O-antigen comprehensively in the Riptortus-Burkholderia model. Firstly, Burkholderia mutant strains deficient of O-antigen biosynthesis genes were generated and confirmed for their different patterns of the lipopolysaccharide by electrophoretic analysis. The O-antigen-deficient mutant strains initially exhibited a reduction of infectivity, having significantly lower level of symbiont population at the second-instar stage. However, both the wild-type and O-antigen mutant symbionts exhibited a similar level of symbiont population from the third-instar stage, indicating that the O-antigen deficiency did not affect the bacterial persistence in the host midgut. Taken together, we showed that the lipopolysaccharide O-antigen of gut symbiont plays an exclusive role in the initial symbiotic association. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Effects of ozone and peroxyacetyl nitrate on polar lipids and fatty acids in leaves of morning glory and kidney bean. [Pharbitis nil; Phaseolus vulgaris

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

Nouchi, Isamu; Toyama, Susumu

To compare the effects of ozone and peroxyacetyl nitrate (PAN) on leaf lipids, fatty acids and malondialdehyde (MDA), morning glory (Pharbitis nil Choisy cv Scarlet O'Hara) and kidney bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L. cv Gintebo) plants were exposed to either ozone (0.15 microliter per liter for 8 hours) or PAN (0.10 microliter per liter for up to 8 hours). Ozone increased phospholipids in morning glory and decreased in kidney bean at the initial stage (2-4 hours) of exposure, while it scarcely changed glycolipids, the unsaturated fatty acids, and MDA in both plants. A large reduction of glycolipids occurred 1 day aftermore » ozone exposure in both plants. PAN caused marked drops in phospholipids and glycolipids in kidney bean at relatively late stage (6-8 hours) of exposure, while it increased phosphatidic acid and decreased the unsaturated fatty acids, an increase which was accompanied by a large increase in MDA. These results suggest that ozone may not directly oxidize unsaturated fatty acids at the initial stage of exposure, but may alter polar lipid metabolism, particularly phospholipids. On the other hand, PAN may abruptly and considerably degrade phospholipids and glycolipids by peroxidation or hydrolysis at the late stage of exposure. The present study shows that ozone and PAN affect polar lipids in different manners.« less

Munc18-1-regulated stage-wise SNARE assembly underlying synaptic exocytosis.

PubMed

Ma, Lu; Rebane, Aleksander A; Yang, Guangcan; Xi, Zhiqun; Kang, Yuhao; Gao, Ying; Zhang, Yongli

2015-12-23

Synaptic-soluble N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive factor attachment receptor (SNARE) proteins couple their stage-wise folding/assembly to rapid exocytosis of neurotransmitters in a Munc18-1-dependent manner. The functions of the different assembly stages in exocytosis and the role of Munc18-1 in SNARE assembly are not well understood. Using optical tweezers, we observed four distinct stages of assembly in SNARE N-terminal, middle, C-terminal, and linker domains (or NTD, MD, CTD, and LD, respectively). We found that SNARE layer mutations differentially affect SNARE assembly. Comparison of their effects on SNARE assembly and on exocytosis reveals that NTD and CTD are responsible for vesicle docking and fusion, respectively, whereas MD regulates SNARE assembly and fusion. Munc18-1 initiates SNARE assembly and structures t-SNARE C-terminus independent of syntaxin N-terminal regulatory domain (NRD) and stabilizes the half-zippered SNARE complex dependent upon the NRD. Our observations demonstrate distinct functions of SNARE domains whose assembly is intimately chaperoned by Munc18-1.

The influence of a change in medicare reimbursement on the effectiveness of stage III or greater decubitus ulcer home health nursing care.

PubMed

Eaton, Melody K

2005-02-01

This study was designed to describe and evaluate the influence of a change in a Medicare reimbursement on the effectiveness of home health nursing care for stage III or greater decubitus ulcer patients. This health policy originated from the Balanced Budget Act (BBA) of 1997 and took its full effect with initiation of the Prospective Payment System (PPS) on October 1, 2000. A quantitative quasi-experimental design used OASIS data from the state of Virginia to evaluate 555 stage III or greater decubitus ulcer patients, age 65 or older. Comparisons were investigated between pre-PPS, 2000, and post-PPS, 2001, outcomes related to reported ulcer healing, lengths of stay, and discharge disposition. Results demonstrated significant differences for the outcomes studied. In addition, sanitation, ulcer healing, and discharge disposition were linked as predictors for length of stay. Results demonstrated that PPS has affected nursing care effectiveness for stage III or greater decubitus ulcer home health patients.

Accuracy improvement of the H-drive air-levitating wafer inspection stage based on error analysis and compensation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Fan; Liu, Pinkuan

2018-04-01

In order to improve the inspection precision of the H-drive air-bearing stage for wafer inspection, in this paper the geometric error of the stage is analyzed and compensated. The relationship between the positioning errors and error sources are initially modeled, and seven error components are identified that are closely related to the inspection accuracy. The most effective factor that affects the geometric error is identified by error sensitivity analysis. Then, the Spearman rank correlation method is applied to find the correlation between different error components, aiming at guiding the accuracy design and error compensation of the stage. Finally, different compensation methods, including the three-error curve interpolation method, the polynomial interpolation method, the Chebyshev polynomial interpolation method, and the B-spline interpolation method, are employed within the full range of the stage, and their results are compared. Simulation and experiment show that the B-spline interpolation method based on the error model has better compensation results. In addition, the research result is valuable for promoting wafer inspection accuracy and will greatly benefit the semiconductor industry.

Laser-Induced Modification Of Energy Bands Of Transparent Solids

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gruzdev, Vitaly

2010-10-01

Laser-induced variations of electron energy bands of transparent solids significantly affect the initial stages of laser-induced ablation (LIA) influencing rates of ionization and light absorption by conduction-band electrons. We analyze fast variations with characteristic duration in femto-second time domain that include: 1) switching electron functions from bonding to anti-bonding configuration due to laser-induced ionization; 2) laser-driven oscillations of electrons in quasi-momentum space; and 3) direct distortion of the inter-atomic potential by electric field of laser radiation. Among those effects, the latter two have zero delay and reversibly modify band structure taking place from the beginning of laser action. They are of special interest due to their strong influence on the initial stage and threshold of laser ablation. The oscillations modify the electron-energy bands by adding pondermotive potential. The direct action of radiation's electric field leads to high-frequency Franz-Keldysh effect (FKE) spreading the allowed electron states into the forbidden-energy bands. FKE provides decrease of the effective band gap while the electron oscillations lead either to monotonous increase or oscillatory variations of the gap. We analyze the competition between those two opposite trends and their role in initiating LIA.

Under Pressure: Financial Effect of the Hospital-Acquired Conditions Initiative-A Statewide Analysis of Pressure Ulcer Development and Payment.

PubMed

Meddings, Jennifer; Reichert, Heidi; Rogers, Mary A M; Hofer, Timothy P; McMahon, Laurence F; Grazier, Kyle L

2015-07-01

To assess the financial effect of the 2008 Hospital-Acquired Conditions Initiative (HACI) pressure ulcer payment changes on Medicare, other payers, and hospitals. Retrospective before-and-after study of all-payer statewide administrative data for more than 2.4 million annual adult discharges in 2007 and 2009 using the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project State Inpatient Datasets for California. How often and by how much the 2008 payment changes for pressure ulcers affected hospital payment was assessed. Nonfederal acute care California hospitals (N = 311). Adults discharged from acute-care hospitals. Pressure ulcer rates and hospital payment changes. Hospital-acquired pressure ulcer rates were low in 2007 (0.28%) and 2009 (0.27%); present-on-admission pressure ulcer rates increased from 2.3% in 2007 to 3.0% in 2009. According to clinical stage of pressure ulcer (available in 2009), hospital-acquired Stage III and IV ulcers occurred in 603 discharges (0.02%); 60,244 discharges (2.42%) contained other pressure ulcer diagnoses. Payment removal for Stage III and IV hospital-acquired ulcers reduced payment in 75 (0.003%) discharges, for a statewide payment decrease of $310,444 (0.001%) for all payers and $199,238 (0.001%) for Medicare. For all other pressure ulcers, the Hospital-Acquired Conditions Initiative reduced hospital payment in 20,246 (0.81%) cases (including 18,953 cases with present-on-admission ulcers), reducing statewide payment by $62,538,586 (0.21%) for all payers and $47,237,984 (0.32%) for Medicare. The total financial effect of the 2008 payment changes for pressure ulcers was negligible. Most payment decreases occurred by removal of comorbidity payments for present-on-admission pressure ulcers other than Stages III and IV. The removal of payment for hospital-acquired Stage III and IV ulcers by implementation of the HACI policy was 1/200th that of the removal of payment for other types of pressure ulcers that occurred in implementation of the Hospital-Acquired Conditions Initiative. © 2015, Copyright the Authors Journal compilation © 2015, The American Geriatrics Society.

Understanding betrayals in marriage: a synthesized model of forgiveness.

PubMed

Gordon, K C; Baucom, D H

1998-01-01

Forgiveness is an issue that is problematic for many couples, particularly those in marital therapy. However, little attention has been paid to this construct in the psychological literature. The purpose of this article is to describe a synthesized model of forgiveness using constructs from multiple theories, including forgiveness, trauma recovery, cognitive-behavioral, family systems, and insight-oriented theories. Forgiveness is conceptualized as a process consisting of three stages, each of which has cognitive, behavioral, and affective components. Furthermore, these stages seem to parallel a person's natural response to traumatic stress. First, there is a response to the initial impact; second, there is an attempt to give the event some kind of meaning, or put it into context; and finally, the person begins to move forward and readjust. Forgiveness is conceptualized as attaining: (a) a realistic, nondistorted, balanced view of the relationship; (b) a release from being controlled by negative affect toward the participating partner; and (c) a lessened desire to punish the participating partner. Implications for marital therapy also are discussed.

Effects of adding LiBF4 on the glass-transition kinetics of 1,2-propanediol

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Terashima, Yukio; Takeda, Kiyoshi

2017-11-01

By applying an isoconversional method to differential-scanning calorimetry (DSC) data, we have discovered that the addition of LiBF4 significantly affects the activation energy Eα of the glass transition of 1,2-propanediol. Depending upon its concentration, the dynamics of the glass transition are affected more by adding LiBF4 at an early stage of the glass-to-liquid transition rather than at later stages. As the mole fraction x of LiBF4 increases, the value of Eα initially increases, but it decreases dramatically during the glass transition. The abrupt decline in Eα suggests that the addition of LiBF4 breaks cooperative rearranging motions into smaller parts. The expansion of cooperativity, and its fragmentation with increasing temperature, can be explained in terms of competition between the hydrogen-bond networks of the alcohol solvent and the ionic interactions due to the added salt. The variability of Eα with temperature is found to correlate exponentially with the dynamic fragility.

Investigation of Artificial Forced Cooling in the Bridgman Crystal Growth of Cadmium Zinc Telluride

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Juncheng; Li, Jiao; Zhang, Guodong; Li, Changxing; Lennon, Craig; Sivananthan, Siva

2007-08-01

The effects of artificial forced cooling on the solid liquid interface and on solute segregation were investigated by modeling the vertical Bridgman method for the single-crystal growth of CdZnTe, taking into consideration effects such as increasing the axial outward heat flux from the crucible bottom, the radial outward heat flux from the crucible wall, and the carbon film thickness on the crucible inner wall. Axial artificially forced cooling noticeably increases convection and the temperature gradient in the melt next to the solid liquid interface, and substantially reduces interface concavity at the initial solidification stage. Interface concavity increases a little when the solidification proceeds further, however. Axial artificially forced cooling reduces radial solute segregation of the initial segment of the grown crystal and slightly increases the solute iso-concentration segment. Radial artificially forced cooling enhances melt convection substantially, affects solid liquid interface concavity only slightly, and hardly affects solute segregation in the grown crystal. Doubling the carbon film thickness weakens convection of the melt in front of the interface, substantially increases interface concavity, and hardly affects solute segregation in the grown crystal.

Small Launch Vehicle Concept Development for Affordable Multi-Stage Inline Configurations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Beers, Benjamin R.; Waters, Eric D.; Philips, Alan D.; Threet, Grady E., Jr.

2014-01-01

The Advanced Concepts Office at NASA's George C. Marshall Space Flight Center conducted a study of two configurations of a three-stage, inline, liquid propellant small launch vehicle concept developed on the premise of maximizing affordability by targeting a specific payload capability range based on current and future industry demand. The initial configuration, NESC-1, employed liquid oxygen as the oxidizer and rocket propellant grade kerosene as the fuel in all three stages. The second and more heavily studied configuration, NESC-4, employed liquid oxygen and rocket propellant grade kerosene on the first and second stages and liquid oxygen and liquid methane fuel on the third stage. On both vehicles, sensitivity studies were first conducted on specific impulse and stage propellant mass fraction in order to baseline gear ratios and drive the focus of concept development. Subsequent sensitivity and trade studies on the NESC-4 concept investigated potential impacts to affordability due to changes in gross liftoff mass and/or vehicle complexity. Results are discussed at a high level to understand the impact severity of certain sensitivities and how those trade studies conducted can either affect cost, performance, or both.

Seeding the initial population with feasible solutions in metaheuristic optimization of steel trusses

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kazemzadeh Azad, Saeid

2018-01-01

In spite of considerable research work on the development of efficient algorithms for discrete sizing optimization of steel truss structures, only a few studies have addressed non-algorithmic issues affecting the general performance of algorithms. For instance, an important question is whether starting the design optimization from a feasible solution is fruitful or not. This study is an attempt to investigate the effect of seeding the initial population with feasible solutions on the general performance of metaheuristic techniques. To this end, the sensitivity of recently proposed metaheuristic algorithms to the feasibility of initial candidate designs is evaluated through practical discrete sizing of real-size steel truss structures. The numerical experiments indicate that seeding the initial population with feasible solutions can improve the computational efficiency of metaheuristic structural optimization algorithms, especially in the early stages of the optimization. This paves the way for efficient metaheuristic optimization of large-scale structural systems.

Selection of the initial design for the two-stage continual reassessment method.

PubMed

Jia, Xiaoyu; Ivanova, Anastasia; Lee, Shing M

2017-01-01

In the two-stage continual reassessment method (CRM), model-based dose escalation is preceded by a pre-specified escalating sequence starting from the lowest dose level. This is appealing to clinicians because it allows a sufficient number of patients to be assigned to each of the lower dose levels before escalating to higher dose levels. While a theoretical framework to build the two-stage CRM has been proposed, the selection of the initial dose-escalating sequence, generally referred to as the initial design, remains arbitrary, either by specifying cohorts of three patients or by trial and error through extensive simulations. Motivated by a currently ongoing oncology dose-finding study for which clinicians explicitly stated their desire to assign at least one patient to each of the lower dose levels, we proposed a systematic approach for selecting the initial design for the two-stage CRM. The initial design obtained using the proposed algorithm yields better operating characteristics compared to using a cohort of three initial design with a calibrated CRM. The proposed algorithm simplifies the selection of initial design for the two-stage CRM. Moreover, initial designs to be used as reference for planning a two-stage CRM are provided.

Under Pressure: Financial Impact of the Hospital-Acquired Conditions Initiative. A Statewide Analysis of Pressure Ulcer Development and Payment

PubMed Central

Meddings, Jennifer A.; Reichert, Heidi; Rogers, Mary A. M.; Hofer, Timothy P.; McMahon, Laurence F.; Grazier, Kyle L.

2017-01-01

OBJECTIVE To assess the financial impact of the 2008 Hospital-Acquired Conditions Initiative’s pressure ulcer payment changes on Medicare and other payors. DESIGN, SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS Retrospective before-and-after study of all-payor statewide administrative data for >2.4 million annual adult discharges from 311 nonfederal acute-care California hospitals in 2007 and 2009, using the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project State Inpatient Datasets. We assessed how often and by how much the 2008 payment changes for pressure ulcers affected hospital payment. MEASUREMENTS Pressure ulcer rates and hospital payment changes RESULTS Hospital-acquired pressure ulcer rates were very low (0.28%) in 2007 and 2009; present-on-admission pressure ulcer rates increased from 2.35% in 2007 to 3.00% in 2009. By clinical stage of pressure ulcer (available in 2009), hospital-acquired stage III–IV ulcers occurred in 603 discharges (0.02%); 60,244 discharges (2.42%) contained other pressure ulcer diagnoses. Payment removal for stage III–IV hospital-acquired ulcers reduced payment in 75 (0.003%) discharges for a statewide payment decrease of $310,444 (0.001%) for all payors and $199,238 (0.001%) for Medicare. For all other pressure ulcers, the Hospital-Acquired Conditions Initiative reduced hospital payment in 20,246 (0.81%) cases (including 18,953 cases with present-on-admission ulcers) reducing statewide payment by $62,538,586 (0.21%) for all payors and $47,237,984 (0.32%) for Medicare. CONCLUSION The total financial impact of the 2008 payment changes for pressure ulcers was negligible. Most payment decreases occurred by removal of comorbidity payments for present-on-admission pressure ulcers other than stages III–IV. The removal of payment for hospital-acquired stage III–IV ulcers was more than 200 times less than the removal of payment for other types of pressure ulcers that occurred in implementation of the Hospital-Acquired Conditions Initiative. PMID:26140454

The role of propagule pressure, genetic diversity and microsite availability for Senecio vernalis invasion.

PubMed

Erfmeier, Alexandra; Hantsch, Lydia; Bruelheide, Helge

2013-01-01

Genetic diversity is supposed to support the colonization success of expanding species, in particular in situations where microsite availability is constrained. Addressing the role of genetic diversity in plant invasion experimentally requires its manipulation independent of propagule pressure. To assess the relative importance of these components for the invasion of Senecio vernalis, we created propagule mixtures of four levels of genotype diversity by combining seeds across remote populations, across proximate populations, within single populations and within seed families. In a first container experiment with constant Festuca rupicola density as matrix, genotype diversity was crossed with three levels of seed density. In a second experiment, we tested for effects of establishment limitation and genotype diversity by manipulating Festuca densities. Increasing genetic diversity had no effects on abundance and biomass of S. vernalis but positively affected the proportion of large individuals to small individuals. Mixtures composed from proximate populations had a significantly higher proportion of large individuals than mixtures composed from within seed families only. High propagule pressure increased emergence and establishment of S. vernalis but had no effect on individual growth performance. Establishment was favoured in containers with Festuca, but performance of surviving seedlings was higher in open soil treatments. For S. vernalis invasion, we found a shift in driving factors from density dependence to effects of genetic diversity across life stages. While initial abundance was mostly linked to the amount of seed input, genetic diversity, in contrast, affected later stages of colonization probably via sampling effects and seemed to contribute to filtering the genotypes that finally grew up. In consequence, when disentangling the mechanistic relationships of genetic diversity, seed density and microsite limitation in colonization of invasive plants, a clear differentiation between initial emergence and subsequent survival to juvenile and adult stages is required.

Retrospective analysis of AYK Chinook salmon growth

USGS Publications Warehouse

Ruggerone, Gregory T.; Nielsen, Jennifer L.; Agler, B.A.

2007-01-01

Harvests of Yukon and Kuskokwim Chinook salmon declined significantly during 1998- 2002 in response to fewer returning salmon. Factors affecting the decline in Chinook salmon abundance are largely unknown. Growth of salmon in freshwater and the ocean is generally thought to influence salmon survival, therefore we examined historical Chinook salmon catch trends and developed growth indices of age-1.3 and age-1.4 Yukon and Kuskokwim Chinook salmon during each year and life stage in freshwater and the ocean, 1964-2004, using measurements of salmon scale growth. Availability of Yukon scales was greater than that of Kuskokwim scales during 1964-2004.Harvests of Yukon and Kuskokwim Chinook salmon rapidly increased in the mid-1970s, then rapidly declined in the late 1990s, apparently in response to the 1976/77 ocean regime shift and the 1997/98 El Nino event. Runs of Nushagak District Chinook salmon (Bristol Bay) also appeared to have been affected by these events in addition to the 1989 regime shift. The rapid responses of Chinook salmon abundance to climate change suggest late life stages were primarily affected, at least initially. Therefore, we searched for Chinook salmon growth patterns that might be related to changes in climate.

Human Mars Ascent Vehicle Performance Sensitivities

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Polsgrove, Tara P.; Thomas, Herbert D.

2016-01-01

Human Mars mission architecture studies have shown that the ascent vehicle mass drives performance requirements for the descent and in-space transportation elements. Understanding the sensitivity of Mars ascent vehicle (MAV) mass to various mission and vehicle design choices enables overall transportation system optimization. This paper presents the results of a variety of sensitivity trades affecting MAV performance including: landing site latitude, target orbit, initial thrust to weight ratio, staging options, specific impulse, propellant type and engine design.

Recent Progress in the Diagnosis and Treatment of Ovarian Cancer

PubMed Central

Jelovac, Danijela; Armstrong, Deborah K.

2013-01-01

Epithelial ovarian cancer is the most lethal of the gynecologic malignancies, largely due to the advanced stage at diagnosis in most patients. Screening strategies using ultrasound and the cancer antigen (CA) 125 tumor marker are currently under study and may lower stage at diagnosis but have not yet been shown to improve survival. Women who have inherited a deleterious mutation in the BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene and those with the Lynch syndrome (hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer) have the highest risk of developing ovarian cancer but account for only approximately 10% of those with the disease. Other less common and less well-defined genetic syndromes may increase the risk of ovarian cancer, but their contribution to genetic risk is small. A clear etiology for sporadic ovarian cancer has not been identified, but risk is affected by reproductive and hormonal factors. Surgery has a unique role in ovarian cancer, as it is used not only for diagnosis and staging but also therapeutically, even in patients with widely disseminated, advanced disease. Ovarian cancer is highly sensitive to chemotherapy drugs, particularly the platinum agents, and most patients will attain a remission with initial treatment. Recent advances in the delivery of chemotherapy using the intraperitoneal route have further improved survival after initial therapy. Although the majority of ovarian cancer patients will respond to initial chemotherapy, most will ultimately develop disease recurrence. Chemotherapy for recurrent disease includes platinum-based, multiagent regimens for women whose disease recurs more than 6 to 12 months after the completion of initial therapy and sequential single agents for those whose disease recurs earlier. New targeted biologic agents, particularly those involved with the vascular endothelial growth factor pathway and those targeting the poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) enzyme, hold great promise for improving the outcome of ovarian cancer. PMID:21521830

Analysis of compaction initiation in human embryos by using time-lapse cinematography.

PubMed

Iwata, Kyoko; Yumoto, Keitaro; Sugishima, Minako; Mizoguchi, Chizuru; Kai, Yoshiteru; Iba, Yumiko; Mio, Yasuyuki

2014-04-01

To analyze the initiation of compaction in human embryos in vitro by using time-lapse cinematography (TLC), with the goal of determining the precise timing of compaction and clarifying the morphological changes underlying the compaction process. One hundred and fifteen embryos donated by couples with no further need for embryo-transfer were used in this study. Donated embryos were thawed and processed, and then their morphological behavior during the initiation of compaction was dynamically observed via time-lapse cinematography (TLC) for 5 days. Although the initiation of compaction occurred throughout the period from the 4-cell to 16-cell stage, 99 (86.1 %) embryos initiated compaction at the 8-cell stage or later, with initiation at the 8-cell stage being most frequent (22.6 %). Of these 99 embryos, 49.5 % developed into good-quality blastocysts. In contrast, of the 16 (13.9 %) embryos that initiated compaction prior to the 8-cell stage, only 18.8 % developed into good-quality blastocysts. Embryos that initiated compaction before the 8-cell stage showed significantly higher numbers of multinucleated blastomeres, due to asynchronism in nuclear division at the third mitotic division resulting from cytokinetic failure. The initiation of compaction primarily occurs at the third mitotic division or later in human embryos. Embryos that initiate compaction before the 8-cell stage are usually associated with aberrant embryonic development (i.e., cytokinetic failure accompanied by karyokinesis).

[Dynamic concept of oral lichen planus. The diagnosis easy at early stages may become difficult in ancient lichen planus].

PubMed

Lombardi, Tommaso; Küffer, Roger

2016-02-01

Dynamic concept of oral lichen planus. The diagnosis easy at early stages may become difficult in ancient lichen planus. Lichen planus is a chronic inflammatory dermatosis of the skin, skin appendages and mucous membranes, which frequently affects the oral mucosa. Its aetiology still remains unknown, and currently accepted pathogenesis is that of an autoimmune cell-mediated disease. To the contrary of skin lichen planus, oral lichen planus is a long-term chronic disease with dynamic evolution, in which progressive and profound changes of the clinical and histopathological aspects occur over time and under the influence of various exogenous factors. By convention, in the history of the oral lichen planus four successive stages can be distinguished without well-defined boundaries between them. These stages can be defined as an initial phase; a long intermediate phase with alternating periods of activity and quiescence, which has a gradually increasing risk of malignant transformation; a late stage which activity is traditionally diminished; and a post-lichen cicatricial stage with an absent or negligible and undetectable activity, often undiagnosed because clinically unrecognized; in this stage, the lesion does not respond to usual treatments, but retains the same risk of malignant transformation. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

The Genetic and Environmental Factors Underlying Hypospadias

PubMed Central

Pask, Andrew; Heloury, Yves; Sinclair, Andrew H.

2016-01-01

Hypospadias results from a failure of urethral closure in the male phallus and affects 1 in 200–300 boys. It is thought to be due to a combination of genetic and environmental factors. The development of the penis progresses in 2 stages: an initial hormone-independent phase and a secondary hormone-dependent phase. Here, we review the molecular pathways that contribute to each of these stages, drawing on studies from both human and mouse models. Hypospadias can occur when normal development of the phallus is disrupted, and we provide evidence that mutations in genes underlying this developmental process are causative. Finally, we discuss the environmental factors that may contribute to hypospadias and their potential immediate and transgen erational epigenetic impacts. PMID:26613581

Bumblebee family lineage survival is enhanced in high-quality landscapes.

PubMed

Carvell, Claire; Bourke, Andrew F G; Dreier, Stephanie; Freeman, Stephen N; Hulmes, Sarah; Jordan, William C; Redhead, John W; Sumner, Seirian; Wang, Jinliang; Heard, Matthew S

2017-03-23

Insect pollinators such as bumblebees (Bombus spp.) are in global decline. A major cause of this decline is habitat loss due to agricultural intensification. A range of global and national initiatives aimed at restoring pollinator habitats and populations have been developed. However, the success of these initiatives depends critically upon understanding how landscape change affects key population-level parameters, such as survival between lifecycle stages, in target species. This knowledge is lacking for bumblebees, because of the difficulty of systematically finding and monitoring colonies in the wild. We used a combination of habitat manipulation, land-use and habitat surveys, molecular genetics and demographic and spatial modelling to analyse between-year survival of family lineages in field populations of three bumblebee species. Here we show that the survival of family lineages from the summer worker to the spring queen stage in the following year increases significantly with the proportion of high-value foraging habitat, including spring floral resources, within 250-1,000 m of the natal colony. This provides evidence for a positive impact of habitat quality on survival and persistence between successive colony cycle stages in bumblebee populations. These findings also support the idea that conservation interventions that increase floral resources at a landscape scale and throughout the season have positive effects on wild pollinators in agricultural landscapes.

Frequency and Clinical Significance of Extramammary Findings on Breast Magnetic Resonance Imaging.

PubMed

Phadke, Sneha; Thomas, Alexandra; Yang, Limin; Moore, Catherine; Xia, Chang; Schroeder, Mary C

2016-10-01

Use of breast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for screening and local staging of breast cancer has increased. With this, questions have emerged regarding the management and effect of extramammary findings (EMFs) reported on breast MRI. Breast MRI studies performed between January 1, 2007 and December 31, 2012 at the University of Iowa were analyzed. Data were collected regarding number and location of EMFs, characteristics of the patients who had a breast MRI, and time to first treatment among the patients who had a breast MRI for stage I-III breast cancer. During the study period, 1305 breast MRIs were obtained in 772 women. An EMF was found in 140 studies (10.7%) and 113 women (14.6%). EMFs were more likely in MRIs of older patients (50 vs. 54 years, P = .004) and postmenopausal women (P = .001). Anatomically, most EMFs were seen in the liver (89 of 140) or bone (21 of 140). Eight women (0.6%) had an EMF on breast MRI that led to upstaging to stage IV breast cancer. For patients with stage I-III breast cancer, the finding of an EMF on breast MRI did not affect time to initial cancer treatment (13 vs. 14 days; P = .586). EMFs on breast MRI are seen with some frequency and occur more commonly in older, postmenopausal women. In our study, most EMFs were benign and did not affect patient outcome with regard to upstaging to stage IV disease or time to cancer treatment. A very small portion of studies revealed subclinical advanced breast cancer. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Hodgkin lymphoma: 2018 update on diagnosis, risk-stratification, and management.

PubMed

Ansell, Stephen M

2018-05-01

Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) is an uncommon B-cell lymphoid malignancy affecting 8500 new patients annually and representing approximately 10.2% of all lymphomas in the United States. HL is composed of two distinct disease entities: classical HL and nodular lymphocyte predominant HL. Nodular sclerosis, mixed cellularity, lymphocyte depletion, and lymphocyte-rich HL are subgroups of classical HL. An accurate assessment of the stage of disease in patients with HL is critical for the selection of the appropriate therapy. Prognostic models that identify patients at low or high risk for recurrence, as well as the response to therapy as determined by positron emission tomography scan, are used to optimize therapy. Initial therapy for HL patients is based on the histology of the disease, the anatomical stage and the presence of poor prognostic features. Patients with early stage disease are typically treated with combined modality strategies utilizing abbreviated courses of combination chemotherapy followed by involved-field radiation therapy, while those with advanced stage disease receive a longer course of chemotherapy often without radiation therapy. Newer agents including brentuximab vedotin are now being incorporated into frontline therapy and these new combinations are becoming a standard of care. High-dose chemotherapy (HDCT) followed by an autologous stem cell transplant (ASCT) is the standard of care for most patients who relapse following initial therapy. For patients who fail HDCT with ASCT, brentuximab vedotin, PD-1 blockade, nonmyeloablative allogeneic transplant or participation in a clinical trial should be considered. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Hodgkin lymphoma: 2016 update on diagnosis, risk-stratification, and management.

PubMed

Ansell, Stephen M

2016-06-01

Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) is an uncommon B-cell lymphoid malignancy affecting 9,050 new patients annually and representing approximately 11.2% of all lymphomas in the United States. HL is composed of two distinct disease entities; the more commonly diagnosed classical HL and the rare nodular lymphocyte predominant HL. Nodular sclerosis, mixed cellularity, lymphocyte depletion, and lymphocyte-rich HL are subgroups under the designation of classical HL. An accurate assessment of the stage of disease in patients with HL is critical for the selection of the appropriate therapy. Prognostic models that identify patients at low or high risk for recurrence, as well as the response to therapy as determined by positron emission tomography (PET) scan, are used to optimize therapy. Initial therapy for HL patients is based on the histology of the disease, the anatomical stage and the presence of poor prognostic features. Patients with early stage disease are typically treated with combined modality strategies utilizing abbreviated courses of combination chemotherapy followed by involved-field radiation therapy, while those with advanced stage disease receive a longer course of chemotherapy often without radiation therapy. Management of relapsed/refractory disease: High-dose chemotherapy (HDCT) followed by an autologous stem cell transplant (ASCT) is the standard of care for most patients who relapse following initial therapy. For patients who fail HDCT with ASCT, brentuximab vedotin, PD-1 blockade, nonmyeloablative allogeneic transplant or participation in a clinical trial should be considered. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Hodgkin lymphoma: 2014 update on diagnosis, risk-stratification, and management.

PubMed

Ansell, Stephen M

2014-07-01

Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) is an uncommon B-cell lymphoid malignancy affecting 9,200 new patients annually and representing approximately 11.5% of all lymphomas in the United States. HL is composed of two distinct disease entities; the more commonly diagnosed classical HL and the rare nodular lymphocyte-predominant HL. Nodular sclerosis, mixed cellularity, lymphocyte depletion, and lymphocyte-rich HL are subgroups under the designation of classical HL. An accurate assessment of the stage of disease in patients with HL is critical for the selection of the appropriate therapy. Prognostic models that identify patients at low or high risk for recurrence, as well as the response to therapy as determined by positron emission tomography scan, are used to optimize therapy. Initial therapy for HL patients is based on the histology of the disease, the anatomical stage, and the presence of poor prognostic features. Patients with early stage disease are treated with combined modality strategies using abbreviated courses of combination chemotherapy followed by involved-field radiation therapy, while those with advanced stage disease receive a longer course of chemotherapy often without radiation therapy. Management of relapsed/refractory disease: High-dose chemotherapy (HDCT) followed by an autologous stem cell transplant (ASCT) is the standard of care for most patients who relapse following initial therapy. For patients who fail HDCT with ASCT, brentuximab vedotin, palliative chemotherapy, nonmyeloablative allogeneic transplant, or participation in a clinical trial should be considered. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Muscle pH, rigor mortis and blood variables in Atlantic salmon transported in two types of well-boat.

PubMed

Gatica, M C; Monti, G E; Knowles, T G; Gallo, C B

2010-01-09

Two systems for transporting live salmon (Salmo salar) were compared in terms of their effects on blood variables, muscle pH and rigor index: an 'open system' well-boat with recirculated sea water at 13.5 degrees C and a stocking density of 107 kg/m3 during an eight-hour journey, and a 'closed system' well-boat with water chilled from 16.7 to 2.1 degrees C and a stocking density of 243.7 kg/m3 during a seven-hour journey. Groups of 10 fish were sampled at each of four stages: in cages at the farm, in the well-boat after loading, in the well-boat after the journey and before unloading, and in the processing plant after they were pumped from the resting cages. At each sampling, the fish were stunned and bled by gill cutting. Blood samples were taken to measure lactate, osmolality, chloride, sodium, cortisol and glucose, and their muscle pH and rigor index were measured at death and three hours later. In the open system well-boat, the initial muscle pH of the fish decreased at each successive stage, and at the final stage they had a significantly lower initial muscle pH and more rapid onset of rigor than the fish transported on the closed system well-boat. At the final stage all the blood variables except glucose were significantly affected in the fish transported on both types of well-boat.

Gynaecomastia: an endocrine manifestation of testicular cancer.

PubMed

Hassan, H C; Cullen, I M; Casey, R G; Rogers, E

2008-06-01

Testicular cancer is the most common malignancy affecting young men in their third or fourth decade with an incidence of three to six new cases per 100,000 males each year. When diagnosed and treated in its early stages, it has an excellent cure rate. 7-11% of patients with testicular cancer present initially with gynaecomastia. This may precede the presence of a palpable testicular tumour or hormonal abnormalities. This article evaluates the association between gynaecomastia and testicular cancer and recommends appropriate management for patients presenting with gynaecomastia.

Wound management in rodents.

PubMed

Langlois, Isabelle

2004-01-01

Successful wound management requires appropriate evaluation of the wound at the time of initial physical examination, an all throughout the healing process. Factors affecting wound healing need to be identified though a complete patient history and addressed to ensure proper healing. The clinician must have current knowledge of topical medications and bandages available and their clinical applications according to the stage of healing. It is essential to remember that wounds are painful; therefore, analgesics should be administered to render the animal pain-free during wound cleaning, debridement, bandaging, and surgical procedures.

CAD/CAM monolithic restorations and full-mouth adhesive rehabilitation to restore a patient with a past history of bulimia: the modified three-step technique.

PubMed

Vailati, Francesca; Carciofo, Sylvain

2016-01-01

Due to an increasing awareness about dental erosion, many clinicians would like to propose treatments even at the initial stages of the disease. However, when the loss of tooth structure is visible only to the professional eye, and it has not affected the esthetics of the smile, affected patients do not usually accept a full-mouth rehabilitation. Reducing the cost of the therapy, simplifying the clinical steps, and proposing noninvasive adhesive techniques may promote patient acceptance. In this article, the treatment of an ex-bulimic patient is illustrated. A modified approach of the three-step technique was followed. The patient completed the therapy in five short visits, including the initial one. No tooth preparation was required, no anesthesia was delivered, and the overall (clinical and laboratory) costs were kept low. At the end of the treatment, the patient was very satisfied from a biologic and functional point of view.

Experimental Research on Fatigue Failure for 2219-T6 Aluminum Alloy Friction Stir-Welded Joints

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sun, Guo-Qin; Niu, Jiang-Pei; Chen, Ya-Jing; Sun, Feng-Yang; Shang, De-Guang; Chen, Shu-Jun

2017-08-01

The fatigue experiment was executed for the 2219-T6 aluminum alloy friction stir-welded joints at the rotation speed of 800 r/min and the welding velocity of 150 mm/min. Most fatigue failures occurred in the weld nugget zone (WNZ), the thermo-mechanical affected zone and the nearby areas. The experimental results demonstrated that the sudden hardness gradient increases sites corresponding to the fatigue failure locations. The high-angle grain boundaries with the highest concentration were scattered within the WNZ. The microcracks initiated at the intersection of the soft grains. More than one crack initiation site was observed within the WNZ and the thermo-mechanical affected zone, when the fracture occurred in these areas. The rough surface of the welding area should be one of the main reasons for the fatigue failure occurrence. The fatigue crack growth rate in the WNZ at the first stage was fastest in comparison with the fatigue crack growth rate in the other areas of the joint.

Attentional capture by emotional scenes across episodes in bipolar disorder: Evidence from a free-viewing task.

PubMed

García-Blanco, Ana; Salmerón, Ladislao; Perea, Manuel

2015-05-01

We examined whether the initial orienting, subsequent engagement, and overall allocation of attention are determined exogenously (i.e. by the affective valence of the stimulus) or endogenously (i.e. by the participant's mood) in the manic, depressive and euthymic episodes of bipolar disorder (BD). Participants were asked to compare the affective valence of two pictures (happy/threatening/neutral [emotional] vs. neutral [control]) while their eye movements were recorded in a free-viewing task. Results revealed that the initial orienting was exogenously captured by emotional images relative to control images. Importantly, engagement and overall allocation were endogenously captured by threatening images relative to neutral images in BD patients, regardless of their episode--this effect did not occur in a group of healthy controls. The threat-related bias in BD, which occurs even at the early stages of information processing (i.e. attentional engagement), may reflect a vulnerability marker. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Performance of endoscopic ultrasound in staging rectal adenocarcinoma appropriate for primary surgical resection.

PubMed

Ahuja, Nitin K; Sauer, Bryan G; Wang, Andrew Y; White, Grace E; Zabolotsky, Andrew; Koons, Ann; Leung, Wesley; Sarkaria, Savreet; Kahaleh, Michel; Waxman, Irving; Siddiqui, Ali A; Shami, Vanessa M

2015-02-01

Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) often is used to stage rectal cancer and thereby guide treatment. Prior assessments of its accuracy have been limited by small sets of data collected from tumors of varying stages. We aimed to characterize the diagnostic performance of EUS analysis of rectal cancer, paying particular attention to determining whether patients should undergo primary surgical resection. We performed a retrospective observational study using procedural databases and electronic medical records from 4 academic tertiary-care hospitals, collecting data on EUS analyses from 2000 through 2012. Data were analyzed from 86 patients with rectal cancer initially staged as T2N0 by EUS. The negative predictive value (NPV) was calculated by comparing initial stages determined by EUS with those determined by pathology analysis of surgical samples. Logistic regression models were used to assess variation in diagnostic performance with case attributes. EUS excluded advanced tumor depth with an NPV of 0.837 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.742-0.908), nodal metastasis with an NPV of 0.872 (95% CI, 0.783-0.934), and both together with an NPV of 0.767 (95% CI, 0.664-0.852) compared with pathology analysis. Incorrect staging by EUS affected treatment decision making for 20 of 86 patients (23.3%). Patient age at time of the procedure correlated with the NPV for metastasis to lymph node, but no other patient features were associated significantly with diagnostic performance. Based on a multicenter retrospective study, EUS staging of rectal cancer as T2N0 excludes advanced tumor depth and nodal metastasis, respectively, with an approximate NPV of 85%, similar to that of other modalities. EUS has an error rate of approximately 23% in identifying disease appropriate for surgical resection, which is lower than previously reported. Copyright © 2015 AGA Institute. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Neuronal Activation in the Central Nervous System of Rats in the Initial Stage of Chronic Kidney Disease-Modulatory Effects of Losartan and Moxonidine

PubMed Central

Palkovits, Miklós; Šebeková, Katarína; Klenovics, Kristina Simon; Kebis, Anton; Fazeli, Gholamreza; Bahner, Udo; Heidland, August

2013-01-01

The effect of mild chronic renal failure (CRF) induced by 4/6-nephrectomy (4/6NX) on central neuronal activations was investigated by c-Fos immunohistochemistry staining and compared to sham-operated rats. In the 4/6 NX rats also the effect of the angiotensin receptor blocker, losartan, and the central sympatholyticum moxonidine was studied for two months. In serial brain sections Fos-immunoreactive neurons were localized and classified semiquantitatively. In 37 brain areas/nuclei several neurons with different functional properties were strongly affected in 4/6NX. It elicited a moderate to high Fos-activity in areas responsible for the monoaminergic innervation of the cerebral cortex, the limbic system, the thalamus and hypothalamus (e.g. noradrenergic neurons of the locus coeruleus, serotonergic neurons in dorsal raphe, histaminergic neurons in the tuberomamillary nucleus). Other monoaminergic cell groups (A5 noradrenaline, C1 adrenaline, medullary raphe serotonin neurons) and neurons in the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus (innervating the sympathetic preganglionic neurons and affecting the peripheral sympathetic outflow) did not show Fos-activity. Stress- and pain-sensitive cortical/subcortical areas, neurons in the limbic system, the hypothalamus and the circumventricular organs were also affected by 4/6NX. Administration of losartan and more strongly moxonidine modulated most effects and particularly inhibited Fos-activity in locus coeruleus neurons. In conclusion, 4/6NX elicits high activity in central sympathetic, stress- and pain-related brain areas as well as in the limbic system, which can be ameliorated by losartan and particularly by moxonidine. These changes indicate a high sensitivity of CNS in initial stages of CKD which could be causative in clinical disturbances. PMID:23818940

Development and initial validation of the Bristol Impact of Hypermobility questionnaire.

PubMed

Palmer, S; Cramp, F; Lewis, R; Gould, G; Clark, E M

2017-06-01

Stage 1 - to identify the impact of joint hypermobility syndrome (JHS) on adults; Stage 2 - to develop a questionnaire to assess the impact of JHS; and Stage 3 - to undertake item reduction and establish the questionnaire's concurrent validity. A mixed methods study employing qualitative focus groups and interviews (Stage 1); a working group of patients, clinicians and researchers, and 'think aloud' interviews (Stage 2); and quantitative analysis of questionnaire responses (Stage 3). Stages 1 and 2 took place in one secondary care hospital in the UK. Members of a UK-wide patient organisation were recruited in Stage 3. In total, 15, four and 615 participants took part in Stages 1, 2 and 3, respectively. Inclusion criteria were: age ≥18 years; diagnosis of JHS; no other conditions affecting physical function; able to give informed consent; and able to understand and communicate in English. None. The development of a questionnaire to assess the impact of JHS. Stage 1 identified a wide range of impairments, activity limitations and participation restrictions In Stage 2, a draft questionnaire was developed and refined following 'think aloud' analysis, leaving 94 scored items. In Stage 3, items were removed on the basis of low severity and/or high correlation with other items. The final Bristol Impact of Hypermobility (BIoH) questionnaire had 55 scored items, and correlated well with the physical component score of the Short Form 36 health questionnaire (r=-0.725). The BIoH questionnaire demonstrated good concurrent validity. Further psychometric properties need to be established. Copyright © 2016 Chartered Society of Physiotherapy. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

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

Mihaela Grigore; Richard Sakurovs; David French

Gasification of coke contributes to its degradation in the blast furnace. In this study, the effect of gasification on the inherent catalytic minerals in cokes and their reciprocal influence on gasification are investigated. The catalytic mineral phases identified in the cokes used in this study were metallic iron, iron sulfides, and iron oxides. Metallic iron and pyrrhotite were rapidly oxidized during gasification to iron oxide. The catalysts had a strong influence on the apparent rates at the initial stages of reaction. As gasification proceeds, their effect on the reaction rate diminishes as a result of reducing the surface contact betweenmore » catalyst and carbon matrix because of carbon consumption around the catalyst particles; with extended burnout the reactivity of the coke becomes increasingly dependent on surface area. The reaction rate in the initial stages was also influenced by the particle size of the catalytic minerals; for a given catalytic iron level, the cokes whose catalytic minerals were more finely dispersed had a higher apparent reaction rate than cokes containing larger catalytic particles. Iron, sodium, and potassium in the amorphous phase did not appear to affect the reaction rate. 40 refs., 16 figs., 6 tabs.« less

Investigation of nucleation and growth processes of diamond films by atomic force microscopy

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

George, M. A.; Burger, A.; Collins, W. E.; Davidson, J. L.; Barnes, A. V.; Tolk, N. H.

1994-01-01

The nucleation and growth of plasma-enhanced chemical-vapor deposited polycrystalline diamond films were studied using atomic force microscopy (AFM). AFM images were obtained for (1) nucleated diamond films produced from depositions that were terminated during the initial stages of growth, (2) the silicon substrate-diamond film interface side of diamond films (1-4 micrometers thick) removed from the original surface of the substrate, and (3) the cross-sectional fracture surface of the film, including the Si/diamond interface. Pronounced tip effects were observed for early-stage diamond nucleation attributed to tip convolution in the AFM images. AFM images of the film's cross section and interface, however, were not highly affected by tip convolution, and the images indicate that the surface of the silicon substrate is initially covered by a small grained polycrystalline-like film and the formation of this precursor film is followed by nucleation of the diamond film on top of this layer. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy spectra indicate that some silicon carbide is present in the precursor layer.

Aloe-emodin inhibits Staphylococcus aureus biofilms and extracellular protein production at the initial adhesion stage of biofilm development.

PubMed

Xiang, Hua; Cao, Fengjiao; Ming, Di; Zheng, Yanyang; Dong, Xiaoyun; Zhong, Xiaobo; Mu, Dan; Li, Bangbang; Zhong, Ling; Cao, Junjie; Wang, Lin; Ma, Hongxia; Wang, Tiedong; Wang, Dacheng

2017-09-01

Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) biofilms are clinically serious and play a critical role in the persistence of chronic infections due to their ability to resist antibiotics. The inhibition of biofilm formation is viewed as a new strategy for the prevention of S. aureus infections. Here, we demonstrated that minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of aloe-emodin exhibited no bactericidal activity against S. aureus but affected S. aureus biofilm development in a dose-dependent manner. Further studies indicated that aloe-emodin specifically inhibits the initial adhesion and proliferation stages of S. aureus biofilm development. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) indicated that the S. aureus ATCC29213 biofilm extracellular matrix is mainly composed of protein. Laser scanning confocal microscope assays revealed that aloe-emodin treatment primarily inhibited extracellular protein production. Moreover, the Congo red assay showed that aloe-emodin also reduced the accumulation of polysaccharide intercellular adhesin (PIA) on the cell surface. These findings will provide new insights into the mode of action of aloe-emodin in the treatment of infections by S. aureus biofilms.

Medical entrepreneurism: the current opportunity in America.

PubMed

Lexa, Frank James

2004-10-01

This article discusses both the current climate for entrepreneurial activity in the fields of biotechnology, health care services, and medical devices as well as key ideas in the process of successful innovation. Basic issues related to the nature of new medical ventures and its importance in the U.S. economy are discussed. A stepwise overview of the process of innovation is provided, starting from the initial idea, through the early and middle stages of growth, and on to an initial public offering or other alternative harvest strategy. The roles of financing sources in generating health care entrepreneurial activity are explored, and the advantages and disadvantages of each are discussed. The article focuses on venture capital investment because of its pivotal role in high-profile successes; however, alternative forms of financing are also covered as appropriate to each stage. In addition, critical nonfinancial issues that affect the success of new enterprises, such as intellectual property protection and the creation of management teams for young companies, are also covered. The magnitude of current investment in the domestic biomedical field is addressed, and future prospects for American medical innovation are briefly discussed.

Impact of the mode of detection on outcome in breast cancer patients treated with breast-conserving therapy.

PubMed

Kini, V R; Vicini, F A; Victor, S J; Dmuchowski, C F; Rebner, M; Martinez, A A

1999-10-01

The impact of the mode of detection on outcome in patients with early stage breast cancer treated with breast-conserving therapy (BCT) was reviewed. Between January 1980 and December 1987, 400 cases of stage I and II breast cancer were treated with BCT. All patients underwent an excisional biopsy, external beam irradiation (RT) to the whole breast (45-50 Gy), and a boost to 60 Gy to the tumor bed. One hundred twenty-four cases (31%) were mammographically detected, whereas 276 (69%) were clinically detected. Median follow-up was 9.2 years. Patients whose cancers were detected by mammography more frequently had smaller tumors (90% T1 vs. 62%, p < 0.0001), lower overall disease stage (78% stage I vs. 47%, p < 0.0001), were older at diagnosis (78% >50 years vs. 54%, p < 0.001), less frequently received chemotherapy (8% vs. 21%, p = 0.001), and had an improved disease-free survival (DFS) (80% vs. 70%, p = 0.014), overall survival (OS) (82% vs. 70%, p = 0.005), and cause-specific survival (CSS) (88% vs. 77%, p = 0.003) at 10 years. However, controlling for tumor size, nodal status, and age, no statistically significant differences in the 5- and 10-year actuarial rates of local recurrence (LR), DFS, CSS, or OS were seen based on the mode of detection. Initial mode of detection was the strongest predictor of outcome after a LR. The 3-year DFS rate after LR was significantly better in initially mammographically detected versus clinically detected cases (100% vs. 61%, p = 0.011). Patients with mammographically detected breast cancer generally have smaller tumors and lower overall disease stage at presentation. However, the mode of detection does not independently appear to affect the success of BCT in these patients.

Systematic investigation of the relationship between high myopia and polymorphisms of the MMP2, TIMP2, and TIMP3 genes by a DNA pooling approach.

PubMed

Leung, Kim Hung; Yiu, Wai Chi; Yap, Maurice K H; Ng, Po Wah; Fung, Wai Yan; Sham, Pak Chung; Yip, Shea Ping

2011-06-01

This study examined the relationship between high myopia and three myopia candidate genes--matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP2) and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-2 and -3 (TIMP2 and TIMP3)--involved in scleral remodeling. Recruited for the study were unrelated adult Han Chinese who were high myopes (spherical equivalent, ≤ -6.0 D in both eyes; cases) and emmetropes (within ±1.0 D in both eyes; controls). Sample set 1 had 300 cases and 300 controls, and sample set 2 had 356 cases and 354 controls. Forty-nine tag single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were selected from these candidate genes. The first stage was an initial screen of six case pools and six control pools constructed from sample set 1, each pool consisting of 50 distinct subjects of the same affection status. In the second stage, positive SNPs from the first stage were confirmed by genotyping individual samples forming the DNA pools. In the third stage, positive SNPs from stage 2 were replicated, with sample set 2 genotyped individually. Of the 49 SNPs screened by DNA pooling, three passed the lenient threshold of P < 0.10 (nested ANOVA) and were followed up by individual genotyping. Of the three SNPs genotyped, two TIMP3 SNPs were found to be significantly associated with high myopia by single-marker or haplotype analysis. However, the initial positive results could not be replicated by sample set 2. MMP2, TIPM2, and TIMP3 genes were not associated with high myopia in this Chinese sample and hence are unlikely to play a major role in the genetic susceptibility to high myopia.

Elastic-plastic finite element analyses of an unidirectional, 9 vol percent tungsten fiber reinforced copper matrix composite

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sanfeliz, Jose G.

1993-01-01

Micromechanical modeling via elastic-plastic finite element analyses were performed to investigate the effects that the residual stresses and the degree of matrix work hardening (i.e., cold-worked, annealed) have upon the behavior of a 9 vol percent, unidirectional W/Cu composite, undergoing tensile loading. The inclusion of the residual stress-containing state as well as the simulated matrix material conditions proved to be significant since the Cu matrix material exhibited plastic deformation, which affected the subsequent tensile response of the composite system. The stresses generated during cooldown to room temperature from the manufacturing temperature were more of a factor on the annealed-matrix composite, since they induced the softened matrix to plastically flow. This event limited the total load-carrying capacity of this matrix-dominated, ductile-ductile type material system. Plastic deformation of the hardened-matrix composite during the thermal cooldown stage was not considerable, therefore, the composite was able to sustain a higher stress before showing any appreciable matrix plasticity. The predicted room temperature, stress-strain response, and deformation stages under both material conditions represented upper and lower bounds characteristic of the composite's tensile behavior. The initial deformation stage for the hardened material condition showed negligible matrix plastic deformation while for the annealed state, its initial deformation stage showed extensive matrix plasticity. Both material conditions exhibited a final deformation stage where the fiber and matrix were straining plastically. The predicted stress-strain results were compared to the experimental, room temperature, tensile stress-strain curve generated from this particular composite system. The analyses indicated that the actual thermal-mechanical state of the composite's Cu matrix, represented by the experimental data, followed the annealed material condition.

8th edition AJCC/UICC staging of cancers of the esophagus and esophagogastric junction: application to clinical practice.

PubMed

Rice, Thomas W; Patil, Deepa T; Blackstone, Eugene H

2017-03-01

The 8th edition of the American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) staging of epithelial cancers of the esophagus and esophagogastric junction (EGJ) presents separate classifications for clinical (cTNM), pathologic (pTNM), and postneoadjuvant (ypTNM) stage groups. Histopathologic cell type markedly affects survival of clinically and pathologically staged patients, requiring separate groupings for each cell type, but ypTNM groupings are identical for both cell types. Clinical categories, typically obtained by imaging with minimal histologic information, are limited by resolution of each method. Strengths and shortcomings of clinical staging methods should be recognized. Complementary cytology or histopathology findings may augment imaging and aid initial treatment decision-making. However, prognostication using clinical stage groups remains coarse and inaccurate compared with pTNM. Pathologic staging is losing its relevance for advanced-stage cancer as neoadjuvant therapy replaces esophagectomy alone. However, it remains relevant for early-stage cancers and as a staging and survival reference point. Although pathologic stage could facilitate decision-making, its use to direct postoperative adjuvant therapy awaits more effective treatment. Prognostication using pathologic stage groups is the most refined of all classifications. Postneoadjuvant staging (ypTNM) is introduced by the AJCC but not adopted by the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC). Drivers of this addition include absence of equivalent pathologic (pTNM) categories for categories peculiar to the postneoadjuvant state (ypT0N0-3M0 and ypTisN0-3M0), dissimilar stage group compositions, and markedly different survival profiles. Thus, prognostication is specific for patients undergoing neoadjuvant therapy. The role of ypTNM classification in additional treatment decision-making is currently limited. Precision cancer care advances are necessary for this information to be clinically useful.

The theatrical stage as accident site in professional dance.

PubMed

Wanke, Eileen M; Arendt, Michael; Mill, Helmgard; Koch, Franziska; Davenport, Jacqueline; Fischer, Axel; Groneberg, David A

2014-03-01

Reducing work-related health hazards at the different theatre workplaces is one aspect of preventive options in professional dance. This also applies to hazards on the highly variable theatrical stage areas. However, detailed information on these stages and their risks is not available. The aim of this study was to analyze and evaluate work-related traumatic injuries in the stage area. The basis for the evaluation was accident reports, from the German National Statutory Insurance, of work-related traumatic injuries occurring on stage in professional dancers (n=790: 407 males, 383 females) over a 17-year period (1995-2011). Most (79.4%) of the accidents on stage occurred during an ongoing performance (frequency: 10.1/100 performances), with only 19.7% occurring during rehearsals on stage (p<0.001). Due to the sustained injury, 30.2% of the dancers sustained a time-loss injury. Most (57.7%) of the injured dancers were older than 25 years. Of the accidents, 59.3% were initiated by a definably extrinsic cause, with 40.7% caused by intrinsic factors (p<0.001). Injuries were most commonly caused by the "partner" (21.7%) or "floor" (21.0%). The lower extremity was the most commonly affected body region (63.6%) (p<0.001). Stage performances seem to carry an increased injury risk compared to rehearsals. The "risk" of on-stage work is spread across various factors that seem to be stage-specific. There is a need for further qualitative and quantitative research to be able to classify the stage as workplace more precisely.

Starting Ovsynch protocol on day 6 of first postpartum estrous cycle increased fertility in dairy cows by affecting ovarian response during heat stress.

PubMed

Dirandeh, E

2014-10-01

The objective was to compare fertility in cows using an Ovsynch protocol starting on day 6 of first postpartum estrous cycle with an Ovsynch protocol initiated at random stages of the estrous cycle during heat stress (temperature-humidity index (THI)=77-83). Cows (n=459) at the beginning of the lactation period were randomly assigned to time-of-ovulation synchronization treatments: (1) control, Ovsynch (first GnRH treatment, PGF2α treatment 7 days later, second GnRH treatment 56 h later, and TAI 16 h later), initiated at random stages of the estrous cycle (40 ± 2 days postpartum, n=224) and (2) Ovsynch initiated on day 6 of first postpartum estrous cycle (estrus=day 0) based on detection of the first estrus after day 30 postpartum (O6, 35 ± 2 postpartum, n=235). Statistical analyses were conducted using SAS. The percentage of cows responding to the initial GnRH injection using the Ovsynch protocol was greater with the O6 treatment compared to the control treatment (60.4% compared with 52.6%). The percentage of cows having a corpus luteum (CL) on the day of the PGF2α injection was not different among treatments (control=87.0% and O6=90.2%, respectively). Also more cows in the O6 treatment group responded to the second GnRH injection of the Ovsynch protocol compared with control treatments (82.5% compared with 75.8%). Treatment affected the percentage of cows diagnosed pregnant at 32 ± 0.7 days and 60 ± 3 days after the resynchronized timing of AI but pregnancy losses (5.3% compared with 6.8%) did not differ between treatment groups. It is concluded that initiating the Ovsynch protocol 6 days after estrus during the first 40 days postpartum resulted in a greater pregnancy rate at the synchronized estrus and increased fertility compared with control cows during heat stress. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

The preoperative reaction and decision-making process regarding colostomy surgery among Chinese rectal cancer patients.

PubMed

Zhang, Jun-E; Wong, Frances Kam Yuet; Zheng, Mei-Chun

2017-06-01

Patients with rectal cancer have issues in adjusting to their permanent colostomy after surgery, and support is required to help them resume normal life. However, few studies have explored the experience and factors that affect a patient's decision-making and maladjustment prior to colostomy surgery. The aim of this study was to explore the experience of rectal cancer patients who have to undergo colostomy surgery. A descriptive, qualitative design was used. We studied a purposive sample of 18 patients who had received a diagnosis of primary rectal cancer and were expecting permanent colostomy surgery. The thematic analysis approach was used to analyze the data collected using semi-structured, open-ended questions. The overriding theme that emerged was 'stoma dilemma: a hard decision-making process'. From this main theme, three themes were derived: the resistance stage, the hesitation stage, and the acquiescence stage. It is hard for preoperative rectal patients to choose to undergo stoma surgery or a sphincter-saving operation. From the initial stage of definitive diagnosis to the final consent to stoma surgery, most patients experience the resistance and hesitation stages before reaching the acquiescence stage. Arriving at a decision is a process that nurses can facilitate by eliminating unnecessary misunderstanding surrounding colostomy surgery and by fully respecting patients' right to choose at the various stages. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Supplementation of Nucleosides During Selection can Reduce Sequence Variant Levels in CHO Cells Using GS/MSX Selection System.

PubMed

Tang, Danming; Lam, Cynthia; Louie, Salina; Hoi, Kam Hon; Shaw, David; Yim, Mandy; Snedecor, Brad; Misaghi, Shahram

2018-01-01

In the process of generating stable monoclonal antibody (mAb) producing cell lines, reagents such as methotrexate (MTX) or methionine sulfoximine (MSX) are often used. However, using such selection reagent(s) increases the possibility of having higher occurrence of sequence variants in the expressed antibody molecules due to the effects of MTX or MSX on de novo nucleotide synthesis. Since MSX inhibits glutamine synthase (GS) and results in both amino acid and nucleoside starvation, it is questioned whether supplementing nucleosides into the media could lower sequence variant levels without affecting titer. The results show that the supplementation of nucleosides to the media during MSX selection decreased genomic DNA mutagenesis rates in the selected cells, probably by reducing nucleotide mis-incorporation into the DNA. Furthermore, addition of nucleosides enhance clone recovery post selection and does not affect antibody expression. It is further observed that nucleoside supplements lowered DNA mutagenesis rates only at the initial stage of the clone selection and do not have any effect on DNA mutagenesis rates after stable cell lines are established. Therefore, the data suggests that addition of nucleosides during early stages of MSX selection can lower sequence variant levels without affecting titer or clone stability in antibody expression. © 2017 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Effect of ripening stage on the development of the microbial community during spontaneous fermentation of green tomatoes.

PubMed

Paramithiotis, Spiros; Kouretas, Konstantinos; Drosinos, Eleftherios H

2014-06-01

Spontaneous fermentation of plant-derived material is mainly performed on a small scale, with the exception of fermented olives, cucumbers, sauerkraut and kimchi, which have met worldwide commercial significance. This study of spontaneous fermentation of green tomatoes at different stages of ripening revealed a significant effect on the growth kinetics of lactic acid bacteria and the final pH value. Leuconostoc mesenteroides dominated spontaneous fermentation when the initial pH value ranged from 3.8 to 4.8 whereas at higher pH values (4.9-5.4) it co-dominated with Leu. citreum and Lactobacillus casei. Application of RAPD-PCR and rep-PCR allowed differentiation at sub-species level, suggesting a microbial succession at that level accompanying the respective at species level. Ripening stage affected the development of the micro-ecosystem through the growth of lactic acid bacteria and concomitant pH value reduction; however, the outcome of the fermentation was only marginally different. © 2013 Society of Chemical Industry.

Inoculation of Pichia kudriavzevii RB1 degrades the organic acids present in raw compost material and accelerates composting.

PubMed

Nakasaki, Kiyohiko; Araya, Shogo; Mimoto, Hiroshi

2013-09-01

In this study, the yeast strain Pichia kudriavzevii RB1 was used as an inoculum to accelerate organic matter degradation of rabbit food with added organic acids, which was used as a model food waste for composting. The RB1 strain rapidly degraded the organic acids present in the raw compost material, leading to an increase in pH beyond the neutral level, within 2 days. Both mesophilic and thermophilic bacteria proliferated faster in the compost with RB1 inoculation than in that without inoculation. Although the yeast died with the increase in compost temperature, it affected the early stages of composting prior to the thermophilic stage and accelerated the composting process by 2 days by eliminating the initial lag phase seen in the growth of other microorganisms. Moreover, populations of Bacillus thermoamylovorans, Bacillus foraminis, and Bacillus coagulans became dominant during the thermophilic stages of both composting with and without RB1 inoculation. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Functional genomics of fuzzless-lintless mutant of Gossypium hirsutum L. cv. MCU5 reveal key genes and pathways involved in cotton fibre initiation and elongation

PubMed Central

2012-01-01

Background Fuzzless-lintless cotton mutants are considered to be the ideal material to understand the molecular mechanisms involved in fibre cell development. Although there are few reports on transcriptome and proteome analyses in cotton at fibre initiation and elongation stages, there is no comprehensive comparative transcriptome analysis of fibre-bearing and fuzzless-lintless cotton ovules covering fibre initiation to secondary cell wall (SCW) synthesis stages. In the present study, a comparative transcriptome analysis was carried out using G. hirsutum L. cv. MCU5 wild-type (WT) and it’s near isogenic fuzzless-lintless (fl) mutant at fibre initiation (0 dpa/days post anthesis), elongation (5, 10 and 15 dpa) and SCW synthesis (20 dpa) stages. Results Scanning electron microscopy study revealed the delay in the initiation of fibre cells and lack of any further development after 2 dpa in the fl mutant. Transcriptome analysis showed major down regulation of transcripts (90%) at fibre initiation and early elongation (5 dpa) stages in the fl mutant. Majority of the down regulated transcripts at fibre initiation stage in the fl mutant represent calcium and phytohormone mediated signal transduction pathways, biosynthesis of auxin and ethylene and stress responsive transcription factors (TFs). Further, transcripts involved in carbohydrate and lipid metabolisms, mitochondrial electron transport system (mETS) and cell wall loosening and elongation were highly down-regulated at fibre elongation stage (5–15 dpa) in the fl mutant. In addition, cellulose synthases and sucrose synthase C were down-regulated at SCW biosynthesis stage (15–20 dpa). Interestingly, some of the transcripts (~50%) involved in phytohormone signalling and stress responsive transcription factors that were up-regulated at fibre initiation stage in the WT were found to be up-regulated at much later stage (15 dpa) in fl mutant. Conclusions Comparative transcriptome analysis of WT and its near isogenic fl mutant revealed key genes and pathways involved at various stages of fibre development. Our data implicated the significant role of mitochondria mediated energy metabolism during fibre elongation process. The delayed expression of genes involved in phytohormone signalling and stress responsive TFs in the fl mutant suggests the need for a coordinated expression of regulatory mechanisms in fibre cell initiation and differentiation. PMID:23151214

Origin and initiation mechanisms of neuroblastoma.

PubMed

Tsubota, Shoma; Kadomatsu, Kenji

2018-05-01

Neuroblastoma is an embryonal malignancy that affects normal development of the adrenal medulla and paravertebral sympathetic ganglia in early childhood. Extensive studies have revealed the molecular characteristics of human neuroblastomas, including abnormalities at genome, epigenome and transcriptome levels. However, neuroblastoma initiation mechanisms and even its origin are long-standing mysteries. In this review article, we summarize the current knowledge about normal development of putative neuroblastoma sources, namely sympathoadrenal lineage of neural crest cells and Schwann cell precursors that were recently identified as the source of adrenal chromaffin cells. A plausible origin of enigmatic stage 4S neuroblastoma is also discussed. With regard to the initiation mechanisms, we review genetic abnormalities in neuroblastomas and their possible association to initiation mechanisms. We also summarize evidences of neuroblastoma initiation observed in genetically engineered animal models, in which epigenetic alterations were involved, including transcriptomic upregulation by N-Myc and downregulation by polycomb repressive complex 2. Finally, several in vitro experimental methods are proposed that hopefully will accelerate our comprehension of neuroblastoma initiation. Thus, this review summarizes the state-of-the-art knowledge about the mechanisms of neuroblastoma initiation, which is critical for developing new strategies to cure children with neuroblastoma.

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

Conte, F.P.; Droukas, P.C.; Ewing, R.D.

The development of brine shrimp embryos, A. salina, incubated in media of increasing salinity is delayed as evidenced by decreased emergence and lengthening of the time for excystment. Prehydration of cysts at low temperature (3/sup 0/C) for four to ten hours in distilled water eliminates asynchrony of the population in regard to emergency and hatching times. Internal concentration glycerol, which controls the rate of hydration of the cyst stage, is markedly affected by external salinity. Water balance in the cyst stage is maintained via the trehalose-glycerol mechanism which generates a simple passive diffusional gradient across the chitinous shell allowing watermore » to pass. Non-gaseous solutes, such as sodium and glycerol, do not pass through the chitin-membrane barrier. Rupturing the shell by emergence initiates the onset of the prenaupliar stage; it is accompanied by the appearance of large amounts of free glycerol in the external media, decreasing levels of internal glycerol, increased concentrations of internal sodium and the first detectable levels of the cationic transport enzyme, Na + K-ATPase. Continual loss of free glycerol through the cellular and hatching membranes causes the excysting embryo to convert from a trehalose-glycerol mechanism to a sodium-mediated transport system in order to maintain larval water balance. Ontogeny of the sodium regulating mechanism requires formation of Na + K-ATPase. The production of new Na + K-ATPase, as evidenced by incorporation of /sup 14/C-amino acids into polypeptide subunits and density-gradient centrifugation of radioactive membrane vesicles rich in Na + K-ATPase, may play an important role and, if so, it appears to be initiated between E-1 and E-2 stages.« less

The Mediator Complex and Transcription Elongation

PubMed Central

Conaway, Ronald C.; Conaway, Joan Weliky

2013-01-01

Background Mediator is an evolutionarily conserved multisubunit RNA polymerase II (Pol II) coregulatory complex. Although Mediator was initially found to play a critical role in regulation of the initiation of Pol II transcription, recent studies have brought to light an expanded role for Mediator at post-initiation stages of transcription. Scope of review We provide a brief description of the structure of Mediator and its function in the regulation of Pol II transcription initiation, and we summarize recent findings implicating Mediator in the regulation of various stages of Pol II transcription elongation. Major conclusions Emerging evidence is revealing new roles for Mediator in nearly all stages of Pol II transcription, including initiation, promoter escape, elongation, pre-mRNA processing, and termination. General significance Mediator plays a central role in the regulation of gene expression by impacting nearly all stages of mRNA synthesis. PMID:22983086

Flexible body dynamics of the goldfish C-start: implications for reticulospinal command mechanisms.

PubMed

Eaton, R C; DiDomenico, R; Nissanov, J

1988-08-01

As a model for learning how reticulospinal networks coordinate movement, we have analyzed the function of the Mauthner (M-) neurons in the escape response of the goldfish. We used water displacements of 3-6 micron to elicit C-start escape responses. These responses consist of 2 fundamental movements that grade into each other: Stage 1 lasts 15-40 msec and rotates the body 30 degrees-100 degrees about the center of mass; stage 2 is an axial acceleration that moves the center of mass 2-6 cm. Combined, the 2 stages result in trajectory turns ranging from 15 degrees to 135 degrees. Thus, these data show that M-initiated C-starts are not fixed movement patterns. The durations of stage 1 body muscle EMGs were correlated with turn angles achieved during stage 1. Since variable stage 1 EMGs are not seen when the M-cell is triggered by itself, other circuits, independent of the M-cell, must control the extent of the initial turn, and consequently escape trajectory. Furthermore, turning angles of stages 1 and 2 were correlated, allowing escape trajectory to be predicted, on average, 26 msec after movement started. This suggests that the commands for escape trajectory should be organized by the end of stage 1. In concert with this, the time of onset of the stage 2 EMG preceded the stage 2 onset by a range with a mean of 28.4 msec, typically putting the stage 2 command at the beginning of stage 1 movement. Thus, stage 2 initiation does not require motion-dependent feedback. Our findings indicate that the Mauthner cell initiates the first of a series of motor commands that establish the initial left-right decision of the escape sequence from the side of the stimulus, whereas parallel circuits simultaneously organize the command controlling the escape angle.

Differences in the sensitivity of fungi and bacteria to season and invertebrates affect leaf litter decomposition in a Mediterranean stream.

PubMed

Mora-Gómez, Juanita; Elosegi, Arturo; Duarte, Sofia; Cássio, Fernanda; Pascoal, Cláudia; Romaní, Anna M

2016-08-01

Microorganisms are key drivers of leaf litter decomposition; however, the mechanisms underlying the dynamics of different microbial groups are poorly understood. We investigated the effects of seasonal variation and invertebrates on fungal and bacterial dynamics, and on leaf litter decomposition. We followed the decomposition of Populus nigra litter in a Mediterranean stream through an annual cycle, using fine and coarse mesh bags. Irrespective of the season, microbial decomposition followed two stages. Initially, bacterial contribution to total microbial biomass was higher compared to later stages, and it was related to disaccharide and lignin degradation; in a later stage, bacteria were less important and were associated with hemicellulose and cellulose degradation, while fungi were related to lignin decomposition. The relevance of microbial groups in decomposition differed among seasons: fungi were more important in spring, whereas in summer, water quality changes seemed to favour bacteria and slowed down lignin and hemicellulose degradation. Invertebrates influenced litter-associated microbial assemblages (especially bacteria), stimulated enzyme efficiencies and reduced fungal biomass. We conclude that bacterial and fungal assemblages play distinctive roles in microbial decomposition and differ in their sensitivity to environmental changes, ultimately affecting litter decomposition, which might be particularly relevant in highly seasonal ecosystems, such as intermittent streams. © FEMS 2016. All rights reserved. For permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com.

Temperatures and the growth and development of maize and rice: a review.

PubMed

Sánchez, Berta; Rasmussen, Anton; Porter, John R

2014-02-01

Because of global land surface warming, extreme temperature events are expected to occur more often and more intensely, affecting the growth and development of the major cereal crops in several ways, thus affecting the production component of food security. In this study, we have identified rice and maize crop responses to temperature in different, but consistent, phenological phases and development stages. A literature review and data compilation of around 140 scientific articles have determined the key temperature thresholds and response to extreme temperature effects for rice and maize, complementing an earlier study on wheat. Lethal temperatures and cardinal temperatures, together with error estimates, have been identified for phenological phases and development stages. Following the methodology of previous work, we have collected and statistically analysed temperature thresholds of the three crops for the key physiological processes such as leaf initiation, shoot growth and root growth and for the most susceptible phenological phases such as sowing to emergence, anthesis and grain filling. Our summary shows that cardinal temperatures are conservative between studies and are seemingly well defined in all three crops. Anthesis and ripening are the most sensitive temperature stages in rice as well as in wheat and maize. We call for further experimental studies of the effects of transgressing threshold temperatures so such responses can be included into crop impact and adaptation models. © 2013 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Effects of elevated carbon dioxide, elevated temperature, and rice growth stage on the community structure of rice root-associated bacteria.

PubMed

Okubo, Takashi; Tokida, Takeshi; Ikeda, Seishi; Bao, Zhihua; Tago, Kanako; Hayatsu, Masahito; Nakamura, Hirofumi; Sakai, Hidemitsu; Usui, Yasuhiro; Hayashi, Kentaro; Hasegawa, Toshihiro; Minamisawa, Kiwamu

2014-01-01

The effects of free-air carbon dioxide enrichment (FACE) and elevated soil and water temperature (warming) on the rice root-associated bacterial community were evaluated by clone library analysis of the 16S ribosomal RNA gene. Roots were sampled at the panicle initiation and ripening stages 41 and 92 days after transplanting (DAT), respectively. The relative abundances of the methanotrophs Methylosinus and Methylocystis were increased by warming and decreased by FACE at 92 DAT, which indicated that microbial methane (CH4) oxidation in rice roots may have been influenced by global warming. The relative abundance of Burkholderia kururiensis was increased by warming at 41 DAT and by FACE or warming at 92 DAT. The abundances of methanotrophs increased during rice growth, which was likely induced by an enhancement in the emission of CH4 from the paddy fields, suggesting that CH4 is one of the predominant factors affecting the structure of the microbial community in rice roots. Marked variations in the community structure were also observed during rice growth in other genera: Bradyrhizobium, Clostridium, and an unknown genus close to Epsilonproteobacteria were abundant at 92 DAT, whereas Achromobacter was abundant at 41 DAT. These results demonstrated that the community structures of rice root-associated bacteria were markedly affected by FACE, temperature, and the rice growth stage.

Breakdown Conditioning Chacteristics of Precision-Surface-Treatment-Electrode in Vacuum

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kato, Kastumi; Fukuoka, Yuji; Inagawa, Yukihiko; Saitoh, Hitoshi; Sakaki, Masayuki; Okubo, Hitoshi

Breakdown (BD) characteristics in vacuum are strongly dependent on the electrode surface condition, like the surface roughness etc. Therefore, in order to develop a high voltage vacuum circuit breaker, it is important to optimize the surface treatment process. This paper discusses about the effect of precision-surface-treatment of the electrode on breakdown conditioning characteristics under non-uniform electric field in vacuum. Experimental results reveal that the electrode surface treatment affects the conditioning process, especially the BD voltage and the BD field strength at the initial stage of the conditioning.

A critical life stage of the Atlantic salmon Salmo salar: behaviour and survival during the smolt and initial post-smolt migration.

PubMed

Thorstad, E B; Whoriskey, F; Uglem, I; Moore, A; Rikardsen, A H; Finstad, B

2012-07-01

The anadromous life cycle of Atlantic salmon Salmo salar involves long migrations to novel environments and challenging physiological transformations when moving between salt-free and salt-rich waters. In this article, (1) environmental factors affecting the migration behaviour and survival of smolts and post-smolts during the river, estuarine and early marine phases, (2) how behavioural patterns are linked to survival and (3) how anthropogenic factors affect migration and survival are synthesized and reviewed based on published literature. The timing of the smolt migration is important in determining marine survival. The timing varies among rivers, most likely as a consequence of local adaptations, to ensure sea entry during optimal periods. Smolts and post-smolts swim actively and fast during migration, but in areas with strong currents, their own movements may be overridden by current-induced transport. Progression rates during the early marine migration vary between 0.4 and 3.0 body lengths s(-1) relative to the ground. Reported mortality is 0.3-7.0% (median 2.3) km(-1) during downriver migration, 0.6-36% (median 6.0) km(-1) in estuaries and 0.3-3.4% (median 1.4) km(-1) in coastal areas. Estuaries and river mouths are the sites of the highest mortalities, with predation being a common cause. The mortality rates varied more among studies in estuaries than in rivers and marine areas, which probably reflects the huge variation among estuaries in their characteristics. Behaviour and survival during migration may also be affected by pollution, fish farming, sea lice Lepeophtheirus salmonis, hydropower development and other anthropogenic activities that may be directly lethal, delay migration or have indirect effects by inhibiting migration. Total mortality reported during early marine migration (up to 5-230 km from the river mouths) in the studies available to date varies between 8 and 71%. Hence, the early marine migration is a life stage with high mortalities, due to both natural and human influences. Factors affecting mortality during the smolt and post-smolt stages contribute to determine the abundance of spawner returns. With many S. salar populations in decline, increased mortality at these stages may considerably contribute to limit S. salar production, and the consequences of human-induced mortality at this stage may be severe. Development of management actions to increase survival and fitness at the smolt and post-smolt stages is crucial to re-establish or conserve wild populations. © 2012 The Authors. Journal of Fish Biology © 2012 The Fisheries Society of the British Isles.

Effects of hydrodynamic conditions on the sorption behaviors of aniline on sediment with coexistence of nitrobenzene.

PubMed

Wang, Peng; Hua, Zulin; Cai, Yunjie; Shen, Xia; Li, Qiongqiong; Liu, Xiaoyuan

2015-08-01

The sorption behaviors of pollutants affected by hydrodynamic conditions were confirmed in natural water environment. The effects of hydrodynamic conditions on the sorption behaviors of aniline on sediment with coexistence of nitrobenzene were investigated. The particle entrainment simulator (PES) was used to simulate varied bottom shear stresses. The batch equilibrium method was applied to the experiments with the stress levels and the action time controlled at 0.2-0.5 N/m(2) and 24 h, respectively. The findings indicated that apparent partition coefficient of aniline on sediment increased with the shear stress significantly, while decreased with nitrobenzene concentration. On the contrary, both the sorption amount of aniline on suspended particulate matter (Q s) and the effect of nitrobenzene concentration on Q s declined as the shear stress increased. The sorption kinetic results showed that the sorption process followed the pseudo-second-order kinetics equation, and the process included two stages: fast sorption stage and slow sorption stage, among which the average sorption rate of fast stage was 7.5-9.5 times that of slow one. The effect of shear stress on the average sorption rate of aniline was enhanced with the increase of nitrobenzene concentration. And shear stress weakened the disturbance of cosolute on main solute sorption process. In addition, experiment results of sorption kinetic show that only the initial sorption rate was affected by shear stress and cosolute concentration. In the first 5 min, shear stress had positive effects on the sorption rate. After that, the sorption rate barely changed with shear stress and cosolute concentration.

The influence of gene expression profiling on decisional conflict in decision making for early-stage breast cancer chemotherapy.

PubMed

MacDonald, Karen V; Bombard, Yvonne; Deal, Ken; Trudeau, Maureen; Leighl, Natasha; Marshall, Deborah A

2016-07-01

Women with early-stage breast cancer, of whom only 15% will experience a recurrence, are often conflicted or uncertain about taking chemotherapy. Gene expression profiling (GEP) of tumours informs risk prediction, potentially affecting treatment decisions. We examined whether receiving a GEP test score reduces decisional conflict in chemotherapy treatment decision making. A general population sample of 200 women completed the decisional conflict scale (DCS) at baseline (no GEP test score scenario) and after (scenario with GEP test score added) completing a discrete choice experiment survey for early-stage breast cancer chemotherapy. We scaled the 16-item DCS total scores and subscores from 0 to 100 and calculated means, standard deviations and change in scores, with significance (p < 0.05) based on matched pairs t-tests. We identified five respondent subgroups based on preferred treatment option; almost 40% did not change their chemotherapy decision after receiving GEP testing information. Total score and all subscores (uncertainty, informed, values clarity, support, and effective decision) decreased significantly in the respondent subgroup who were unsure about taking chemotherapy initially but changed to no chemotherapy (n =33). In the subgroup of respondents (n = 25) who chose chemotherapy initially but changed to unsure, effective decision subscore increased significantly. In the overall sample, changes in total and all subscores were non-significant. GEP testing adds value for women initially unsure about chemotherapy treatment with a decrease in decisional conflict. However, for women who are confident about their treatment decisions, GEP testing may not add value. Decisions to request GEP testing should be personalised based on patient preferences. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Prostate cancer in young adults-Seventeen-year clinical experience of a single center.

PubMed

Huang, Tzu-Hao; Kuo, Junne-Yih; Huang, Yi-Hsiu; Chung, Hsiao-Jen; Huang, William J S; Wu, Howard H H; Chang, Yen-Hwa; Lin, Alex T L; Chen, Kuang-Kuo

2017-01-01

In the general population, prostate adenocarcinoma affects predominately older men. If fact, most current guidelines suggest that males over the age of 50 years should undergo prostate cancer screening. However, the clinical behavior and prognosis of prostate cancer in young adults is not well defined. The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical behavior, pathological characteristics, and prognosis of prostate cancer in young adults. We retrospectively reviewed the records of young patients (age, ≤50 years) in our hospital with prostate adenocarcinoma between 1997 and 2013. We compared data including initial presentation, cancer cell type, Gleason score, disease stage, prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level, prostate volume, treatment, and survival between patients both younger and older than 50 years. Data were analyzed using the Kaplan-Meier method to assess survival. Twenty-six patients were enrolled in our study, accounting for 0.55% of all patients with a diagnosis of prostate cancer at our facility. All 26 patients had a pathology diagnosis of adenocarcinoma, with a mean age on diagnosis of 46.8±2.8 years (range, 39-50 years). On initial presentation, patients older than 50 years more frequently displayed lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) than younger patients (62.3% vs. 30.4%, p=0.008). There was no statistical difference in histological grade, disease stage, PSA level, overall survival, and biochemical-free survival between the two groups. The result of our investigation indicated that prostate adenocarcinoma patients younger than 50 years had similar histological grade, disease stage, PSA level, overall survival, and biochemical-free survival as the older population. However, patients younger than 50 years with prostate cancer less frequently showed initial symptoms of LUTS. Copyright © 2016. Published by Elsevier Taiwan LLC.

Interactions of tissue and fertilizer nitrogen on decomposition dynamics of lignin-rich conifer litter

USGS Publications Warehouse

Perakis, Steven S.; Matkins, Joselin J.; Hibbs, David E.

2012-01-01

High tissue nitrogen (N) accelerates decomposition of high-quality leaf litter in the early phases of mass loss, but the influence of initial tissue N variation on the decomposition of lignin-rich litter is less resolved. Because environmental changes such as atmospheric N deposition and elevated CO2 can alter tissue N levels within species more rapidly than they alter the species composition of ecosystems, it is important to consider how within-species variation in tissue N may shape litter decomposition and associated N dynamics. Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii ) is a widespread lignin-rich conifer that dominates forests of high carbon (C) storage across western North America, and displays wide variation in tissue and litter N that reflects landscape variation in soil N. We collected eight unique Douglas-fir litter sources that spanned a two-fold range in initial N concentrations (0.67–1.31%) with a narrow range of lignin (29–35%), and examined relationships between initial litter chemistry, decomposition, and N dynamics in both ambient and N fertilized plots at four sites over 3 yr. High initial litter N slowed decomposition rates in both early (0.67 yr) and late (3 yr) stages in unfertilized plots. Applications of N fertilizer to litters accelerated early-stage decomposition, but slowed late-stage decomposition, and most strongly affected low-N litters, which equalized decomposition rates across litters regardless of initial N concentrations. Decomposition of N-fertilized litters correlated positively with initial litter manganese (Mn) concentrations, with litter Mn variation reflecting faster turnover of canopy foliage in high N sites, producing younger litterfall with high N and low Mn. Although both internal and external N inhibited decomposition at 3 yr, most litters exhibited net N immobilization, with strongest immobilization in low-N litter and in N-fertilized plots. Our observation for lignin-rich litter that high initial N can slow decomposition yet accelerate N release differs from findings where litter quality variation across species promotes coupled C and N release during decomposition. We suggest reevaluation of ecosystem models and projected global change effects to account for a potential decoupling of ecosystem C and N feedbacks through litter decomposition in lignin-rich conifer forests.

Ion currents involved in oocyte maturation, fertilization and early developmental stages of the ascidian Ciona intestinalis.

PubMed

Tosti, Elisabetta; Gallo, Alessandra; Silvestre, Francesco

2011-01-01

Electrophysiological techniques were used to study the role of ion currents in the ascidian Ciona intestinalis oocyte plasma membrane during different stages of growth, meiosis, fertilization and early development. Three stages of immature oocytes were discriminated in the ovary, with the germinal vesicle showing specific different features of growth and maturation. Stage-A (pre-vitellogenic) oocytes exhibited the highest L-type calcium current activity and were incompetent for meiosis resumption. Stage-B (vitellogenic) oocytes showed a progressive disappearance of calcium currents and the first appearance of sodium currents that remained high during the maturation process, up to the post-vitellogenic stage-C oocytes. The latter had acquired meiotic competence, undergoing spontaneous in vitro maturation and interacting with the spermatozoon. However, fertilized oocytes did not produce normal larvae, suggesting that cytoplasmic maturation may affect embryo development. In mature oocytes at the metaphase I stage, sodium currents were present and remained high up to the zygote stage. Oocytes fertilized in the absence of sodium showed significant reduction of the fertilization current amplitude and high development of anomalous "rosette" embryos. Current amplitudes became negligible in embryos at the 2- and 4-cell stage, whereas resumption of all the current activities occurred at the 8-cell embryo. Taken together, these results suggest: (i) an involvement of L-type calcium currents in initial oocyte meiotic progression and growth; (ii) a role of sodium currents at fertilization; (iii) a role of the fertilization current in ensuring normal embryo development. Copyright © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Gastrointestinal nematode infection does not affect selection of tropical foliage by goats in a cafeteria trial.

PubMed

Ventura-Cordero, J; González-Pech, P G; Jaimez-Rodriguez, P R; Ortíz-Ocampo, G I; Sandoval-Castro, C A; Torres-Acosta, J F J

2017-01-01

It is important to determine whether gastrointestinal nematodes (GINs) affect foliage choice of goats leading to confirm the expression of a self-medication behavior. This study investigated the effect of GIN infection on tropical foliage selection by goats. During experimental stage 1 (10 days), goats had a natural mixed GIN infection, and at stage 2 (10 days), goats were treated with effective anthelmintics to maintain them free of GIN infection. During stage 1 the twelve adult goats (32 ± 2.3 kg live weight [LW]) were assigned to three groups (n = 4) according to their initial GIN infection status: HI group, with fecal egg count (FEC) between 1450 and 2150 eggs per g/feces (EPG); MI group, medium FEC (592-1167 EPG); and the NI group, free from GIN infection. Fresh foliage of four tropical plants were offered to goats ad libitum for 1 h daily: Gymnopodium floribundum (high condensed tannin [CT] content, 37-40 %), Mimosa bahamensis (medium CT content, 16-17 %), Leucaena leucocephala (low CT content, 3-5 %), and Viguiera dentata (negligible CT content, 0.6-0.9 %). Jacobs' selection indexes (JSIs) were estimated for the experimental foliage based on dry matter (DM), CT, or crude protein (CP) intake. During both study stages, individual fecal egg counts were estimated. The JSI patterns of different plant species, based on DM, CT, or CP, were similar irrespective of infection level during stage 1 (HI, MI, and NI) or no GIN infection (stage 2). Thus, irrespective of GIN infection, goats actively selected M. bahamensis (high CT, low CP content) and V. dentata (negligible CT, high CP content) but avoided G. floribundum (high CT, low CP content) and L. leucocephala (medium CT and high CP content). Thus, natural GIN infection did not influence goats' foliage selection.

Effect of stage of initial labor dystocia on vaginal birth after cesarean success

PubMed Central

Lewkowitz, Adam Korrick; Nakagawa, Sanae; Thiet, Mari-Paule; Rosenstein, Melissa Greer

2016-01-01

OBJECTIVE The objective of the study was to examine whether the stage of labor dystocia causing a primary cesarean delivery (CD) affects a trial of labor after cesarean (TOLAC) success. STUDY DESIGN This was a retrospective cohort study of women who had primary CD of singleton pregnancies for first- or second-stage labor dystocia and attempted TOLAC at a single hospital between 2002 and 2014. We compared TOLAC success rates between women whose primary CD was for first- vs second-stage labor dystocia and investigated whether the effect of prior dystocia stage on TOLAC success was modified by previous vaginal delivery (VD). RESULTS A total of 238 women were included; nearly half (49%) achieved vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC). Women with a history of second-stage labor dystocia were more likely to have VBAC compared with those with first-stage dystocia, although this trend was not statistically significant among the general population (55% vs 45%, adjusted odds ratio, 1.4, 95% confidence interval, 0.8–2.5]). However, among women without a prior VD, those with a history of second-stage dystocia did have statistically higher odds of achieving VBAC than those with prior first-stage dystocia (54% vs 38%, adjusted odds ratio, 1.8 [95% confidence interval, 1.0–3.3], P for interaction = .043). CONCLUSION Nearly half of women with a history of primary CD for labor dystocia will achieve VBAC. Women with a history of second-stage labor dystocia have a slightly higher VBAC rate, seen to a statistically significant degree in those without a history of prior VD. TOLAC should be offered to all eligible women and should not be discouraged in women with a prior second-stage arrest. PMID:26348381

Effect of stage of initial labor dystocia on vaginal birth after cesarean success.

PubMed

Lewkowitz, Adam Korrick; Nakagawa, Sanae; Thiet, Mari-Paule; Rosenstein, Melissa Greer

2015-12-01

The objective of the study was to examine whether the stage of labor dystocia causing a primary cesarean delivery (CD) affects a trial of labor after cesarean (TOLAC) success. This was a retrospective cohort study of women who had primary CD of singleton pregnancies for first- or second-stage labor dystocia and attempted TOLAC at a single hospital between 2002 and 2014. We compared TOLAC success rates between women whose primary CD was for first- vs second-stage labor dystocia and investigated whether the effect of prior dystocia stage on TOLAC success was modified by previous vaginal delivery (VD). A total of 238 women were included; nearly half (49%) achieved vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC). Women with a history of second-stage labor dystocia were more likely to have VBAC compared with those with first-stage dystocia, although this trend was not statistically significant among the general population (55% vs 45%, adjusted odds ratio, 1.4, 95% confidence interval, 0.8-2.5]). However, among women without a prior VD, those with a history of second-stage dystocia did have statistically higher odds of achieving VBAC than those with prior first-stage dystocia (54% vs 38%, adjusted odds ratio, 1.8 [95% confidence interval, 1.0-3.3], P for interaction = .043). Nearly half of women with a history of primary CD for labor dystocia will achieve VBAC. Women with a history of second-stage labor dystocia have a slightly higher VBAC rate, seen to a statistically significant degree in those without a history of prior VD. TOLAC should be offered to all eligible women and should not be discouraged in women with a prior second-stage arrest. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Low light intensity effects on the growth, photosynthetic characteristics, antioxidant capacity, yield and quality of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) at different growth stages in BLSS

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dong, Chen; Fu, Yuming; Liu, Guanghui; Liu, Hong

2014-06-01

Minimizing energy consumption and maximizing crop productivity are major challenges to growing plants in Bioregenerative Life Support System (BLSS) for future long-term space mission. As a primary source of energy, light is one of the most important environmental factors for plant growth. The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of low light intensity at different stages on growth, pigment composition, photosynthetic efficiency, biological production and antioxidant defence systems of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) cultivars during ontogenesis. Experiments were divided into 3 intensity-controlled stages according to growth period (a total of 65 days): seedling stage (first 20 days), heading and flowering stage (middle 30 days) and grain filling stage (last 15 days). Initial light condition of the control was 420 μmol m-2 s-1 and the light intensity increased with the growth of wheat plants. The light intensities of group I and II at the first stage and the last stage were adjusted to the half level of the control respectively. For group III, the first and the last stage were both adjusted to half level of the control. During the middle 30 days, all treatments were kept the same intensity. The results indicated that low-light treatment at seedling stage, biomass, nutritional contents, components of inedible biomass and healthy index (including peroxidase (POD) activity, malondialdehyde (MDA) and proline content) of wheat plants have no significant difference to the control. Furthermore, unit kilojoule yield of group I reached 0.591 × 10-3 g/kJ and induced the highest energy efficiency. However, low-light treatment at grain filling stage affected the final production significantly.

Targeting New Pharmacological Approaches for Alzheimer's Disease: Potential for Statins and Phosphodiesterase Inhibitors.

PubMed

Sallustio, Fabrizio; Studer, Valeria

2016-01-01

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common cause of dementia among the elderly. It is pathologically characterized by diffused extracellular deposits, senile plaques, and intracellular neurofibrillary tangles in the brain, responsible for neuronal dysfunction and cell death. Memory, language and other cognitive functions can be affected to a limited extent in the initial stage called mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or in a more severe and daily life interfering manner in the later stage called dementia. Currently no effective disease-modifying treatment exists for the majority of neurodegenerative diseases. Failure of therapy aimed at affecting beta amyloid pathology has led research to investigate alternative approaches. Recent findings address statins and phosphodiesterase (PDE) inhibitors as compounds able to affect different mechanisms underlying AD. Statins could exert several effects based on their lipid-lowering and cerebral blood flow increasing abilities but also pleiotropic/antinflammatory and neuroprotective properties have been claimed. PDEs act as regulators of intracellular signaling cascades through the control of two second messengers, cyclic adenosine monophosphate and cyclic guanosine monophosphate. PDE inhibitors effects in animal models of AD have been promising and their proven safety in clinical use create high expectations for the treatment of AD. In this review, we will report main data and evidence on: 1. Current pathophysiological theories of AD in order to better understand which mechanisms lead to pathological changes and can be affected by therapies; 2. The use of statins and PDE inhibitors in animal models of AD and in humans, analyzing their mechanisms of action.

Erotism and chaos.

PubMed

Giovacchini, P L

1990-01-01

There is a continuum from primitive, undifferentiated feelings that are simply the manifestations of homeostatic balance and imbalance to highly differentiated, pleasurable erotic feelings that characterize mature, intimate love relationships. Sensory reactions are elevated from simple reflex levels to highly complex, sophisticated affects that involve wide areas of the psyche. Thus, affects are associated with integration and organized psychic structure. Consequently they may function in various ways. Freud developed a continuum for anxiety as initially functioning as a conversion reaction enabling sexual feelings that cannot reach mentational levels or be consummated in erotic activity to be discharged. It reaches a final level of organization where it serves as a signal calling various defenses into play as emerging instinctual impulses threaten to upset psychodynamic equilibrium. I have focused on how affects, erotic feelings in particular, have an organizing function that binds a primitive inner agitation that occurs during what is called a prementational stage of the neonatal period. This is a stage that precedes psychological processes. Sexual feelings are generated as an attempt to bind inner chaos that stems from an amorphous, inchoate psychic state. Erotic feelings are experienced in order to smoothe inner tension. The patient tries but seldom achieves calm because the affective binding and structuralizing process, in itself, becomes painful and disruptive. I present several clinical incidents and also refer to so-called treatment relationships where the therapist absorbs the patient's chaos and then acts out sexually which leads to a total breakdown of the therapeutic setting.

Factors affecting the initiation of breastfeeding: implications for breastfeeding promotion.

PubMed

Earle, Sarah

2002-09-01

Breastfeeding rates in the United Kingdom (UK) are one of the lowest in the developed world and certainly the lowest in Europe. There have been numerous studies of breastfeeding in the UK, most of which have adopted a quantitative approach, and they have largely focused on obstetric or socio-demographic factors in the decision to breastfeed. Whilst these studies have an important role to play, this paper draws on a study that adopts a qualitative methodology to explore women's personal experiences and perceptions of breastfeeding. A qualitative study of 19 primagravidae was undertaken and completed in 1998. Participants were recruited to the study via 12 antenatal clinics in the West Midlands, England, UK. Their ages ranged from 16 to 30 years and the majority described themselves as 'white'. The majority of participants were in paid employment in a variety of occupations. The study was prospective in design. Participants were interviewed three times either during pregnancy or after childbirth: the first stage was between 6 and 14 weeks of pregnancy; the second stage was between 34 and 39 weeks; and the third stage was between 6 and 14 weeks after childbirth. The data indicate that there are several factors affecting breastfeeding initiation. First, infant feeding decisions seem to be made prior to, or irrespective of, contact with health professionals. Secondly, the data suggest that health promotion campaigns in the UK have been influential in their ability to educate women about the benefits of breastfeeding. However, this did not dissuade participants from formula feeding once their decision was made. The desire for paternal involvement also seemed to be another influential factor; fathers were either seen as able to alleviate the daily grind of early motherhood, or there was a desire for 'shared parenting'. Finally, some of the formula feeding women expressed a strong desire to re-establish their identities as separate individuals and as 'non-mothers'.

Effects of Illumination Pattern during Cultivation of Fruiting Body and Bioactive Compound Production by the Caterpillar Medicinal Mushroom, Cordyceps militaris (Ascomycetes).

PubMed

Wu, Chiu-Yeh; Liang, Zeng-Chin; Tseng, Chin-Yin; Hu, Shu-Hui

2016-01-01

We investigated the effects of light intensity in the 3 cultivation stages separately-the mycelium colonization stage, the primordial initiation stage, and the fruiting stage (in order)-on fruiting body and bioactive compound production by Cordyceps militaris. In the mycelium colonization stage, rice substrates were incubated in a spawn running room at 23°C. During the primordial initiation stage, C. militaris was grown at 18°C and illuminated 12 hours/day. In the fruiting stage the temperature was 23°C, with illumination provided 12 hours/day. The highest fruiting body yield and biological efficiency were 4.06 g dry weight/bottle and 86.83%, respectively, under 1750 ± 250 lux during the second and third stages. The cordycepin content was highest during the second and third stages under 1250 ± 250 lux. The mannitol and polysaccharide contents were highest under 1250 ± 250 and 1750 ± 250 lux during the primordial initiation stage and the fruiting stage, respectively. Thus, with controlled lighting, C. militaris can be cultivated in rice-water medium to increase fruiting body yield and bioactive compound production.

International perspectives on sharing clinical data with patients.

PubMed

Prey, Jennifer E; Polubriaginof, Fernanda; Kuperman, Gilad J; Tiase, Victoria; Collins, Sarah A; Vawdrey, David K

2016-02-01

Engaging patients in their care has become a topic of increasing importance, and enabling patients to have access to their clinical data is a key aspect of such engagement. We investigated, on an international scale, the current state of approaches for providing patients with access to their own clinical information. Individuals from 28 countries were invited to participate in a cross-sectional semi-structured interview. Interview questions focused on social and cultural influences that affected patient engagement activities, government support for current and planned initiatives, data ownership models, and technical issues. Interviews were conducted with individuals from 16 countries representing six continents. Respondents reported substantive initiatives for providing information to patients in the majority of countries interviewed. These initiatives were diverse in nature and stage of implementation. Enabling patient access to data is occurring on an international scale. There is considerable variability in the level of maturity, the degree of government involvement, the technical infrastructure, and the plans for future development across the world. As informaticians, we are still in the early stages of deploying patient engagement technologies and have yet to identify optimal strategies in this arena. Efforts to improve patient access to data are active on a global-scale. There are many open questions about best practices and much can be learned by adopting an international perspective to guide future implementation efforts. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Role of endoscopic ultrasonography in the staging and follow-up of esophageal cancer.

PubMed

Lightdale, Charles J; Kulkarni, Ketan G

2005-07-10

To evaluate the role of endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) in the initial staging and follow-up of esophageal cancer on the basis of a review of the published literature. Articles published from 1985 to 2005 were searched and reviewed using the following keywords: "esophageal cancer staging," "endoscopic ultrasound," and "endoscopic ultrasonography." For initial anatomic staging, EUS results have consistently shown more than 80% accuracy compared with surgical pathology for depth of tumor invasion (T). Accuracy increased with higher stage, and was >90% for T3 cancer. EUS results have shown accuracy in the range of 75% for initial staging of regional lymph nodes (N). EUS has been invariably more accurate than computed tomography for T and N staging. EUS is limited for staging distant metastases (M), and therefore EUS is usually performed after a body imaging modality such as computed tomography or positron emission tomography. Pathologic staging can be achieved at EUS using fine-needle aspiration (FNA) to obtain cytology from suspect Ns. FNA has had greatest efficacy in confirming celiac axis lymph node metastases with more than 90% accuracy. EUS is inaccurate for staging after radiation and chemotherapy because of inability to distinguish inflammation and fibrosis from residual cancer, but a more than 50% decrease in tumor cross-sectional area or diameter has been found to correlate with treatment response. EUS has a central role in the initial anatomic staging of esophageal cancer because of its high accuracy in determining the extent of locoregional disease. EUS is inaccurate for staging after radiation therapy and chemotherapy, but can be useful in assessing treatment response.

Formation of Close-in Super-Earths by Giant Impacts: Effects of Initial Eccentricities and Inclinations of Protoplanets

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

Matsumoto, Yuji; Kokubo, Eiichiro, E-mail: ymatsumoto@cfca.nao.ac.jp

Recent observations have revealed the eccentricity and inclination distributions of close-in super-Earths. These distributions have the potential to constrain their formation processes. In the in situ formation scenario, the eccentricities and inclinations of planets are determined by gravitational scattering and collisions between protoplanets on the giant impact stage. We investigate the effect of the initial eccentricities and inclinations of protoplanets on the formation of close-in super-Earths. We perform N -body simulations of protoplanets in gas-free disks, changing the initial eccentricities and inclinations systematically. We find that while the eccentricities of protoplanets are well relaxed through their evolution, the inclinations aremore » not. When the initial inclinations are small, they are not generally pumped up since scattering is less effective and collisions occur immediately after orbital crossing. On the other hand, when the initial inclinations are large, they tend to be kept large since collisional damping is less effective. Not only the resultant inclinations of planets, but also their number, eccentricities, angular momentum deficit, and orbital separations are affected by the initial inclinations of protoplanets.« less

Workers' Extra-Nest Behavioral Changes During Colony Fission in Dinoponera quadriceps (Santschi).

PubMed

Medeiros, J; Araújo, A

2014-04-01

Ant colonies can reproduce by two strategies: independent foundation, wherein the queen starts a new colony alone, and dependent foundation, in which workers assist the queen. In the queenless species Dinoponera quadriceps (Santschi), the colony reproduces obligatorily by fission, a type of dependent foundation, but this process is not well understood. This study describes a colony fission event of D. quadriceps in the field and analyzes the influence of the fission process on workers' extra-nest behavior. Based on observations of workers outside the nest, five distinct stages were identified: monodomic stage, polydomic stage, split stage, conflict stage, and post-conflict stage. The colony was initially monodomic and then occupied a second nest before it split into two independent colonies, indicating a gradual and opportunistic dependent foundation. After the fission event, the daughter colony had aggressive conflicts with the parental colony, resulting in the latter's disappearance. Colony fission affected workers' extra-nest behavior by increasing the frequency of rubbing the gaster against the substrate (which probably has a chemical marking function) and by decreasing the frequency of foraging during the split stage. After the fission event, the number of foragers was halved and foragers remained nearer to the nest during extra-nest activity. The spatial closeness of the parental and daughter colonies led to competition that caused the extinction or migration of the parental colony. Intraspecific competition was indicated by foraging directionality at the colony level, whereby areas of neighbor colonies were avoided; this directionality was stronger while both colonies coexisted.

Altered gene expression patterns during the initiation and promotion stages of neonatally diethylstilbestrol-induced hyperplasia/dysplasia/neoplasia in the hamster uterus.

PubMed

Hendry, William J; Hariri, Hussam Y; Alwis, Imala D; Gunewardena, Sumedha S; Hendry, Isabel R

2014-12-01

Neonatal treatment of hamsters with diethylstilbestrol (DES) induces uterine hyperplasia/dysplasia/neoplasia (endometrial adenocarcinoma) in adult animals. We subsequently determined that the neonatal DES exposure event directly and permanently disrupts the developing hamster uterus (initiation stage) so that it responds abnormally when it is stimulated with estrogen in adulthood (promotion stage). To identify candidate molecular elements involved in progression of the disruption/neoplastic process, we performed: (1) immunoblot analyses and (2) microarray profiling (Affymetrix Gene Chip System) on sets of uterine protein and RNA extracts, respectively, and (3) immunohistochemical analysis on uterine sections; all from both initiation stage and promotion stage groups of animals. Here we report that: (1) progression of the neonatal DES-induced hyperplasia/dysplasia/neoplasia phenomenon in the hamster uterus involves a wide spectrum of specific gene expression alterations and (2) the gene products involved and their manner of altered expression differ dramatically during the initiation vs. promotion stages of the phenomenon. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Effects of different remediation treatments on crude oil contaminated saline soil.

PubMed

Gao, Yong-Chao; Guo, Shu-Hai; Wang, Jia-Ning; Li, Dan; Wang, Hui; Zeng, De-Hui

2014-12-01

Remediation of the petroleum contaminated soil is essential to maintain the sustainable development of soil ecosystem. Bioremediation using microorganisms and plants is a promising method for the degradation of crude oil contaminants. The effects of different remediation treatments, including nitrogen addition, Suaeda salsa planting, and arbuscular mycorrhiza (AM) fungi inoculation individually or combined, on crude oil contaminated saline soil were assessed using a microcosm experiment. The results showed that different remediation treatments significantly affected the physicochemical properties, oil contaminant degradation and bacterial community structure of the oil contaminated saline soil. Nitrogen addition stimulated the degradation of total petroleum hydrocarbon significantly at the initial 30d of remediation. Coupling of different remediation techniques was more effective in degrading crude oil contaminants. Applications of nitrogen, AM fungi and their combination enhanced the phytoremediation efficiency of S. salsa significantly. The main bacterial community composition in the crude oil contaminated saline soil shifted with the remediation processes. γ-Proteobacteria, β-Proteobacteria, and Actinobacteria were the pioneer oil-degraders at the initial stage, and Firmicutes were considered to be able to degrade the recalcitrant components at the later stage. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Autonomous safety and reliability features of the K-1 avionics system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mueller, George E.; Kohrs, Dick; Bailey, Richard; Lai, Gary

2004-03-01

Kistler Aerospace Corporation is developing the K-1, a fully reusable, two-stage-to-orbit launch vehicle. Both stages return to the launch site using parachutes and airbags. Initial flight operations will occur from Woomera, Australia. K-1 guidance is performed autonomously. Each stage of the K-1 employs a triplex, fault tolerant avionics architecture, including three fault tolerant computers and three radiation hardened Embedded GPS/INS units with a hardware voter. The K-1 has an Integrated Vehicle Health Management (IVHM) system on each stage residing in the three vehicle computers based on similar systems in commercial aircraft. During first-stage ascent, the IVHM system performs an Instantaneous Impact Prediction (IIP) calculation 25 times per second, initiating an abort in the event the vehicle is outside a predetermined safety corridor for at least 3 consecutive calculations. In this event, commands are issued to terminate thrust, separate the stages, dump all propellant in the first-stage, and initiate a normal landing sequence. The second-stage flight computer calculates its ability to reach orbit along its state vector, initiating an abort sequence similar to the first stage if it cannot. On a nominal mission, following separation, the second-stage also performs calculations to assure its impact point is within a safety corridor. The K-1's guidance and control design is being tested through simulation with hardware-in-the-loop at Draper Laboratory. Kistler's verification strategy assures reliable and safe operation of the K-1.

Enhancement of utilization of encryption engine

DOEpatents

Robertson, Robert J.; Witzke, Edward L.

2008-04-22

A method of enhancing throughput of a pipelined encryption/decryption engine for an encryption/decryption process has a predetermined number of stages and provides feedback around the stages (and of such an encryption/decryption engine) by receiving a source datablock for a given stage and encryption/decryption context identifier; indexing according to the encryption/decryption context identifier into a bank of initial variables to retrieve an initial variable for the source datablock; and generating an output datablock from the source datablock and its corresponding initial variable.

Impact of biocrust succession on water retention and repellency on open-cast lignite mining sites under reclamation in Lower Lusatia, NE-Germany

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gypser, Stella; Fischer, Thomas; Lange, Philipp; Veste, Maik

2016-04-01

Mining activities can strongly affect ecosystem properties by destruction of naturally developed soils and removal of vegetation. The unstructured substrates show high bulk densities, compaction, low water infiltration rates, reduced water holding capacities and higher susceptibility to wind and water erosion. In the initial stage of the ecosystem development, the post-mining sites are open areas without or with a low cover of higher vegetation. It is well-known that biocrusts are able to colonize the soil surface under such extreme conditions without human support and affect soil hydrological processes such as water infiltration, run-off or re-distribution. Investigations were conducted on two former lignite open-cast mining sites, an artificial sand dune on the reclaimed watershed Welzow "Neuer Lugteich" and a reforestation area in Schlabendorf (Brandenburg, north-east Germany). The aim was to relate the hydrological characteristics of the topsoil to successional stages of biological soil crusts on reclaimed soils and their influence on repellency index and water holding capacity compared to pure mining substrate. Our study emphasized the influence of changing successional stages and species composition of biological soil crusts, forming a small-scale crust pattern, on water repellency and retention on sandy soils in temperate climate. Different successional stages of soil crusts were identified from initial scattered green algae crusts, dominated by Zygogonium spec. and Ulothrix spec., and more developed soil crusts containing mosses such as Ceratodon purpureus and Polytrichum piliferum. Lichens of the Genus Cladonia were more pronouncedly contributed to biocrusts at later and mature stages of development. The repellency index on the one hand increased due to the cross-linking of sand particles by the filamentous green algae Zygogonium spec. which resulted in clogging of pores, and on the other hand decreased with the occurrence of moss plants due to absorption caused by bryophytes. The determination of the water retention curves showed an increase of the water holding capacity, especially in conjunction with the growth of green algae layer. The absorption capacity of soil crust biota as well as a decreased pore diameter in the green algae layers positively affected the water retention of crusted soil compared to pure substrate. The occurrence of bryophytes with later succession weakened the repellent behavior of the biocrusts, increased infiltration, and might have affected the run-off at small-scale on biocrusts. Certainly, the biological soil crusts showed water repellent properties but no distinctive hydrophobic characteristics. On both locations, similar trends of water repellency and retention related to crustal formation were observed, in spite of different relief, reclamation time and inhomogeneous distribution of crustal organisms. References Gypser, S., Veste, M., Fischer, T., Lange, P. (2016): Infiltration and water retention of biological soil crusts on reclaimed soils of former open-cast lignite mining sites in Brandenburg, north-east Germany, Journal of Hydrology and Hydromechanics, accepted 12. November 2015. Gypser, S., Veste, M., Fischer, T., Lange, P. (2015): Formation of soil lichen crusts at reclaimed post-mining sites, Lower Lusatia, North-east Germany. Graphis Scripta 27: 3-14.

Water Stage Forecasting in Tidal streams during High Water Using EEMD

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Yen-Chang; Kao, Su-Pai; Su, Pei-Yi

2017-04-01

There are so many factors may affect the water stages in tidal streams. Not only the ocean wave but also the stream flow affects the water stage in a tidal stream. During high water, two of the most important factors affecting water stages in tidal streams are flood and tide. However the hydrological processes in tidal streams during high water are nonlinear and nonstationary. Generally the conventional methods used for forecasting water stages in tidal streams are very complicated. It explains the accurately forecasting water stages, especially during high water, in tidal streams is always a difficult task. The study makes used of Ensemble Empirical Model Decomposition (EEMD) to analyze the water stages in tidal streams. One of the advantages of the EEMD is it can be used to analyze the nonlinear and nonstationary data. The EEMD divides the water stage into several intrinsic mode functions (IMFs) and a residual; meanwhile, the physical meaning still remains during the process. By comparing the IMF frequency with tidal frequency, it is possible to identify if the IMF is affected by tides. Then the IMFs is separated into two groups, affected by tide or not by tide. The IMFs in each group are assembled to become a factor. Therefore the water stages in tidal streams are only affected by two factors, tidal factor and flood factor. Finally the regression analysis is used to establish the relationship between the factors of the gaging stations in the tidal stream. The available data during 15 typhoon periods of the Tanshui River whose downstream reach is in estuary area is used to illustrate the accuracy and reliability of the proposed method. The results show that the simple but reliable method is capable of forecasting water stages in tidal streams.

Implicit theory manipulations affecting efficacy of a smartphone application aiding speech therapy for Parkinson's patients.

PubMed

Nolan, Peter; Hoskins, Sherria; Johnson, Julia; Powell, Vaughan; Chaudhuri, K Ray; Eglin, Roger

2012-01-01

A Smartphone speech-therapy application (STA) is being developed, intended for people with Parkinson's disease (PD) with reduced implicit volume cues. The STA offers visual volume feedback, addressing diminished auditory cues. Users are typically older adults, less familiar with new technology. Domain-specific implicit theories (ITs) have been shown to result in mastery or helpless behaviors. Studies manipulating participants' implicit theories of 'technology' (Study One), and 'ability to affect one's voice' (Study Two), were coordinated with iterative STA test-stages, using patients with PD with prior speech-therapist referrals. Across studies, findings suggest it is possible to manipulate patients' ITs related to engaging with a Smartphone STA. This potentially impacts initial application approach and overall effort using a technology-based therapy.

Splitting of IVP bovine blastocyst affects morphology and gene expression of resulting demi-embryos during in vitro culture and in vivo elongation.

PubMed

Velasquez, Alejandra E; Castro, Fidel O; Veraguas, Daniel; Cox, Jose F; Lara, Evelyn; Briones, Mario; Rodriguez-Alvarez, Lleretny

2016-02-01

Embryo splitting might be used to increase offspring yield and for molecular analysis of embryo competence. How splitting affects developmental potential of embryos is unknown. This research aimed to study the effect of bovine blastocyst splitting on morphological and gene expression homogeneity of demi-embryos and on embryo competence during elongation. Grade I bovine blastocyst produced in vitro were split into halves and distributed in nine groups (3 × 3 setting according to age and stage before splitting; age: days 7-9; stage: early, expanded and hatched blastocysts). Homogeneity and survival rate in vitro after splitting (12 h, days 10 and 13) and the effect of splitting on embryo development at elongation after embryo transfer (day 17) were assessed morphologically and by RT-qPCR. The genes analysed were OCT4, SOX2, NANOG, CDX2, TP1, TKDP1, EOMES, and BAX. Approximately 90% of split embryos had a well conserved defined inner cell mass (ICM), 70% of the halves had similar size with no differences in gene expression 12 h after splitting. Split embryos cultured further conserved normal and comparable morphology at day 10 of development; this situation changes at day 13 when embryo morphology and gene expression differed markedly among demi-embryos. Split and non-split blastocysts were transferred to recipient cows and were recovered at day 17. Fifty per cent of non-split embryos were larger than 100 mm (33% for split embryos). OCT4, SOX2, TP1 and EOMES levels were down-regulated in elongated embryos derived from split blastocysts. In conclusion, splitting day-8 blastocysts yields homogenous demi-embryos in terms of developmental capability and gene expression, but the initiation of the filamentous stage seems to be affected by the splitting.

Corrosion initiation and propagation behavior of corrosion resistant concrete reinforcing materials

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hurley, Michael F.

The life of a concrete structure exposed to deicing compounds or seawater is often limited by chloride induced corrosion of the steel reinforcement. In this study, the key material attributes that affect the corrosion initiation and propagation periods were studied. These included material composition, surface condition, ageing time, propagation behavior during active corrosion, morphology of attack, and type of corrosion products generated by each rebar material. The threshold chloride concentrations for solid 316LN stainless steel, 316L stainless steel clad over carbon steel, 2101 LDX, MMFX-2, and carbon steel rebar were investigated using electrochemical techniques in saturated calcium hydroxide solutions. Surface preparation, test method, duration of period exposed to a passivating condition prior to introduction of chloride, and presence of cladding defects all affected the threshold chloride concentration obtained. A model was implemented to predict the extension of time until corrosion initiation would be expected. 8 years was the predicted time to corrosion initiation for carbon steel. However, model results confirmed that use of 316LN may increase the time until onset of corrosion to 100 years or more. To assess the potential benefits afforded by new corrosion resistant rebar alloys from a corrosion resistance standpoint the corrosion propagation behavior and other factors that might affect the risk of corrosion-induced concrete cracking must also be considered. Radial pit growth was found to be ohmically controlled but repassivation occurred more readily at high potentials in the case of 316LN and 2101 stainless steels. The discovery of ohmically controlled propagation enabled transformation of propagation rates from simulated concrete pore solution to less conductive concrete by accounting for resistance changes in the surrounding medium. The corrosion propagation behavior as well as the morphology of attack directly affects the propensity for concrete cracking. Experimental results were used in conjunction with an existing model to predict the time until concrete cracking occurs for new rebar materials. The results suggest that corrosion resistant materials offer a significant extension to the corrosion propagation stage over carbon steel, even in very aggressive conditions because small, localized anodes develop when initiated.

Mindfulness, Resilience, and Burnout Subtypes in Primary Care Physicians: The Possible Mediating Role of Positive and Negative Affect.

PubMed

Montero-Marin, Jesús; Tops, Mattie; Manzanera, Rick; Piva Demarzo, Marcelo M; Álvarez de Mon, Melchor; García-Campayo, Javier

2015-01-01

Primary care health professionals suffer from high levels of burnout. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the associations of mindfulness and resilience with the features of the burnout types (overload, lack of development, neglect) in primary care physicians, taking into account the potential mediating role of negative and positive affect. A cross-sectional design was used. Six hundred and twenty-two Spanish primary care physicians were recruited from an online survey. The Mindful Attention Awareness Scale (MAAS), Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC), Positive and Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS), and Burnout Clinical Subtype Questionnaire (BCSQ-12) questionnaires were administered. Polychoric correlation matrices were calculated. The unweighted least squares (ULS) method was used for developing structural equation modeling. Mindfulness and resilience presented moderately high associations (φ = 0.46). Links were found between mindfulness and overload (γ = -0.25); resilience and neglect (γ = -0.44); mindfulness and resilience, and negative affect (γ = -0.30 and γ = -0.35, respectively); resilience and positive affect (γ = 0.70); negative affect and overload (β = 0.36); positive affect and lack of development (β = -0.16). The links between the burnout types reached high and positive values between overload and lack of development (β = 0.64), and lack of development and neglect (β = 0.52). The model was a very good fit to the data (GFI = 0.96; AGFI = 0.96; RMSR = 0.06; NFI = 0.95; RFI = 0.95; PRATIO = 0.96). Interventions addressing both mindfulness and resilience can influence burnout subtypes, but their impact may occur in different ways, potentially mediated by positive and negative affect. Both sorts of trainings could constitute possible tools against burnout; however, while mindfulness seems a suitable intervention for preventing its initial stages, resilience may be more effective for treating its advanced stages.

Flower choice by naïve young crab spiders and the effect of subsequent experience.

PubMed

Morse

2000-05-01

Initial responses of naïve individuals to critical environmental stimuli provide important information about the innate contribution to behaviour, and subsequent responses to the same stimuli may show the role of experience in mediating those initial responses. To test the role of these factors, I measured initial patch choices and giving-up responses of just-emerged, naïve, second-instar crab spiders, Misumena vatia, on several hunting sites they encountered after leaving their natal nests. In follow-up tests I measured the effects of these experiences on subsequent patch choice decisions. The choice of hunting sites is a vital decision at all stages of the life cycle for sit-and-wait predators such as Misumena. In their initial tests these spiderlings remained more frequently on goldenrod (Solidago spp.) flowers than on green or yellow goldenrod buds, a preference they retained through tests run on 5 consecutive days. Individuals on green and yellow buds shifted sites more quickly and frequently than those from flowers, and made most of these moves to flowers, which attracted many more prey than did buds. These differences were not affected by age, energetic condition, or loss of information over the period of the experiment. Once spiderlings moved from buds, they showed a high, increasing tendency to move from buds in subsequent runs, those from flowers showed a consistently low tendency. These results suggest that spiderlings retain their innate behavioural patterns through the second instar, but that experience also plays a modest role in patch choice at this stage. Copyright 2000 The Association for the Study of Animal Behaviour.

Growth and development of larval green frogs (Rana clamitans) exposed to multiple doses of an insecticide

USGS Publications Warehouse

Boone, M.D.; Bridges, C.M.; Rothermel, B.B.

2001-01-01

Our objective was to determine how green frogs (Rana clamitans) are affected by multiple exposures to a sublethal level of the carbamate insecticide, carbaryl, in outdoor ponds. Tadpoles were added to 1,000-1 ponds at a low or high density which were exposed to carbaryl 0, 1, 2, or 3 times. Length of the larval period, mass, developmental stage, tadpole survival, and proportion metamorphosed were used to determine treatment effects. The frequency of dosing affected the proportion of green frogs that reached metamorphosis and the developmental stage of tadpoles. Generally, exposure to carbaryl increased rates of metamorphosis and development. The effect of the frequency of carbaryl exposure on development varied with the density treatment; the majority of metamorphs and the most developed tadpoles came from high-density ponds exposed to carbaryl 3 times. This interaction suggests that exposure to carbaryl later in the larval period stimulated metamorphosis, directly or indirectly, under high-density conditions. Our study indicates that exposure to a contaminant can lead to early initiation of metamorphosis and that natural biotic factors can mediate the effects of a contaminant in the environment.

Fandom Biases Retrospective Judgments Not Perception.

PubMed

Huff, Markus; Papenmeier, Frank; Maurer, Annika E; Meitz, Tino G K; Garsoffky, Bärbel; Schwan, Stephan

2017-02-24

Attitudes and motivations have been shown to affect the processing of visual input, indicating that observers may see a given situation each literally in a different way. Yet, in real-life, processing information in an unbiased manner is considered to be of high adaptive value. Attitudinal and motivational effects were found for attention, characterization, categorization, and memory. On the other hand, for dynamic real-life events, visual processing has been found to be highly synchronous among viewers. Thus, while in a seminal study fandom as a particularly strong case of attitudes did bias judgments of a sports event, it left the question open whether attitudes do bias prior processing stages. Here, we investigated influences of fandom during the live TV broadcasting of the 2013 UEFA-Champions-League Final regarding attention, event segmentation, immediate and delayed cued recall, as well as affect, memory confidence, and retrospective judgments. Even though we replicated biased retrospective judgments, we found that eye-movements, event segmentation, and cued recall were largely similar across both groups of fans. Our findings demonstrate that, while highly involving sports events are interpreted in a fan dependent way, at initial stages they are processed in an unbiased manner.

Fandom Biases Retrospective Judgments Not Perception

PubMed Central

Huff, Markus; Papenmeier, Frank; Maurer, Annika E.; Meitz, Tino G. K.; Garsoffky, Bärbel; Schwan, Stephan

2017-01-01

Attitudes and motivations have been shown to affect the processing of visual input, indicating that observers may see a given situation each literally in a different way. Yet, in real-life, processing information in an unbiased manner is considered to be of high adaptive value. Attitudinal and motivational effects were found for attention, characterization, categorization, and memory. On the other hand, for dynamic real-life events, visual processing has been found to be highly synchronous among viewers. Thus, while in a seminal study fandom as a particularly strong case of attitudes did bias judgments of a sports event, it left the question open whether attitudes do bias prior processing stages. Here, we investigated influences of fandom during the live TV broadcasting of the 2013 UEFA-Champions-League Final regarding attention, event segmentation, immediate and delayed cued recall, as well as affect, memory confidence, and retrospective judgments. Even though we replicated biased retrospective judgments, we found that eye-movements, event segmentation, and cued recall were largely similar across both groups of fans. Our findings demonstrate that, while highly involving sports events are interpreted in a fan dependent way, at initial stages they are processed in an unbiased manner. PMID:28233877

Diet regulates liver autophagy differentially in murine acute Trypanosoma cruzi infection

PubMed Central

Lizardo, Kezia; Almonte, Vanessa; Law, Calvin; Aiyyappan, Janeesh Plakkal; Cui, Min-Hui; Nagajyothi, Jyothi F

2017-01-01

Chagas disease is a tropical parasitic disease caused by the protozoan Trypanosoma cruzi, which affects about 10 million people in its endemic regions of Latin America. After the initial acute stage of infection, 60–80% of infected individuals remain asymptomatic for several years to a lifetime; however, the rest develop the debilitating symptomatic stage, which affects the nervous system, digestive system and heart. The challenges of Chagas disease have become global due to immigration. Despite well documented dietary changes accompanying immigration, as well as a transition to a western style diet in the Chagas endemic regions, the role of host metabolism in the pathogenesis of Chagas disease remains underexplored. We have previously used a mouse model to show that host diet is a key factor regulating cardiomyopathy in Chagas disease. In this study we investigated the effect of a high fat diet on liver morphology and physiology, lipid metabolism, immune signaling, energy homeostasis, and stress responses in the murine model of acute T. cruzi infection. Our results indicate that in T. cruzi infected mice diet differentially regulates several liver processes, including autophagy, a stress response mechanism, with corresponding implications for human Chagas disease patients. PMID:27987056

HCV Treatment Initiation in Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease: Results from ERCHIVES

PubMed Central

Butt, Adeel; Ren, Yanjie; Puenpatom, Amy; Arduino, Jean Marie; Kumar, Ritesh; Abou-Samra, Abdul-Badi

2017-01-01

Abstract Background Newer directing antiviral agents against HCV (DAAs) are safe and efficacious in persons with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Whether availability of these newer DAAs has resulted in more persons with CKD initiating HCV treatment remains unknown. Methods We identified HCV+ persons in ERCHIVES. We excluded HIV+ and HBsAg+ and those with missing HCV RNA and eGFR data. We determined the CKD stage according to National Kidney Foundation criteria. We determined the number of persons initiated on any of the approved DAA-regimen (defined as >14 days of DAA prescription). Logistic regression analyses was used to determine factors associated with treatment initiation. Results Among 76,513 evaluable persons, 21.1% initiated DAA treatment. Initiation rates differed significantly by CKD stage: 21.1% (15,136/68,469) for eGFR>90mL/minute/1.73m2 and CKD stage-2; 14.0% 9853/6,086) for CKD stage 3; and 7.6% (148/1,958) for CKD stage-4/5. Those with CKD stage-3 were 35% less likely and those with CKD stage-4/5 were 65% less likely to initiate treatment with a DAA compared with those with baseline eGFR>90mL/minute/1.73m2. Those with Body Mass Index (BMI)>30 were more likely to initiate treatment (OR 1.24, 95% CI 1.19,1.29). Treatment initiation was less likely in HCV genotype 2 or 3 and those with diabetes (OR 0.82, 95% CI 0.78,0.86), cardiovascular disease (OR 0.73, 95% CI 0.68,0.78), alcohol abuse or dependence (OR 0.75, 95% CI 0.72,0.78) or cirrhosis (OR 0.85, 95% CI 0.80,0.89) at baseline. Conclusion Persons with more advanced CKD are less likely to receive treatment for HCV. Strategies are needed to improve treatment rates in the HCV/CKD population. Disclosures A. Butt, Merck: Investigator, Grant recipient. A. Puenpatom, Merck: Employee, Salary. J. M. Arduino, Merck: Employee, Salary. R. Kumar, Merck: Employee, Salary

Disease staging as a measure of disease severity.

PubMed

Kohyama, Jun; Fujitani, Shigeki; Umesato, Yoshimasa; Kataoka, Hitomi

2015-06-24

Disease staging, first developed in 1970, has been used to assess the levels of biological severity, defined as the risk of organ failure or death, of specific medical diseases. Because few studies to date have evaluated disease staging in Japan, a small pilot study was designed to determine whether disease staging is available and useful in actual medical practice in Japan. The relationships between disease staging and length of stay, medical costs and age were retrospectively evaluated in patients admitted to Japan Association for Development of Community Medicine - Tokyo Bay Urayasu Ichikawa Medical Center for appendicitis, type 2 diabetes mellitus, and cerebrovascular diseases from April 2012 to March 2013. Patients were easily staged based on information at the time of hospital discharge. Disease stages were found to be affected significantly by length of hospital stay and medical costs. Age also affected disease stages in patients with appendicitis. These findings indicate that disease staging was available in Japan and was affected by hospital resources, including length of hospital stay and medical costs.

Baclofen Toxicity in a Patient with Hemodialysis-Dependent End-Stage Renal Disease.

PubMed

Porter, Lauren M; Merrick, Stephanie S; Katz, Kenneth D

2017-04-01

Oral baclofen toxicity is extremely rare, but can affect patients with renal disease due to the drug's predominant renal clearance of approximately 69-85%. Patients with severely impaired renal function typically develop symptoms soon after initiating baclofen therapy, even at relatively low doses. A 69-year-old woman with a history of hemodialysis-dependent end-stage renal disease presented to the Emergency Department with encephalopathy, ataxia, and dystonia after the addition of a recent baclofen prescription for back pain (10 mg twice daily). She had been taking baclofen as prescribed for approximately 1 week when, the day prior to admission, she had increased her dose to a total of 40 mg. Diagnostic studies demonstrated the patient had chronic, end-stage renal disease and a supratherapeutic concentration of baclofen. Signs and symptoms resolved with hemodialysis. WHY SHOULD AN EMERGENCY PHYSICIAN BE AWARE OF THIS?: It is of critical importance for emergency physicians to appreciate impaired baclofen clearance in those with underlying renal disease to obviate the potential for significant drug toxicity. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Initial Stage Reference Search : Behavioral Economics and Transportation

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2015-04-01

The initial stage investigation is the beginning step in the Exploratory Advanced Research (EAR) Program process for exploring ideas across traditional and nontraditional fields of research and stimulating new approaches to problem solving. The proce...

Indigenous microorganisms production and the effect on composting process

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Abu-Bakar, Nurul-Ain; Ibrahim, Nazlina

2013-11-01

In this study, production of indigenous microorganisms (IMO) and effect on addition of IMO in composting process were done. Production of IMO was done in a series of steps to allow propagation of beneficial microorganisms. Effect of IMO addition in composting process was investigated by having 4 treatments; 1) rice straw without IMO nor manure and rice bran, 2) rice straw with IMO only, 3) rice straw with manure and rice bran, 4) rice straw with IMO, manure and rice bran. Production of IMO using cooked rice yields white molds. Addition of IMO during composting did not affect temperature increment. However, there were differences in numbers of microorganisms found during each stages of composting. Initial composting stage was dominated by mesophilic bacteria and actinomycetes, followed by thermophilic bacteria and later by actinomycetes upon composting completion. In conclusion, this study showed that IMO addition in composting increased microorganisms which are responsible in organic decomposition.

Does sustained participation in an online health community affect sentiment?

PubMed

Zhang, Shaodian; Bantum, Erin; Owen, Jason; Elhadad, Noémie

2014-01-01

A large number of patients rely on online health communities to exchange information and psychosocial support with their peers. Examining participation in a community and its impact on members' behaviors and attitudes is one of the key open research questions in the field of study of online health communities. In this paper, we focus on a large public breast cancer community and conduct sentiment analysis on all its posts. We investigate the impact of different factors on post sentiment, such as time since joining the community, posting activity, age of members, and cancer stage of members. We find that there is a significant increase in sentiment of posts through time, with different patterns of sentiment trends for initial posts in threads and reply posts. Factors each play a role; for instance stage-IV members form a particular sub-community with patterns of sentiment and usage distinct from others members.

A Multidisciplinary Patient Navigation Program Improves Compliance With Adjuvant Breast Cancer Therapy in a Public Hospital.

PubMed

Castaldi, Maria; Safadjou, Saman; Elrafei, Tarek; McNelis, John

Cancer health disparities affecting low-income and minority patients have been well documented to lead to poor outcomes. This report examines the impact of patient navigation on adherence to prescribed adjuvant breast cancer treatment. A multidisciplinary patient navigation program was initiated at a public safety net hospital to improve compliance with 3 National Quality Forum measures: (1) administration of combination chemotherapy for women with Stage (defined by the American Joint Committee on Cancer [AJCC]) T1c, II, or III hormone receptor-negative breast cancer within 120 days; (2) administration of endocrine therapy for women with AJCC Stage T1c, II, or III hormone receptor-positive breast cancer within 365 days; and (3) radiation therapy for women receiving breast-conserving surgery within one year. Implementation of a multidisciplinary patient navigation program reduced time to treatment and improved compliance with adjuvant therapy for breast cancer in an underserved minority community.

Caries Detection Methods Based on Changes in Optical Properties between Healthy and Carious Tissue

PubMed Central

Karlsson, Lena

2010-01-01

A conservative, noninvasive or minimally invasive approach to clinical management of dental caries requires diagnostic techniques capable of detecting and quantifying lesions at an early stage, when progression can be arrested or reversed. Objective evidence of initiation of the disease can be detected in the form of distinct changes in the optical properties of the affected tooth structure. Caries detection methods based on changes in a specific optical property are collectively referred to as optically based methods. This paper presents a simple overview of the feasibility of three such technologies for quantitative or semiquantitative assessment of caries lesions. Two of the techniques are well-established: quantitative light-induced fluorescence, which is used primarily in caries research, and laser-induced fluorescence, a commercially available method used in clinical dental practice. The third technique, based on near-infrared transillumination of dental enamel is in the developmental stages. PMID:20454579

In vivo staging of regional amyloid deposition.

PubMed

Grothe, Michel J; Barthel, Henryk; Sepulcre, Jorge; Dyrba, Martin; Sabri, Osama; Teipel, Stefan J

2017-11-14

To estimate a regional progression pattern of amyloid deposition from cross-sectional amyloid-sensitive PET data and evaluate its potential for in vivo staging of an individual's amyloid pathology. Multiregional analysis of florbetapir ( 18 F-AV45)-PET data was used to determine individual amyloid distribution profiles in a sample of 667 participants from the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative cohort, including cognitively normal older individuals (CN) as well as patients with mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer disease (AD) dementia. The frequency of regional amyloid positivity across CN individuals was used to construct a 4-stage model of progressing amyloid pathology, and individual distribution profiles were used to evaluate the consistency of this hierarchical stage model across the full cohort. According to a 4-stage model, amyloid deposition begins in temporobasal and frontomedial areas, and successively affects the remaining associative neocortex, primary sensory-motor areas and the medial temporal lobe, and finally the striatum. Amyloid deposition in these brain regions showed a highly consistent hierarchical nesting across participants, where only 2% exhibited distribution profiles that deviated from the staging scheme. The earliest in vivo amyloid stages were mostly missed by conventional dichotomous classification approaches based on global florbetapir-PET signal, but were associated with significantly reduced CSF Aβ42 levels. Advanced in vivo amyloid stages were most frequent in patients with AD and correlated with cognitive impairment in individuals without dementia. The highly consistent regional hierarchy of PET-evidenced amyloid deposition across participants resembles neuropathologic observations and suggests a predictable regional sequence that may be used to stage an individual's progress of amyloid pathology in vivo. Copyright © 2017 The Author(s). Published by Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. on behalf of the American Academy of Neurology.

The Two Stage Model of Preeclampsia: Variations on the Theme

PubMed Central

Roberts, James M; Hubel, Carl A.

2009-01-01

The Two Stage Model of preeclampsia proposes that a poorly perfused placenta (Stage 1) produces factor(s) leading to the clinical manifestations of preeclampsia (Stage2). Stage 1 is not sufficient to cause the maternal syndrome but interacts with maternal constitutional factors (genetic, behavioral or environmental) to result in Stage 2. Recent information indicates the necessity for modifications of this model. It is apparent that changes relevant to preeclampsia and other implantation disorders can be detected in the first trimester, long before the failed vascular remodeling necessary to reduce placental perfusion. In addition, although the factor(s) released from the placenta has usually been considered a toxin, we suggest that what is released may also be an appropriate signal from the fetal/placental unit to overcome reduced nutrient availability that cannot by tolerated by some women who develop preeclampsia. Further, it is evident that linkage is not likely to be by one factor but several, different for different women. Also although the initial model limited the role of maternal constitutional factors to the genesis of Stage 2, this does not appear to be the case. It is evident that the factors increasing risk for preeclampsia are also associated with abnormal implantation. These several modifications have important implications. An earlier origin for Stage 1, which appears to be recognizable by altered concentrations of placental products, could allow earlier intervention. The possibility of a fetal placental factor increasing nutrient availability could provide novel therapeutic options. Different linkages and preeclampsia subtypes could direct specific preventive treatments for different women while the role of maternal constitutional factors to affect placentation provides targets for prepregnancy therapy. The modified Two Stage Model provides a useful guide towards investigating pathophysiology and guiding therapy. PMID:19070896

Role of Ultrasonography of Regional Nodal Basins in Staging Triple-Negative Breast Cancer and Implications For Local-Regional Treatment

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

Shaitelman, Simona F., E-mail: sfshaitelman@mdanderson.org; Tereffe, Welela; Dogan, Basak E.

2015-09-01

Purpose: We sought to determine the rate at which regional nodal ultrasonography would increase the nodal disease stage in patients with triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) beyond the clinical stage determined by physical examination and mammography alone, and significantly affect the treatments delivered to these patients. Methods and Materials: We retrospectively reviewed the charts of women with stages I to III TNBC who underwent physical examination, mammography, breast and regional nodal ultrasonography with needle biopsy of abnormal nodes, and definitive local-regional treatment at our institution between 2004 and 2011. The stages of these patients' disease with and without ultrasonography of the regionalmore » nodal basins were compared using the Pearson χ{sup 2} test. Definitive treatments of patients whose nodal disease was upstaged on the basis of ultrasonographic findings were compared to those of patients whose disease stage remained the same. Results: A total of 572 women met the study requirements. In 111 (19.4%) of these patients, regional nodal ultrasonography with needle biopsy resulted in an increase in disease stage from the original stage by physical examination and mammography alone. Significantly higher percentages of patients whose nodal disease was upstaged by ultrasonographic findings compared to that in patients whose disease was not upstaged underwent neoadjuvant systemic therapy (91.9% and 51.2%, respectively; P<.0001), axillary lymph node dissection (99.1% and 34.5%, respectively; P<.0001), and radiation to the regional nodal basins (88.2% and 29.1%, respectively; P<.0001). Conclusions: Regional nodal ultrasonography in TNBC frequently changes the initial clinical stage and plays an important role in treatment planning.« less

The effect of pre-existing mental health comorbidities on the stage at diagnosis and timeliness of care of solid tumor malignances in a Veterans Affairs (VA) medical center

PubMed Central

Wadia, Roxanne J; Yao, Xiaopan; Deng, Yanhong; Li, Jia; Maron, Steven; Connery, Donna; Gunduz-Bruce, Handan; Rose, Michal G

2015-01-01

There are limited data on the impact of mental health comorbidities (MHC) on stage at diagnosis and timeliness of cancer care. Axis I MHC affect approximately 30% of Veterans receiving care within the Veterans Affairs (VA) system. The purpose of this study was to compare stage at diagnosis and timeliness of care of solid tumor malignancies among Veterans with and without MHC. We performed a retrospective analysis of 408 charts of Veterans with colorectal, urothelial, and head/neck cancer diagnosed and treated at VA Connecticut Health Care System (VACHS) between 2008 and 2011. We collected demographic data, stage at diagnosis, medical and mental health co-morbidities, treatments received, key time intervals, and number of appointments missed. The study was powered to assess for stage migration of 15–20% from Stage I/II to Stage III/IV. There was no significant change in stage distribution for patients with and without MHC in the entire study group (p = 0.9442) and in each individual tumor type. There were no significant differences in the time intervals from onset of symptoms to initiation of treatment between patients with and without MHC (p = 0.1135, 0.2042 and 0.2352, respectively). We conclude that at VACHS, stage at diagnosis for patients with colorectal, urothelial and head and neck cancers did not differ significantly between patients with and without MHC. Patients with MHC did not experience significant delays in care. Our study indicates that in a medical system in which mental health is integrated into routine care, patients with Axis I MHC do not experience delays in cancer care. PMID:26063243

The pharmacological cost of COPD during Greek economic crisis.

PubMed

Stafyla, Eirini; Kerenidi, Theodora; Gerogianni, Irini; Geitona, Mary; Daniil, Zoe; Gourgoulianis, Konstantinos I

2017-01-01

The economic crisis in Greece has substantially affected patients with COPD. The reduction of disposable income has its consequences on patients' ability to afford their medication. The aim of the study is to evaluate the cost of treatment for patients with COPD and the influence of the financial crisis to the patients. Data were collected from 189 patients (male: 178, mean age: 70.1±8.4) who visited the outpatient department of University Hospital of Larissa in 2014 and 2015. The pharmacological cost of treatment was calculated based on national pharmaceutical formulary prices. COPD patients were classified into four stages according to Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD): 7.4% were in stage I, 43.4% in stage II, 34.4% in stage III, and 14.8% in stage IV. Patients were graded as per GOLD as follows: 18% as grade A, 14.3% as B, 23.3% as C, and 44.4% as D. The annual cost of COPD maintenance treatment per patient was €952.92 (±398.01), of which €239.91 were patients' expenses. The annual treatment cost for stable disease ranged from €615.44 to €1302.03 depending on disease stages (GOLD stages I-IV) and from €715.01 to €1101.05 depending on GOLD grades (grades A-D). The cost of maintenance medication was statistically and significantly higher for patients with advanced disease (GOLD stages III-IV) and for patients at high risk (GOLD grades C-D [ P =0.000]). The pharmacological cost of treatment for COPD patients seems to be considerably high, in all disease stages. As the average income is decreased, patients face difficulties to afford inhaled medication.

Influence of Pulmonary Nodules on Chest Computed Tomography and Risk of Recurrence in Stage IV Wilms Tumor

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

Kirkland, Robert S.; Nanda, Ronica H., E-mail: rhazari@emory.edu; Alazraki, Adina

Purpose: Chest computed tomography (CT) is currently accepted as the main modality for initial disease staging and response assessment in Wilms tumor (WT). However, there is great variability in the number and size of lung metastases at the time of diagnosis and after induction chemotherapy. There is a lack of clinical evidence as to how this variability in tumor burden affects choice of therapy and disease outcome. This study sought to evaluate a previously proposed lung metastases risk stratification system based on CT findings and clinical outcomes in stage IV WT patients. Methods and Materials: Thirty-five pediatric patients with amore » diagnosis of stage IV WT with evaluable pre- and postdiagnosis CT scans between 1997 and 2012 were included in the analysis. Patients were divided into low-, intermediate-, and high-risk categories based on the size and number of pulmonary metastases before and after 6 weeks of chemotherapy. Association of the lung risk groups with lung recurrence-free survival and overall survival at each time point was analyzed with relevant covariates. Results: Risk group distribution both at diagnosis and after induction chemotherapy was not influenced by tumor histology. Initial risk grouping suggested an association with disease-free survival at 5 years (P=.074); however, the most significant correlation was with postinduction chemotherapy disease status (P=.027). In patients with an intermediate or high burden of disease after 6 weeks of chemotherapy, despite receiving whole-lung and boost irradiation, survival outcomes were poorer. Conclusions: Pulmonary tumor burden in stage IV WT on chest CT can predict disease outcome. Patients with intermediate- or low-risk disease, especially after induction therapy, have a higher risk for recurrence. After prospective validation, this method may become a valuable tool in adaptation of therapy to improve outcome.« less

A study of the tyramine/glucose Maillard reaction: Variables, characterization, cytotoxicity and preliminary application.

PubMed

Jiang, Wei; Chen, Yaxin; He, Xiaoxia; Hu, Shiwei; Li, Shijie; Liu, Yu

2018-01-15

The tyramine/glucose Maillard reaction was proposed as an emerging tool for tyramine reduction in a model system and two commercial soy sauce samples. The model system was composed of tyramine and glucose in buffer solutions with or without NaCl. The results showed that tyramine was reduced in the model system, and the reduction rate was affected by temperature, heating time, initial pH value, NaCl concentration, initial glucose concentration and initial tyramine concentration. Changes in fluorescence intensity and ultraviolet-visible (UV-vis) absorption spectra showed three stages of the Maillard reaction between tyramine and glucose. Cytotoxicity assay demonstrated that tyramine/glucose Maillard reaction products (MRPs) were significantly less toxic than that of tyramine (p<0.05). Moreover, tyramine concentration in soy sauce samples was significantly reduced when heated with the addition of glucose (p<0.05). Experimental results showed that the tyramine/glucose Maillard reaction is a promising method for tyramine reduction in foods. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Radiation Therapy-First Strategy After Surgery With or Without Adjuvant Chemotherapy in Stage IIIA-N2 Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer.

PubMed

Lee, Hyun Woo; Noh, O Kyu; Oh, Young-Taek; Choi, Jin-Hyuk; Chun, Mison; Kim, Hwan-Ik; Heo, Jaesung; Ahn, Mi Sun; Park, Seong Yong; Park, Rae Woong; Yoon, Dukyong

2016-03-01

Postoperative radiation therapy (PORT) and postoperative chemotherapy (POCT) can be administered as adjuvant therapies in patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The aim of this study was to present the clinical outcomes in patients treated with PORT-first with or without subsequent POCT in stage IIIA-N2 NSCLC. From January 2002 to November 2014, the conditions of 105 patients with stage IIIA-N2 NSCLC who received PORT-first with or without subsequent POCT were analyzed. PORT was initiated within 4 to 6 weeks after surgical resection. Platinum-based POCT was administered 3 to 4 weeks after the completion of PORT. We analyzed the outcomes and the clinical factors affecting survival. Of 105 patients, 43 (41.0%) received POCT with a median of 4 cycles (range, 2-6 cycles). The follow-up times ranged from 3 to 123 months (median, 30 months), and the 5-year overall survival (OS) was 40.2%. The 5-year OS of patients treated with PORT and POCT was significantly higher than that of patients with PORT (61.3% vs 29.2%, P<.001). The significant prognostic factors affecting OS were the use of POCT (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.453, P=.036) and type of surgery (pneumonectomy/lobectomy; HR = 2.845, P<.001). PORT-first strategy after surgery appeared not to compromise the clinical outcomes in the treatment of stage IIIA-N2 NSCLC. The benefit of POCT on OS was preserved even in the PORT-first setting. Further studies are warranted to compare the sequencing of PORT and POCT, guaranteeing the proper use of POCT. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Differential patterns of accumulation and retention of dietary trace elements associated with coal ash during larval development and metamorphosis of an amphibian.

PubMed

Heyes, Andrew; Rowe, Christopher L; Conrad, Phillip

2014-01-01

We performed an experiment in which larval gray tree frogs (Hyla chrysoscelis) were raised through metamorphosis on diets increased with a suite of elements associated with coal combustion residues (silver [Ag], arsenic [As], cadmium [Cd], chromium [Cr], copper [Cu], mercury [Hg], lead [Pb], selenium [Se], vanadium [V], and zinc [Zn]) at "low" and "high" concentrations. We quantified accumulation of metals at three life stages (mid-larval development, initiation of metamorphosis, and completion of metamorphosis) as well as effects on survival, metabolic rate, size at metamorphosis, and duration and loss of weight during metamorphosis. Most elements were accumulated in a dose-dependent pattern by some or all life stages, although this was not the case for Hg. For most elements, larval body burdens exceeded those of later life stages in some or all treatments (control, low, or high). However for Se, As, and Hg, body burdens in control and low concentrations were increased in later compared with earlier life stages. A lack of dose-dependent accumulation of Hg suggests that the presence of high concentrations of other elements (possibly Se) either inhibited accumulation or increased depuration of Hg. The duration of metamorphosis (forelimb emergence through tail resorption) was lengthened in individuals exposed to the highest concentrations of elements, but there were no other statistically significant biological effects. This study shows that patterns of accumulation and possibly depuration of metals and trace elements are complex in animals possessing complex life cycles. Further study is required to determine specific interactions affecting these patterns, in particular which elements may be responsible for affecting accumulation or retention of Hg when organisms are exposed to complex mixtures of elements.

Radiation Therapy–First Strategy After Surgery With or Without Adjuvant Chemotherapy in Stage IIIA-N2 Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

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

Lee, Hyun Woo; Noh, O Kyu, E-mail: okyu.noh@gmail.com; Oh, Young-Taek

Purpose: Postoperative radiation therapy (PORT) and postoperative chemotherapy (POCT) can be administered as adjuvant therapies in patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The aim of this study was to present the clinical outcomes in patients treated with PORT-first with or without subsequent POCT in stage IIIA-N2 NSCLC. Methods and Materials: From January 2002 to November 2014, the conditions of 105 patients with stage IIIA-N2 NSCLC who received PORT-first with or without subsequent POCT were analyzed. PORT was initiated within 4 to 6 weeks after surgical resection. Platinum-based POCT was administered 3 to 4 weeks after the completion of PORT. We analyzedmore » the outcomes and the clinical factors affecting survival. Results: Of 105 patients, 43 (41.0%) received POCT with a median of 4 cycles (range, 2-6 cycles). The follow-up times ranged from 3 to 123 months (median, 30 months), and the 5-year overall survival (OS) was 40.2%. The 5-year OS of patients treated with PORT and POCT was significantly higher than that of patients with PORT (61.3% vs 29.2%, P<.001). The significant prognostic factors affecting OS were the use of POCT (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.453, P=.036) and type of surgery (pneumonectomy/lobectomy; HR = 2.845, P<.001). Conclusions: PORT-first strategy after surgery appeared not to compromise the clinical outcomes in the treatment of stage IIIA-N2 NSCLC. The benefit of POCT on OS was preserved even in the PORT-first setting. Further studies are warranted to compare the sequencing of PORT and POCT, guaranteeing the proper use of POCT.« less

The free radical chain mechanism of the initial stages of crude oil oxidation in term of SARA fractions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ushakova, A.; Emelyanov, D.; Zatsepin, V.; Varfolomeev, M.

2018-05-01

The formation and decomposition of hydro-peroxides are the key stages of combustion. These stages strongly depend on the several factors accelerating or slowing this process. The aim of this work is to estimate experimentally which oil components act as inhibitors of initial stages of oxidation and which accelerate the process. The next aim is to explore the process of adsorption of oil components on the grain of rock, which turned to be also a key process in the low temperature oxidation. The work includes experimental part where differential scanning calorimeter (PDSC) experiments with pure saturates, mixtures of saturates and aromatic oil fractions and mixtures of saturates, aromatic fractions and rock samples are considered. Effects of inhibition and acceleration of the initial oxidation stages are explored.

A methodological framework to support the initiation, design and institutionalization of participatory modeling processes in water resources management

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Halbe, Johannes; Pahl-Wostl, Claudia; Adamowski, Jan

2018-01-01

Multiple barriers constrain the widespread application of participatory methods in water management, including the more technical focus of most water agencies, additional cost and time requirements for stakeholder involvement, as well as institutional structures that impede collaborative management. This paper presents a stepwise methodological framework that addresses the challenges of context-sensitive initiation, design and institutionalization of participatory modeling processes. The methodological framework consists of five successive stages: (1) problem framing and stakeholder analysis, (2) process design, (3) individual modeling, (4) group model building, and (5) institutionalized participatory modeling. The Management and Transition Framework is used for problem diagnosis (Stage One), context-sensitive process design (Stage Two) and analysis of requirements for the institutionalization of participatory water management (Stage Five). Conceptual modeling is used to initiate participatory modeling processes (Stage Three) and ensure a high compatibility with quantitative modeling approaches (Stage Four). This paper describes the proposed participatory model building (PMB) framework and provides a case study of its application in Québec, Canada. The results of the Québec study demonstrate the applicability of the PMB framework for initiating and designing participatory model building processes and analyzing barriers towards institutionalization.

Research in the design of high-performance reconfigurable systems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Slotnick, D. L.; Mcewan, S. D.; Spry, A. J.

1984-01-01

An initial design for the Bit Processor (BP) referred to in prior reports as the Processing Element or PE has been completed. Eight BP's, together with their supporting random-access memory, a 64 k x 9 ROM to perform addition, routing logic, and some additional logic, constitute the components of a single stage. An initial stage design is given. Stages may be combined to perform high-speed fixed or floating point arithmetic. Stages can be configured into a range of arithmetic modules that includes bit-serial one or two-dimensional arrays; one or two dimensional arrays fixed or floating point processors; and specialized uniprocessors, such as long-word arithmetic units. One to eight BP's represent a likely initial chip level. The Stage would then correspond to a first-level pluggable module. As both this project and VLSI CAD/CAM progress, however, it is expected that the chip level would migrate upward to the stage and, perhaps, ultimately the box level. The BP RAM, consisting of two banks, holds only operands and indices. Programs are at the box (high-level function) and system level. At the system level initial effort has been concentrated on specifying the tools needed to evaluate design alternatives.

Moisture content during extrusion of oats impacts the initial fermentation metabolites and probiotic bacteria during extended fermentation by human fecal microbiota.

PubMed

Brahma, Sandrayee; Weier, Steven A; Rose, Devin J

2017-07-01

Extrusion exposes flour components to high pressure and shear during processing, which may affect the dietary fiber fermentability by human fecal microbiota. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of flour moisture content during extrusion on in vitro fermentation properties of whole grain oats. Extrudates were processed at three moisture levels (15%, 18%, and 21%) at fixed screw speed (300rpm) and temperature (130°C). The extrudates were then subjected to in vitro digestion and fermentation. Extrusion moisture significantly affected water-extractable β-glucan (WE-BG) in the extrudates, with samples processed at 15% moisture (lowest) and 21% moisture (highest) having the highest concentration of WE-BG. After the first 8h of fermentation, more WE-BG remained in fermentation media in samples processed at 15% moisture compared with the other conditions. Also, extrusion moisture significantly affected the production of acetate, butyrate, and total SCFA by the microbiota during the first 8h of fermentation. Microbiota grown on extrudates processed at 18% moisture had the highest production of acetate and total SCFA, whereas bacteria grown on extrudates processed at 15% and 18% moisture had the highest butyrate production. After 24h of fermentation, samples processed at 15% moisture supported lower Bifidobacterium counts than those produced at other conditions, but had among the highest Lactobacillus counts. Thus, moisture content during extrusion significantly affects production of fermentation metabolites by the gut microbiota during the initial stages of fermentation, while also affecting probiotic bacteria counts during extended fermentation. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

CHD chromatin remodelers and the transcription cycle

PubMed Central

Murawska, Magdalena

2011-01-01

It is well established that ATP-dependent chromatin remodelers modulate DNA access of transcription factors and RNA polymerases by “opening” or “closing” chromatin structure. However, this view is far too simplistic. Recent findings have demonstrated that these enzymes not only set the stage for the transcription machinery to act but also are actively involved at every step of the transcription process. As a consequence, they affect initiation, elongation, termination and RNA processing. In this review we will use the CHD family as a paradigm to illustrate the progress that has been made in revealing these new concepts. PMID:22223048

Lichen growth responses to stress induced by automobile exhaust pollution

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

Lawrey, J.D.; Hale, M.E. Jr.

1979-04-27

Growth rates were significantly suppressed in juvenile thalli (less than 0.1 square millimeter in initial size) of the saxicolous lichen Pseudoparmelia baltimorensis from a Potomac River island with high atmospheric lead burden as compared to the case for a similar island with a lower lead burden. However, larger thalli showed no significant changes in growth response as a result of atmospheric pollution stress. Disruptions in lichen growth thus appear to affect life stages when growth is most rapid and food reserves are low. Once a minimum thallus size is attained, the stress tolerance of the lichen increases.

40 CFR Table 3 to Subpart Cccc of... - Initial Compliance With Emission Limitations

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... Yeast Pt. 63, Subpart CCCC, Table 3 Table 3 to Subpart CCCC of Part 63—Initial Compliance With Emission... demonstrated initial compliance if . . . 1. Each fed-batch fermenter producing yeast in a fermentation stage... yeast in a fermentation stage (last (Trade), second-to-last (First Generation), or third-to-last (Stock...

40 CFR Table 3 to Subpart Cccc of... - Initial Compliance With Emission Limitations

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... Yeast Pt. 63, Subpart CCCC, Table 3 Table 3 to Subpart CCCC of Part 63—Initial Compliance With Emission... demonstrated initial compliance if . . . 1. Each fed-batch fermenter producing yeast in a fermentation stage... yeast in a fermentation stage (last (Trade), second-to-last (First Generation), or third-to-last (Stock...

40 CFR Table 3 to Subpart Cccc of... - Initial Compliance With Emission Limitations

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... Yeast Pt. 63, Subpart CCCC, Table 3 Table 3 to Subpart CCCC of Part 63—Initial Compliance With Emission... demonstrated initial compliance if . . . 1. Each fed-batch fermenter producing yeast in a fermentation stage... yeast in a fermentation stage (last (Trade), second-to-last (First Generation), or third-to-last (Stock...

Wearable Sensors in Transportation - Exploratory Advanced Research Program Initial Stage Investigation

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2016-03-01

This report summarizes an initial stage investigation into wearable sensors for transportation research : applications. The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) has observed significant activity in this area and : seeks to obtain an understanding of...

40 CFR Table 3 to Subpart Cccc of... - Initial Compliance With Emission Limitations

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... demonstrated initial compliance if . . . 1. Each fed-batch fermenter producing yeast in a fermentation stage... yeast in a fermentation stage (last (Trade), second-to-last (First Generation), or third-to-last (Stock...

Efficiency of molar distalization associated with second and third molar eruption stage.

PubMed

Flores-Mir, Carlos; McGrath, Lisa; Heo, Giseon; Major, Paul W

2013-07-01

To evaluate the efficiency of molar distalization associated with the second and third molar eruption stage. A systematic computerized database search was conducted using several databases. Adaptations of the terms molar distalization and distalizing appliances were used. The reference lists of all the selected articles were also searched for any potential articles that might have been missed in the electronic search. The data provided in the selected publications were grouped and analyzed in terms of molar distalization with respect to various eruption stages of maxillary second and third molars. Out of the 13 initially identified articles only four fulfilled the final selection criteria. Three of the four studies showed no statistical significance in linear molar distalization based on the eruptive stage of the second and/or third molars, while one study found that the amount of distal movement of the first molars was significantly greater in the group with unerupted second molars. Only one study found that the amount of molar tipping that occurred as a result of distalization was related to the eruption stage of the maxillary molars. Similarly, three of the four studies found that molar distalization time was not significantly affected by eruption of the second or third molars. The effect of maxillary second and third molar eruption stage on molar distalization-both linear and angular distalization-appears to be minimal. This conclusion is only based on low-level of evidence clinical trials. The large variability in the outcomes should be considered clinically.

The problem solution on wedge penetration in an initially anisotropic medium within the rigid-plastic scheme

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chanyshev, AI; Abdulin, IM

2018-03-01

Two problems are solved in the paper: on ultimate loads in the initial stage of indentation of an absolutely rigid smooth wedge into a layer of an initially anisotropic plastic medium and in the final stage when the tool penetrates through the layer. The problems are solved with Chanyshev’s constitutive relations of plasticity of the initially anisotropic medium based on use of the eigen elasticity tensors.

Soliton-plasma nonlinear dynamics in mid-IR gas-filled hollow-core fibers.

PubMed

Selim Habib, Md; Markos, Christos; Bang, Ole; Bache, Morten

2017-06-01

We investigate numerically soliton-plasma interaction in a noble-gas-filled silica hollow-core anti-resonant fiber pumped in the mid-IR at 3.0 μm. We observe multiple soliton self-compression stages due to distinct stages where either the self-focusing or the self-defocusing nonlinearity dominates. Specifically, the parameters may be tuned so the competing plasma self-defocusing nonlinearity only dominates over the Kerr self-focusing nonlinearity around the soliton self-compression stage, where the increasing peak intensity on the leading pulse edge initiates a competing self-defocusing plasma nonlinearity acting nonlocally on the trailing edge, effectively preventing soliton formation there. As the plasma switches off after the self-compression stage, self-focusing dominates again, initiating another soliton self-compression stage in the trailing edge. This process is accompanied by supercontinuum generation spanning 1-4 μm. We find that the spectral coherence drops as the secondary compression stage is initiated.

Coupled simulation of CFD-flight-mechanics with a two-species-gas-model for the hot rocket staging

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Yi; Reimann, Bodo; Eggers, Thino

2016-11-01

The hot rocket staging is to separate the lowest stage by directly ignite the continuing-stage-motor. During the hot staging, the rocket stages move in a harsh dynamic environment. In this work, the hot staging dynamics of a multistage rocket is studied using the coupled simulation of Computational Fluid Dynamics and Flight Mechanics. Plume modeling is crucial for a coupled simulation with high fidelity. A 2-species-gas model is proposed to simulate the flow system of the rocket during the staging: the free-stream is modeled as "cold air" and the exhausted plume from the continuing-stage-motor is modeled with an equivalent calorically-perfect-gas that approximates the properties of the plume at the nozzle exit. This gas model can well comprise between the computation accuracy and efficiency. In the coupled simulations, the Navier-Stokes equations are time-accurately solved in moving system, with which the Flight Mechanics equations can be fully coupled. The Chimera mesh technique is utilized to deal with the relative motions of the separated stages. A few representative staging cases with different initial flight conditions of the rocket are studied with the coupled simulation. The torque led by the plume-induced-flow-separation at the aft-wall of the continuing-stage is captured during the staging, which can assist the design of the controller of the rocket. With the increasing of the initial angle-of-attack of the rocket, the staging quality becomes evidently poorer, but the separated stages are generally stable when the initial angle-of-attack of the rocket is small.

Sexual maturation in kokanee Oncorhynchus nerka

USGS Publications Warehouse

Patterson, S.D.; Scarnecchia, D.L.; Congleton, J.L.

2008-01-01

We used observational and experimental approaches to obtain information on factors affecting the timing of maturation of kokanee Oncorhynchus nerka, a semelparous, landlocked salmon. Gonadal staging criteria were developed and applied to three kokanee populations in Idaho lakes and reservoirs. Testes were classified into three stages: immature (stage one, S1), maturing (S2), and mature (S3). Ovaries were classified into eight stages: immature (S1-S3), transitional (stage S4), maturing (S5-S7), and mature (S8). Males entered the maturing stage (S2) in February through April of the spawning year. Females entered maturing stage (S5) as early as July of the year before the spawning year, and as late as March of the spawning year. Three hatchery experiments demonstrated that attainment of a larger body size 10 to 16 months before spawning increased the likelihood of initiation of maturation in both sexes. No gonads in a state of regression were observed. A gonadosomatic index above 0.1 by early July was a good indicator of a maturing male, and a gonadosomatic index above 1.0 by early July was a good indicator of a maturing female. Instantaneous growth rates were not good predictors of maturation, but attaining a size threshold of 18 to 19 cm in the fall was a good predictor of maturation the following year. This improved knowledge of kokanee maturation will permit more effectively management of the species for age, growth and size at maturity as well as for contributions to fisheries. ?? 2008 by the Northwest Scientific Association. All rights reserved.

Influenza A Virus-Induced Expression of a GalNAc Transferase, GALNT3, via MicroRNAs Is Required for Enhanced Viral Replication.

PubMed

Nakamura, Shoko; Horie, Masayuki; Daidoji, Tomo; Honda, Tomoyuki; Yasugi, Mayo; Kuno, Atsushi; Komori, Toshihisa; Okuzaki, Daisuke; Narimatsu, Hisashi; Nakaya, Takaaki; Tomonaga, Keizo

2016-02-15

Influenza A virus (IAV) affects the upper and lower respiratory tracts and rapidly induces the expression of mucins, which are common O-glycosylated proteins, on the epithelial surfaces of the respiratory tract. Although mucin production is associated with the inhibition of virus transmission as well as characteristic clinical symptoms, little is known regarding how mucins are produced on the surfaces of respiratory epithelial cells and how they affect IAV replication. In this study, we found that two microRNAs (miRNAs), miR-17-3p and miR-221, which target GalNAc transferase 3 (GALNT3) mRNA, are rapidly downregulated in human alveolar basal epithelial cells during the early stage of IAV infection. We demonstrated that the expression of GALNT3 mRNA is upregulated in an IAV replication-dependent fashion and leads to mucin production in bronchial epithelial cells. A lectin microarray analysis revealed that the stable expression of GALNT3 by human alveolar basal epithelial cells induces mucin-type O-glycosylation modifications similar to those present in IAV-infected cells, suggesting that GALNT3 promotes mucin-type O-linked glycosylation in IAV-infected cells. Notably, analyses using short interfering RNAs and miRNA mimics showed that GALNT3 knockdown significantly reduces IAV replication. Furthermore, IAV replication was markedly decreased in embryonic fibroblast cells obtained from galnt3-knockout mice. Interestingly, IAV-infected galnt3-knockout mice exhibited high mortality and severe pathological alterations in the lungs compared to those of wild-type mice. Our results demonstrate not only the molecular mechanism underlying rapid mucin production during IAV infection but also the contribution of O-linked glycosylation to the replication and propagation of IAV in lung cells. Viral infections that affect the upper or lower respiratory tracts, such as IAV, rapidly induce mucin production on the epithelial surfaces of respiratory cells. However, the details of how mucin-type O-linked glycosylation is initiated by IAV infection and how mucin production affects viral replication have not yet been elucidated. In this study, we show that levels of two miRNAs that target the UDP-GalNAc transferase GALNT3 are markedly decreased during the early stage of IAV infection, resulting in the upregulation of GALNT3 mRNA. We also demonstrate that the expression of GALNT3 initiates mucin production and affects IAV replication in infected cells. This is the first report demonstrating the mechanism underlying the miRNA-mediated initiation of mucin-type O-glycosylation in IAV-infected cells and its role in viral replication. Our results have broad implications for understanding IAV replication and suggest a strategy for the development of novel anti-influenza approaches. Copyright © 2016, American Society for Microbiology. All Rights Reserved.

Influenza A Virus-Induced Expression of a GalNAc Transferase, GALNT3, via MicroRNAs Is Required for Enhanced Viral Replication

PubMed Central

Nakamura, Shoko; Horie, Masayuki; Daidoji, Tomo; Honda, Tomoyuki; Yasugi, Mayo; Kuno, Atsushi; Komori, Toshihisa; Okuzaki, Daisuke; Narimatsu, Hisashi; Nakaya, Takaaki

2015-01-01

ABSTRACT Influenza A virus (IAV) affects the upper and lower respiratory tracts and rapidly induces the expression of mucins, which are common O-glycosylated proteins, on the epithelial surfaces of the respiratory tract. Although mucin production is associated with the inhibition of virus transmission as well as characteristic clinical symptoms, little is known regarding how mucins are produced on the surfaces of respiratory epithelial cells and how they affect IAV replication. In this study, we found that two microRNAs (miRNAs), miR-17-3p and miR-221, which target GalNAc transferase 3 (GALNT3) mRNA, are rapidly downregulated in human alveolar basal epithelial cells during the early stage of IAV infection. We demonstrated that the expression of GALNT3 mRNA is upregulated in an IAV replication-dependent fashion and leads to mucin production in bronchial epithelial cells. A lectin microarray analysis revealed that the stable expression of GALNT3 by human alveolar basal epithelial cells induces mucin-type O-glycosylation modifications similar to those present in IAV-infected cells, suggesting that GALNT3 promotes mucin-type O-linked glycosylation in IAV-infected cells. Notably, analyses using short interfering RNAs and miRNA mimics showed that GALNT3 knockdown significantly reduces IAV replication. Furthermore, IAV replication was markedly decreased in embryonic fibroblast cells obtained from galnt3-knockout mice. Interestingly, IAV-infected galnt3-knockout mice exhibited high mortality and severe pathological alterations in the lungs compared to those of wild-type mice. Our results demonstrate not only the molecular mechanism underlying rapid mucin production during IAV infection but also the contribution of O-linked glycosylation to the replication and propagation of IAV in lung cells. IMPORTANCE Viral infections that affect the upper or lower respiratory tracts, such as IAV, rapidly induce mucin production on the epithelial surfaces of respiratory cells. However, the details of how mucin-type O-linked glycosylation is initiated by IAV infection and how mucin production affects viral replication have not yet been elucidated. In this study, we show that levels of two miRNAs that target the UDP-GalNAc transferase GALNT3 are markedly decreased during the early stage of IAV infection, resulting in the upregulation of GALNT3 mRNA. We also demonstrate that the expression of GALNT3 initiates mucin production and affects IAV replication in infected cells. This is the first report demonstrating the mechanism underlying the miRNA-mediated initiation of mucin-type O-glycosylation in IAV-infected cells and its role in viral replication. Our results have broad implications for understanding IAV replication and suggest a strategy for the development of novel anti-influenza approaches. PMID:26637460

2-[18F]-fluoro-2-desoxy-D-glucose positron emission tomography initial staging impacts on survival in Hodgkin lymphoma

PubMed Central

Cerci, Juliano J; Linardi, Camila C G; Pracchia, Luís F; Junior, José Soares; Trindade, Evelinda; Delbeke, Dominique; Cerci, Rodrigo J; Carr, Robert; Meneghetti, José C; Buccheri, Valeria

2013-01-01

AIM: To assess the prognostic value and risk classification improvement of metabolic staging (MS) with Initial 2-[18F]-fluoro-2-desoxy-D-glucose positron emission tomography (FDG-PET) in initial staging of Hodgkin’s Lymphoma (HL) patients to predict 5 years overall survival (5y-OS) and event free survival (EFS). METHODS: A total of 275 patients were included in this retrospective study, 155 patients were staged with conventional anatomical staging (AS), and 120 also submitted to MS (FDG-PET). Prognostic analysis compared 5y-OS and 5y-EFS of patients staged with AS and MS. Risk-adjusted models incorporated clinical risk factors, computed tomography and FDG-PET staging. RESULTS: During the follow up of 267 evaluated patients, 220 (122 AS and 98 MS) achieved complete remission after first-line therapy (median follow-up: 70 ± 29 mo), treatment failure occurred in 79 patients and 34 died. The 5y-EFS for early vs advanced disease in AS patients was 79.3% and 66.7%, and 85.6% and 53.6% in MS patients, respectively (P < 0.01). The 5y-OS for early and advanced disease with AS was 91.3% and 81.5%, and 97.5% and 80.7% for patients staged with MS, respectively. Cox proportional hazards analysis demonstrated that FDG-PET added significant prognostic information and improved risk prediction (P = 0.02). CONCLUSION: Initial staging FDG-PET could be used as an accurate and independent predictor of OS and EFS in HL, with impact in 5y-EFS and OS. PMID:24379935

Assessment of temporal association of relapse of canine multicentric lymphoma with components of the CHOP protocol: Is cyclophosphamide the weakest link?

PubMed

Wang, Shang-Lin; Lee, Jih-Jong; Liao, Albert Taiching

2016-07-01

Combination chemotherapy, using cyclophosphamide, hydroxydaunorubicin, vincristine and prednisolone (CHOP), is the most commonly used treatment for canine lymphoma. Most affected dogs respond during the initial stages of chemotherapy, but many relapse. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between the use of specific chemotherapy drugs and clinical relapse, using the modified Madison-Wisconsin, 25 week chemotherapy protocol. Forty-one of 68 dogs affected with multicentric lymphoma relapsed during the treatment period. Relapse occurred more frequently after the administration of cyclophosphamide (n = 24; P < 0.01), compared with vincristine (n = 9) or doxorubicin (n = 5). Therefore, the therapeutic outcome of traditional CHOP-based chemotherapy might be improved by replacing cyclophosphamide with other cytotoxic drugs. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

The "emotion misattribution" procedure: processing beyond good and bad under masked and unmasked presentation conditions.

PubMed

Rohr, Michaela; Degner, Juliane; Wentura, Dirk

2015-01-01

In general, it is assumed that misattribution in the Affect Misattribution Procedure (AMP) is restricted to crude affect due to its unbound nature, especially under limited presentation conditions. In two experiments, we investigated whether emotion-specific misattributions occur using a four-category misattribution procedure. Experiment 1 yielded emotion-specific misattribution effects under clearly visible presentation conditions demonstrating that the procedure is principally susceptible for emotion-specific effects. In Experiment 2, we employed masked presentation conditions impeding conscious prime perception. A specific pattern of emotion-specific misattributions effects emerged indicating some emotion-specific processing at initial stages of processing. However, not each emotion was misattributed equally. We discuss the implications of these results for the non-conscious processing of emotional information, for the supposed mechanisms of the AMP and its implicit nature.

Investigation of water seepage through porous media using X-ray imaging technique

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jung, Sung Yong; Lim, Seungmin; Lee, Sang Joon

2012-07-01

SummaryDynamic movement of wetting front and variation of water contents through three different porous media were investigated using X-ray radiography. Water and natural sand particles were used as liquid and porous media in this study. To minimize the effects of minor X-ray attenuation and uneven illumination, the flat field correction (FFC) was applied before determining the position of wetting front. In addition, the thickness-averaged (in the direction of the X-ray penetration) water content was obtained by employing the Beer-Lambert law. The initial inertia of water droplet influences more strongly on the vertical migration, compared to the horizontal migration. The effect of initial inertia on the horizontal migration is enhanced as sand size decreases. The pattern of water transport is observed to be significantly affected by the initial water contents. As the initial water contents increases, the bulb-type transport pattern is shifted to a trapezoidal shape. With increasing surface temperature, water droplets are easily broken on the sand surface. This consequently decreases the length of the initial inertia region. Different from the wetting front migration, the water contents at the initial stage clearly exhibit a preferential flow along the vertical direction. The water transport becomes nearly uniform in all directions beyond the saturation state.

Initial shunt type at the Norwood operation impacts myocardial function in hypoplastic left heart syndrome.

PubMed

Ruotsalainen, Hanna K; Pihkala, Jaana; Salminen, Jukka; Hornberger, Lisa K; Sairanen, Heikki; Ojala, Tiina

2017-08-01

We investigated the impact of initial shunt type, a Blalock-Taussig (BT) shunt versus a right ventricle to pulmonary artery conduit (RV-PA) on myocardial function at different stages of surgical palliation in patients with hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS). A population-based cohort of 63 Finnish children with HLHS (BT n  = 23, RV-PA n  = 40) born between 2003 and 2010 were studied retrospectively by echocardiography prior to Stages 1, 2 and 3 palliation and 0.5-3 years after Stage 3. For comparison of systolic myocardial function, we evaluated the RV fractional area change (FAC), strain, strain rate and mechanical synchrony from the apical 4-chamber view by velocity vector imaging. There were no intergroup differences in demographics during the study period. At baseline, no intergroup differences were detected in RV systolic myocardial function. Before Stage 2, RV FAC was higher ( P  = 0.03) in the RV-PA conduit group. At Stage 3, an increase in all systolic myocardial functional parameters was observed in the BT shunt group. After Stage 3, the BT shunt group had better RV systolic function. In multiple regression analysis, the shunt type and the stage of palliation had an impact on myocardial function. Although patients with HLHS initially palliated with a BT shunt demonstrate lower RV FAC after Stage I, RV FAC improves after Stage 2 with better systolic performance after Stage 3 compared with those initially palliated with an RV-PA conduit. © The Author 2017. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery. All rights reserved.

Pioneers and Followers: Migrant Selectivity and the Development of U.S. Migration Streams in Latin America

PubMed Central

Lindstrom, David P.; Ramírez, Adriana López

2013-01-01

We present a method for dividing the historical development of community migration streams into an initial period and a subsequent takeoff stage with the purpose of systemically differentiating pioneer migrants from follower migrants. The analysis is organized around five basic research questions. First, can we empirically identify a juncture in the historical development of community-based migration that marks the transition from an initial stage of low levels of migration and gradual growth into a takeoff stage in which the prevalence of migration grows at a more accelerated rate? Second, does this juncture point exist at roughly similar migration prevalence levels across communities? Third, are first-time migrants in the initial stage (pioneers) different from first-time migrants in the takeoff stage (followers)? Fourth, what is the nature of this migrant selectivity? Finally, does the nature and degree of pioneer selectivity vary across country migration streams? PMID:24489382

Administering an epoch initiated for remote memory access

DOEpatents

Blocksome, Michael A; Miller, Douglas R

2014-03-18

Methods, systems, and products are disclosed for administering an epoch initiated for remote memory access that include: initiating, by an origin application messaging module on an origin compute node, one or more data transfers to a target compute node for the epoch; initiating, by the origin application messaging module after initiating the data transfers, a closing stage for the epoch, including rejecting any new data transfers after initiating the closing stage for the epoch; determining, by the origin application messaging module, whether the data transfers have completed; and closing, by the origin application messaging module, the epoch if the data transfers have completed.

Administering an epoch initiated for remote memory access

DOEpatents

Blocksome, Michael A; Miller, Douglas R

2012-10-23

Methods, systems, and products are disclosed for administering an epoch initiated for remote memory access that include: initiating, by an origin application messaging module on an origin compute node, one or more data transfers to a target compute node for the epoch; initiating, by the origin application messaging module after initiating the data transfers, a closing stage for the epoch, including rejecting any new data transfers after initiating the closing stage for the epoch; determining, by the origin application messaging module, whether the data transfers have completed; and closing, by the origin application messaging module, the epoch if the data transfers have completed.

Administering an epoch initiated for remote memory access

DOEpatents

Blocksome, Michael A.; Miller, Douglas R.

2013-01-01

Methods, systems, and products are disclosed for administering an epoch initiated for remote memory access that include: initiating, by an origin application messaging module on an origin compute node, one or more data transfers to a target compute node for the epoch; initiating, by the origin application messaging module after initiating the data transfers, a closing stage for the epoch, including rejecting any new data transfers after initiating the closing stage for the epoch; determining, by the origin application messaging module, whether the data transfers have completed; and closing, by the origin application messaging module, the epoch if the data transfers have completed.

Stimulating Multiple-Demand Cortex Enhances Vocabulary Learning

PubMed Central

Wise, Richard J.S.; Geranmayeh, Fatemeh; Hampshire, Adam

2017-01-01

It is well established that networks within multiple-demand cortex (MDC) become active when diverse skills and behaviors are being learnt. However, their causal role in learning remains to be established. In the present study, we first performed functional magnetic resonance imaging on healthy female and male human participants to confirm that MDC was most active in the initial stages of learning a novel vocabulary, consisting of pronounceable nonwords (pseudowords), each associated with a picture of a real object. We then examined, in healthy female and male human participants, whether repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation of a frontal midline node of the cingulo-opercular MDC affected learning rates specifically during the initial stages of learning. We report that stimulation of this node, but not a control brain region, substantially improved both accuracy and response times during the earliest stage of learning pseudoword–object associations. This stimulation had no effect on the processing of established vocabulary, tested by the accuracy and response times when participants decided whether a real word was accurately paired with a picture of an object. These results provide evidence that noninvasive stimulation to MDC nodes can enhance learning rates, thereby demonstrating their causal role in the learning process. We propose that this causal role makes MDC candidate target for experimental therapeutics; for example, in stroke patients with aphasia attempting to reacquire a vocabulary. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Learning a task involves the brain system within which that specific task becomes established. Therefore, successfully learning a new vocabulary establishes the novel words in the language system. However, there is evidence that in the early stages of learning, networks within multiple-demand cortex (MDC), which control higher cognitive functions, such as working memory, attention, and monitoring of performance, become active. This activity declines once the task is learnt. The present study demonstrated that a node within MDC, located in midline frontal cortex, becomes active during the early stage of learning a novel vocabulary. Importantly, noninvasive brain stimulation of this node improved performance during this stage of learning. This observation demonstrated that MDC activity is important for learning. PMID:28676576

Somatic proembryo production from excised, wounded zygotic carrot embryos on hormone-free medium: evaluation of the effects of pH, ethylene and activated charcoal

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Smith, D. L.; Krikorian, A. D.

1990-01-01

Wounded zygotic embryos of cultivated carrot produce somatic proembryos on hormone-free nutrient medium containing 1 mM NH4+ as the sole nitrogen source. Continued maintenance of proembryos on this medium leads to a "pure" culture of preglobular stage proembryos (PGSPs). Ethylene had no effect on this process. Also, somatic embryo production was not affected by growing cultures on activated charcoal-impregnated filter papers. However, somatic proembyros initiated on activated charcoal papers were not maintainable as PGSPs and developed into later embryo stages. Normally, medium pH dropped from 5.7 to 4 during each subculture period, but when using activated charcoal papers the pH endpoint was around 6 - 7 due to a leachable substance(s) within the filter papers. When powdered, activated charcoal was used in the medium as an adsorbent of products potentially released after wounding, pH dropped at the normal rate and to the expected levels; proembryos did not mature into later embryo stages and were maintainable exclusively as PGSPs. Low pH (approximately 4) is detrimental to proembyro production, but is essential to maintaining PGSPs on hormone-free nutrient medium, whereas a sustained pH > or = 5.7 allows continued development of PGSPs into later embryo stages.

Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Assessing Affect Reactivity and Regulation in Patients With Stage 0-III Breast Cancer

ClinicalTrials.gov

2018-05-30

Healthy Subject; Stage 0 Breast Cancer; Stage IA Breast Cancer; Stage IB Breast Cancer; Stage IIA Breast Cancer; Stage IIB Breast Cancer; Stage IIIA Breast Cancer; Stage IIIB Breast Cancer; Stage IIIC Breast Cancer

Prognosis for dogs with stage III osteosarcoma following treatment with amputation and chemotherapy with and without metastasectomy.

PubMed

Turner, Hailey; Séguin, Bernard; Worley, Deanna R; Ehrhart, Nicole P; Lafferty, Mary H; Withrow, Stephen J; Selmic, Laura E

2017-12-01

OBJECTIVE To determine survival times of selected dogs with metastatic (stage III) osteosarcoma, whether disease-free interval (DFI) was associated with survival time after diagnosis of stage III disease (ie, stage III survival time), and whether a survival benefit of metastasectomy existed. DESIGN Retrospective case series with nested cohort study. ANIMALS 194 client-owned dogs treated for histologically confirmed appendicular osteosarcoma from 1997 through 2009. PROCEDURES Dogs were included if they had stage I or II osteosarcoma at the time of initial evaluation, had amputation of the affected appendage and ≥ 1 dose of chemotherapy afterward, and developed metastasis within the follow-up period or prior to death. Data collected from the medical records included signalment, primary tumor location, clinical and laboratory findings, whether metastasectomy was performed, and outcome. Various factors were examined for associations with outcome. RESULTS Dogs that received no treatment for the metastasis had a median survival time between 49 and 57 days after diagnosis of stage III osteosarcoma. Duration of the preceding DFI had no association with this period. Metastasectomy alone was associated with a longer median stage III survival time (232 days) than no metastasectomy (49 days). Among all dogs identified as qualifying for pulmonary metastasectomy on the basis of < 3 pulmonary nodules visible on thoracic radiographs and a DFI > 275 days (n = 21), a survival advantage was also identified for those that actually received pulmonary metastasectomy (6). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Preceding DFI had no influence on survival time of dogs with stage III osteosarcoma. Metastasectomy was associated with an increase in survival time for selected dogs.

Feasibility of radiotherapy after high-dose dense chemotherapy with epirubicin, preceded by dexrazoxane, and paclitaxel for patients with high-risk Stage II-III breast cancer

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

De Giorgi, Ugo; Giannini, Massimo; Department of Radiotherapy, Pierantoni Hospital, Forli

Purpose: To verify the feasibility of, and quantify the risk of, pneumonitis from locoregional radiotherapy (RT) after high-dose dense chemotherapy with epirubicin and paclitaxel with peripheral blood progenitor cell support in patients with high-risk Stage II-III breast cancer. Methods and Materials: Treatment consisted of a mobilizing course of epirubicin 150 mg/m{sup 2}, preceded by dexrazoxane (Day 1), paclitaxel 175 mg/m{sup 2} (Day 2), and filgrastim; followed by three courses of epirubicin 150 mg/m{sup 2}, preceded by dexrazoxane (Day 1), paclitaxel 400 mg/m{sup 2} (Day 2), and peripheral blood progenitor cell support and filgrastim, every 16-19 days. After chemotherapy, patients weremore » treated with locoregional RT, which included the whole breast or the chest wall, axilla, and supraclavicular area. Results: Overall, 64 of 69 patients were evaluable. The interval between the end of chemotherapy and the initiation of RT was at least 1.5-2 months (mean 2). No treatment-related death was reported. After a median follow-up of 27 months from RT (range 5-77 months), neither clinically relevant radiation pneumonitis nor congestive heart failure had been reported. Minor and transitory lung and cardiac toxicities were observed. Conclusion: Sequential high doses of epirubicin, preceded by dexrazoxane, and paclitaxel did not adversely affect the tolerability of locoregional RT in breast cancer patients. The risk of pneumonitis was not affected by the use of sequential paclitaxel with an interval of at least 1.5-2 months between the end of chemotherapy and the initiation of RT. Long-term follow-up is needed to define the risk of cardiotoxicity in these patients.« less

Altered Gene Expression Patterns During the Initiation and Promotion Stages of Neonatally Diethylstilbestrol-Induced Hyperplasia/Dysplasia/Neoplasia in the Hamster Uterus

PubMed Central

Hendry, William J.; Hariri, Hussam Y.; Alwis, Imala D.; Gunewardena, Sumedha S.; Hendry, Isabel R.

2014-01-01

Neonatal treatment of hamsters with diethylstilbestrol (DES) induces uterine hyperplasia/dysplasia/neoplasia (endometrial adenocarcinoma) in adult animals. We subsequently determined that the neonatal DES exposure event directly and permanently disrupts the developing hamster uterus (initiation stage) so that it responds abnormally when it is stimulated with estrogen in adulthood (promotion stage). To identify candidate molecular elements involved in progression of the disruption/neoplastic process, we performed: 1) immunoblot analyses and 2) microarray profiling (Affymetrix Gene Chip System) on sets of uterine protein and RNA extracts, respectively, and 3) immunohistochemical analysis on uterine sections; all from both initiation stage and promotion stage groups of animals. Here we report that: 1) progression of the neonatal DES-induced hyperplasia/dysplasia/neoplasia phenomenon in the hamster uterus involves a wide spectrum of specific gene expression alterations and 2) the gene products involved and their manner of altered expression differ dramatically during the initiation vs. promotion stages of the phenomenon. Particularly interesting changes included members in the functional categories of nuclear receptors (progesterone receptor), cell-cell interactions (E-cadherin, connexins), cytokine action (IRF-1, Stat5A), growth factor action (IRS-1), extracellular matrix component (tenascin-C), transcription factors (Nrf2, Sp1), and multi-functional nuclear protein (SAFB1). PMID:25242112

Evaluation of the 8th AJCC staging system for pathologically versus clinically staged pancreatic adenocarcinoma: A time to revisit a dogma?

PubMed

Abdel-Rahman, Omar

2018-02-01

The 8th edition of the American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) staging system for pancreatic exocrine adenocarcinoma has been released. The current study seeks to assess the 7th and 8th editions among patients registered within the surveillance, epidemiology and end results (SEER) database. SEER database (2010-2013) has been accessed through SEER*Stat program and AJCC 8th edition stages were reconstructed utilizing the collaborative stage descriptions. Kaplan-Meier analysis of overall survival and pancreatic cancer-specific survival analyses (according to both 7th and 8th editions and according to whether pathological or clinical staging were conducted) has been performed. Multivariate analysis of factors affecting pancreatic cancer-specific survival was also conducted through a Cox proportional hazard model. A total of 18  948 patients with pancreatic adenocarcinoma were identified in the period from 2010-2013. Pancreatic cancer-specific survival among pathologically staged patients and according to the 8th edition showed significant differences for all pair wise comparisons among different stages (P < 0.0001) except for the comparison between stage IA and stage IB (P = 0.307) and the comparison between stage IB and stage IIA (P = 0.116). Moreover, P value for stage IA vs IIA was 0.014; while pancreatic cancer-specific survival according to the 7th edition among pathologically staged patients showed significant differences for all pair wise comparisons among different stages (P < 0.0001) except for the comparison between IA and IB (P = 0.072), the comparison between stage IIA and stage IIB (P = 0.065), the comparison between stage IIA and stage III (P = 0.059) and the comparison between IIB and III (P = 0.595). Among clinically staged patients (i.e. those who did not undergo initial radical surgery), the prognostic performance of both 7th and 8th stages for both overall survival and pancreatic cancer-specific survival was limited. There is clearly a need to have two staging systems for pancreatic adenocarcinoma: pathological and clinical staging systems. Copyright © 2018 First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine in China. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Social distance influences the outcome evaluation of cooperation and conflict: Evidence from event-related potentials.

PubMed

Chen, Yezi; Lu, Jiamei; Wang, Yiwen; Feng, Zhouqi; Yuan, Bo

2017-04-24

Previous research shows that social distance plays an important role in promoting cooperation and that subtle cues that reduce social distance increase the tendency to cooperate. However, it is unclear how social distance influences our outcome evaluation of cooperative and conflict feedback. The present study investigated the influence of social distance on cooperative and conflict behavior and the evaluation process of the cooperative and conflict outcomes, using the event-related potentials (ERPs) technique. We recorded ERPs from 14 normal adults playing a social game task against a friend and a stranger. The results showed that the FRN (Feedback Related Negativity) and P300 were affected by the opponent's choice to cooperate or aggress; however, only the P300 was affected by social distance. Specifically, when the opponent chose to cooperate, the feedback elicited a smaller FRN and a larger P300 amplitude; and compared with playing against friends, the P300 had a larger amplitude when participants gaming with strangers. Our results indicate that at the early stage of the evaluation of cooperation and conflict outcomes, individuals may initially and quickly encode the valence of outcomes, judging whether an outcome is consistent with their expectations. However, at the late stage, which involves a top-down cognitive appraisal process, some social factors, such as social distance, may moderate processing of attention resource allocation of feedback about outcomes, and of higher-level motivation/affective appraisal. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Stage-specific disruption of Stat3 demonstrates a direct requirement during both the initiation and promotion stages of mouse skin tumorigenesis.

PubMed

Kataoka, Ken; Kim, Dae Joon; Carbajal, Steve; Clifford, John L; DiGiovanni, John

2008-06-01

Constitutive activation of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (Stat3) has been found in a variety of human malignancies and has been suggested to play an important role in carcinogenesis. Recently, our laboratory demonstrated that Stat3 is required for the development of skin tumors via two-stage carcinogenesis using skin-specific loss-of-function transgenic mice. To investigate further the role of Stat3 in each stage of chemical carcinogenesis in mouse skin, i.e. initiation and promotion stages, we generated inducible Stat3-deficient mice (K5.Cre-ER(T2) x Stat3(fl/fl)) that show epidermal-specific disruption of Stat3 following topical treatment with 4-hydroxytamoxifen (TM). The epidermis of inducible Stat3-deficient mice treated with TM showed a significant increase in apoptosis induced by 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (DMBA) and reduced proliferation following exposure to 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate. In two-stage skin carcinogenesis assays, inducible Stat3-deficient mice treated with TM during the promotion stage showed a significant delay of tumor development and a significantly reduced number of tumors compared with control groups. Inducible Stat3-deficient mice treated with TM before initiation with DMBA also showed a significant delay in tumor development and a significantly reduced number of tumors compared with control groups. Finally, treatment of inducible Stat3-deficient mice that had existing skin tumors generated by the two-stage carcinogenesis protocol with TM (by intraperitoneal injection) led to inhibition of tumor growth compared with tumors formed in control groups. Collectively, these results directly demonstrate that Stat3 is required for skin tumor development during both the initiation and promotion stages of skin carcinogenesis in vivo.

Simplifying "target" intraocular pressure for different stages of primary open-angle glaucoma and primary angle-closure glaucoma.

PubMed

Sihota, Ramanjit; Angmo, Dewang; Ramaswamy, Deepa; Dada, Tanuj

2018-04-01

Lowering of intraocular pressure is currently the only therapeutic measure for Glaucoma management. Many longterm, randomized trials have shown the efficacy of lowering IOP, either by a percentage of baseline, or to a specified level. This has lead to the concept of 'Target" IOP, a range of IOP on therapy, that would stabilize the Glaucoma/prevent further visual field loss, without significantly affecting a patient's quality of life. A clinical staging of Glaucoma by optic nerve head evaluation and perimetric parameters, allows a patient's eye to be categorized as having - mild, moderate or severe Glaucomatous damage. An initial attempt should be made to achieve the following IOP range for both POAG or PACG after an iridotomy. In mild glaucoma the initial target IOP range could be kept as 15-17 mmHg, for moderate glaucoma 12-15 mmHg and in the severe stage of glaucomatous damage 10-12 mmHg. Factoring in baseline IOP, age, vascular perfusion parameters, and change on perimetry or imaging during follow up, this range may be reassessed over 6 months to a year. "Target" IOP requires further lowering when the patient continues to progress or develops a systemic disease such as a TIA. Conversely, in the event of a very elderly or sick patient with stable nerve and visual field over time, the target IOP could be raised and medications reduced. An appropriate use of medications/laser/surgery to achieve such a "Target" IOP range in POAG or PACG can maintain visual fields and quality of life, preventing Glaucoma blindness.

Efficacy of exercise as an adjunct treatment for clinically depressed inpatients during the initial stages of antidepressant pharmacotherapy: An open randomized controlled trial.

PubMed

Legrand, Fabien D; Neff, Elise M

2016-02-01

Physical exercise as adjunctive treatment for hospitalized patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) has been of increasing interest in the past few years. While preliminary findings are promising, these prior studies have been plagued by inclusion of participants at different stages of medication use at study entry. The present study evaluates the effects of a short (10-days) add-on endurance-training intervention in hospitalized MDD patients on antidepressant medication for less than two weeks. Thirty-five participants were randomly assigned to one of three study groups: aerobic exercise (n=14), placebo (stretching) exercise (n=11), or no intervention (control; n=10). The study outcome was the change in the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-II) total score from baseline to the end of the study period. The intent-to-treat analysis showed significant improvements in BDI-II scores for both the aerobic and the stretching groups. However, comparing pre- to post-study depression changes in these two groups, we found a large effect size in favor of aerobic exercise (Cohen's d=-1.06). No significant change in depressive symptoms was found in the control group. The nature of the intervention (i.e., exercise) meant blinding participants to treatments was not possible. Precise information on medication dosage was not available, and the short duration of interventions and lack of follow-up assessment were all limitations. Endurance-training can be a helpful adjunct treatment for hospitalized patients with severe affective disorders in the initial stages of pharmacotherapy. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Endoscopic ultrasound staging is adversely affected by placement of a self-expandable metal stent: fact or fiction?

PubMed

Shami, Vanessa M; Mahajan, Anshu; Sundaram, Vinay; Davis, Eric M; Loch, Michelle M; Kahaleh, Michel

2008-11-01

Accurate preoperative staging of pancreatic cancer (Pca) is crucial to direct management. There is a perception that endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) staging should be performed before biliary decompression because of artifact caused by self-expandable metal stents (SEMS). Our aim is to determine whether placement of SEMS affects the staging of Pca. Fifty-five patients (35 men; mean age, 67 years) with newly diagnosed Pca staged in the last 5 years and captured prospectively were divided into 2 groups matched by age, sex, and final staging. The staging accuracy of EUS in patients who had a SEMS (n = 28) was compared with patients without a SEMS (n = 27). The gold standard was surgical pathology, or cytologic confirmation of metastatic disease. Multivariate analysis was effected on age, sex, presence of SEMS, and presence of metastasis to assess prediction of staging inaccuracy. Endoscopic ultrasound correctly staged 14 (52%) of 27 patients in the no-SEMS group and 13 (46%) of 28 in the SEMS group. Logistic regression analysis identified only metastasis as a predictor of inaccuracy in EUS staging. Endoscopic ultrasound staging of Pca does not seem to be affected by the presence of a SEMS. The major reason for misstaging in both groups was failure to detect metastatic disease.

Understanding Amphibian Declines Through Geographic Approaches

USGS Publications Warehouse

Gallant, Alisa

2006-01-01

Growing concern over worldwide amphibian declines warrants serious examination. Amphibians are important to the proper functioning of ecosystems and provide many direct benefits to humans in the form of pest and disease control, pharmaceutical compounds, and even food. Amphibians have permeable skin and rely on both aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems during different seasons and stages of their lives. Their association with these ecosystems renders them likely to serve as sensitive indicators of environmental change. While much research on amphibian declines has centered on mysterious causes, or on causes that directly affect humans (global warming, chemical pollution, ultraviolet-B radiation), most declines are the result of habitat loss and habitat alteration. Improving our ability to characterize, model, and monitor the interactions between environmental variables and amphibian habitats is key to addressing amphibian conservation. In 2000, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) initiated the Amphibian Research and Monitoring Initiative (ARMI) to address issues surrounding amphibian declines.

Statistical damage constitutive model for rocks subjected to cyclic stress and cyclic temperature

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhou, Shu-Wei; Xia, Cai-Chu; Zhao, Hai-Bin; Mei, Song-Hua; Zhou, Yu

2017-10-01

A constitutive model of rocks subjected to cyclic stress-temperature was proposed. Based on statistical damage theory, the damage constitutive model with Weibull distribution was extended. Influence of model parameters on the stress-strain curve for rock reloading after stress-temperature cycling was then discussed. The proposed model was initially validated by rock tests for cyclic stress-temperature and only cyclic stress. Finally, the total damage evolution induced by stress-temperature cycling and reloading after cycling was explored and discussed. The proposed constitutive model is reasonable and applicable, describing well the stress-strain relationship during stress-temperature cycles and providing a good fit to the test results. Elastic modulus in the reference state and the damage induced by cycling affect the shape of reloading stress-strain curve. Total damage induced by cycling and reloading after cycling exhibits three stages: initial slow increase, mid-term accelerated increase, and final slow increase.

75 FR 27411 - Airworthiness Directives; Turbomeca Arriel 1B, 1D, 1D1, and 1S1 Turboshaft Engines

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-05-17

.... That AD requires initial and repetitive relative position checks of the gas generator 2nd stage turbine... repetitive replacements of 2nd stage turbines on Arriel 1B, 1D, and 1D1 engines. This AD requires lowering the initial and repetitive thresholds for replacement of 2nd stage turbines on Arriel 1B, 1D, and 1D1...

Correlated Lightning Mapping Array (LMA) and Radar Observations of the Initial Stages of Florida Triggered Lightning Discharges

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hill, J. D.; Pilkey, J.; Uman, M, A.; Jordan, D. M.; Biggerstaff, M. I.; Rison, W.; Blakeslee, R.

2012-01-01

We characterize the geometrical and electrical characteristics of the initial stages of nine Florida triggered lightning discharges using a Lightning Mapping Array (LMA), a C-band SMART radar, and measured channel-base currents. We determine initial channel and subsequent branch lengths, average initial channel and branch propagation speeds, and channel-base current at the time of each branch initiation. The channel-base current is found to not change significantly when branching occurs, an unexpected result. The initial stage of Florida triggered lightning typically transitions from vertical to horizontal propagation at altitudes of 3-6 km, near the typical 0 C level of 4-5 km and several kilometers below the expected center of the negative cloud-charge region at 7-8 km. The data presented potentially provide information on thunderstorm electrical and hydrometeor structure and discharge propagation physics. LMA source locations were obtained from VHF sources of positive impulsive currents as small as 10 A, in contrast to expectations found in the literature.

Simulation of the initial stage of the Mt. Pinatubo eruption using the coupled meteorology-chemistry WRF-Chem model

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Stenchikov, Georgiy; Ukhov, Alexander; Ahmadov, Ravan

2017-04-01

Big explosive volcanic eruptions emit in the atmosphere, among other species, millions of tons of SO2, water vapor, and solid particles, volcanic ash. SO2 is oxidized to produce sulfate aerosols that are transported globally and cause widespread long-term climate effects. Ash particles deposit within a few months, as they are relatively large, and, it is believed, do not produce long-term climate effects. However, at the initial stage of the evolution of a volcanic cloud SO2, volcanic water, sulfate, and ash coexist and their chemical, microphysical, and radiation interaction might be important to precondition the long-term formation and transport of a volcanic aerosol cloud. To better understand this initial stage of a volcanic impact we simulate the aerosol plume from the largest 20th-century eruption of Mt. Pinatubo in the Philippines in June 1991 using the specifically modified Weather Research and Forecasting model coupled with chemistry (WRF-Chem). Ash, SO2, and sulfate emission, transport, dispersion, chemical transformation and deposition are calculated using the GOCART aerosol and chemistry scheme. Effect of volcanic aerosol interaction with radiation (short and long wave) is assessed using RRTMG radiative transfer model. The simulations are conducted for two months in the equatorial belt (45S, 45N) with the periodic boundary conditions in longitude and imposing aerosols and chemicals from the MERRA2, and meteorology from the ERA-Interim along the belt's borders in latitude. The simulations reveal the vertical separation of the aerosol plume due to aerosol (both ash and sulfate) gravitational settling and a complex dynamic evolution of the multi-layer cloud with sharp gradients of radiative heating within the plume that affects the cloud dispersion and the equilibrium altitude that are crucially important for the further large-scale plume evolution.

Neuropsychiatric aspects of dementia.

PubMed

Ford, Andrew H

2014-10-01

Dementia affects approximately 6.5% of people over the age of 65. Whilst cognitive impairment is central to the dementia concept, neuropsychiatric symptoms are invariably present at some stage of the illness. Neuropsychiatric symptoms result in a number of negative outcomes for the individual and their caregivers and are associated with higher rates of institutionalization and mortality. A number of factors have been associated with neuropsychiatric symptoms including neurobiological changes, dementia type, and illness severity and duration. Specific patient, caregiver and environmental factors are also important. Neuropsychiatric symptoms can be broadly divided into four clusters: psychotic symptoms, mood/affective symptoms, apathy, and agitation/aggression. Neuropsychiatric symptoms tend to persist over time although differing symptom profiles exist at various stages of the illness. Assessment should take into account the presenting symptoms together with an appreciation of the myriad of likely underlying causes for the symptoms. A structured assessment/rating tool can be helpful. Management should focus on non-pharmacological measures initially with pharmacological approaches reserved for more troubling symptoms. Pharmacological approaches should target specific symptoms although the evidence-base for pharmacological management is quite modest. Any medication trial should include an adequate appreciation of the risk-benefit profile in individual patients and discussion of these with both the individual and their caregiver. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

The role of the body in end-stage kidney disease in young adults: Gender, peer and intimate relationships.

PubMed

Lewis, Helen; Arber, Sara

2015-09-01

To understand how the physical body, and changes in the physical body, influence peer and intimate relationships and parenting in young adults on renal replacement therapies (RRT). Qualitative interview data from 40 young adults aged 16-30 years with end-stage kidney disease (ESKD), first diagnosed aged 0-19 years, were analysed using modified grounded theory. Alternating modalities of RRT had a 'yo-yo' effect on the bodies of interviewees, repeatedly reconstructing them as either 'transplanted' bodies, often initially obese, or as 'dialysis' bodies', often underweight. Invisible somatic changes had a major impact on gendered social identity, making intimate social relationships and parenthood problematic. Prepubertal onset interviewees were generally less successful in forming partnerships than those with postpubertal onset; and interviewees on dialysis were likely to postpone partnering until they were transplanted. Social networks were essential for finding a partner, but male interviewees had fewer networks than females. Parenthood was particularly challenging for female interviewees. In ESKD, life-saving RRT brings major changes to the body. These adversely affect social relationships and family formation during the crucial period of early adulthood. Effects vary according to age of onset, RRT modality, and gender, with those who were ill before puberty and those on dialysis worst affected. © The Author(s) 2015.

Increased mast cell density in haemorrhoid venous blood vessels suggests a role in pathogenesis.

PubMed

Taweevisit, M; Wisadeopas, N; Phumsuk, U; Thorner, P S

2008-12-01

Haemorrhoids are an abnormal, tortuous dilatation of the arteriovenous plexus of the anus. Although increased resting anorectal pressure is deemed to be a major initiating factor, a thorough understanding of the pathogenesis is still lacking. Mast cells, through release of granules, can affect local vessels with respect to changes in calibre, changes in permeability and thrombosis. Thus, mast cells could play a role in haemorrhoid pathophysiology, although this has not been previously investigated. 48 cases of haemorrhoids were retrospectively collected at King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, with normal anorectal tissue from surgically-removed colorectal cancer serving as controls. Mast cells were identified by toluidine blue staining and quantitated around venous vessels. Mast cells around haemorrhoidal vessels were significantly more numerous than in normal specimens (p-value is less than 0.001). Similar values were found for haemorrhoids showing chronic changes and those in a more acute stage. These findings support the hypothesis that mast cells may play a role in the pathophysiology of haemorrhoids. Mast cells appear to participate equally in the early and later stages of these lesions. Mast cells are known to affect local vascular conditions through release of their chemical mediators and cytokines, and may influence haemorrhoid symptomatology and progression at this level.

[Ocular cicatricial pemphigoid - state of the art in clinic and therapy for a problematic disease].

PubMed

Rübsam, A; Klein, J P; Pleyer, U

2013-08-01

The ocular cicatricial pemphigoid (OCP) belongs to a family of chronically progressive autoimmune disorders, predominantly affecting mucous membranes (mucous membrane pemphigoids). It is an immunopathologically heterogeneous group of disorders with variable phenotypes that share the unique feature of a subepidermal blistering, through disruption of the adhesion between epidermis and dermis. A key feature is the chronically active inflammation with consecutive fibrosis, leading to a partial or complete loss of function of the affected organ. The ocular disease as a chronic cicatrising conjunctivitis is a common manifestation of the mucous membrane pemphigoid. The identification of the subtle pathology and the prompt initiation of an appropriate therapy are of pivotal importance. One purpose is to prevent further vision loss due to extensive corneal scarring and life-threatening systemic complications, such as the formation of oesophageal or tracheal strictures. So far there are no prospective, randomised studies, regarding the therapy guidelines with an evidence level more than III. The autoimmune nature of the disease implies that systemic immunosuppression is the only effective treatment option, most notably in extended stages. The aim of our study is to give a guideline for a stage adjusted therapy with conventional immunosuppressants and to give a perspective for alternative therapies, especially for recalcitrant disease. Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York.

Intention for Car Use Reduction: Applying a Stage-Based Model

PubMed Central

2018-01-01

This study investigates which variables drive intention to reduce car use by modelling a stage of change construct with mechanisms in the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) and Norm Activation Model (NAM). Web questionnaires (n = 794) were collected via 11 workplaces. The socio-demographics, work commute, stage of change, attitudes to sustainable travel modes, social norms, perceived behavioral control, and personal norm were assessed. An initial descriptive analysis revealed that 19% of the employees saw no reason to reduce their car use; 35% would like to reduce their car use but felt it was impossible; 12% were thinking about reducing their car use but were unsure of how or when to do this; 12% had an aim to reduce current car use, and knew which journeys to replace and which modes to use; and 23% try to use modes other than a car for most journeys, and will maintain or reduce their already low car use in the coming months. A series of Ordered Logit Models showed that socio-demographic variables did not explain the stage of change. Instead, personal norms, instrumental and affective attitudes, and perceived behavioral control toward sustainable travel modes were all significant and explained 43% of the variance in stage of change. Furthermore, it was found that the significant relationships were not linear in nature. The analysis also showed an indirect effect of social norms on the stage of change through personal norms. Implications are discussed regarding the design of interventions aimed at influencing a sustainable work commute. PMID:29373565

Autonomous motivation is associated with the maintenance stage of behaviour change in people with affective disorders.

PubMed

Vancampfort, Davy; Moens, Herman; Madou, Tomas; De Backer, Tanja; Vallons, Veerle; Bruyninx, Peter; Vanheuverzwijn, Sarah; Mota, Cindy Teixeira; Soundy, Andy; Probst, Michel

2016-06-30

The present study examined whether in people with affective disorders motives for adopting and maintaining physical activity recommendations (as formulated by the self-determination theory) differed across the stages of behaviour change (identified by the transtheoretical model). A total of 165 (105♀) persons (45.6±14.2years) with affective disorders [major depressive disorder (n=96) or bipolar disorder (n=69)] completed the Behavioural Regulation in Exercise Questionnaire-2 and the Patient-centred Assessment and Counselling for Exercise questionnaire. Discriminant and multivariate analyses demonstrated that persons with affective disorders at the early stages of change have less autonomous and more controlled physical activity motives than those at the later stages. Our results suggest that autonomous motivation may have an important role to play in the maintenance of health recommendations in persons with affective disorders. Longitudinal and intervention studies should be designed in people with affective disorders to identify the causal pathways between motives for maintaining health recommendations, effective changes in health behaviour and physical and mental health outcomes. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

A prospective analysis of unplanned patient-initiated contacts in an adult cystic fibrosis centre.

PubMed

Burnet, Espérie; Hubert, Dominique; Champreux, Juliette; Honoré, Isabelle; Kanaan, Reem; Panzo, Rosewilta; Burgel, Pierre-Régis

2018-05-07

Timely response should be provided when patients contact the cystic fibrosis (CF) centre in between scheduled visits. Little data exist on unplanned patient-initiated contacts in CF adults. A two-stage prospective study was undertaken from 1 January to 31 December 2015 at Cochin Hospital, Paris (France). The first stage included all adults (≥18 years) who initiated unplanned contacts to the CF centre over four months. Four physicians and three nurses systematically recorded unplanned patient-initiated contacts. The data was analysed to determine why and how patients contacted the CF centre and time spent responding to their request(s). The second stage (one physician, three nurses) lasted twelve months and explored whether high contact frequency was associated with disease severity, using multivariate logistic regression. In the first stage, 259 of 410 patients (63%) initiated at least one unplanned contact, corresponding to 1067 contacts over 4 months. Patients favoured email with physicians (61% of contacts) and telephone with nurses (87% of contacts). Total time spent by the 7 caregivers on providing responses was 8 h/work week. Reasons for contacting the CF centre varied greatly, but <20% of contacts were directly related to symptom management. In the second stage, 180 of 212 patients (85%) initiated 1876 contacts over 12 months. Factors associated with ≥5 contacts/year were female sex, FEV 1  ≤ 30% predicted, ≥5 physician visits/year, and ≥ 1 hospital admission/year. Answering unplanned patient-initiated contacts represented a significant workload for CF caregivers. Increased disease severity was associated with high contact frequency. Copyright © 2018 European Cystic Fibrosis Society. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Patterns and Timing of Failure for Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma After Initial Therapy in a Cohort Who Underwent Autologous Bone Marrow Transplantation for Relapse

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

Dhakal, Sughosh; Bates, James E.; Casulo, Carla

Purpose: To evaluate the location and timing of initial recurrence in patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) who subsequently underwent high-dose chemotherapy with autologous stem cell transplant (HDC/ASCT), to direct approaches for disease surveillance, elucidate the patterns of failure of contemporary treatment strategies, and guide adjuvant treatment decisions. Methods and Materials: We analyzed consecutive patients with DLBCL who underwent HDC/ASCT between May 1992 and March 2014 at our institution. Of the 187 evaluable patients, 8 had incomplete data, and 79 underwent HDC/ASCT as a component of initial treatment for de novo or refractory DLBCL and were excluded from furthermore » analysis. Results: The median age was 50.8 years; the median time to relapse was 1.3 years. Patients were segregated according to the initial stage at diagnosis, with early stage (ES) defined as stage I/II and advanced stage (AS) defined as stage III/IV. In total, 40.4% of the ES and 75.5% of the AS patients relapsed in sites of initial disease; 68.4% of those with ES disease and 75.0% of those with AS disease relapsed in sites of initial disease only. Extranodal relapses were common (44.7% in ES and 35.9% in AS) and occurred in a variety of organs, although gastrointestinal tract/liver (n=12) was most frequent. Conclusions: Most patients with DLBCL who relapse and subsequently undergo HDC/ASCT initially recur in the previously involved disease site(s). Time to recurrence is brief, suggesting that frequency of screening is most justifiably greatest in the early posttherapy years. © 2016 Elsevier Inc.« less

Precortical phase of Alzheimer’s disease (AD)-related tau cytoskeletal pathology

PubMed Central

Stratmann, Katharina; Heinsen, Helmut; Korf, Horst-Werner; Del Turco, Domenico; Ghebremedhin, Estifanos; Seidel, Kay; Bouzrou, Mohamed; Grinberg, Lea T.; Bohl, Jürgen; Wharton, Stephen B; den Dunnen, Wilfred; Rüb, Udo

2015-01-01

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) represents the most frequent progressive neuropsychiatric disorder worldwide leading to dementia and accounts for 60 to 70% of demented individuals. In view of the early appearance of neuronal deposits of the hyperphosphorylated cytoskeletal protein tau in the transentorhinal and entorhinal regions of the allocortex (i.e. in Braak and Braak AD stage I in the evolution of the AD-related cortical tau cytoskeletal pathology) it has been believed for a long time that these allocortical regions represent the first brain targets of the AD-related tau cytoskeletal pathology. However, recent pathoanatomical studies suggested that the subcortical brain nuclei that send efferent projections to the transentorhinal and entorhinal regions may also comprise AD-related cytoskeletal changes already at very early Braak and Braak AD stages. In order to corroborate these initial results we systematically investigated the presence and extent of the AD-related cytoskeletal pathology in serial thick tissue sections through all the subcortical nuclei known to send efferent projections to these vulnerable allocortical regions of three individuals with Braak and Braak AD stage 0 and fourteen individuals with Braak and Braak AD stage I by means of immunostainings with the anti-tau antibody AT8. These investigations revealed consistent AT8 immunoreactive neuronal tau cytoskeletal pathology in a subset of these subcortical nuclei (i.e. medial septal nucleus, nuclei of the vertical and horizontal limbs of the diagonal band of Broca, basal nucleus of Meynert; claustrum; hypothalamic ventromedial, tuberomamillary and supramamillary nuclei, perifornical region and lateral area; thalamic central medial, laterodorsal, subparafascicular, and central lateral nuclei, medial pulvinar and limitans-suprageniculate complex; peripeduncular nucleus, dopaminergic substantia nigra and ventral tegmental area, periaqueductal gray, midbrain and pontine dorsal raphe nuclei, locus coeruleus, and parabrachial nuclei) in the Braak and Braak AD stage 0 individuals and in all of these subcortical nuclei in the Braak and Braak AD stage I individuals. The widespread affection of the subcortical nuclei in our Braak and Braak AD stage I individuals shows that the extent of the subcortical tau cytoskeletal pathology in this AD stage has been considerably underestimated during the last decades. In addition, our novel findings in the Braak and Braak AD stage 0 individuals support the concept that subcortical nuclei become already affected during an early ‘pre-cortical’ evolutional phase before the first AD-related cytoskeletal changes occur in the well-known cortical predilection sites of the mediobasal temporal lobe (i.e. transentorhinal and entorhinal regions). In addition, our new findings indicate that the AD-related tau cytoskeletal pathology by no means is confined to single subcortical nuclei of Braak and Braak AD stage 0 individuals, but may develop in a large variety of their subcortical nuclei interconnected with the allocortical entorhinal and transentorhinal regions. Accordingly, these very early involved subcortical brain regions may represent the origin of the AD-related tau cytoskeletal pathology, from where the neuronal cytoskeletal pathology takes an ascending course towards the secondarily affected allocortex and spreads transneuronally along anatomical pathways and interconnectivities in predictable and stereotypical sequences PMID:26193084

Development of Animal Physiology Practical Guidance Oriented Guided Inquiry for Student of Biology Department

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Putra, Z. A. Z.; Sumarmin, R.; Violita, V.

2018-04-01

The guides used for practicing animal physiology need to be revised and adapted to the lecture material. This is because in the subject of Animal Physiology. The guidance of animal physiology practitioners is still conventional with prescription model instructions and is so simple that it is necessary to develop a practical guide that can lead to the development of scientific work. One of which is through practice guided inquiry guided practicum guide. This study aims to describe the process development of the practical guidance and reveal the validity, practicality, and effectiveness Guidance Physiology Animals guided inquiry inferior to the subject of Animal Physiology for students Biology Department State University of Padang. This type of research is development research. This development research uses the Plomp model. Stages performed are problem identification and analysis stage, prototype development and prototyping stage, and assessment phase. Data analysis using descriptive analysis. The instrument of data collection using validation and practical questionnaires, competence and affective field of competence observation and psychomotor and cognitive domain competence test. The result of this research shows that guidance of Inquiry Guided Initiative Guided Physiology with 3.23 valid category, practicality by lecturer with value 3.30 practical category, student with value 3.37 practical criterion. Affective effectiveness test with 93,00% criterion is very effective, psychomotor aspect 89,50% with very effective criteria and cognitive domain with value of 67, pass criterion. The conclusion of this research is Guided Inquiry Student Guided Protoxial Guidance For Students stated valid, practical and effective.

Transcriptome and Metabolome Analyses Provide Insights into the Occurrence of Peel Roughing Disorder on Satsuma Mandarin (Citrus unshiu Marc.) Fruit

PubMed Central

Lu, Xiao-Peng; Li, Fei-Fei; Xiong, Jiang; Cao, Xiong-Jun; Ma, Xiao-Chuan; Zhang, Zi-Mu; Cao, Shang-Yin; Xie, Shen-Xi

2017-01-01

Roughing disorder (RD) is a significant quality barrier in citrus fruit, prevalent on easy-peeling mandarins. As RD is not yet well-understood, this study aimed to examine the changes and synergic molecular processes involved in peel RD. Peel with RD was induced by severely defruiting Satsuma mandarin trees. Morphology observations, RNA-sequencing, and targeted and untargeted metabolic analyses were conducted. The results showed that the primary metabolites of sugars, organic acids and amino acids are dramatically changed in RD peel. The RD peel was always characterized by higher magnesium content during development. Comparative transcriptome profiling was performed for CK and RD peels at 30, 80, and 170 days after full bloom (DAFB) which represented fruit at cell division stage, cell enlargement stage and fruit maturity stage, respectively. Physiological and molecular biological evidence suggested that the month after full bloom is a crucial stage for RD initiation. A total of 4,855 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in RD peel, relative to CK peel were detected at cell division stage, about 2 to 4-fold more than other stages had. Among the differentially expressed transcription factors, the bHLH family were affected most by RD, and six bHLH transcription factors functionally involved in GA metabolism were assessed to associate with RD occurrence. Gene set enrichment analysis suggested that RD significantly altered starch and GA metabolism in peel. Higher starch content and hydrolysed chain status were found in RD peel at cell division stage. RD occurrence on the peel was influenced significantly by GA, especially abundant GA before July. These changes may mean a significant alteration in sink strength of RD peel. The findings of this study provide insights into the emergence, development and molecular mechanisms of RD. PMID:29163622

The balance effect of acupuncture therapy among stroke patients.

PubMed

Huang, Shih-Wei; Wang, Wei-Te; Yang, Tsung-Hsien; Liou, Tsan-Hon; Chen, Guan-Yu; Lin, Li-Fong

2014-08-01

To analyze how acupuncture therapy affects balance in patients experiencing their first stroke and to identify the stroke group with greatest improvement in balance after acupuncture intervention. Retrospective case-control study. Ward of a medical university hospital. A total of 629 stroke patients were enrolled initially; 345 patients met the study criteria and 132 were analyzed (66 each in the study and control groups). The study group received physiotherapy combined with acupuncture and the control group received only physiotherapy. The Postural Assessment Scale for Stroke patients (PASS) was used to evaluate balance. This balance scale system can be subdivided into static balance (PASS-MP, maintain posture) and dynamic balance (PASS-CP, change posture). This study revealed no statistically significant improvement of balance in the study group (t test). When patients with high Brunnstrom stage (Br stage) and low Br stage were analyzed separately, once again no statistical difference was detected between the study and control groups of those with high Br stage. However, among low-Br stage patients, the study group showed significant improvement in static balance (mean PASS-MP score±standard deviation: 4.7±3.7) compared with the control group (PASS-MP score: 2.8±2.7) (p<0.05). In first-ever stroke patients with a low Br stage, acupuncture therapy can improve static balance during rehabilitation. However, the effect on balance was limited among high-Br stage patients. This study provides information valuable to patients with hemiplegic stroke because it suggests that acupuncture can be used to improve balance. A prospective double-blind, randomized, controlled study design is recommended for future studies in patients with hemiplegic stroke.

Post-veraison sunlight exposure induces MYB-mediated transcriptional regulation of anthocyanin and flavonol synthesis in berry skins of Vitis vinifera

PubMed Central

Matus, José Tomás; Loyola, Rodrigo; Vega, Andrea; Peña-Neira, Alvaro; Bordeu, Edmundo; Arce-Johnson, Patricio; Alcalde, José Antonio

2009-01-01

Anthocyanins, flavan-3-ols, and flavonols are the three major classes of flavonoid compounds found in grape berry tissues. Several viticultural practices increase flavonoid content in the fruit, but the underlying genetic mechanisms responsible for these changes have not been completely deciphered. The impact of post-veraison sunlight exposure on anthocyanin and flavonol accumulation in grape berry skin and its relation to the expression of different transcriptional regulators known to be involved in flavonoid synthesis was studied. Treatments consisting of removing or moving aside the basal leaves which shade berry clusters were applied. Shading did not affect sugar accumulation or gene expression of HEXOSE TRANSPORTER 1, although in the leaf removal treatment, these events were retarded during the first weeks of ripening. Flavonols were the most drastically reduced flavonoids following shading and leaf removal treatments, related to the reduced expression of FLAVONOL SYNTHASE 4 and its putative transcriptional regulator MYB12. Anthocyanin accumulation and the expression of CHS2, LDOX, OMT, UFGT, MYBA1, and MYB5a genes were also affected. Other regulatory genes were less affected or not affected at all by these treatments. Non-transcriptional control mechanisms for flavonoid synthesis are also suggested, especially during the initial stages of ripening. Although berries from the leaf removal treatment received more light than shaded fruits, malvidin-3-glucoside and total flavonol content was reduced compared with the treatment without leaf removal. This work reveals that flavonol-related gene expression responds rapidly to field changes in light levels, as shown by the treatment in which shaded fruits were exposed to light in the late stages of ripening. Taken together, this study establishes MYB-specific responsiveness for the effect of sun exposure and sugar transport on flavonoid synthesis. PMID:19129169

Post-veraison sunlight exposure induces MYB-mediated transcriptional regulation of anthocyanin and flavonol synthesis in berry skins of Vitis vinifera.

PubMed

Matus, José Tomás; Loyola, Rodrigo; Vega, Andrea; Peña-Neira, Alvaro; Bordeu, Edmundo; Arce-Johnson, Patricio; Alcalde, José Antonio

2009-01-01

Anthocyanins, flavan-3-ols, and flavonols are the three major classes of flavonoid compounds found in grape berry tissues. Several viticultural practices increase flavonoid content in the fruit, but the underlying genetic mechanisms responsible for these changes have not been completely deciphered. The impact of post-veraison sunlight exposure on anthocyanin and flavonol accumulation in grape berry skin and its relation to the expression of different transcriptional regulators known to be involved in flavonoid synthesis was studied. Treatments consisting of removing or moving aside the basal leaves which shade berry clusters were applied. Shading did not affect sugar accumulation or gene expression of HEXOSE TRANSPORTER 1, although in the leaf removal treatment, these events were retarded during the first weeks of ripening. Flavonols were the most drastically reduced flavonoids following shading and leaf removal treatments, related to the reduced expression of FLAVONOL SYNTHASE 4 and its putative transcriptional regulator MYB12. Anthocyanin accumulation and the expression of CHS2, LDOX, OMT, UFGT, MYBA1, and MYB5a genes were also affected. Other regulatory genes were less affected or not affected at all by these treatments. Non-transcriptional control mechanisms for flavonoid synthesis are also suggested, especially during the initial stages of ripening. Although berries from the leaf removal treatment received more light than shaded fruits, malvidin-3-glucoside and total flavonol content was reduced compared with the treatment without leaf removal. This work reveals that flavonol-related gene expression responds rapidly to field changes in light levels, as shown by the treatment in which shaded fruits were exposed to light in the late stages of ripening. Taken together, this study establishes MYB-specific responsiveness for the effect of sun exposure and sugar transport on flavonoid synthesis.

Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders: an overview.

PubMed

Riley, Edward P; Infante, M Alejandra; Warren, Kenneth R

2011-06-01

When fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) was initially described, diagnosis was based upon physical parameters including facial anomalies and growth retardation, with evidence of developmental delay or mental deficiency. Forty years of research has shown that FAS lies towards the extreme end of what are now termed fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD). The most profound effects of prenatal alcohol exposure are on the developing brain and the cognitive and behavioral effects that ensue. Alcohol exposure affects brain development via numerous pathways at all stages from neurogenesis to myelination. For example, the same processes that give rise to the facial characteristics of FAS also cause abnormal brain development. Behaviors as diverse as executive functioning to motor control are affected. This special issue of Neuropsychology Review addresses these changes in brain and behavior highlighting the relationship between the two. A diagnostic goal is to recognize FAS as a disorder of brain rather than one of physical characteristics.

Adapting agriculture to climate change: a review

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Anwar, Muhuddin Rajin; Liu, De Li; Macadam, Ian; Kelly, Georgina

2013-07-01

The agricultural sector is highly vulnerable to future climate changes and climate variability, including increases in the incidence of extreme climate events. Changes in temperature and precipitation will result in changes in land and water regimes that will subsequently affect agricultural productivity. Given the gradual change of climate in the past, historically, farmers have adapted in an autonomous manner. However, with large and discrete climate change anticipated by the end of this century, planned and transformational changes will be needed. In light of these, the focus of this review is on farm-level and farmers responses to the challenges of climate change both spatially and over time. In this review of adapting agriculture to climate change, the nature, extent, and causes of climate change are analyzed and assessed. These provide the context for adapting agriculture to climate change. The review identifies the binding constraints to adaptation at the farm level. Four major priority areas are identified to relax these constraints, where new initiatives would be required, i.e., information generation and dissemination to enhance farm-level awareness, research and development (R&D) in agricultural technology, policy formulation that facilitates appropriate adaptation at the farm level, and strengthening partnerships among the relevant stakeholders. Forging partnerships among R&D providers, policy makers, extension agencies, and farmers would be at the heart of transformational adaptation to climate change at the farm level. In effecting this transformational change, sustained efforts would be needed for the attendant requirements of climate and weather forecasting and innovation, farmer's training, and further research to improve the quality of information, invention, and application in agriculture. The investment required for these would be highly significant. The review suggests a sequenced approach through grouping research initiatives into short-term, medium-term, and long-term initiatives, with each initiative in one stage contributing to initiatives in a subsequent stage. The learning by doing inherent in such a process-oriented approach is a requirement owing to the many uncertainties associated with climate change.

Multiple myeloma: a clinical overview.

PubMed

Anderson, Kenneth C

2011-11-15

Multiple myeloma (MM) is the second most common hematologic malignancy in the United States, affecting slightly more men than women and twice as many African Americans as Caucasians. Older age is the primary risk factor for MM, but obesity also increases risk. MM is incurable, but treatment advances in the past decade have more than doubled the duration of survival. MM is a progressive plasma cell tumor in which an initially stable clone becomes malignant via a multistep process. Causative factors implicated in this process include radiation, environmental toxins, chronic antigen stimulation, and genetics. The malignant plasma cells interact with other hematopoietic and stromal cells within the bone marrow microenvironment to disrupt homeostasis among cells and within the extracellular matrix. These tumor-host interactions lead to MM cell proliferation and migration, angiogenesis, osteolysis, immunodeficiency, and anemia. As a result, patients often present with osteolytic bone lesions, recurrent infections, renal insufficiency, and fatigue. The Durie-Salmon and International Staging Systems are used to stage MM, with the latter providing prognostic information based on readily available laboratory data. However, a number of cytogenetic markers are emerging as prognostic indicators, introducing the possibility of more refined disease staging systems and tailored treatment strategies based on genetic profiles.

40 CFR Table 3 to Subpart Cccc of... - Initial Compliance With Emission Limitations

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... CATEGORIES National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants: Manufacturing of Nutritional Yeast Part... demonstrated initial compliance if . . . 1. Each fed-batch fermenter producing yeast in a fermentation stage... yeast in a fermentation stage (last (Trade), second-to-last (First Generation), or third-to-last (Stock...

Antecedents of Adolescent Initiation into Stages of Drug Use: A Developmental Analysis

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kandel, Denise B.; And Others

1978-01-01

Predictors associated with adolescents' initiation into three cumulative stages of drug use--hard liquor, marihuana, and other illicit drugs--were investigated. The strongest predictors were prior involvement in deviant behavior (hard liquor); peer influence, and adolescent beliefs and values (marihuana); and relationship to parents, and…

The excavation stage of basin formation - A qualitative model

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Croft, S. K.

1981-01-01

One of the most complex problems in planetary geology and geophysics is the determination of the nature of the impact cratering processes at scales of tens to thousands of kilometers that produce the complex morphological structures of multiring basins. The cratering process is frequently considered to be divided into three stages, including a short high-pressure stage of initial contact between the projectile and the planetary crust, a longer excavation or cratering flow stage culminating in the formation of a transient crater, and a still longer modification stage during which the transient crater is modified into the observed final geologic form. The transient crater may be considered as the initial boundary condition of the modification stage. In the present investigation, the nature of the transient crater is indicated by the cratering flow field determined from numerical simulations of the excavation stage. Attention is given to empirical and theoretical scaling.

Validation of World Health Organisation HIV/AIDS clinical staging in predicting initiation of antiretroviral therapy and clinical predictors of low CD4 cell count in Uganda.

PubMed

Baveewo, Steven; Ssali, Francis; Karamagi, Charles; Kalyango, Joan N; Hahn, Judith A; Ekoru, Kenneth; Mugyenyi, Peter; Katabira, Elly

2011-05-12

The WHO clinical guidelines for HIV/AIDS are widely used in resource limited settings to represent the gold standard of CD4 counts for antiviral therapy initiation. The utility of the WHO-defined stage 1 and 2 clinical factors used in WHO HIV/AIDS clinical staging in predicting low CD4 cell count has not been established in Uganda. Although the WHO staging has shown low sensitivity for predicting CD4<200 cells/mm(3), it has not been evaluated at for CD4 cut-offs of <250 cells/mm(3) or <350 cells/mm(3). To validate the World Health Organisation HIV/AIDS clinical staging in predicting initiation of antiretroviral therapy in a low-resource setting and to determine the clinical predictors of low CD4 cell count in Uganda. Data was collected on 395 participants from the Joint Clinical Research Centre, of whom 242 (61.3%) were classified as in stages 1 and 2 and 262 (68%) were females. Participants had a mean age of 36.8 years (SD 8.5). We found a significant inverse correlation between the CD4 lymphocyte count and WHO clinical stages. The sensitivity the WHO clinical staging at CD4 cell count of 250 cells/mm(3) and 350 cells/mm(3) was 53.5% and 49.1% respectively. Angular cheilitis, papular pruritic eruptions and recurrent upper respiratory tract infections were found to be significant predictors of low CD4 cell count among participants in WHO stage 1 and 2. The WHO HIV/AIDS clinical staging guidelines have a low sensitivity and about half of the participants in stages 1 and 2 would be eligible for ART initiation if they had been tested for CD4 count. Angular cheilitis and papular pruritic eruptions and recurrent upper respiratory tract infections may be used, in addition to the WHO staging, to improve sensitivity in the interim, as access to CD4 machines increases in Uganda.

Calling Behavior of Male Acheta domesticus Crickets Infected with Paragordius varius (Nematomorpha: Gordiida).

PubMed

Barquin, A; McGehee, B; Sedam, R T; Gordy, W L; Hanelt, B; de Valdez, M R Wise

2015-08-01

It is well established that parasites in the phylum Nematomorpha induce suicide behavior of their insect hosts to bring adult worms to the appropriate habitat for emergence. It is not well established, however, whether other nematomorph-induced behavioral alterations occur before worm emergence. The purpose of our study was to evaluate the effect of the nematomorph Paragordius varius on the calling behavior of the male house cricket Acheta domesticus . We hypothesized that cricket calling, an energetically expensive and risky behavior, would be a potential target for nematomorph-induced behavioral alterations. We assessed if and how infection with P. varius affects A. domesticus calling behavior and whether the presence of wings at time of exposure to P. varius influenced changes in calling behavior. We recorded the calling behavior of male A. domesticus over the course of their infection after exposure to P. various before or after wing development. Additionally, we assessed whether winged crickets were "callers" or "noncallers" before exposure. We found that regardless of cricket developmental stage (or age) at time of infection, infected crickets spent significantly less time calling than their uninfected counterparts but only during the later stages of infection. Developmental stage at infection did affect whether crickets became callers: when infected before wing development significantly more uninfected crickets initiated calling; there was no difference between infected and uninfected crickets when infected as winged adults. Infection was a factor in whether callers stopped calling, with more infected crickets ceasing to call than uninfected crickets. This is the first study to show that infection with nematomorphs affects calling behavior of their insect host. Cricket calling behavior is immensely complex and although it was difficult to elucidate the adaptive nature of these parasite-induced behavioral changes, this study lays the groundwork for future studies to begin teasing out the factors that will help make the determination between side effect of infection or parasite/host adaptation.

Destruction of 4-phenolsulfonic acid in water by anodic contact glow discharge electrolysis.

PubMed

Yang, Haiming; An, Baigang; Wang, Shaoyan; Li, Lixiang; Jin, Wenjie; Li, Lihua

2013-06-01

Destruction of 4-phenolsulfonic acid (4-PSA) in water was carried out using anodic contact glow discharge electrolysis. Accompanying the decay of 4-PSA, the amount of total organic carbon (TOC) in water correspondingly decreased, while the sulfonate group of 4-PSA was released as sulfate ion. Oxalate and formate were obtained as minor by-products. Additionally, phenol, 1,4-hydroquinone, hydroxyquinol and 1,4-benzoquinone were detected as primary intermediates in the initial stages of decomposition of 4-PSA. A reaction pathway involving successive attacks of hydroxyl and hydrogen radicals was assumed on the basis of the observed products and kinetics. It was revealed that the decay of both 4-PSA and TOC obeyed a first-order rate law. The effects of different Fe ions and initial concentrations of 4-PSA on the degradation rate were investigated. It was found that the presence of Fe ions could increase the degradation rate of 4-PSA, while initial concentrations lower than 80 mmol/L had no significant effect on kinetic behaviour. The disappearance rate of 4-PSA was significantly affected by pH.

Authentic assessment based showcase portfolio on learning of mathematical problem solving in senior high school

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sukmawati, Zuhairoh, Faihatuz

2017-05-01

The purpose of this research was to develop authentic assessment model based on showcase portfolio on learning of mathematical problem solving. This research used research and development Method (R & D) which consists of four stages of development that: Phase I, conducting a preliminary study. Phase II, determining the purpose of developing and preparing the initial model. Phase III, trial test of instrument for the initial draft model and the initial product. The respondents of this research are the students of SMAN 8 and SMAN 20 Makassar. The collection of data was through observation, interviews, documentation, student questionnaire, and instrument tests mathematical solving abilities. The data were analyzed with descriptive and inferential statistics. The results of this research are authentic assessment model design based on showcase portfolio which involves: 1) Steps in implementing the authentic assessment based Showcase, assessment rubric of cognitive aspects, assessment rubric of affective aspects, and assessment rubric of skill aspect. 2) The average ability of the students' problem solving which is scored by using authentic assessment based on showcase portfolio was in high category and the students' response in good category.

Ratcheting Strain and Microstructure Evolution of AZ31B Magnesium Alloy under a Tensile-Tensile Cyclic Loading

PubMed Central

Wang, Denghui; Wang, Wenxian; Zhou, Jun; He, Xiuli; Dong, Peng; Zhang, Hongxia; Sun, Liyong

2018-01-01

In this paper, studies were conducted to investigate the deformation behavior and microstructure change in a hot-rolled AZ31B magnesium alloy during a tensile-tensile cyclic loading. The relationship between ratcheting effect and microstructure change was discussed. The ratcheting effect in the material during current tensile-tensile fatigue loading exceeds the material’s fatigue limit and the development of ratcheting strain in the material experienced three stages: initial sharp increase stage (Stage I); steady stage (Stage II); and final abrupt increase stage (Stage III). Microstructure changes in Stage I and Stage II are mainly caused by activation of basal slip system. The Extra Geometrically Necessary Dislocations (GNDs) were also calculated to discuss the relationship between the dislocation caused by the basal slip system and the ratcheting strain during the cyclic loading. In Stage III, both the basal slip and the {11−20} twins are found active during the crack propagation. The fatigue crack initiation in the AZ31B magnesium alloy is found due to the basal slip and the {11−20} tensile twins. PMID:29597278

Ratcheting Strain and Microstructure Evolution of AZ31B Magnesium Alloy under a Tensile-Tensile Cyclic Loading.

PubMed

Yan, Zhifeng; Wang, Denghui; Wang, Wenxian; Zhou, Jun; He, Xiuli; Dong, Peng; Zhang, Hongxia; Sun, Liyong

2018-03-28

In this paper, studies were conducted to investigate the deformation behavior and microstructure change in a hot-rolled AZ31B magnesium alloy during a tensile-tensile cyclic loading. The relationship between ratcheting effect and microstructure change was discussed. The ratcheting effect in the material during current tensile-tensile fatigue loading exceeds the material's fatigue limit and the development of ratcheting strain in the material experienced three stages: initial sharp increase stage (Stage I); steady stage (Stage II); and final abrupt increase stage (Stage III). Microstructure changes in Stage I and Stage II are mainly caused by activation of basal slip system. The Extra Geometrically Necessary Dislocations (GNDs) were also calculated to discuss the relationship between the dislocation caused by the basal slip system and the ratcheting strain during the cyclic loading. In Stage III, both the basal slip and the {11-20} twins are found active during the crack propagation. The fatigue crack initiation in the AZ31B magnesium alloy is found due to the basal slip and the {11-20} tensile twins.

[Deficit of verbal recall caused by left dorso-lateral thalamic infarction].

PubMed

Rousseaux, M; Cabaret, M; Benaim, C; Steinling, M

1995-01-01

A case of amnesia with preferential disorder of verbal recall, associated to a limited infarct of the left superior, external and anterior thalamus, is reported. This lesion involved the anterior and middle dorso-lateral nuclei and the centrolateral nucleus, sparing most of the structures classically incriminated in diencephalic amnesia. At the initial stage, the patient presented discrete language impairment and severe deficit of semantic processing, which later recovered. At the late stage, the anterograde and retrograde amnesia principally concerned the recall of verbal information used in daily life, verbal learning using short-term and long-term recall, questionnaires evaluating retrograde memory and requiring the evocation of proper names. Verbal priming was also affected. Verbal recognition was preserved. Evocation of the most recent events of the personal life was also impaired. Confrontation of this case with others previously reported suggests that various thalamic amnesias may be described, associated to different cognitive deficits, in relation with the preferential situation of lesions.

Synthesis of half-sphere/half-funnel-shaped silica structures by reagent localization and the role of water in shape control

DOE PAGES

Datskos, Panos; Polizos, Georgios; Cullen, David A.; ...

2016-11-11

Role of water and ammonium hydroxide is investigated in evolution of shape of silica structures in the polyvinylpyrrolidone-pentanol emulsion droplet system. Shape control of silica structures is demonstrated by localization of the reagents. A uniform dispersion of reagents provided straight silica rods, while localization of the reagents at the emulsion droplet periphery provided a new type of structures half sphere-half funnel. The absence of water in the initial stages prompted a different nucleation process for the structure growth compared to when water was present in the intial stages. Effect of effective water concentration appeared to be related to the easemore » of diffusion of silica percursor inside the emulsion droplet,i.e., the higher the water concentration, the lower the silica precursor diffusion. Additionally, mixing the reagents in different combinations before adding to the reaction mixture also affected the silica structure thickness, length, and shape.« less

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.

Synthesis of half-sphere/half-funnel-shaped silica structures by reagent localization and the role of water in shape control

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

Datskos, Panos; Polizos, Georgios; Cullen, David A.

Role of water and ammonium hydroxide is investigated in evolution of shape of silica structures in the polyvinylpyrrolidone-pentanol emulsion droplet system. Shape control of silica structures is demonstrated by localization of the reagents. A uniform dispersion of reagents provided straight silica rods, while localization of the reagents at the emulsion droplet periphery provided a new type of structures half sphere-half funnel. The absence of water in the initial stages prompted a different nucleation process for the structure growth compared to when water was present in the intial stages. Effect of effective water concentration appeared to be related to the easemore » of diffusion of silica percursor inside the emulsion droplet,i.e., the higher the water concentration, the lower the silica precursor diffusion. Additionally, mixing the reagents in different combinations before adding to the reaction mixture also affected the silica structure thickness, length, and shape.« less

Behavior of Selected Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals in Sewage Treatment Plant

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Xinze; Lu, Jiaming; Ollivier, Natacha; Saturnino, Anais; Gomez, Elena; Casellas, Claude; Picot, Bernadette

2010-11-01

The behavior of endocrine disrupting chemicals in sewage treatment plant affects their final fate in water environment. We selected six endocrine disrupting chemicals: 4 alkylphenols (4-tert-octylphenol, octylphenol, 4-nonylphenol, bisphenol A) and 2 steroids (17α-ethinylestradiol and estriol) as targets, their removal and transformation in wastewater treatment plant were studied. Five mixed liquors were sampled respectively from different stages of Minhang wastewater treatment plant in Shanghai. EDCs concentration were analyzed with GC-MS. The main removal pathways of EDCs include initial adsorption by suspended solids and following biodegradation in biological sludge. The removal efficiency of six targets was more than 86%. The concentration of OP and 4-n-NP in water significantly increased in anoxic stage, the reason may be the releases of EDCs from sludge to water on the condition of low DO. And it was also found that the EDCs could be released to water phase in the secondary clarifier, which may cause potential risk of EDCs entering the environment with discharge.

Medicare’s Payment Strategy For End-Stage Renal Disease Now Embraces Bundled Payment And Pay-For-Performance To Cut Costs

PubMed Central

Swaminathan, Shailender; Mor, Vincent; Mehrotra, Rajnish; Trivedi, Amal

2013-01-01

Since 1973 Medicare has provided health insurance coverage to all people who have been diagnosed with end-stage renal disease, or kidney failure. In this article we trace the history of payment policies in Medicare’s dialysis program from 1973 to 2011, while also providing some insight into the rationale for changes made over time. Initially, Medicare adopted a fee-for-service payment policy for dialysis care, using the same reimbursement standards employed in the broader Medicare program. However, driven by rapid spending growth in this population, the dialysis program has implemented innovative payment reforms, such as prospective bundled payments and pay-for-performance incentives. It is uncertain whether these strategies can stem the increase in the total cost of dialysis to Medicare, or whether they can do so without adversely affecting the quality of care. Future research on the intended and unintended consequences of payment reform will be critical. PMID:22949455

COD removal characteristics in air-cathode microbial fuel cells.

PubMed

Zhang, Xiaoyuan; He, Weihua; Ren, Lijiao; Stager, Jennifer; Evans, Patrick J; Logan, Bruce E

2015-01-01

Exoelectrogenic microorganisms in microbial fuel cells (MFCs) compete with other microorganisms for substrate. In order to understand how this affects removal rates, current generation, and coulombic efficiencies (CEs), substrate removal rates were compared in MFCs fed a single, readily biodegradable compound (acetate) or domestic wastewater (WW). Removal rates based on initial test conditions fit first-order kinetics, but rate constants varied with circuit resistance. With filtered WW (100Ω), the rate constant was 0.18h(-)(1), which was higher than acetate or filtered WW with an open circuit (0.10h(-)(1)), but CEs were much lower (15-24%) than acetate. With raw WW (100Ω), COD removal proceeded in two stages: a fast removal stage with high current production, followed by a slower removal with little current. While using MFCs increased COD removal rate due to current generation, secondary processes will be needed to reduce COD to levels suitable for discharge. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Polymer deformation and filling modes during microembossing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rowland, Harry D.; King, William P.

2004-12-01

This work investigates the initial stages of polymer deformation during hot embossing micro-manufacturing at processing temperatures near the glass transition temperature (Tg) of polymer films having sufficient thickness such that polymer flow is not supply limited. Several stages of polymer flow can be observed by employing stamp geometries of various widths and varying imprint conditions of time and temperature to modulate polymer viscosity. Experiments investigate conditions affecting cavity filling phenomena, including apparent polymer viscosity. Stamps with periodic ridges of height and width 4 µm and periodicity 30, 50 and 100 µm emboss trenches into polymethyl methacrylate films at Tg - 10 °C < Temboss < Tg + 20 °C. Imprint parameters of time, temperature and load are correlated with replicated polymer shape, height and imprinted area. Polymer replicates are measured by atomic force microscopy and inspected by scanning electron microscopy. Cavity size and the temperature dependence of polymer viscosity significantly influence the nature of polymer deformation in hot embossing micro-manufacturing and must be accounted for in rational process design.

Role of Kabat physical rehabilitation in Bell's palsy: a randomized trial.

PubMed

Barbara, Maurizio; Antonini, Giovanni; Vestri, Annarita; Volpini, Luigi; Monini, Simonetta

2010-01-01

When applied at an early stage, Kabat's rehabilitation was shown to provide a better and faster recovery rate in comparison with non-rehabilitated patients. To assess the validity of an early rehabilitative approach to Bell's palsy patients. A randomized study involved 20 consecutive patients (10 males, 10 females; aged 35-42 years) affected by Bell's palsy, classified according to the House-Brackmann (HB) grading system and grouped on the basis of undergoing or not early physical rehabilitation according to Kabat, i.e. a proprioceptive neuromuscular rehabilitation. The evaluation was carried out by measuring the amplitude of the compound motor action potential (CMAP), as well as by observing the initial and final HB grade, at days 4, 7 and 15 after onset of facial palsy. Patients belonging to the rehabilitation group clearly showed an overall improvement of clinical stage at the planned final observation, i.e. 15 days after onset of facial palsy, without presenting greater values of CMAP.

Mechanical Model Analysis for Quantitative Evaluation of Liver Fibrosis Based on Ultrasound Tissue Elasticity Imaging

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shiina, Tsuyoshi; Maki, Tomonori; Yamakawa, Makoto; Mitake, Tsuyoshi; Kudo, Masatoshi; Fujimoto, Kenji

2012-07-01

Precise evaluation of the stage of chronic hepatitis C with respect to fibrosis has become an important issue to prevent the occurrence of cirrhosis and to initiate appropriate therapeutic intervention such as viral eradication using interferon. Ultrasound tissue elasticity imaging, i.e., elastography can visualize tissue hardness/softness, and its clinical usefulness has been studied to detect and evaluate tumors. We have recently reported that the texture of elasticity image changes as fibrosis progresses. To evaluate fibrosis progression quantitatively on the basis of ultrasound tissue elasticity imaging, we introduced a mechanical model of fibrosis progression and simulated the process by which hepatic fibrosis affects elasticity images and compared the results with those clinical data analysis. As a result, it was confirmed that even in diffuse diseases like chronic hepatitis, the patterns of elasticity images are related to fibrous structural changes caused by hepatic disease and can be used to derive features for quantitative evaluation of fibrosis stage.

Iterative Design and Testing for the Development of a Game-Based Chlamydia Awareness Intervention: A Pilot Study.

PubMed

Jiang, Rui; McKanna, James; Calabrese, Samantha; Seif El-Nasr, Magy

2017-08-01

Herein we describe a methodology for developing a game-based intervention to raise awareness of Chlamydia and other sexually transmitted infections among youth in Boston's underserved communities. We engaged in three design-based experiments. These utilized mixed methods, including playtesting and assessment methods, to examine the overall effectiveness of the game. In this case, effectiveness is defined as (1) engaging the target group, (2) increasing knowledge about Chlamydia, and (3) changing attitudes toward Chlamydia testing. These three experiments were performed using participants from different communities and with slightly different versions of the game, as we iterated through the design/feedback process. Overall, participants who played the game showed a significant increase in participants' knowledge of Chlamydia compared with those in the control group (P = 0.0002). The version of the game, including elements specifically targeting systemic thinking, showed significant improvement in participants' intent to get tested compared with the version of the game without such elements (Stage 2: P > 0.05; Stage 3: P = 0.0045). Furthermore, during both Stage 2 and Stage 3, participants showed high levels of enjoyment, mood, and participation and moderate levels of game engagement and social engagement. During Stage 3, however, participants' game engagement (P = 0.0003), social engagement (P = 0.0003), and participation (P = 0.0003) were significantly higher compared with those of Stage 2. Thus, we believe that motivation improvements from Stage 2 to 3 were also effective. Finally, participants' overall learning effectiveness was correlated with their prepositive affect (r = 0.52) and their postproblem hierarchy (r = -0.54). The game improved considerably from its initial conception through three stages of iterative design and feedback. Our assessment methods for each stage targeted and integrated learning, health, and engagement outcomes. Lessons learned through this iterative design process are a great contribution to the games for health community, especially in targeting the development of health and learning goals through game design.

Developmental stages of cultivated strawberry flowers in relation to chilling sensitivity

PubMed Central

Ariza, Maria Teresa; Soria, Carmen; Martínez-Ferri, Elsa

2015-01-01

Environmental factors affecting flower development may limit the yields of fruiting crops worldwide. In temperate regions, chilling temperatures during flower development can compromise fruit production, but their negative effects vary depending on the differing susceptibilities of each developmental stage. The cultivated strawberry (Fragaria× ananassa Duch.) is widely grown worldwide but financial returns are influenced by sudden shifts to chilling temperatures occurring during the cropping cycle. Despite this important limitation, knowledge of F.× ananassa flower development is lacking, in contrast to the diploid wild-type strawberry (F. vesca). In this study we describe steps in floral development of cultivated strawberry and define their vulnerability to chilling temperatures. To achieve this, flower buds from strawberry plants of cv. ‘Camarosa’ were labelled and monitored from bud initiation until anthesis. Description of morphological and functional changes during flower development was based on histological sections and scanning electron microscopy. To determine the impact of low temperatures at different developmental stages, plants carrying buds of different sizes were chilled at 2 °C for 24 h. Several parameters related to male and female gametophyte development were later evaluated in flowers as they approached anthesis. Fragaria× ananassa flower development was divided into 16 stages according to landmark events. These stages were similar to those documented for F. vesca but three new additional intermediate stages were described. Timing of developmental processes was achieved by correlating developmental staging with specific bud sizes and days before anthesis. Time to reach anthesis from early bud stages was 17–18 days. During this period, we detected four critical periods vulnerable to low temperatures. These were mostly related to male gametophyte development but also to injury to female organs at late developmental stages. These results provide the essential groundwork on floral biology of cultivated strawberry that is a prerequisite for successful comparative studies of cold tolerance among genotypes during flower formation. PMID:25661200

Effect of bending stiffness on the peeling behavior of an elastic thin film on a rigid substrate.

PubMed

Peng, Zhilong; Chen, Shaohua

2015-04-01

Inspired by the experimental observation that the maximum peeling force of elastic films on rigid substrates does not always emerge at the steady-state peeling stage, but sometimes at the initial one, a theoretical model is established in this paper, in which not only the effect of the film's bending stiffness on the peeling force is considered, but also the whole peeling process, from the initiation of debonding to the steady-state stage, is characterized. Typical peeling force-displacement curves and deformed profiles of the film reappear for the whole peeling process. For the case of a film with relatively large bending stiffness, the maximum peeling force is found arising at the initial peeling stage and the larger the stiffness of the film, the larger the maximum peeling force is. With the peeling distance increasing, the peeling force is reduced from the maximum to a constant at the steady-state stage. For the case of a film with relatively small stiffness, the peeling force increases monotonically at the initial stage and then achieves a constant as the maximum at the steady-state stage. Furthermore, the peeling forces in the steady-state stage are compared with those of the classical Kendall model. All the theoretical predictions agree well with the existing experimental and numerical observations, from which the maximum peeling force can be predicted precisely no matter what the stiffness of the film is. The results in this paper should be very helpful in the design and assessment of the film-substrate interface.

Generation of anomalously energetic suprathermal electrons by an electron beam interacting with a nonuniform plasma

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sydorenko, Dmytro

2015-11-01

Electrons emitted by electrodes surrounding or immersed in the plasma are accelerated by the sheath electric field and become electron beams penetrating the plasma. In plasma applications where controlling the electron velocity distribution function (EVDF) is crucial, these beams are an important factor capable of modifying the EVDF and affecting the discharge properties. Recently, it was reported that an EVDF measured in a dc-rf discharge with 800 V dc voltage has not only a peak of 800 eV electrons emitted from the dc-biased electrode, but also a peak of suprathermal electrons with energy up to several hundred eV. Initial explanation of the suprathermal peak suggested that the fast long plasma waves excited by the beam decay parametrically into ion acoustic waves and short plasma waves with much lower phase velocity which accelerate bulk electrons to suprathermal energies. Particle-in-cell simulation of a dc beam-plasma system, however, reveals that the short waves appear not due to the parametric instability, but due to the plasma nonuniformity. Moreover, the acceleration may occur in two stages. Plasma waves excited by the beam in the middle of the system propagate towards the anode and enter the density gradient area where their wavelength and phase speed rapidly decrease. Acceleration of thermal electrons by these waves is the first stage. Some of the accelerated electrons reflect from the anode sheath, travel through the plasma, reflect near the cathode, and enter the accelerating area again but with the energy higher than before. The acceleration that occurs now is the second stage. The energy of a particle after the second acceleration exceeds the initial thermal energy by an order of magnitude. This two-stage mechanism plays a role in explaining previous observations of energetic suprathermal electrons in similar discharges. The study is performed in collaboration with I. D. Kaganovich (PPPL), P. L. G. Ventzek and L. Chen (Tokyo Electron America).

Initiation process of a thrust fault revealed by analog experiments

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yamada, Yasuhiro; Dotare, Tatsuya; Adam, Juergen; Hori, Takane; Sakaguchi, Hide

2016-04-01

We conducted 2D (cross-sectional) analog experiments with dry sand using a high resolution digital image correlation (DIC) technique to reveal initiation process of a thrust fault in detail, and identified a number of "weak shear bands" and minor uplift prior to the thrust initiation. The observations suggest that the process can be divided into three stages. Stage 1: characterized by a series of abrupt and short-lived weak shear bands at the location where the thrust will be generated later. Before initiation of the fault, the area to be the hanging wall starts to uplift. Stage 2: defined by the generation of the new thrust and its active displacement. The location of the new thrust seems to be constrained by its associated back-thrust, produced at the foot of the surface slope (by the previous thrust). The activity of the previous thrust turns to zero once the new thrust is generated, but the timing of these two events is not the same. Stage 3: characterized by a constant displacement along the (new) thrust. Similar minor shear bands can be seen in the toe area of the Nankai accretionary prism, SW Japan and we can correlate the along-strike variations in seismic profiles to the model results that show the characteristic features in each thrust development stage.

Virtual Training and Coaching of Health Behavior: Example from Mindfulness Meditation Training

PubMed Central

Hudlicka, Eva

2014-01-01

Objective Computer-based virtual coaches are increasingly being explored for patient education, counseling, and health behavior training and coaching. The objective of this research was to develop and evaluate a Virtual Mindfulness Coach for training and coaching in mindfulness meditation. Method The coach was implemented as an embodied conversational character, providing mindfulness training and coaching via mixed initiative, text-based, natural language dialogue with the student, and emphasizing affect-adaptive interaction. (The term ‘mixed initiative dialog’ refers to a human-machine dialogue where either can initiate a conversation or a change in the conversation topic.) Results Findings from a pilot evaluation study indicate that the coach-based training is more effective in helping students establish a regular practice than self-administered training using written and audio materials. The coached group also appeared to be in more advanced stages of change in terms of the transtheoretical model, and have a higher sense of self-efficacy regarding establishment of a regular mindfulness practice. Conclusion These results suggest that virtual coach-based training of mindfulness is both feasible, and potentially more effective, than a self-administered program. Of particular interest is the identification of the specific coach features that contribute to its effectiveness. Practice Implications Virtual coaches could provide easily-accessible and cost-effective customized training for a range of health behaviors. The affect-adaptive aspect of these coaches is particularly relevant for helping patients establish long-term behavior changes. PMID:23809167

Virtual training and coaching of health behavior: example from mindfulness meditation training.

PubMed

Hudlicka, Eva

2013-08-01

Computer-based virtual coaches are increasingly being explored for patient education, counseling, and health behavior training and coaching. The objective of this research was to develop and evaluate a Virtual Mindfulness Coach for training and coaching in mindfulness meditation. The coach was implemented as an embodied conversational character, providing mindfulness training and coaching via mixed initiative, text-based, natural language dialog with the student, and emphasizing affect-adaptive interaction. (The term 'mixed initiative dialog' refers to a human-machine dialog where either can initiate a conversation or a change in the conversation topic.) Findings from a pilot evaluation study indicate that the coach-based training is more effective in helping students establish a regular practice than self-administered training using written and audio materials. The coached group also appeared to be in more advanced stages of change in terms of the transtheoretical model, and have a higher sense of self-efficacy regarding establishment of a regular mindfulness practice. These results suggest that virtual coach-based training of mindfulness is both feasible, and potentially more effective, than a self-administered program. Of particular interest is the identification of the specific coach features that contribute to its effectiveness. Virtual coaches could provide easily accessible and cost-effective customized training for a range of health behaviors. The affect-adaptive aspect of these coaches is particularly relevant for helping patients establish long-term behavior changes. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Psychopathology of basic stages of schizophrenia in view of formal thought disturbances.

PubMed

Gross, G; Huber, G

1985-01-01

Psychopathological, nosological, and prognostic aspects of basic stages and basic symptoms, in particular consideration of formal thought disorders, are outlined. In view of the far-reaching overlap of the psychopathological pictures of the pre- und postpsychotic basic stages a Bonn Scale for the Assessment of Basic Symptoms (BSABS) including all types of basic stages was constructed. Subjective cognitive thought disorders were recorded from 69% of the patients in pure defective states, from 78% in postpsychotic reversible basic stages and from 67% in prodromes. In contrast to incoherence of thoughts, including the symptoms of the endogenomorphic-schizophrenic axial syndrome (Berner), these thought disorders are registered only on the basis of the reports of the patients and not through observation by the investigator. The difference between subjective and objective thought disorders is presumably only conditioned primarily by differences in the degree and secondarily by the psychopathological quality of the disorders. If the criteria concerning formal thought disorders and affective blunting of the schizophrenic axial syndrome or of SANS (Andreasen) are fulfilled, as a rule the patient loses the ability of perceiving, communicating, and coping with the disorders, and at the same time there is a break from an only quantitative to a qualitative abnormal phenomenon. The presence or absence of subjective or objective formal thought disorders in the beginning of the disease had no significant influence on the long-term outcome in the main sample of the Bonn study. Proceeding from the initial psychopathological syndromes 54% of the female hebephrenics with the most unfavorable long-term prognosis showed incoherence of thoughts in the first 2 years of the illness; in contrast, incoherence was seen in only 16% of the male hebephrenics for whom the long-term outcome did not differ from that of the whole sample. This and other data of the Bonn schizophrenia study seem to argue in favor of the assumption that typical incoherence of thoughts might be valuated as a criterion of unfavorable prognosis only when the phenomenon appears within the context of a hebephrenic initial syndrome in the beginning of the schizophrenic disease.

Ab initio calculations on the initial stages of GaN and ZnO growth on lattice-matched ScAlMgO4 (0001) substrates

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Guo, Yao; Wang, Yanfei; Li, Chengbo; Li, Xianchang; Niu, Yongsheng; Hou, Shaogang

2016-12-01

The initial stages of GaN and ZnO epitaxial growth on lattice-matched ScAlMgO4 substrates have been investigated by ab initio calculation. The geometrical parameters and electronic structure of ScAlMgO4 bulk and (0001) surface have been investigated by density-functional first-principles study. The effects of different surface terminations have been examined through surface energy and relaxation calculations. The O-Mg-O termination is more favorable than other terminations by comparing the calculated surface energies. It should be accepted as the appropriate surface structure in subsequent calculation. The initial stages of GaN and ZnO epitaxial growths are discussed based on the adsorption and diffusion of the adatoms on reconstructed ScAlMgO4 (0001) surface. According to theoretical characterizations, N adatom on the surface is more stable than Ga. O adatom is more favorable than Zn. These observations lead to the formation of GaN and ZnO epilayer and explain experimentally-confirmed in-plane alignment mechanisms of GaN and ZnO on ScAlMgO4 substrates. Furthermore, the polarity of GaN and ZnO surfaces on ScAlMgO4 (0001) at the initial growth stage have been explored by ab initio calculation. Theoretical studies indicate that the predominant growths of Ga-polar GaN and Zn-polar ZnO are determined by the initial growth stage.

Traumatic midline subarachnoid hemorrhage on initial computed tomography as a marker of severe diffuse axonal injury.

PubMed

Mata-Mbemba, Daddy; Mugikura, Shunji; Nakagawa, Atsuhiro; Murata, Takaki; Ishii, Kiyoshi; Kushimoto, Shigeki; Tominaga, Teiji; Takahashi, Shoki; Takase, Kei

2018-01-05

OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was to test the hypothesis that midline (interhemispheric or perimesencephalic) traumatic subarachnoid hemorrhage (tSAH) on initial CT may implicate the same shearing mechanism that underlies severe diffuse axonal injury (DAI). METHODS The authors enrolled 270 consecutive patients (mean age [± SD] 43 ± 23.3 years) with a history of head trauma who had undergone initial CT within 24 hours and brain MRI within 30 days. Six initial CT findings, including intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) and tSAH, were used as candidate predictors of DAI. The presence of tSAH was determined at the cerebral convexities, sylvian fissures, sylvian vallecula, cerebellar folia, interhemispheric fissure, and perimesencephalic cisterns. Following MRI, patients were divided into negative and positive DAI groups, and were assigned to a DAI stage: 1) stage 0, negative DAI; 2) stage 1, DAI in lobar white matter or cerebellum; 3) stage 2, DAI involving the corpus callosum; and 4) stage 3, DAI involving the brainstem. Glasgow Outcome Scale-Extended (GOSE) scores were obtained in 232 patients. RESULTS Of 270 patients, 77 (28.5%) had DAI; tSAH and IVH were independently associated with DAI (p < 0.05). Of tSAH locations, midline tSAH was independently associated with both overall DAI and DAI stage 2 or 3 (severe DAI; p < 0.05). The midline tSAH on initial CT had sensitivity of 60.8%, specificity of 81.7%, and positive and negative predictive values of 43.7% and 89.9%, respectively, for severe DAI. When adjusted for admission Glasgow Coma Score, the midline tSAH independently predicted poor GOSE score at both hospital discharge and after 6 months. CONCLUSIONS Midline tSAH could implicate the same shearing mechanism that underlies severe DAI, for which midline tSAH on initial CT is a probable surrogate.

The impact of diagnostic imaging wait times on the prognosis of lung cancer.

PubMed

Byrne, Suzanne C; Barrett, Brendan; Bhatia, Rick

2015-02-01

This study was performed to determine whether gaps in patient flow from initial lung imaging to computed tomography (CT) guided lung biopsy in patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) was associated with a change in tumour size, stage, and thus prognosis. All patients who had a CT-guided lung biopsy in 2009 (phase I) and in 2011 (phase II) with a pathologic diagnosis of primary lung cancer (NSCLC) at Eastern Health, Newfoundland, were identified. Dates of initial abnormal imaging, confirmatory CT (if performed), and CT-guided biopsy were recorded, along with tumour size and resulting T stage at each time point. In 2010, wait times for diagnostic imaging at Eastern Health were reduced. The stage and prognosis of NSCLC in 2009 was compared with 2011. In phase 1, there was a statistically significant increase in tumour size (mean difference, 0.67 cm; P < .0001) and stage (P < .0001) from initial image to biopsy. There was a moderate correlation between the time (in days) between the images and change in size (r = 0.33, P = .008) or stage (r = 0.26, P = .036). In phase II, the median wait time from initial imaging to confirmatory CT was reduced to 7.5 days (from 19 days). At this reduced wait time, there was no statistically significant increase in tumour size (mean difference, 0.02; P > .05) or stage (P > .05) from initial imaging to confirmatory CT. Delays in patient flow through diagnostic imaging resulted in an increase in tumour size and stage, with a negative impact on prognosis of NSCLC. This information contributed to the hiring of additional CT technologists and extended CT hours to decrease the wait time for diagnostic imaging. With reduced wait times, the prognosis of NSCLC was not adversely impacted as patients navigated through diagnostic imaging. Copyright © 2015 Canadian Association of Radiologists. All rights reserved.

Minimally Invasive Surgical Staging for Ovarian Carcinoma: A Propensity-Matched Comparison With Traditional Open Surgery.

PubMed

Ditto, Antonino; Bogani, Giorgio; Martinelli, Fabio; Signorelli, Mauro; Chiappa, Valentina; Scaffa, Cono; Indini, Alice; Leone Roberti Maggiore, Umberto; Lorusso, Domenica; Raspagliesi, Francesco

2017-01-01

Growing evidence supports the safety of a laparoscopic approach for patients affected by apparent early-stage ovarian cancer. However, no well-designed studies comparing laparoscopic and open surgical staging are available. In the present investigation we aimed to provide a balanced long-term comparison between these 2 approaches. Retrospective study (Canadian Task Force classification II-2). Tertiary center. Data of consecutive patients affected by early-stage ovarian cancer who had laparoscopic staging were matched 1:1 with a cohort of patients undergoing open surgical staging. The matching was conducted by a propensity-score comparison. Laparoscopic and open surgical staging. Fifty patient pairs (100 patients: 50 undergoing laparoscopic staging vs 50 undergoing open surgical staging) were included. Demographic and baseline oncologic characteristics were balanced between groups (p > .2). We observed that patients undergoing laparoscopic staging experienced longer operative time (207.2 [71.6] minutes vs 180.7 [47.0] minutes; p = .04), lower blood loss (150 [52.7] mL vs 339.8 [225.9] mL; p < .001), and shorter length of hospital stay (4.0 [2.6] days vs 6.1 [1.6] days; p < .001) compared with patients undergoing open surgical staging. No conversion to open surgery occurred. Complication rate was similar between groups. No difference in survival outcomes were observed, after a mean (SD) follow-up of 49.5 (64) and 52.6 (31.7) months after laparoscopic and open surgical staging, respectively. Our findings suggest that the implementation of minimally invasive staging does not influence survival outcomes of patients affected by early-stage ovarian cancer. Laparoscopic staging improved patient outcomes, reducing length of hospital stay. Further large prospective studies are warranted. Copyright © 2016 AAGL. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Initiating Smokeless Tobacco Use across Reproductive Stages.

PubMed

Begum, Shahina; Schensul, Jean J; Nair, Saritha; Donta, Balaiah

2015-01-01

The use of smokeless tobacco (SLT) among women is increasing in India, especially among those with limited education and resources. Preventing the initiation of SLT among women is critical since it has known negative consequences for oral and reproductive health. Most research on tobacco initiation in India focuses on adolescents. This paper addresses the unrecognized issues of post marital initiation among women of reproductive age, highlighting the importance of reproductive stages in women's tobacco initiation. The objective is to examine the correlates of SLT initiation among low income women in Mumbai from pre-marriage through early marriage, first pregnancy and beyond, using case examples to illustrate initiation during each of these stages. In 2011-2012, cross-sectional community level survey data were collected from a representative sample of 409 daily SLT-using married women aged 18-40 years in a low income community in Mumbai. Information on socio-demographics, initiation by reproductive stage, types of tobacco use, childhood exposure to tobacco, learning to use, and initiation influences and reasons were collected through a researcher-administered survey. Univariate and bivariate analysis assessed factors influencing initiation of SLT use by reproductive stage. In addition 42 narratives of tobacco use were collected from a purposive sample of pregnant and non-pregnant married women addressing the same questions in detail. Narratives were transcribed, translated, and coded for key concepts including initiation of tobacco use. Thirty-two percent of women initiated SLT use before marriage, 44% initiated after marriage but before pregnancy, 18.1% initiated during their first pregnancy and the remainder started after their first pregnancy. Mean age of marriage among women in this study was 16 years. Younger women (i.e. age at time of the interview of less than 30 years) were 0.47 [95% CI (0.32, 0.87)] percent less likely to initiate after marriage than women aged more than 30 years. Women who got married before 18 years of age were 2.34 [95% CI (1.40, 3.93)] times more likely to initiate after marriage than their counterparts. Childhood exposure was a predictor for initiating SLT use prior to marriage but not after. Women reporting tooth and gum pain were 1.85 times more likely to initiate after marriage than their counterparts. Husband and neighbours were the most significant influences on post-marital initiation. Narratives highlighted differences in processes of initiation pre and post marriage and during pregnancy. Most tobacco prevention interventions are directed to adolescents in school. This study suggests that especially for low literate or illiterate women, school based interventions are ineffective. To be effective strategies to prevent SLT initiation must reach women in urban areas at or immediately after marriage and during their first pregnancy. Messages must negate culturally rooted beliefs about the health benefits of SLT in order to prevent initiation and onset of daily use.

Paclitaxel, Bevacizumab And Adjuvant Intraperitoneal Carboplatin in Treating Patients Who Had Initial Debulking Surgery for Stage II, Stage III, or Stage IV Ovarian Epithelial, Primary Peritoneal, or Fallopian Tube Cancer

ClinicalTrials.gov

2014-06-18

Brenner Tumor; Fallopian Tube Cancer; Ovarian Clear Cell Cystadenocarcinoma; Ovarian Endometrioid Adenocarcinoma; Ovarian Mixed Epithelial Carcinoma; Ovarian Mucinous Cystadenocarcinoma; Ovarian Serous Cystadenocarcinoma; Ovarian Undifferentiated Adenocarcinoma; Primary Peritoneal Cavity Cancer; Stage II Ovarian Epithelial Cancer; Stage III Ovarian Epithelial Cancer; Stage IV Ovarian Epithelial Cancer

Eye of the Beholder: Stage Entrance Behavior and Facial Expression Affect Continuous Quality Ratings in Music Performance

PubMed Central

Waddell, George; Williamon, Aaron

2017-01-01

Judgments of music performance quality are commonly employed in music practice, education, and research. However, previous studies have demonstrated the limited reliability of such judgments, and there is now evidence that extraneous visual, social, and other “non-musical” features can unduly influence them. The present study employed continuous measurement techniques to examine how the process of forming a music quality judgment is affected by the manipulation of temporally specific visual cues. Video footage comprising an appropriate stage entrance and error-free performance served as the standard condition (Video 1). This footage was manipulated to provide four additional conditions, each identical save for a single variation: an inappropriate stage entrance (Video 2); the presence of an aural performance error midway through the piece (Video 3); the same error accompanied by a negative facial reaction by the performer (Video 4); the facial reaction with no corresponding aural error (Video 5). The participants were 53 musicians and 52 non-musicians (N = 105) who individually assessed the performance quality of one of the five randomly assigned videos via a digital continuous measurement interface and headphones. The results showed that participants viewing the “inappropriate” stage entrance made judgments significantly more quickly than those viewing the “appropriate” entrance, and while the poor entrance caused significantly lower initial scores among those with musical training, the effect did not persist long into the performance. The aural error caused an immediate drop in quality judgments that persisted to a lower final score only when accompanied by the frustrated facial expression from the pianist; the performance error alone caused a temporary drop only in the musicians' ratings, and the negative facial reaction alone caused no reaction regardless of participants' musical experience. These findings demonstrate the importance of visual information in forming evaluative and aesthetic judgments in musical contexts and highlight how visual cues dynamically influence those judgments over time. PMID:28487662

Risk factors associated with prevalence and major bacterial causes of mastitis in dromedary camels (Camelus dromedarius) under different production systems.

PubMed

Ahmad, Sibtain; Yaqoob, Muhammad; Bilal, Muhammad Qamar; Muhammad, Ghulam; Yang, Li-Guo; Khan, Muhammad Kasib; Tariq, Muhammad

2012-01-01

A cross-sectional study was conducted in desert environment of Jhang (Pakistan) from November 2008 to October 2009 on she-camels kept under pastoralist conditions to determine the prevalence of mastitis, impact of risk factors, and isolate the dominant mastitis-causing bacteria on total of 150 lactating she-camels by using clinical examination and surf field mastitis test. From the 150 she-camels examined, 69 (46%) were positive for mastitis at animal level, 12 (8%) clinical, and 57 (38%) subclinical. Age, parity number, stage of lactation, breed, production system, hygiene of milking process, and presence of lesion on udder/teat were found significantly associated (p<0.05) with the prevalence of mastitis in she-camels. There was the lowest prevalence (33.33%; 15 of 45) of mastitis in she-camels of 5-7 years of age, while the highest (80%; 12 of 15) in the animals aged between 14 to 16 years. Stage of lactation significantly affected (p<0.05) and was found to be associated with the prevalence of mastitis being the highest (54.55%; 18 of 33) during the initial stage of lactation (0 to 1 month) followed by last 2 months (10-12 months) as 54.17% and mid-stages (1-3 and 3-10 months) of lactation as 28.57% (6 of 21) and 37.50% (9 of 24), respectively. According to breed of camels, it was noted that the prevalence of mastitis affected significantly (p<0.05) being the highest in crossbred (Desi × Mareecha) as 51.39% (37 of 72) followed in order by Mareecha and Desi as 43.14% and 37.04%, respectively. Staphylococcus (42.19%) and Streptococcus (15.63%) genera were the dominant isolates identified. Good hygiene in milking process, milking clinically infected she-camels at last, culling chronic mastitis carriers, treating clinically infected she-camels, and dry period therapy could reduce the prevalence of contagious mastitis in the study area.

Prediction of Curve Progression in Idiopathic Scoliosis: Validation of the Sanders Skeletal Maturity Staging System.

PubMed

Sitoula, Prakash; Verma, Kushagra; Holmes, Laurens; Gabos, Peter G; Sanders, James O; Yorgova, Petya; Neiss, Geraldine; Rogers, Kenneth; Shah, Suken A

2015-07-01

Retrospective case series. This study aimed to validate the Sanders Skeletal Maturity Staging System and to assess its correlation to curve progression in idiopathic scoliosis. The Sanders Skeletal Maturity Staging System has been used to predict curve progression in idiopathic scoliosis. This study intended to validate that initial study with a larger sample size. We retrospectively reviewed 1100 consecutive patients with idiopathic scoliosis between 2005 and 2011. Girls aged 8 to 14 years (<2 yr postmenarche) and boys aged 10 to 16 years who had obtained at least 1 hand and spine radiograph on the same day for evaluation of skeletal age and scoliosis curve magnitude were followed to skeletal maturity (Risser stage 5 or fully capped Risser stage 4), curve progression to 50° or greater, or spinal fusion. Patients with nonidiopathic curves were excluded. There were 161 patients: 131 girls (12.3 ± 1.2 yr) and 30 boys (13.9 ± 1.1 yr). The distribution of patients within Sanders stage (SS) 1 through 7 was 7, 28, 41, 45, 7, 31, and 2 patients, respectively; modified Lenke curve types 1 to 6 were 26, 12, 63, 5, 38, and 17 patients, respectively. All patients in SS2 with initial Cobb angles of 25° or greater progressed, and patients in SS1 and SS3 with initial Cobb angles of 35° or greater progressed. Similarly, all patients with initial Cobb angles of 40° or greater progressed except those in SS7. Conversely, none of the patients with initial Cobb angles of 15° or less or those in SS5, SS6, and SS7 with initial Cobb angles of 30° or less progressed. Predictive progression of 67%, 50%, 43%, 27%, and 60% was observed for subgroups SS1/30°, SS2/20°, SS3/30°, SS4/30°, and SS6/35° respectively. This larger cohort shows a strong predictive correlation between SS and initial Cobb angle for probability of curve progression in idiopathic scoliosis. 3.

Understanding the major risk factors in the beginning and the progression of rheumatoid arthritis: current scenario and future prospects.

PubMed

Verma, Mahendra Kumar; Sobha, Kota

2015-09-01

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA), a chronic progressive inflammatory autoimmune disorder characterized by chronic pain and swelling primarily, affects the peripheral joints. RA had attained global concern in the last few decades, affecting more than 1.5 % of the world's population with higher female percentage than male. In the advanced stage, the disease is associated with the destruction of cartilage and bone along with a variety of systemic manifestations leading to functional disability. Inadequate early/preliminary diagnosis and non-specific therapeutics are the major challenges in the management of RA. Till date, the exact cause(s) of the disease remain(s) obscure, and several genetic, hormonal, and environmental factors are associated with the beginning and the progression of the disease. Rheumatoid factor is the only clinically approved bio-marker for the diagnosis, and RA is not restricted to bones, but also affects several vital organs in the advanced stages. Genome-wide association studies have explored novel genetic loci underlying common autoimmune diseases including RA. Recent discoveries of risk alleles have made it possible to define genetic risk profiles of patients with RA. The conventional non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and steroidal drugs are still the choice for the treatment of RA under acute and chronic pathological conditions respectively. However, disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs have shown remarkable success in the last decade. The present review provides a comprehensive understanding of the major risk factors and the molecular biology involved in the initiation and the progression of RA with a note on the recent trends in RA therapy.

Renal recovery and long-term survival following acute kidney injury after coronary artery surgery: a nationwide study.

PubMed

Helgadottir, S; Sigurdsson, M I; Palsson, R; Helgason, D; Sigurdsson, G H; Gudbjartsson, T

2016-10-01

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a relatively common complication following CABG and is associated with adverse outcomes. Nonetheless, we hypothesized that the majority of patients make a good long-term recovery of their renal function. We studied the incidence and risk factors of AKI together with renal recovery and long-term survival in patients who developed AKI following CABG. This nationwide study examined AKI among 1754 consecutive patients undergoing CABG in 2001-2013. AKI was defined according to the KDIGO criteria. Postoperatively 184 (11%) patients developed AKI; 121 (7%), 27 (2%), and 36 (2%) at stages 1, 2, and 3, respectively. AKI was an independent risk factor for chronic kidney disease (CKD) and AKI patients had worse post-operative outcomes. Lower pre-operative glomerular filtration rate, higher EuroSCORE and BMI, diabetes, reoperation, and units of red blood cells transfused were independent risk factors of AKI. At post-operative day 10, renal recovery rates, defined as serum creatinine ratio <1.25 of baseline, were 96 (95% CI 91-99%), 78 (95% CI 53-90%), and 94% (95% CI 77-98%) for AKI stages 1, 2, and 3, respectively. Long-term survival was predicted by AKI with 10-year survival of patients without AKI being 76% and those with AKI stages 1, 2, and 3 being 63%, 56%, and 49%, respectively (P < 0.001). Depending on the severity of the initial AKI, 78-97% of patients made good recovery of their kidney function. However, AKI was significantly linked to progression to CKD and long-term survival remained markedly affected by the severity of the initial kidney injury. © 2016 The Acta Anaesthesiologica Scandinavica Foundation. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Variation in palliative care of esophageal cancer in clinical practice: factors associated with treatment decisions.

PubMed

Opstelten, Jorrit L; de Wijkerslooth, Laetitia R H; Leenders, Max; Bac, Dirk Jan; Brink, Menno A; Loffeld, Boudewijn C A J; Meijnen-Bult, Mariëlle J F; Minderhoud, Itta M; Verhagen, Marc A M T; van Oijen, Martijn G H; Siersema, Peter D

2017-02-01

Various treatments are available for the palliation of esophageal cancer, but the optimal therapeutic approach is unclear. This study aimed to assess the palliative treatment modalities used in patients with inoperable esophageal cancer and to identify factors associated with treatment decisions. A population-based, retrospective cohort study was conducted using data from the nationwide Netherlands Cancer Registry and medical records of seven participating hospitals. Patients diagnosed with stage III-IV inoperable esophageal or gastric cardia cancer in the central part of the Netherlands between 2001 and 2010 were included. Logistic regression analyses were performed to identify determinants of treatment choices. In total, 736 patients were initially treated with best supportive care (21%), stent placement (19%), chemotherapy (18%), external beam radiotherapy (EBRT) (16%), brachytherapy (6%), a combination of EBRT and brachytherapy (6%), a combination of chemotherapy and EBRT (5%) or another treatment (9%). The palliative approach varied for disease stage (P < 0.01) and hospital of diagnosis (P < 0.01). Independent factors affecting treatment decisions were age, degree of dysphagia, tumor histology, tumor localization, disease stage, and hospital of diagnosis. For example, patients diagnosed in one hospital were less likely to be treated with EBRT than with stent placement compared to patients in another hospital (odds ratio 0.20, 95% confidence interval 0.07-0.59). In conclusion, the initial palliative approach of patients with inoperable esophageal cancer varies widely and is not only associated with patient- and disease-related factors, but also with hospital of diagnosis. These findings suggest a lack of therapeutic guidance and highlight the need for more evidence on palliative care strategies for esophageal cancer. © 2016 International Society for Diseases of the Esophagus.

Side Differences of Thigh Muscle Cross-Sectional Areas and Maximal Isometric Muscle Force in Bilateral Knees with the Same Radiographic Disease Stage, but Unilateral Frequent Pain – Data from the Osteoarthritis Initiative

PubMed Central

Sattler, Martina; Dannhauer, Torben; Hudelmaier, Martin; Wirth, Wolfgang; Sänger, Alexandra M.; Kwoh, C. Kent; Hunter, David J.; Eckstein, Felix

2012-01-01

Objective To determine whether anatomical thigh muscle cross-sectional areas (MCSAs) and strength differ between osteoarthritis (OA) knees with frequent pain compared with contralateral knees without pain, and to examine the correlation between MCSAs and strength in painful versus painless knees. Methods 48 subjects (31 women; 17 men; age 45–78 years) were drawn from 4796 Osteoarthritis Initiative (OAI) participants, in whom both knees displayed the same radiographic stage (KLG2 or 3), one with frequent pain (most days of the month within the past 12 months) and the contralateral one without pain. Axial MR images were used to determine MCSAs of extensors, flexors and adductors at 35% femoral length (distal to proximal) and in two adjacent 5 mm images. Maximal isometric extensor and flexor forces were used as provided from the OAI data base. Results Painful knees showed 5.2% lower extensor MCSAs (p=0.00003; paired t-test), and 7.8% lower maximal extensor muscle forces (p=0.003) than contra-lateral painless knees. There were no significant differences in flexor forces, or flexor and adductor MCSAs (p>0.39). Correlations between force and MCSAs were similar in painful and painless OA knees (0.44

Effects of well-boat transportation on the muscle pH and onset of rigor mortis in Atlantic salmon.

PubMed

Gatica, M C; Monti, G; Gallo, C; Knowles, T G; Warriss, P D

2008-07-26

During the transport of salmon (Salmo salar), in a well-boat, 10 fish were sampled at each of six stages: in cages after crowding at the farm (stage 1), in the well-boat after loading (stage 2), in the well-boat after eight hours transport and before unloading (stage 3), in the resting cages immediately after finishing unloading (stage 4), after 24 hours resting in cages, (stage 5) and in the processing plant after pumping from the resting cages (stage 6). The water in the well-boat was at ambient temperature with recirculation to the sea. At each stage the fish were stunned percussively and bled by gill cutting. Immediately after death, and then every three hours for 18 hours, the muscle pH and rigor index of the fish were measured. At successive stages the initial muscle pH of the fish decreased, except for a slight gain in stage 5, after they had been rested for 24 hours. The lowest initial muscle pH was observed at stage 6. The fishes' rigor index showed that rigor developed more quickly at each successive stage, except for a slight decrease in rate at stage 5, attributable to the recovery of muscle reserves.

Time-Series Transcriptomics Reveals That AGAMOUS-LIKE22 Affects Primary Metabolism and Developmental Processes in Drought-Stressed Arabidopsis[OPEN

PubMed Central

Penfold, Christopher A.; Jenkins, Dafyd J.; Legaie, Roxane; Lawson, Tracy; Vialet-Chabrand, Silvere R.M.; Subramaniam, Sunitha; Hickman, Richard; Feil, Regina; Bowden, Laura; Hill, Claire; Lunn, John E.; Finkenstädt, Bärbel; Buchanan-Wollaston, Vicky; Beynon, Jim; Wild, David L.; Ott, Sascha

2016-01-01

In Arabidopsis thaliana, changes in metabolism and gene expression drive increased drought tolerance and initiate diverse drought avoidance and escape responses. To address regulatory processes that link these responses, we set out to identify genes that govern early responses to drought. To do this, a high-resolution time series transcriptomics data set was produced, coupled with detailed physiological and metabolic analyses of plants subjected to a slow transition from well-watered to drought conditions. A total of 1815 drought-responsive differentially expressed genes were identified. The early changes in gene expression coincided with a drop in carbon assimilation, and only in the late stages with an increase in foliar abscisic acid content. To identify gene regulatory networks (GRNs) mediating the transition between the early and late stages of drought, we used Bayesian network modeling of differentially expressed transcription factor (TF) genes. This approach identified AGAMOUS-LIKE22 (AGL22), as key hub gene in a TF GRN. It has previously been shown that AGL22 is involved in the transition from vegetative state to flowering but here we show that AGL22 expression influences steady state photosynthetic rates and lifetime water use. This suggests that AGL22 uniquely regulates a transcriptional network during drought stress, linking changes in primary metabolism and the initiation of stress responses. PMID:26842464

The dynamics of nucleation and growth of a particle in the ternary alloy melt with anisotropic surface tension.

PubMed

Chen, Ming-Wen; Li, Lin-Yan; Guo, Hui-Min

2017-08-28

The dynamics of nucleation and growth of a particle affected by anisotropic surface tension in the ternary alloy melt is studied. The uniformly valid asymptotic solution for temperature field, concentration field, and interface evolution of nucleation and particle growth is obtained by means of the multiple variable expansion method. The asymptotic solution reveals the critical radius of nucleation in the ternary alloy melt and an inward melting mechanism of the particle induced by the anisotropic effect of surface tension. The critical radius of nucleation is dependent on isotropic surface tension, temperature undercooling, and constitutional undercooling in the ternary alloy melt, and the solute diffusion melt decreases the critical radius of nucleation. Immediately after a nucleus forms in the initial stage of solidification, the anisotropic effect of surface tension makes some parts of its interface grow inward while some parts grow outward. Until the inward melting attains a certain distance (which is defined as "the melting depth"), these parts of interface start to grow outward with other parts. The interface of the particle evolves into an ear-like deformation, whose inner diameter may be less than two times the critical radius of nucleation within a short time in the initial stage of solidification. The solute diffusion in the ternary alloy melt decreases the effect of anisotropic surface tension on the interface deformation.

Cognitive remediation in pediatric chronic kidney disease and end-stage kidney disease: rationale, candidate interventions, and applicability.

PubMed

Javalkar, Karina; Ferris, Maria E; Cuttance, Jessica; Hooper, Stephen R

2017-11-01

The purpose of this paper is to address the potential use of cognitive remediation interventions for children and adolescents with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and end-stage kidney disease (ESKD). The prevalence and risk for neurocognitive dysfunction in children with this condition remains high, but, to date, interventions targeting these challenges have not been attempted either individually or as part of a larger treatment program. This is the next logical step in addressing the neurocognitive dysfunction that can be present in pediatric CKD/ESKD, with the field needing to determine the efficacy of cognitive remediation approaches for this population. To our knowledge, this paper is the first to raise this possibility by identifying candidate treatments addressing the neurocognitive challenges observed in children and adolescents with CKD/ESKD. Initially, we present the rationale for the importance of addressing the cognitive difficulties in this population, including an overview of the literature documenting the neurocognitive deficits associated with pediatric-onset CKD/ESKD. This is followed by a review of five candidate cognitive remediation programs that may be applicable to patients with this condition, and associated factors that could affect such treatment. The paper concludes with suggestions for both clinical and research initiatives that could be implemented to examine cognitive remediation as potential components of a larger treatment program for children and adolescents with CKD/ESKD.

Study of voltage decrease in organic light emitting diodes during the initial stage of lifetime

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cusumano, P.

2016-02-01

We report the results of lifetime DC testing at constant current of not-encapsulated organic light emitting diodes (OLEDs) based on Tris (8 idroxyquinoline) aluminum (Alq3) as emitting material. In particular, a voltage decrease during the initial stage of the lifetime test is observed. The cause of this behavior is also discussed, mainly linked to initial Joule self-heating of the device, rising its temperature above room temperature until thermal equilibrium is reached at steady state.

Staged minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis of proximal tibial fractures with acute compartment syndrome.

PubMed

Kim, Joon-Woo; Oh, Chang-Wug; Oh, Jong-Keon; Kyung, Hee-Soo; Park, Kyeong-Hyeon; Kim, Hee-June; Jung, Jae-Wook; Jung, Young-Soo

2017-06-01

High-energy proximal tibial fractures often accompany compartment syndrome and are usually treated by fasciotomy with external fixation followed by secondary plating. However, the initial soft tissue injury may affect bony union, the fasciotomy incision or external fixator pin sites may lead to postoperative wound infections, and the staged procedure itself may adversely affect lower limb function. We assess the results of staged minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis (MIPO) for proximal tibial fractures with acute compartment syndrome. Twenty-eight patients with proximal tibial fractures accompanied by acute compartment syndrome who underwent staged MIPO and had a minimum of 12 months follow-up were enrolled. According to the AO/OTA classification, 6 were 41-A, 15 were 41-C, 2 were 42-A and 5 were 42-C fractures; this included 6 cases of open fractures. Immediate fasciotomy was performed once compartment syndrome was diagnosed and stabilization of the fracture followed using external fixation. After the soft tissue condition normalized, internal conversion with MIPO was done on an average of 37 days (range, 9-158) after index trauma. At the time of internal conversion, the external fixator pin site grades were 0 in 3 cases, 1 in 12 cases, 2 in 10 cases and 3 in 3 cases, as described by Dahl. Radiographic assessment of bony union and alignment and a functional assessment using the Knee Society Score and American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score were carried out. Twenty-six cases achieved primary bony union at an average of 18.5 weeks. Two cases of nonunion healed after autogenous bone grafting. The mean Knee Society Score and the AOFAS score were 95 and 95.3 respectively, at last follow-up. Complications included 1 case of osteomyelitis in a patient with a grade IIIC open fracture and 1 case of malunion caused by delayed MIPO due to poor wound conditions. Duration of external fixation and the external fixator pin site grade were not related to the occurrence of infection. Staged MIPO for proximal tibial fractures with acute compartment syndrome may achieve satisfactory bony union and functional results, while decreasing deep infections and soft tissue complications. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Language, Relationships and Pedagogical Practices: Pre-Service Teachers in an Indigenous Australian Context

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bennet, Maria; Moriarty, Beverley

2015-01-01

This article focuses on the initial stage of a longitudinal study whose eventual aim is to produce educators with the capacity, knowledge and cultural competence to engage effectively with Indigenous students in cross-cultural environments. The initial stage of the study involved 24 second-year pre-service teachers working individually with…

EVALUATING THE ROLE OF SDIA AND HHA IN ENHANCED ADHERENCE OF A SDIA HHA DOUBLE MUTANT OF ENTEROHEMORRHAGIC ESCHERICHIA COLI O157:H7

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Adherence of Enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli (EHEC) O157:H7 to biotic (epithelial cells) and abiotic surfaces (biofilm formation) proceeds from an initial reversible adherence to an irreversible stage of intimate adherence. While flagella and fimbriae facilitate initial stage of adherence in both...

32-channel pyrometer with high dynamic range for studies of shocked nanothermites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bassett, Will P.; Dlott, Dana D.

2017-01-01

A 32-channel optical pyrometer has been developed for studying temperature dynamics of shock-initiated reactive materials with one nanosecond time resolution and high dynamic range. The pyrometer consists of a prism spectrograph which directs the spectrally-resolved emission to 32 fiber optics and 32 photomultiplier tubes and digitizers. Preliminary results show shock-initiated reactions of a nanothermite composite, nano CuO/Al in nitrocellulose binder, consists of three stages. The first stage occurred at 30 ns, right after the shock unloaded, the second stage at 100 ns and the third at 1 μs, and the temperatures ranged from 2100K to 3000K. Time-resolved emission spectra suggest hot spots formed during shock unloading, which initiated the bulk thermite/nitrocellulose reaction.

Inflammaging and Cancer: A Challenge for the Mediterranean Diet

PubMed Central

Ostan, Rita; Lanzarini, Catia; Pini, Elisa; Scurti, Maria; Vianello, Dario; Bertarelli, Claudia; Fabbri, Cristina; Izzi, Massimo; Palmas, Giustina; Biondi, Fiammetta; Martucci, Morena; Bellavista, Elena; Salvioli, Stefano; Capri, Miriam; Franceschi, Claudio; Santoro, Aurelia

2015-01-01

Aging is considered the major risk factor for cancer, one of the most important mortality causes in the western world. Inflammaging, a state of chronic, low-level systemic inflammation, is a pervasive feature of human aging. Chronic inflammation increases cancer risk and affects all cancer stages, triggering the initial genetic mutation or epigenetic mechanism, promoting cancer initiation, progression and metastatic diffusion. Thus, inflammaging is a strong candidate to connect age and cancer. A corollary of this hypothesis is that interventions aiming to decrease inflammaging should protect against cancer, as well as most/all age-related diseases. Epidemiological data are concordant in suggesting that the Mediterranean Diet (MD) decreases the risk of a variety of cancers but the underpinning mechanism(s) is (are) still unclear. Here we review data indicating that the MD (as a whole diet or single bioactive nutrients typical of the MD) modulates multiple interconnected processes involved in carcinogenesis and inflammatory response such as free radical production, NF-κB activation and expression of inflammatory mediators, and the eicosanoids pathway. Particular attention is devoted to the capability of MD to affect the balance between pro- and anti-inflammaging as well as to emerging topics such as maintenance of gut microbiota (GM) homeostasis and epigenetic modulation of oncogenesis through specific microRNAs. PMID:25859884

Adult stem cell theory of the multi-stage, multi-mechanism theory of carcinogenesis: role of inflammation on the promotion of initiated stem cells.

PubMed

Trosko, James E; Tai, Mei-Hui

2006-01-01

Inflammation, induced by microbial agents, radiation, endogenous or exogenous chemicals, has been associated with chronic diseases, including cancer. Since carcinogenesis has been characterized as consisting of the 'initiation', 'promotion' and 'progression' phases, the inflammatory process could affect any or all three phases. The stem cell theory of carcinogenesis has been given a revival, in that isolated human adult stem cells have been isolated and shown to be 'targets' for neoplastic transformation. Oct4, a transcription factor, has been associated with adult stem cells, as well as their immortalized and tumorigenic derivatives, but not with the normal differentiated daughters. These data are consistent with the stem cell theory of carcinogenesis. In addition, Gap Junctional Intercellular Communication (GJIC) seems to play a major role in cell growth. Inhibition of GJIC by non-genotoxic chemicals or various oncogenes seems to be the mechanism for the tumor promotion and progression phases of carcinogenesis. Many of the toxins, synthetic non-genotoxicants, and endogenous inflammatory factors have been shown to inhibit GJIC and act as tumor promoters. The inhibition of GJIC might be the mechanism by which the inflammatory process affects cancer and that to intervene during tumor promotion with anti-inflammatory factors might be the most efficacious anti-cancer strategy.

Pathogen and host genotype differently affect pathogen fitness through their effects on different life-history stages.

PubMed

Bruns, Emily; Carson, Martin; May, Georgiana

2012-08-02

Adaptation of pathogens to their hosts depends critically on factors affecting pathogen reproductive rate. While pathogen reproduction is the end result of an intricate interaction between host and pathogen, the relative contributions of host and pathogen genotype to variation in pathogen life history within the host are not well understood. Untangling these contributions allows us to identify traits with sufficient genetic variation for selection to act and to identify mechanisms of coevolution between pathogens and their hosts. We investigated the effects of pathogen and host genotype on three life-history components of pathogen fitness; infection efficiency, latent period, and sporulation capacity, in the oat crown rust fungus, Puccinia coronata f.sp. avenae, as it infects oats (Avena sativa). We show that both pathogen and host genotype significantly affect total spore production but do so through their effects on different life-history stages. Pathogen genotype has the strongest effect on the early stage of infection efficiency, while host genotype most strongly affects the later life-history stages of latent period and sporulation capacity. In addition, host genotype affected the relationship between pathogen density and the later life-history traits of latent period and sporulation capacity. We did not find evidence of pathogen-by-host genotypic (GxG) interactions. Our results illustrate mechanisms by which variation in host populations will affect the evolution of pathogen life history. Results show that different pathogen life-history stages have the potential to respond differently to selection by host or pathogen genotype and suggest mechanisms of antagonistic coevolution. Pathogen populations may adapt to host genotypes through increased infection efficiency while their plant hosts may adapt by limiting the later stages of pathogen growth and spore production within the host.

Testing the Right Target and the Right Drug at the Right Stage

PubMed Central

Sperling, Reisa A.; Jack, Clifford R.; Aisen, Paul S.

2013-01-01

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the only leading cause of death for which no disease-modifying therapy is currently available. Recent disappointing trial results at the dementia stage of AD have raised multiple questions about our current approaches to the development of disease-modifying agents. Converging evidence suggests that the pathophysiological process of AD begins many years before the onset of dementia. So why do we keep testing drugs aimed at the initial stages of the disease process in patients at the end-stage of the illness? Alzheimer’s disease (AD) remains one of the most feared consequences of aging, affecting more than one out of every ten individuals over the age of 65. With more than 10,000 baby boomers turning 65 every day in the United States alone, we are truly facing an AD epidemic. Over the past decade, a string of disappointing clinical trial results have raised concerns about our current strategy for development of AD-modifying therapies. Three hypotheses can explain these recent AD trial failures: (i) We are targeting the wrong pathophysiological mechanisms; (ii) The drugs do not engage the intended targets in patients; and (iii) The drugs are hitting the right targets, but are doing so at the wrong stage of the disease. Here, we address the third supposition and suggest that specific amyloid-based therapies be directed at much earlier stages of ADperhaps even prior to the emergence of clinical symptoms. Furthermore, we argue that the field has sufficient tools to begin “secondary prevention” trials in asymptomatic individuals whoare at high risk for progression to cognitive impairment and AD dementia. PMID:22133718

When math operations have visuospatial meanings versus purely symbolic definitions: Which solving stages and brain regions are affected?

PubMed

Pyke, Aryn A; Fincham, Jon M; Anderson, John R

2017-06-01

How does processing differ during purely symbolic problem solving versus when mathematical operations can be mentally associated with meaningful (here, visuospatial) referents? Learners were trained on novel math operations (↓, ↑), that were defined strictly symbolically or in terms of a visuospatial interpretation (operands mapped to dimensions of shaded areas, answer = total area). During testing (scanner session), no visuospatial representations were displayed. However, we expected visuospatially-trained learners to form mental visuospatial representations for problems, and exhibit distinct activations. Since some solution intervals were long (~10s) and visuospatial representations might only be instantiated in some stages during solving, group differences were difficult to detect when treating the solving interval as a whole. However, an HSMM-MVPA process (Anderson and Fincham, 2014a) to parse fMRI data identified four distinct problem-solving stages in each group, dubbed: 1) encode; 2) plan; 3) compute; and 4) respond. We assessed stage-specific differences across groups. During encoding, several regions implicated in general semantic processing and/or mental imagery were more active in visuospatially-trained learners, including: bilateral supramarginal, precuneus, cuneus, parahippocampus, and left middle temporal regions. Four of these regions again emerged in the computation stage: precuneus, right supramarginal/angular, left supramarginal/inferior parietal, and left parahippocampal gyrus. Thus, mental visuospatial representations may not just inform initial problem interpretation (followed by symbolic computation), but may scaffold on-going computation. In the second stage, higher activations were found among symbolically-trained solvers in frontal regions (R. medial and inferior and L. superior) and the right angular and middle temporal gyrus. Activations in contrasting regions may shed light on solvers' degree of use of symbolic versus mental visuospatial strategies, even in absence of behavioral differences. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

A direct numerical simulation of cool-flame affected autoignition in diesel engine-relevant conditions

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

Krisman, Alex; Hawkes, Evatt R.; Talei, Mohsen

In diesel engines, combustion is initiated by a two-staged autoignition that includes both low- and high-temperature chemistry. The location and timing of both stages of autoignition are important parameters that influence the development and stabilisation of the flame. In this study, a two-dimensional direct numerical simulation (DNS) is conducted to provide a fully resolved description of ignition at diesel engine-relevant conditions. The DNS is performed at a pressure of 40 atmospheres and at an ambient temperature of 900 K using dimethyl ether (DME) as the fuel, with a 30 species reduced chemical mechanism. At these conditions, similar to diesel fuel,more » DME exhibits two-stage ignition. The focus of this study is on the behaviour of the low-temperature chemistry (LTC) and the way in which it influences the high-temperature ignition. The results show that the LTC develops as a “spotty” first-stage autoignition in lean regions which transitions to a diffusively supported cool-flame and then propagates up the local mixture fraction gradient towards richer regions. The cool-flame speed is much faster than can be attributed to spatial gradients in first-stage ignition delay time in homogeneous reactors. The cool-flame causes a shortening of the second-stage ignition delay times compared to a homogeneous reactor and the shortening becomes more pronounced at richer mixtures. Multiple high-temperature ignition kernels are observed over a range of rich mixtures that are much richer than the homogeneous most reactive mixture and most kernels form much earlier than suggested by the homogeneous ignition delay time of the corresponding local mixture. Altogether, the results suggest that LTC can strongly influence both the timing and location in composition space of the high-temperature ignition.« less

Prognostic value of miliary versus non-miliary sub-staging in advanced ovarian cancer.

PubMed

Eng, Kevin H; Morrell, Kayla; Starbuck, Kristen; Spring-Robinson, Chandra; Khan, Aalia; Cleason, Dana; Akman, Levent; Zsiros, Emese; Odunsi, Kunle; Szender, J Brian

2017-07-01

The presence of miliary disease during initial ovarian cancer debulking may reflect a distinct mode of peritoneal spread independent from size-based tumor staging and may explain variation in response to treatment and survival outcomes. To infer the prevalence, presentation and clinical implications of miliary disease we reviewed existing surgical records. Reports were available for 1008 primary debulking surgeries for ovarian, primary peritoneal or fallopian tube cancer between 2001 and 2015 (685 reports from 2005 to 2015). Clinical outcome data was available for 938 patients. We analyzed a high-stage sub-cohort for survival (N=436). Most records were evaluable for miliary disease (761/938); for these, the miliary phenotype was highly prevalent (249/761, 32.7%) and often accompanied by ascites (185/249, 74%). While optimal debulking rates were unaffected by miliary disease, total resection (R0) rates were poorer. Liver, stomach, spleen or bladder appeared to be sporadically involved while the omentum, mesentery, bowel, peritoneum and diaphragm were affected simultaneously (Spearman rho>0.5). Overall, miliary disease was associated with worse progression free survival, overall survival, and time from relapse to death independent of stage. Survival effects were particularly strong for Stage IV disease where median overall survival varied by over 30months (log-rank p=0.002). Miliary disease is an identifiable surgical phenotype reflecting a distinct clinical trajectory that adds prognostic information to standard disease burden-based staging. These findings should permit further retrospective investigation in a wider cohort and prompt the consideration of prospective structured operative reporting standards and treatment strategies. Copyright © 2017 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Quality of life in breast cancer sufferers.

PubMed

Shouman, Ahmed Essmat; Abou El Ezz, Nahla Fawzy; Gado, Nivine; Ibrahim Goda, Amal Mahmoud

2016-08-08

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to measure health-related quality of life (QOL) among patients with early stage cancer breast under curative treatment at department of oncology and nuclear medicine at Ain Shams University Hospitals. Identify factors affecting QOL among these patients. Design/methodology/approach - A cross-sectional study measured QOL among early stage female breast cancer (BC) patients and determined the main factors affecting their QOL. Three interviewer administered questionnaires were used. Findings - The physical domain mostly affected in BC patients and the functional domain least. Socio-demographic factors that significantly affected BC patients QOL scores were patient age, education, having children and family income. Specific patient characteristics include caregiver presence - a factor that affected different QOL scores. Age at diagnosis, affection in the side of the predominant hand, post-operative chemotherapy and difficulty in obtaining the medication were the disease-related factors that affected QOL scores. Originality/value - The final model predicting QOL for early stage female BC patients included age, education and difficulty in obtaining the medication as determinants for total QOL score. Carer presence was the specific patient characteristic that affected different QOL scores.

Maternal identification of dental caries lesions in their children aged 1-3 years.

PubMed

Fernandes, I B; Sá-Pinto, A C; Silva Marques, L; Ramos-Jorge, J; Ramos-Jorge, M L

2017-06-01

To analyse the maternal identification of different stages of dental caries in children aged 1-3 years. A cross-sectional study was conducted with 274 children and their mothers. The mothers answered a questionnaire on the occurrence of dental caries in their children and completed questions addressing their demographic/socio-economic status. The oral examination of the children was performed using the International Caries Detection and Assessment System. Descriptive, Chi square test and Poisson regression statistical analyses were performed. The prevalence of initial and established/severe dental caries lesions by age were: 1 year (23.2 and 24.2%), 2 years (17.9 and 55.7%) and 3 years (23.3 and 60.3%) respectively. Significant associations between clinical examinations and the mothers' reports were observed among children aged 1 year old who had initial stage caries lesions (p = 0.006) and in children aged 1, 2 and 3 years old who had established/severe stage caries lesions (p < 0.001). After adjustment for confounding variables it was found that mothers were more able to identify dental caries both at initial (PR 4.01, 95% CI 1.35-11.94) and established/severe stages (PR 9.14, 95% CI 2.49-33.56) in children aged 1 year old. In children aged 2 and 3 years, this identification was more evident in the established/severe stage (2 years, PR 2.98, 95% CI 1.42-6.26; 3 years, PR 2.75, 95% CI 1.09-6.93). Mothers of children aged 1 year old identified dental caries at initial and established/severe stages. Mothers of children aged 2 and 3 years identified dental caries only at established/severe stages.

Revised Tubiana’s Staging System for Assessment of Disease Severity in Dupuytren’s Disease—Preliminary Clinical Findings

PubMed Central

Hindocha, Sandip; Stanley, John K.; Watson, James Stewart

2007-01-01

There are few objective staging systems to assess severity of Dupuytren’s disease (DD). Previous methods to assess severity of DD were based primarily on the degree of contracture of an affected digit measured using a goniometer. Nonetheless, this method of assessment alone may be incomplete, and other factors should be considered. White (n = 92) patients diagnosed with DD from northwest of England were assessed for DD. Objective criteria for evaluating severity incorporated quantified variables. The revised severity stage was correlated to a known staging system of DD (Tubiana’s staging system) which measures total flexion deformity for a single affected digit. Total revised severity staging scores ranged between 4 and 53 (mean = 18.7) and revealed significant positive correlation to Tubiana’s original staging system (r2 = 0.8, p < 0.001). There was significant difference between severity staging scores in those with a positive family history compared to those without (p < 0.01). In current practice, often, the degree of contracture in an affected digit is used solely as a measure of disease severity. Additional objective clinical information may provide useful prognostic indices for disease progression as well as postoperative outcome. PMID:18780081

Surgical outcome analysis of paediatric thoracic and cervical neuroblastoma.

PubMed

Parikh, Dakshesh; Short, Melissa; Eshmawy, Mohamed; Brown, Rachel

2012-03-01

To identify factors determining the surgical outcome of primary cervical and thoracic neuroblastoma. Twenty-six children with primary thoracic neuroblastoma presented over the last 14 years were analysed for age, mode of presentation, tumour histopathology, biology and outcome. Primary thoracic neuroblastoma was presented in 16 boys and 10 girls at a median age of 2 years (range 6 weeks-15 years). The International Neuroblastoma Staging System (INSS) classified these as Stage 1 (8), Stage 2 (5), Stage 3 (6) and Stage 4 (7). Computed tomography defined the tumour location at the thoracic inlet (11), cervical (2), cervico-thoracic (3), mid-thorax (9) and thoraco-abdominal (1). Twenty-two children underwent surgery that allowed an adequate exposure and resection. Surgical resection was achieved after initial biopsy and preoperative chemotherapy in 15 children, whereas primary resection was performed in 7 children. Four patients with Stage 4 disease underwent chemotherapy alone after initial biopsy; of which, two died despite chemotherapy. Favourable outcome after surgical resection and long-term survival was seen in 19 (86.4%) of the 22 children. Three had local recurrence (14 to 21 months postoperatively), all with unfavourable histology on initial biopsy. The prognostic factors that determined the outcome were age and INSS stage at presentation. In this series, all patients under 2 years of age are still alive, while mortality was seen in five older children. Thoracic neuroblastoma in children under 2 years of age irrespective of stage and histology of the tumour results in long-term survival.

Perturbing Hele-Shaw flow with a small gap gradient

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

Zhao, H.; Casademunt, J.; Yeung, C.

1992-02-15

A controlled perturbation is introduced into the Saffman-Taylor flow problem by adding a gradient to the gap of a Hele-Shaw cell. The stability of the single-finger steady state was found to be strongly affected by such a perturbation. Compared with patterns in a standard Hele-Shaw cell, the single Saffman-Taylor finger was stabilized or destabilized according to the sign of the gap gradient. While a linear stability analysis shows that this perturbation should have a negligible effect on the early-stage pattern formation, the experimental data indicate that the characteristic length for the initial breakup of a flat interface has been changedmore » by the perturbation.« less

Children have type 2 diabetes too: an historical perspective.

PubMed

Dean, Heather J; Sellers, Elizabeth A C

2015-10-01

Prior to 1985, type 2 diabetes was a disease of adults. Simultaneously with the global epidemic of childhood obesity, type 2 diabetes has increased in children. Initially, the presentation of small case series of type 2 diabetes in children was met with skepticism. As the number and size of the case series grew and the first long-term outcomes of end-stage complications in young adults appeared in the literature, the international community took notice with guarded interest. Type 2 diabetes disproportionately affects the children of specific ethnic groups and from disadvantaged socioeconomic environments, especially Indigenous populations. The past decade has seen unprecedented intense global interest in the etiology, treatment, and prevention of type 2 diabetes in children.

Computational Simulation of Composite Structural Fatigue

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Minnetyan, Levon; Chamis, Christos C. (Technical Monitor)

2005-01-01

Progressive damage and fracture of composite structures subjected to monotonically increasing static, tension-tension cyclic, pressurization, and flexural cyclic loading are evaluated via computational simulation. Constituent material properties, stress and strain limits are scaled up to the structure level to evaluate the overall damage and fracture propagation for composites. Damage initiation, growth, accumulation, and propagation to fracture due to monotonically increasing static and cyclic loads are included in the simulations. Results show the number of cycles to failure at different temperatures and the damage progression sequence during different degradation stages. A procedure is outlined for use of computational simulation data in the assessment of damage tolerance, determination of sensitive parameters affecting fracture, and interpretation of results with insight for design decisions.

Computational Simulation of Composite Structural Fatigue

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Minnetyan, Levon

2004-01-01

Progressive damage and fracture of composite structures subjected to monotonically increasing static, tension-tension cyclic, pressurization, and flexural cyclic loading are evaluated via computational simulation. Constituent material properties, stress and strain limits are scaled up to the structure level to evaluate the overall damage and fracture propagation for composites. Damage initiation, growth, accumulation, and propagation to fracture due to monotonically increasing static and cyclic loads are included in the simulations. Results show the number of cycles to failure at different temperatures and the damage progression sequence during different degradation stages. A procedure is outlined for use of computational simulation data in the assessment of damage tolerance, determination of sensitive parameters affecting fracture, and interpretation of results with insight for design decisions.

The multitalented Mediator complex.

PubMed

Carlsten, Jonas O P; Zhu, Xuefeng; Gustafsson, Claes M

2013-11-01

The Mediator complex is needed for regulated transcription of RNA polymerase II (Pol II)-dependent genes. Initially, Mediator was only seen as a protein bridge that conveyed regulatory information from enhancers to the promoter. Later studies have added many other functions to the Mediator repertoire. Indeed, recent findings show that Mediator influences nearly all stages of transcription and coordinates these events with concomitant changes in chromatin organization. We review the multitude of activities associated with Mediator and discuss how this complex coordinates transcription with other cellular events. We also discuss the inherent difficulties associated with in vivo characterization of a coactivator complex that can indirectly affect diverse cellular processes via changes in gene transcription. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

[The initial (I and II) and advanced (III and IV) stages of juvenile patellar chondromalacia. Its diagnosis by magnetic resonance using a 1.5-T magnet with FLASH sequences].

PubMed

Macarini, L; Rizzo, A; Martino, F; Zaccheo, N; Angelelli, G; Rotondo, A

1998-06-01

Juvenile patellar chondromalacia is a common orthopedic disorder which can mimic other conditions; early diagnosis is mandatory to prevent its evolution into osteoarthrosis. In the early stages of patellar chondromalacia (I and II), the lesions originate in the deep cartilage layer and the joint surface is not affected. Arthroscopy can demonstrate joint surface changes only and give indirect information about deeper lesions. We investigated the yield of 2D FLASH MRI with 30 degrees flip angle and a dedicated coil in the diagnosis of patellar chondromalacia, especially in its early stages. Eighteen patients (mean age: 21 years) with clinically suspected patellar chondromalacia were examined with MRI; 13 of them were also submitted to arthroscopy. A 1.5 T unit with a transmit-and-receive extremity coil was used. We acquired T1 SE sequences (TR/TE: 500-700/15/20) and 2D T2* FLASH sequence (TR/TE/FA: 500-800/18/30 degrees). The field of view was 160-180 mm and the matrix 192 x 256, with 2-3 NEX. The images were obtained on the axial plane. The lesions were classified in 4 stages according to Shahriaree classification. Agreement between MR and arthroscopic findings was good in both early and advanced lesions in 12/13 cases. Early lesions appeared as hyperintense focal thickening of the hyaline cartilage (stage I) or as small cystic lesions within the cartilage and no articular surface involvement (stage II). The medial patellar facet was the most frequent site. Advanced lesions appeared as articular surface ulcerations, thinning and cartilage hypointensity (stage III); stage IV lesions presented as complete erosions of the hyaline cartilage and hypointense underlying bone. 2D FLASH MRI with 30 degrees flip angle can show the differences in water content in the cartilage and thus permit to detect early chondromalacia lesions in the deep cartilage.

Hydrodynamic instability of elastic-plastic solid plates at the early stage of acceleration.

PubMed

Piriz, A R; Sun, Y B; Tahir, N A

2015-03-01

A model is presented for the linear Rayleigh-Taylor instability taking place at the early stage of acceleration of an elastic-plastic solid, when the shock wave is still running into the solid and is driven by a time varying pressure on the interface. When the the shock is formed sufficiently close to the interface, this stage is considered to follow a previous initial phase controlled by the Ritchmyer-Meshkov instability that settles new initial conditions. The model reproduces the behavior of the instability observed in former numerical simulation results and provides a relatively simpler physical picture than the currently existing one for this stage of the instability evolution.

The effect of ice nuclei on a deep convective cloud in South China

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Deng, Xin; Xue, Huiwen; Meng, Zhiyong

2018-07-01

This study uses the Weather Research and Forecasting Model to simulate a deep convective cloud under a relatively polluted condition in South China. Ice nuclei (IN) aerosols near the surface are effectively transported upwards to above the 0 °C level by the strong updrafts in the convective cloud. Four cases with initial surface IN aerosol concentrations of 1, 10, 100, and 1000 L-1 are simulated. All simulations can well reproduce the major characteristics of the deep convective cloud in terms of the evolution, spatial distribution, and its track. IN aerosols have little effect on these macrophysical characteristics but can significantly affect ice formation. When IN concentration is increased, all heterogeneous nucleation modes are significantly enhanced, whereas the homogeneous freezing of cloud droplets is unchanged or weakened depending on the IN concentration and the development stages of the deep convective cloud. The homogeneous freezing of haze particles is generally not affected by increased IN but is slightly weakened in the extremely high IN case. As IN concentration is increased by 10 and 100 times, the enhanced heterogeneous nucleation is still not strong enough to compete with homogeneous freezing. Ice formation is hence still dominated by the homogenous freezing of cloud droplets and haze particles in the layer of 9-14 km, where most of the ice crystals are produced. The microphysical properties are generally unaffected in all the stages of cloud evolution. As IN concentration is increased by 1000 times and heterogeneous nucleation is further enhanced, the homogeneous freezing of cloud droplets and haze particles dominates only in the mature and dissipating stages, leading to unaffected ice number mixing ratio in the anvil region (approximately above 9 km) for these two stages. However, in the developing stage, when the supply of cloud droplets is limited, the homogeneous freezing of cloud droplets is weakened or even suppressed due to the very strong competition for liquid water with heterogeneous nucleation, leading to significantly lower ice number mixing ratio in the anvil regions. In addition, the microphysical properties in the convective core regions below the cloud anvil (approximately below 9 km) are also affected in the case of 1000 L-1. The enhanced heterogeneous nucleation produces more ice crystals below 9 km, leading to a stronger conversion from ice crystals to snow particles, and hence higher number and mass mixing ratios of snow. The IN effect on the spatial distributions and temporal evolutions of the surface precipitation and updraft velocity is generally insignificant.

Minimizing Confusion and Disorientation: Cognitive Support Work in Informal Dementia Caregiving

PubMed Central

Berry, Brandon

2015-01-01

Drawing from ethnographic fieldwork and in-depth interviews, I explain how informal dementia caregivers attempt to reduce the affected individual’s moments of confusion and disorientation through cognitive support work. I identify three stages through which such support takes shape and then gradually declines in usage. In a first stage, family members collaborate with affected individuals to first identify and then to avoid “triggers” that elicit sudden bouts of confusion. In a second stage, caregivers lose the effective collaboration of the affected individual and begin unilateral attempts to minimize confused states through pre-emptive conversational techniques, third-party interactional support, and social-environment shifts. In a third stage, caregivers learn that the affected individual has reached a level of impairment that does not respond well to efforts at reduction and begin abandoning strategies. I identify the motivations driving cognitive support work and discuss the role of lay health knowledge in dementia caregiving. I conclude by considering the utility of cognitive support as a concept within dementia caregiving. PMID:24984915

Household-Level Determinants of Soil and Water Conservation Adoption Phases: Evidence from North-Western Ethiopian Highlands.

PubMed

Teshome, Akalu; de Graaff, Jan; Kassie, Menale

2016-03-01

Soil and water conservation (SWC) practices have been promoted in the highlands of Ethiopia during the last four decades. However, the level of adoption of SWC practices varies greatly. This paper examines the drivers of different stages of adoption of SWC technologies in the north-western highlands of Ethiopia. This study is based on a detailed farm survey among 298 households in three watersheds. Simple descriptive statistics were applied to analyze the stages of adoption. An ordered probit model was used to analyze the drivers of different stages of adoption of SWC. This model is used to analyze more than two outcomes of an ordinal dependent variable. The results indicate that sampled households are found in different phases of adoption, i.e., dis-adoption/non-adoption (18.5 %), initial adoption (30.5 %), actual adoption (20.1 %), and final adoption (30.9 %). The results of the ordered probit model show that some socio-economic and institutional factors affect the adoption phases of SWC differently. Farm labor, parcel size, ownership of tools, training in SWC, presence of SWC program, social capital (e.g., cooperation with adjacent farm owners), labor sharing scheme, and perception of erosion problem have a significant positive influence on actual and final adoption phases of SWC. In addition, the final adoption phase of SWC is positively associated with tenure security, cultivated land sizes, parcel slope, and perception on SWC profitability. Policy makers should take into consideration factors affecting (continued) adoption of SWC such as profitability, tenure security, social capital, technical support, and resource endowments (e.g., tools and labor) when designing and implementing SWC policies and programs.

Household-Level Determinants of Soil and Water Conservation Adoption Phases: Evidence from North-Western Ethiopian Highlands

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Teshome, Akalu; de Graaff, Jan; Kassie, Menale

2016-03-01

Soil and water conservation (SWC) practices have been promoted in the highlands of Ethiopia during the last four decades. However, the level of adoption of SWC practices varies greatly. This paper examines the drivers of different stages of adoption of SWC technologies in the north-western highlands of Ethiopia. This study is based on a detailed farm survey among 298 households in three watersheds. Simple descriptive statistics were applied to analyze the stages of adoption. An ordered probit model was used to analyze the drivers of different stages of adoption of SWC. This model is used to analyze more than two outcomes of an ordinal dependent variable. The results indicate that sampled households are found in different phases of adoption, i.e., dis-adoption/non-adoption (18.5 %), initial adoption (30.5 %), actual adoption (20.1 %), and final adoption (30.9 %). The results of the ordered probit model show that some socio-economic and institutional factors affect the adoption phases of SWC differently. Farm labor, parcel size, ownership of tools, training in SWC, presence of SWC program, social capital (e.g., cooperation with adjacent farm owners), labor sharing scheme, and perception of erosion problem have a significant positive influence on actual and final adoption phases of SWC. In addition, the final adoption phase of SWC is positively associated with tenure security, cultivated land sizes, parcel slope, and perception on SWC profitability. Policy makers should take into consideration factors affecting (continued) adoption of SWC such as profitability, tenure security, social capital, technical support, and resource endowments (e.g., tools and labor) when designing and implementing SWC policies and programs.

Dietary glucose stimulus at larval stage modifies the carbohydrate metabolic pathway in gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata) juveniles: An in vivo approach using (14)C-starch.

PubMed

Rocha, Filipa; Dias, Jorge; Geurden, Inge; Dinis, Maria Teresa; Panserat, Stephane; Engrola, Sofia

2016-11-01

The concept of nutritional programming was investigated in order to enhance the use of dietary carbohydrates in gilthead seabream juveniles. We assessed the long-term effects of high-glucose stimuli, exerted at the larval stage, on the growth performance, nutrient digestibility and metabolic utilization and gene expression of seabream juveniles, challenged with a high-carbohydrate intake. During early development, a group of larvae (control, CTRL) were kept under a rich-protein-lipid feeding regime whereas another group (GLU) was subjected to high-glucose stimuli, delivered intermittently over time. At juvenile stage, triplicate groups (IBW: 2.5g) from each fish nutritional background were fed a high-protein (59.4%) low-carbohydrate (2.0%) diet before being subjected to a low-protein (43.0%) high-carbohydrate (33.0%) dietary challenge for 36-days. Fish from both treatments increased by 8-fold their initial body weight, but neither growth rate, feed intake, feed and protein efficiency, nutrient retention (except lipids) nor whole-body composition were affected (P˃0.05) by fish early nutritional history. Nutrient digestibility was also similar among both groups. The metabolic fate of (14)C-starch and (14)C-amino acids tracers was estimated; GLU juveniles showed higher absorption of starch-derived glucose in the gut, suggesting an enhanced digestion of carbohydrates, while amino acid use was not affected. Moreover, glucose was less used for de novo synthesis of hepatic proteins and muscle glycogen from GLU fish (P<0.05). Our metabolic data suggests that the early glucose stimuli may alter carbohydrate utilization in seabream juveniles. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Removal of azo dye using Fenton and Fenton-like processes: Evaluation of process factors by Box-Behnken design and ecotoxicity tests.

PubMed

Fernandes, Neemias Cintra; Brito, Lara Barroso; Costa, Gessyca Gonçalves; Taveira, Stephânia Fleury; Cunha-Filho, Marcílio Sérgio Soares; Oliveira, Gisele Augusto Rodrigues; Marreto, Ricardo Neves

2018-06-06

The conventional treatment of textile effluents is usually inefficient in removing azo dyes and can even generate more toxic products than the original dyes. The aim of the present study was to optimize the process factors in the degradation of Disperse Red 343 by Fenton and Fenton-like processes, as well as to investigate the ecotoxicity of the samples treated under optimized conditions. A Box-Behnken design integrated with the desirability function was used to optimize dye degradation, the amount of residual H 2 O 2 [H 2 O 2residual ], and the ecotoxicity of the treated samples (lettuce seed, Artemia salina, and zebrafish in their early-life stages). Dye degradation was affected only by catalyst concentration [Fe] in both the Fenton and Fenton-like processes. In the Fenton reaction, [H 2 O 2residual ] was significantly affected by initial [H 2 O 2 ] and its interaction with [Fe]; however, in the Fenton-like reaction, it was affected by initial [H 2 O 2 ] only. A. salina mortality was affected by different process factors in both processes, which suggests the formation of different toxic products in each process. The desirability function was applied to determine the best process parameters and predict the responses, which were confirmed experimentally. Optimal conditions facilitated the complete degradation of the dye without [H 2 O 2residual ] or toxicity for samples treated with the Fenton-like process, whereas the Fenton process induced significant mortality for A. salina. Results indicate that the Fenton-like process is superior to the Fenton reaction to degrade Disperse Red 343. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Understanding External Cervical Resorption in Vital Teeth.

PubMed

Mavridou, Athina M; Hauben, Esther; Wevers, Martine; Schepers, Evert; Bergmans, Lars; Lambrechts, Paul

2016-12-01

The aim of this study was to investigate the 3-dimensional (3D) structure and the cellular and tissue characteristics of external cervical resorption (ECR) in vital teeth and to understand the phenomenon of ECR by combining histomorphological and radiographic findings. Twenty-seven cases of vital permanent teeth displaying ECR were investigated. ECR diagnosis was based on clinical and radiographic examination with cone-beam computed tomographic imaging. The extracted teeth were further analyzed by using nanofocus computed tomographic imaging, hard tissue histology, and scanning electron microscopy. All examined teeth showed some common characteristics. Based on the clinical and experimental findings, a 3-stage mechanism of ECR was proposed. At the first stage (ie, the initiation stage), ECR was initiated at the cementum below the gingival epithelial attachment. At the second stage (ie, the resorption stage), the resorption invaded the tooth structure 3-dimensionally toward the pulp space. However, it did not penetrate the pulp space because of the presence of a pericanalar resorption-resistant sheet. This layer was observed to consist of predentin, dentin, and occasionally reparative mineralized (bonelike) tissue, having a fluctuating thickness averaging 210 μm. At the last advanced stage (ie, the repair stage), repair took place by an ingrowth and apposition of bonelike tissue into the resorption cavity. During the reparative stage, repair and remodeling phenomena evolve simultaneously, whereas both resorption and reparative stages progress in parallel at different areas of the tooth. ECR is a dynamic and complex condition that involves periodontal and endodontic tissues. Using clinical, histologic, radiographic, and scanning microscopic analysis, a better understanding of the evolution of ECR is possible. Based on the experimental findings, a 3-stage mechanism for the initiation and growth of ECR is proposed. Copyright © 2016 American Association of Endodontists. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

[Extraoseus Ewings Sarcoma, Primary Affection of Uterine Cervix--Case Report].

PubMed

Bílek, O; Holánek, M; Zvaríková, M; Fabian, P; Robešová, B; Procházková, M; Adámková Krákorová, D

2015-01-01

Ewing's sarcoma is usually diagnosed in adolescents and young adults, peak of incidence is around 15 years of age. Primary localization is mostly in the skeleton of long bones and chest wall. Primary extraosseous involvement rarely occurs, incidence increases with age. We present a case report of a 57-year-old patient with locally advanced tumors of the cervix, clinical stage IIB. Due to histological and molecular genetic examination revealing EWS -ERG fusion gene, Ewing's sarcoma was diagnosed. CT revealed pathological pelvic lymphadenopathy and multiple pulmonary bilateral methastases, scintigraphy did not prove any affection of skeleton. The patient underwent a two-stage intensive chemotherapy regimens VIDE (vincristine, ifosfamide, doxorubicin, etoposide) and VAI (vincristine, actinomycin D, ifosfamide). During the second phase, concomitant radiotherapy of pelvis was aplied. According to PET/CT, complete remission was achieved. Whole-lung irradiation was applied in consolidation of the result. Primary Ewing's sarcoma of the cervix is an extremely rare disease. To our knowledge, only 12 cases was presented until this time. The average age at time of dia-gnosis was 35 years. Unlike the previous reports, we initially diagnosed distant metastases. The treatment was led according to the protocol Ewing 2008 designed for primary skeletal Ewing's sarcoma. Currently, 18 months after the therapy, the patient is without signs of disease. However, long-term follow-up is necessary.

[Operative differential therapy of rheumatic wrists].

PubMed

Dinges, H; Fürst, M; Rüther, H; Schill, S

2007-09-01

The wrists are affected in the long-term in 90% of people with rheumatism and are often (42%) the first manifestation of a destructive disease. The functionality of the wrist and the whole hand is of great importance because in many cases loss of function of the wrists leads to severe limitations. Local and operative treatment of the wrist in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is one of the main duties in rheuma-orthopaedics. For operative treatment there is a finely tuned differential therapeutic spectrum available. The diagnostic indications take the local and total pattern of affection, the current systemic therapy as well as patient wishes and patient compliance into consideration. In the early stages according to LDE (Larsen, Dale, Eek), soft tissues operations such as articulo-tenosynovectomy (ATS) are most commonly carried out. In further advanced stages osseus stabilisation must often be performed. At this point a smooth transition from partial arthrodesis to complete fixation is possible. After initial euphoria, arthroplasty of the wrist is being increasingly less used for operative treatment due to the unconvincing long-term results and high complication rate. With reference to the good long-term results of all operative procedures, in particular early ATS with respect to pain, function and protection of tendons, after failure of medicinal treatment and persistence of inflammatory activity in the wrist, patients should be transferred to an experienced rheuma-orthopaedic surgeon.

Two-stage treatment protocol of keratocystic odontogenic tumour in young patients with Gorlin-Goltz syndrome: marsupialization and later enucleation with peripheral ostectomy. A 5-year-follow-up experience.

PubMed

Borgonovo, Andrea Enrico; Di Lascia, Stefano; Grossi, Giovanni; Maiorana, Carlo

2011-12-01

Keratocystic odontogenic tumour (KCOT) is a benign uni- or multicystic intraosseous odontogenic tumour with potential for local destruction and tendency for multiplicity, especially when associated with Gorlin-Goltz syndrome. We suggest a conservative surgical treatment based on marsupialization and later enucleation with peripheral ostectomy in order to preserve jaw's integrity in young patients. Three young patients affected of nevoid basal cell carcinoma syndrome (NBCCS or Gorlin-Goltz syndrome) presented large and multiple KCOTs, which have been treated following a two-stage surgical strategy. Initially marsupialization was performed and after a mean period of 10 months, contextually to evident reduction in radiological size image, enucleation with peripheral ostectomy was carried out. All the patients showed high collaboration in daily self-irrigation of the stomia with chlorhexidine 0.2% during the period of marsupialization. Definitive surgical intervention led to complete healing and no signs of recurrence have been observed during a 5-year-follow-up. The main advantage of this modality is the preservation of important anatomical structures involved in the lesion and jaw's continuity. Therefore in a selected group of cooperative patients, especially those affected of Gorlin-Goltz syndrome, the surgical protocol exposed allows for a less invasive approach with excellent results avoiding extensive disfiguring procedures. Copyright © 2011. Published by Elsevier Ireland Ltd.

Hospital Characteristics are Associated With Readiness to Attain Stage 2 Meaningful Use of Electronic Health Records.

PubMed

Kim, Jungyeon; Ohsfeldt, Robert L; Gamm, Larry D; Radcliff, Tiffany A; Jiang, Luohua

2017-06-01

To examine the difference between rural and urban hospitals as to their overall level of readiness for stage 2 meaningful use of electronic health records (EHRs) and to identify other key factors that affect their readiness for stage 2 meaningful use. A conceptual framework based on the theory of organizational readiness for change was used in a cross-sectional multivariate analysis using 2,083 samples drawn from the HIMSS Analytics survey conducted with US hospitals in 2013. Rural hospitals were less likely to be ready for stage 2 meaningful use compared to urban hospitals in the United States (OR = 0.49) in our final model. Hospitals' past experience with an information exchange initiative, staff size in the information system department, and the Chief Information Officer (CIO)'s responsibility for health information management were identified as the most critical organizational contextual factors that were associated with hospitals' readiness for stage 2. Rural hospitals lag behind urban hospitals in EHR adoption, which will hinder the interoperability of EHRs among providers across the nation. The identification of critical factors that relate to the adoption of EHR systems provides insights into possible organizational change efforts that can help hospitals to succeed in attaining meaningful use requirements. Rural hospitals have increasingly limited resources, which have resulted in a struggle for these facilities to attain meaningful use. Given increasing closures among rural hospitals, it is all the more important that EHR development focus on advancing rural hospital quality of care and linkages with patients and other organizations supporting the care of their patients. © 2016 National Rural Health Association.

[Prediction instrument for obesity in adolescents at the Policlínico Universitario "Manuel González Díaz", 2013-2014].

PubMed

Piña Borrego, Carlos Enrique; Fernández Fernández, María de Lourdes; Fonte Rodríguez, Norge; Piña Rodríguez, Lorena Karla

Obesity is one of the principal non declarable diseases affecting children and adolescents. With the objective of developing a predictive instrument to identify high-risk adolescents with obesity, a cohort prospective study was carried out at the Policlinic "Manuel González Díaz", Bahía Honda City from 2013-2014. It was developed in three stages. In the first stage, 1800 adolescents from 10-19 years of age were included. The prevalence was identified and the most relevant characteristics of obesity were described (defined as body mass index >97 th percentile according to age and sex). In the second stage we identified the possibility of the diagnosis of factors that increase the probability of obesity. The third stage elaborated and validated an obesity predictor instrument from the results of the initial stages. To apply the instrument to sample A for internal elaboration and validation, sensitivity was 77.78% and specificity was 86.11%. Area under the curve (AUC) receiver operating characteristic (ROC) was 0.86, whereas for sample B the sensitivity was 79.63% and specificity was 92.13%. Positive predictive value (PPV) was 83.5% and negative predictive value (NPV) was 90.05%. The instrument allows predicting the risk for developing obesity in adolescents with acceptable sensitivity and high specificity. Its routine application will be interesting in pediatric health consultations. Copyright © 2014 Hospital Infantil de México Federico Gómez. Publicado por Masson Doyma México S.A. All rights reserved.

The Developmental Cycle: Teachings on the Eight Stages of Growth of a Human Being.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Coyhis, Don

1997-01-01

Ties Native American Medicine Wheel teachings on the cycle of life to Eric Erickson's work on the eight developmental stages: trust, autonomy, initiative, accomplishment, identity, intimacy, generativity, and integrity. To have healthy communities, people need to move successfully through these stages. Knowing about these stages can help a person…

The Entrepreneurial State and Research Universities in the United States: Policy and New State-Based Initiatives

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Douglass, John Aubrey

2007-01-01

The convergence of United States federal science and economic policy that began in earnest under the Reagan administration formed the First Stage in an emerging post-Cold War drive toward technological innovation. A frenzy of new state-based initiatives now forms the Second Stage, further promoting universities as decisive tools for economic…

The Methodology of Foreign Language Integrative Teaching at the Initial Stage of Interpreter Training

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Vedishenkova, Marina V.; Mironina, Anna Y.

2016-01-01

The topicality of the research is connected with the modern requirements to the education of future interpreters who are to speak a foreign language within the professional context. For this purpose, it is necessary to focus their language training at the initial stage of learning on forming their professional thinking. This raises the need for…

Amateur Hour: Culture, Capital, and the Royal Shakespeare Company's Open Stages Initiative

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Flynn, Molly

2017-01-01

In 2011, the Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC) began a series of collaborations with established amateur theatre groups from across the UK. The initiative now known as Open Stages became one of the most ambitious educational outreach programmes ever run by the RSC, engaging hundreds of amateur theatre practitioners in a process of skills sharing and…

Public Health Needs Assessments of Tutuila Island, American Samoa, After the 2009 Tsunami

PubMed Central

Choudhary, Ekta; Chen, Tai-Ho; Martin, Colleen; Vagi, Sara; Roth, Joseph; Keim, Mark; Noe, Rebecca; Ponausuia, Seiuli Elisapeta; Lemusu, Siitia; Bayleyegn, Tesfaye; Wolkin, Amy

2015-01-01

Objective An 8.3 magnitude earthquake followed by tsunami waves devastated American Samoa on September 29, 2009, resulting in widespread loss of property and public services. An initial and a follow-up Community Needs Assessment for Public Health Emergency Response (CASPER) objectively quantified disaster-affected population needs. Methods Using a 2-stage cluster sampling method of CASPER, a household questionnaire eliciting information about medical and basic needs, illnesses, and injuries was administered. To assess response efforts, percent changes in basic and medical needs, illnesses, and injuries between the initial and follow-up CASPER were calculated. Results During the initial CASPER (N=212 households), 47.6% and 51.6% of households reported needing a tarpaulin and having no electricity, respectively. The self-reported greatest needs were water (27.8%) and financial help with cleanup (25.5%). The follow-up CASPER (N=207 households) identified increased vector problems compared to pre-tsunami, and food (26%) was identified as the self-reported greatest need. As compared to the initial CASPER, the follow-up CASPER observed decreases in electricity (−78.3%), drinking water (−44.4%), and clothing (−26.6%). Conclusion This study highlights the use of CASPER during the response and recovery phases following a disaster. The initial CASPER identified basic needs immediately after the earthquake, whereas the follow-up CASPER assessed effectiveness of relief efforts and identified ongoing community needs. PMID:23077263

CRYOGENIC UPPER STAGE SYSTEM SAFETY

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Smith, R. Kenneth; French, James V.; LaRue, Peter F.; Taylor, James L.; Pollard, Kathy (Technical Monitor)

2005-01-01

NASA s Exploration Initiative will require development of many new systems or systems of systems. One specific example is that safe, affordable, and reliable upper stage systems to place cargo and crew in stable low earth orbit are urgently required. In this paper, we examine the failure history of previous upper stages with liquid oxygen (LOX)/liquid hydrogen (LH2) propulsion systems. Launch data from 1964 until midyear 2005 are analyzed and presented. This data analysis covers upper stage systems from the Ariane, Centaur, H-IIA, Saturn, and Atlas in addition to other vehicles. Upper stage propulsion system elements have the highest impact on reliability. This paper discusses failure occurrence in all aspects of the operational phases (Le., initial burn, coast, restarts, and trends in failure rates over time). In an effort to understand the likelihood of future failures in flight, we present timelines of engine system failures relevant to initial flight histories. Some evidence suggests that propulsion system failures as a result of design problems occur shortly after initial development of the propulsion system; whereas failures because of manufacturing or assembly processing errors may occur during any phase of the system builds process, This paper also explores the detectability of historical failures. Observations from this review are used to ascertain the potential for increased upper stage reliability given investments in integrated system health management. Based on a clear understanding of the failure and success history of previous efforts by multiple space hardware development groups, the paper will investigate potential improvements that can be realized through application of system safety principles.

Effect of {sup 18}F-FDG PET/CT Imaging in Patients With Clinical Stage II and III Breast Cancer

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

Groheux, David; Moretti, Jean-Luc; EAD Imagerie Moleculaire Diagnostique et Ciblage Therapeutique, IUH, University of Paris VII, Paris

2008-07-01

Purpose: To investigate the potential effect of using {sup 18}F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) in the initial assessment of patients with clinical Stage II or III breast cancer. Methods and Materials: During 14 consecutive months, 39 patients (40 tumors) who presented with Stage II or III breast cancer on the basis of a routine extension assessment were prospectively included in this study. PET/CT was performed in addition to the initial assessment. Results: In 3 cases, PET/CT showed extra-axillary lymph node involvement that had not been demonstrated with conventional techniques. Two of these patients had hypermetabolic lymph nodes in themore » subpectoral and infraclavicular regions, and the third had a hypermetabolic internal mammary node. PET/CT showed distant uptake in 4 women. Of these 4 women, 1 had pleural involvement and 3 had bone metastasis. Overall, of the 39 women, the PET/CT results modified the initial stage in 7 (18%). The modified staging altered the treatment plan for 5 patients (13%). It led to radiotherapy in 4 patients (bone metastasis, pleural lesion, subpectoral lymph nodes, and internal mammary nodes) and excision of, and radiotherapy to, the infraclavicular lymph nodes in 1 patient. Conclusions: PET/CT can provide information on extra-axillary lymph node involvement and can uncover occult distant metastases in a significant percentage of patients. Therefore, initial PET/CT could enable better treatment planning for patients with Stage II and III breast cancer.« less

Typical visual search performance and atypical gaze behaviors in response to faces in Williams syndrome.

PubMed

Hirai, Masahiro; Muramatsu, Yukako; Mizuno, Seiji; Kurahashi, Naoko; Kurahashi, Hirokazu; Nakamura, Miho

2016-01-01

Evidence indicates that individuals with Williams syndrome (WS) exhibit atypical attentional characteristics when viewing faces. However, the dynamics of visual attention captured by faces remain unclear, especially when explicit attentional forces are present. To clarify this, we introduced a visual search paradigm and assessed how the relative strength of visual attention captured by a face and explicit attentional control changes as search progresses. Participants (WS and controls) searched for a target (butterfly) within an array of distractors, which sometimes contained an upright face. We analyzed reaction time and location of the first fixation-which reflect the attentional profile at the initial stage-and fixation durations. These features represent aspects of attention at later stages of visual search. The strength of visual attention captured by faces and explicit attentional control (toward the butterfly) was characterized by the frequency of first fixations on a face or butterfly and on the duration of face or butterfly fixations. Although reaction time was longer in all groups when faces were present, and visual attention was not dominated by faces in any group during the initial stages of the search, when faces were present, attention to faces dominated in the WS group during the later search stages. Furthermore, for the WS group, reaction time correlated with eye-movement measures at different stages of searching such that longer reaction times were associated with longer face-fixations, specifically at the initial stage of searching. Moreover, longer reaction times were associated with longer face-fixations at the later stages of searching, while shorter reaction times were associated with longer butterfly fixations. The relative strength of attention captured by faces in people with WS is not observed at the initial stage of searching but becomes dominant as the search progresses. Furthermore, although behavioral responses are associated with some aspects of eye movements, they are not as sensitive as eye-movement measurements themselves at detecting atypical attentional characteristics in people with WS.

Evaluation of the BT-1 serum assay for breast cancer.

PubMed

Whitehurst, M M; Aldenderfer, P H; Sooy, M M; Strelkauskas, A J

1999-01-01

The BT-1 assay which identifies a novel breast tumor associated serum analyte was performed for 143 patients previously diagnosed with breast cancer. Mucin tumor markers CA15-3/CA27-29 values were available for 50 patients and there was very minor overlap between patients positive by both tests. Patients' follow-up clinical status at sample draw was compared to BT-1 assay results. 27% of patients originally diagnosed as Stage II and 20% patients originally diagnosed as Stage III who were evaluated 'no disease' had positive BT-1 values. 8% patients diagnosed as Stage II had negative BT-1 results in samples drawn within 90 days of chemotherapy initiation, whereas 23% of patients diagnosed as Stage III cancer were BT-1 test positive within 90 days of chemotherapy initiation. 50% of patients tested before initial breast cancer surgery had positive BT-1 values, suggesting that the BT-1 assay may be useful in identification women with more advanced disease at diagnosis.

A new kink in an old theory of carcinogenesis.

PubMed

Prehn, Richmond T; Prehn, Liisa M

2013-02-18

According to Berenblum's two-stage hypothesis, the first stage in carcinogenesis is the production of benign premalignant lesions. Between this initiation stage and the formation of a malignant tumor there is often a long lag phase. We propose that this lag is caused by the delay in the formation of a new and rare tumor-specific antigen, which induces an immune response that stimulates tumor growth. Such tumor-specific antigens could arise as a result of a mutator-like phenotype, which is supposedly present in the benign initial stage of carcinogenesis. According to this hypothesis, the first stage lesion provides a weakly mutagenic environment conducive to the formation of the new antigen(s). If no such new antigens appear so there is no consequent immune response, it is argued that carcinogenesis would seldom if ever ensue.

A new kink in an old theory of carcinogenesis

PubMed Central

2013-01-01

According to Berenblum’s two-stage hypothesis, the first stage in carcinogenesis is the production of benign premalignant lesions. Between this initiation stage and the formation of a malignant tumor there is often a long lag phase. We propose that this lag is caused by the delay in the formation of a new and rare tumor-specific antigen, which induces an immune response that stimulates tumor growth. Such tumor-specific antigens could arise as a result of a mutator-like phenotype, which is supposedly present in the benign initial stage of carcinogenesis. According to this hypothesis, the first stage lesion provides a weakly mutagenic environment conducive to the formation of the new antigen(s). If no such new antigens appear so there is no consequent immune response, it is argued that carcinogenesis would seldom if ever ensue. PMID:23414486

Effect of increased pCO2 level on early shell development in great scallop (Pecten maximus Lamarck) larvae

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Andersen, S.; Grefsrud, E. S.; Harboe, T.

2013-10-01

As a result of high anthropogenic CO2 emissions, the concentration of CO2 in the oceans has increased, causing a decrease in pH, known as ocean acidification (OA). Numerous studies have shown negative effects on marine invertebrates, and also that the early life stages are the most sensitive to OA. We studied the effects of OA on embryos and unfed larvae of the great scallop (Pecten maximus Lamarck), at pCO2 levels of 469 (ambient), 807, 1164, and 1599 μatm until seven days after fertilization. To our knowledge, this is the first study on OA effects on larvae of this species. A drop in pCO2 level the first 12 h was observed in the elevated pCO2 groups due to a discontinuation in water flow to avoid escape of embryos. When the flow was restarted, pCO2 level stabilized and was significantly different between all groups. OA affected both survival and shell growth negatively after seven days. Survival was reduced from 45% in the ambient group to 12% in the highest pCO2 group. Shell length and height were reduced by 8 and 15%, respectively, when pCO2 increased from ambient to 1599 μatm. Development of normal hinges was negatively affected by elevated pCO2 levels in both trochophore larvae after two days and veliger larvae after seven days. After seven days, deformities in the shell hinge were more connected to elevated pCO2 levels than deformities in the shell edge. Embryos stained with calcein showed fluorescence in the newly formed shell area, indicating calcification of the shell at the early trochophore stage between one and two days after fertilization. Our results show that P. maximus embryos and early larvae may be negatively affected by elevated pCO2 levels within the range of what is projected towards year 2250, although the initial drop in pCO2 level may have overestimated the effect of the highest pCO2 levels. Future work should focus on long-term effects on this species from hatching, throughout the larval stages, and further into the juvenile and adult stages.

Effect of Initial Conditions on Gas-Puff Z-Pinch Dynamics.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Peterson, Gus Gordon

This dissertation concerns the effects initial conditions have on the dynamics of an imploded, annular gas-puff z-pinch. The influence of axial magnetic fields, nozzle size and composition, different gases, pre-ionization, and electrode design on pinch quality and x-ray yield is investigated. The experiment uses a 5-kJ capacitor bank to deliver 0.35 MA to the pinch load in 1.4 mu rm s. This research establishes parameters important to increasing the x-ray yield of dense z-pinches. The initial stage of the implosion is diagnosed with a framing camera that photographs visible light emitted from z-pinch gas breakdown. Data from subsequent stages of the pinch is recorded with a B-dot probe, filtered x-ray diodes, an x-ray filtered pinhole camera, and a nitrogen laser interferometer. Applied axial magnetic fields of ~100 gauss increase average x-ray yield by more than 20%. A substantial increase of K-shell x -ray yield of more than 200% was obtained by increasing the energy delivered to the plasma by enlarging the nozzle diameter from 4 to 5 cm. The use of a Teflon outer-mantle for the nozzle resulted in less uniform gas breakdown as compared to graphite and copper outer-mantles, but x-ray yield and final state uniformity were not reduced. Lower Z gases showed poorer breakdown uniformity. Pre-ionization improved the uniformity of helium and neon breakdown but did not appear to affect subsequent dynamics. X-ray yield was significantly higher using a knife-edge annular anode, as opposed to a flat stainless steel honeycomb anode. Annular anodes with diameters more than a few millimeters different than the nozzle diameter produced low quality pinches with substantially lower x-ray yield.

Role of Insulin-like growth factors in initiation of follicle growth in normal and polycystic human ovaries.

PubMed

Stubbs, Sharron A; Webber, Lisa J; Stark, Jaroslav; Rice, Suman; Margara, Raul; Lavery, Stuart; Trew, Geoffrey H; Hardy, Kate; Franks, Stephen

2013-08-01

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), the commonest cause of anovulatory infertility, is characterized by disordered follicle development including increased activation and accelerated growth of preantral follicles. Data from experimental animals and preliminary results from studies of human ovarian tissue suggest that IGFs affect preantral follicle development. Our objectives were to investigate the expression of the type-1 IGF receptor (IGFR-1) in the human ovary and to determine whether IGFs are involved in stimulating the transition of follicles from primordial to primary stage in normal and polycystic ovaries. We used archived ovarian tissue for protein expression studies and small cortical biopsies for follicle isolation and for tissue culture. This was a laboratory-based study, using clinical tissue samples. A total of 54 women, 33 with normal ovaries and 21 with polycystic ovaries, were classified by reference to menstrual cycle history and ultrasonography. We evaluated expression of IGFR-1 mRNA in isolated preantral follicles and of IGFR-1 protein in archived ovarian tissue samples from normal and polycystic ovaries and effects of exogenous IGF-1 on preantral follicle development and survival in cultured fragments of normal and polycystic ovaries. IGFR-1 mRNA and protein was expressed in preantral follicles at all stages of development and enhanced expression was noted in PCOS follicles during early preantral development. IGF-1 stimulated initiation of follicle growth in normal tissue but had little effect on preantral follicle growth in polycystic ovaries in which, characteristically, there was a higher proportion of follicles that had entered the growing phase even before culture. IGFs are plausible candidates in regulation of initiation of human follicle growth, and accelerated preantral follicle growth in PCOS may be due to increased activity of endogenous IGFs.

Bacterial community initial development in proglacial soils of Larsemann hill, East Antarctica

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ma, H.; Yan, W.; Shi, G.; Sun, B.; Zhang, Y.; Xiao, X.

2016-12-01

Glacial forefields are considered ideal places to explore how microbial communities will response to climate-driven environmental changes. Our knowledge of how the bacterial community activities and structure was influenced by changing environment due to glacier retreat is still very limited, especially at the initial stage of glacier retreat. The short gradient soil samples including the ice free and ice covered sites were sampled in the forehead of East Antarctica ice sheet, in Larsemann Hills. By employing the Miseq sequencing methods, 1.8 x104 high-quality sequences were gotten for each sample and the bacterial diversity including abundant bacteria and rare bacteria were studied and compared between the gradient samples. Even though in such an extreme stress condition, the bacterial diversity was high. The coefficient of variance between the five sites of abundant group was 0.886 which was higher than that of the top 20 rare group (0.159) significantly (unpaired t test, p-value<0.0001) suggesting that the abundant bacterial communities were more sensitive to the ice sheet change in the initial stage than rare bacteria did. And the abundant bacteria contributed the community structure more than the rare bacteria did. The rare group acted more like seed bank to keep the community functionality in the forehead of sheet. And the ice thickness was the major factor to affect the abundant bacterial community. Given the fact that Antarctica environment was more sensitive to the global warming, the study about abundant and rare bacteria response to condition change will be helpful to precisely predict community response to climate change in polar region. This finding will improve the understanding about the relationship between community structure and environment condition in extreme stress condition.

Prevalence and some psychosocial characteristics of social anxiety disorder in an urban population of Turkish children and adolescents.

PubMed

Demir, T; Karacetin, G; Eralp Demir, D; Uysal, O

2013-01-01

To define the prevalence and some of the psychosocial characteristics of social anxiety disorder (SAD) in an urban population of Turkish children and adolescents. This was a two-stage cross-sectional urban-based study conducted in Fatih, Istanbul, Turkey. The initial sample included 1,482 students between the 4th and 8th grades. The first stage involved screening using the Social Anxiety Scale for Children-Revised (SASC-R) and the Capa Social Phobia Scale for Children and Adolescents (CSPSCA). According to the test results, 324 children were interviewed using the Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia for School-Age Children-Present and Lifetime Version (K-SADS-PL) in the second stage. The SAD prevalence rate was 3.9%. According to the multiple regression analysis, low paternal education and trait anxiety were associated with SASC-R scores, whereas female gender and trait anxiety were associated with CSPSCA scores. According to logistic regression analysis, the anxiety subscale of the self-concept scale and trait anxiety were associated with SAD. SAD is a relatively common disorder that is associated with lower self-concept in children and adolescents. Low paternal education, trait anxiety, and low self-concept may be the intervention targets for SAD prevention and treatment. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

Sarcocystis neurona manipulation using culture-derived merozoites for bradyzoite and sporocyst production.

PubMed

Chaney, Sarah B; Marsh, Antoinette E; Lewis, Stephanie; Carman, Michelle; Howe, Daniel K; Saville, William J; Reed, Stephen M

2017-04-30

Equine protozoal myeloencephalitis (EPM) remains a significant central nervous system disease of horses in the American continents. Sarcocystis neurona is considered the primary causative agent and its intermediate life stages are carried by a wide host-range including raccoons (Procyon lotor) in North America. S. neurona sarcocysts mature in raccoon skeletal muscle and can produce central nervous system disease in raccoons, mirroring the clinical presentation in horses. The study aimed to develop laboratory tools whereby the life cycle and various life stages of S. neurona could be better studied and manipulated using in vitro and in vivo systems and compare the biology of two independent isolates. This study utilized culture-derived parasites from S. neurona strains derived from a raccoon or from a horse to initiate raccoon infections. Raccoon tissues, including fresh and cryopreserved tissues, were used to establish opossum (Didelphis virginiana) infections, which then shed sporocyts with retained biological activity to cause encephalitis in mice. These results demonstrate that sarcocysts can be generated using in vitro-derived S. neurona merozoites, including an isolate originally derived from a naturally infected horse with clinical EPM. This study indicates the life cycle can be significantly manipulated in the laboratory without affecting subsequent stage development, allowing further purification of strains and artificial maintenance of the life cycle. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Listeriosis downregulates hepatic cytochrome P450 enzymes in sublethal murine infection.

PubMed

Kummer, Anne; Nishanth, Gopala; Koschel, Josephin; Klawonn, Frank; Schlüter, Dirk; Jänsch, Lothar

2016-10-01

Listeria monocytogenes (Lm) can cross the intestinal barrier in humans and then disseminates into different organs. Invasion of the liver occurs even in sublethal infections, however, knowledge of affected physiological processes is scarce. This study employed a sublethal murine infection model to investigate liver responses systematically by proteomics. Liver samples from three stages of the sublethal infection covering the initial invasion, the peak of infection, and the clearance phase (1, 3, 9 days postinoculation) were analyzed in comparison to samples from noninfected mice. Apart from flow cytometry and RT-PCRs for immune status control, liver responses were analyzed by quantitative peptide sequencing (HPLC-Orbitrap Fusion) using 4-plex iTRAQ-labeling. Accurate MS characterized about 3600 proteins and statistics revealed 15% of the hepatic proteome as regulated. Immunological data as well as protein regulation dynamics strongly indicate stage-specific hepatic responses in sublethal infections. Most notably, this study detected a comprehensive deregulation of drug metabolizing enzymes at all stages, including 25 components of the cytochrome P450 system. Sublethal Lm infection deregulates hepatic drug metabolizing pathways. This finding indicates the need to monitor drug administration along Lm infections, especially in all patients needing constant medication. © 2016 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Evaporation of sessile droplets affected by graphite nanoparticles and binary base fluids.

PubMed

Zhong, Xin; Duan, Fei

2014-11-26

The effects of ethanol component and nanoparticle concentration on evaporation dynamics of graphite-water nanofluid droplets have been studied experimentally. The results show that the formed deposition patterns vary greatly with an increase in ethanol concentration from 0 to 50 vol %. Nanoparticles have been observed to be carried to the droplet surface and form a large piece of aggregate. The volume evaporation rate on average increases as the ethanol concentration increases from 0 to 50 vol % in the binary mixture nanofluid droplets. The evaporation rate at the initial stage is more rapid than that at the late stage to dry, revealing a deviation from a linear fitting line, standing for a constant evaporation rate. The deviation is more intense with a higher ethanol concentration. The ethanol-induced smaller liquid-vapor surface tension leads to higher wettability of the nanofluid droplets. The graphite nanoparticles in ethanol-water droplets reinforce the pinning effect in the drying process, and the droplets with more ethanol demonstrate the depinning behavior only at the late stage. The addition of graphite nanoparticles in water enhances a droplet baseline spreading at the beginning of evaporation, a pinning effect during evaporation, and the evaporation rate. However, with a relatively high nanoparticle concentration, the enhancement is attenuated.

Modeling heart rate variability including the effect of sleep stages

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Soliński, Mateusz; Gierałtowski, Jan; Żebrowski, Jan

2016-02-01

We propose a model for heart rate variability (HRV) of a healthy individual during sleep with the assumption that the heart rate variability is predominantly a random process. Autonomic nervous system activity has different properties during different sleep stages, and this affects many physiological systems including the cardiovascular system. Different properties of HRV can be observed during each particular sleep stage. We believe that taking into account the sleep architecture is crucial for modeling the human nighttime HRV. The stochastic model of HRV introduced by Kantelhardt et al. was used as the initial starting point. We studied the statistical properties of sleep in healthy adults, analyzing 30 polysomnographic recordings, which provided realistic information about sleep architecture. Next, we generated synthetic hypnograms and included them in the modeling of nighttime RR interval series. The results of standard HRV linear analysis and of nonlinear analysis (Shannon entropy, Poincaré plots, and multiscale multifractal analysis) show that—in comparison with real data—the HRV signals obtained from our model have very similar properties, in particular including the multifractal characteristics at different time scales. The model described in this paper is discussed in the context of normal sleep. However, its construction is such that it should allow to model heart rate variability in sleep disorders. This possibility is briefly discussed.

Effect of Inclusion Size and Distribution on the Corrosion Behavior of Medical-Device Grade Nitinol Tubing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wohlschlögel, Markus; Steegmüller, Rainer; Schüßler, Andreas

2014-07-01

Nonmetallic inclusions in Nitinol, such as carbides (TiC) and intermetallic oxides (Ti4Ni2O x ), are known to be triggers for fatigue failure of Nitinol medical devices. These mechanically brittle inclusions are introduced during the melting process. As a result of hot and cold working in the production of Nitinol tubing inclusions are fractionalized due to the mechanical deformation imposed. While the role of inclusions regarding Nitinol fatigue performance has been studied extensively in the past, their effect on Nitinol corrosion behavior was investigated in only a limited number of studies. The focus of the present work was to understand the effect of inclusion size and distribution on the corrosion behavior of medical-device grade Nitinol tubing made from three different ingot sources during different manufacturing stages: (i) for the initial stage (hollow: round bar with centric hole), (ii) after hot drawing, and (iii) after the final drawing step (final tubing dimensions: outer diameter 0.3 mm, wall thickness 0.1 mm). For one ingot source, two different material qualities were investigated. Potentiodynamic polarization tests were performed for electropolished samples of the above-mentioned stages. Results indicate that inclusion size rather than inclusion quantity affects the susceptibility of electropolished Nitinol to pitting corrosion.

Diagnosis and management of extranodal NK/T cell lymphoma nasal type.

PubMed

Tse, Eric; Kwong, Yok-Lam

2016-09-01

Extranodal NK/T-cell lymphoma nasal type is a distinct clinicopathologic entity. The most common initial site of presentation is the nasopharyngeal area, but non-nasals sites including the skin and the gastrointestinal tract may be affected. The diagnosis and management of NK/T-cell lymphoma is discussed, based on a literature search on PubMed. NK/T-cell lymphoma are typically positive for CD3 (cytoplasmic), CD56, cytotoxic markers (granzyme B, TIA1) and Epstein Barr virus (EBV). Plasma EBV DNA is an accurate surrogate biomarker for lymphoma load. For stage I/II nasal lymphoma, a combination of chemotherapy and radiotherapy yields the best results. Concomitant chemoradiotherapy and sequential chemotherapy and radiotherapy give similar response rates and survivals. For stage III/IV nasal lymphoma and non-nasal lymphomas, chemotherapy is the mainstay of treatment. Conventional anthracycline-based regimens are ineffective. Recommended chemotherapy protocols are based on the use of L-asparaginase combined with other effective drugs. Durable remission can be expected in at least 60% of patients irrespective of stage. Prognostically models based on clinicopathologic parameters and EBV DNA load are useful in stratification of patients for therapy. Expert commentary: Current treatment leads to long-term survival in a significant proportion of patients. For relapsed patients, novel strategies are needed.

Structure-property study of keto-ether polyimides

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Dezern, James F.; Croall, Catharine I.

1991-01-01

As part of an on-going effort to develop an understanding of how changes in the chemical structure affect polymer properties, an empirical study was performed on polyimides containing only ether and/or carbonyl connecting groups in the polymer backbone. During the past two decades the structure-property relationships in linear aromatic polyimides have been extensively investigated. More recently, work has been performed to study the effect of isomeric attachment of keto-ether polyimides on properties such as glass transition temperature and solubility. However, little work has been reported on the relation of polyimide structure to mechanical properties. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of structural changes in the backbone of keto-ether polyimides on their mechanical properties, specifically, unoriented thin film tensile properties. This study was conducted in two stages. The purpose of the initial stage was to examine the physical and mechanical properties of a representative group (four) of polyimide systems to determine the optimum solvent and cure cycle requirements. These optimum conditions were then utilized in the second stage to prepare films of keto-ether polyimides which were evaluated for mechanical and physical properties. All of the polyimides were prepared using isomers of oxydianiline (ODA) and diaminobenzophenone (DABP) in combination with 3,3',4,4'-benzophenonetetracarboxylic dianhydride (BTDA) and 4,4'-oxydiphthalic anhydride (ODPA).

Chronophin activation is necessary in Doxorubicin-induced actin cytoskeleton alteration.

PubMed

Lee, Su Jin; Park, Jeen Woo; Kang, Beom Sik; Lee, Dong-Seok; Lee, Hyun-Shik; Choi, Sooyoung; Kwon, Oh-Shin

2017-06-01

Although doxorubicin (Dox)-induced oxidative stress is known to be associated with cytotoxicity, the precise mechanism remains unclear. Genotoxic stress not only generates free radicals, but also affects actin cytoskeleton stability. We showed that Dox-induced RhoA signaling stimulated actin cytoskeleton alterations, resulting in central stress fiber disruption at early time points and cell periphery cortical actin formation at a later stage, in HeLa cells. Interestingly, activation of a cofilin phosphatase, chronophin (CIN), was initially evoked by Dox-induced RhoA signaling, resulting in a rapid phosphorylated cofilin turnover leading to actin cytoskeleton remodeling. In addition, a novel interaction between CIN and 14-3-3ζ was detected in the absence of Dox treatment. We demonstrated that CIN activity is quite contrary to 14-3-3ζ binding, and the interaction leads to enhanced phosphorylated cofilin levels. Therefore, initial CIN activation regulation could be critical in Dox-induced actin cytoskeleton remodeling through RhoA/cofilin signaling. [BMB Reports 2017; 50(6): 335-340].

Stellar evolution of high mass based on the Ledoux criterion for convection

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Stothers, R.; Chin, C.

1972-01-01

Theoretical evolutionary sequences of models for stars of 15 and 30 solar masses were computed from the zero-age main sequence to the end of core helium burning. During the earliest stages of core helium depletion, the envelope rapidly expands into the red-supergiant configuration. At 15 solar mass, a blue loop on the H-R diagram ensues if the initial metals abundance, initial helium abundance, or C-12 + alpha particle reaction rate is sufficiently large, or if the 3-alpha reaction rate is sufficiently small. These quantities affect the opacity of the base of the outer convection zone, the mass of the core, and the thermal properties of the core. The blue loop occurs abruptly and fully developed when the critical value of any of these quantities is exceeded, and the effective temperature range and fraction of the lifetime of core helium burning during the slow phase of the blue loop vary surprisingly little. At 30 solar mass no blue loop occurs for any reasonable set of input parameters.

Spaceflight reduces somatic embryogenesis in orchardgrass (Poaceae)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Conger, B. V.; Tomaszewski, Z. Jr; McDaniel, J. K.; Vasilenko, A.

1998-01-01

Somatic embryos initiate and develop from single mesophyll cells in in vitro cultured leaf segments of orchard-grass (Dactylis glomerata L.). Segments were plated at time periods ranging from 21 to 0.9 d (21 h) prior to launch on an 11 d spaceflight (STS-64). Using a paired t-test, there was no significant difference in embryogenesis from preplating periods of 14 d and 21 d. However, embryogenesis was reduced by 70% in segments plated 21 h before launch and this treatment was significant at P=0.0001. The initial cell divisions leading to embryo formation would be taking place during flight in this treatment. A higher ratio of anticlinal:periclinal first cell divisions observed in the flight compared to the control tissue suggests that microgravity affects axis determination and embryo polarity at a very early stage. A similar reduction in zygotic embryogenesis would reduce seed formation and have important implications for long-term space flight or colonization where seeds would be needed either for direct consumption or to grow another generation of plants.

Pore Formation and Mobility Investigation (PFMI): Concept, Hardware Development, and Initial Analysis of Experiments Conducted Aboard the International Space Station

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Grugel, Richard N.

2003-01-01

Porosity in the form of "bubbles and pipes" can occur during controlled directional solidification processing of metal alloys. This is a consequence that 1) precludes obtaining any meaningful scientific results and 2) is detrimental to desired material properties. Unfortunately, several Microgravity experiments have been compromised by porosity. The intent of the PFMl investigation is to conduct a systematic effort directed towards understanding porosity formation and mobility during controlled directional solidification (DS) in a microgravity environment. PFMl uses a pure transparent material, succinonitrile (SCN), as well as SCN "alloyed" with water, in conjunction with a translating temperature gradient stage so that direct observation and recording of pore generation and mobility can be made. PFMl is investigating the role of thermocapillary forces and temperature gradients in affecting bubble dynamics as well as other solidification processes in a microgravity environment. This presentation will cover the concept, hardware development, operations, and the initial results from experiments conducted aboard the International Space Station.

Pore Formation and Mobility Investigation (PFMI): Concept, Hardware Development and Initial Analysis of Experiments

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Grugel, Richard N.

2004-01-01

Porosity in the form of "bubbles and pipes" can occur during controlled directional solidification processing of metal alloys. This is a consequence that 1) precludes obtaining any meaningful scientific results and 2) is detrimental to desired material properties. Unfortunately, several Microgravity experiments have been compromised by porosity. The intent of the PFMI investigation is to conduct a systematic effort directed towards understanding porosity formation and mobility during controlled directional solidification (DS) in a microgravity environment. PFMI uses a pure transparent material, succinonitrile (SCN), as well as SCN "alloyed" with water, in conjunction with a translating temperature gradient stage so that direct observation and recording of pore generation and mobility can be made. PFMI is investigating the role of thermocapillary forces and temperature gradients in affecting bubble dynamics as well as other solidification processes in a microgravity Environment. This presentation will cover the concept, hardware development, operations, and the initial results from experiments conducted aboard the International Space Station. .

Cellular migration, transition and interaction during regeneration of the sponge Hymeniacidon heliophila.

PubMed

Coutinho, Cristiano C; Rosa, Ivone de Andrade; Teixeira, John Douglas de Oliveira; Andrade, Leonardo R; Costa, Manoel Luis; Mermelstein, Claudia

2017-01-01

Sponges have a high capacity for regeneration and this process improves biomass production in some species, thus contributing to a solution for the biomass supply problem for biotechnological applications. The aim of this work is to characterize the dynamics of cell behavior during the initial stages of sponge regeneration, using bright-field microscopy, confocal microscopy and SEM. We focused on the first 20 h of regeneration, during which blastema formation and epithelium initialization occur. An innovative sponge organotypic culture of the regenerating internal region is described and investigated by confocal microscopy, cell transplantation and vital staining. Cell-cell interaction and cell density are shown to affect events in morphogenesis such as epithelial/mesenchymal and mesenchymal/epithelial transitions as well as distinct cell movements required for regeneration. Extracellular matrix was organized according to the morphogenetic process observed, with evidence for cell-signaling instructions and remodeling. These data and the method of organotypic culture described here provide support for the development of viable sponge biomass production.

Moving It Along: A study of healthcare professionals' experience with ethics consultations.

PubMed

Crigger, Nancy; Fox, Maria; Rosell, Tarris; Rojjanasrirat, Wilaiporn

2017-05-01

Ethics consultation is the traditional way of resolving challenging ethical questions raised about patient care in the United States. Little research has been published on the resolution process used during ethics consultations and on how this experience affects healthcare professionals who participate in them. The purpose of this qualitative research was to uncover the basic process that occurs in consultation services through study of the perceptions of healthcare professionals. The researchers in this study used a constructivist grounded theory approach that represents how one group of professionals experienced ethics consultations in their hospital in the United States. The results were sufficient to develop an initial theory that has been named after the core concept: Moving It Along. Three process stages emerged from data interpretation: moral questioning, seeing the big picture, and coming together. It is hoped that this initial work stimulates additional research in describing and understanding the complex social process that occurs for healthcare professionals as they address the difficult moral issues that arise in clinical practice.

A Career Stage Analysis of Career and Organizational Commitment in Nursing.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Reilly, Nora P.; Orsak, Charles L.

1991-01-01

From a sample of 1,520 hospital nurses, 520 responses demonstrated that (1) affective measures were strongly associated with career and affective-organizational commitment and (2) reports of continuance commitment and normative commitment increased significantly with career stage, but career commitment remained constant. (Author/SK)

Effect of the Ethanol Injection Moment During Compression Stroke on the Combustion of Ethanol - Diesel Dual Direct Injection Engine

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liang, Yu; Zhou, Liying; Huang, Haomin; Xu, Mingfei; Guo, Mei; Chen, Xin

2018-01-01

A set of GDI system is installed on a F188 single-cylinder, air-cooled and direct injection diesel engine, which is used for ethanol injection, with the injection time controlled by the crank angle signal collected by AVL angle encoder. The injection of ethanol amounts to half of the thermal equivalent of an original diesel fuel. A 3D combustion model is established for the ethanol - diesel dual direct injection engine. Diesel was injected from the original fuel injection system, with a fuel supply advance angle of 20°CA. The ethanol was injected into the cylinder during compression process. Diesel injection began after the completion of ethanol injection. Ethanol injection starting point of 240°CA, 260°CA, 280°CA, 300°CA and 319.4°CA were simulated and analyzed. Due to the different timing of ethanol injection, the ignition of the ethanol mixture when diesel fires, results in non-uniform ignition distribution and flame propagation rate, since the distribution and concentration gradients of the ethanol mixture in the cylinder are different, thus affecting the combustion process. The results show that, when ethanol is injected at 319.4°CA, the combustion heat release rate and the pressure rise rate during the initial stage are the highest. Also, the maximum combustion pressure, with a relatively advance phase, is the highest. In case of later initial ethanol injection, the average temperature in the cylinder during the initial combustion period will have a faster rise. In case of initial injection at 319.4°CA, the average temperature in the cylinder is the highest, followed by 240°CA ethanol injection. In the post-combustion stage, the earlier ethanol injection will result in higher average temperature in the cylinder and more complete fuel combustion. The injection of ethanol at 319.4°CA produces earlier and highest NOX emissions.

Optical and electrical observations of an abnormal triggered lightning event with two upward propagations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zheng, Dong; Zhang, Yijun; Lu, Weitao; Zhang, Yang; Dong, Wansheng; Chen, Shaodong; Dan, Jianru

2012-08-01

This study investigates an abnormal artificially triggered lightning event that produced two positive upward propagations: one during the initial stage (i.e., the upward leader (UL)) and the other after a negative downward aborted leader (DAL). The triggered lightning was induced in a weak thunderstorm over the experiment site and did not produce a return stroke. All of the intra-cloud lightning around the experiment site produced positive changes in the electric field. The initial stage was a weak discharge process. A downward dart leader propagated along the channel produced by the first UL, ending at a height of approximately 453 m and forming a DAL. Under the influence of the DAL, the electric field at a point located 78 m from the rod experienced a steady reduction of about 6.8 kV m-1 over 5.24 ms prior to the initiation of a new upward channel (i.e., the second upward propagation (UP)). The second UP, which started approximately 4.1 ms after the termination of the DAL and propagated along the original channel, was triggered by the DAL and sustained for approximately 2.95 ms. Two distinct current pulses were superimposed on the current of the second UP. The first pulse, which was related to the sudden initiation of the second UP, was characterized by a more rapid increase and decrease and a larger peak value than the second pulse, which was related to the development of the second UP into the area affected by the DAL. The second UP contained both a similar-to-leader process and a following neutralization process. This study introduces a new type of triggering leader, in which a new upward discharge is triggered in an established channel by an aborted leader propagating along the same channel with opposite polarity and propagation direction.

[Axillary pathologic response after neoadjuvant chemotherapy in locally advanced breast cancer with axillary involvement].

PubMed

Jiménez-Ballvé, A; Serrano-Palacio, A; García-Sáenz, J A; Ortega Candil, A; Salsidua-Arroyo, O; Román-Santamaría, J M; Pelayo Alarcón, A; Fuentes Ferrer, M E; Carreras-Delgado, J L

2015-01-01

To compare axillary involvement (N+) at initial staging in locally advanced breast cancer (LABC) with axillary lymphadenectomy histologic results after neoadjuvant chemotherapy treatment (NeoChemo). Retrospective study between November 2011 and September 2013 of LABC cases treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy based on docetaxel (associated with trastuzumab in HER2 positive cases and carboplatin/adriamycin in HER2 negative cases). Those clinically or radiologically suspected cases of axillary involvement were histologically confirmed. When there was no suspicion of axillary involvement, sentinel lymph node radioguided biopsy (SLNRB) was performed using intradermal injection of (99m)Tc-nanocolloid albumin prior to neoadjuvant treatment. Axillary lymphadenectomy after NeoChemo was undertaken in all cases with positive axilla. Final pathologic response was classified as complete (pCR) when there was no evidence of tumoral disease and as non-pathologic complete response (no pCR) in the opposite case. A total of 346 patients treated with docetaxel were reviewed, identifying 105 LABC. Axillary involvement at initial staging was detected in 70 (67%) before starting NeoChemo. From these 70, 73% (n=51) were N+ (fine needle biopsy and/or biopsy) and the remaining 19 (27%) were occult N+ detected by SLNRB. Axillary lymphadenectomy detected pCR in 56% (39/70), increasing up to 84% pCR when initial N+ status was reached using SNLB. On the other hand, when N+ was detected using fine needle biopsy/lymph biopsy, pCR was only 45%. More than 50% of women affected by locally advanced breast cancer with tumoral axillary involvement at initial diagnosis present free metastatic axilla after therapeutic neoadjuvant chemotherapy effect. This increases up to almost 90% in case of occult metastatic axilla detected with sentinel node biopsy prior starting neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier España, S.L.U. and SEMNIM. All rights reserved.

Analysis for water level data for Everglades National Park, Florida

USGS Publications Warehouse

Buchanan, T.J.; Hartwell, J.H.

1972-01-01

Stage-duration curves were developed for five gaging stations in Everglades National Park, Florida. Four of the five curves show similar characteristics with an increase in the slope when the water level is below land surface. Monthly stage-duration curves, developed for one of the stations, reflect the seasonal trends of the water level. Recession curves were prepared for the same five stations. These curves represent the average water-level decline during periods of little or no rainfall. They show the decline in level at the end of 10, 20, and 60 days for any given initial stage. A family of curves was also prepared to give the recession from various initial stages for any period up to 60 days.

Comparative effectiveness of chemotherapy vs resection of the primary tumour as the initial treatment in older patients with Stage IV colorectal cancer.

PubMed

Mehta, H B; Vargas, G M; Adhikari, D; Dimou, F; Riall, T S

2017-06-01

The objectives were to determine trends in the use of chemotherapy as the initial treatment and to evaluate the comparative effectiveness of initial chemotherapy vs resection of the primary tumour on survival (intention-to-treat analysis) in Stage IV colorectal cancer (CRC). This cohort study used 2000-2011 data from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER)-Medicare linked database, including patients ≥ 66 years of age presenting with Stage IV CRC. Cox proportional hazards models and instrumental variable analysis were used to compare the effectiveness of chemotherapy as the initial treatment with resection of the primary tumour as the initial treatment, with 2-year survival as the end point. The use of chemotherapy as the first treatment increased over time, from 26.8% in 2001 to 46.9% in 2009 (P < 0.0001). The traditional Cox model showed that chemotherapy as the initial treatment was associated with a higher risk of mortality [hazard ratio (HR) = 1.35; 95% CI: 1.27-1.44]. When accounting for known and unknown confounders in an instrumental variable analysis, chemotherapy as the initial treatment suggested benefit on 2-year survival (HR = 0.68; 95% CI: 0.44-1.04); however, the association did not reach statistical significance. The study findings were similar in six subgroup analyses. The use of chemotherapy as the initial therapy for CRC increased substantially from 2001 to 2009. Instrumental variable analysis found that, compared with resection, chemotherapy as the initial treatment offers similar or better 2-year survival in patients with Stage IV CRC. Given the morbidity and mortality associated with colorectal resection in elderly patients, chemotherapy provides an option to patients who are not good candidates for resection. Colorectal Disease © 2017 The Association of Coloproctology of Great Britain and Ireland.

Initial Science Teacher Education in Portugal: The Thoughts of Teacher Educators about the Effects of the Bologna Process

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Leite, Laurinda; Dourado, Luís; Morgado, Sofia

2016-01-01

Between the 1980s and 2007, Portugal used to have one-stage (5-year period) initial teacher education (ITE) programs. In 2007 and consistent with the Bologna process guidelines, Portuguese teacher education moved toward a two-stage model, which includes a 3-year undergraduate program of subject matter that leads to a "licenciatura" (or…

Initial stage of motion in the Lavrent'ev-Ishlinskii problem on longitudinal shock on a rod

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Morozov, N. F.; Belyaev, A. K.; Tovstik, P. E.; Tovstik, T. P.

2015-11-01

The transverse motion of a thin rod under a sudden application of a prolonged longitudinal load at the initial stage of motion is considered. The introduction of self-similar variables makes it possible to propose a description of the transverse motion weakly dependent on the longitudinal deformation. Both single dents and periodic systems of dents are considered.

Nutritional predictors for postoperative short-term and long-term outcomes of patients with gastric cancer.

PubMed

Kanda, Mitsuro; Mizuno, Akira; Tanaka, Chie; Kobayashi, Daisuke; Fujiwara, Michitaka; Iwata, Naoki; Hayashi, Masamichi; Yamada, Suguru; Nakayama, Goro; Fujii, Tsutomu; Sugimoto, Hiroyuki; Koike, Masahiko; Takami, Hideki; Niwa, Yukiko; Murotani, Kenta; Kodera, Yasuhiro

2016-06-01

Evidence indicates that impaired immunocompetence and nutritional status adversely affect short-term and long-term outcomes of patients with cancer. We aimed to evaluate the clinical significance of preoperative immunocompetence and nutritional status according to Onodera's prognostic nutrition index (PNI) among patients who underwent curative gastrectomy for gastric cancer (GC).This study included 260 patients with stage II/III GC who underwent R0 resection. The predictive values of preoperative nutritional status for postoperative outcome (morbidity and prognosis) were evaluated. Onodera's PNI was calculated as follows: 10 × serum albumin (g/dL) + 0.005 × lymphocyte count (per mm).The mean preoperative PNI was 47.8. The area under the curve for predicting complications was greater for PNI compared with the serum albumin concentration or lymphocyte count. Multivariate analysis identified preoperative PNI < 47 as an independent predictor of postoperative morbidity. Moreover, patients in the PNI < 47 group experienced significantly shorter overall and disease-free survival compared with those in the PNI ≥ 47 group, notably because of a higher prevalence of hematogenous metastasis as the initial recurrence. Subgroup analysis according to disease stage and postoperative adjuvant treatment revealed that the prognostic significance of PNI was more apparent in patients with stage II GC and in those who received adjuvant chemotherapy.Preoperative PNI is easy and inexpensive to determine, and our findings indicate that PNI served as a significant predictor of postoperative morbidity, prognosis, and recurrence patterns of patients with stage II/III GC.

The beta -globin locus control region (LCR) functions primarily by enhancing the transition from transcription initiation to elongation.

PubMed

Sawado, Tomoyuki; Halow, Jessica; Bender, M A; Groudine, Mark

2003-04-15

To investigate the molecular basis of beta-globin gene activation, we analyzed factor recruitment and histone modification at the adult beta-globin gene in wild-type (WT)/locus control region knockout (DeltaLCR) heterozygous mice and in murine erythroleukemia (MEL) cells. Although histone acetylation and methylation (Lys 4) are high before and after MEL differentiation, recruitment of the erythroid-specific activator NF-E2 to the promoter and preinitiation complex (PIC) assembly occur only after differentiation. We reported previously that targeted deletion of the LCR reduces beta-globin gene expression to 1%-4% of WT without affecting promoter histone acetylation. Here, we report that NF-E2 is recruited equally efficiently to the adult beta-globin promoters of the DeltaLCR and WT alleles. Moreover, the LCR deletion reduces PIC assembly only twofold, but has a dramatic effect on Ser 5 phosphorylation of RNA polymerase II and transcriptional elongation. Our results suggest at least three distinct stages in beta-globin gene activation: (1) an LCR-independent chromatin opening stage prior to NF-E2 recruitment to the promoter and PIC assembly; (2) an intermediate stage in which NF-E2 binding (LCR-independent) and PIC assembly (partially LCR-dependent) occur; and (3) an LCR-dependent fully active stage characterized by efficient pol II elongation. Thus, in its native location the LCR functions primarily downstream of activator recruitment and PIC assembly.

Reactive oxygen species initiate a protective response in plant roots to stress induced by environmental bisphenol A.

PubMed

Zhang, Jiazhi; Wang, Lihong; Zhou, Qing; Huang, Xiaohua

2018-06-15

Bisphenol A (BPA), a contaminant of emerging concern, can affect plant growth and development at high concentrations. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) production is a general primary response in plants to stress. Here, the aim is to investigate whether ROS in plants play protective roles for stress induced by BPA exposure at environmental concentrations. In this study, soybean roots (seedling, flowering and podding stages) were exposed to 1.5 and 3.0 mg L -1 BPA, and ROS response was measured. The relationship between ROS levels and residual BPA content in soybean roots was evaluated. The results showed that exposure (9 h) to 1.5 mg L -1 BPA elicited changes in ROS production. ROS then gradually accumulated in soybean roots (seedling stage). Exposure to 3.0 mg L -1 BPA elicited a stronger and earlier ROS responses at the flowering and podding stage, but did not lead to membrane lipid peroxidation. Residual BPA content in soybean roots reached peak concentrations after 9 h of exposure, and then gradually decreased at the flowering and podding stage. These results indicate that ROS in soybean roots might be involved in the oxidative metabolism of BPA, which could prevent BPA from damaging exposed plants. In conclusion, the observed ROS metabolic effects may be self-protection responses of plants to stress induced by BPA exposure. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Genotype-Correlated Expression of Lysyl Oxidase-Like 1 in Ocular Tissues of Patients with Pseudoexfoliation Syndrome/Glaucoma and Normal Patients

PubMed Central

Schlötzer-Schrehardt, Ursula; Pasutto, Francesca; Sommer, Pascal; Hornstra, Ian; Kruse, Friedrich E.; Naumann, Gottfried O.H.; Reis, André; Zenkel, Matthias

2008-01-01

Pseudoexfoliation (PEX) syndrome is a generalized disease of the extracellular matrix and the most common identifiable cause of open-angle glaucoma. Two single nucleotide polymorphisms in the lysyl oxidase-like 1 (LOXL1) gene (rs1048661 and rs3825942) have been recently identified as strong genetic risk factors for both PEX syndrome and PEX glaucoma. Here we investigated the expression and localization of LOXL1, LOXL2, and lysyl oxidase (LOX) in tissues of PEX syndrome/glaucoma patients and controls in correlation with their individual single nucleotide polymorphism genotypes and stages of disease. LOXL1 ocular expression was reduced by ∼20% per risk allele of rs1048661, whereas risk alleles of rs3825942, which were highly overrepresented in PEX cases, did not affect LOXL1 expression levels. Irrespective of the individual genotype, LOXL1 expression was significantly increased in early PEX stages but was decreased in advanced stages both with and without glaucoma compared with controls, whereas LOX and LOXL2 showed no differences between groups. LOXL1 was also found to be a major component of fibrillar PEX aggregates in both intra- and extraocular locations and to co-localize with various elastic fiber components. These findings provide evidence for LOXL1 involvement in the initial stages of abnormal fibrogenesis in PEX tissues. Alterations of LOXL1 activation, processing, and/or substrate specificity may contribute to the abnormal aggregation of elastic fiber components into characteristic PEX fibrils. PMID:18974306

Phospho-eIF2α level is important for determining abilities of BACE1 reduction to rescue cholinergic neurodegeneration and memory defects in 5XFAD mice.

PubMed

Devi, Latha; Ohno, Masuo

2010-09-23

β-Site APP-cleaving enzyme 1 (BACE1) initiates amyloid-β (Aβ) generation and thus represents a prime therapeutic target in treating Alzheimer's disease (AD). Notably, increasing evidence indicates that BACE1 levels become elevated in AD brains as disease progresses; however, it remains unclear how the BACE1 upregulation may affect efficacies of therapeutic interventions including BACE1-inhibiting approaches. Here, we crossed heterozygous BACE1 knockout mice with AD transgenic mice (5XFAD model) and compared the abilities of partial BACE1 reduction to rescue AD-like phenotypes at earlier (6-month-old) and advanced (15-18-month-old) stages of disease, which expressed normal (∼100%) and elevated (∼200%) levels of BACE1, respectively. BACE1(+/-) deletion rescued memory deficits as tested by the spontaneous alternation Y-maze task in 5XFAD mice at the earlier stage and prevented their septohippocampal cholinergic deficits associated with significant neuronal loss. Importantly, BACE1(+/-) deletion was no longer able to rescue memory deficits or cholinergic neurodegeneration in 5XFAD mice at the advanced stage. Moreover, BACE1(+/-) deletion significantly reduced levels of Aβ42 and the β-secretase-cleaved C-terminal fragment (C99) in 6-month-old 5XFAD mouse brains, while these neurotoxic β-cleavage products dramatically elevated with age and were not affected by BACE1(+/-) deletion in 15-18-month-old 5XFAD brains. Interestingly, although BACE1(+/-) deletion lowered BACE1 expression by ∼50% in 5XFAD mice irrespective of age in concordance with the reduction in gene copy number, BACE1 equivalent to wild-type controls remained in BACE1(+/-)·5XFAD mice at the advanced age. In accord, phosphorylation of the translation initiation factor eIF2α, an important mediator of BACE1 elevation, was dramatically increased (∼9-fold) in 15-18-month-old 5XFAD mice and remained highly upregulated (∼6-fold) in age-matched BACE1(+/-)·5XFAD mice. Together, our results indicate that partial reduction of BACE1 is not sufficient to block the phospho-eIF2α-dependent BACE1 elevation during the progression of AD, thus limiting its abilities to reduce cerebral Aβ/C99 levels and rescue memory deficits and cholinergic neurodegeneration.

Reliability based design including future tests and multiagent approaches

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Villanueva, Diane

The initial stages of reliability-based design optimization involve the formulation of objective functions and constraints, and building a model to estimate the reliability of the design with quantified uncertainties. However, even experienced hands often overlook important objective functions and constraints that affect the design. In addition, uncertainty reduction measures, such as tests and redesign, are often not considered in reliability calculations during the initial stages. This research considers two areas that concern the design of engineering systems: 1) the trade-off of the effect of a test and post-test redesign on reliability and cost and 2) the search for multiple candidate designs as insurance against unforeseen faults in some designs. In this research, a methodology was developed to estimate the effect of a single future test and post-test redesign on reliability and cost. The methodology uses assumed distributions of computational and experimental errors with re-design rules to simulate alternative future test and redesign outcomes to form a probabilistic estimate of the reliability and cost for a given design. Further, it was explored how modeling a future test and redesign provides a company an opportunity to balance development costs versus performance by simultaneously designing the design and the post-test redesign rules during the initial design stage. The second area of this research considers the use of dynamic local surrogates, or surrogate-based agents, to locate multiple candidate designs. Surrogate-based global optimization algorithms often require search in multiple candidate regions of design space, expending most of the computation needed to define multiple alternate designs. Thus, focusing on solely locating the best design may be wasteful. We extended adaptive sampling surrogate techniques to locate multiple optima by building local surrogates in sub-regions of the design space to identify optima. The efficiency of this method was studied, and the method was compared to other surrogate-based optimization methods that aim to locate the global optimum using two two-dimensional test functions, a six-dimensional test function, and a five-dimensional engineering example.

Processing Stages Underlying Word Recognition in the Anteroventral Temporal Lobe

PubMed Central

Halgren, Eric; Wang, Chunmao; Schomer, Donald L.; Knake, Susanne; Marinkovic, Ksenija; Wu, Julian; Ulbert, Istvan

2006-01-01

The anteroventral temporal lobe integrates visual, lexical, semantic and mnestic aspects of word-processing, through its reciprocal connections with the ventral visual stream, language areas, and the hippocampal formation. We used linear microelectrode arrays to probe population synaptic currents and neuronal firing in different cortical layers of the anteroventral temporal lobe, during semantic judgments with implicit priming, and overt word recognition. Since different extrinsic and associative inputs preferentially target different cortical layers, this method can help reveal the sequence and nature of local processing stages at a higher resolution than was previously possible. The initial response in inferotemporal and perirhinal cortices is a brief current sink beginning at ~120ms, and peaking at ~170ms. Localization of this initial sink to middle layers suggests that it represents feedforward input from lower visual areas, and simultaneously increased firing implies that it represents excitatory synaptic currents. Until ~800ms, the main focus of transmembrane current sinks alternates between middle and superficial layers, with the superficial focus becoming increasingly dominant after ~550ms. Since superficial layers are the target of local and feedback associative inputs, this suggests an alternation in predominant synaptic input between feedforward and feedback modes. Word repetition does not affect the initial perirhinal and inferotemporal middle layer sink, but does decrease later activity. Entorhinal activity begins later (~200ms), with greater apparent excitatory postsynaptic currents and multiunit activity in neocortically-projecting than hippocampal-projecting layers. In contrast to perirhinal and entorhinal responses, entorhinal responses are larger to repeated words during memory retrieval. These results identify a sequence of physiological activation, beginning with a sharp activation from lower level visual areas carrying specific information to middle layers. This is followed by feedback and associative interactions involving upper cortical layers, which are abbreviated to repeated words. Following bottom-up and associative stages, top-down recollective processes may be driven by entorhinal cortex. Word processing involves a systematic sequence of fast feedforward information transfer from visual areas to anteroventral temporal cortex, followed by prolonged interactions of this feedforward information with local associations, and feedback mnestic information from the medial temporal lobe. PMID:16488158

The reductive degradation of 1,1,1-trichloroethane by Fe(0) in a soil slurry system.

PubMed

Wu, Xiaoliang; Lu, Shuguang; Qiu, Zhaofu; Sui, Qian; Lin, Kuangfei; Du, Xiaoming; Luo, Qishi

2014-01-01

Most studies on the treatment of chlorinated contaminants by Fe(0) focus on aqueous system tests. However, few is known about the effectiveness of these tests for degrading chlorinated contaminants such as 1,1,1-trichloroethane (TCA) in soil. In this work, the reductive degradation performance of 1,1,1-TCA by Fe(0) was thoroughly investigated in a soil slurry system. The effects of various factors including acid-washed iron, the initial 1,1,1-TCA concentration, Fe(0) dosage, slurry pH, and common constituents in groundwater and soil such as Cl(-), HCO3 (-), SO4 (2-), and NO3 (-) anions and humic acid (HA) were evaluated. The experimental results showed that 1,1,1-TCA could be effectively degraded in 12 h for an initial Fe(0) dosage of 10 g L(-1) and a soil/water mass ratio of 1:5. The soil slurry experiments showed two-stage degradation kinetics: a slow reaction in the first stage and a fast reductive degradation of 1,1,1-TCA in the second stage. The reductive degradation of 1,1,1-TCA was expedited as the mass concentration of Fe(0) increased. In addition, high pHs adversely affected the degradation of 1,1,1-TCA over a pH range of 5.4-8.0 and the reductive degradation efficiency decreased with increasing slurry pH. The initial 1,1,1-TCA concentration and the presence of Cl(-) and SO4(2-) anions had negligible effects. HCO3(-) anions had a accelerative effect on 1,1,1-TCA removal, and both NO3(-) and HA had inhibitory effects. A Cl(-) mass balance showed that the amount of Cl(-) ions released into the soil slurry system during the 1,1,1-TCA degradation increased with increasing reaction time, suggesting that the main degradation mechanism of 1,1,1-TCA by Fe(0) in a soil slurry system was reductive dechlorination with 1,1-DCA as the main intermediate. In conclusion, this study provides a theoretical basis for the practical application of the remediation of contaminated sites containing chlorinated solvent.

Prediction of distribution volume of vancomycin in critically ill patients using extravascular lung water and pulmonary vascular permeability indices.

PubMed

Imaura, Masaharu; Yokoyama, Haruko; Kohyama, Tomoki; Nagafuchi, Hiroyuki; Kohata, Yuji; Takahashi, Hiroyuki; Yamada, Yasuhiko

2012-11-01

Alterations in distribution volume affect the concentrations of hydrophilic drugs in plasma and tissues at the time of initial therapy. When the distribution volume of hydrophilic antimicrobials is increased in critically ill patients with a serious infection, antimicrobial concentrations are reduced, which may adversely affect the efficacy of antimicrobial therapy. A transpulmonary thermodilution technique system (PiCCO) enables measurements of pulmonary vascular permeability index (PVPI) and extravascular lung water index (EVLWI), which are related to pulmonary edema and pulmonary vascular permeability, respectively. In addition, those indices may also be related to the distribution volume of hydrophilic antimicrobials. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationships of PVPI and EVLWI with the distribution volume of vancomycin (Vss), as well as to establish a method for estimating Vss for planning an appropriate initial dose for individual patients. Seven patients were administered vancomycin intravenously and underwent extended hemodynamic monitoring with the PiCCO system in the intensive care unit (ICU) from April 2009 to March 2011. Vss was calculated using the Bayesian method, and the relationships of PVPI and EVLWI with Vss were investigated. The relationship between Vss/actual body weight (ABW) and median EVLWI on days when blood levels were measured was significant (r = 0.900, p = 0.0057), whereas the relationship between Vss/ABW and PVPI was not significant (r = 0.649, p = 0.1112). EVLWI determined by the PiCCO system is useful to predict Vss and should lead to more effective vancomycin therapy for critically ill patients at the initial stage.

Seizures and the natural history of World Health Organization Grade II gliomas: a review.

PubMed

Smits, Anja; Duffau, Hugues

2011-05-01

The majority of adults with low-grade gliomas have seizures. Despite the frequency of seizures as initial symptoms and symptoms of later disease, seizures in relation to the natural course of low-grade gliomas have received little attention. In this review, we provide an update of the literature on the prognostic impact of preoperative seizures and discuss the tumor- and treatment-related factors affecting seizure control at later stages of the disease. Seizures occur most frequently at disease presentation and predict a more favorable outcome. Initial seizures are correlated with tumor location and possibly indirectly to the molecular profile of the tumor. About 50% of all patients with seizures at presentation continue to have seizures before surgery. Maximal tumor resection, including resection of epileptic foci, is a valuable strategy for improving seizure control. In addition, radiotherapy and chemotherapy, as single therapies or in combination with surgery, have shown beneficial effects in terms of seizure reduction. Recurrent seizures after macroscopically complete tumor resection may be a marker for accelerated tumor growth. Recurrent seizures after an initial transient stabilization after radiotherapy and/or chemotherapy may be a marker for anaplastic tumor transformation. Preoperative seizures likely reflect, apart from tumor location, intrinsic tumor properties as well. Change in seizure control in individual patients is frequently associated with altered tumor behavior. Including seizures and seizure control as clinical parameters is recommended in future trials of low-grade gliomas to further establish the prognostic value of these symptoms and to identify the factors affecting seizure control.

Spectral domain optical coherence tomography and fundus autofluorescence findings in cytomegalovirus retinitis in HIV-infected patients.

PubMed

Yashiro, Shigeko; Nishijima, Takeshi; Yamamoto, Yuuka; Sekine, Yumi; Yoshida-Hata, Natsuyo; Iida, Tomohiro; Oka, Shinichi

2018-05-01

To assess the usefulness of spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) and fundus autofluorescence (FAF) findings in cytomegalovirus (CMV) retinitis. Observational case series. Thirteen eyes of 11 human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-positive patients with CMV retinitis underwent full ophthalmologic examinations, SD-OCT, and 4 eyes of 4 patients underwent FAF. FAF images included short-wavelength autofluorescence (SW-AF) and near-infrared autofluorescence (IR-AF). CMV retinitis was classified into proposed categories of acute, subacute, remission, and recurrent; the acute stage was further subdivided into initial, early, and late stages. In the initial stage, vertical structural disruption of all retinal layers was observed by SD-OCT, and FAF showed hyperautofluorescence on SW-AF and hypoautofluorescence on IR-AF. In the early stage, SD-OCT showed significant retinal thickening; cells and debris from the retinal surface to the vitreous; enlarged vessels with/without thickened vessel walls; and highly complicated serous retinal detachment. In the late to subacute stage, features observed included rhegmatogenous retinal detachment with shrinking posterior hyaloid membrane and waving from the ellipsoid zone to the retinal pigment epithelium. In remission, FAF findings were hypoautofluorescence on SW-AF and hyperautofluorescence on IR-AF. Although the number of examined eyes was limited, SD-OCT and FAF provide new information in various stages of CMV retinitis in patients with HIV infection that is not obtainable by conventional examination and which may be of great benefit when screening for the initial stage of CMV retinitis.

Empirical analysis on the runners' velocity distribution in city marathons

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lin, Zhenquan; Meng, Fan

2018-01-01

In recent decades, much researches have been performed on human temporal activity and mobility patterns, while few investigations have been made to examine the features of the velocity distributions of human mobility patterns. In this paper, we investigated empirically the velocity distributions of finishers in New York City marathon, American Chicago marathon, Berlin marathon and London marathon. By statistical analyses on the datasets of the finish time records, we captured some statistical features of human behaviors in marathons: (1) The velocity distributions of all finishers and of partial finishers in the fastest age group both follow log-normal distribution; (2) In the New York City marathon, the velocity distribution of all male runners in eight 5-kilometer internal timing courses undergoes two transitions: from log-normal distribution at the initial stage (several initial courses) to the Gaussian distribution at the middle stage (several middle courses), and to log-normal distribution at the last stage (several last courses); (3) The intensity of the competition, which is described by the root-mean-square value of the rank changes of all runners, goes weaker from initial stage to the middle stage corresponding to the transition of the velocity distribution from log-normal distribution to Gaussian distribution, and when the competition gets stronger in the last course of the middle stage, there will come a transition from Gaussian distribution to log-normal one at last stage. This study may enrich the researches on human mobility patterns and attract attentions on the velocity features of human mobility.

Saturn Apollo Program

NASA Image and Video Library

1968-01-01

This cutaway drawing shows the S-IVB stage in its Saturn IB configuration. As a part of the Marshall Space Flight Center's (MSFC) "building block" approach to the Saturn development, the S-IVB stage was utilized in the Saturn IB launch vehicle as a second stage and, later, the Saturn V launch vehicle as a third stage. The stage was powered by a single J-2 engine, initially capable of 200,000 pounds of thrust.

Sessile multidroplets and salt droplets under high tangential electric fields

PubMed Central

Xie, Guoxin; He, Feng; Liu, Xiang; Si, Lina; Guo, Dan

2016-01-01

Understanding the interaction behaviors between sessile droplets under imposed high voltages is very important in many practical situations, e.g., microfluidic devices and the degradation/aging problems of outdoor high-power applications. In the present work, the droplet coalescence, the discharge activity and the surface thermal distribution response between sessile multidroplets and chloride salt droplets under high tangential electric fields have been investigated with infrared thermography, high-speed photography and pulse current measurement. Obvious polarity effects on the discharge path direction and the temperature change in the droplets in the initial stage after discharge initiation were observed due to the anodic dissolution of metal ions from the electrode. In the case of sessile aligned multidroplets, the discharge path direction could affect the location of initial droplet coalescence. The smaller unmerged droplet would be drained into the merged large droplet as a result from the pressure difference inside the droplets rather than the asymmetric temperature change due to discharge. The discharge inception voltages and the temperature variations for two salt droplets closely correlated with the ionization degree of the salt, as well as the interfacial electrochemical reactions near the electrodes. Mechanisms of these observed phenomena were discussed. PMID:27121926

[Initial surgical management of squamous carcinoma of the vulva].

PubMed

Salazar-Báez, Israel; Salazar-Campos, Jessica E; López-Arias, Alhely; Villavicencio-Valencia, Verónica; Coronel-Martínez, Jaime; Candelaria-Hernández, Myrna; Pérez-Montiel, Delia; Pérez-Plasencia, Carlos; Rojas-García, Aurora Elizabeth; Cantú de León, David

2016-01-01

Vulvar cancer accounts for approximately 4% of gynecological malignancies. At the Instituto Nacional de Cancerologia in Mexico it occupies the fourth place. The purpose of this study is to assess the management of squamous carcinoma of the vulva with initial surgical treatment. It is a descriptive retrospective, observational study, from January 1, 2002 to December 31, 2012. Twenty-seven patients, clinical stages I, II, or III, initial surgical management, with at least one year of follow-up were included. In 51.85% a partial vulvectomy was performed and in 40.74% a wide excision; 66.66% underwent inguinofemoral dissection. Recurrence occurred in 25.91% of cases and the overall survival at 10 years was 63%. It is concluded that with invasion of up to 1 mm of lymph node, affection is 0%; with invasion of 1 mm and up to 5 mm this increases to 25%; an invasion of more than 5 mm implies up to 45%. Recurrence in our study was primarily distant, necessitating long-term monitoring with emphasis on symptoms to request imaging studies when suspected. Adjuvant therapy should be offered to patients with positive nodes, close or positive margins, and tumors larger than 4 cm.

Genital tract lesions in sexually mature Göttingen minipigs during the initial stages of experimental vaginal infection with Chlamydia trachomatis serovar D.

PubMed

Erneholm, Karin; Lorenzen, Emma; Bøje, Sarah; Olsen, Anja Weinreich; Andersen, Peter; Cassidy, Joseph P; Follmann, Frank; Jensen, Henrik E; Agerholm, Jørgen S

2016-09-10

Chlamydia is one of the most common sexually transmitted diseases in humans worldwide, causing chronic lesions in the reproductive tract. Due to its often asymptomatic course, there is limited knowledge about the initial changes in the genital tract following infection. This study employs a novel sexually mature minipig model to investigate the initial histopathological changes following vaginal infection with Chlamydia trachomatis serovar D. A vaginal inoculation resulted in an infection primarily affecting the lower genital tract. The histopathological changes were characterized by a subepithelial inflammation consisting of neutrophils and mononuclear cells, followed by an increase in the number of plasma cells within the sub-epithelial stroma of the vagina. Detection of Chlamydia was associated with expression of cyclooxygenase-2 and interleukin-8 by superficial epithelial cells. The infection was self-limiting, with a duration of 7 days. Neutrophils, plasma cells and IL-8 have been linked with Chlamydia genital infection of unknown duration in human patients. In this study, we observe a similar pattern of local immune response/inflammation following experimental inoculation suggesting this porcine model shows promise as a model for translational chlamydia research.

Risk stratification and staging in prostate cancer with prostatic specific membrane antigen PET/CTObjective: A one-stop-shop.

PubMed

Gupta, Manoj; Choudhury, Partha Sarathi; Rawal, Sudhir; Goel, Harish Chandra; Singh, Amitabh; Talwar, Vineet; Sahoo, Saroj Kumar

2017-01-01

Current imaging modalities for prostate cancer (PC) had limitations for risk stratification and staging. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) frequently underestimated lymphatic metastasis while bone scintigraphy often had diagnostic dilemmas. Prostatic specific membrane antigen (PSMA) positron emission tomography-computed tomography (PET/CT) has been remarkable in diagnosing PC recurrence and staging. We hypothesized it can become one-stop-shop for initial risk stratification and staging. Ninety seven PSMA PET-CT studies were re analysed for tumor node metastases (TNM) staging and risk stratification of lymphatic and distant metastases proportion. The histopathology of 23/97 patients was available as gold standard. Chi-square test was used for proportion comparison. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), over-estimation, under-estimation and correct-estimation of T and N stages were calculated. Cohen's kappa coefficient (k) was derived for inter-rater agreement. Lymphic or distant metastases detection on PSMA PET/CT increased significantly with increase in risk category. PSMA PET/CT sensitivity, specificity, PPV and NPV for extra prostatic extension (EPE), seminal vesicle invasion (SVI) and lymphatic metastases were 63.16%, 100%, 100%, 36.36% & 55%, 100%, 100%, 25% and 65.62%, 99.31%, 87.50%, 97.53%, respectively. Cohen's kappa coefficient showed substantial agreement between PSMA PET/CT and histopathological lymphic metastases (κ 0.734) however, it was just in fair agreement (κ 0.277) with T stage. PSMA PET/CT over-estimated, under-estimated and correct-estimated T and N stages in 8.71%, 39.13%, 52.17% and 8.71%, 4.35%, 86.96% cases, respectively. We found that PSMA PET/CT has potential for initial risk stratifications with reasonable correct estimation for N stage. However, it can underestimate T stage. Hence, we suggest that PSMA PET/CT should be used for staging and initial risk stratification of PC as one-stop-shop with regional MRI in surgically resectable cases.

Clinical and Cost Implications of Universal Versus Locally Advanced-Stage and Advanced-Stage-Only Molecular Testing for Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Mutations and Anaplastic Lymphoma Kinase Rearrangements in Non-Small Cell Lung Carcinoma: A Tertiary Academic Institution Experience.

PubMed

Sauter, Jennifer L; Butnor, Kelly J

2016-04-01

Although epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)- and anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK)-directed therapies are not approved for patients with early-stage non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC), many institutions perform EGFR and ALK testing for all patients with NSCLC at the time of initial diagnosis. Current consensus guidelines recommend EGFR testing and suggest ALK testing at the time of initial diagnosis for patients with advanced disease. To examine the cost and clinical impact of EGFR and ALK testing of patients with early-stage NSCLC. Records from all patients with a diagnosis of NSCLC made on a nonresection specimen at our institution during a single calendar year (2012) were reviewed, and a cost analysis was performed. Of 133 total patients, 47 (35%) had early-stage (stage I or II) disease and 86 (65%) had locally advanced (stage III) or advanced (stage IV) disease at presentation. Eight of 47 patients with early-stage disease (17%) had progression/recurrence during 18 to 30 months of follow-up, 6 of 8 (75%) of whom had pathologic confirmation of progression/recurrence. The estimated additional cost of EGFR and ALK testing for all newly diagnosed patients with NSCLC at our institution is $75,200 per year, compared to testing only patients with locally advanced and advanced-stage disease. The cost of universal molecular testing of NSCLC is substantial. EGFR and ALK testing of patients with early-stage disease appears to have negligible clinical impact, as most patients do not have disease recurrence/progression. Those whose disease recurs/progresses typically undergo rebiopsy. Our findings do not support the practice of universal EGFR and ALK testing in NSCLC at the time of initial diagnosis.

Damage by Tibraca limbativentris Stål (Pentatomidae) to Upland Rice Cultivated in Amazon Rainforest Region (Brazil) at Different Growth Stages.

PubMed

Krinski, D; Foerster, L A

2017-02-01

In this study, we evaluated the damage caused in the field by Tibraca limbativentris Stål adults at different levels of infestation (0, 1, 2, and 4 stink bugs) per three rice plants during three growth stages (V8, V13, and R4 stages) of upland rice cultivated in southwestern of Pará State, Amazon Rainforest region, Brazil. Heading time (panicle exertion) was affected by T. limbativentris infestations mainly in the vegetative stage and the whiteheads percentage in treatments ranged from 18.2 to 38%. The dead hearts percentages varied between 0 and 21.5%, and the mean number of primary branches (ramifications) ranged from 5.9 ± 0.4 to 12.3 ± 0.2. The number of empty spikelets was only affected in infestations with four insects/three plants, while the quantity of filled grains per panicle was affected only when infestations occurred during the vegetative stage. The total number of spikelets (filled + empty) per panicle decreased significantly in all phenological stages, and the percentage of damage ranged from 17 to 44% among treatments. Based on the proportion of damage observed, we suggest doubling the number of insects presently used as action threshold to 2 and 4 stink bugs per 15 stalks sampled for the vegetative stage, and of 1 or 2 stink bugs per 15 stalks sampled at the beginning of reproductive stage (R3/R4). Also, the field should be monitored during the entire vegetative stage, since most damage was observed in this phenological stage.

Exogenous testosterone affects early threat processing in socially anxious and healthy women.

PubMed

van Peer, Jacobien M; Enter, Dorien; van Steenbergen, Henk; Spinhoven, Philip; Roelofs, Karin

2017-10-01

Testosterone plays an important role in social threat processing. Recent evidence suggests that testosterone administration has socially anxiolytic effects, but it remains unknown whether this involves early vigilance or later, more sustained, processing-stages. We investigated the acute effects of testosterone administration on social threat processing in 19 female patients with Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD) and 19 healthy controls. Event-related potentials (ERPs) were recorded during an emotional Stroop task with subliminally presented faces. Testosterone induced qualitative changes in early ERPs (<200ms after stimulus onset) in both groups. An initial testosterone-induced spatial shift reflected a change in the basic processing (N170/VPP) of neutral faces, which was followed by a shift for angry faces suggesting a decrease in early threat bias. These findings suggest that testosterone specifically affects early automatic social information processing. The decreased attentional bias for angry faces explains how testosterone can decrease threat avoidance, which is particularly relevant for SAD. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

What causes IOR? Attention or perception? - manipulating cue and target luminance in either blocked or mixed condition.

PubMed

Zhao, Yuanyuan; Heinke, Dietmar

2014-12-01

Inhibition of return (IOR) refers to the performance disadvantage when detecting a target presented at a previously cued location. The current paper contributes to the long-standing debate whether IOR is caused by attentional processing or perceptual processing. We present a series of four experiments which varied the cue luminance in mixed and blocked conditions. We hypothesised that if inhibition was initialized by an attentional process the size of IOR should not vary in the blocked condition as participants should be able to adapt to the level of cue luminance. However, if a perceptual process triggers inhibition both experimental manipulations should lead to varying levels of IOR. Indeed, we found evidence for the latter hypothesis. In addition, we also varied the target luminance in blocked and mixed condition. Both manipulations, cue luminance and target luminance, affected IOR in an additive fashion suggesting that the two stimuli affect human behaviour on different processing stages. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Dissociating effects of stimulus identity and load on working memory attentional guidance: lengthening encoding time eliminates the effect of load but not identity.

PubMed

Tsvetanov, Kamen A; Arvanitis, Theodoros N; Humphreys, Glyn W

2012-01-01

Effects of the identity and load of items in working memory (WM) on visual attention were examined. With a short interval between the WM item and a subsequent search task, there were effects of both load (slowed overall reaction times, RTs, in a WM condition relative to a mere repetition baseline) and identity (search RTs were affected by re-presentation of the item in WM in the search display). As the time to encode the initial display increased, the effects of load decreased while the effect of identity remained. The data indicate that the identity of stimuli in WM can affect the subsequent deployment of attention even when time is allowed for consolidation of the stimuli in WM, and that the WM effects are not causally related to the presence of cognitive load. The results are consistent with the identity of stimuli in WM modulating attention post the memory consolidation stage.

Safety and immunogenicity of a booster dose of a 3-antigen Staphylococcus aureus vaccine (SA3Ag) in healthy adults: A randomized phase 1 study.

PubMed

Marshall, Helen; Nissen, Michael; Richmond, Peter; Shakib, Sepehr; Jiang, Qin; Cooper, David; Rill, Denise; Baber, James; Eiden, Joseph; Gruber, William C; Jansen, Kathrin U; Anderson, Annaliesa S; Zito, Edward T; Girgenti, Douglas

2016-11-01

A 2-stage, phase 1, randomized, placebo-controlled study in healthy adults to assess immunogenicity and safety of a booster dose at three dose levels of a 3-antigen Staphylococcus aureus vaccine (SA3Ag) containing recombinant clumping factor A (ClfA) and capsular polysaccharides 5 and 8 (CP5 and CP8) conjugated to a diphtheria toxoid. Six months after initial single vaccination, in Stage 2, SA3Ag recipients were randomized (1:1) to booster vaccination or placebo, while Stage 1 placebo recipients received placebo again. Pre- and post-vaccination blood samples were analyzed. In Stage 2 (n = 345), pre-booster CP5 and CP8 titers remained high with no increase post-booster. ClfA titers remained high after initial vaccination and increased post-booster, approaching the peak response to the initial dose. Post-booster local reactions were more frequent and of greater severity than reported after the initial vaccination, particularly for the high-dose level recipients. Post hoc analysis showed no dose-response pattern and no obvious association between diphtheria toxoid titers and local reactions after initial or booster vaccination. Immune responses after the initial vaccination persisted for the 12 months studied, with little additional response after the booster dose at 6 months. Post-booster injection site reactions were more frequent and more severe but self-limiting. CLINICALTRIALS. NCT01018641. Copyright © 2016 The British Infection Association. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Health care administrators' perspectives on the role of absorptive capacity for strategic change initiatives: a qualitative study.

PubMed

Kash, Bita A; Spaulding, Aaron; Gamm, Larry; Johnson, Christopher E

2013-01-01

The dimensions of absorptive capacity (ACAP) are defined, and the importance of ACAP is established in the management literature, but the concept has not been applied to health care organizations attempting to implement multiple strategic initiatives. The aim of this study was to test the utility of ACAP by analyzing health care administrators' experiences with multiple strategic initiatives within two health systems. Results are drawn from administrators' assessments of multiple initiatives within two health systems using in-depth personal interviews with a total of 61 health care administrators. Data analysis was performed following deductive qualitative analysis guidelines. Interview transcripts were coded based on the four dimensions of ACAP: acquiring, assimilating, internalizing/transforming, and exploiting knowledge. Furthermore, we link results related to utilization of management resources, including number of key personnel involved and time consumption, to dimensions of ACAP. Participants' description of multiple strategic change initiatives confirmed the importance of the four ACAP dimensions. ACAP can be a useful framework to assess organizational capacity with respect to the organization's ability to concurrently implement multiple strategic initiatives. This capacity specifically revolves around human capital requirements from upper management based on the initiatives' location or stage within the ACAP framework. Strategic change initiatives in health care can be usefully viewed from an ACAP perspective. There is a tendency for those strategic initiatives ranking higher in priority and time consumption to reflect more advanced dimensions of ACAP (assimilate and transform), whereas few initiatives were identified in the ACAP "exploit" dimension. This may suggest that health care leaders tend to no longer identify as strategic initiatives those innovations that have moved to the exploitation stage or that less attention is given to the exploitation elements of a strategic initiative than to the earlier stages.

Neuroclinical Framework for the Role of Stress in Addiction

PubMed Central

Kwako, Laura E.; Koob, George F.

2017-01-01

Addiction has been conceptualized as a three-stage cycle—binge/intoxication, withdrawal/negative affect, and preoccupation/anticipation—that worsens over time and involves allostatic changes in hedonic function via changes in the brain reward and stress systems. Using the withdrawal/negative affect stage and negative reinforcement as an important source of motivation for compulsive drug seeking, we outline the neurobiology of the stress component of the withdrawal/negative affect stage and relate it to a derivative of the Research Domain Criteria research construct for the study of psychiatric disease, known as the Addictions Neuroclinical Assessment. Using the Addictions Neuroclinical Assessment, we outline five subdomains of negative emotional states that can be operationally measured in human laboratory settings and paralleled by animal models. We hypothesize that a focus on negative emotionality and stress is closely related to the acute neurobiological alterations that are experienced in addiction and may serve as a bridge to a reformulation of the addiction nosology to better capture individual differences in patients for whom the withdrawal/negative affect stage drives compulsive drug taking. PMID:28653044

Stable Isotopes of Precipitation During Tropical Sumatra Squalls in Singapore

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

He, Shaoneng; Goodkin, Nathalie F.; Kurita, Naoyuki; Wang, Xianfeng; Rubin, Charles Martin

2018-04-01

Sumatra Squalls, organized bands of thunderstorms, are the dominant mesoscale convective systems during the intermonsoon and southwest monsoon seasons in Singapore. To understand how they affect precipitation isotopes, we monitored the δ value of precipitation daily and continuously (every second and integrated over 30 s) during all squalls in 2015. We found that precipitation δ18O values mainly exhibit a "V"-shape pattern and less commonly a "W"-shape pattern. Variation in δ18O values during a single event is about 1 to 6‰ with the lowest values mostly observed in the stratiform zone, which agrees with previous observations and modeling simulations. Reevaporation can significantly affect δ values, especially in the last stage of the stratiform zone. Daily precipitation is characterized by periodic negative shifts in δ value, largely associated with the squalls rather than moisture source change. The shifts can be more than 10‰, larger than intraevent variation. Initial δ18O values of events are highly variable, and those with the lowest values also have the lowest initial values. Therefore, past convective activities in the upwind area can significantly affect the δ18O, and convection at the sampling site has limited contribution to isotopic variability. A significant correlation between precipitation δ18O value and regional outgoing longwave radiation and rainfall in the Asian monsoon region and western Pacific suggests that regional organized convection probably drives stable isotopic compositions of precipitation. A drop in the frequency of the squalls in 2015 is related to weak organized convection in the region caused by El Niño.

Dynamics of bacterial community succession in a salt marsh chronosequence: evidences for temporal niche partitioning.

PubMed

Dini-Andreote, Francisco; de Cássia Pereira e Silva, Michele; Triadó-Margarit, Xavier; Casamayor, Emilio O; van Elsas, Jan Dirk; Salles, Joana Falcão

2014-10-01

The mechanisms underlying community assembly and promoting temporal succession are often overlooked in microbial ecology. Here, we studied an undisturbed salt marsh chronosequence, spanning over a century of ecosystem development, to understand bacterial succession in soil. We used 16S rRNA gene-based quantitative PCR to determine bacterial abundance and multitag 454 pyrosequencing for community composition and diversity analyses. Despite 10-fold lower 16S rRNA gene abundances, the initial stages of soil development held higher phylogenetic diversities than the soil at late succession. Temporal variations in phylogenetic β-diversity were greater at initial stages of soil development, possibly as a result of the great dynamism imposed by the daily influence of the tide, promoting high immigration rates. Allogenic succession of bacterial communities was mostly driven by shifts in the soil physical structure, as well as variations in pH and salinity, which collectively explained 84.5% of the variation concerning community assemblage. The community assembly data for each successional stage were integrated into a network co-occurrence analysis, revealing higher complexity at initial stages, coinciding with great dynamism in turnover and environmental variability. Contrary to a spatial niche-based perspective of bacterial community assembly, we suggest temporal niche partitioning as the dominant mechanism of assembly (promoting more phylotype co-occurrence) in the initial stages of succession, where continuous environmental change results in the existence of multiple niches over short periods of time.

Dynamics of bacterial community succession in a salt marsh chronosequence: evidences for temporal niche partitioning

PubMed Central

Dini-Andreote, Francisco; de Cássia Pereira e Silva, Michele; Triadó-Margarit, Xavier; Casamayor, Emilio O; van Elsas, Jan Dirk; Salles, Joana Falcão

2014-01-01

The mechanisms underlying community assembly and promoting temporal succession are often overlooked in microbial ecology. Here, we studied an undisturbed salt marsh chronosequence, spanning over a century of ecosystem development, to understand bacterial succession in soil. We used 16S rRNA gene-based quantitative PCR to determine bacterial abundance and multitag 454 pyrosequencing for community composition and diversity analyses. Despite 10-fold lower 16S rRNA gene abundances, the initial stages of soil development held higher phylogenetic diversities than the soil at late succession. Temporal variations in phylogenetic β-diversity were greater at initial stages of soil development, possibly as a result of the great dynamism imposed by the daily influence of the tide, promoting high immigration rates. Allogenic succession of bacterial communities was mostly driven by shifts in the soil physical structure, as well as variations in pH and salinity, which collectively explained 84.5% of the variation concerning community assemblage. The community assembly data for each successional stage were integrated into a network co-occurrence analysis, revealing higher complexity at initial stages, coinciding with great dynamism in turnover and environmental variability. Contrary to a spatial niche-based perspective of bacterial community assembly, we suggest temporal niche partitioning as the dominant mechanism of assembly (promoting more phylotype co-occurrence) in the initial stages of succession, where continuous environmental change results in the existence of multiple niches over short periods of time. PMID:24739625

Intermittent targeted therapies and stochastic evolution in patients affected by chronic myeloid leukemia

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pizzolato, N.; Persano Adorno, D.; Valenti, D.; Spagnolo, B.

2016-05-01

Front line therapy for the treatment of patients affected by chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) is based on the administration of tyrosine kinase inhibitors, namely imatinib or, more recently, axitinib. Although imatinib is highly effective and represents an example of a successful molecular targeted therapy, the appearance of resistance is observed in a proportion of patients, especially those in advanced stages. In this work, we investigate the appearance of resistance in patients affected by CML, by modeling the evolutionary dynamics of cancerous cell populations in a simulated patient treated by an intermittent targeted therapy. We simulate, with the Monte Carlo method, the stochastic evolution of initially healthy cells to leukemic clones, due to genetic mutations and changes in their reproductive behavior. We first present the model and its validation with experimental data by considering a continuous therapy. Then, we investigate how fluctuations in the number of leukemic cells affect patient response to the therapy when the drug is administered with an intermittent time scheduling. Here we show that an intermittent therapy (IT) represents a valid choice in patients with high risk of toxicity, despite an associated delay to the complete restoration of healthy cells. Moreover, a suitably tuned IT can reduce the probability of developing resistance.

40 CFR 63.2233 - When do I have to comply with this subpart?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... section, whichever is applicable. (1) If the initial startup of your affected source is before September... initial startup of your affected source is after September 28, 2004, then you must comply with the... in this subpart upon initial startup of your affected source. (b) If you have an existing affected...

40 CFR 63.2233 - When do I have to comply with this subpart?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... section, whichever is applicable. (1) If the initial startup of your affected source is before September... initial startup of your affected source is after September 28, 2004, then you must comply with the... in this subpart upon initial startup of your affected source. (b) If you have an existing affected...

40 CFR 63.2233 - When do I have to comply with this subpart?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... section, whichever is applicable. (1) If the initial startup of your affected source is before September... initial startup of your affected source is after September 28, 2004, then you must comply with the... in this subpart upon initial startup of your affected source. (b) If you have an existing affected...

40 CFR 63.2233 - When do I have to comply with this subpart?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... section, whichever is applicable. (1) If the initial startup of your affected source is before September... initial startup of your affected source is after September 28, 2004, then you must comply with the... in this subpart upon initial startup of your affected source. (b) If you have an existing affected...

40 CFR 63.2233 - When do I have to comply with this subpart?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... section, whichever is applicable. (1) If the initial startup of your affected source is before September... initial startup of your affected source is after September 28, 2004, then you must comply with the... in this subpart upon initial startup of your affected source. (b) If you have an existing affected...

Multi-scale finite element model of growth plate damage during the development of slipped capital femoral epiphysis.

PubMed

Farzaneh, S; Paseta, O; Gómez-Benito, M J

2015-04-01

Slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE) is one of the most common disorders of adolescent hips. A number of works have related the development of SCFE to mechanical factors. Due to the difficulty of diagnosing SCFE in its early stages, the disorder often progresses over time, resulting in serious side effects. Therefore, the development of a tool to predict the initiation of damage in the growth plate is needed. Because the growth plate is a heterogeneous structure, to develop a precise and reliable model, it is necessary to consider this structure from both macro- and microscale perspectives. Thus, the main objective of this work is to develop a numerical multi-scale model that links damage occurring at the microscale to damage occurring at the macroscale. The use of this model enables us to predict which regions of the growth plate are at high risk of damage. First, we have independently analyzed the microscale to simulate the microstructure under shear and tensile tests to calibrate the damage model. Second, we have employed the model to simulate damage occurring in standardized healthy and affected femurs during the heel-strike stage of stair climbing. Our results indicate that on the macroscale, damage is concentrated in the medial region of the growth plate in both healthy and affected femurs. Furthermore, damage to the affected femur is greater than damage to the healthy femur from both the micro- and macrostandpoints. Maximal damage is observed in territorial matrices. Furthermore, simulations illustrate that little damage occurs in the reserve zone. These findings are consistent with previous findings reported in well-known experimental works.

Timing of eclosion affects diapause development, fat body consumption and longevity in Osmia lignaria, a univoltine, adult-wintering solitary bee.

PubMed

Bosch, Jordi; Sgolastra, Fabio; Kemp, William P

2010-12-01

Most insects from temperate areas enter diapause ahead of winter. Species diapausing in a feeding stage and accumulating metabolic reserves during permissive pre-wintering conditions are expected to enter diapause shortly before the onset of winter. In contrast, species diapausing in a non-feeding stage are expected to lower their metabolism as soon as possible to avoid excessive consumption of metabolic reserves. The solitary bee Osmia lignaria winters as a non-feeding adult within its cocoon, but previous studies show important weight losses and increased winter mortality in populations pre-wintered for extended periods. We measured respiration rates to assess diapause initiation and maintenance during pre-wintering, and tested whether timing of adult eclosion affected fitness by measuring fat body depletion, winter mortality and post-winter longevity. We worked with different cohorts of a population reared under natural conditions, and manipulated pre-wintering duration in a population reared under artificial conditions. In agreement with our expectation, O. lignaria lower their metabolic rates within a few days of adult eclosion, but nonetheless suffer strong weight loss during pre-wintering. Early developing individuals suffer greater weight loss and fat body depletion, and have short post-winter longevity. Although, we found no differences in winter mortality among treatments, our results indicate that increased mortality may occur in years with late winter arrivals. We discuss fundamental ecophysiological differences between adult and prepupal diapause within the Megachilidae, and hypothesize that species wintering as adults will be more negatively affected by a situation of extended summers under a scenario of global warming. Copyright © 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Impact of hot events at different developmental stages of a moth: the closer to adult stage, the less reproductive output

PubMed Central

Zhang, Wei; Chang, Xiang-Qian; Hoffmann, AryA.; Zhang, Shu; Ma, Chun-Sen

2015-01-01

Hot days in summer (involving a few hours at particularly high temperatures) are expected to become more common under climate change. How such events at different life stages affect survival and reproduction remains unclear in most organisms. Here, we investigated how an exposure to 40 °C at different life stages in the global insect pest, Plutella xylostella, affects immediate survival, subsequent survival and reproductive output. First-instar larvae showed the lowest survival under heat stress, whereas 3rd-instar larvae were relatively heat resistant. Heat exposure at the 1st-instar or egg stage did not influence subsequent maturation success, while exposure at the 3rd-instar larval stage did have an effect. We found that heat stress at developmental stages closer to adult stage caused greater detrimental effects on reproduction than heat stress experienced at earlier life stages. The effects of hot events on insect populations can therefore depend critically on the timing of the event relative to an organism’s life-cycle. PMID:26000790

Neoadjuvant conformal chemoradiation with induction chemotherapy for rectal adenocarcinoma. A prospective observational study.

PubMed

Fekete, Zsolt; Muntean, Alina-Simona; Hica, Ştefan; Rancea, Alin; Resiga, Liliana; Csutak, Csaba; Todor, Nicolae; Nagy, Viorica Magdalena

2014-06-01

The purpose of this prospective observational study was to evaluate the rate and the prognostic factors for down-staging and complete response for rectal adenocarcinoma after induction chemotherapy and neoadjuvant chemoradiation followed by surgery, and to analyze the rate of sphincter-saving surgery. We included from March 2011 to October 2013 a number of 88 patients hospitalized with locally advanced rectal adenocarcinoma in the Prof. Dr. Ion Chiricuta Institute of Oncology, Cluj. The treatment schedule included 2-4 cycles of Oxaliplatin plus a fluoropyrimidine followed by concomitant chemoradiation with a dose of 50 Gy in 25 fractions combined with a fluoropyrimidine monotherapy. The rate of T down-staging was 49.4% (40/81 evaluable patients). Independent prognostic factors for T down-staging were: age >57 years (p<0.01), cN0 (p<0.01), distance from anal verge >5 cm (p<0.01), initial CEA <6.2 ng/ml (p<0.01), higher number of chemotherapy cycles with Oxaliplatin (pROC=0.05) and protraction of radiotherapy of >35 days (p<0.01). Nine patients from 81 (11.1%) presented complete response (7 pathological and 2 clinical); the independent prognostic factors were stage cT2 versus cT3-4 (p<0.01), initial tumor size ≤3.5 cm and distance from anal verge >5 cm (p=0.03). Sixty-eight patients (79.1%) underwent radical surgery and among them 35 patients (51.5 %) had a sphincter saving procedure. Induction chemotherapy with neoadjuvant chemoradiation produced important down-staging in rectal adenocarcinoma. Independent prognostic factors for T down-staging were: age, cN0, distance from anal verge, initial CEA, the number of Oxaliplatin cycles and duration of radiotherapy; for complete response: cT2, initial tumor size and distance from the anal verge.

Optimization of heat transfer during the directional solidification process of 1600 kg silicon feedstock

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hu, Chieh; Chen, Jyh Chen; Nguyen, Thi Hoai Thu; Hou, Zhi Zhong; Chen, Chun Hung; Huang, Yen Hao; Yang, Michael

2018-02-01

In this study, the power ratio between the top and side heaters and the moving velocity of the side insulation are designed to control the shape of the crystal-melt interface during the growth process of a 1600 kg multi-crystalline silicon ingot. The power ratio and insulation gap are adjusted to ensure solidification of the melt. To ensure that the crystal-melt interface is slightly convex in relation to the melt during the entire solidification process, the power ratio should be augmented gradually in the initial stages while being held to a constant value in the middle stages. Initially the gap between the side and the bottom insulation is kept small to reduce thermal stress inside the seed crystals. However, the growth rate will be slow in the early stages of the solidification process. Therefore, the movement of the side insulation is fast in the initial stages but slower in the middle stages. In the later stages, the side insulation gap is fixed. With these modifications, the convexity of the crystal-melt interface in relation to the melt can be maintained during the growth process with an approximately 41% reduction in the thermal stress inside the growing ingot and an 80% reduction in dislocation density along the center line of the ingot compared with the original case.

Relationships between Genetic Variations of PNPLA3, TM6SF2 and Histological Features of Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in Japan.

PubMed

Akuta, Norio; Kawamura, Yusuke; Arase, Yasuji; Suzuki, Fumitaka; Sezaki, Hitomi; Hosaka, Tetsuya; Kobayashi, Masahiro; Kobayashi, Mariko; Saitoh, Satoshi; Suzuki, Yoshiyuki; Ikeda, Kenji; Kumada, Hiromitsu

2016-05-23

It is important to determine the noninvasive parameters of histological features in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). The aim of this study was to investigate the value of genetic variations as surrogate markers of histological features. The parameters that affected the histological features of NAFLD were investigated in 211 Japanese patients with biopsy-proven NAFLD. The relationships between genetic variations in PNPLA3 rs738409 or TM6SF2 rs58542926 and histological features were analyzed. Furthermore, the impact of genetic variations that affected the pathological criteria for the diagnosis of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) (Matteoni classification and NAFLD activity score) was evaluated. The fibrosis stage of PNPLA3 GG was significantly more progressive than that of CG by multiple comparisons. Multivariate analysis identified PNPLA3 genotypes as predictors of fibrosis of stage 2 or more, but the impact tended to decrease at stage 3 or greater. There were no significant differences among the histological features of the three genotypes of TM6SF2. PNPLA3 genotypes partly affected the definition of NASH by the NAFLD activity score, but TM6SF2 genotypes did not affect the definition of NASH. In Japanese patients with biopsy-proven NAFLD, PNPLA3 genotypes may partly affect histological features, including stage of fibrosis, but the TM6SF2 genotype does not affect histological features.

ELECTRICAL PULSE COUNTER APPARATUS

DOEpatents

Kaufman, W.M.; Jeeves, T.A.

1962-09-01

A progressive electrical pulse counter circuit rs designed for the counting of a chain of input pulses. The circuit employs a series of direct connected bistable counting stages simultaneously pulsed by each input pulse and a delay means connected between each of the stages. Each bistable stage has two d-c operative states, which stage, when in its initial state, prevents the next succeeding stage from changing its condition when the latter stage is pulsed. Since the delay circuits between the stages prevents the immediate decay of the d-c state of each stage when the stages are pulsed, only one stage will change its state for each input pulse, thereby providing progressive stage-by-stage counting. (AEC)

Topic Structure Affects Semantic Integration: Evidence from Event-Related Potentials

PubMed Central

Yang, Xiaohong; Chen, Xuhai; Chen, Shuang; Xu, Xiaoying; Yang, Yufang

2013-01-01

This study investigated whether semantic integration in discourse context could be influenced by topic structure using event-related brain potentials. Participants read discourses in which the last sentence contained a critical word that was either congruent or incongruent with the topic established in the first sentence. The intervening sentences between the first and the last sentence of the discourse either maintained or shifted the original topic. Results showed that incongruent words in topic-maintained discourses elicited an N400 effect that was broadly distributed over the scalp while those in topic-shifted discourses elicited an N400 effect that was lateralized to the right hemisphere and localized over central and posterior areas. Moreover, a late positivity effect was only elicited by incongruent words in topic-shifted discourses, but not in topic-maintained discourses. This suggests an important role for discourse structure in semantic integration, such that compared with topic-maintained discourses, the complexity of discourse structure in topic-shifted condition reduces the initial stage of semantic integration and enhances the later stage in which a mental representation is updated. PMID:24348994

Risk of food losses and potential of food recovery for social purposes.

PubMed

Bilska, Beata; Wrzosek, Małgorzata; Kołożyn-Krajewska, Danuta; Krajewski, Karol

2016-06-01

All entities of the food supply chain should be responsible for counteracting food waste, therefore a need arises for joint initiatives in this area. To reduce food waste, businesses should be supported with a number of procedures for the efficient use of food for social purposes that shall be consistent with the law in force. Although they can bring about some losses, the following factors neither pose a threat to human health nor affect the donation of food for social purposes: wrong labelling of packages, food product wrong weight, close-to-end expiration date as well as mechanical damage to bulk packages. The purpose of this study is to identify such points at each of the four stages of the food supply chain (primary production, processing, distribution, sale) where food losses can be prevented by donating food to those who need it. A total of 15 Recovery Points were identified at the above mentioned four stages of the food supply chain. Food recovered there is safe to human health, so it can be donated for social purposes. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

BACE1 inhibition by microdose lithium formulation NP03 rescues memory loss and early stage amyloid neuropathology.

PubMed

Wilson, E N; Do Carmo, S; Iulita, M F; Hall, H; Ducatenzeiler, A; Marks, A R; Allard, S; Jia, D T; Windheim, J; Cuello, A C

2017-08-01

Lithium is first-line therapy for bipolar affective disorder and has recently been shown to have protective effects in populations at risk for Alzheimer's disease (AD). However, the mechanism underlying this protection is poorly understood and consequently limits its possible therapeutic application in AD. Moreover, conventional lithium formulations have a narrow therapeutic window and are associated with a severe side effect profile. Here we evaluated a novel microdose formulation of lithium, coded NP03, in a well-characterized rat model of progressive AD-like amyloid pathology. This formulation allows microdose lithium delivery to the brain in the absence of negative side effects. We found that NP03 rescued key initiating components of AD pathology, including inactivating GSK-3β, reducing BACE1 expression and activity, and reducing amyloid levels. Notably, NP03 rescued memory loss, impaired CRTC1 promoter binding of synaptic plasticity genes and hippocampal neurogenesis. These results raise the possibility that NP03 be of therapeutic value in the early or preclinical stages of AD.

Galvanic Liquid Applied Coating Development for Protection of Steel in Concrete

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Curran, Joseph John; Curran, Jerry; MacDowell, Louis

2004-01-01

Corrosion of reinforcing steel in concrete is a major problem affecting NASA facilities at Kennedy Space Center (KSC), other government agencies, and the general public. Problems include damage to KSC launch support structures, transportation and marine infrastructures, as well as building structures. A galvanic liquid applied coating was developed at KSC in order to address this problem. The coating is a non-epoxy metal rich ethyl silicate liquid coating. The coating is applied as a liquid from initial stage to final stage. Preliminary data shows that this coating system exceeds the NACE 100 millivolt shift criterion. The remainder of the paper details the development of the coating system through the following phases: Phase I: Development of multiple formulations of the coating to achieve easy application characteristics, predictable galvanic activity, long-term protection, and minimum environmental impact. Phase II: Improvement of the formulations tested in Phase I including optimization of metallic loading as well as incorporation of humectants for continuous activation. Phase III: Application and testing of improved formulations on the test blocks. Phase IV: Incorporation of the final formulation upgrades onto large instrumented structures (slabs).

CDC staging based on absolute CD4 count and CD4 percentage in an HIV-1-infected Indian population: treatment implications

PubMed Central

Vajpayee, M; Kaushik, S; Sreenivas, V; Wig, N; Seth, P

2005-01-01

CD4+ T-cell levels are an important criterion for categorizing HIV-related clinical conditions according to the CDC classification system and are therefore important in the management of HIV by initiating antiretroviral therapy and prophylaxis for opportunistic infections due to HIV among HIV-infected individuals. However, it has been observed that the CD4 counts are affected by the geographical location, race, ethnic origin, age, gender and changes in total and differential leucocyte counts. In the light of this knowledge, we classified 600 HIV seropositive antiretroviral treatment (ART)-naïve Indian individuals belonging to different CDC groups A, B and C on the basis of CDC criteria of both CD4% and CD4 counts and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were generated. Importantly, CDC staging on the basis of CD4% indicated significant clinical implications, requiring an early implementation of effective antiretroviral treatment regimen in HIV-infected individuals deprived of treatment when classified on the basis of CD4 counts. PMID:16045738

Topic structure affects semantic integration: evidence from event-related potentials.

PubMed

Yang, Xiaohong; Chen, Xuhai; Chen, Shuang; Xu, Xiaoying; Yang, Yufang

2013-01-01

This study investigated whether semantic integration in discourse context could be influenced by topic structure using event-related brain potentials. Participants read discourses in which the last sentence contained a critical word that was either congruent or incongruent with the topic established in the first sentence. The intervening sentences between the first and the last sentence of the discourse either maintained or shifted the original topic. Results showed that incongruent words in topic-maintained discourses elicited an N400 effect that was broadly distributed over the scalp while those in topic-shifted discourses elicited an N400 effect that was lateralized to the right hemisphere and localized over central and posterior areas. Moreover, a late positivity effect was only elicited by incongruent words in topic-shifted discourses, but not in topic-maintained discourses. This suggests an important role for discourse structure in semantic integration, such that compared with topic-maintained discourses, the complexity of discourse structure in topic-shifted condition reduces the initial stage of semantic integration and enhances the later stage in which a mental representation is updated.

BACE1 inhibition by microdose lithium formulation NP03 rescues memory loss and early stage amyloid neuropathology

PubMed Central

Wilson, E N; Do Carmo, S; Iulita, M F; Hall, H; Ducatenzeiler, A; Marks, A R; Allard, S; Jia, D T; Windheim, J; Cuello, A C

2017-01-01

Lithium is first-line therapy for bipolar affective disorder and has recently been shown to have protective effects in populations at risk for Alzheimer’s disease (AD). However, the mechanism underlying this protection is poorly understood and consequently limits its possible therapeutic application in AD. Moreover, conventional lithium formulations have a narrow therapeutic window and are associated with a severe side effect profile. Here we evaluated a novel microdose formulation of lithium, coded NP03, in a well-characterized rat model of progressive AD-like amyloid pathology. This formulation allows microdose lithium delivery to the brain in the absence of negative side effects. We found that NP03 rescued key initiating components of AD pathology, including inactivating GSK-3β, reducing BACE1 expression and activity, and reducing amyloid levels. Notably, NP03 rescued memory loss, impaired CRTC1 promoter binding of synaptic plasticity genes and hippocampal neurogenesis. These results raise the possibility that NP03 be of therapeutic value in the early or preclinical stages of AD. PMID:28763060

The Neural Response to Maternal Stimuli: An ERP Study

PubMed Central

Wu, Lili; Gu, Ruolei; Cai, Huajian; Luo, Yu L. L.; Zhang, Jianxin

2014-01-01

Mothers are important to all humans. Research has established that maternal information affects individuals' cognition, emotion, and behavior. We measured event-related potentials (ERPs) to examine attentional and evaluative processing of maternal stimuli while participants completed a Go/No-go Association Task that paired mother or others words with good or bad evaluative words. Behavioral data showed that participants responded faster to mother words paired with good than the mother words paired with bad but showed no difference in response to these others across conditions, reflecting a positive evaluation of mother. ERPs showed larger P200 and N200 in response to mother than in response to others, suggesting that mother attracted more attention than others. In the subsequent time window, mother in the mother + bad condition elicited a later and larger late positive potential (LPP) than it did in the mother + good condition, but this was not true for others, also suggesting a positive evaluation of mother. These results suggest that people differentiate mother from others during initial attentional stage, and evaluative mother positively during later stage. PMID:25375157

Group-Level Progressive Alterations in Brain Connectivity Patterns Revealed by Diffusion-Tensor Brain Networks across Severity Stages in Alzheimer’s Disease

PubMed Central

Rasero, Javier; Alonso-Montes, Carmen; Diez, Ibai; Olabarrieta-Landa, Laiene; Remaki, Lakhdar; Escudero, Iñaki; Mateos, Beatriz; Bonifazi, Paolo; Fernandez, Manuel; Arango-Lasprilla, Juan Carlos; Stramaglia, Sebastiano; Cortes, Jesus M.

2017-01-01

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a chronically progressive neurodegenerative disease highly correlated to aging. Whether AD originates by targeting a localized brain area and propagates to the rest of the brain across disease-severity progression is a question with an unknown answer. Here, we aim to provide an answer to this question at the group-level by looking at differences in diffusion-tensor brain networks. In particular, making use of data from Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI), four different groups were defined (all of them matched by age, sex and education level): G1 (N1 = 36, healthy control subjects, Control), G2 (N2 = 36, early mild cognitive impairment, EMCI), G3 (N3 = 36, late mild cognitive impairment, LMCI) and G4 (N4 = 36, AD). Diffusion-tensor brain networks were compared across three disease stages: stage I (Control vs. EMCI), stage II (Control vs. LMCI) and stage III (Control vs. AD). The group comparison was performed using the multivariate distance matrix regression analysis, a technique that was born in genomics and was recently proposed to handle brain functional networks, but here applied to diffusion-tensor data. The results were threefold: First, no significant differences were found in stage I. Second, significant differences were found in stage II in the connectivity pattern of a subnetwork strongly associated to memory function (including part of the hippocampus, amygdala, entorhinal cortex, fusiform gyrus, inferior and middle temporal gyrus, parahippocampal gyrus and temporal pole). Third, a widespread disconnection across the entire AD brain was found in stage III, affecting more strongly the same memory subnetwork appearing in stage II, plus the other new subnetworks, including the default mode network, medial visual network, frontoparietal regions and striatum. Our results are consistent with a scenario where progressive alterations of connectivity arise as the disease severity increases and provide the brain areas possibly involved in such a degenerative process. Further studies applying the same strategy to longitudinal data are needed to fully confirm this scenario. PMID:28736521

Universities and the Entrepreneurial State: Politics and Policy and a New Wave of State-Based Economic Initiatives. Research & Occasional Paper Series: CSHE.14.06

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Douglass, John Aubrey

2006-01-01

The convergence of US federal science and economic policy that began in earnest in the Reagan administration formed the first stage in an emerging post-Cold War drive toward technological innovation. A frenzy of new state-based initiatives now forms the Second Stage, further promoting universities as decisive tools for economic competitiveness.…

Power MEMS Development

DTIC Science & Technology

2011-05-01

wafer pair through further processing. Initial cracking issues were identified due to liquid penetration between the wafers during wet processing...free-standing MCD films we needed to address crack formation in the diamond and the Si substrate, which we observed during our initial growths due to...NCD film grown using the heated stage, and finally the thick MCD film grown on the cooled stage. We also found that the control of cracking in the

Change in oligosaccharides during processing of soybean sheet.

PubMed

Wang, Qiushuang; Ke, Leqin; Yang, Dongmei; Bao, Bili; Jiang, Jianmei; Ying, Tiejin

2007-01-01

Oligosaccharides have been credited with many health-promoting functions, which had been identified in many clinical studies, such as promoting the growth of Bifidobacterium in human intestine and balance of intestinal bacteria, modulating the immune response, inhibition of cancer and tumor, stimulation of mineral absorption. In this study the effect of processing unit operations on the levels of soybean oligosaccharides during production of soybean sheet were investigated. The concentrations of oligosaccharide in initial raw soybean were: sucrose 43.05 g/kg, raffinose 7.52 g/kg and stachyose 41.32 g/kg (in dry matter). Oligosaccharide losses in the soaking water, in the first filtrating stage, in the second filtrating stage and finally in the sheet formation stage were 0.68, 10.3, 8.15 and 47.22 g/kg (initial dry soybean) respectively, representing 0.74, 11.21, 8.87 and 51.39% of the total oligosaccharides present in the initial soybeans. The recovery of oligosaccharides in the final soybean sheet from the initial soybean was 27.92%. The loss of soybean oligosaccharides in different processing stages, especially in the by-product, the sweet slurry, was considerable. The loss of oligosaccharides was mainly associated with water/matter removal in production process. The analysis of loss profile implied possible ways to improve the technology for production of oligosaccharides-enriched soy-sheets.

Manipulation of three-dimensional Richtmyer-Meshkov instability by initial interfacial principal curvatures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Guan, Ben; Zhai, Zhigang; Si, Ting; Lu, Xiyun; Luo, Xisheng

2017-03-01

The characteristics of three-dimensional (3D) Richtmyer-Meshkov instability (RMI) in the early stages are studied numerically. By designing 3D interfaces that initially possess various identical and opposite principal curvature combinations, the growth rate of perturbations can be effectively manipulated. The weighted essentially nonoscillatory scheme and the level set method combined with the real ghost fluid method are used to simulate the flow. The results indicate that the interface development and the shock propagation in 3D cases are much more complicated than those in 2D case, and the evolution of 3D interfaces is heavily dependent on the initial interfacial principal curvatures. The 3D structure of wave patterns induces high pressure zones in the flow field, and the pressure oscillations change the local instabilities of interfaces. In the linear stages, the perturbation growth rate follows regularity as the interfacial principal curvatures vary, which is further predicted by the stability theory of 2D and 3D interfaces. It is also found that hysteresis effects exist at the onset of the linear stages in the 3D case for the same initial perturbations as the 2D case, resulting in different evolutions of 3D RMI in the nonlinear stages.

Factors affecting duration of the expulsive stage of parturition and piglet birth intervals in sows with uncomplicated, spontaneous farrowings.

PubMed

van Dijk, A J; van Rens, B T T M; van der Lende, T; Taverne, M A M

2005-10-15

Modern pig farming is still confronted with high perinatal piglet losses which are mainly contributed to factors associated with the progress of piglet expulsion. Therefore the aim of this study was to identify sow- and piglet factors affecting the duration of the expulsive stage of farrowing and piglet birth intervals in spontaneous farrowing sows originating from five different breeds. In total 211 litters were investigated. Breed affected duration of the expulsive stage significantly: the shortest duration was found in Large White x Meishan F2 crossbred litters and the longest duration in Dutch Landrace litters. No effect of parity on the duration of the expulsive stage was found. An increase in littersize (P<0.01), an increase in number of stillborn piglets per litter (P<0.05) and a decrease of gestation length (P<0.05, independently of littersize) all resulted in an increased duration of the expulsive stage of farrowing. A curvilinear relationship between birth interval and rank (relative position in the birth order) of the piglets was found. Besides that, piglet birth intervals increased with an increasing birth weight (P<0.001). Stillborn (P<0.01) and posteriorly presented (P<0.05) piglets were delivered after significantly longer birth intervals than liveborn and anteriorly presented piglets. The results on sow- and piglet factors affecting duration of the expulsive stage and piglet birth intervals obtained in this study contribute to an increased insight into (patho) physiological aspects of perinatal mortality in pigs.

E-Model for Online Learning Communities.

PubMed

Rogo, Ellen J; Portillo, Karen M

2015-10-01

The purpose of this study was to explore the students' perspectives on the phenomenon of online learning communities while enrolled in a graduate dental hygiene program. A qualitative case study method was designed to investigate the learners' experiences with communities in an online environment. A cross-sectional purposive sampling method was used. Interviews were the data collection method. As the original data were being analyzed, the researchers noted a pattern evolved indicating the phenomenon developed in stages. The data were re-analyzed and validated by 2 member checks. The participants' experiences revealed an e-model consisting of 3 stages of formal learning community development as core courses in the curriculum were completed and 1 stage related to transmuting the community to an informal entity as students experienced the independent coursework in the program. The development of the formal learning communities followed 3 stages: Building a Foundation for the Learning Community, Building a Supportive Network within the Learning Community and Investing in the Community to Enhance Learning. The last stage, Transforming the Learning Community, signaled a transition to an informal network of learners. The e-model was represented by 3 key elements: metamorphosis of relationships, metamorphosis through the affective domain and metamorphosis through the cognitive domain, with the most influential element being the affective development. The e-model describes a 4 stage process through which learners experience a metamorphosis in their affective, relationship and cognitive development. Synergistic learning was possible based on the interaction between synergistic relationships and affective actions. Copyright © 2015 The American Dental Hygienists’ Association.

Staged Single Ventricle Palliation and Homozygous Sickle Cell Disease.

PubMed

Maddali, Madan Mohan; Junghare, Minakshi Sandip; Nishant, Arora Ram; Kandachar, Pranav Subbaraya; Valliattu, Johan

2016-04-01

Hypoxemia is a well-known trigger for precipitating a sickling crisis in patients with sickle cell disease. Patients undergoing staged single ventricle palliation have hypoxemia during the initial stages of the Fontan pathway. The successful completion of staged single ventricle palliation in a child with a combination of homozygous sickle cell disease and a single ventricle physiology that tolerate prolonged hypoxemia during earlier stages of Fontan pathway is described. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Sub 2 nm Particle Characterization in Systems with Aerosol Formation and Growth

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Yang

Aerosol science and technology enable continual advances in material synthesis and atmospheric pollutant control. Among these advances, one important frontier is characterizing the initial stages of particle formation by real time measurement of particles below 2 nm in size. Sub 2 nm particles play important roles by acting as seeds for particle growth, ultimately determining the final properties of the generated particles. Tailoring nanoparticle properties requires a thorough understanding and precise control of the particle formation processes, which in turn requires characterizing nanoparticle formation from the initial stages. The knowledge on particle formation in early stages can also be applied in quantum dot synthesis and material doping. This dissertation pursued two approaches in investigating incipient particle characterization in systems with aerosol formation and growth: (1) using a high-resolution differential mobility analyzer (DMA) to measure the size distributions of sub 2 nm particles generated from high-temperature aerosol reactors, and (2) analyzing the physical and chemical pathways of aerosol formation during combustion. Part. 1. Particle size distributions reveal important information about particle formation dynamics. DMAs are widely utilized to measure particle size distributions. However, our knowledge of the initial stages of particle formation is incomplete, due to the Brownian broadening effects in conventional DMAs. The first part of this dissertation studied the applicability of high-resolution DMAs in characterizing sub 2 nm particles generated from high-temperature aerosol reactors, including a flame aerosol reactor (FLAR) and a furnace aerosol reactor (FUAR). Comparison against a conventional DMA (Nano DMA, Model 3085, TSI Inc.) demonstrated that the increased sheath flow rates and shortened residence time indeed greatly suppressed the diffusion broadening effect in a high-resolution DMA (half mini type). The incipient particle size distributions were discrete, suggesting the formation of stable clusters that may be intermediate phases between initial chemical reactions and downstream particle growth. The evolution of incipient cluster size distributions further provided information on the gaseous precursor reaction kinetics, which matched well with the data obtained through other techniques. Part 2. The size distributions and their evolution measured by the DMAs help explain the physical pathways of aerosol formation. The chemical analysis of the incipient particles is an important counterpart to the existing characterization method. The chemical compositions of charged species were measured online with an atmospheric pressure interface time-of-flight mass spectrometer (APi-TOF). The tandem arrangement of the high-resolution DMA and the APi-TOF realized the simultaneous measurement of the mobility and the mass of combustion-generated natively charged particles, which enabled their chemical and physical formation pathways to be derived. The results showed that the initial stages of particle formation were strongly influenced by chemically ionized species during combustion, and that incipient particles composed of pure oxides did not exist. The effective densities of the incipient particles were much lower than those of bulk materials, due to their amorphous structures and different chemical compositions. Measuring incipient particles with high-resolution DMAs is limited because a DMA classifies charged particles only, while the charging characteristics of sub 2 nm particles are not well understood. The charge fraction of combustion-generated incipient particles was measured by coupling a charged particle remover and a condensation particle counter. A high charge fraction was observed, confirming the strong interaction among chemically ionized species and formed particles. The combustion system was modeled by using a unimodal aerosol dynamics model combined with Fuchs' charging theory, and showed that the charging process indeed affected particle formation dynamics during combustion.

The methodological involvement of the emotional design and cognitive ergonomics as a tool in the development of children products.

PubMed

Correia, Walter; Rodrigues, Laís; Campos, Fábio; Soares, Marcelo; Barros, Marina

2012-01-01

To demonstrate the relationship between design and emotional development for kids, this article offers an initial approach about the definition and historical aspects of emotion in product development, citing the main authors of this issue. Based the field research conducted with children from 2 to 6 years of age, was also describes the basic ideas of Piaget in the child psychology and pre-operational stage (age group studied) and the significance of children's toys from the perspective of Vigostsky. Using this theoretical framework and results of field research, we can infer some emotional design as advocated by the producers of positive affect on humans and its relationship with the child's development and choices of their toys.

Targets for therapy in sarcomeric cardiomyopathies

PubMed Central

Tardiff, Jil C.; Carrier, Lucie; Bers, Donald M.; Poggesi, Corrado; Ferrantini, Cecilia; Coppini, Raffaele; Maier, Lars S.; Ashrafian, Houman; Huke, Sabine; van der Velden, Jolanda

2015-01-01

To date, no compounds or interventions exist that treat or prevent sarcomeric cardiomyopathies. Established therapies currently improve the outcome, but novel therapies may be able to more fundamentally affect the disease process and course. Investigations of the pathomechanisms are generating molecular insights that can be useful for the design of novel specific drugs suitable for clinical use. As perturbations in the heart are stage-specific, proper timing of drug treatment is essential to prevent initiation and progression of cardiac disease in mutation carrier individuals. In this review, we emphasize potential novel therapies which may prevent, delay, or even reverse hypertrophic cardiomyopathy caused by sarcomeric gene mutations. These include corrections of genetic defects, altered sarcomere function, perturbations in intracellular ion homeostasis, and impaired myocardial energetics. PMID:25634554

Sensitive periods in affective development: nonlinear maturation of fear learning.

PubMed

Hartley, Catherine A; Lee, Francis S

2015-01-01

At specific maturational stages, neural circuits enter sensitive periods of heightened plasticity, during which the development of both brain and behavior are highly receptive to particular experiential information. A relatively advanced understanding of the regulatory mechanisms governing the initiation, closure, and reinstatement of sensitive period plasticity has emerged from extensive research examining the development of the visual system. In this article, we discuss a large body of work characterizing the pronounced nonlinear changes in fear learning and extinction that occur from childhood through adulthood, and their underlying neural substrates. We draw upon the model of sensitive period regulation within the visual system, and present burgeoning evidence suggesting that parallel mechanisms may regulate the qualitative changes in fear learning across development.

Sensitive Periods in Affective Development: Nonlinear Maturation of Fear Learning

PubMed Central

Hartley, Catherine A; Lee, Francis S

2015-01-01

At specific maturational stages, neural circuits enter sensitive periods of heightened plasticity, during which the development of both brain and behavior are highly receptive to particular experiential information. A relatively advanced understanding of the regulatory mechanisms governing the initiation, closure, and reinstatement of sensitive period plasticity has emerged from extensive research examining the development of the visual system. In this article, we discuss a large body of work characterizing the pronounced nonlinear changes in fear learning and extinction that occur from childhood through adulthood, and their underlying neural substrates. We draw upon the model of sensitive period regulation within the visual system, and present burgeoning evidence suggesting that parallel mechanisms may regulate the qualitative changes in fear learning across development. PMID:25035083

Extracellular annexins and dynamin are important for sequential steps in myoblast fusion

PubMed Central

Leikina, Evgenia; Melikov, Kamran; Sanyal, Sarmistha; Verma, Santosh K.; Eun, Bokkee; Gebert, Claudia; Pfeifer, Karl; Lizunov, Vladimir A.; Kozlov, Michael M.

2013-01-01

Myoblast fusion into multinucleated myotubes is a crucial step in skeletal muscle development and regeneration. Here, we accumulated murine myoblasts at the ready-to-fuse stage by blocking formation of early fusion intermediates with lysophosphatidylcholine. Lifting the block allowed us to explore a largely synchronized fusion. We found that initial merger of two cell membranes detected as lipid mixing involved extracellular annexins A1 and A5 acting in a functionally redundant manner. Subsequent stages of myoblast fusion depended on dynamin activity, phosphatidylinositol(4,5)bisphosphate content, and cell metabolism. Uncoupling fusion from preceding stages of myogenesis will help in the analysis of the interplay between protein machines that initiate and complete cell unification and in the identification of additional protein players controlling different fusion stages. PMID:23277424

[How to design workshops to promote health in community groups].

PubMed

Hernández-Díaz, Josefina; Paredes-Carbonell, Joan J; Marín Torrens, Rosa

2014-01-01

One of the strategies of health promotion is to develop life skills people considering themselves as the main health resource. A workshop has to get its participants become «asset» to make decisions and create health, focusing on the development and acquisition of skills in a motivating group and in order to achieve health objectives. The concepts behind the design of a workshop are: participatory planning, training, meaningful learning, group learning and participatory techniques. The steps to follow to design a workshop and facilitate their application are: Stage 0, founding; initial stage, host and initial evaluation; central or construction stage based learning in the acquisition of knowledge, attitudes and skills, and final stage or evaluation. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier España, S.L. All rights reserved.

Evaluating the safety impact of adaptive cruise control in traffic oscillations on freeways.

PubMed

Li, Ye; Li, Zhibin; Wang, Hao; Wang, Wei; Xing, Lu

2017-07-01

Adaptive cruise control (ACC) has been considered one of the critical components of automated driving. ACC adjusts vehicle speeds automatically by measuring the status of the ego-vehicle and leading vehicle. Current commercial ACCs are designed to be comfortable and convenient driving systems. Little attention is paid to the safety impacts of ACC, especially in traffic oscillations when crash risks are the highest. The primary objective of this study was to evaluate the impacts of ACC parameter settings on rear-end collisions on freeways. First, the occurrence of a rear-end collision in a stop-and-go wave was analyzed. A car-following model in an integrated ACC was developed for a simulation analysis. The time-to-collision based factors were calculated as surrogate safety measures of the collision risk. We also evaluated different market penetration rates considering that the application of ACC will be a gradual process. The results showed that the safety impacts of ACC were largely affected by the parameters. Smaller time delays and larger time gaps improved safety performance, but inappropriate parameter settings increased the collision risks and caused traffic disturbances. A higher reduction of the collision risk was achieved as the ACC vehicle penetration rate increased, especially in the initial stage with penetration rates of less than 30%. This study also showed that in the initial stage, the combination of ACC and a variable speed limit achieved better safety improvements on congested freeways than each single technique. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

The dynamic interplay between acute psychosocial stress, emotion and autobiographical memory.

PubMed

Sheldon, Signy; Chu, Sonja; Nitschke, Jonas P; Pruessner, Jens C; Bartz, Jennifer A

2018-06-06

Although acute psychosocial stress can impact autobiographical memory retrieval, the nature of this effect is not entirely clear. One reason for this ambiguity is because stress can have opposing effects on the different stages of autobiographical memory retrieval. We addressed this issue by testing how acute stress affects three stages of the autobiographical memory retrieval - accessing, recollecting and reconsolidating a memory. We also investigate the influence of emotion valence on this effect. In a between-subjects design, participants were first exposed to an acute psychosocial stressor or a control task. Next, the participants were shown positive, negative or neutral retrieval cues and asked to access and describe autobiographical memories. After a three to four day delay, participants returned for a second session in which they described these autobiographical memories. During initial retrieval, stressed participants were slower to access memories than were control participants; moreover, cortisol levels were positively associated with response times to access positively-cued memories. There were no effects of stress on the amount of details used to describe memories during initial retrieval, but stress did influence memory detail during session two. During session two, stressed participants recovered significantly more details, particularly emotional ones, from the remembered events than control participants. Our results indicate that the presence of stress impairs the ability to access consolidated autobiographical memories; moreover, although stress has no effect on memory recollection, stress alters how recollected experiences are reconsolidated back into memory traces.

Issues in casemix funding for acute inpatient psychiatric services and their relevance to mental health nursing.

PubMed

Fanker, S

1996-09-01

With increased recognition by government, health administrators, and clinicians of the need to simultaneously contain health expenditure, improve the productivity and efficiency of health services and maintain quality of patient care, applications of casemix funding have been advocated as an alternative means of financing acute hospital care. Currently in Australia, the Commonwealth's casemix development program is encouraging the States and Territories to participate in certain casemix initiatives. Acute psychiatric hospital care and treatment have been excluded from the initial stages of the implementation of casemix in recognition of a number of inherent obstacles or challenges affecting the utility and accuracy of casemix in funding the psychiatric sector. Despite anecdotal claims that the reduced length of stay that often occurs under casemix payment systems may negatively impact upon the quality of care and patient outcomes, to date little empirical research has been directed towards measuring the potential impact of psychiatric casemix on the quality of patient care. Psychiatry cannot afford to ignore the casemix debate on account of its current exclusion from the early phases of implementation. To do so is to run the risk of having casemix imposed at some later stage in the absence of consultation. In the meantime it is vital that mental health professionals, including nurses, participate in the development and implementation of casemix, and contribute to research aimed at increasing or maximizing the relevance of casemix to the funding of psychiatric services.

Development of ultrafine-grained microstructure in Al-Cu-Mg alloy through equal-channel angular pressing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sai Anuhya, Danam; Gupta, Ashutosh; Nayan, Niraj; Narayana Murty, S. V. S.; Manna, R.; Sastry, G. V. S.

2014-08-01

Al-Cu-Mg alloys are extensively used for riveting applications in aerospace industries due to their relatively high shear strength coupled with high plasticity. The significant advantage of using V65 aluminum alloy ((Al-4Cu-0.2Mg) for rivet application also stems from its significantly slower natural aging kinetics, which gives operational flexibility to carryout riveting operation even after 4 days of solution heat treatment, in contrast to its equivalent alloy AA2024.Rivets are usually made by cold heading of wire rods. In order to form a defect free rivet head, grain size control in wire rods is essential at each and every stage of processing right from casting onwards upto the final wire drawing stage. Wire drawing is carried out at room temperature to reduce diameter as well as impart good surface finish. In the present study, different microstructures in V65 alloy bars were produced by rolling at different temperatures (room temperature to 523K) and subsequently deformed by equal channel angular pressing (ECAP) at 423K upto an equivalent strain of 7. ECAP was carried out to study the effect of initial microstructure on grain refinement and degree of deformation on the evolution of ultrafine grain structure. The refinement of V65 alloy by ECAP is significantly influenced by Initial microstructure but amount of deformation strongly affects the evolution processes as revealed by optical microscopy and transmission electron microscopy.

Ontogeny stage-independent and high-level clonal expansion in vitro of mouse hematopoietic stem cells stimulated by an engineered NUP98-HOX fusion transcription factor.

PubMed

Sekulovic, Sanja; Gasparetto, Maura; Lecault, Véronique; Hoesli, Corinne A; Kent, David G; Rosten, Patty; Wan, Adrian; Brookes, Christy; Hansen, Carl L; Piret, James M; Smith, Clayton; Eaves, Connie J; Humphries, R Keith

2011-10-20

Achieving high-level expansion of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) in vitro will have an important clinical impact in addition to enabling elucidation of their regulation. Here, we couple the ability of engineered NUP98-HOXA10hd expression to stimulate > 1000-fold net expansions of murine HSCs in 10-day cultures initiated with bulk lin(-)Sca-1(+)c-kit(+) cells, with strategies to purify fetal and adult HSCs and analyze their expansion clonally. We find that NUP98-HOXA10hd stimulates comparable expansions of HSCs from both sources at ∼ 60% to 90% unit efficiency in cultures initiated with single cells. Clonally expanded HSCs consistently show balanced long-term contributions to the lymphoid and myeloid lineages without evidence of leukemogenic activity. Although effects on fetal and adult HSCs were indistinguishable, NUP98-HOXA10hd-transduced adult HSCs did not thereby gain a competitive advantage in vivo over freshly isolated fetal HSCs. Live-cell image tracking of single transduced HSCs cultured in a microfluidic device indicates that NUP98-HOXA10hd does not affect their proliferation kinetics, and flow cytometry confirmed the phenotype of normal proliferating HSCs and allowed reisolation of large numbers of expanded HSCs at a purity of 25%. These findings point to the effects of NUP98-HOXA10hd on HSCs in vitro being mediated by promoting self-renewal and set the stage for further dissection of this process.

Effect of chemical heat release in a temporally evolving mixing layer

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Higuera, F. J.; Moser, R. D.

1994-01-01

Two-dimensional numerical simulations of a temporally evolving mixing layer with an exothermic infinitely fast diffusion flame between two unmixed reactants have been carried out in the limit of zero Mach number to study the effect of the heat release on the early stages of the evolution of the flow. Attention has been directed to relatively large values of the oxidizer-to-fuel mass stoichiometric ratio typical of hydrocarbon flames, and initial vorticity distributions thicker than the temperature and species distributions have been chosen to mimic the situation at the outlet of a jet. The results show that, during the stages of the evolution covered by the present simulations, enhancement of combustion occurs by local stretching of the flame without much augmentation of its area. The rate of product generation depends strongly on the initial conditions, which suggests the possibility of controlling the combustion by acting on the flow. Rollup and vortex amalgamation still occur in these reacting flows but are very much affected by the production of new vorticity by baroclinic torques. These torques lead to counter rotating vortex pairs around the flame and, more importantly, in thin layers of light fluid that leave the vicinity of the flame when the Kelvin-Helmholtz instability begins to develop. Propelled by the vortex pairs, these layers wind around, split on reaching high pressure regions, and originate new vortex pairs in a process that ends up building large-scale vortices with a vorticity distribution more complex than for a constant density fluid.

The impact of the concentration of casein micelles and whey protein-stabilized fat globules on the rennet-induced gelation of milk.

PubMed

Gaygadzhiev, Zafir; Corredig, Milena; Alexander, Marcela

2009-02-01

The rennet-induced aggregation of skim milk recombined with whey protein-stabilized emulsion droplets was studied using diffusing wave spectroscopy (DSW) and small deformation rheology. The effect of different volume fractions of casein micelles and fat globules was investigated by observing changes in turbidity (1/l*), apparent radius, elastic modulus and mean square displacement (MSD), in addition to confocal imaging of the gels. Skim milk containing different concentration of casein micelles showed comparable light-scattering profiles; a higher volume fraction of caseins led to the development of more elastic gels. By following the development of 1/l* in recombined milks, it was possible to describe the behaviour of the fat globules during the initial stages of rennet coagulation. Increasing the volume fraction of fat globules showed a significant increase in gel elasticity, caused by flocculation of the oil droplets. The presence of flocculated oil globules within the gel structure was confirmed by confocal microscopy observations. Moreover, a lower degree of kappa-casein hydrolysis was needed to initiate casein micelles aggregation in milk containing whey protein-stabilized oil droplets compared to skim milk. This study for the first time clearly describes the impact of a mixture of casein micelles and whey protein-stabilized fat globules on the pre-gelation stages of rennet coagulation, and further highlights the importance of the flocculation state of the emulsion droplets in affecting the structure formation of the gel.

Static Strain Aging Behavior of a Manganese-Silicon Steel After Single and Multi-stage Straining

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Seraj, P.; Serajzadeh, S.

2016-03-01

In this work, static strain aging behavior of an alloy steel containing high amounts of silicon and manganese was examined while the influences of initial microstructure and pre-strain on the aging kinetics were evaluated as well. The rate of strain aging in a low carbon steel was also determined and compared with that occurred in the alloy steel. The rates of static strain aging in the steels were defined at room temperature and at 95 °C by means of double-hit tensile testing and hardness measurements. In addition, three-stage aging experiments at 80 °C were carried out to estimate aging behavior under multi-pass deformation processing. The results showed that in-solution manganese and silicon atoms could significantly affect the aging behavior of the steel and reduce the kinetics of static strain aging as compared to the low carbon steel. The initial microstructure also played an important role on the aging behavior. The rapidly cooled steel having mean ferrite grain size of 9.7 μm showed the least aging susceptibility index during the aging experiments. Accordingly, the activation energies for static strain aging were calculated as 93.2 and 85.7 kJ/mole for the alloy steel having fine and coarse ferrite-pearlite structures, respectively while it was computed as 79.1 kJ/mole for the low carbon steel with ferrite mean grain size of about 16.2 μm.

Nurse egg consumption and intracapsular development in the common whelk Buccinum undatum (Linnaeus 1758)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Smith, Kathryn E.; Thatje, Sven

2013-03-01

Intracapsular development is common in marine gastropods. In many species, embryos develop alongside nurse eggs, which provide nutrition during ontogeny. The common whelk Buccinum undatum is a commercially important North Atlantic shallow-water gastropod. Development is intracapsular in this species, with individuals hatching as crawling juveniles. While its reproductive cycle has been well documented, further work is necessary to provide a complete description of encapsulated development. Here, using B. undatum egg masses from the south coast of England intracapsular development at 6 °C is described. Number of eggs, veligers and juveniles per capsule are compared, and nurse egg partitioning, timing of nurse egg consumption and intracapsular size differences through development are discussed. Total development took between 133 and 140 days, over which 7 ontogenetic stages were identified. The number of both eggs and veligers were significantly related to capsule volume, with approximately 1 % of eggs developing per capsule. Each early veliger consumed nurse eggs rapidly over just 3-7 days. Within each capsule, initial development was asynchronous, but it became synchronous during the veliger stage. No evidence for cannibalism was found during development, but large size differences between embryos developing within each capsule were observed, and occasionally `empty' veligers were seen, which had not successfully consumed any nurse eggs. These results indicate a high level of competition for nurse eggs within each capsule during development in the common whelk. The initial differences observed in nurse egg uptake may affect individual predisposition in later life.

Photorefractoriness in birds--photoperiodic and non-photoperiodic control.

PubMed

Dawson, Alistair; Sharp, Peter J

2007-01-01

Avian breeding seasons vary in length and in the degree of asymmetry with respect to the annual cycle in photoperiod to suit species-specific food resources. Asymmetry is the result of photorefractoriness. The degree of photorefractoriness, absolute or relative, is related to the length and asymmetry of the breeding season. Absolute photorefractoriness is associated with a marked decrease in hypothalamic cGnRH-I. However, during the initiation of absolute photorefractoriness there is a transient period during which the gonads regress in advance of the decrease in cGnRH-I, and this stage may be analogous to relative photorefractoriness. Photoinduced prolactin secretion has an inhibitory modulatory role during the initiation of absolute photorefractoriness, but is unlikely to be the only factor involved, while a possible role for avian gonadotrophin inhibitory hormone is not established. The first stage in the termination of photorefractoriness is the resumption of cGnRH-I synthesis. The major environmental cue driving gonadal maturation, and the transitions between the photosensitive state and photorefractoriness is the annual cycle in photoperiod. A range of non-photoperiodic cues may also play a role: social cues, climatic factors (temperature, rainfall, etc.), food availability and nutritional state. There is considerable evidence that these cues can influence gonadal maturation and the timing of egg-laying. There is some evidence that non-photoperiodic cues (certainly temperature and possibly social cues and food availability) can affect the timing of the onset of photorefractoriness, but no evidence that they can influence the time of the end of photorefractoriness.

Theoretical Study of the Initial Stages of Self-Assembly of a Carboxysome’s Facet

DOE PAGES

Mahalik, J. P.; Brown, Kirsten A.; Cheng, Xiaolin; ...

2016-02-24

Bacterial microcompartments, BMCs, are organelles that exist within wide variety of bacteria and act as nanofactories. Among the different types of known BMCs, the carboxysome has been studied the most. The carboxysome plays an important role in the light-independent part of the photosynthesis process, where its icosahedral-like proteinaceous shell acts as a membrane that controls the transport of metabolites. Although a structural model exists for the carboxysome shell, it remains largely unknown how the shell proteins self-assemble. Understanding the self-assembly process can provide insights into how the shell affects the carboxysome s function and how it can be modified tomore » create new functionalities, such as artificial nanoreactors and artificial protein membranes. Here, we explain a theoretical framework that employs Monte Carlo simulations with a coarse-grain potential that reproduces well the atomistic potential of mean force; employing this framework, we are able to capture the initial stages of the 2D self-assembly of CcmK2 hexamers, a major protein-shell component of the carboxysome's facet. The simulations reveal that CcmK2 hexamers self-assemble into clusters that resemble what was seen experimentally in 2D layers. Further analysis of the simulation results suggests that the 2D self-assembly of carboxysome s facets is driven by a nucleation growth process, which in turn could play an important role in the hierarchical self- assembly of BMC shells in general.« less

Ontogeny stage-independent and high-level clonal expansion in vitro of mouse hematopoietic stem cells stimulated by an engineered NUP98-HOX fusion transcription factor

PubMed Central

Sekulovic, Sanja; Gasparetto, Maura; Lecault, Véronique; Hoesli, Corinne A.; Kent, David G.; Rosten, Patty; Wan, Adrian; Brookes, Christy; Hansen, Carl L.; Piret, James M.; Smith, Clayton; Eaves, Connie J.

2011-01-01

Achieving high-level expansion of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) in vitro will have an important clinical impact in addition to enabling elucidation of their regulation. Here, we couple the ability of engineered NUP98-HOXA10hd expression to stimulate > 1000-fold net expansions of murine HSCs in 10-day cultures initiated with bulk lin−Sca-1+c-kit+ cells, with strategies to purify fetal and adult HSCs and analyze their expansion clonally. We find that NUP98-HOXA10hd stimulates comparable expansions of HSCs from both sources at ∼ 60% to 90% unit efficiency in cultures initiated with single cells. Clonally expanded HSCs consistently show balanced long-term contributions to the lymphoid and myeloid lineages without evidence of leukemogenic activity. Although effects on fetal and adult HSCs were indistinguishable, NUP98-HOXA10hd–transduced adult HSCs did not thereby gain a competitive advantage in vivo over freshly isolated fetal HSCs. Live-cell image tracking of single transduced HSCs cultured in a microfluidic device indicates that NUP98-HOXA10hd does not affect their proliferation kinetics, and flow cytometry confirmed the phenotype of normal proliferating HSCs and allowed reisolation of large numbers of expanded HSCs at a purity of 25%. These findings point to the effects of NUP98-HOXA10hd on HSCs in vitro being mediated by promoting self-renewal and set the stage for further dissection of this process. PMID:21865344

Micro-Mechanical Analysis About Kink Band in Carbon Fiber/Epoxy Composites Under Longitudinal Compression

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Mi; Guan, Zhidong; Wang, Xiaodong; Du, Shanyi

2017-10-01

Kink band is a typical phenomenon for composites under longitudinal compression. In this paper, theoretical analysis and finite element simulation were conducted to analyze kink angle as well as compressive strength of composites. Kink angle was considered to be an important character throughout longitudinal compression process. Three factors including plastic matrix, initial fiber misalignment and rotation due to loading were considered for theoretical analysis. Besides, the relationship between kink angle and fiber volume fraction was improved and optimized by theoretical derivation. In addition, finite element models considering fiber stochastic strength and Drucker-Prager constitutive model for matrix were conducted in ABAQUS to analyze kink band formation process, which corresponded with the experimental results. Through simulation, the loading and failure procedure can be evidently divided into three stages: elastic stage, softening stage, and fiber break stage. It also shows that kink band is a result of fiber misalignment and plastic matrix. Different values of initial fiber misalignment angle, wavelength and fiber volume fraction were considered to explore the effects on compressive strength and kink angle. Results show that compressive strength increases with the decreasing of initial fiber misalignment angle, the decreasing of initial fiber misalignment wavelength and the increasing of fiber volume fraction, while kink angle decreases in these situations. Orthogonal array in statistics was also built to distinguish the effect degree of these factors. It indicates that initial fiber misalignment angle has the largest impact on compressive strength and kink angle.

Digital Textbooks: School Librarians' Stages of Concerns in Initial Implementation

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kang, Ji Hei; Everhart, Nancy

2014-01-01

Introduction: A legislative mandate to adopt digital textbooks in Florida provides an opportunity to identify concerns school librarians have regarding digital textbook implementation. Method: The stages of concern questionnaire was used to identify stages of concern among Florida school librarians about their potential role in this…

Developmental effects of simulated microgravity on zebrafish, (Danio rerio)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Stoyek, Matthew; Edsall, Sara; Franz-Odendaal, Tamara; Smith, Frank; Croll, Roger

Zebrafish are widely used model vertebrates in research and recently this species has been used to study the effects of microgravity on fundamental biological processes. In this study we used a NASA-designed rotating wall vessel (RWV) to investigate the effects of simulated microgravity (SMG) on zebrafish development up to 14 days post fertilization (dpf). At developmental stages beyond the 3-4 somite stage we found SMG-exposed embryos reached key developmental stag-ing points more rapidly than fish raised within a non-rotating vessel. By the 21 somite stage, both groups were again synchronized in their developmental staging. However, SMG-exposed embryos eventually exhibited a delay in hatching time compared to controls. Otolith and to-tal body size were observed to be greater in larvae raised in SMG. In addition, pigmentation patterns in SMG exposed fish differed, with larger and differentially aggregated melanocytes . Heart development was slowed in SMG exposed fish, but no change in nervous system de-velopment was detected. Ongoing research will focus on differences in heart and respiration rates. Finally, by developing a method to extend the duration of SMG exposure, we found the swimming behaviour of SMG-exposed animals was altered with time in the RWV. Initially SMG-exposed animals swam in the direction of RWV rotation (5-9dpf) but older (9+dpf) fish swam against rotation and demonstrated righting behaviour with each rotation. These results suggest that vestibular reflexes may develop normally and be maintained in animals exposed to SMG. Together, our data provide insights into how zebrafish may develop when flown in space, permitting better formulation of experiments to test mechanisms by which microgravity may affect ontogeny of this model organism. Keywords: microgravity, zebrafish, growth, development

Initial Results of Hypofractionated Carbon Ion Radiotherapy for Cholangiocarcinoma.

PubMed

Abe, Takanori; Shibuya, Kei; Koyama, Yoshinori; Okamoto, Masahiko; Kiyohara, Hiroki; Katoh, Hiroyuki; Shimada, Hirohumi; Kuwano, Hiroyuki; Ohno, Tatsuya; Nakano, Takashi

2016-06-01

To report initial results of hypofractionated carbon ion radiotherapy (C-ion RT) for cholangiocarcinoma. Data regarding seven patients with cholangiocarcinoma treated by C-ion RT were analyzed. Prescribed doses were 52.8 Gy [relative biological effectiveness (RBE)] or 60.0 Gy (RBE) in four fractions for intrahepatic cases and 12 fractions for hilar hepatic/close to gastro-intestinal tract cases. Local control and overall survival were evaluated and toxicity was graded using Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events, version 4.0. The median follow-up period was 16 months. There were two patients with stage I cancer, one with stage II, one with stage III, and three with stage IVA. Local control was achieved in five out of seven patients (71%) and survival was maintained in six out of seven patients (86%). There were no occurrences of acute or late toxicity of grade 3 or higher. Initial results show that hypofractionated C-ion RT appears to be tolerated and effective for cholangiocarcinoma. Copyright© 2016 International Institute of Anticancer Research (Dr. John G. Delinassios), All rights reserved.

Decomposition rate of peat-forming plants in the oligotrophic peatland at the first stages of destruction

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nikonova, L. G.; Golovatskaya, E. A.; Terechshenko, N. N.

2018-03-01

The research presents quantitative estimates of the decomposition rate of plant residues at the initial stages of the decay of two plant species (Eriophorum vaginatum and Sphagnum fuscum) in a peat deposit of the oligotrophic bog in the southern taiga subzone of Western Siberia. We also studied a change in the content of total carbon and nitrogen in plant residues and the activity of microflora in the initial stages of decomposition. At the initial stage of the transformation process of peat-forming plants the losses of mass of Sph. fuscum is 2.5 times lower then E. vaginatum. The most active mass losses, as well as a decrease in the total carbon content, is observed after four months of the experiment. The most active carbon removal is characteristic for E. vaginatum. During the decomposition of plant residues, the nitrogen content decreases, and the most intense nitrogen losses were characteristic for Sph. fuscum. The microorganisms assimilating organic and mineral nitrogen are more active in August, the oligotrophic and cellulolytic microorganisms – in July.

Relation between premorbid personality and patterns of emotion expression in mid- to late-stage dementia.

PubMed

Magai, C; Cohen, C I; Culver, C; Gomberg, D; Malatesta, C

1997-11-01

Twenty-seven nursing home patients with mid- to late-stage dementia participated in a study of the relation between preillness personality, as indexed by attachment and emotion regulation style, and current emotional behavior. Preillness measures were completed by family members and current assessments of emotion were supplied by nursing home aides and family members; in addition, emotion was coded during a family visit using an objective coding system for facial emotion expressions. Attachment style was found to be related to the expression of positive affect, with securely attached individuals displaying more positive affect than avoidantly attached individuals. In addition, high ratings on premorbid hostility were associated with higher rates of negative affect and lower rates of positive affect. These findings indicate that premorbid aspects of personality show continuity over time, even in mid- to late-stage dementia.

Alzheimer disease.

PubMed

Calderon-Garcidueñas, Ana Laura; Duyckaerts, Charles

2017-01-01

Alzheimer disease neuropathology is characterized by the extracellular accumulation of Aβ peptide and intracellular aggregation of hyperphosphorylated tau. With the progression of the disease, macroscopic atrophy affects the entorhinal area and hippocampus, amygdala, and associative regions of the neocortex. The locus coeruleus is depigmented. The deposition of Aβ is first made of diffuse deposits. Amyloid focal deposits constitute the core of the senile plaque which also comprises a corona of tau-positive neurites. Aβ deposits are found successively in the neocortex, the hippocampus, the striatum, the mesencephalon, and finally the cerebellum together with the pontine nuclei (Thal phases). Tau pathology affects in a stereotyped order some specific nuclei of the brainstem, the entorhinal area, the hippocampus, and the neocortex - first the associative areas and secondarily the primary cortices (Braak stages). Loss of synapses is observed in association with tau and Aβ pathology; neuronal loss occurs in the most affected areas. Granulovacuolar degeneration and perisomatic granules are also linked to Alzheimer disease pathology. The physiopathology of Alzheimer disease remains unknown. Familial cases suggest that Aβ deposition is the initial step, but tau pathology appears early in the course and seems to be better correlated with the symptoms. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

EIT and SXT Observations of a Quiet Region Filament Ejection: First Eruption, Then Reconnection

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sterling, Alphonse C.; Moore, Ronald L.; Thompson, Barbara J.; Six, N. Frank (Technical Monitor)

2001-01-01

We observe a slow-onset quiet-region filament eruption with the EUV Imaging Telescope (EIT) on SOHO, and the Soft X-ray Telescope (SXT) on Yohkoh. This event occurred on 1999 April 18, and was likely the origin of a coronal mass ejection (CME) detected by SOHO at 08:30 UT on that day. In EIT, one-half of the filament shows two stages of evolution: Stage I is a slow, roughly constant upward movement at approx. 1 km per second lasting approximately 6.5 hours, and Stage 2 is a rapid upward eruption at approximately 16 kilometers per second occurring just before the filament disappears into interplanetary space. The other half of the filament shows little motion along the line-of-sight during the time of Stage 1, but erupts along with the rest of the filament during Stage 2. There is no obvious emission from the filament in SXT until Stage 2; at that time an arcade of EUV and soft X-ray loops forms first at the central location of the filament, and then expands outward along the length of the filament channel. A plot of EUV intensity versus time of the central portion of the filament (where the postflare loops initially form) shows a flat profile during Stage 1, and a rapid upturn after the start of Stage 2. This lightcurve is delayed from what would be expected if "tether-cutting" reconnection in the core of the erupting region were responsible for the initiation of the eruption. Rather, these observations suggest that a loss of stability of the magnetic field holding the filament initiates the eruption, with reconnection in the core region occurring only as a byproduct.

EIT And SXT Observations of a Quiet-Region Filament Ejection: First Eruption, Then Reconnection

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sterling, Alphonse C.; Moore, Ronald L.; Thompson, Barbara J.

2001-01-01

We observe a slow-onset quiet-region filament eruption with the Extreme Ultraviolet Imaging Telescope (EIT) on the Solar Heliospheric Observatory (SOHO) and the Soft X-ray Telescope (SXT) on Yohkoh. This event occurred on 1999 April 18 and was likely the origin of a coronal mass ejection detected by SOHO at 08:30 UT on that day. In the EIT observation, one-half of the filament shows two stages of evolution: stage 1 is a slow, roughly constant upward movement at approximately 1 km/s lasting approximately 0.5 hr, and stage 2 is a rapid upward eruption at approximately 16 km/s occurring just before the filament disappears into interplanetary space. The other half of the filament shows little motion along the line of sight during the time of stage 1 but erupts along with the rest of the filament during stage 2. There is no obvious emission from the filament in the SXT observation until stage 2; at that time, an arcade of EUV and soft X-ray loops forms first at the central location of the filament and then expands outward along the length of the filament channel. A plot of EUV intensity versus time of the central portion of the filament (where the postflare loops initially form) shows a flat profile during stage 1 and a rapid upturn after the start of stage 2. This light curve is delayed from what would be expected if 'tether-cutting' reconnection in the core of the erupting region were responsible for the initiation of the eruption. Rather, these observations suggest that a loss of stability of the magnetic field holding the filament initiates the eruption, with reconnection in the core region occurring only as a by-product.

Principal Leadership Behaviors Which Teachers at Different Career Stages Perceive as Affecting Job Satisfaction

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hill, Valari

2013-01-01

The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore the perceptions of teachers as to how the leadership of their principal affects their job satisfaction. This study collected the view of teachers at different career stages and examined their perceptions and needs. The participants consisted of 12 elementary school teachers at three different…

The Moral Development of the Child: An Integrated Model

PubMed Central

Ma, Hing Keung

2013-01-01

Previous theories of moral development such as those by Piaget and Kohlberg usually focused on the cognitive or rational aspect, and seldom included the affective aspect in their construction. The characteristics of the stages of moral development in the present paper are elaborated with special reference to psychological needs, altruism and human relationships, and justice reasoning. The three stages are: (1) Physical Survival, Selfishness, and Obedience, (2) Love Needs, Reciprocal Altruism, and Instrumental Purpose; and (3) Belongingness Needs, Primary Group Altruism, and Mutual Interpersonal Expectations. At Stage 1, a deep and profound attachment to parents, empathy toward the significant others, and obedience to authorities all contribute to the physical survival of a person at this stage. People at Stage 2 are self-protective, dominant, exploitative, and opportunistic. The need to love and to be loved is gratified on the basis of reciprocal altruism. People at Stage 3 have a strong desire to gratify their belongingness needs to a primary group. They are willing to sacrifice for the benefits of the group at great cost. While the psychological needs and altruism are related to the affective aspect of moral development, the justice reasoning is related to the cognitive aspect. The proposed theoretical model attempts to integrate the affective and cognitive aspects of moral development, and prototypic responses to questions related to hypothetical moral dilemmas are presented to substantiate the proposed stage structures. It is hypothesized that the sequence of these three stages is invariant of person and culture. PMID:24350226

The moral development of the child: an integrated model.

PubMed

Ma, Hing Keung

2013-01-01

Previous theories of moral development such as those by Piaget and Kohlberg usually focused on the cognitive or rational aspect, and seldom included the affective aspect in their construction. The characteristics of the stages of moral development in the present paper are elaborated with special reference to psychological needs, altruism and human relationships, and justice reasoning. The three stages are: (1) Physical Survival, Selfishness, and Obedience, (2) Love Needs, Reciprocal Altruism, and Instrumental Purpose; and (3) Belongingness Needs, Primary Group Altruism, and Mutual Interpersonal Expectations. At Stage 1, a deep and profound attachment to parents, empathy toward the significant others, and obedience to authorities all contribute to the physical survival of a person at this stage. People at Stage 2 are self-protective, dominant, exploitative, and opportunistic. The need to love and to be loved is gratified on the basis of reciprocal altruism. People at Stage 3 have a strong desire to gratify their belongingness needs to a primary group. They are willing to sacrifice for the benefits of the group at great cost. While the psychological needs and altruism are related to the affective aspect of moral development, the justice reasoning is related to the cognitive aspect. The proposed theoretical model attempts to integrate the affective and cognitive aspects of moral development, and prototypic responses to questions related to hypothetical moral dilemmas are presented to substantiate the proposed stage structures. It is hypothesized that the sequence of these three stages is invariant of person and culture.

AQUATIC PLANT SPECIATION AFFECTED BY DIVERSIFYING SELECTION OF ORGANELLE DNA REGIONS(1).

PubMed

Kato, Syou; Misawa, Kazuharu; Takahashi, Fumio; Sakayama, Hidetoshi; Sano, Satomi; Kosuge, Keiko; Kasai, Fumie; Watanabe, Makoto M; Tanaka, Jiro; Nozaki, Hisayoshi

2011-10-01

Many of the genes that control photosynthesis are carried in the chloroplast. These genes differ among species. However, evidence has yet to be reported revealing the involvement of organelle genes in the initial stages of plant speciation. To elucidate the molecular basis of aquatic plant speciation, we focused on the unique plant species Chara braunii C. C. Gmel. that inhabits both shallow and deep freshwater habitats and exhibits habitat-based dimorphism of chloroplast DNA (cpDNA). Here, we examined the "shallow" and "deep" subpopulations of C. braunii using two nuclear DNA (nDNA) markers and cpDNA. Genetic differentiation between the two subpopulations was measured in both nDNA and cpDNA regions, although phylogenetic analyses suggested nuclear gene flow between subpopulations. Neutrality tests based on Tajima's D demonstrated diversifying selection acting on organelle DNA regions. Furthermore, both "shallow" and "deep" haplotypes of cpDNA detected in cultures originating from bottom soils of three deep environments suggested that migration of oospores (dormant zygotes) between the two habitats occurs irrespective of the complete habitat-based dimorphism of cpDNA from field-collected vegetative thalli. Therefore, the two subpopulations are highly selected by their different aquatic habitats and show prezygotic isolation, which represents an initial process of speciation affected by ecologically based divergent selection of organelle genes. © 2011 Phycological Society of America.

Recommendations for initiation and cessation of enzyme replacement therapy in patients with Fabry disease: the European Fabry Working Group consensus document.

PubMed

Biegstraaten, Marieke; Arngrímsson, Reynir; Barbey, Frederic; Boks, Lut; Cecchi, Franco; Deegan, Patrick B; Feldt-Rasmussen, Ulla; Geberhiwot, Tarekegn; Germain, Dominique P; Hendriksz, Chris; Hughes, Derralynn A; Kantola, Ilkka; Karabul, Nesrin; Lavery, Christine; Linthorst, Gabor E; Mehta, Atul; van de Mheen, Erica; Oliveira, João P; Parini, Rossella; Ramaswami, Uma; Rudnicki, Michael; Serra, Andreas; Sommer, Claudia; Sunder-Plassmann, Gere; Svarstad, Einar; Sweeb, Annelies; Terryn, Wim; Tylki-Szymanska, Anna; Tøndel, Camilla; Vujkovac, Bojan; Weidemann, Frank; Wijburg, Frits A; Woolfson, Peter; Hollak, Carla E M

2015-03-27

Fabry disease (FD) is a lysosomal storage disorder resulting in progressive nervous system, kidney and heart disease. Enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) may halt or attenuate disease progression. Since administration is burdensome and expensive, appropriate use is mandatory. We aimed to define European consensus recommendations for the initiation and cessation of ERT in patients with FD. A Delphi procedure was conducted with an online survey (n = 28) and a meeting (n = 15). Patient organization representatives were present at the meeting to give their views. Recommendations were accepted with ≥75% agreement and no disagreement. For classically affected males, consensus was achieved that ERT is recommended as soon as there are early clinical signs of kidney, heart or brain involvement, but may be considered in patients of ≥16 years in the absence of clinical signs or symptoms of organ involvement. Classically affected females and males with non-classical FD should be treated as soon as there are early clinical signs of kidney, heart or brain involvement, while treatment may be considered in females with non-classical FD with early clinical signs that are considered to be due to FD. Consensus was achieved that treatment should not be withheld from patients with severe renal insufficiency (GFR < 45 ml/min/1.73 m(2)) and from those on dialysis or with cognitive decline, but carefully considered on an individual basis. Stopping ERT may be considered in patients with end stage FD or other co-morbidities, leading to a life expectancy of <1 year. In those with cognitive decline of any cause, or lack of response for 1 year when the sole indication for ERT is neuropathic pain, stopping ERT may be considered. Also, in patients with end stage renal disease, without an option for renal transplantation, in combination with advanced heart failure (NYHA class IV), cessation of ERT should be considered. ERT in patients who are non-compliant or fail to attend regularly at visits should be stopped. The recommendations can be used as a benchmark for initiation and cessation of ERT, although final decisions should be made on an individual basis. Future collaborative efforts are needed for optimization of these recommendations.

Long-term object tracking combined offline with online learning

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hu, Mengjie; Wei, Zhenzhong; Zhang, Guangjun

2016-04-01

We propose a simple yet effective method for long-term object tracking. Different from the traditional visual tracking method, which mainly depends on frame-to-frame correspondence, we combine high-level semantic information with low-level correspondences. Our framework is formulated in a confidence selection framework, which allows our system to recover from drift and partly deal with occlusion. To summarize, our algorithm can be roughly decomposed into an initialization stage and a tracking stage. In the initialization stage, an offline detector is trained to get the object appearance information at the category level, which is used for detecting the potential target and initializing the tracking stage. The tracking stage consists of three modules: the online tracking module, detection module, and decision module. A pretrained detector is used for maintaining drift of the online tracker, while the online tracker is used for filtering out false positive detections. A confidence selection mechanism is proposed to optimize the object location based on the online tracker and detection. If the target is lost, the pretrained detector is utilized to reinitialize the whole algorithm when the target is relocated. During experiments, we evaluate our method on several challenging video sequences, and it demonstrates huge improvement compared with detection and online tracking only.

Early MRI Detection and Closed Bone Graft Epiphysiodesis May Alter the Course of Avascular Necrosis Following Unstable Slipped Capital Femoral Epiphysis.

PubMed

Napora, Joshua K; Gilmore, Allison; Son-Hing, Jochen P; Grimberg, Dominic C; Thompson, George H; Liu, Raymond W

2018-04-01

Unstable slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE) has an increased incidence of avascular necrosis (AVN). Early identification and surgical intervention for AVN may help preserve the femoral head. We retrospectively reviewed 48 patients (50 hips) with unstable SCFE managed between 2000 and 2014. AVN was diagnosed based on 2 different postoperative protocols. Seventeen patients (17 hips) had a scheduled magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) between 1 and 6 months from initial surgery, and the remaining 31 patients (33 hips) were evaluated by plain radiographs alone. If AVN was diagnosed, we offered core decompression and closed bone graft epiphysiodesis (CBGE) to mitigate its affects. At final follow-up, we assessed progression of AVN using the Steinberg classification. Overall 13 hips (26%) with unstable SCFEs developed AVN. MRI revealed AVN in 7 of 17 hips (41%) at a mean of 2.5 months postoperatively (range, 1.0 to 5.2 mo). Six hips diagnosed by MRI received surgical intervention (4 CBGE, 1 free vascularized fibula graft, and 1 repinning due to screw cutout) at a mean of 4.1 months (range, 1.3 to 7.2 mo) postoperatively. None of the 4 patients treated with CBGE within 2 months postoperatively progressed to stage IVC AVN. The 2 patients treated after 4 months postoperatively both progressed to stage VC AVN.Plain radiographs demonstrated AVN in 6 of 33 hips (18%) at a mean of 6.8 months postoperatively (range, 2.1 to 21.1 mo). One patient diagnosed with stage IVB AVN at 2.4 months had screw cutout and received CBGE at 2.5 months from initial pinning. The remaining 5 were not offered surgical intervention. Five of the 6 radiographically diagnosed AVN, including the 1 treated with CBGE, progressed to stage IVC AVN or greater. Although all patients with positive MRI scans developed radiographic AVN, none of the 4 patients treated with CBGE within 2 months after pinning developed grade IVC or greater AVN. Early MRI detection and CBGE may mitigate the effects of AVN after SCFE. Level III-retrospective comparative study.

Auger electron spectroscopy study of initial stages of oxidation in a copper - 19.6-atomic-percent-aluminum alloy

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ferrante, J.

1973-01-01

Auger electron spectroscopy was used to examine the initial stages of oxidation of a polycrystalline copper - 19.6 a/o-aluminum alloy. The growth of the 55-eV aluminum oxide peak and the decay of the 59-, 62-, and 937-eV copper peaks were examined as functions of temperature, exposure, and pressure. Pressures ranged from 1x10 to the minus 7th power to 0.0005 torr of O2. Temperatures ranged from room temperature to 700 C. A completely aluminum oxide surface layer was obtained in all cases. Complete disappearance of the underlying 937-eV copper peak was obtained by heating at 700 C in O2 at 0.0005 torr for 1 hr. Temperature studies indicated that thermally activated diffusion was important to the oxidation studies. The initial stages of oxidation followed a logarithmic growth curve.

40 CFR 63.8395 - When do I have to comply with this subpart?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

...) and (2) of this section. (1) If the initial startup of your affected source is before May 16, 2003... later than May 16, 2003. (2) If the initial startup of your affected source is after May 16, 2003, then... initial startup of your affected source. (b) If you have an existing affected source, you must comply with...

40 CFR 63.8395 - When do I have to comply with this subpart?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

...) and (2) of this section. (1) If the initial startup of your affected source is before May 16, 2003... later than May 16, 2003. (2) If the initial startup of your affected source is after May 16, 2003, then... initial startup of your affected source. (b) If you have an existing affected source, you must comply with...

40 CFR 63.8395 - When do I have to comply with this subpart?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

...) and (2) of this section. (1) If the initial startup of your affected source is before May 16, 2003... later than May 16, 2003. (2) If the initial startup of your affected source is after May 16, 2003, then... initial startup of your affected source. (b) If you have an existing affected source, you must comply with...

40 CFR 63.8395 - When do I have to comply with this subpart?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

...) and (2) of this section. (1) If the initial startup of your affected source is before May 16, 2003... later than May 16, 2003. (2) If the initial startup of your affected source is after May 16, 2003, then... initial startup of your affected source. (b) If you have an existing affected source, you must comply with...

40 CFR 63.8395 - When do I have to comply with this subpart?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

...) and (2) of this section. (1) If the initial startup of your affected source is before May 16, 2003... later than May 16, 2003. (2) If the initial startup of your affected source is after May 16, 2003, then... initial startup of your affected source. (b) If you have an existing affected source, you must comply with...

Beyond Brain Growth: Other Factors Affecting Cognitive Development.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Stefanich, Greg; Aldridge, Mary Nan

The intellectual model of Jean Piaget asserts that individuals pass through a series of various intellectual stages as they mature. Human development is categorized into four basic stages: (1) sensory motor stage, which lasts from birth to about eighteen months; (2) preoperational stage, lasting from eighteen months to about seven years; (3)…

Mucositis and salivary antioxidants in patients undergoing bone marrow transplantation (BMT)

PubMed Central

Mazzeo, Marcelo A.; López, María M.; Linares, Jorge A.; Jarchum, Gustavo; Wietz, Fernando M.; Finkelberg, Ana B.

2014-01-01

Objectives: High doses of chemotherapy generate DNA damage in patients undergoing bone marrow transplantation (BMT), due to the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). In order to evaluate the local defensive effectiveness of the patient undergoing BMT, the concentrations of the antioxidants superoxide dismutase (SOD) and uric acid (UA) were measured in saliva. Study Design: Basal saliva samples were collected from 20 patients undergoing BMT at the Oncology Department, Sanatorio Allende (Córdoba), in the stages: initial, prior to conditioning therapy (I); middle: 7 to 10 days after BMT (M) and final stage, 30 days after discharge from isolation (F). SOD levels were determined using a RANDOX kit (RANSOD superoxide dismutase manual), and for uric acid enzymatic UOD / PAP spectrophotometric method, ( Trinder Color Kit , Wiener Lab) was used. Results: 85% of the patients developed oral mucositis. SOD concentration in the M stage was significantly higher (p<0.01) compared with stage I, and it reversed in stage F. UA concentration was significantly lower (p<0.001) in stage M compared with stage I, and in stage F it recovered the initial values. Conclusions: SOD increase in stage M coincided with the appearance of mucositis, which could be interpreted as a defensive mechanism of saliva against oxidative stress produced by chemotherapy. UA decrease in stage M would favour the development of higher degrees of mucositis. Key words:Bone marrow transplantation, mucositis, superoxide dismutase, uric acid. PMID:24608218

Trade-offs between larval survival and adult ornament development depend on predator regime in a territorial dragonfly.

PubMed

Moore, Michael P; Martin, Ryan A

2018-05-28

Trade-offs between juvenile survival and the development of sexually selected traits can cause ontogenetic conflict between life stages that constrains adaptive evolution. However, the potential for ecological interactions to alter the presence or strength of these trade-offs remains largely unexplored. Antagonistic selection over the accumulation and storage of resources could be one common cause of environment-specific trade-offs between life stages: higher condition may simultaneously enhance adult ornament development and increase juvenile vulnerability to predators. We tested this hypothesis in an ornamented dragonfly (Pachydiplax longipennis). Higher larval body condition indeed enhanced the initial development of its intrasexually selected wing coloration, but was opposed by viability selection in the presence of large aeshnid predators. In contrast, viability selection did not oppose larval body condition in pools when aeshnids were absent, and was not affected when we manipulated cannibalism risk. Trade-offs between larval survival and ornament development, mediated through the conflicting effects of body condition, therefore occurred only under high predation risk. We additionally characterized how body condition influences several traits associated with predator avoidance. Although body condition did not affect burst distance, it did increase larval abdomen size, potentially making larvae easier targets for aeshnid predators. As high body condition similarly increases vulnerability to predators in many other animals, predator-mediated costs of juvenile resource accumulation could be a common, environment-specific limitation on the elaboration of sexually selected traits.

Different isotope and chemical patterns of pyrite oxidation related to lag and exponential growth phases of Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans reveal a microbial growth strategy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Brunner, Benjamin; Yu, Jae-Young; Mielke, Randall E.; MacAskill, John A.; Madzunkov, Stojan; McGenity, Terry J.; Coleman, Max

2008-06-01

The solution chemistry during the initial (slow increase of dissolved iron and sulfate) and main stage (rapid increase of dissolved iron and sulfate) of pyrite leaching by Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans (Af) at a starting pH of 2.05 shows significant differences. During the initial stage, ferrous iron (Fe2+) is the dominant iron species in solution and the molar ratio of produced sulfate (SO42-) and total iron (Fetot) is 1.1, thus does not reflect the stoichiometry of pyrite (FeS2). During the main stage, ferric iron (Fe3+) is the dominant iron species in solution and the SO42-:Fetot ratio is with 1.9, close to the stoichiometry of FeS2. Another difference between initial and main stage is an initial trend to slightly higher pH values followed by a drop during the main stage to pH 1.84. These observations raise the question if there are different modes of bioleaching of pyrite, and if there are, what those modes imply in terms of leaching mechanisms. Different oxygen and sulfur isotope trends of sulfate during the initial and main stages of pyrite oxidation confirm that there are two pyrite bioleaching modes. The biochemical reactions during initial stage are best explained by the net reaction FeS2 + 3O2 ⇒ Fe2+ + SO42- + SO2(g). The degassing of sulfur dioxide (SO2) acts as sink for sulfur depleted in 34S compared to pyrite, and is the cause of the SO42-:Fetot ratio of 1.1 and the near constant pH. During the exponential phase, pyrite sulfur is almost quantitatively converted to sulfate, according to the net reaction FeS2 + 15/4O2 + 1/2H2O ⇒ Fe3+ + 2SO42- + H+. We hypothesize that the transition between the modes of bioleaching of pyrite is due to the impact of the accumulation of ferrous iron, which induces changes in the metabolic activity of Af and may act as an inhibitor for the oxidation of sulfur species. This transition defines a fundamental change in the growth strategy of Af. A mode, where bacteria gain energy by oxidation of elemental sulfur to sulfite but show little growth is switched into a mode, where bacteria gain a smaller amount of energy by the oxidation of ferrous iron, but induce much faster pyrite leaching rates due to the production of ferric iron.

Effect of holding equine oocytes in meiosis inhibitor-free medium before in vitro maturation and of holding temperature on meiotic suppression and mitochondrial energy/redox potential.

PubMed

Martino, Nicola A; Dell'Aquila, Maria E; Filioli Uranio, Manuel; Rutigliano, Lucia; Nicassio, Michele; Lacalandra, Giovanni M; Hinrichs, Katrin

2014-10-11

Evaluation of mitochondrial function offers an alternative to evaluate embryo development for assessment of oocyte viability, but little information is available on the relationship between mitochondrial and chromatin status in equine oocytes. We evaluated these parameters in immature equine oocytes either fixed immediately (IMM) or held overnight in an Earle's/Hank's' M199-based medium in the absence of meiotic inhibitors (EH treatment), and in mature oocytes. We hypothesized that EH holding may affect mitochondrial function and that holding temperature may affect the efficiency of meiotic suppression. Experiment 1 - Equine oocytes processed immediately or held in EH at uncontrolled temperature (22 to 27°C) were evaluated for initial chromatin configuration, in vitro maturation (IVM) rates and mitochondrial energy/redox potential. Experiment 2 - We then investigated the effect of holding temperature (25°C, 30°C, 38°C) on initial chromatin status of held oocytes, and subsequently repeated mitochondrial energy/redox assessment of oocytes held at 25°C vs. immediately-evaluated controls. EH holding at uncontrolled temperature was associated with advancement of germinal vesicle (GV) chromatin condensation and with meiotic resumption, as well as a lower maturation rate after IVM. Holding did not have a significant effect on mitochondrial distribution within chromatin configurations. Independent of treatment, oocytes having condensed chromatin had a significantly higher proportion of perinuclear/pericortical mitochondrial distribution than did other GV configurations. Holding did not detrimentally affect oocyte energy/redox parameters in viable GV-stage oocytes. There were no significant differences in chromatin configuration between oocytes held at 25°C and controls, whereas holding at higher temperature was associated with meiosis resumption and loss of oocytes having the condensed chromatin GV configuration. Holding at 25°C was not associated with progression of mitochondrial distribution pattern and there were no significant differences in oocyte energy/redox parameters between these oocytes and controls. Mitochondrial distribution in equine GV-stage oocytes is correlated with chromatin configuration within the GV. Progression of chromatin configuration and mitochondrial status during holding are dependent on temperature. EH holding at 25°C maintains meiotic arrest, viability and mitochondrial potential of equine oocytes. This is the first report on the effects of EH treatment on oocyte mitochondrial energy/redox potential.

Trastuzumab in early stage breast cancer: a cost-effectiveness analysis for Belgium.

PubMed

Neyt, Mattias; Huybrechts, Michel; Hulstaert, Frank; Vrijens, France; Ramaekers, Dirk

2008-08-01

Although trastuzumab is traditionally used in metastatic breast cancer treatment, studies reported on the efficacy and safety of trastuzumab in adjuvant setting for the treatment of early stage breast cancer in HER2+ tumors. We estimated the cost-effectiveness and budget impact of reimbursing trastuzumab in this indication from a payer's perspective. We constructed a health economic model. Long-term consequences of preventing patients to progress to metastatic breast cancer and side effects such as congestive heart failure were taken into account. Uncertainty was handled applying probabilistic modeling and through probabilistic sensitivity analyses. In the HERA scenario, applying an arbitrary threshold of euro30000 per life-year gained, early stage breast cancer treatment with trastuzumab is cost-effective for 9 out of 15 analyzed subgroups (according to age and stage). In contrast, treatment according to the FinHer scenario is cost-effective in 14 subgroups. Furthermore, the FinHer regimen is most of the times cost saving with an average incremental cost of euro668, euro-1045, and euro-6869 for respectively stages I, II and III breast cancer patients whereas the HERA regimen is never cost saving due to the higher initial treatment costs. The model shows better cost-effectiveness for the 9-week initial treatment (FinHer) compared to no trastuzumab treatment than for the 1-year post-chemotherapy treatment (HERA). Both from a medical and an economic point of view, the 9-week initial treatment regimen with trastuzumab shows promising results and justifies the initiation of a large comparative trial with a 1-year regimen.

The plurennial life cycles of the European Tettigoniidae (Insecta: Orthoptera) : 1. The effect of temperature on embryonic development and hatching.

PubMed

Ingrisch, Sigfrid

1986-11-01

The effect of temperature on embryonic development, voltinism, and hatching was studied in the laboratory in eggs of 21 Central and Southeastern European Tettigoniidae species. In most species, the embryo has to arrive at a postkatatrepsis stage prior to the onset of cold to be able to hatch in the following spring. The rate of embryonic development differs: quickly developing species need 4 weeks at 24°C (prior to cold) and almost all eggs hatch after the first cold treatment, slowly developing species would need 8-12 weeks to do the same. In Central Europe, warmth is not enough for the slowly developing species to have an univoltine life cycle, but they could have it in southern Europe. Most species make use of a dormancy sequence to pass successive winters as follows: an initial embryonic dormancy (either quiscence or diapause in embryonic stage 4) and a final diapause in embryonic stage 23/24. Additionally, 3 forms of aestivation or summer dormancy were observed facultatively: an initial diapause in embryonic stage 4 (induced and terminated at 30°C), a median dormancy shortly before or after katatrepsis (at 30°C), and a penultimate diapause in embryonic stage 20 (at 24°C).The life cycles of the European Tettigoniidae species can follow one of 3 types: 1. annual life cycle (no initial embryonic dormancy); 2. annual or biennial depending on whether laid early or late; 3. biennial or many year life cycle (up to 8 years due to a prolonged initial diapause).

Fast object reconstruction in block-based compressive low-light-level imaging

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ke, Jun; Sui, Dong; Wei, Ping

2014-11-01

In this paper we propose a simply yet effective and efficient method for long-term object tracking. Different from traditional visual tracking method which mainly depends on frame-to-frame correspondence, we combine high-level semantic information with low-level correspondences. Our framework is formulated in a confidence selection framework, which allows our system to recover from drift and partly deal with occlusion problem. To summarize, our algorithm can be roughly decomposed in a initialization stage and a tracking stage. In the initialization stage, an offline classifier is trained to get the object appearance information in category level. When the video stream is coming, the pre-trained offline classifier is used for detecting the potential target and initializing the tracking stage. In the tracking stage, it consists of three parts which are online tracking part, offline tracking part and confidence judgment part. Online tracking part captures the specific target appearance information while detection part localizes the object based on the pre-trained offline classifier. Since there is no data dependence between online tracking and offline detection, these two parts are running in parallel to significantly improve the processing speed. A confidence selection mechanism is proposed to optimize the object location. Besides, we also propose a simple mechanism to judge the absence of the object. If the target is lost, the pre-trained offline classifier is utilized to re-initialize the whole algorithm as long as the target is re-located. During experiment, we evaluate our method on several challenging video sequences and demonstrate competitive results.

Progression of initially mild hepatic fibrosis in patients with chronic hepatitis C infection.

PubMed

Williams, M J; Lang-Lenton, M

2011-01-01

A significant number of patients with chronic hepatitis C infection have minimal fibrosis at presentation. Although the short-term outlook for such patients is good, there are limited data available on long-term progression. We assessed the risk of fibrosis progression in 282 patients with chronic hepatitis C with Ishak stage 0 or 1 fibrosis on initial liver biopsy. Progression of fibrosis stage occurred in 118 patients (42%) over a median interval of 52.5 months. Thirteen (5%) progressed to severe (Ishak stage 4 or more) fibrosis. Progression was significantly associated with both age at initial biopsy [odds ratio (OR) for progression of 1.31 per 10 year increase in age] and median alanine transaminase (ALT) levels during follow-up (OR of 1.06 per 10 IU/L increase). There was no significant association with gender, histological inflammatory grade, hepatic steatosis or body mass index. We conclude that hepatitis C with initially mild fibrosis does progress in a substantial proportion of patients and should not be viewed as a benign disease. Early antiviral therapy should be considered in older patients and those with high ALT levels.

Activin B promotes initiation and development of hair follicles in mice.

PubMed

Jia, Qin; Zhang, Min; Kong, Yanan; Chen, Shixuan; Chen, Yinghua; Wang, Xueer; Zhang, Lei; Lang, Weiya; Zhang, Lu; Zhang, Lin

2013-01-01

Activin B has been reported to promote the regeneration of hair follicles during wound healing. However, its role in the development and life cycle of hair follicles has not been elucidated. In our study, the effect of activin B on mouse hair follicles of cultured and neonatal mouse skin was investigated. In these models, PBS or activin B (5, 10 or 50 ng/ml) was applied, and hair follicle development was monitored. Hair follicle initiation and development was examined using hematoxylin and eosin staining, alkaline phosphatase activity staining, Oil Red O+ staining, and the detection of TdT-mediated dUTP-biotin nick end-labeling cell apoptosis. Activin B was found to efficiently induce the initiation of hair follicles in the skin of both cultured and neonatal mice and to promote the development of hair follicles in neonatal mouse skin. Moreover, activin-B-treated hair follicles were observed to enter the anagen stage from the telogen stage and to remain in the anagen stage. These results demonstrate that activin B promotes the initiation and development of hair follicles in mice.

Dynamic relationship of the epithelium and mesenchyme during salivary gland initiation: the role of Fgf10

PubMed Central

Wells, Kirsty L.; Gaete, Marcia; Matalova, Eva; Deutsch, Danny; Rice, David; Tucker, Abigail S.

2013-01-01

Summary Salivary glands provide an excellent model for the study of epithelial–mesenchymal interactions. We have looked at the interactions involved in the early initiation and development of murine salivary glands using classic recombination experiments and knockout mice. We show that salivary gland epithelium, at thickening and initial bud stages, is able to direct salivary gland development in non-gland pharyngeal arch mesenchyme at early stages. The early salivary gland epithelium is therefore able to induce gland development in non-gland tissue. This ability later shifts to the mesenchyme, with non-gland epithelium, such as from the limb bud, able to form a branching gland when combined with pseudoglandular stage gland mesenchyme. This shift appears to involve Fgf signalling, with signals from the epithelium inducing Fgf10 in the mesenchyme. Fgf10 then signals back to the epithelium to direct gland down-growth and bud development. These experiments highlight the importance of epithelial–mesenchymal signalling in gland initiation, controlling where, when and how many salivary glands form. PMID:24167707

Influencing factors of outcome after lower-limb amputation: a five-year review in a plastic surgical department.

PubMed

Chen, Meng-Chum; Lee, Su-Shin; Hsieh, Ya-Lun; Wu, Shu-Jung; Lai, Chung-Sheng; Lin, Sin-Daw

2008-09-01

The crude major lower limb amputation procedure rate is 8.8 per 100,000 of the population per year in Taiwan. From January 2002 to October 2006, patients that received major lower limb amputation in our department were enrolled in this study. Retrospective chart reviews concerning different factors that can affect the eventual postoperative functional status were investigated. Factors that affected the length of hospital stay included duration before amputation (P < 0.001) and renal function (P = 0.045). Phantom limb pain was affected by wound healing time (P = 0.006). Factors that affected the daily prosthesis usage time were initial infection status (P = 0.021), renal function (P = 0.01), patient educational level (P = 0.016), and pretraining waiting time (P = 0.003). The duration of prosthetic training was affected by patient educational level (P = 0.004) and marital status (P = 0.024). In addition, subjective satisfaction about the usage of prosthesis was affected by pretraining waiting time (P = 0.001) and daily prosthesis usage time (P < 0.001). The daily prosthesis usage time was closely related to life quality improvement (P < 0.001) and subjective satisfaction of prosthesis usage (P < 0.001). Despite reported unchangeable factors like age, end-stage renal disease, dementia, coronary artery disease, and level of amputation, preprosthesis training waiting time significantly affected the satisfaction and daily usage time of the prosthesis. Surgeons can make some contribution to accelerate amputation wound healing and stump maturation by choosing the correct operating procedure, delicately managing the soft tissue, and ascertaining proper wound care to improve the outcome.

Embryonic death is linked to maternal identity in the leatherback turtle (Dermochelys coriacea).

PubMed

Rafferty, Anthony R; Santidrián Tomillo, Pilar; Spotila, James R; Paladino, Frank V; Reina, Richard D

2011-01-01

Leatherback turtles have an average global hatching success rate of ~50%, lower than other marine turtle species. Embryonic death has been linked to environmental factors such as precipitation and temperature, although, there is still a lot of variability that remains to be explained. We examined how nesting season, the time of nesting each season, the relative position of each clutch laid by each female each season, maternal identity and associated factors such as reproductive experience of the female (new nester versus remigrant) and period of egg retention between clutches (interclutch interval) affected hatching success and stage of embryonic death in failed eggs of leatherback turtles nesting at Playa Grande, Costa Rica. Data were collected during five nesting seasons from 2004/05 to 2008/09. Mean hatching success was 50.4%. Nesting season significantly influenced hatching success in addition to early and late stage embryonic death. Neither clutch position nor nesting time during the season had a significant affect on hatching success or the stage of embryonic death. Some leatherback females consistently produced nests with higher hatching success rates than others. Remigrant females arrived earlier to nest, produced more clutches and had higher rates of hatching success than new nesters. Reproductive experience did not affect stage of death or the duration of the interclutch interval. The length of interclutch interval had a significant affect on the proportion of eggs that failed in each clutch and the developmental stage they died at. Intrinsic factors such as maternal identity are playing a role in affecting embryonic death in the leatherback turtle.

A qualitative study on healthcare professionals' perceived barriers to insulin initiation in a multi-ethnic population.

PubMed

Lee, Yew Kong; Lee, Ping Yein; Ng, Chirk Jenn

2012-07-04

Nationwide surveys have shown that the prevalence of diabetes rates in Malaysia have almost doubled in the past ten years; yet diabetes control remains poor and insulin therapy is underutilized. This study aimed to explore healthcare professionals' views on barriers to starting insulin therapy in people with type 2 diabetes. Healthcare professionals consisting of general practitioners (n = 11), family medicine specialists (n = 10), medical officers (n = 8), government policy makers (n = 4), diabetes educators (n = 3) and endocrinologists (n = 2) were interviewed. A semi-structured topic guide was used to guide the interviews by trained facilitators. The interviews were transcribed verbatim and analysed using a thematic analysis approach. Insulin initiation was found to be affected by patient, healthcare professional and system factors. Patients' barriers include culture-specific barriers such as the religious purity of insulin, preferred use of complementary medication and perceived lethality of insulin therapy. Healthcare professionals' barriers include negative attitudes towards insulin therapy and the 'legacy effect' of old insulin guidelines; whilst system barriers highlight the lack of resources, language and communication challenges. Tackling the issue of insulin initiation should not only happen during clinical consultations. It requires health education to emphasise the progressive nature of diabetes and the eventuality of insulin therapy at early stage of the illness. Healthcare professionals should be trained how to initiate insulin and communicate effectively with patients from various cultural and religious backgrounds.

The Two-Stage Examination: A Method to Assess Individual Competence and Collaborative Problem Solving in Medical Students

PubMed Central

Morton, David A.; Pippitt, Karly; Lamb, Sara; Colbert-Getz, Jorie M.

2016-01-01

Problem Effectively solving problems as a team under stressful conditions is central to medical practice; however, because summative examinations in medical education must test individual competence, they are typically solitary assessments. Approach Using two-stage examinations, in which students first answer questions individually (Stage 1) and then discuss them in teams prior to resubmitting their answers (Stage 2), is one method for rectifying this discordance. On the basis of principles of social constructivism, the authors hypothesized that two-stage examinations would lead to better retention of, specifically, items answered incorrectly at Stage 1. In fall 2014, they divided 104 first-year medical students into two groups of 52 students. Groups alternated each week between taking one- and two-stage examinations such that each student completed 6 one-stage and 6 two-stage examinations. The authors reassessed 61 concepts on a final examination and, using the Wilcoxon signed ranked tests, compared performance for all concepts and for just those students initially missed, between Stages 1 and 2. Outcomes Final examination performance on all previously assessed concepts was not significantly different between the one-and two-stage conditions (P = .77); however, performance on only concepts that students initially answered incorrectly on a prior examination improved by 12% for the two-stage condition relative to the one-stage condition (P = .02, r = 0.17). Next Steps Team assessment may be most useful for assessing concepts students find difficult, as opposed to all content. More research is needed to determine whether these results apply to all medical school topics and student cohorts. PMID:27049544

Prevalence of entomophthoralean fungi (Entomophthoromycota) of aphids in relation to developmental stages.

PubMed

Manfrino, Romina G; Gutierrez, Alejandra C; Rueda Páramo, Manuel E; Salto, César E; López Lastra, Claudia C

2016-08-01

Transmission of fungal pathogens of aphids may be affected by the host developmental stage. Brassica and Lactuca sativa L. crops were sampled in Santa Fe, Argentina, to determine the prevalence of fungal-diseased aphids and investigate the differences between developmental stages of aphids. The fungal pathogens identified were Zoophthora radicans (Bref.) A. Batko, Pandora neoaphidis (Remaud. & Hennebert) Humber and Entomophthora planchoniana Cornu. Their prevalence on each crop was calculated. The numbers of infected aphids were significantly different between the different developmental stages on all crops except B. oleracea var. botrytis L. The entomophthoralean fungi identified are important mortality factors of aphids on horticultural crops in Santa Fe. The numbers of infected nymphs and adults were significantly different, nymphs being the most affected developmental stage. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry.

Conceptual design of a two-stage-to-orbit vehicle

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1991-01-01

A conceptual design study of a two-stage-to-orbit vehicle is presented. Three configurations were initially investigated with one configuration selected for further development. The major objective was to place a 20,000-lb payload into a low Earth orbit using a two-stage vehicle. The first stage used air-breathing engines and employed a horizontal takeoff, while the second stage used rocket engines to achieve a 250-n.m. orbit. A two-stage-to-orbit vehicle seems a viable option for the next-generation space shuttle.

Volt-VAR Optimization on American Electric Power Feeders in Northeast Columbus

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

Schneider, Kevin P.; Weaver, T. F.

2012-05-10

In 2007 American Electric Power launched the gridSMART® initiative with the goals of increasing efficiency of the electricity delivery system and improving service to the end-use customers. As part of the initiative, a coordinated Volt-VAR system was deployed on eleven distribution feeders at five substations in the Northeast Columbus Ohio Area. The goal of the coordinated Volt-VAR system was to decrease the amount of energy necessary to provide end-use customers with the same quality of service. The evaluation of the Volt-VAR system performance was conducted in two stages. The first stage was composed of simulation, analysis, and estimation, while themore » second stage was composed of analyzing collected field data. This panel paper will examine the analysis conducted in both stages and present the estimated improvements in system efficiency.« less

A modified varying-stage adaptive phase II/III clinical trial design.

PubMed

Dong, Gaohong; Vandemeulebroecke, Marc

2016-07-01

Conventionally, adaptive phase II/III clinical trials are carried out with a strict two-stage design. Recently, a varying-stage adaptive phase II/III clinical trial design has been developed. In this design, following the first stage, an intermediate stage can be adaptively added to obtain more data, so that a more informative decision can be made. Therefore, the number of further investigational stages is determined based upon data accumulated to the interim analysis. This design considers two plausible study endpoints, with one of them initially designated as the primary endpoint. Based on interim results, another endpoint can be switched as the primary endpoint. However, in many therapeutic areas, the primary study endpoint is well established. Therefore, we modify this design to consider one study endpoint only so that it may be more readily applicable in real clinical trial designs. Our simulations show that, the same as the original design, this modified design controls the Type I error rate, and the design parameters such as the threshold probability for the two-stage setting and the alpha allocation ratio in the two-stage setting versus the three-stage setting have a great impact on the design characteristics. However, this modified design requires a larger sample size for the initial stage, and the probability of futility becomes much higher when the threshold probability for the two-stage setting gets smaller. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Product design enhancement using apparent usability and affective quality.

PubMed

Seva, Rosemary R; Gosiaco, Katherine Grace T; Santos, Ma Crea Eurice D; Pangilinan, Denise Mae L

2011-03-01

In this study, apparent usability and affective quality were integrated in a design framework called the Usability Perception and Emotion Enhancement Model (UPEEM). The UPEEM was validated using structural equation modeling (SEM). The methodology consists of four phases namely product selection, attribute identification, design alternative generation, and design alternative evaluation. The first stage involved the selection of a product that highly involves the consumer. In the attribute identification stage, design elements of the product were identified. The possible values of these elements were also determined for use in the experimentation process. Design of experiments was used to identify how the attributes will be varied in the design alternative stage and which of the attributes significantly contribute to affective quality, apparent usability, and desirability in the design evaluation stage. Results suggest that product attributes related to form are relevant in eliciting intense affect and perception of usability in mobile phones especially those directly related to functionality and aesthetics. This study considered only four product attributes among so many due to the constraints of the research design employed. Attributes related to aesthetic perception of a product enhance apparent usability such as those related to dimensional ratios. Copyright © 2010 Elsevier Ltd and The Ergonomics Society. All rights reserved.

Effects of Three Motivationally Targeted Mobile Device Applications on Initial Physical Activity and Sedentary Behavior Change in Midlife and Older Adults: A Randomized Trial.

PubMed

King, Abby C; Hekler, Eric B; Grieco, Lauren A; Winter, Sandra J; Sheats, Jylana L; Buman, Matthew P; Banerjee, Banny; Robinson, Thomas N; Cirimele, Jesse

2016-01-01

While there has been an explosion of mobile device applications (apps) promoting healthful behaviors, including physical activity and sedentary patterns, surprisingly few have been based explicitly on strategies drawn from behavioral theory and evidence. This study provided an initial 8-week evaluation of three different customized physical activity-sedentary behavior apps drawn from conceptually distinct motivational frames in comparison with a commercially available control app. Ninety-five underactive adults ages 45 years and older with no prior smartphone experience were randomized to use an analytically framed app, a socially framed app, an affectively framed app, or a diet-tracker control app. Daily physical activity and sedentary behavior were measured using the smartphone's built-in accelerometer and daily self-report measures. Mixed-effects models indicated that, over the 8-week period, the social app users showed significantly greater overall increases in weekly accelerometry-derived moderate to vigorous physical activity relative to the other three arms (P values for between-arm differences = .04-.005; Social vs. Control app: d = 1.05, CI = 0.44,1.67; Social vs. Affect app: d = 0.89, CI = 0.27,1.51; Social vs. Analytic app: d = 0.89, CI = 0.27,1.51), while more variable responses were observed among users of the other two motivationally framed apps. Social app users also had significantly lower overall amounts of accelerometry-derived sedentary behavior relative to the other three arms (P values for between-arm differences = .02-.001; Social vs. Control app: d = 1.10,CI = 0.48,1.72; Social vs. Affect app: d = 0.94, CI = 0.32,1.56; Social vs. Analytic app: d = 1.24, CI = 0.59,1.89). Additionally, Social and Affect app users reported lower overall sitting time compared to the other two arms (P values for between-arm differences < .001; Social vs. Control app: d = 1.59,CI = 0.92, 2.25; Social vs. Analytic app: d = 1.89,CI = 1.17, 2.61; Affect vs. Control app: d = 1.19,CI = 0.56, 1.81; Affect vs. Analytic app: d = 1.41,CI = 0.74, 2.07). The results provide initial support for the use of a smartphone-delivered social frame in the early induction of both physical activity and sedentary behavior changes. The information obtained also sets the stage for further investigation of subgroups that might particularly benefit from different motivationally framed apps in these two key health promotion areas. ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01516411.

Retinal Wave Patterns Are Governed by Mutual Excitation among Starburst Amacrine Cells and Drive the Refinement and Maintenance of Visual Circuits

PubMed Central

Xu, Hong-Ping; Burbridge, Timothy J.; Ye, Meijun; Chen, Minggang; Ge, Xinxin; Zhou, Z. Jimmy

2016-01-01

Retinal waves are correlated bursts of spontaneous activity whose spatiotemporal patterns are critical for early activity-dependent circuit elaboration and refinement in the mammalian visual system. Three separate developmental wave epochs or stages have been described, but the mechanism(s) of pattern generation of each and their distinct roles in visual circuit development remain incompletely understood. We used neuroanatomical, in vitro and in vivo electrophysiological, and optical imaging techniques in genetically manipulated mice to examine the mechanisms of wave initiation and propagation and the role of wave patterns in visual circuit development. Through deletion of β2 subunits of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (β2-nAChRs) selectively from starburst amacrine cells (SACs), we show that mutual excitation among SACs is critical for Stage II (cholinergic) retinal wave propagation, supporting models of wave initiation and pattern generation from within a single retinal cell type. We also demonstrate that β2-nAChRs in SACs, and normal wave patterns, are necessary for eye-specific segregation. Finally, we show that Stage III (glutamatergic) retinal waves are not themselves necessary for normal eye-specific segregation, but elimination of both Stage II and Stage III retinal waves dramatically disrupts eye-specific segregation. This suggests that persistent Stage II retinal waves can adequately compensate for Stage III retinal wave loss during the development and refinement of eye-specific segregation. These experiments confirm key features of the “recurrent network” model for retinal wave propagation and clarify the roles of Stage II and Stage III retinal wave patterns in visual circuit development. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Spontaneous activity drives early mammalian circuit development, but the initiation and patterning of activity vary across development and among modalities. Cholinergic “retinal waves” are initiated in starburst amacrine cells and propagate to retinal ganglion cells and higher-order visual areas, but the mechanism responsible for creating their unique and critical activity pattern is incompletely understood. We demonstrate that cholinergic wave patterns are dictated by recurrent connectivity within starburst amacrine cells, and retinal ganglion cells act as “readouts” of patterned activity. We also show that eye-specific segregation occurs normally without glutamatergic waves, but elimination of both cholinergic and glutamatergic waves completely disrupts visual circuit development. These results suggest that each retinal wave pattern during development is optimized for concurrently refining multiple visual circuits. PMID:27030771

Annual peak discharges from small drainage areas in Montana through September 1978

USGS Publications Warehouse

Omang, R.J.; Parrett, C.; Hull, J.A.

1979-01-01

Annual peak stage and discharge data have been collected and tabulated for crest-stage gaging sites in Montana. The crest-stage program was begun in July 1955 to investigate the magnitude and frequency of floods from small drainage areas. The program has expanded from 45 crest-stage gaging stations initially to 173 stations maintained in 1978. Data are tabulated for the period of record. (Woodard-USGS)

Annual peak discharges from small drainage areas in Montana for stations discontinued before 1978

USGS Publications Warehouse

Omang, R.J.; Hull, J.A.; Parrett, Charles

1979-01-01

Annual peak stage and discharge data have been tabulated for crest-stage gage sites in Montana. The crest-stage program was begun in July 1955 to investigate the magnitude and frequency of floods from samll drainage areas. The program has expanded from 45 crest-stage gaging stations initially to 172 stations maintained in 1978. From 1955 to 1978, 156 stations have been discontinued. This report is a tabulation of the stage and discharge data for the discontinued stations. (Woodard-USGS)

Saturn Apollo Program

NASA Image and Video Library

1967-02-18

This cutaway drawing shows the S-IVB (third stage) of the Saturn V launch vehicle. As a part of the Marshall Space Flight Center’s (MSFC) “building block” approach to the Saturn development, the S-IVB stage was utilized in the Saturn IB launch vehicle as a second stage and, later, the Saturn V launch vehicle as a third stage. The 59 foot long and 22 feet diameter stage was powered by a single J-2 engine, initially capable of 200,000 pounds of thrust.

Corrosion Behavior of Weathering Steel Under Thin Electrolyte Layer at Different Relative Humidity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xia, Yan; Liu, Pan; Zhang, Jianqing; Cao, Fahe

2018-01-01

The corrosion behavior of weathering steel under thin electrolyte layer (TEL) at different relative humidity (RH) was investigated by cathodic polarization, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, electrochemical noise, SEM/EDS, XRD and Raman spectroscopy. The results indicate that during the initial stage, the corrosion rate increases as the RH decreases when the initial thickness of TEL is above 100 μm. During the middle and final corrosion stages, the corrosion behavior of weathering steel is influenced by RH, the initial thickness of TEL and corrosion product. The TEL corrosion is divided into three types, and a weathering steel corrosion model under TEL and bulk solution is also proposed.

Genetic Algorithm for Initial Orbit Determination with Too Short Arc

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Xin-ran; Wang, Xin

2017-01-01

A huge quantity of too-short-arc (TSA) observational data have been obtained in sky surveys of space objects. However, reasonable results for the TSAs can hardly be obtained with the classical methods of initial orbit determination (IOD). In this paper, the IOD is reduced to a two-stage hierarchical optimization problem containing three variables for each stage. Using the genetic algorithm, a new method of the IOD for TSAs is established, through the selections of the optimized variables and the corresponding genetic operators for specific problems. Numerical experiments based on the real measurements show that the method can provide valid initial values for the follow-up work.

Genetic Algorithm for Initial Orbit Determination with Too Short Arc

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, X. R.; Wang, X.

2016-01-01

The sky surveys of space objects have obtained a huge quantity of too-short-arc (TSA) observation data. However, the classical method of initial orbit determination (IOD) can hardly get reasonable results for the TSAs. The IOD is reduced to a two-stage hierarchical optimization problem containing three variables for each stage. Using the genetic algorithm, a new method of the IOD for TSAs is established, through the selection of optimizing variables as well as the corresponding genetic operator for specific problems. Numerical experiments based on the real measurements show that the method can provide valid initial values for the follow-up work.

Psychosocial stressors in inter-human relationships and health at each life stage: A review.

PubMed

Kagamimori, Sadanobu; Nasermoaddeli, Ali; Wang, Hongbing

2004-05-01

Currently, psychosocial stressors' impacts on health are increasing. Among these stressors, this review focused on inter-human relationships. Since social supports could be protective against ill health, consequences contributing to psychosocial stressors are discussed here in relation to social supports for each stage of childhood, adulthood and elderly status.For childhood, parental divorce/isolation, and child abuse/neglect appeared to be determinants of healthy development at either the initial or later stages. According to prospective studies, such stressors, especially those occurring until around 3 years of age, were associated with later adverse life quality in adulthood. Therefore, nationwide preventive strategies were developed in each country to monitor protective social programs.For adulthood, job strain was focused on Karasek's job strain model, effort-reward imbalance, employment grade and working hours. These psychosocial stressors were shown to affect not only the physical health but also the mental health of working people. These days, since Karoshi and even suicide related to excessive workloads are taking a toll on workplace organization, stress-coping abilities such as a sense of coherence were introduced from the individual-social interaction aspect.For elderly status, retirement, caring for the elderly, and spouse bereavement were discussed as psychosocial stressors. Some evidence indicates that these stressors could be determiants of health. Finally, social supports have been demonstrated to promote health and protect the elderly against diseases and death.

Modulation of heart rate response to acute stressors throughout the breeding season in the king penguin Aptenodytes patagonicus.

PubMed

Viblanc, Vincent A; Smith, Andrew D; Gineste, Benoit; Kauffmann, Marion; Groscolas, René

2015-06-01

'Fight-or-flight' stress responses allow animals to cope adaptively to sudden threats by mobilizing energy resources and priming the body for action. Because such responses can be costly and redirect behavior and energy from reproduction to survival, they are likely to be shaped by specific life-history stages, depending on the available energy resources and the commitment to reproduction. Here, we consider how heart rate (HR) responses to acute stressors are affected by the advancing breeding season in a colonial seabird, the king penguin (Aptenodytes patagonicus). We subjected 77 birds (44 males, 33 females) at various stages of incubation and chick-rearing to three experimental stressors (metal sound, distant approach and capture) known to vary both in their intensity and associated risk, and monitored their HR responses. Our results show that HR increase in response to acute stressors was progressively attenuated with the stage of breeding from incubation to chick-rearing. Stress responses did not vary according to nutritional status or seasonal timing (whether breeding was initiated early or late in the season), but were markedly lower during chick-rearing than during incubation. This pattern was obvious for all three stressors. We discuss how 'fight-or-flight' responses may be modulated by considering the energy commitment to breeding, nutritional status and reproductive value of the brood in breeding seabirds. © 2015. Published by The Company of Biologists Ltd.

Kinetic modeling of electro-Fenton reaction in aqueous solution.

PubMed

Liu, H; Li, X Z; Leng, Y J; Wang, C

2007-03-01

To well describe the electro-Fenton (E-Fenton) reaction in aqueous solution, a new kinetic model was established according to the generally accepted mechanism of E-Fenton reaction. The model has special consideration on the rates of hydrogen peroxide (H(2)O(2)) generation and consumption in the reaction solution. The model also embraces three key operating factors affecting the organic degradation in the E-Fenton reaction, including current density, dissolved oxygen concentration and initial ferrous ion concentration. This analytical model was then validated by the experiments of phenol degradation in aqueous solution. The experiments demonstrated that the H(2)O(2) gradually built up with time and eventually approached its maximum value in the reaction solution. The experiments also showed that phenol was degraded at a slow rate at the early stage of the reaction, a faster rate during the middle stage, and a slow rate again at the final stage. It was confirmed in all experiments that the curves of phenol degradation (concentration vs. time) appeared to be an inverted "S" shape. The experimental data were fitted using both the normal first-order model and our new model, respectively. The goodness of fittings demonstrated that the new model could better fit the experimental data than the first-order model appreciably, which indicates that this analytical model can better describe the kinetics of the E-Fenton reaction mathematically and also chemically.

Deepwater Horizon oil spill impacts on sea turtles could span the Atlantic.

PubMed

Putman, Nathan F; Abreu-Grobois, F Alberto; Iturbe-Darkistade, Iñaky; Putman, Emily M; Richards, Paul M; Verley, Philippe

2015-12-01

We investigated the extent that the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill potentially affected oceanic-stage sea turtles from populations across the Atlantic. Within an ocean-circulation model, particles were backtracked from the Gulf of Mexico spill site to determine the probability of young turtles arriving in this area from major nesting beaches. The abundance of turtles in the vicinity of the oil spill was derived by forward-tracking particles from focal beaches and integrating population size, oceanic-stage duration and stage-specific survival rates. Simulations indicated that 321 401 (66 199-397 864) green (Chelonia mydas), loggerhead (Caretta caretta) and Kemp's ridley (Lepidochelys kempii) turtles were likely within the spill site. These predictions compared favourably with estimates from in-water observations recently made available to the public (though our initial predictions for Kemp's ridley were substantially lower than in-water estimates, better agreement was obtained with modifications to mimic behaviour of young Kemp's ridley turtles in the northern Gulf). Simulations predicted 75.2% (71.9-76.3%) of turtles came from Mexico, 14.8% (11-18%) from Costa Rica, 5.9% (4.8-7.9%) from countries in northern South America, 3.4% (2.4-3.5%) from the United States and 1.6% (0.6-2.0%) from West African countries. Thus, the spill's impacts may extend far beyond the current focus on the northern Gulf of Mexico. © 2015 The Authors.

Effects of simulated microgravity on otoliths growth and microstructure of Larval Zebrafish, Danio rerio

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Xiaoyan; Wang, Gaohong; Liu, Yongding

2012-07-01

Otolith is the vestibular endorgan that takes part in gravitational signal initiation. Environmental change can leave mark on otolith microstructure. In this study, we use zebrafish from embryo stage of 10hpf to middle larval stage of 12dpf to investigate the effect of microgravity on otolith development. It was found that otoliths size of microgravity group was larger than the control before 6dpf, but after that both groups kept nearly the same size. Surface scanning of otolith morphology with SEM showed that otolith of microgravity group were much smoother than the control. After etching with HCl, we found both groups formed daily increments, but microgravity group lack clear check marks in some special developmental stage. Widths between increments were wider, and granule shape was much sharper in microgravity group. Analysis of crystal orientation disclosed the increments of microgravity group formed irregularly. The surface etched with PKb also exhibited different granule size and orientation: the granules in the control had nearly the same size and direction, while the particles in microgravity were smaller and orientated differently along the translucent ring. The organic leftover were also found between layers in microgravity group. These results suggest that microgravity can affect otolith development, the component and structural mode of inorganic and organic parts change with different gravitation environment, which may be involved in orientation adjustment of SMS (Space Movement Sickness).

Effects of pyrite and sphalerite on population compositions, dynamics and copper extraction efficiency in chalcopyrite bioleaching process.

PubMed

Xiao, Yunhua; Liu, Xueduan; Dong, Weiling; Liang, Yili; Niu, Jiaojiao; Gu, Yabing; Ma, Liyuan; Hao, Xiaodong; Zhang, Xian; Xu, Zhen; Yin, Huaqun

2017-07-01

This study used an artificial microbial community with four known moderately thermophilic acidophiles (three bacteria including Acidithiobacillus caldus S1, Sulfobacillus thermosulfidooxidans ST and Leptospirillum ferriphilum YSK, and one archaea, Ferroplasma thermophilum L1) to explore the variation of microbial community structure, composition, dynamics and function (e.g., copper extraction efficiency) in chalcopyrite bioleaching (C) systems with additions of pyrite (CP) or sphalerite (CS). The community compositions and dynamics in the solution and on the ore surface were investigated by real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR). The results showed that the addition of pyrite or sphalerite changed the microbial community composition and dynamics dramatically during the chalcopyrite bioleaching process. For example, A. caldus (above 60%) was the dominant species at the initial stage in three groups, and at the middle stage, still dominated C group (above 70%), but it was replaced by L. ferriphilum (above 60%) in CP and CS groups; at the final stage, L. ferriphilum dominated C group, while F. thermophilum dominated CP group on the ore surface. Furthermore, the additions of pyrite or sphalerite both made the increase of redox potential (ORP) and the concentrations of Fe 3+ and H + , which would affect the microbial community compositions and copper extraction efficiency. Additionally, pyrite could enhance copper extraction efficiency (e.g., improving around 13.2% on day 6) during chalcopyrite bioleaching; on the contrary, sphalerite restrained it.

Divalent cation mobility throughout exponential growth and sporulation of Bacillus megaterium.

PubMed

Krueger, W B; Kolodziej, B J

1978-01-01

Each of the five elements considered was taken up by Bacillus megaterium during exponential growth. Initial Mg and Mn uptake was rapid and ended by mid-log. For Ca, Fe, and Zn, uptake continued throughout exponential growth. Elements were released from the cells immediately following initial uptake. For Mn, egression continued to t2, with release of 36% of total accumulated. Secondary uptake followed immediately and continued through stage V. Magnesium egression continued to t1 with release of 33% accumulated. Secondary uptake began by t5 (stage IV) and continued slowly through sporulation. Calcium egression ceased by t4 with release of 25% total accumulated. Secondary uptake began by t6 (stage V) and continued until depleted. Zinc egression stopped by t5 with release of 34% accumulated with some secondary uptake by stage V. Iron egression terminated at t4 with release of 59% of total accumulated. This was followed by secondary uptake after t12 (stage VI).

Clipping affects flowering of California poppy at two growth stages

Treesearch

Raymond D. Ratliff; Richard L. Hubbard

1975-01-01

The effects of clipping California-poppy (Eschscholzia californica Cham.) at various growth stages on plant survival, flowering, herbage yield, and root production were studied at the San Joaquin Experimental Range, in central California. Plants were clipped once to a 2-cm stubble at one of six stages. Through the early reproductive stage, a single...

The Effect of Aging on the Stages of Processing in a Choice Reaction Time Task

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Simon, J. Richard; Pouraghabagher, A. Reza

1978-01-01

Two experiments were conducted to determine the effect of aging on encoding and response selection stages of a choice reaction time task. Results suggested reducing stimulus discriminability may affect information processing prior to the encoding stage, but the encoding stage is the primary locus of the slowing which accompanied aging. (Author)