The International Polar Year, 2007-2008, an opportunity to focus on infectious diseases in Arctic regions.

PubMed

Parkinson, Alan J

2008-01-01

On 3 occasions over the past 125 years, scientists from around the world have worked together to organize scientific and exploration activities in polar regions (www.ipy.org). The first International Polar Year (IPY) in 1881-1884 marked the first major coordinated international scientific initiative to collect standardized meteorological and geophysical data in polar regions. Fifteen expeditions led by 12 nations amassed a large amount of data, but the scientific value was diminished by disjointed publication efforts and lack of long-term institutional commitment; lessons were learned and corrected in subsequent polar years. The second IPY began in 1932. Forty-four nations led expeditions in the Arctic and Antarctic, resulting in greater understanding of the aurora, magnetism, and meteorology. Air and marine navigation, radio operations, and weather forecasting were greatly improved as a result. The third IPY, in 1957-58, was renamed the International Geophysical Year and capitalized on technologic advances developed during World War II. Technologic and scientific momentum was redirected toward research, particularly to studies of the upper atmosphere, a legacy that continues to the present day. Notable achievements included launching the first satellite, measurement of atmospheric greenhouse gases, delineating the system of mid-ocean ridges, and confirming the theory of plate tectonics.

Indian Contribution to IPY Outreach Activities

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tiwari, M.; Ravindra, R.

2007-12-01

India is involved in a major way in both the aspects, i.e. scientific as well as outreach activities, of the International Polar Year (IPY) 2007-2008. National Centre for Antarctic & Ocean Research (NCAOR, under the Ministry of Earth Sciences, Government of India) is acting as the national coordinating agency. The launching of the Indian chapter of the IPY 2007-2008 took place at NCAOR and parallely at Jawaharlal Nehru National University (JNU), New Delhi on 1st March 2007. Two Indian scientific proposals have been endorsed by IPY, which are Project id. 70 and Project id. 129. Simultaneously, India is actively involved in the outreach activities related to IPY. NCAOR had sponsored the visit of two college students to Antarctica during the 25th Indian Antarctic Expedition (IAE). A series of lectures were delivered by one of them at more than twenty schools & colleges in the rural & suburban areas of Indian state of Maharashtra regarding the wonders of Antarctica to educate the general public and popularize polar science. NCAOR is the only Indian institute that has the capability to store and sample Antarctic ice core with special Cold Room facility that is maintained at -20°C. Students from several schools and colleges and scientists/visitors from various Indian institutes/foreign countries have visited NCAOR to get first hand experience of polar research. NCAOR has also collaborated with WWF-India (World Wide Fund for Nature) for carrying out the outreach activities to schools throughout the vast expanses of India. In this regard a calendar of event was released on 1st March 2007, which lists various competitions and activities that will be held during 2007-2008. It includes competitions such as poster & model making, stamp designing, petition writing etc. for school children. The first competition, poster making & slogan writing, was held at New Delhi on April 10, 2007 and prizes were distributed by the H'ble Minister of Science & Technology and Earth Sciences on the Earth Day. Further under the aegis of IPY 2007-2008, a 14 year old Indian student from Father Agnel School, New Delhi was selected by the Canadian organization, Student On Ice, for their annual Arctic expedition that was held from August 2nd to 17th, 2007. The participants were accompanied by an international team of polar scientists, experts and educators. The participant on return will share their experiences with fellow students to introduce them to a world unknown to them. Further, NCAOR has supplied audio-visual & printed material on polar science to Nehru Science Centre (unit of National council of Science Museums, Ministry of Culture, Government of India) which is organizing exhibitions on the theme ¡§The Story of Poles¡¨ focusing on geography, environment, flora, fauna, people & importance of poles along with issues related to poles such as ozone hole, global warming etc. the exhibition will consist of graphical panels, 3D interactive exhibits, animations, charts, 3D models, computer kiosks etc. Financial sponsorship has been extended to Goa Science Centre, India & Geographical Society of the Northeast Hill Region, India for popularizing polar science and other aims of IPY to general public. Moreover, under the "Popular Book Series" initiative of the Ministry of Earth Sciences, a book entitled "Story of Antarctica" is under publication by NCAOR. Similar books on "Story of the Oceans" and "Glaciers - The Rivers of Ice" have already been published & distributed to students in different states of India. Further details can be had at the National Centre for Antarctic and Ocean Research website (www.ncaor.gov.in).

Building AN International Polar Data Coordination Network

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pulsifer, P. L.; Yarmey, L.; Manley, W. F.; Gaylord, A. G.; Tweedie, C. E.

2013-12-01

In the spirit of the World Data Center system developed to manage data resulting from the International Geophysical Year of 1957-58, the International Polar Year 2007-2009 (IPY) resulted in significant progress towards establishing an international polar data management network. However, a sustained international network is still evolving. In this paper we argue that the fundamental building blocks for such a network exist and that the time is right to move forward. We focus on the Arctic component of such a network with linkages to Antarctic network building activities. A review of an important set of Network building blocks is presented: i) the legacy of the IPY data and information service; ii) global data management services with a polar component (e.g. World Data System); iii) regional systems (e.g. Arctic Observing Viewer; iv) nationally focused programs (e.g. Arctic Observing Viewer, Advanced Cooperative Arctic Data and Information Service, Polar Data Catalogue, Inuit Knowledge Centre); v) programs focused on the local (e.g. Exchange for Local Observations and Knowledge of the Arctic, Geomatics and Cartographic Research Centre). We discuss current activities and results with respect to three priority areas needed to establish a strong and effective Network. First, a summary of network building activities reports on a series of productive meetings, including the Arctic Observing Summit and the Polar Data Forum, that have resulted in a core set of Network nodes and participants and a refined vision for the Network. Second, we recognize that interoperability for information sharing fundamentally relies on the creation and adoption of community-based data description standards and data delivery mechanisms. There is a broad range of interoperability frameworks and specifications available; however, these need to be adapted for polar community needs. Progress towards Network interoperability is reviewed, and a prototype distributed data systems is demonstrated. We discuss remaining challenges. Lastly, to establish a sustainable Arctic Data Coordination Network (ADCN) as part of a broader polar Network will require adequate continued resources. We conclude by outlining proposed business models for the emerging Arctic Data Coordination Network and a broader polar Network.

Scientists as Correspondents: Exploratorium "Ice Stories" for International Polar Year Project Educational Outreach

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

McGillivary, P. A.; Fall, K. R.; Miller, M.; Higdon, R.; Andrews, M.; O'Donnell, K.

2008-12-01

As part of the 2007-2009 International Polar Year (IPY), an educational outreach developed by the Exploratorium science museum of San Francisco builds on prior high latitude programs to: 1) create public awareness of IPY research; 2) increase public understanding of the scientific process; and, 3) stimulate a new relationship between scientists and outreach. Funded by the National Science Foundation, a key "Ice Stories" innovation is to facilitate "scientist correspondents" reporting directly to the public. To achieve this, scientists were furnished multimedia equipment and training to produce material for middle school students to adults. Scientists submitted blogs of text, images, and video from the field which were edited, standardized for format, and uploaded by Exploratorium staff, who coordinated website content and management. Online links to educational partner institutions and programs from prior Exploratorium high latitude programs will extend "Ice Stories" site visits beyond the @250,000 unique in-house users/year to more than 28 million webpage users/year overall. We review relevant technical issues, the variety of scientist participation, and what worked best and recommendations for similar efforts in the future as a legacy for the IPY.

Leveraging the International Polar Year Legacy: Providing Historical Perspective for IPY Education, Outreach and Communication Efforts

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tsukernik, M.; McCaffrey, M. S.

2006-12-01

As the International Polar Year 2007-2008 (IPY) is fast approaching, it is important to look back and learn from the previous experience. Over 125 years ago, when an Austrian explorer and naval officer Lt. Karl Weyprecht called for an international yearlong intensive effort to study the Polar Regions, he probably never imagined that his model for international collaboration would become so widely popular. Frustrated by the lack of coordinated, international collaboration in research activities, Weyprecht proposed an intensive burst of research activity over the course of at least a year. The first IPY began in 1882 with 12 nations establishing 13 stations in the Arctic and 2 in the Southern Hemisphere. The initial yearlong plan did not go beyond data collection. However, the idea lived in the minds of scientists worldwide and the second IPY followed the first one 50 years later. By 1932, technology evolved significantly, and on top of ground-based meteorological and geophysical measurements, data collection also included radiosonde and acoustic atmospheric measurements. Occurring during a global economic depression, and between world wars, the second IPY faced many challenges. However, 40 permanent stations were established, some of which are still active. Scientific exploration also reached remote frontiers from Antarctica to the Earth's ionosphere. Less than a decade after the WWII, the idea of the next IPY started to circulate in scientific circles. The world was focused on space exploration and the word "polar" seemed too narrow for the gigantic projects planned for the 1957. That is why the initial idea of the third IPY evolved into the International Geophysical Year (IGY), although polar regions were still a major focus. The success of the IGY is almost overwhelming the first Earth orbiting satellites, a traverse of Antarctica, a discovery of the Radiation Belt, a series of science education films about IGY activities and research themes are just a few examples. In addition to the scientific breakthroughs, the IGY was an extremely successful political event. In the middle of the Cold War, scientists from competing countries had a unique chance to meet and share their research ideas. This peaceful collaboration resulted in 1961 signing of the Antarctic Treaty, protecting the sixth continent for scientific, non-military research. Many AGU scientists indicate that the IGY educational programs, along with the rapid development of science and technology following the IGY inspired their career choice.

The International Heliophysical Year

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Thompson, Barbara J.

2007-01-01

In 1957 a program of international research, inspired by the International Polar Years of 1882 and 1932, was organized as the International Geophysical Year (IGY) to study global phenomena of the Earth and geospace. Fifty years later, the world s space science community will again come together for international programs of scientific collaboration: the International Heliophysical Year (IHY), the Electronic Geophysical Year (eGY), and the International Polar Year (IPY) 2007. This time, research will extend out into the Heliosphere to focus on solar-terrestrial-planetary interactions. The ambitious plans for the IHY, eGY and IPY incorporate the activities of scientists in 191 nations, as well as the IGY Gold Historical Preservation initiative, plus a series of coordinated campaigns involving more than 100 instruments and models, education and public outreach programs, a developing nations instrument development program, and opportunities for supported research worldwide. The presentation will focus on the efforts and operations which will make these activities possible.

ANDRILL Education and Public Outreach: A Legacy of the IPY

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rack, F. R.; Huffman, L. T.; Reed, J.; Harwood, D. M.; Berg, M.; Diamond, J.; Fox, A.; Dahlman, L. E.; Levy, R. H.

2009-12-01

ANDRILL field projects during the IPY included the McMurdo Ice Shelf (MIS) and Southern McMurdo Sound (SMS) drilling projects, and the Mackay Sea Valley (MSV) and Offshore New Harbor (ONH) seismic surveys. ANDRILL's international network of scientists, engineers, students and educators work together to convey an understanding of geoscience research and the process of science to non-technical audiences. ANDRILL education and public outreach (EPO) program goals are to: (1) promote environmental and polar science literacy for all audiences; (2) develop and disseminate engaging resources for formal and informal education; (3) develop and nurture a network of polar science educators; (4) spark the curiosity of students and the general public; (5) encourage students to pursue careers in science; (6) challenge misconceptions about scientific research; (7) provide professional development opportunities for educators; and, (8) encourage inquiry teaching in science education. During the IPY, ANDRILL established partnerships with several IPY projects to enhance science literacy and promote the IPY in formal and informal education and outreach venues. ANDRILL-led initiatives include the ARISE (ANDRILL Research Immersion for Science Educators) Program, Project Iceberg, the FLEXHIBIT (FLEXible exHIBIT; in partnership with Antarctica’s Climate Secrets/IPY Engaging Antarctica), and the Project Circle. ANDRILL partnerships developed with several museums and school districts for teacher professional development workshops and a variety of public events. A polar learning community was created from the ARISE participants and their many contacts, the Project Circle participants, and interested educators who contacted ANDRILL. EPO activities are continuing in the post-IPY period with additional funding. The ARISE program has been successful in building a team of educators and a network of international collaborations across grade levels and cultures. The ANDRILL website has expanded to include project outcomes, video journals, ARISE blogs, and other resources. The web pages continue to provide key educational outcomes by providing resources for students, teachers and the general public. The FLEXHIBIT banners and posters focus on five (5) Antarctic themes with a booklet of polar science activities. The banners are translated into German, Italian, French, Spanish, and Kiwi English with Maori subheadings. Smaller FLEXHIBIT posters with activities on the backs have been bundled into Teachers Packets that include two DVDs of ANDRILL’s educational content. The FLEXHIBIT posters have been translated into Italian, Spanish and Arabic. ANDRILL has demonstrated the value of EPO and has invested time and resources to improve polar and climate science literacy. ANDRILL’s EPO efforts give teachers, students and the public exposure to key scientific findings regarding climate change and the new knowledge interpreted from the ANDRILL cores.

Reaching out to students across India under IPY

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tiwari, M.; Ravindra, R.

2009-04-01

India is actively involved in the scientific as well as the outreach activities related to IPY with National Centre for Antarctic & Ocean Research (NCAOR) as the national coordinating agency. The purpose of the Indian IPY outreach activities is to educate general public, especially school children, about Poles & specifically about Indian scientific activities that are being carried out there. It becomes an uphill task considering the vast population & area of India. To achieve this, NCAOR in collaboration with WWF-India (World Wide Fund for Nature) is organizing various activities that include competitions such as poster & model making, stamp designing, petition writing etc. for school children. NCAOR has also supplied audio-visual & printed material on polar science for organizing exhibitions that focus on geography, environment, flora, fauna, people & importance of poles along with issues related to poles such as ozone hole, global warming etc. Moreover, a popular book entitled "Story of Antarctica" is published by NCAOR & distributed to students in different states of India. To further give impetus to our outreach efforts & to engage more students, an innovative Soccer Tournament called Sub-Zero Soccer was arranged for College students, which received very enthusiastic response. The main objective is to generate awareness among the youth by engaging them in sports and culture as this is very close to their heart and appeals to them. NCAOR also has a specific student participation program in Indian Antarctic Expeditions & students on return share their experiences with other students through lectures etc. To mark the end of IPY, a whole lot of activities are being planned for the last week of February that would include street plays, lectures, question & answer sessions etc.

Stereotactic Radiosurgery for Melanoma Brain Metastases in Patients Receiving Ipilimumab: Safety Profile and Efficacy of Combined Treatment

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

Kiess, Ana P.; Department of Radiation Oncology, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York; Wolchok, Jedd D.

2015-06-01

Purpose: Ipilimumab (Ipi), a monoclonal antibody against cytotoxic T-lymphocyte antigen-4, has been shown to improve survival in patients with metastatic melanoma. In this single-institution study, we investigated the safety and efficacy of stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) for patients with melanoma brain metastases (BMs) who also received Ipi. Methods and Materials: From 2005 to 2011, 46 patients with melanoma received Ipi and underwent single-fraction SRS for BMs. A total of 113 BMs (91% intact, 9% postoperative) were treated with a median dose of 21 Gy (range, 15-24 Gy). Ipi was given at 3 mg/kg (54%) or 10 mg/kg (46%) for a median of 4 doses (range,more » 1-21). Adverse events were recorded with the use of the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events 3.0. Kaplan-Meier methods were used to estimate survival, and Cox regression was used to investigate associations. Results: Fifteen patients received SRS during Ipi, 19 received SRS before Ipi, and 12 received SRS after Ipi. Overall survival (OS) was significantly associated with the timing of SRS/Ipi (P=.035) and melanoma-specific graded prognostic assessment (P=.013). Patients treated with SRS during or before Ipi had better OS and less regional recurrence than did those treated with SRS after Ipi (1-year OS 65% vs 56% vs 40%, P=.008; 1-year regional recurrence 69% vs 64% vs 92%, P=.003). SRS during Ipi also yielded a trend toward less local recurrence than did SRS before or after Ipi (1-year local recurrence 0% vs 13% vs 11%, P=.21). On magnetic resonance imaging, an increase in BM diameter to >150% was seen in 50% of patients treated during or before Ipi but in only 13% of patients treated after Ipi. Grade 3 to 4 toxicities were seen in 20% of patients. Conclusion: Overall, the combination of Ipi and SRS appears to be well tolerated. Concurrent delivery of Ipi and SRS is associated with favorable locoregional control and possibly longer survival. It may also cause a temporary increase in tumor size, possibly because of an enhanced immunomodulatory effect.« less

A Role of hIPI3 in DNA Replication Licensing in Human Cells.

PubMed

Huang, Yining; Amin, Aftab; Qin, Yan; Wang, Ziyi; Jiang, Huadong; Liang, Lu; Shi, Linjing; Liang, Chun

2016-01-01

The yeast Ipi3p is required for DNA replication and cell viability in Sacharomyces cerevisiae. It is an essential component of the Rix1 complex (Rix1p/Ipi2p-Ipi1p-Ipi3p) that is required for the processing of 35S pre-rRNA in pre-60S ribosomal particles and for the initiation of DNA replication. The human IPI3 homolog is WDR18 (WD repeat domain 18), which shares significant homology with yIpi3p. Here we report that knockdown of hIPI3 resulted in substantial defects in the chromatin association of the MCM complex, DNA replication, cell cycle progression and cell proliferation. Importantly, hIPI3 silencing did not result in a reduction of the protein level of hCDC6, hMCM7, or the ectopically expressed GFP protein, indicating that protein synthesis was not defective in the same time frame of the DNA replication and cell cycle defects. Furthermore, the mRNA and protein levels of hIPI3 fluctuate in the cell cycle, with the highest levels from M phase to early G1 phase, similar to other pre-replicative (pre-RC) proteins. Moreover, hIPI3 interacts with other replication-initiation proteins, co-localizes with hMCM7 in the nucleus, and is important for the nuclear localization of hMCM7. We also found that hIPI3 preferentially binds to the origins of DNA replication including those at the c-Myc, Lamin-B2 and β-Globin loci. These results indicate that hIPI3 is involved in human DNA replication licensing independent of its role in ribosome biogenesis.

Information And Data-Sharing Plan of IPY China Activity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, X.; Cheng, W.

2007-12-01

Polar Data-Sharing is an effective resolution to global system and polar science problems and to interdisciplinary and sustainable study, as well as an important means to deal with IPY scientific heritages and realize IPY goals. Corresponding to IPY Data-Sharing policies, Information and Data-Sharing Plan was listed in five sub-plans of IPY Chinese Programme launched in March, 2007,they are Scientific research program of the Prydz Bay, Amery Ice Shelf and Dome A transects(short title:'PANDA'), the Arctic Scientific Research Expedition Plan, International Cooperation Plan, Information and Data-Sharing Plan, Education and Outreach. China, since the foundation of Antarctic Zhongshan Station in 1989, has carried out systematic scientific expeditions and researches in Larsemann Hills, Prydz Bay and the neighbouring sea areas, organized 14 Prydz Bay oceanographic investigations, 3 Amery Ice Shelf expeditions, 4 Grove Mountains expeditions and 5 inland ice cap scientific expeditions. 2 comprehensive oceanographic investigations in the Arctic Ocean were conducted in 1999 and 2003, acquired a large amount of data and samples in PANDA section and fan areas of Pacific Ocean in the Arctic Ocean. A mechanism of basic data submitting ,sharing and archiving has been gradually set up since 2000. Presently, Polar Science Database and Polar Sample Resource Sharing Platform of China with the aim of sharing polar data and samples has been initially established and began to provide sharing service to domestic and oversea users. According to IPY Chinese Activity, 2 scientific expeditions in the Arctic Ocean, 3 in the South Ocean, 2 at Amery Ice Shelf, 1 on Grove Mountains and 2 inland ice cap expeditions on Dome A will be carried out during IPY period. According to the experiences accumulated in the past and the jobs in the future, the Information and Data- Sharing Plan, during 2007-2010, will save, archive, and provide exchange and sharing services upon the data obtained by scientific expeditions on the site of IPY Chinese Programme. Meanwhile, focusing on areas in east Antarctic Dome A-Grove Mountain-Zhongshan Station-Amery Ice Shelf-Prydz Bay Section and the fan areas of Pacific Ocean in the Arctic Ocean, the Plan will also collect and integrate IPY data and historical data and establish database of PANDA Section and the Arctic Ocean. The details are as follows: On the basis of integrating the observed data acquired during the expeditions of China, the Plan will, adopting portal technology, develop 5 subject databases (English version included):(1) Database of Zhongshan Station- Dome A inner land ice cap section;(2) Database of interaction of ocean-ice-atmosphere-ice shelf in east Antarctica;(3) Database of geological and glaciological advance and retreat evolvement in Grove Mountains; (4) Database of Solar Terrestrial Physics at Zhongshan Station; (5) Oceanographic database of fan area of Pacific Ocean in the Arctic Ocean. CN-NADC of PRIC is the institute which assumes the responsibility for the Plan, specifically, it coordinates and organizes the operation of the Plan which includes data management, developing the portal of data and information sharing, and international exchanges. The specific assignments under the Plan will be carried out by research institutes under CAS (Chinese Academy of Sciences), SOA ( State Oceanic Administration), State Bureau of Surveying and Mapping and Ministry of Education.

Ice Velocity Mapping in Antarctica - Towards a Virtual Satellite Constellation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Scheuchl, B.; Mouginot, J.; Rignot, E. J.; Crevier, Y.

2013-12-01

Ice sheets are acknowledged by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) and the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) as an Essential Climate Variable (ECV) needed to make significant progress in the generation of global climate products and derived information. Ice velocity is a crucial geophysical parameter that can be measured using spaceborne Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) data. Here, we report on an update to available Earth System Data Records (ESDR) of ice velocity in Antarctica based on data from a suite of spaceborne (SAR) sensors and provide an overview on international coordination in an effort to best utilize the available SAR satellites. Building on the first complete mapping of the flow of ice surface over the Antarctic continent using data predominantly acquired during IPY, we are working on a series of regional studies analyzing data from several different epochs. The analysis of velocity changes between discrete measurements requires even more careful data processing in order to be able to accurately measure subtle changes. Examples for Larsen-C and the Amundsen Sea Embayment will be presented. Data continuity is a crucial aspect to this work, particularly in light of the fact that 4 SAR missions have ceased operations since IPY and all available missions have a primary mandate that is not scientific data collection. Following the successful internationally coordinated SAR data acquisitions over ice sheets during the International Polar Year 2007/2008, efforts are undertaken to continue data acquisitions in the spirit of collaboration. The Polar Space Task Group (PSTG) is succeeding the IPY coordinating body of international space agencies, Space Task Group (STG). The PSTG SAR Coordination Working Group was created to address the issue of SAR data acquisitions in the cryosphere. A review of ice sheet requirements was undertaken by the science community, presented to PSTG, and followed up with a set of sensor specific recommendations. PSTG includes this information in coordinated acquisition planning going forward. In 2013 the Canadian Space Agency committed RADARSAT-2 to a large scale Antarctic data acquisition campaign. This effort will be supported in the near future by the European Space Agency and the Japan Space Exploration Agency once Sentinel-1 and ALOS-2 are launched. In addition, the German Space Agency and the Italian Space Agency acquire high resolution SAR data in high priority sites. We provide an overview of high-level plans and show first results from the RADARSAT-2 campaign. Data analysis and ESDR production is conducted at the Department of Earth System Science, University of California Irvine under a contract with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration's MEaSUREs program. Spaceborne SAR data are made available courtesy of the Polar Space Task Group.

Validation of the NCCN-IPI for diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL): the addition of β2 -microglobulin yields a more accurate GELTAMO-IPI.

PubMed

Montalbán, Carlos; Díaz-López, Antonio; Dlouhy, Ivan; Rovira, Jordina; Lopez-Guillermo, Armando; Alonso, Sara; Martín, Alejandro; Sancho, Juan M; García, Olga; Sánchez, Jose M; Rodríguez, Mario; Novelli, Silvana; Salar, Antonio; Gutiérrez, Antonio; Rodríguez-Salazar, Maria J; Bastos, Mariana; Domínguez, Juan F; Fernández, Rubén; Gonzalez de Villambrosia, Sonia; Queizan, José A; Córdoba, Raul; de Oña, Raquel; López-Hernandez, Andrés; Freue, Julian M; Garrote, Heidys; López, Lourdes; Martin-Moreno, Ana M; Rodriguez, Jose; Abraira, Víctor; García, Juan F

2017-03-01

The study included 1848 diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL)patients treated with chemotherapy/rituximab. The aims were to validate the National Comprehensive Cancer Network International Prognostic Index (NCCN-IPI) and explore the effect of adding high Beta-2 microglobulin (β2M), primary extranodal presentation and intense treatment to the NCCN-IPI variables in order to develop an improved index. Comparing survival curves, NCCN-IPI discriminated better than IPI, separating four risk groups with 5-year overall survival rates of 93%, 83%, 67% and 49%, but failing to identify a true high-risk population. For the second aim the series was split into training and validation cohorts: in the former the multivariate model identified age, lactate dehydrogenase, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status, Stage III-IV, and β2M as independently significant, whereas the NCCN-IPI-selected extranodal sites, primary extranodal presentation and intense treatments were not. These results were confirmed in the validation cohort. The Grupo Español de Linfomas/Trasplante de Médula ósea (GELTAMO)-IPI developed here, with 7 points, significantly separated four risk groups (0, 1-3, 4 or ≥5 points) with 11%, 58%, 17% and 14% of patients, and 5-year overall survival rates of 93%, 79%, 66% and 39%, respectively. In the comparison GELTAMO IPI discriminated better than the NCCN-IPI. In conclusion, GELTAMO-IPI is more accurate than the NCCN-IPI and has statistical and practical advantages in that the better discrimination identifies an authentic high-risk group and is not influenced by primary extranodal presentation or treatments of different intensity. © 2017 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Functional Proteomic Analysis of Lipid Raft Kinase Complexes

DTIC Science & Technology

2009-08-01

Ribosomal protein SA Raft 12 46/300 + 16.0 8.0 2.0 18 8 2.3 14 6 2.3 712 + + IPI00023101 RQCD1 Homo sapiens protein involved in sexual development...KnownHuman 17-ODYA IPI00065486 ABCB6 CDNA FLJ32464 fis, clone SKNMC1000251, highly similar to Homo sapiens MT-ABCtransporter (MTABC) mRNA IPI00006675...3.7 : 0 + + IPI00023101 RQCD1 Homo sapiens protein involved in sexual development, complete cds + + IPI00021766 RTN4 Isoform 1 of Reticulon-4 12

Fin whale tracks recorded by a seismic network on the Juan de Fuca Ridge, Northeast Pacific Ocean.

PubMed

Soule, Dax C; Wilcock, William S D

2013-03-01

Fin whale calls recorded from 2003 to 2004 by a seafloor seismic network on the Endeavour segment of the Juan de Fuca Ridge were analyzed to determine tracks and calling patterns. Over 150 tracks were obtained with a total duration of ~800 h and swimming speeds from 1 to 12 km/h. The dominant inter-pulse interval (IPI) is 24 s and the IPI patterns define 4 categories: a 25 s single IPI and 24/30 s dual IPI produced by single calling whales, a 24/13 s dual IPI interpreted as two calling whales, and an irregular IPI interpreted as groups of calling whales. There are also tracks in which the IPI switches between categories. Call rates vary seasonally with all the tracks between August and April. From August to October tracks are dominated by the irregular IPI and are predominantly headed to the northwest, suggesting that a portion of the fin whale population does not migrate south in the fall. The other IPI categories occur primarily from November to March. These tracks have slower swimming speeds, tend to meander, and are predominantly to the south. The distribution of fin whales around the network is non-random with more calls near the network and to the east and north.

The IPY 2007-2008 data legacy - creating open data from IPY publications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Driemel, A.; Grobe, H.; Diepenbroek, M.; Grüttemeier, H.; Schumacher, S.; Sieger, R.

2015-09-01

The International Polar Year (IPY) 2007-2008 was a synchronized effort to simultaneously collect data from polar regions. Being the fourth in a series of IPYs, the demand for interdisciplinarity and new data products was high. However, despite all the research done on land, people, ocean, ice and atmosphere and the large amount of data collected, no central archive or portal was created for IPY data. In order to improve the availability and visibility of IPY data, a concerted effort between PANGAEA - Data Publisher for Earth and Environmental Science, the International Council for Science (ICSU) World Data System (WDS), and the International Council for Scientific and Technical Information (ICSTI) was undertaken to extract data resulting from IPY publications for long-term preservation. Overall, 1380 IPY-related references were collected. Of these, only 450 contained accessible data. All data were extracted, quality checked, annotated with metadata and uploaded to PANGAEA. The 450 articles dealt with a multitude of IPY topics - plankton biomass, water chemistry, ice thickness, whale sightings, Inuit health, alien species introductions by travellers or tundra biomass change, to mention just a few. Both the Arctic and the Antarctic were investigated in the articles, and all realms (land, people, ocean, ice and atmosphere) and a wide range of countries were covered. The data compilation can now be found with the identifier http://dx.doi.org/10.1594/PANGAEA.150150, and individual parts can be searched using the PANGAEA search engine (http://www.pangaea.de) and adding "+project:ipy". With this effort, we hope to improve the visibility, accessibility and long-term storage of IPY data for future research and new data products.

The Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research (SCAR) in the IPY 2007-2009

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kennicutt, M. C.; Wilson, T. J.; Summerhayes, C.

2005-05-01

The Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research (SCAR) initiates, develops, and coordinates international scientific research in the Antarctic region. SCAR is assuming a leadership position in the IPY primarily through its five major Scientific Research Programs; ACE, SALE, EBA, AGCS, and ICESTAR; which will be briefly described.Antarctic Climate Evolution (ACE) promotes the exchange of data and ideas between research groups focusing on the evolution of Antarctica's climate system and ice sheet. The program will: (1) quantitatively assess the climate and glacial history of Antarctica; (2) identify the processes which govern Antarctic change and feed back around the globe; (3) improve our ability to model past changes in Antarctica; and (4)document past change to predict future change in Antarctica. Subglacial Antarctic Lake Environments (SALE) promotes, facilitates, and champions cooperation and collaboration in the exploration and study of subglacial environments in Antarctica. SALE intends to understand the complex interplay of biological, geological, chemical, glaciological, and physical processes within subglacial lake environments through coordinated international research teams. Evolution and Biodiversity in the Antarctic (EBA) will use a suite of modern techniques and interdisciplinary approaches, to explore the evolutionary history of selected modern Antarctic biota, examine how modern biological diversity in the Antarctic influences the way present-day ecosystems function, and thereby predict how the biota may respond to future environmental change. Antarctica and the Global Climate System (AGCS) will investigate the nature of the atmospheric and oceanic linkages between the climate of the Antarctic and the rest of the Earth system, and the mechanisms involved therein. A combination of modern instrumented records of atmospheric and oceanic conditions, and the climate signals held within ice cores will be used to understand past and future climate variability and change in the Antarctic as a result of natural and anthropogenic forcings over the last 100,000 years. Interhemispheric Conjugacy Effects in Solar-Terrestrial and Aeronomy Research (ICESTAR) will study the interactions between and collective behavior of the many component parts of the Earth system, including the interaction between the natural environment and human society. Objectives include specification and prediction of the state of the system and assimilation and integration of data from disparate sources to understand the complex geospace environment.

Standard International prognostic index remains a valid predictor of outcome for patients with aggressive CD20+ B-cell lymphoma in the rituximab era.

PubMed

Ziepert, Marita; Hasenclever, Dirk; Kuhnt, Evelyn; Glass, Bertram; Schmitz, Norbert; Pfreundschuh, Michael; Loeffler, Markus

2010-05-10

The International Prognostic Index (IPI) is widely used for risk stratification of patients with aggressive B-cell lymphoma. The introduction of rituximab has markedly improved outcome, and R-CHOP (rituximab + cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, prednisone) has become the standard treatment for CD20(+) diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. To investigate whether the IPI has maintained its power for risk stratification when rituximab is combined with CHOP, we analyzed the prognostic relevance of IPI in three prospective clinical trials. In total, 1,062 patients treated with rituximab were included (MabThera International Trial [MInT], 380 patients; dose-escalated regimen of cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, etoposide, and prednisone (MegaCHOEP) trial, 72 patients; CHOP + rituximab for patients older than age 60 years [RICOVER-60] trial, 610 patients). A multivariate proportional hazards modeling was performed for single IPI factors under rituximab on event-free, progression-free, and overall survival. IPI score was significant for all three end points. Rituximab significantly improved treatment outcome within each IPI group resulting in a quenching of the Kaplan-Meier estimators. However, IPI was a significant prognostic factor in all three end points and the ordering of the IPI groups remained valid. The relative risk estimates of single IPI factors and their order in patients treated with R-CHOP were similar to those found with CHOP. The effects of rituximab were superimposed on the effects of CHOP with no interactions between chemotherapy and antibody therapy. These results demonstrate that the IPI is still valid in the R-CHOP era.

The Impact of Computing Interpregnancy Intervals Without Accounting for Intervening Pregnancy Events.

PubMed

Conzuelo-Rodriguez, Gabriel; Naimi, Ashley I

2018-03-01

Short interpregnancy intervals (IPI) are associated with poor birth outcomes. Often, only livebirths are considered to estimate IPI. The objective of our work is to explore whether the associations between demographic, behavioural, and pregnancy variables and IPI change when events other than livebirth are included. We used data from the 2006-10 and 2011-13 period of the National Survey of Family Growth (NSFG). We defined IPI using the conception date of the index pregnancy and the event date of the previous one ending in (i) livebirth; (ii) stillbirth; (iii) miscarriage; (iv) abortion; or (v) any of these events. Risk ratios (RR) were estimated for short IPI (<18 months), and demographic, pregnancy, and behavioural variables using log-linear models. When intervening events are included, the association between short IPI and its predictors vary by definition, especially for unintended versus intended pregnancies (only livebirth risk ratio [RR] 1.34, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.2, 1.5) versus livebirth and miscarriage RR 1.14, 95% CI 1.0, 1.3) and women older than 30 vs. younger than 20 at resolution of the previous pregnancy (only livebirth RR 1.22, 95% CI 1.0, 1.5 versus livebirth and miscarriage RR 1.36, 95% CI 1.2, 1.6). Including miscarriage as an intervening event in the calculation of IPI changes the association between several risk factors and short IPI. However, the association between short IPI and preterm birth does not vary when different IPI calculations are used. © 2018 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Unintended pregnancy and interpregnancy interval by maternal age, National Survey of Family Growth.

PubMed

Ahrens, Katherine A; Thoma, Marie E; Copen, Casey E; Frederiksen, Brittni N; Decker, Emily J; Moskosky, Susan

2018-03-01

The relationship between unintended pregnancy and interpregnancy interval (IPI) across maternal age is not clear. Using data from the National Survey of Family Growth, we estimated the percentages of pregnancies that were unintended among IPI groups (<6, 6-11, 12-17, 18-23, 24+ months) by maternal age at last live birth (15-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-44 years). Approximately 40% of pregnancies were unintended and 36% followed an IPI<18 months. Within each maternal age group, the percentage of pregnancies that were unintended decreased as IPI increased. Unintended pregnancies are associated with shorter IPI across the reproductive age spectrum. Published by Elsevier Inc.

Identification, Characterization, and Utilization of Adult Meniscal Progenitor Cells

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-09-01

SMURF2 IPI00329664 30,9 7,9 16,2 3,7 COL1A1 IPI00304962 409,2 83,5 398,4 22,0 ACAN IPI00027377 86,7 54,6 100,7 25,8 COL6A2 IPI00983601 28,5 6,4 34,4...GGGTTCAGAGTGTTGTACAGTCC-30 NM_003239.2 RUNX2 50-TTCCAGACCAGCAGCACTC-30 50-CAGCGTCAACACCATCATT-30 NM_004348 COL1A1 50-TTCCCCCAGCCACAAAGAGTC-30 50

Motor Unit Interpulse Intervals During High Force Contractions.

PubMed

Stock, Matt S; Thompson, Brennan J

2016-01-01

We examined the means, medians, and variability for motor-unit interpulse intervals (IPIs) during voluntary, high force contractions. Eight men (mean age = 22 years) attempted to perform isometric contractions at 90% of their maximal voluntary contraction force while bipolar surface electromyographic (EMG) signals were detected from the vastus lateralis and vastus medialis muscles. Surface EMG signal decomposition was used to determine the recruitment thresholds and IPIs of motor units that demonstrated accuracy levels ≥ 96.0%. Motor units with high recruitment thresholds demonstrated longer mean IPIs, but the coefficients of variation were similar across all recruitment thresholds. Polynomial regression analyses indicated that for both muscles, the relationship between the means and standard deviations of the IPIs was linear. The majority of IPI histograms were positively skewed. Although low-threshold motor units were associated with shorter IPIs, the variability among motor units with differing recruitment thresholds was comparable.

International Polar Year: Science at the Ends of the Earth

USGS Publications Warehouse

,

2007-01-01

In response to unprecedented changes in the fragile polar regions of our planet, the International Polar Year (IPY) 2007-2008 will encompass many scientific studies designed to improve our understanding of polar change and its effects on Earth's ecosystems and people. For 2 years, U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) researchers will don arctic gear and join scientists from more than 60 countries to conduct coordinated research and analysis in the Arctic and Antarctic. Polar regions play a critical role in the global climate system-and changing conditions in these often remote areas greatly affect biological, atmospheric, and human systems around the world. In the 50 years since the last IPY, scientists have seen that Antarctic ice shelves and glaciers worldwide are thinning and retreating, permafrost is thawing, and Arctic sea-ice cover is decreasing. The loss of sea-ice cover adversely affects marine mammal populations and leaves coastal Alaskan villages vulnerable to winter storm erosion. Thawing permafrost threatens the integrity of roads, buildings, and other vulnerable infrastructure and affects the mobility of local populations.

Wildlife, Snow, Coffee, and Video: The IPY Activities of the University of Alaska Young Researchers' Network

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pringle, D.; Alvarez-Aviles, L.; Carlson, D.; Harbeck, J.; Druckenmiller, M.; Newman, K.; Mueller, D.; Petrich, C.; Roberts, A.; Wang, Y.

2007-12-01

The University of Alaska International Polar Year (IPY) Young Researchers' Network is a group of graduate students and postdoctoral fellows. Our interdisciplinary group operates as a volunteer network to promote the International Polar Year through education and outreach aimed at the general public and Alaskan students of all ages. The Young Researchers' Network sponsors and organizes science talks or Science Cafés by guest speakers in public venues such as coffee shops and bookstores. We actively engage high school students in IPY research concerning the ionic concentrations and isotopic ratios of precipitation through Project Snowball. Our network provides hands-on science activities to encourage environmental awareness and initiate community wildlife monitoring programs such as Wildlife Day by Day. We mentor individual high school students pursuing their own research projects related to IPY through the Alaska High School Science Symposium. Our group also interacts with the general public at community events and festivals to share the excitement of IPY for example at the World Ice Art Championship and Alaska State Fair. The UA IPY Young Researchers' Network continues to explore new partnerships with educators and students in an effort to enhance science and education related to Alaska and the polar regions in general. For more information please visit: http://ipy-youth.uaf.edu or e-mail: ipy-youth@alaska.edu

Cost-Effectiveness of Immune Checkpoint Inhibition in BRAF Wild-Type Advanced Melanoma

PubMed Central

Zeichner, Simon B.; Chen, Qiushi; Montero, Alberto J.; Goldstein, Daniel A.; Flowers, Christopher R.

2017-01-01

Purpose Patients who are diagnosed with stage IV metastatic melanoma have an estimated 5-year relative survival rate of only 17%. Randomized controlled trials of recent US Food and Drug Administration–approved immune checkpoint inhibitors—pembrolizumab (PEM), nivolumab (NIVO), and ipilumumab (IPI)—demonstrate improved patient outcomes, but the optimal treatment sequence in patients with BRAF wild-type metastatic melanoma remains unclear. To inform policy makers about the value of these treatments, we developed a Markov model to compare the cost-effectiveness of different strategies for sequencing novel agents for the treatment of advanced melanoma. Materials and Methods We developed Markov models by using a US-payer perspective and lifetime horizon to estimate costs (2016 US$) and quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) for treatment sequences with first-line NIVO, IPI, NIVO + IPI, PEM every 2 weeks, and PEM every 3 weeks. Health states were defined for initial treatment, first and second progression, and death. Rates for drug discontinuation, frequency of adverse events, disease progression, and death obtained from randomized phase III trials were used to determine the likelihood of transition between states. Deterministic and probabilistic sensitivity analyses were conducted to evaluate model uncertainty. Results PEM every 3 weeks followed by second-line IPI was both more effective and less costly than dacarbazine followed by IPI then NIVO, or IPI followed by NIVO. Compared with the first-line dacarbazine treatment strategy, NIVO followed by IPI produced an incremental cost effectiveness ratio of $90,871/QALY, and first-line NIVO + IPI followed by carboplatin plus paclitaxel chemotherapy produced an incremental cost effectiveness ratio of $198,867/QALY. Conclusion For patients with treatment-naive BRAF wild-type advanced melanoma, first-line PEM every 3 weeks followed by second-line IPI or first-line NIVO followed by second-line IPI are the most cost-effective, immune-based treatment strategies for metastatic melanoma. PMID:28221865

Measuring sperm whales from their clicks: Stability of interpulse intervals and validation that they indicate whale length

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rhinelander, Marcus Q.; Dawson, Stephen M.

2004-04-01

Multiple pulses can often be distinguished in the clicks of sperm whales (Physeter macrocephalus). Norris and Harvey [in Animal Orientation and Navigation, NASA SP-262 (1972), pp. 397-417] proposed that this results from reflections within the head, and thus that interpulse interval (IPI) is an indicator of head length, and by extrapolation, total length. For this idea to hold, IPIs must be stable within individuals, but differ systematically among individuals of different size. IPI stability was examined in photographically identified individuals recorded repeatedly over different dives, days, and years. IPI variation among dives in a single day and days in a single year was statistically significant, although small in magnitude (it would change total length estimates by <3%). As expected, IPIs varied significantly among individuals. Most individuals showed significant increases in IPIs over several years, suggesting growth. Mean total lengths calculated from published IPI regressions were 13.1 to 16.1 m, longer than photogrammetric estimates of the same whales (12.3 to 15.3 m). These discrepancies probably arise from the paucity of large (12-16 m) whales in data used in published regressions. A new regression is offered for this size range.

Polar Contests for the IPY: a Youth Steering Committee Project

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Raymond, M.; Senger, K.; Haase, D.; Kaiser, B.; Gonsior, M.; Salmon, R.

2006-12-01

The Polar Contests are a project being initiated by the International Youth Steering Committee (YSC) for the International Polar Year. Two aims integral to the YSC are firstly the networking of young polar researchers across disciplines early in their careers to enable collaboration, and secondly for this network to be involved in outreach to other youth. To meet these two aims with a project coordinated by youth for youth, the YSC will be running Polar Contests pioneered by the New Zealand committee. These contests will run in high schools during 2007, aiming to encourage young people to learn about polar research and express their views on the Polar Regions in as creative of a way as possible. A network of young polar researchers is being formed, and is supported by a website facilitating communication and alliance within this group. This network is also producing teaching resources reflecting the research and polar experiences of its members. These will be compiled into packs and distributed to high schools to inspire youth to produce entries for a Youth Polar Exhibition to tour museums during IPY. Entries will take a wide variety of forms, from artworks to research posters to equipment designs, reflecting the diversity of research and art connected to the poles. The entries to the New Zealand Polar Contests will be exhibited at the International Youth Conference on the Poles, May 2008. Although currently a New Zealand project, we anticipate that the Polar Contests will provide a useful model to be adopted by other countries involved in IPY.

Phase I Study of the Hedgehog Pathway Inhibitor IPI-926 in Adult Patients with Solid Tumors

PubMed Central

Jimeno, Antonio; Weiss, Glen J.; Miller, Wilson H.; Gettinger, Scott; Eigl, Bernard J.C.; Chang, Anne Lynne S.; Dunbar, Joi; Devens, Shannon; Faia, Kerrie; Skliris, Georgios; Kutok, Jeff; Lewis, Karl D.; Tibes, Raoul; Sharfman, William H.; Ross, Robert W.; Rudin, Charles M.

2013-01-01

Purpose To conduct a first-in-human phase I study to determine the dose-limiting toxicities (DLT), characterize the pharmacokinetic profile, and document the antitumor activity of IPI-926, a new chemical entity that inhibits the Hedgehog pathway (HhP). Experimental Design Patients with solid tumors refractory to standard therapy were given IPI-926 once daily (QD) by mouth in 28-day cycles. The starting dose was 20 mg, and an accelerated titration schedule was used until standard 3 + 3 dose-escalation cohorts were implemented. Pharmacokinetics were evaluated on day −7 and day 22 of cycle 1. Results Ninety-four patients (32F, 62M; ages, 39–87) received doses ranging from 20 to 210 mg QD. Dose levels up to and including 160 mg administered QD were well tolerated. Toxicities consisted of reversible elevations in aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and bilirubin, fatigue, nausea, alopecia, and muscle spasms. IPI-926 was not associated with hematologic toxicity. IPI-926 pharmacokinetics were characterized by a slow absorption (Tmax = 2–8 hours) and a terminal half-life (t1/2) between 20 and 40 hours, supporting QD dosing. Of those HhP inhibitor-naïve patients with basal cell carcinoma (BCC) who received more than one dose of IPI-926 and had a follow-up clinical or Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST) assessment, nearly a third (8 of 28 patients) showed a response to IPI-926 at doses ≥130 mg. Conclusions IPI-926 was well tolerated up to 160 mg QD within 28-day cycles, which was established as the recommended phase II dose and schedule for this agent. Single-agent activity of IPI-926 was observed in HhP inhibitor–naïve patients with BCC. PMID:23575478

Prevalence and Risk Factors of Intestinal Parasitism in Rural and Remote West Malaysia

PubMed Central

Ngui, Romano; Ishak, Saidon; Chuen, Chow Sek; Mahmud, Rohela; Lim, Yvonne A. L.

2011-01-01

Background Intestinal parasitic infections (IPIs) have a worldwide distribution and have been identified as one of the most significant causes of illnesses and diseases among the disadvantaged population. In Malaysia, IPIs still persist in some rural areas, and this study was conducted to determine the current epidemiological status and to identify risk factors associated with IPIs among communities residing in rural and remote areas of West Malaysia. Methods/Findings A total of 716 participants from 8 villages were involved, comprising those from 1 to 83 years old, 550 (76.8%) participants aged ≤12 years and 166 (23.2%) aged ≥13 years, and 304 (42.5%) male and 412 (57.5%) female. The overall prevalence of IPIs was high (73.2%). Soil-transmitted helminth (STH) infections (73.2%) were significantly more common compared to protozoa infections (21.4%) (p<0.001). The prevalence of IPIs showed an age dependency relationship, with significantly higher rates observed among those aged ≤12 years. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that participants aged ≤12 years (OR = 2.23; 95% CI = 1.45–3.45), low household income (OR = 4.93; 95% CI = 3.15–7.73), using untreated water supply (OR = 2.08; 95% CI = 1.36–3.21), and indiscriminate defecation (OR = 5.01; 95% CI = 3.30–7.62) were identified as significant predictors of IPIs among these communities. Conclusion Essentially, these findings highlighted that IPIs are highly prevalent among the poor rural communities in West Malaysia. Poverty and low socioeconomic with poor environmental sanitation were indicated as important predictors of IPIs. Effective poverty reduction programmes, promotion of deworming, and mass campaigns to heighten awareness on health and hygiene are urgently needed to reduce IPIs. PMID:21390157

Technology Insertion (TI)/Industrial Process Improvement (IPI) Task Order Number 1. Data Base Documentation Book for WR-ALC/MANPSC (Bonded Honeycomb)

DTIC Science & Technology

1989-08-14

for a long time In getting those required parts. 6-29-89 VR-ALC Model Validation Heeting Minutes Page Seven MANPSB • This Is a manufacturing RCC. • No...Manpower. 4. Training shop - mechanics get transferred to r-15 Shop. Ninutes of Brainstorming Session June 20. 1969 Horning Session Page Two 5. Two shifts...11. RCC KANPSB completes then ships to storage - delay 10 to 15 days to get the same part back In finlshing the repair. 12. Major repair coordination

Short interpregnancy interval and low birth weight: A role of parity.

PubMed

Merklinger-Gruchala, Anna; Jasienska, Grazyna; Kapiszewska, Maria

2015-01-01

Short interpregnancy intervals (IPI) and high parity may be synergistically associated with the risk of unfavorable pregnancy outcomes. This study tests if the effect of short IPI on the odds ratio for low birth weight (LBW, <2,500 g) differs across parity status. The study was carried out on the birth registry sample of almost 40,000 singleton, live-born infants who were delivered between the years 1995 and 2009 to multiparous mothers whose residence at the time of infant's birth was the city of Krakow. Multiple logistic regression analyses were used for testing the effect of IPI on the odds ratio (OR) for LBW, after controlling for employment, educational and marital status, parity, sex of the child, maternal and gestational age. Stratified analyses (according to parity) and tests for interaction were performed. Very short IPI (0-5 months) was associated with an increased OR for LBW, but only among high parity mothers with three or more births (OR = 2.64; 95% CI 1.45-4.80). The test for interaction between very short IPI and parity on the OR for LBW was statistically significant after adjustment for multiple comparisons (P = 0.04). Among low parity mothers (two births) no statistically significant associations were found between IPI and LBW after standardization. Parity may modify the association between short birth spacing and LBW. Women with very short IPI and high parity may have a higher risk of having LBW infants than those with very short IPI but low parity. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Combined Effect of Random Transmit Power Control and Inter-Path Interference Cancellation on DS-CDMA Packet Mobile Communications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kudoh, Eisuke; Ito, Haruki; Wang, Zhisen; Adachi, Fumiyuki

In mobile communication systems, high speed packet data services are demanded. In the high speed data transmission, throughput degrades severely due to severe inter-path interference (IPI). Recently, we proposed a random transmit power control (TPC) to increase the uplink throughput of DS-CDMA packet mobile communications. In this paper, we apply IPI cancellation in addition to the random TPC. We derive the numerical expression of the received signal-to-interference plus noise power ratio (SINR) and introduce IPI cancellation factor. We also derive the numerical expression of system throughput when IPI is cancelled ideally to compare with the Monte Carlo numerically evaluated system throughput. Then we evaluate, by Monte-Carlo numerical computation method, the combined effect of random TPC and IPI cancellation on the uplink throughput of DS-CDMA packet mobile communications.

Intestinal parasitic infections: Current prevalence and risk factors among schoolchildren in capital area of the Republic of Marshall Islands.

PubMed

Liao, Chien-Wei; Chuang, Ting-Wu; Huang, Ying-Chieh; Chou, Chia-Mei; Chiang, Chia-Lien; Lee, Fei-Peng; Hsu, Yun-Ting; Lin, Jia-Wei; Briand, Kennar; Tu, Chia-Ying; Fan, Chia-Kwung

2017-12-01

Intestinal parasitic infections (IPIs) among schoolchildren in Republic of Marshall Islands (RMI) largely remains unknown, thus investigation on IPIs status to establish the baseline data is urgently needed. This cross-sectional study intended to investigate the current IPIs status and associated risk factors among schoolchildren at capital of RMI. Single stool sample from 400 schoolchildren (207 boys and 193 girls) aged 9.73±2.50 yrs old was examined by employing merthiolate-iodine-formaldehyde concentration method. Demographic characteristics, uncomfortable symptoms and risk factors were obtained by questionnaires investigation. The overall prevalence of IPIs in schoolchildren was 22.8% (91/400), of them 24.2% harbored at least 2 different parasites. Notably, the majority was infected by waterborne protozoan parasites (82.4%, 75/91). Nine different intestinal parasites have been identified, of which six were pathogenic including Hook worm, Trichuris trichiura, Enterobius vermicularis, Entamoeba histolytica/dispar, Giardia intestinalis and Blastocystis hominis. Schoolchildren who ever complained dizziness or headache showed a significant higher prevalence of pathogenic IPIs than those who did not (p<0.05). Schoolchildren who lived in urban area than rural area had higher chance to acquire pathogenic IPIs (p=0.03). However, none of risk factors were identified to be associated with pathogenic IPIs. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Phenotypic Detection of Metallo-β-Lactamase in Imipenem-Resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa

PubMed Central

Khosravi, Yalda; Loke, Mun Fai; Chua, Eng Guan; Tay, Sun Tee; Vadivelu, Jamuna

2012-01-01

Carbapenems are the primary choice of treatment for severe Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection. However, the emergence of carbapenem resistance due to the production of metallo-β-lactamases (MBLs) is of global concern. In this study, 90 imipenem- (IPM- or IP-) resistant P. aeruginosa (IRPA) isolates, including 32 previously tested positive and genotyped for MBL genes by PCR, were subjected to double-disk synergy test (DDST), combined disk test (CDT), and imipenem/imipenem-inhibitor (IP/IPI) E-test to evaluate their MBLs detection capability. All three methods were shown to have a sensitivity of 100%. However, DDST was the most specific of the three (96.6%), followed by IP/IPI E-test interpreted based on the single criteria of IP/IPI ≥8 as positive (62.1%), and CDT was the least specific (43.1%). Based on the data from this evaluation, we propose that only IRPA with IP MIC >16 μg/mL and IP/IPI ≥8 by IP/IPI E-test should be taken as positive for MBL activity. With the new dual interpretation criteria, the MBL IP/IPI E-test was shown to achieve 100% sensitivity as well as specificity for the IRPA in this study. Therefore, the IP/IPI E-test is a viable alternative phenotypic assay to detect MBL production in IRPA in our population in circumstances where PCR detection is not a feasible option. PMID:22792048

Teacher Perceptions of School Consultant Social Influence Strategies: Replication and Expansion

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Owens, Julie Sarno; Schwartz, Madeleine E.; Erchul, William P.; Himawan, Lina K.; Evans, Steven W.; Coles, Erika K.; Schulte, Ann C.

2017-01-01

The goals were to (a) replicate the findings of previous research with regard to the Consultee/Teacher Version of the Interpersonal Power Inventory (IPI), and (b) advance the literature by examining IPI scores about a current consultation relationship. Sample 1 included 99 elementary school teachers (44.4% Hispanic) who completed the IPI. Results…

IPY 2007-2008 data legacy - a ong story cut short

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Driemel, A.; Grobe, H.; Diepenbroek, M.; Grüttemeier, H.; Schumacher, S.; Sieger, R.

2015-06-01

The International Polar Year 2007-2008 was a synchronized effort to simultaneously collect data from polar regions. Being the fourth in a row of IPYs, the demand for interdisciplinarity and new data products was high. However, despite of all the research done on land, people, ocean, ice and atmosphere and the large amount of data collected, no central archive or portal was created for IPY data. In order to address these issues, a concerted effort between PANGAEA - Data Publisher for Earth and Environmental Science, the ICSU World Data System (WDS), and the International Council for Scientific and Technical Information (ICSTI) was undertaken to extract data resulting from IPY publications for long-term preservation. 1380 IPY-related references were collected. Out of these, only 450 contained accessible data. All data was extracted, quality checked, annotated with metadata and uploaded to PANGAEA. The 450 articles dealt with a multitude of IPY topics - plankton biomass, water chemistry, ice thickness, whale sightings, Inuit health, alien species introductions by travelers or tundra biomass change - to mention just a few. Both, the Arctic and the Antarctic were investigated in the articles, and all realms (land, people, ocean, ice and atmosphere) and a wide range of countries were covered. The data compilation can now be found with the identifier doi:10.1594/PANGAEA.150150 and individually searched for using the PANGAEA search engine (www.pangaea.de) and adding "+project:ipy". With this effort, we hope to improve the visibility, accessibility and long-term storage of IPY data for future research and new data products.

Microscopic analysis of irradiated AGR-1 coated particle fuel compacts

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

Scott A. Ploger; Paul A. Demkowicz; John D. Hunn

The AGR-1 experiment involved irradiation of 72 TRISO-coated particle fuel compacts to a peak compact-average burnup of 19.5% FIMA with no in-pile failures observed out of 3 x 105 total particles. Irradiated AGR-1 fuel compacts have been cross-sectioned and analyzed with optical microscopy to characterize kernel, buffer, and coating behavior. Six compacts have been examined, spanning a range of irradiation conditions (burnup, fast fluence, and irradiation temperature) and including all four TRISO coating variations irradiated in the AGR-1 experiment. The cylindrical specimens were sectioned both transversely and longitudinally, then polished to expose from 36 to 79 individual particles near midplanemore » on each mount. The analysis focused primarily on kernel swelling and porosity, buffer densification and fracturing, buffer–IPyC debonding, and fractures in the IPyC and SiC layers. Characteristic morphologies have been identified, 981 particles have been classified, and spatial distributions of particle types have been mapped. No significant spatial patterns were discovered in these cross sections. However, some trends were found between morphological types and certain behavioral aspects. Buffer fractures were found in 23% of the particles, and these fractures often resulted in unconstrained kernel protrusion into the open cavities. Fractured buffers and buffers that stayed bonded to IPyC layers appear related to larger pore size in kernels. Buffer–IPyC interface integrity evidently factored into initiation of rare IPyC fractures. Fractures through part of the SiC layer were found in only four classified particles, all in conjunction with IPyC–SiC debonding. Compiled results suggest that the deliberate coating fabrication variations influenced the frequencies of IPyC fractures and IPyC–SiC debonds.« less

Clinical efficiency of Piezo-ICSI using micropipettes with a wall thickness of 0.625 μm.

PubMed

Hiraoka, Kenichiro; Kitamura, Seiji

2015-12-01

The purposes of the present study are to assess the clinical efficiency of Piezo-intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) and to improve the Piezo-ICSI method for human oocytes. We examined three ICSI methods to determine their clinical efficiency by comparing the survival, fertilization, good-quality day-3 embryo, pregnancy, and live birth rates. The three ICSI methods tested were conventional ICSI (CI) (using beveled spiked micropipettes with a wall thickness of 1 μm), conventional Piezo-ICSI (CPI) (using flat-tipped micropipettes with a wall thickness of 0.925 μm), and improved Piezo-ICSI (IPI) (using flat-tipped micropipettes with a wall thickness of 0.625 μm). We collectively investigated 2020 mature oocytes retrieved from 437 patients between October 2010 and January 2014. The survival rates after CI, CPI, and IPI were 90, 95, and 99 %, respectively. The fertilization rates after CI, CPI, and IPI were 68, 75, and 89 %, respectively. The good-quality day-3 embryo rates after CI, CPI, and IPI were 37, 43, and 55 %, respectively. The pregnancy rates after the transfer of good-quality day-3 embryo of CI, CPI, and IPI were 19, 21, and 31 %, respectively. The live birth rates of CI, CPI, and IPI were 15, 16, and 25 %, respectively. Significantly higher survival, fertilization, good-quality day-3 embryo, pregnancy, and live birth rates were obtained using IPI. When comparing the IPI to the CI and CPI, the results revealed that the Piezo-ICSI using flat-tipped micropipettes with a wall thickness of 0.625 μm significantly improves survival, fertilization, good-quality day-3 embryo, pregnancy, and live birth rates.

Effect of interpregnancy interval on adverse pregnancy outcomes in northern Tanzania: a registry-based retrospective cohort study.

PubMed

Mahande, Michael J; Obure, Joseph

2016-06-07

Both short and long interpregnancy intervals have been associated with an increased risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes. There is limited information about the impact of interpregnancy interval on pregnancy (IPI) outcomes in Tanzania. The objective of this study was to assess the effect of IPI on adverse pregnancy outcomes. We performed a retrospective cohort study using maternally-linked data from Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre (KCMC) birth registry. A total of 17,030 singlet births from women who delivered singleton infant at KCMC from 2000 to 2010 were studied. Women with multi-fetal gestations and those who were referred from rural areas for various medical reasons were excluded. Outcome variables were preterm birth, low birth weight infants and perinatal death. A multiple logistic regression was used to assess the association between IPI and pregnancy outcomes. The median IPI was 36 months. Compared with IPIs of 24-36 months (referent group), short interpregnancy intervals (<24 months) was associated with preterm delivery (OR 1 · 52; 95 % CI 1.31-1.74); low birth weight (OR 1 · 61; 95 % CI 1 · 34-1.72) and perinatal death, (OR 1 · 63; 95 % CI 1.22-1.91). The IPI of 37-59 months or longer were also associated with higher risks of preterm birth and low birth weight, but not with perinatal death. Our study confirmed that both short and long IPI are independent risk factors for adverse pregnancy outcomes. These finding emphasize the importance of providing support for family planning programs which will support optimal IPI and improve pregnancy outcomes.

Intestinal parasitic infections among prison inmates and tobacco farm workers in Shewa Robit, north-central Ethiopia.

PubMed

Mamo, Hassen

2014-01-01

Intestinal parasitic infections (IPIs) particularly soil-transmitted helminthiasis (STH) and schistosomiasis are among neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) globally. Apart from being associated with anemia, malabsorption and retarded cognitive development these diseases are complicating the clinical picture of more serious infections like HIV, TB and malaria. Renewed and up-to-date information on the epidemiology of IPIs in more vulnerable groups such as irrigated-farm workers and prisoners would significantly contribute towards improving the health condition of such at-risk groups. A cross-sectional survey was conducted to determine the prevalence of IPIs among prison inmates and tobacco farm workers in Shewa-Robit, north-central Ethiopia in November 2008. A total of 236 fecal samples were examined microscopically to detect helminths and/or protozoa using direct-smear and formol-ether concentration methods. Overall, 8 intestinal parasite species have been recovered singly or in combinations from 146 (61.8 %) samples. The prevalence in prison population (88/121 = 72.7%) was significantly higher than that in tobacco farm (58/115 = 50.4%). There were no significant differences in the prevalence of IPI by most socio-demographics. Except for hookworm there was no significant difference in parasite prevalence between different age-groups though the frequency of individual parasites slightly varied between the age-groups. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that inmates were more likely to acquire IPIs than tobacco-farm workers (Odds Ratio (OR) = 2.62, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.52-4.5). In addition, participants who did not report past treatment for IPIs were more likely to acquire IPIs than participants who self-reported treatment for IPIs in the past twelve months (OR = 3.25, 95% CI = 1.75-6.06). All other socio-demographics were not significantly associated with IPIs in univariate analysis. Entamoeba histolytica/dispar/moshkovskii was the most frequently encountered species in both study sites accounting for 48.8 and 51.7 percent of the positives in prison and tobacco farm population respectively. Other intestinal parasites detected, with slight variation in prevalence in the two study areas, were hookworm, Ascaris lumbricoides, Trichuris trichiura, Schistosoma mansoni, Strongyloides stercolaris, Hymenolepis nana and Taenia sp. 35.5 and 33.0 percent of the total positive cases were mixed infections in Shewa Robit prison and tobacco farm, respectively. The results show that IPIs are common health problems in the studied populations.

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The owner of us-ipy.org is offering it for sale for an asking price of 499 USD! us-ipy.org Related Searches Sedo Logo This webpage was generated by the domain owner using Sedo Domain Parking. Disclaimer mark is not controlled by Sedo nor does it constitute or imply its association, endorsement or

Coinfection with malaria and intestinal parasites, and its association with anaemia in children in Cameroon.

PubMed

Njunda, Anna Longdoh; Fon, Shuri Ghasarah; Assob, Jules Clement Nguedia; Nsagha, Dickson Shey; Kwenti, Tayong Dizzle Bita; Kwenti, Tebit Emmanuel

2015-10-06

The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of coinfection with malaria and intestinal parasites, as well as to determine its association with anaemia in children aged 10 years and below in Muyuka, Cameroon. This was a cross-sectional study. Participants were febrile children who were admitted to the Muyuka district hospital between April and October 2012. Blood and stool samples were collected from those participants who gave consent to take part in the study. Haemoglobin concentration (Hb) and complete blood count (CBC) were performed using an automated haematology analyser (Mindray®, BC-2800). Giemsa-stained blood film was examined to detect malaria parasites, while the formol-ether concentration technique was used to detect intestinal parasitic infections (IPIs). The Pearson's chi-square, Student's T-test and correlation analysis were all performed as part of the statistical analyses. Four hundred and eleven (411) children successfully took part in this study. The prevalence of malaria, IPIs, malaria and IPI coinfection, and anaemia observed were 98.5 %, 11.9 %, 11.9 % and 44.8 %, respectively. Anaemia and IPIs were significantly associated with age; anaemia was more prevalent in children under five years of age (p = 0.000), whereas IPIs were more prevalent in children aged between five and 10 years (p = 0.006). The parasite species isolated included Ascaris lumbricoides (36 [73.5 %]), Entamoeba histolytica/dispar (9 [18.4 %]) and hookworm (4 [8.2 %]). The mean Hb observed was 10.64 g/dl (±1.82). A significant negative correlation was observed between malaria parasite density and Hb. There was no significant difference in the prevalence of anaemia among children infected with malaria, IPIs, or malaria and IPI coinfection, or among non-infected children. Similarly, the mean Hb did not differ among infected and non-infected children. This study showed that malaria and IPIs still constitute a major public health problem in the study area despite a lack of any significant association between these infections and anaemia. The findings suggest that there is a need for the implementation of control measures to curb the rate of malaria and IPIs in the study area.

How long after a miscarriage should women wait before becoming pregnant again? Multivariate analysis of cohort data from Matlab, Bangladesh

PubMed Central

DaVanzo, Julie; Hale, Lauren; Rahman, Mizanur

2012-01-01

Objective To determine the optimum interpregnancy interval (IPI) following a miscarriage. Design Multivariate analysis of population-based, prospective data from a demographic surveillance system. Setting Pregnancies in Matlab, Bangladesh, between 1977 and 2008. Participants 9214 women with 10 453 pregnancies that ended in a miscarriage and were followed by another pregnancy outcome. Main outcome measures Outcome of pregnancy following the miscarriage was singleton live birth, stillbirth, miscarriage or induced abortion. For pregnancies that ended in live birth: early neonatal, late neonatal and postneonatal mortality. Results Compared with IPIs of 6–12 months, pregnancies that were conceived ≤3 months after a miscarriage were more likely to result in a live birth and less likely to result in a miscarriage (adjusted relative risk ratio (RRR) 0.70, 95% CI 0.57 to 0.86) or induced abortion (0.50, 0.29 to 0.89). Induced abortions were significantly more likely following IPIs of 18–24 months (2.36, 1.48 to 3.76), 36–48 months (2.73, 1.50 to 4.94), and >48 months (3.32, 1.68 to 2.95), and miscarriages were more likely following IPIs of 12–17 months (1.25, 1.01 to 1.56) and >48 months (1.90, 1.40 to 2.58). No significant effects of IPI duration are seen on the risks of a stillbirth. However, IPIs≤3 months following a miscarriage are associated with significantly higher late neonatal mortality for the infant born at the end of the IPI (adjusted hazard ratio (HR) 1.74, 1.06 to 2.84), and IPIs of 12–18 months are associated with a significantly lower unadjusted risk of postneonatal mortality (0.54, 0.30 to 0.96). Conclusions The shorter the IPI following a miscarriage, the more likely the subsequent pregnancy is to result in a live birth. However, very short IPIs may not be advisable following miscarriages in poor countries like Bangladesh because they are associated with a higher risk of mortality for the infants born after them. PMID:22907047

Changes in the oral health of the children of Dili, Timor Leste, between 2002 and 2014.

PubMed

Babo Soares, Lucio F; Allen, Penny L; Kingi, Jenna; Roberts-Thomson, Kaye; Bettiol, Silvana; Crocombe, Leonard

2016-01-01

This research compared the oral health status of school children in Dili (the capital of Timor Leste) in 2002 and 2014. The 2014 oral health survey of Dili's children replicated the methods of an AusAID-supported oral health survey conducted in 2002. Equal numbers of children were invited to participate from four age groups (6-8, 9-11, 12-14 and 15-17 years). For the 2014 survey, the subdistricts of Dom Aleixo, Cristo Rei, Metinaro and Vera Cruz were randomly selected for inclusion. A questionnaire was used to collect data on demographics and oral health behaviours. Oral epidemiological examinations were conducted by four dentists and five dental nurses. The 2014 survey in Dili recruited 758 participants for the questionnaire and 655 children for the oral examination. In 2014, a lower proportion of children reported brushing their teeth the previous day (97% vs 100%, p=0.01) and a larger proportion reported having toothache (40% vs 19%, p<0.001) (sometimes to very often) during the previous 12 months. The mean number of decayed, missing or filled teeth in the primary plus permanent dentition (dmft + DMFT) was greater in 2014 than in 2002 (4.2 vs 3.5, p=0.01). There was no difference in the prevalence of decay in the primary dentition (39% vs 37%, p=0.61) or the mean number of decayed, missing or filled (dmft) teeth in the primary dentition in 2014 compared to 2002 (2.0 vs 1.8, p=0.47). However, the prevalence of decay in the permanent dentition was greater in 2014 (70% vs 53%, p<0.001) as was the mean DMFT (2.3 vs 1.7, p=0.04). The prevalence of gingival bleeding (65% vs 81%, p<0.001) and calculus (57% vs 86%, p<0.001) was lower in 2014. There was an increase in dental caries experiences in Dili school children between 2002 and 2014, associated with more permanent teeth dental caries experiences.

EUROANDRILL Initiative

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Florindo, Fabio; Steering Committee, Euroandrill

2010-05-01

EuroANDRILL is a new initiative to create a European network with the goal to increase future involvement of European countries in the ANDRILL [ANtarctic geological DRILLing] Programme. Antarctica has been heavily glaciated for approximately 34 million years, but its ice sheets have fluctuated considerably and are one of the major driving forces for changes in climate throughout the Cenozoic Era. The spatial scale and temporal pattern of these fluctuations is subject to considerable debate. Understanding the response of large ice masses to climatic forcing is of vital importance because ice volume variations drive global sea level changes and also alter the capacity of ice sheets and sea-ice to act as major heat sinks/insulators. It is particularly important to assess the stability of the cryosphere in the face of rising CO2 levels, as modelling of the climate shift from a warm, vegetated Antarctica to a cold, ice-covered state 34 million years ago suggests a powerful greenhouse gas influence. As Antarctica is the major driver of Earth's climate and sea level, much effort has been expended in deriving models of its behaviour. Some of these models have been successfully validated against modern conditions. EuroANDRILL will provide a coherent, integrated platform for European leadership and involvement in the international ANDRILL programme. The coordination and networking provided by EuroANDRILL will seek to expand participation by European nations, institutions, and individual scientists in the study of the geologic history of the polar regions and their paleoclimatic significance. During the IPY, ANDRILL has been a highly visible and successful programme. This programme seeks to expand on this legacy beyond the IPY and make these contributions sustainable in the European Research Area through networking of research projects and future planning efforts, which establish Europe as a key player in future polar sediment and rock drilling. EuroANDRILL is set up under the auspices of the European Polar Board (EPB) as a subgroup (EuroANDRILL steering committee (SC)) representing the scientific disciplines and associated technical capacities associated with polar sediment and rock core science. http://www.euroandrill.com/ http://www.esf.org/research-areas/european-polar-board-epb/euroandrill.html http://www.andrill.org/

Interpregnancy interval following miscarriage and adverse pregnancy outcomes: systematic review and meta-analysis.

PubMed

Kangatharan, Chrishny; Labram, Saffi; Bhattacharya, Sohinee

2017-03-01

A short interpregnancy interval (IPI) following a delivery is believed to be associated with adverse outcomes in the next pregnancy. The optimum IPI following miscarriage is controversial. Based on a single large-scale study in Latin and South America, the World Health Organization recommends delaying pregnancy for 6 months after a miscarriage to achieve optimal outcomes in the next pregnancy. Our aim was to determine if a short IPI (<6 months) following miscarriage is associated with adverse outcomes in the next pregnancy. Studies were retrieved from MEDLINE, Embase and Pubmed, with no time and language restrictions. The search strategy used a combination of Medical Subject Headings terms for miscarriage, IPI and adverse outcomes. Bibliographies of the retrieved articles were also searched by hand. All studies including women with at least one miscarriage, comparing subsequent adverse pregnancy outcomes for IPIs of less than and more than 6 months were included. Two independent reviewers screened titles and abstracts for inclusion. Characteristics of the studies were extracted and quality assessed using Critical Appraisal Skills Programme criteria. A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted to compare short (<6 months) versus long (>6 months) IPI following miscarriage in terms of risk of further miscarriage, preterm birth, stillbirth, pre-eclampsia and low birthweight babies in the subsequent pregnancy. Review Manager 5.3 was used for conducting meta-analyses. Sixteen studies including 1 043 840 women were included in the systematic review and data from 10 of these were included in one or more meta-analyses (977 972 women). With an IPI of less than 6 months, the overall risk of further miscarriage (Risk ratio (RR) 0.82 95% CI 0.78, 0.86) and preterm delivery (RR 0.79 95% CI 0.75, 0.83) were significantly reduced. The pooled risks of stillbirth (RR 0.88 95% CI 0.76, 1.02); low birthweight (RR 1.05 95% CI 0.48, 2.29) and pre-eclampsia (RR 0.95 95% CI 0.88, 1.02) were not affected by IPI. Similar findings were obtained in subgroup analyses when IPI of <6 months was compared with IPI of 6-12 months and >12 months. This is the first systematic review and meta-analysis providing clear evidence that an IPI of less than 6 months following miscarriage is not associated with adverse outcomes in the next pregnancy. This information may be used to revise current guidance. © The Author 2016. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology. All rights reserved. For Permissions, please email: journals.permissions@oup.com

The Predictive Value of Integrated Pulmonary Index after Off-Pump Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting: A Prospective Observational Study.

PubMed

Fot, Evgenia V; Izotova, Natalia N; Yudina, Anjelika S; Smetkin, Aleksei A; Kuzkov, Vsevolod V; Kirov, Mikhail Y

2017-01-01

The early warning scores may increase the safety of perioperative period. The objective of this study was to assess the diagnostic and predictive role of Integrated Pulmonary Index (IPI) after off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting (OPCAB). Forty adult patients undergoing elective OPCAB were enrolled into a single-center prospective observational study. We assessed respiratory function using IPI that includes oxygen saturation, end-tidal CO 2 , respiratory rate, and pulse rate. In addition, we evaluated blood gas analyses and hemodynamics, including ECG, invasive arterial pressure, and cardiac index. The measurements were performed after transfer to the intensive care unit, after spontaneous breathing trial and at 2, 6, 12, and 18 h after extubation. The value of IPI registered during respiratory support correlated weakly with cardiac index (rho = 0.4; p  = 0.04) and ScvO 2 (rho = 0.4, p  = 0.02). After extubation, IPI values decreased significantly, achieving a minimum by 18 h. The IPI value ≤9 at 6 h after extubation was a predictor of complicated early postoperative period (AUC = 0.71; p  = 0.04) observed in 13 patients. In off-pump coronary surgery, the IPI decreases significantly after tracheal extubation and may predict postoperative complications.

Determining intestinal parasitic infections (IPIs) in inmates from Kajang Prison, Selangor, Malaysia for improved prison management.

PubMed

Angal, Lorainne; Mahmud, Rohela; Samin, Sajideh; Yap, Nan-Jiun; Ngui, Romano; Amir, Amirah; Ithoi, Init; Kamarulzaman, Adeeba; Lim, Yvonne A L

2015-10-29

The prison management in Malaysia is proactively seeking to improve the health status of the prison inmates. Intestinal parasitic infections (IPIs) are widely distributed throughout the world and are still gaining great concern due to their significant morbidity and mortality among infected humans. In Malaysia, there is a paucity of information on IPIs among prison inmates. In order to further enhance the current health strategies employed, the present study aims to establish firm data on the prevalence and diversity of IPIs among HIV-infected and non-HIV-infected individuals in a prison, an area in which informed knowledge is still very limited. Samples were subjected to microscopy examination and serological test (only for Strongyloides). Speciation for parasites on microscopy-positive samples and seropositive samples for Strongyloides were further determined via polymerase chain reaction. SPSS was used for statistical analysis. A total of 294 stool and blood samples each were successfully collected, involving 131 HIV positive and 163 HIV negative adult male inmates whose age ranged from 21 to 69-years-old. Overall prevalence showed 26.5% was positive for various IPIs. The IPIs detected included Blastocystis sp., Strongyloides stercoralis, Entamoeba spp., Cryptosporidium spp., Giardia spp., and Trichuris trichiura. Comparatively, the rate of IPIs was slightly higher among the HIV positive inmates (27.5%) than HIV negative inmates (25.8%). Interestingly, seropositivity for S. stercoralis was more predominant in HIV negative inmates (10.4%) compared to HIV-infected inmates (6.9%), however these findings were not statistically significant. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) confirmed the presence of Blastocystis, Strongyloides, Entamoeba histolytica and E. dispar. These data will enable the health care providers and prison management staff to understand the trend and epidemiological situations in HIV/parasitic co-infections in a prison. This information will further assist in providing evidence-based guidance to improve prevention, control and management strategies of IPIs co-infections among both HIV positive and HIV negative inmates in a prison environment.

Molecular Simulation of Ionic Polyimides and Composites with Ionic Liquids as Gas-Separation Membranes.

PubMed

Abedini, Asghar; Crabtree, Ellis; Bara, Jason E; Turner, C Heath

2017-10-24

Polyimides are at the forefront of advanced membrane materials for CO 2 capture and gas-purification processes. Recently, ionic polyimides (i-PIs) have been reported as a new class of condensation polymers that combine structural components of both ionic liquids (ILs) and polyimides through covalent linkages. In this study, we report CO 2 and CH 4 adsorption and structural analyses of an i-PI and an i-PI + IL composite containing [C 4 mim][Tf 2 N]. The combination of molecular dynamics (MD) and grand canonical Monte Carlo (GCMC) simulations is used to compute the gas solubility and the adsorption performance with respect to the density, fractional free volume (FFV), and surface area of the materials. Our results highlight the polymer relaxation process and its correlation to the gas solubility. In particular, the surface area can provide meaningful guidance with respect to the gas solubility, and it tends to be a more sensitive indicator of the adsorption behavior versus only considering the system density and FFV. For instance, as the polymer continues to relax, the density, FFV, and pore-size distribution remain constant while the surface area can continue to increase, enabling more adsorption. Structural analyses are also conducted to identify the nature of the gas adsorption once the ionic liquid is added to the polymer. The presence of the IL significantly displaces the CO 2 molecules from the ligand nitrogen sites in the neat i-PI to the imidazolium rings in the i-PI + IL composite. However, the CH 4 molecules move from the imidazolium ring sites in the neat i-PI to the ligand nitrogen atoms in the i-PI + IL composite. These molecular details can provide critical information for the experimental design of highly selective i-PI materials as well as provide additional guidance for the interpretation of the simulated adsorption systems.

Intestinal Parasitic Infections among Prison Inmates and Tobacco Farm Workers in Shewa Robit, North-Central Ethiopia

PubMed Central

Mamo, Hassen

2014-01-01

Background Intestinal parasitic infections (IPIs) particularly soil-transmitted helminthiasis (STH) and schistosomiasis are among neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) globally. Apart from being associated with anemia, malabsorption and retarded cognitive development these diseases are complicating the clinical picture of more serious infections like HIV, TB and malaria. Renewed and up-to-date information on the epidemiology of IPIs in more vulnerable groups such as irrigated-farm workers and prisoners would significantly contribute towards improving the health condition of such at-risk groups. Methods A cross-sectional survey was conducted to determine the prevalence of IPIs among prison inmates and tobacco farm workers in Shewa-Robit, north-central Ethiopia in November 2008. A total of 236 fecal samples were examined microscopically to detect helminths and/or protozoa using direct-smear and formol-ether concentration methods. Results Overall, 8 intestinal parasite species have been recovered singly or in combinations from 146 (61.8 %) samples. The prevalence in prison population (88/121 = 72.7%) was significantly higher than that in tobacco farm (58/115 = 50.4%). There were no significant differences in the prevalence of IPI by most socio-demographics. Except for hookworm there was no significant difference in parasite prevalence between different age-groups though the frequency of individual parasites slightly varied between the age-groups. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that inmates were more likely to acquire IPIs than tobacco-farm workers (Odds Ratio (OR)  = 2.62, 95% confidence interval (CI)  = 1.52–4.5). In addition, participants who did not report past treatment for IPIs were more likely to acquire IPIs than participants who self-reported treatment for IPIs in the past twelve months (OR = 3.25, 95% CI = 1.75–6.06). All other socio-demographics were not significantly associated with IPIs in univariate analysis. Entamoeba histolytica/dispar/moshkovskii was the most frequently encountered species in both study sites accounting for 48.8 and 51.7 percent of the positives in prison and tobacco farm population respectively. Other intestinal parasites detected, with slight variation in prevalence in the two study areas, were hookworm, Ascaris lumbricoides, Trichuris trichiura, Schistosoma mansoni, Strongyloides stercolaris, Hymenolepis nana and Taenia sp. 35.5 and 33.0 percent of the total positive cases were mixed infections in Shewa Robit prison and tobacco farm, respectively. Conclusion The results show that IPIs are common health problems in the studied populations. PMID:24926687

GAMBIT--Gamburtsev Aerogeophysical Mapping of Bedrock and Ice Targets During IPY

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Studinger, M.; Finn, C. A.; Bell, R. E.; Gogineni, S.; Hayden, L.; Braaten, D.

2004-12-01

Antarctica is a key element in Earth's climatic and geodynamic systems, yet on the eve of the 50th anniversary of the International Geophysical Year, we lack fundamental geologic and geophysical data from the deep interior of this vast continent. Despite the central role that Antarctica has played in shaping the present global environment, fundamental, first-order parameters such as ice volume and stratigraphy, bedrock elevation, lithology, structure, age, and tectonic history remain poorly known over large portions of the continent, including the Gamburtsev Subglacial Mountains. Given the extensive ice cover, airborne geophysical data is the best and most cost-effective method to characterize broad areas of sub-ice basement and expand our knowledge of Antarctica. Under a program entitled, GAMBIT--Gamburtsev Aerogeophysical Mapping of Bedrock and Ice Targets, we propose to conduct airborne gravity, magnetic and radar surveys over the Gamburtsev Subglacial Mountains, a priority for geophysical and drilling studies by the solid Earth and glaciology communities for many years. This proposal will help develop long-range aerogeophysical capabilities and provide data to the Antarctic community within a year after collection to help answer fundamental science questions of global significance. By integrating these with international efforts during the IPY, we can maximize and broaden the use of all data sets. Specifically, we propose to image the East Antarctic ice sheet and bedrock with airborne geophysical surveys through the GAMBIT project in order to: 1) determine ice volume for mass balance calculations and identify internal layers reflecting the accumulation history of the East Antarctic ice sheet in the Gamburtsev Subglacial Mountains region; 2) characterize the gravity, magnetic, and elevation signatures of the East Antarctic crustal basement of the Gamburtsev Subglacial Mountains; 3) integrate these data with existing and new data collected during IPY over adjacent areas; 4) help coordinate IPY activities, including survey design, development of policies related to open access to data, and input to existing data bases; and 5) develop online resources for K-12 students and teachers; internships for journalism students; and involve undergraduate students and faculty in important project aspects such as mapping and display of geophysical data sets in order to cultivate under-represented student interest in science and engineering.

Design and usability evaluation of user-centered and visual-based aids for dietary food measurement on mobile devices in a randomized controlled trial.

PubMed

Liu, Ying-Chieh; Chen, Chien-Hung; Lee, Chien-Wei; Lin, Yu-Sheng; Chen, Hsin-Yun; Yeh, Jou-Yin; Chiu, Sherry Yueh-Hsia

2016-12-01

We designed and developed two interactive apps interfaces for dietary food measurements on mobile devices. The user-centered designs of both the IPI (interactive photo interface) and the SBI (sketching-based interface) were evaluated. Four types of outcomes were assessed to evaluate the usability of mobile devices for dietary measurements, including accuracy, absolute weight differences, and the response time to determine the efficacy of food measurements. The IPI presented users with images of pre-determined portion sizes of a specific food and allowed users to scan and then select the most representative image matching the food that they were measuring. The SBI required users to relate the food shape to a readily available comparator (e.g., credit card) and scribble to shade in the appropriate area. A randomized controlled trial was conducted to evaluate their usability. A total of 108 participants were randomly assigned into the following three groups: the IPI (n=36) and SBI (n=38) experimental groups and the traditional life-size photo (TLP) group as the control. A total of 18 types of food items with 3-4 different weights were randomly selected for assessment by each type. The independent Chi-square test and t-test were performed for the dichotomous and continuous variable analyses, respectively. The total accuracy rates were 66.98%, 44.15%, and 72.06% for the IPI, SBI, and TLP, respectively. No significant difference was observed between the IPI and TLP, regardless of the accuracy proportion or weight differences. The SBI accuracy rates were significantly lower than the IPI and TLP accuracy rates, especially for several spooned, square cube, and sliced pie food items. The time needed to complete the operation assessment by the user was significantly lower for the IPI than for the SBI. Our study corroborates that the user-centered visual-based design of the IPI on a mobile device is comparable the TLP in terms of the usability for dietary food measurements. However, improvements are needed because both the IPI and TLP accuracies associated with some food shapes were lower than 60%. The SBI is not yet a viable aid. This innovative alternative required further improvements to the user interface. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Building Bridges Between IPY Scientists and the Educational Community: A Spectrum of IPY Education and Outreach Activities

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ledley, T. S.; Dahlman, L.; McAuliffe, C.; Domenico, B.; Taber, M. R.

2006-12-01

The International Polar Year is an opportunity to simultaneously increase our scientific understanding of the polar regions and to engage the next generation of Earth scientists and socially responsible citizens. However, building the bridge between the scientific community who conduct the research and the education community who convey that information to students requires specific and continuing efforts. The Earth Exploration Toolbook (EET, http://serc.carleton.edu/eet) and the accompanying spectrum of activities encompassing development of materials that can provide access and understanding of IPY data and knowledge, and teacher professional development to facilitate the effective use of these materials with students can help build that bridge. The EET is an online resource that provides an easy way for educators to learn how to use Earth science datasets and data analysis tools to convey science concepts. Modules (called chapters) in the EET provide step-by-step instructions for accessing and analyzing these datasets within compelling case studies, and provide pedagogical information to help the educator use the data with their students. New EET chapters, featuring IPY data, can be developed through the use of an EET chapter template that standardizes the content and structure of the chapter. The initiation of new chapters can be facilitated through our Data in Education Workshops (previously DLESE Data Services Workshops, http://swiki.dlese.org/2006- dataservicesworkshop/). During these workshops IPY data providers, analysis tool specialists, IPY scientists, curriculum developers, and educators participate on teams of 5-6 members to create an outline of a new EET chapter featuring the IPY data and analysis tools represented on the team. New chapters will be completed by a curriculum developer following the workshop. Use of the IPY EET chapters will be facilitated by a range of professional development activities ranging from two 2-hour telecon-online workshops over the period of a month, to a year long professional development program that includes telecon-online workshops, a two-week summer workshop, follow-up online discussions and one-day meetings. In this paper we will discuss the EET and the spectrum of activities that can facilitate building a bridge between the IPY scientific community and future scientists and socially responsible citizens.

The DADDI Project: Delivering a Working Prototype for Arctic Coastal Data

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wilson, B. E.; Parsons, M. A.; Palanisamy, G.

2006-12-01

A key element for the ultimate success of the International Polar Year (IPY) effort will be our ability to make the volumes of data collected in this work available and usable to researchers, both now and into the future. Ultimately, the IPY data will reside in a number of different repositories and will be accessed by users from a wide variety of disciplines and with a wide variety of needs. It is therefore important that appropriate informatics tools be developed and made available to the IPY community for indexing, searching, retrieving, and managing distributed polar data. Discovery, Access, and Delivery of Data for the IPY (DADDI) is a NASA-funded project involving multiple institutions, targeted at leveraging and evolving Earth Science informatics tools to meet the Informatics challenges of the IPY effort. To test our approaches, we have selected Arctic coastal data as a focus area for developing a working prototype of an IPY Informatics solution. Coastal areas are undergoing some of the most drastic changes within the polar regions and are also the area of most concentrated human activity at high latitudes. Coastal regions are also of interest to a broad range of disciplines and data customers, so this is an area where there is a high need for a robust Informatics infrastructure. In this presentation, I will review the requirements which we have collected for an information system to manage a dispersed collection of Arctic coastal data. I will then present the current version of the prototype which we are developing, discuss the ways in which the underlying tools can be leveraged out to other IPY- related areas, and discuss the lessons learned in developing this prototype information system.

An Overview of the Upcoming International Polar Year

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Carlson, D.

2006-05-01

The ICSU - WMO International Polar Year 2007 - 2008 has drawn extraordinary interest from scientists of many specialties and many nationalities. A cautious assessment prior to the IPY start shows more than 200 projects, each with at least10 and often 50 or more scientists from at least three different nations, addressing a wide range of physical, biological and social research topics in both polar regions. Adding students, engineers, technicians and all manner of talented support crew so essential to polar research, and accepting some limitations due to logistics and funding, it seems likely that IPY will involve several 10's of thousands of individuals from at least 60 nations. Much of the IPY research will represent redirection and new collaboration on the basis of existing funds, but several nations will implement substantial new research funding and enhanced logistical support during IPY. One of IPY's strongest scientific contributions will arise from a substantial effort to understand geophysical, biological, and even social linkages between northern and southern polar regions - these linkages will highlight the importance of polar science to global processes and issues. IPY will offer unprecedented data management and communication challenges and opportunities, internally among so broad a range of scientific disciplines and externally to science education systems at all levels and to the general public. Against a background of prominent and largely commercial events, including films, television series, museum exhibitions, and regular broadcast coverage, many polar institutions and individuals will consider local events, new educational materials, and new engagement strategies that can have an enormous impact on public perception of science. In its total science and outreach effort, IPY will provide a large step forward that AGU and other pre-eminent science organizations can use and should plan to sustain.

Phase II study of the immune-checkpoint inhibitor ipilimumab plus dacarbazine in Japanese patients with previously untreated, unresectable or metastatic melanoma.

PubMed

Yamazaki, N; Uhara, H; Fukushima, S; Uchi, H; Shibagaki, N; Kiyohara, Y; Tsutsumida, A; Namikawa, K; Okuyama, R; Otsuka, Y; Tokudome, T

2015-11-01

Ipilimumab (IPI), a monoclonal antibody against immune-checkpoint receptor cytotoxic T lymphocyte antigen-4, is designed to enhance antitumor T cell function. IPI 10 mg/kg plus dacarbazine (DTIC) significantly improved overall survival in a phase 3 study involving predominantly Caucasian patients, with an adverse event (AE) profile similar to that of IPI monotherapy. We conducted a single-arm, phase 2 study to evaluate the safety and efficacy of IPI plus DTIC in Japanese patients. Previously untreated patients with unresectable stage III or IV melanoma received IPI 10 mg/kg plus DTIC 850 mg/m(2) every 3 weeks for four doses (q3w × 4), followed by DTIC q3w × 4 and then IPI every 12 weeks until disease progression or intolerable toxicity. All 15 treated patients reported drug-related AEs, the most common of which were increases in alanine aminotransferase (n = 12, 80 %) and aspartate aminotransferase (n = 11, 73 %). Treatment-related serious AEs were reported in 11 (73 %) patients. Nine patients (60 %) discontinued treatment due to drug-related toxicities. Immune-related AEs (irAEs) were reported in 14 patients (93 %). The most frequent irAEs were liver (n = 12, 80 %) and skin (n = 10, 67 %) toxicities. Five deaths were reported; all were caused by progressive disease. Efficacy evaluation showed one complete response, one partial response and four patients with stable disease. Best overall response rate was 13 % (2/15), and the disease control rate was 40 % (6/15). The study was terminated early due to frequent, high-grade liver toxicities. IPI 10 mg/kg plus DTIC 850 mg/m(2) was not considered tolerable in the Japanese patient population. ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT01681212.

A phase 1 study of the heat shock protein 90 inhibitor retaspimycin hydrochloride (IPI-504) in patients with gastrointestinal stromal tumors or soft tissue sarcomas

PubMed Central

Wagner, Andrew J.; Chugh, Rashmi; Rosen, Lee S.; Morgan, Jeffrey A.; George, Suzanne; Gordon, Michael; Dunbar, Joi; Normant, Emmanuel; Grayzel, David; Demetri, George D.

2015-01-01

Purpose Heat shock protein 90 (Hsp90) is required for the proper folding, function, and stability of various client proteins, two of which (KIT and PDGFRα) are critical in the pathogenesis and progression of gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST). This phase 1 study investigated the safety and maximum tolerated dose (MTD) of retaspimycin hydrochloride (IPI-504), a novel potent and selective Hsp90 inhibitor, in patients with metastatic and/or unresectable GIST or other soft-tissue sarcomas (STS). Experimental Design IPI-504 was administered intravenously at doses ranging from 90 to 500 mg/m2 twice weekly for 2 weeks on/1 week off. Safety, pharmacokinetic, and pharmacodynamic profiles were determined. Response was assessed by Response Evaluation Criteria for Solid Tumors (RECIST) 1.0 and optionally via 18-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (18-FDG-PET) imaging. Results Fifty-four patients received IPI-504; 37 with GIST and 17 with other STS. The MTD was 400 mg/m2 twice weekly for 2 weeks on/1 week off. Common related adverse events were fatigue (59%), headache (44%), and nausea (43%). Exposure to IPI-504, 17-AAG, and 17-AG increased with IPI-504 dose. Stable disease (SD) was observed in 70% (26/37) of patients with GIST and 59% (10/17) of patients with STS. There was one confirmed partial response (PR) in a patient with GIST and one PR in a patient with liposarcoma. Metabolic partial responses occurred in 11/29 (38%) of GIST patients. Conclusions In this study of advanced GIST or other STS, IPI-504 was generally well-tolerated with some evidence of anti-tumor activity, serving as a clinical proof-of-concept that HSP90 inhibition remains a promising strategy. PMID:24045182

Compiled visualization with IPI method for analysing of liquid liquid mixing process

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jasikova, Darina; Kotek, Michal; Kysela, Bohus; Sulc, Radek; Kopecky, Vaclav

2018-06-01

The article deals with the research of mixing process using visualization techniques and IPI method. Characteristics of the size distribution and the evolution of two liquid-liquid phase's disintegration were studied. A methodology has been proposed for visualization and image analysis of data acquired during the initial phase of the mixing process. IPI method was used for subsequent detailed study of the disintegrated droplets. The article describes advantages of usage of appropriate method, presents the limits of each method, and compares them.

Prevalence of and risk factors for malaria, filariasis, and intestinal parasites as single infections or co-infections in different settlements of Gabon, Central Africa.

PubMed

M'bondoukwé, Noé Patrick; Kendjo, Eric; Mawili-Mboumba, Denise Patricia; Koumba Lengongo, Jeanne Vanessa; Offouga Mbouoronde, Christelle; Nkoghe, Dieudonné; Touré, Fousseyni; Bouyou-Akotet, Marielle Karine

2018-01-30

Malaria, filariasis, and intestinal parasitic infections (IPIs) are common and frequently overlap in developing countries. The prevalence and predictors of these infections were investigated in three different settlements (rural, semi-urban, and urban) of Gabon. During cross-sectional surveys performed from September 2013 to June 2014, 451 individuals were interviewed. In addition, blood and stool samples were analysed for the presence of Plasmodium, filarial roundworm, intestinal protozoan, and helminth infections. Intestinal parasitic infections (61.1%), including intestinal protozoa (56.7%) and soil-transmitted helminths (STHs) (22.2%), predominated, whereas Plasmodium falciparum (18.8%), Loa loa (4.7%), and Mansonella perstans (1.1%) were less prevalent. Filariasis and STHs were mainly found in rural settlements, whereas a higher plasmodial infection prevalence rate was observed in the periurban area. The most common IPI was blastocystosis (48.6%), followed by ascaridiasis (13.7%), trichuriasis (11.8%), amoebiasis (9.3%), giardiasis (4.8%), and strongyloidiasis (3.7%). Hookworm was detected in one adult from rural Dienga. Adults had a higher prevalence of Blastocystis hominis and STHs, whereas Giardia duodenalis was more frequently observed among children aged below 5 years (P < 0.01). The polyparasitism rate was 41.5%, with 7.0% Plasmodium-IPIs and 1.8% Plasmodium-STH co-infections. The multivariate analysis showed that living in a suburban area, belonging to the age group of 5-15 years, having none or a secondary education, or having an open body water close to home were significant risk factors for malaria (P ≤ 0.01). For STH infections, identified risk factors were drinking untreated water and living in a rural area (P ≤ 0.04). No significant predictors were identified for IPIs and malaria-IPI co-infection. This study reports a high prevalence of IPIs and intestinal protozoa, but a low rate of malaria-IPI co-infections in the study sites. Improvements in the living conditions of the population such as adequate water supply and proper health education and sanitation should be integrated into control strategies for malaria, STHs, and IPIs.

A tale of two communities: intestinal polyparasitism among Orang Asli and Malay communities in rural Terengganu, Malaysia.

PubMed

Elyana, Fatin Nur; Al-Mekhlafi, Hesham M; Ithoi, Init; Abdulsalam, Awatif M; Dawaki, Salwa; Nasr, Nabil A; Atroosh, Wahib M; Abd-Basher, Mohamad Hafiz; Al-Areeqi, Mona A; Sady, Hany; Subramaniam, Lahvanya R; Anuar, Tengku Shahrul; Lau, Yee Ling; Moktar, Norhayati; Surin, Johari

2016-07-16

Intestinal parasitic infections (IPIs) are still major health problems in many developing countries including Malaysia, particularly in the poor and socioeconomically deprived rural and remote communities in Peninsular Malaysia. This study was conducted to determine the prevalence of IPIs and to identify the key factors associated with intestinal polyparasitism as well as to evaluate the knowledge, attitude and practices (KAP) on IPIs among rural Orang Asli and Malay communities in Terengganu, Malaysia. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 340 participants (165 Orang Asli and 175 Malay) aged ≤ 15 years from the Hulu Terengganu and Kemaman districts of Terengganu. Faecal samples were examined for the presence of intestinal parasites by using direct smear, formalin-ether sedimentation, trichrome stain, modified Ziehl Neelsen stain, in vitro cultivation in Jones' medium, Kato Katz and Harada Mori techniques. Demographic, socioeconomic, environmental and behavioural information of the participants and their KAP for IPIs were collected by using a pre-tested questionnaire. Overall, 149 (90.3 %) Orang Asli and 43 (24.6 %) Malay children were infected by at least one parasite species. The overall prevalences of intestinal polyparasitism among the Orang Asli and Malay were 68.5 % (113/165) and 14.3 % (25/175), respectively. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that using unsafe water supply as a source for drinking water, the presence of domestic animals, not wearing shoes when outside, not washing vegetables before consumption, not washing hands after playing with soil, indiscriminate defecation and the low level of mother's education were the key risk factors for intestinal polyparasitism among the Orang Asli, while working mothers and the presence of domestic animals were the risk factors among the Malay children. Almost all the Malays were well aware about the IPIs while Orang Asli respondents had a poor level of related awareness. This study demonstrates that IPIs are highly prevalent in rural Terengganu, Malaysia. Community awareness about IPIs was found to be imperative in protecting Malay children from these infections. An integrated control programme for the prevention and control of IPIs is highly recommended for these communities, with a special emphasis on the Orang Asli population.

Imidazopyrazinones (IPYs): Non-Quinolone Bacterial Topoisomerase Inhibitors Showing Partial Cross-Resistance with Quinolones.

PubMed

Jeannot, Frédéric; Taillier, Thomas; Despeyroux, Pierre; Renard, Stéphane; Rey, Astrid; Mourez, Michaël; Poeverlein, Christoph; Khichane, Imène; Perrin, Marc-Antoine; Versluys, Stéphanie; Stavenger, Robert A; Huang, Jianzhong; Germe, Thomas; Maxwell, Anthony; Cao, Sha; Huseby, Douglas L; Hughes, Diarmaid; Bacqué, Eric

2018-04-26

In our quest for new antibiotics able to address the growing threat of multidrug resistant infections caused by Gram-negative bacteria, we have investigated an unprecedented series of non-quinolone bacterial topoisomerase inhibitors from the Sanofi patrimony, named IPYs for imidazopyrazinones, as part of the Innovative Medicines Initiative (IMI) European Gram Negative Antibacterial Engine (ENABLE) organization. Hybridization of these historical compounds with the quinazolinediones, a known series of topoisomerase inhibitors, led us to a novel series of tricyclic IPYs that demonstrated potential for broad spectrum activity, in vivo efficacy, and a good developability profile, although later profiling revealed a genotoxicity risk. Resistance studies revealed partial cross-resistance with fluoroquinolones (FQs) suggesting that IPYs bind to the same region of bacterial topoisomerases as FQs and interact with at least some of the keys residues involved in FQ binding.

A new extranodal scoring system based on the prognostically relevant extranodal sites in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, not otherwise specified treated with chemoimmunotherapy.

PubMed

Hwang, Hee Sang; Yoon, Dok Hyun; Suh, Cheolwon; Huh, Jooryung

2016-08-01

Extranodal involvement is a well-known prognostic factor in patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphomas (DLBCL). Nevertheless, the prognostic impact of the extranodal scoring system included in the conventional international prognostic index (IPI) has been questioned in an era where rituximab treatment has become widespread. We investigated the prognostic impacts of individual sites of extranodal involvement in 761 patients with DLBCL who received rituximab-based chemoimmunotherapy. Subsequently, we established a new extranodal scoring system based on extranodal sites, showing significant prognostic correlation, and compared this system with conventional scoring systems, such as the IPI and the National Comprehensive Cancer Network-IPI (NCCN-IPI). An internal validation procedure, using bootstrapped samples, was also performed for both univariate and multivariate models. Using multivariate analysis with a backward variable selection, we found nine extranodal sites (the liver, lung, spleen, central nervous system, bone marrow, kidney, skin, adrenal glands, and peritoneum) that remained significant for use in the final model. Our newly established extranodal scoring system, based on these sites, was better correlated with patient survival than standard scoring systems, such as the IPI and the NCCN-IPI. Internal validation by bootstrapping demonstrated an improvement in model performance of our modified extranodal scoring system. Our new extranodal scoring system, based on the prognostically relevant sites, may improve the performance of conventional prognostic models of DLBCL in the rituximab era and warrants further external validation using large study populations.

Sublgacial Antarctic Lake Environments (SALE)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kennicutt, M. C.; Bell, R. E.; Priscu, J. C.

2004-12-01

Subglacial Antarctic lake environments are emerging as one of the new frontiers targeted for exploration during the IPY 2007-2009. Several campaigns by various nations are in the early stages of planning and implementation with timelines that will coincide with the IPY. The ambitious interdisciplinary objectives will best be realized by multiple exploration programs investigating diverse subglacial environments continent-wide over the next decade or more. A concerted, multi-target approach wil be taken to advance our understanding of the range of possible lake evolutionary histories; the character of the physical, chemical, and biological niches; the interconnectivity of subglacial lake environments; the coupling of the ice sheet, climate and the evolution of life under the ice; the tectonic settings; and the interplay of biogeochemical cycles. Research and exploration programs spanning the continent will investigate subglacial lake environments of differing ages, evolutionary histories, and biogeochemical settings. The combined efforts will provide a holistic view of these environments over millions of years and under changing climatic conditions. The IPY will provide an opportunity for an intense period of initial exploration that will advance scientific discoveries in glaciology, biogeochemistry, paleoclimate, biology, geology and tectonics, and ecology. While early discoveries and exciting findings are expected during the IPY 2007-2009, a long term sustained program of research and exploration will continue far beyond the IPY. Within the five year period that spans the IPY, specific accomplishments will be targeted, accelerating the research agenda and setting a framework for follow-on studies. Four phases of exploration and discovery are envisioned.

Enhanced optical security by using information carrier digital screening

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Koltai, Ferenc; Adam, Bence

2004-06-01

Jura has developed different security features based on Information Carrier Digital Screening. Substance of such features is that a non-visible secondary image is encoded in a visible primary image. The encoded image will be visible only by using a decoding device. One of such developments is JURA's Invisible Personal Information (IPI) is widely used in high security documents, where personal data of the document holder are encoded in the screen of the document holder's photography and they can be decoded by using an optical decoding device. In order to make document verification fully automated, enhance security and eliminate human factors, digital version of IPI, the D-IPI was developed. A special 2D-barcode structure was designed, which contains sufficient quantity of encoded digital information and can be embedded into the photo. Other part of Digital-IPI is the reading software, that is able to retrieve the encoded information with high reliability. The reading software developed with a specific 2D structure is providing the possibility of a forensic analysis. Such analysis will discover all kind of manipulations -- globally, if the photography was simply changed and selectively, if only part of the photography was manipulated. Digital IPI is a good example how benefits of digital technology can be exploited by using optical security and how technology for optical security can be converted into digital technology. The D-IPI process is compatible with all current personalization printers and materials (polycarbonate, PVC, security papers, Teslin-foils, etc.) and can provide any document with enhanced security and tamper-resistance.

Recent advance in polar seismology: Global impact of the International Polar Year

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kanao, Masaki; Zhao, Dapeng; Wiens, Douglas A.; Stutzmann, Éléonore

2015-03-01

The most exciting initiative for the recent polar studies was the International Polar Year (IPY) in 2007-2008. The IPY has witnessed a growing community of seismologists who have made considerable efforts to acquire high-quality data in polar regions. It also provided an excellent opportunity to make significant advances in seismic instrumentation of the polar regions to achieve scientific targets involving global issues. Taking these aspects into account, we organize and publish a special issue in Polar Science on the recent advance in polar seismology and cryoseismology as fruitful achievements of the IPY.

Cervical cancer screening in rural mountainous Honduras: knowledge, attitudes and barriers.

PubMed

Pryor, Rachel J; Masroor, Nadia; Stevens, Michael; Sanogo, Kakotan; Hernández O'Hagan, Pedro José; Bearman, Gonzalo

2017-01-01

Because cervical cancer is the leading cause of cancer mortality in Honduras, this study assessed knowledge, attitudes and barriers to cervical cancer screening services by Papanicolaou smear (pap smear) for women in rural, remote Honduras served by Virginia Commonwealth University's Global Health and Health Disparities Program (GH2DP). Two interviewers administered an institutional review board approved, 20 question survey by convenience sample methodology to adult female patients visiting GH2DP clinics in June 2014. A total of 146 surveys were completed. Of the respondents, 30 were living in La Hicaca, the largest and wealthiest village in the region, and 116 were living in surrounding, less affluent, villages. On average, women from La Hicaca had 2.9 children whereas women from surrounding villages had 4.3 children (p=0.0095). There were no significant differences between La Hicaca and surrounding villages in average respondent age, age of first intercourse and number of sexual partners. Seventy three percent (22/30) of women from La Hicaca and 60% (70/116) from surrounding villages reported undergoing cervical cancer screening by pap smear (p=0.1890). Eighty-two percent (18/22) of the respondents from La Hicaca and 84% (59/70) from surrounding villages were screened in the past two years (p=0.7846). The majority of the women from surrounding villages (81%, 57/70) and 23% (5/22) from La Hicaca traveled >1 h to receive a pap smear (p≤0.0001). Women from La Hicaca (86%, 19/22) were more likely to receive their pap smear results than women from surrounding villages (60%, 42/70) (p=0.0225). Although 17% (5/30) of respondents from La Hicaca and 11% (13/116) (p=0.4175) from surrounding villages were aware of the cause of cervical cancer, 60% (18/30) of women in La Hicaca and 82% (95/116) in surrounding villages (p=0.0106) believed it is preventable. Of the 106 women (73%) who had heard of cervical cancer screening, only 92 women (63%) had been screened (p<0.0001). Women undergoing cervical cancer screening were more likely to believe that cervical cancer is preventable (n=78, p=0.0054). The most common screening barriers were lack of awareness and fear (19/54, 35%; 15/54, 28%). Although yearly screening services are available in this community, knowledge and access barriers exist for increased implementation. Notification of pap smear results is suboptimal. These findings will guide regional and collaborative effort to improve cervical cancer screening services.

Bring the Poles to Your Classroom & Community Through Linked Hands-on Learning & IPY Data

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Turrin, M.; Bell, R. E.; Kastens, K. A.; Pfirman, S. L.

2009-12-01

Two major legacies of the 4th International Polar Year (IPY 2007-9) are a newly galvanized educational community and an immense volume of polar data collected by the global science community. The tremendous new polar datasets represent a unique opportunity to communicate the nature of the changing poles to student and public audiences through this polar savvy educational community if effective approaches to link data and understanding are employed. We have developed a strategy for polar education that leverages the IPY data resources, linked with the polar education hands-on ‘manipulatives’ (materials that students can manipulate in a dynamic manner). This linked approach leverages the fundamental inquiry based learning but recognizes that particularly in the polar sciences the size of the earth, the remoteness of the poles and the scale of its processes make it difficult for students to explore in a hands-on manner. The linking of polar hands-on ‘manipulatives’ with IPY data provides a bridge between the tangible and the global. Alone manipulative activities can be beneficial in their ability to help students visualize a process or behavior, but without a strong link back to the Earth through data or evidence the understanding of the process is not transferred from the classroom model to the full scale Earth. The use of activities or models is beneficial in connecting the learner to the polar process(es), while the IPY data provides a unique opportunity to ground the polar manipulative experiments in real data. This linked strategy emerged from a series of NSF sponsored IPY Polar Fairs at major science museums that reached in excess of 12,000 people. The design of the fairs was that polar scientists developed activities linking low cost hands-on manipulatives to scientific evidence/data that was displayed in posters, images, and video clips. The participating scientists walked the ‘audience’ through the hands-on manipulative, then discussed their evidence while provided the reasoning. Adjusting this linked manipulative/data approach to the community of teachers will provide a very tangible education outcome to this community from IPY. Our linked manipulative-data strategy ensures polar processes are demonstrated, measured then matched with IPY data sets so that when examined in a guided exploration will provide the student the tools to generate the reasoning. This linked strategy is a powerful way to engage students in Earth science, and provide them with an entry to the wealth of professionally collected data sets that are available from both IPY and the broader science community, all while aligning with National Science Standards. We will demonstrate this approach, and show how the linked manipulative-data approach can be effectively used in community and school events to reach a wider audience.

Improved survival and complete response rates in patients with advanced melanoma treated with concurrent ipilimumab and radiotherapy versus ipilimumab alone.

PubMed

Koller, Kristian M; Mackley, Heath B; Liu, Jason; Wagner, Henry; Talamo, Giampaolo; Schell, Todd D; Pameijer, Colette; Neves, Rogerio I; Anderson, Bryan; Kokolus, Kathleen M; Mallon, Carol A; Drabick, Joseph J

2017-01-02

There is a growing body of evidence supporting the synergistic roles of radiotherapy and immunotherapy in the treatment of malignancy. Published case studies of the abscopal effect have been reported with the use of ipilimumab and radiotherapy in metastatic melanoma, but evidence supporting the routine use of this combination of therapy is limited. We conducted a retrospective analysis to evaluate patients treated with ipilimumab for advanced melanoma at a single institution from May 2011 to June 2015. Patients were grouped into those who had received concurrent radiotherapy while on ipilimumab (Ipi-RT), and those who did not. We then evaluated the treatment response following completion of ipilimumab. A total of 101 patients received ipilimumab in the prespecified time frame. 70 received Ipi-RT and 31 received ipilimumab without concurrent radiotherapy. Median overall survival (OS) was significantly increased in the concurrent Ipi-RT arm at 19 months vs. 10 months for ipilimumab alone (p = 0.01). Median progression free survival (PFS) was marginally increased in the Ipi-RT group compare with the ipilimumab alone group (5 months vs. 3 months, p = 0.20). Rates of complete response (CR) were significantly increased in the Ipi-RT group vs. ipilimumab alone (25.7% vs. 6.5%; p = 0.04), and rates of overall response (OR) in the groups were 37.1% vs. 19.4% (p = 0.11). No increase in toxicities was observed in the Ipi-RT group compare with ipilimumab alone. Prospective trials are needed to further clarify the role of radiotherapy with ipilimumab, but these encouraging preliminary observations suggest that this combination can induce more durable responses to immunotherapy.

Improved survival and complete response rates in patients with advanced melanoma treated with concurrent ipilimumab and radiotherapy versus ipilimumab alone

PubMed Central

Koller, Kristian M.; Mackley, Heath B.; Liu, Jason; Wagner, Henry; Talamo, Giampaolo; Schell, Todd D.; Pameijer, Colette; Neves, Rogerio I.; Anderson, Bryan; Kokolus, Kathleen M.; Mallon, Carol A.; Drabick, Joseph J.

2017-01-01

ABSTRACT There is a growing body of evidence supporting the synergistic roles of radiotherapy and immunotherapy in the treatment of malignancy. Published case studies of the abscopal effect have been reported with the use of ipilimumab and radiotherapy in metastatic melanoma, but evidence supporting the routine use of this combination of therapy is limited. We conducted a retrospective analysis to evaluate patients treated with ipilimumab for advanced melanoma at a single institution from May 2011 to June 2015. Patients were grouped into those who had received concurrent radiotherapy while on ipilimumab (Ipi-RT), and those who did not. We then evaluated the treatment response following completion of ipilimumab. A total of 101 patients received ipilimumab in the prespecified time frame. 70 received Ipi-RT and 31 received ipilimumab without concurrent radiotherapy. Median overall survival (OS) was significantly increased in the concurrent Ipi-RT arm at 19 months vs. 10 months for ipilimumab alone (p = 0.01). Median progression free survival (PFS) was marginally increased in the Ipi-RT group compare with the ipilimumab alone group (5 months vs. 3 months, p = 0.20). Rates of complete response (CR) were significantly increased in the Ipi-RT group vs. ipilimumab alone (25.7% vs. 6.5%; p = 0.04), and rates of overall response (OR) in the groups were 37.1% vs. 19.4% (p = 0.11). No increase in toxicities was observed in the Ipi-RT group compare with ipilimumab alone. Prospective trials are needed to further clarify the role of radiotherapy with ipilimumab, but these encouraging preliminary observations suggest that this combination can induce more durable responses to immunotherapy. PMID:27905824

A fast BK-type KCa current acts as a postsynaptic modulator of temporal selectivity for communication signals.

PubMed

Kohashi, Tsunehiko; Carlson, Bruce A

2014-01-01

Temporal patterns of spiking often convey behaviorally relevant information. Various synaptic mechanisms and intrinsic membrane properties can influence neuronal selectivity to temporal patterns of input. However, little is known about how synaptic mechanisms and intrinsic properties together determine the temporal selectivity of neuronal output. We tackled this question by recording from midbrain electrosensory neurons in mormyrid fish, in which the processing of temporal intervals between communication signals can be studied in a reduced in vitro preparation. Mormyrids communicate by varying interpulse intervals (IPIs) between electric pulses. Within the midbrain posterior exterolateral nucleus (ELp), the temporal patterns of afferent spike trains are filtered to establish single-neuron IPI tuning. We performed whole-cell recording from ELp neurons in a whole-brain preparation and examined the relationship between intrinsic excitability and IPI tuning. We found that spike frequency adaptation of ELp neurons was highly variable. Postsynaptic potentials (PSPs) of strongly adapting (phasic) neurons were more sharply tuned to IPIs than weakly adapting (tonic) neurons. Further, the synaptic filtering of IPIs by tonic neurons was more faithfully converted into variation in spiking output, particularly at short IPIs. Pharmacological manipulation under current- and voltage-clamp revealed that tonic firing is mediated by a fast, large-conductance Ca(2+)-activated K(+) (KCa) current (BK) that speeds up action potential repolarization. These results suggest that BK currents can shape the temporal filtering of sensory inputs by modifying both synaptic responses and PSP-to-spike conversion. Slow SK-type KCa currents have previously been implicated in temporal processing. Thus, both fast and slow KCa currents can fine-tune temporal selectivity.

Echolocating Big Brown Bats, Eptesicus fuscus, Modulate Pulse Intervals to Overcome Range Ambiguity in Cluttered Surroundings

PubMed Central

Wheeler, Alyssa R.; Fulton, Kara A.; Gaudette, Jason E.; Simmons, Ryan A.; Matsuo, Ikuo; Simmons, James A.

2016-01-01

Big brown bats (Eptesicus fuscus) emit trains of brief, wideband frequency-modulated (FM) echolocation sounds and use echoes of these sounds to orient, find insects, and guide flight through vegetation. They are observed to emit sounds that alternate between short and long inter-pulse intervals (IPIs), forming sonar sound groups. The occurrence of these strobe groups has been linked to flight in cluttered acoustic environments, but how exactly bats use sonar sound groups to orient and navigate is still a mystery. Here, the production of sound groups during clutter navigation was examined. Controlled flight experiments were conducted where the proximity of the nearest obstacles was systematically decreased while the extended scene was kept constant. Four bats flew along a corridor of varying widths (100, 70, and 40 cm) bounded by rows of vertically hanging plastic chains while in-flight echolocation calls were recorded. Bats shortened their IPIs for more rapid spatial sampling and also grouped their sounds more tightly when flying in narrower corridors. Bats emitted echolocation calls with progressively shorter IPIs over the course of a flight, and began their flights by emitting shorter starting IPI calls when clutter was denser. The percentage of sound groups containing 3 or more calls increased with increasing clutter proximity. Moreover, IPI sequences having internal structure become more pronounced when corridor width narrows. A novel metric for analyzing the temporal organization of sound sequences was developed, and the results indicate that the time interval between echolocation calls depends heavily on the preceding time interval. The occurrence of specific IPI patterns were dependent upon clutter, which suggests that sonar sound grouping may be an adaptive strategy for coping with pulse-echo ambiguity in cluttered surroundings. PMID:27445723

Intestinal Parasitic Infections and Nutritional Status among Primary School Children in Delo-mena District, South Eastern Ethiopia.

PubMed

Tulu, Begna; Taye, Solomon; Zenebe, Yohannes; Amsalu, Eden

2016-01-01

Although there are efforts being underway to control and prevent intestinal parasitic infections (IPIs) in Ethiopia, they are still endemic and responsible for significant morbidity. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of IPIs and their association with nutritional status among primary school children of Delo-Mena district, South Eastern Ethiopia. A cross-sectional study was conducted from April to May 2013. Demographic data was obtained, and IPIs was investigated in a single-stool sample by both direct stool examination and formol-ether concentration techniques. Anthropometric measurements were taken to calculate height for-age (HAZ), BMI-for-age (BAZ) and weight-for-age (WAZ) for the determination of stunting, thinness and underweight, respectively using WHO AntroPlus software. SPSS version 20 was used for statistical analysis and p value less than 0.05 was considered significant. Among 492 children studied (51% boys, aged 6-18 years, mean 10.93 +2.4) an overall IPIs prevalence of 26.6% was found. The prevalence of S. mansoni , E. histolytica/dispar , H. nana , A. lumbricoides , G. lambilia , T. trichiura , S. stercolaris , E. vermicularis , Hookworms and Taenia spp were 9.6%, 7.7%, 5.3%, 3.7%, 2.0%, 1.6%, 1.4%, 1.2%, 0.8% and 0.2% respectively. Stunting and underweightedness were observed in 4.5% and 13.6% of children and associated with IPIs ( P <0.001) and ( P =0.001), respectively. IPIs and its associated malnutrition remain a public health concern in Delo-Mena district. Therefore, the overall health promotion activities coupled with snail control and de-worming to the students is crucial. Additionally, initiatives aimed at improving the nutritional status of school children are also important.

Individually Prescribed Instruction: Background Information and Research.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

DeRenzis, Joseph J.

The effects of individually prescribed instruction (IPI) in reading as compared to the traditional mode of instruction are examined. The IPI model includes four components: analysis of subject matter content, diagnosis of student preinstructional behavior, sequencing of materials to facilitate learning, and evaluation strategies. Elementary…

Phase II Evaluation of IPI-926, an Oral Hedgehog Inhibitor, in Patients with Myelofibrosis

PubMed Central

Sasaki, Koji; Gotlib, Jason R.; Mesa, Ruben A.; Newberry, Kate J.; Ravandi, Farhad; Cortes, Jorge E.; Kelly, Patrick; Kutok, Jeffery L.; Kantarjian, Hagop M.; Verstovsek, Srdan

2016-01-01

The clinical safety and efficacy of IPI-926 was evaluated in 14 patients with myelofibrosis in a phase II study. Patients received 160-mg IPI-926 orally in continuous 28-day cycles. The median treatment duration was 5.1 months, and all patients had discontinued treatment by 7.5 months. Nine patients discontinued due to lack of response as determined by the treating physician, two after developing acute leukemia and one due to disease progression/loss of response. Twelve patients had slight reductions in spleen size (less than 50% from baseline), but symptoms did not improve consistently. One patient achieved transfusion independence lasting 5 months. Reductions in GLI1 mRNA and protein levels, JAK2V617F allele burden, degree of fibrosis, or cytokine levels were observed in some patients, but were not significant when evaluated for the cohort. Low-grade gastrointestinal/liver abnormalities were the most common toxicities. The results did not support continued evaluation of IPI-926 as a monotherapy in myelofibrosis. PMID:25641433

Increased CRF signaling in a ventral tegmental area-interpeduncular nucleus-medial habenula circuit induces anxiety during nicotine withdrawal

PubMed Central

Zhao-Shea, Rubing; DeGroot, Steven R.; Liu, Liwang; Vallaster, Markus; Pang, Xueyan; Su, Qin; Gao, Guangping; Rando, Oliver J.; Martin, Gilles E.; George, Olivier; Gardner, Paul D.; Tapper, Andrew R.

2015-01-01

Increased anxiety is a predominant withdrawal symptom in abstinent smokers, yet the neuroanatomical and molecular bases underlying it are unclear. Here, we show that withdrawal-induced anxiety increases activity of neurons in the interpeduncular intermediate (IPI), a subregion of the interpeduncular nucleus (IPN). IPI activation during nicotine withdrawal was mediated by increased corticotropin releasing factor (CRF) receptor-1 expression and signaling, which modulated glutamatergic input from the medial habenula (MHb). Pharmacological blockade of IPN CRF1 receptors or optogenetic silencing of MHb input reduced IPI activation and alleviated withdrawal-induced anxiety; whereas IPN CRF infusion in mice increased anxiety. We identified a meso-interpeduncular circuit, consisting of ventral tegmental area (VTA) dopaminergic neurons projecting to the IPN, as a potential source of CRF. Knock-down of CRF synthesis in the VTA prevented IPI activation and anxiety during nicotine withdrawal. These data indicate that increased CRF receptor signaling within a VTA-IPN-MHb circuit triggers anxiety during nicotine withdrawal. PMID:25898242

Impact of Increasing Inter-pregnancy Interval on Maternal and Infant Health

PubMed Central

Wendt, Amanda; Gibbs, Cassandra M.; Peters, Stacey; Hogue, Carol J.

2015-01-01

Short inter-pregnancy intervals (IPIs) have been associated with adverse maternal and infant health outcomes in the literature. However, many studies in this area have been lacking in quality and appropriate control for confounders known to be associated with both short IPIs and poor outcomes. The objective of this systematic review was to assess this relationship using more rigorous criteria, based on GRADE (Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation) methodology. We found too few higher-quality studies of the impact of IPIs (measured as the time between the birth of a previous child and conception of the next child) on maternal health to reach conclusions about maternal nutrition, morbidity or mortality. However, the evidence for infant effects justified meta-analyses. We found significant impacts of short IPIs for extreme preterm birth [<6 m adjusted odds ratio (aOR): 1.58 [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.40, 1.78], 6–11 m aOR: 1.23 [1.03, 1.46

Factors associated with short interpregnancy interval in women who plan postpartum LARC: a retrospective study.

PubMed

Harney, Clare; Dude, Annie; Haider, Sadia

2017-03-01

Pregnancies conceived after a short interpregnancy interval (IPI), within 18 months of delivery, and unintended pregnancies are both associated with health risks. We studied risk factors for conception after a short IPI among postpartum women who plan long-acting reversible contraception (LARC). A retrospective review of a cohort of women who delivered at University of Illinois Hospital from 2005 to 2010 and were discharged with a plan for interval LARC was performed. Outcomes were (1) attendance at a postpartum visit (PPV), (2) LARC placement (3) and conception after a short IPI. We compared variables using chi-squared test, Student's t tests and multivariable logistic regression. Of 3548 women, 62.0% attended a PPV, 36.5% received LARC and 11.4% conceived after a short IPI. After logistic regression, women who were multiparous [odds ratio (OR) 0.77, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.65-0.91] or chose a temporary contraceptive "bridge" to LARC (OR 0.74, 95% CI 0.58-0.94) were less likely to attend their PPV. Women who missed their PPV (OR 0.06, 95% CI 0.05-0.08) or chose a bridge (OR 0.66, 95% CI 0.50-0.88) were less likely to receive LARC. Finally, women who did not receive LARC (OR 4.8, 95% CI 3.50-6.70), were multiparous (OR 1.69, 95% CI 1.32-2.15) or teenaged (OR 2.12, 95% CI 1.61-2.79) were more likely to conceive after a short IPI. Women who receive postpartum LARC are less likely to become pregnant after a short IPI. Missing the PPV, multiparity and plan for a contraceptive bridge may all contribute to a patient not receiving planned LARC. Efforts to decrease unintended pregnancy after a short IPI should focus on decreasing barriers to planned postpartum LARC. Provision of temporary bridge contraception until interval LARC may not mitigate the significant barriers associated with interval postpartum placement protocols. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

International Polar Research and Space Weather

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lanzerotti, Louis J.

2009-02-01

The fiftieth anniversary of the International Geophysical Year (IGY), currently celebrated in the 2007-2009 International Polar Year (IPY), highlights space weather's heritage from polar research. The polar regions were still very much "terra incognito" 50 years ago. At the same time, communications technologies had significantly advanced since the time of the second IPY, in 1932-1933. Yet even before the second IPY, several directors of international meteorological services stated in a 1928 resolution that "increased knowledge [of the polar regions] will be of practical application to problems connected with terrestrial magnetism, marine and aerial navigation, wireless telegraphy and weather forecasting" (see http://scaa.usask.ca/gallery/northern/currie/en_polaryear.shtml).

Independent Prognostic Value of Serum Markers in Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma in the Era of the NCCN-IPI.

PubMed

Melchardt, Thomas; Troppan, Katharina; Weiss, Lukas; Hufnagl, Clemens; Neureiter, Daniel; Tränkenschuh, Wolfgang; Schlick, Konstantin; Huemer, Florian; Deutsch, Alexander; Neumeister, Peter; Greil, Richard; Pichler, Martin; Egle, Alexander

2015-12-01

Several serum parameters have been evaluated for adding prognostic value to clinical scoring systems in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), but none of the reports used multivariate testing of more than one parameter at a time. The goal of this study was to validate widely available serum parameters for their independent prognostic impact in the era of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network-International Prognostic Index (NCCN-IPI) score to determine which were the most useful. This retrospective bicenter analysis includes 515 unselected patients with DLBCL who were treated with rituximab and anthracycline-based chemoimmunotherapy between 2004 and January 2014. Anemia, high C-reactive protein, and high bilirubin levels had an independent prognostic value for survival in multivariate analyses in addition to the NCCN-IPI, whereas neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, high gamma-glutamyl transferase levels, and platelets-to-lymphocyte ratio did not. In our cohort, we describe the most promising markers to improve the NCCN-IPI. Anemia and high C-reactive protein levels retain their power in multivariate testing even in the era of the NCCN-IPI. The negative role of high bilirubin levels may be associated as a marker of liver function. Further studies are warranted to incorporate these markers into prognostic models and define their role opposite novel molecular markers. Copyright © 2015 by the National Comprehensive Cancer Network.

Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma: 10 years' real-world clinical experience with rituximab plus cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine and prednisolone.

PubMed

Horvat, Matej; Zadnik, Vesna; Južnič Šetina, Tanja; Boltežar, Lučka; Pahole Goličnik, Jana; Novaković, Srdjan; Jezeršek Novaković, Barbara

2018-03-01

Treatment with rituximab plus a regimen of cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine and prednisolone (CHOP) for patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) has proven efficacy in clinical trials. The present study investigated its application in clinical practice. This single-center, retrospective database analysis included patients with DLBCL treated at the Slovenian Institute of Oncology Ljubljana between 2004 and 2013. Overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) were assessed according to International Prognostic Index (IPI) and revised IPI (R-IPI) categories. Overall, 573 patients with DLBCL were included in the study (median follow-up, 45.3 months; range, 0.1-143.0). Patients were categorized as IPI 'low' (n=170; 30%), 'low-intermediate' (n=134; 23%), 'high-intermediate' (n=129; 23%) and 'high' (n=140; 24%) risk. R-IPI groups were indicated with 'very good' (n=59; 10%), 'good' (n=245; 43%) and 'poor' (n=269; 47%) prognosis. Ten-year OS and PFS rates were 51 and 72%, respectively; median OS was 124 months and median PFS was not reached. Ten-year OS rates were 80 and 87% in low-risk and 'very good' prognosis groups, respectively, and 30 and 37% in high-risk and poor prognosis patients, respectively. This analysis of patients with DLBCL indicated that many patients treated with R-CHOP and R-CHOP-like regimens in the real-world setting have excellent outcomes.

Automatic Realistic Real Time Stimulation/Recording in Weakly Electric Fish: Long Time Behavior Characterization in Freely Swimming Fish and Stimuli Discrimination

PubMed Central

Forlim, Caroline G.; Pinto, Reynaldo D.

2014-01-01

Weakly electric fish are unique model systems in neuroethology, that allow experimentalists to non-invasively, access, central nervous system generated spatio-temporal electric patterns of pulses with roles in at least 2 complex and incompletely understood abilities: electrocommunication and electrolocation. Pulse-type electric fish alter their inter pulse intervals (IPIs) according to different behavioral contexts as aggression, hiding and mating. Nevertheless, only a few behavioral studies comparing the influence of different stimuli IPIs in the fish electric response have been conducted. We developed an apparatus that allows real time automatic realistic stimulation and simultaneous recording of electric pulses in freely moving Gymnotus carapo for several days. We detected and recorded pulse timestamps independently of the fish’s position for days. A stimulus fish was mimicked by a dipole electrode that reproduced the voltage time series of real conspecific according to previously recorded timestamp sequences. We characterized fish behavior and the eletrocommunication in 2 conditions: stimulated by IPIs pre-recorded from other fish and random IPI ones. All stimuli pulses had the exact Gymontus carapo waveform. All fish presented a surprisingly long transient exploratory behavior (more than 8 h) when exposed to a new environment in the absence of electrical stimuli. Further, we also show that fish are able to discriminate between real and random stimuli distributions by changing several characteristics of their IPI distribution. PMID:24400122

IPI Science Today.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Champagne, Audrey B.

The paper related what has been accomplished during the past six years in the development of IPI Science at the Learning Research and Development Center, University of Pittsburgh. There have been three major accomplishments: (1) Goals for the program have been established, (2) The serious problems that face a group of curriculum developers…

Social Sciences and Humanities in the IPY 2007/08: An Integrating Mission

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Krupnik, I.

2004-12-01

Our understanding of the human dimension of polar regions is immensely greater today than at the beginning of polar science. In the IPY 2007/2008, social sciences and humanities aspire to become fully engaged members of a new multidisciplinary effort. They are eager to address issues of partnership and public involvement, socio-economic development, governance, cultural viability and human rights of polar residents. These societal issues are among the top priorities of the IPY 2007/2008 mission to enhance the understanding of human-environmental interactions in the polar systems and to promote the value of polar science and global monitoring among the public at large. Other social issues-security, diplomacy, demography, health, education, communications-are also critical to polar research and to the scientific advance into the Arctic and Antarctica. The success of IPY 2007/08 requires the articulation of the common interest among scientists, polar peoples, economic actors, and sovereign nations, facing current global change. Experience from various regions present convincing evidence that lasting progress in the understanding and preservation of the environment can only be achieved if local populations are respected and involved. Research made at the "poles" is, thus, crucial for establishing models of equity and involvement, partnership and outreach. In this mission of the IPY 2007/2008 program social scientists and humanists are to make credible contributions. One of the key missions for social scientists under the IPY 2007/2008 program is to develop cooperative observation programs involving interested indigenous experts, subsistence users, and other polar residents. Through generations of life in the polar environment, polar people have developed long-standing knowledge and observation techniques in recording and interpreting a broad range of signals and phenomena in the polar systems. Efforts to integrate local experts into year-round circumpolar observing networks would provide polar researchers with an opportunity to learn of both present and past conditions from the vast store of indigenous knowledge and to augment instrument and satellite data with local observations. Another critical task for social scientists is to initiate studies of human and societal adaptations to past and present change in the polar regions. Research should target strategies and adaptive mechanisms that worked in the past and that are working today, particularly as seen from the community perspective. Analysis of past and present human responses to both physical/natural and social change would inform our broader understanding of integrated social and ecological systems in the polar regions and at the global level. Partnering with polar communities will help the IPY scientists develop new strategies and holistic approaches to explore unique contributions from polar regions to global systems, cultures, and science. These new approaches will promote scholarly cooperation between polar researchers and local residents; advance the scientific use of traditional knowledge; advance studies in community sustainability, subsistence and co-management strategies, ecosystem health, spiritual and environmental healing, heritage and language preservation. Previous IPY/IGY ventures have sparked human imagination and helped build public interest in polar research. The legacy of IPY 2007-2008, when preserved in diaries, instruments, photographs, and museum collections, will excite new generations of researchers and public in 25, 50 or even 100 years from now, as much as the memories, records, and collections of the earlier Polar Years helped generate enthusiasm for the IPY 2007/2008.

Bridging the Gap between Real-World Polar Science and the Classroom

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Robertson, William H.; Garcia, Claudia Vanessa; Lougheed, Vanessa L.; Tweedie, Craig; Velasco, Aaron

2009-01-01

The International Polar Year-Research and Educational Opportunities in Antarctica for Minorities (IPY-ROAM) program was designed to increase minority participation in polar science by immersing participants in an academic program that included a trip to Antarctica. The IPY-ROAM program was focused on increasing public understanding of the polar…

Teacher Perceptions of School Consultant Social Influence Strategies: Replication and Expansion

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Owens, Julie Sarno; Schwartz, Madeline E.; Erchul, William P.; Himawan, Lina; Evans, Steven W.; Coles, Erika K.; Schulte, Ann C.

2017-01-01

The goals were to (a) replicate the findings of Erchul, Raven, and Whichard (2001) with regard to the Consultee/Teacher Version of the Interpersonal Power Inventory (IPI; Raven, Schwarzwald, & Koslowsky, 1998), and (b) advance the literature by examining IPI scores about a current consultation relationship. Sample 1 included 99 elementary…

Ethanol induced astaxanthin accumulation and transcriptional expression of carotenogenic genes in Haematococcus pluvialis.

PubMed

Wen, Zewen; Liu, Zhiyong; Hou, Yuyong; Liu, Chenfeng; Gao, Feng; Zheng, Yubin; Chen, Fangjian

2015-10-01

Haematococcus pluvialis is one of the most promising natural sources of astaxanthin. However, inducing the accumulation process has become one of the primary obstacles in astaxanthin production. In this study, the effect of ethanol on astaxanthin accumulation was investigated. The results demonstrated that astaxanthin accumulation occurred with ethanol addition even under low-light conditions. The astaxanthin productivity could reach 11.26 mg L(-1) d(-1) at 3% (v/v) ethanol, which was 2.03 times of that of the control. The transcriptional expression patterns of eight carotenogenic genes were evaluated using real-time PCR. The results showed that ethanol greatly enhanced transcription of the isopentenyl diphosphate (IPP) isomerase genes (ipi-1 and ipi-2), which were responsible for isomerization reaction of IPP and dimethylallyl diphosphate (DMAPP). This finding suggests that ethanol induced astaxanthin biosynthesis was up-regulated mainly by ipi-1 and ipi-2 at transcriptional level, promoting isoprenoid synthesis and substrate supply to carotenoid formation. Thus ethanol has the potential to be used as an effective reagent to induce astaxanthin accumulation in H. pluvialis. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Earth Science Teaching Strategies Used in the International Polar Year

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sparrow, E. B.

2009-04-01

There are many effective methods for teaching earth science education that are being successfully used during the fourth International Polar Year (IPY). Relevance of IPY and the polar regions is better understood using a systems thinking approach used in earth science education. Changes in components of the earth system have a global effect; and changes in the polar regions will affect the rest of the world regions and vice versa. Teaching strategies successfully used for primary, secondary, undergraduate and graduate student earth science education and IPY education outreach include: 1) engaging students in earth science or environmental research relevant to their locale; 2) blending lectures with research expeditions or field studies, 3) connecting students with scientists in person and through audio and video conferencing; 4) combining science and arts in teaching, learning and communicating about earth science and the polar regions, capitalizing on the uniqueness of polar regions and its inhabitants, and its sensitivity to climate change; and 5) integrating different perspectives: western science, indigenous and community knowledge in the content and method of delivery. Use of these strategies are exemplified in IPY projects in the University of the Arctic IPY Higher Education Outreach Project cluster such as the GLOBE Seasons and Biomes project, the Ice Mysteries e-Polar Books: An Innovative Way of Combining Science and Literacy project, the Resilience and Adaptation Integrative Graduate Education and Research Traineeship project, and the Svalbard Research Experience for Undergraduates project.

Interpregnancy interval as a risk factor for postmenopausal osteoporosis.

PubMed

Sahin Ersoy, Gulcin; Giray, Burak; Subas, Seda; Simsek, Ersin; Sakin, Onder; Turhan, Omer Talip; Bulut, Sadullah

2015-10-01

Bone mass loss associated with pregnancy and lactation is usually regained in the postpartum period. However, it is not known whether the bone loss is completely recovered in women with a shortened interpregnancy interval (IPI). The aim of this study was to analyze the effect of IPI and gynecological history on postmenopausal osteoporosis. The study was conducted among 537 postmenopausal women who were divided into two groups in accordance with the osteoporosis status. Prior to bone densitometry, the patients were questioned about reproductive history. Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry was used to measure lumbar spinal, femur neck and total femoral bone mineral density. Association between IPI and postmenopausal osteoporosis was analyzed. The comparison of both groups according to the total duration of breastfeeding did not reveal a considerable variation (p=0.288). In the osteoporosis group the age and duration of menopause were found to be significantly higher (p<0.001) whereas the age of first pregnancy and IPI were notably lower in comparison to the controls group (p<0.001). Multivariate logistic regression analyses revealed that women who have 0-12 months interpregnancy interval have the highest risk for osteoporosis (OR: 4.306; 95% CI, 1.684-11.01). This analysis confirmed that the occurrence of first pregnancy under 27 years of age conveyed a higher risk for osteoporosis, as well. Shortened IPI may have a detrimental effect on bone mineral density in postmenopausal age. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

A Strategy for Architecture Design of Crystalline Perovskite Light-Emitting Diodes with High Performance.

PubMed

Shi, Yifei; Wu, Wen; Dong, Hua; Li, Guangru; Xi, Kai; Divitini, Giorgio; Ran, Chenxin; Yuan, Fang; Zhang, Min; Jiao, Bo; Hou, Xun; Wu, Zhaoxin

2018-06-01

All present designs of perovskite light-emitting diodes (PeLEDs) stem from polymer light-emitting diodes (PLEDs) or perovskite solar cells. The optimal structure of PeLEDs can be predicted to differ from PLEDs due to the different fluorescence dynamics and crystallization between perovskite and polymer. Herein, a new design strategy and conception is introduced, "insulator-perovskite-insulator" (IPI) architecture tailored to PeLEDs. As examples of FAPbBr 3 and MAPbBr 3 , it is experimentally shown that the IPI structure effectively induces charge carriers into perovskite crystals, blocks leakage currents via pinholes in the perovskite film, and avoids exciton quenching simultaneously. Consequently, as for FAPbBr 3 , a 30-fold enhancement in the current efficiency of IPI-structured PeLEDs compared to a control device with poly(3,4ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrene sulfonate) as hole-injection layer is achieved-from 0.64 to 20.3 cd A -1 -while the external quantum efficiency is increased from 0.174% to 5.53%. As the example of CsPbBr 3 , compared with the control device, both current efficiency and lifetime of IPI-structured PeLEDs are improved from 1.42 and 4 h to 9.86 cd A -1 and 96 h. This IPI architecture represents a novel strategy for the design of light-emitting didoes based on various perovskites with high efficiencies and stabilities. © 2018 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Accounting for Cured Patients in Cost-Effectiveness Analysis.

PubMed

Othus, Megan; Bansal, Aasthaa; Koepl, Lisel; Wagner, Samuel; Ramsey, Scott

2017-04-01

Economic evaluations often measure an intervention effect with mean overall survival (OS). Emerging types of cancer treatments offer the possibility of being "cured" in that patients can become long-term survivors whose risk of death is the same as that of a disease-free person. Describing cured and noncured patients with one shared mean value may provide a biased assessment of a therapy with a cured proportion. The purpose of this article is to explain how to incorporate the heterogeneity from cured patients into health economic evaluation. We analyzed clinical trial data from patients with advanced melanoma treated with ipilimumab (Ipi; n = 137) versus glycoprotein 100 (gp100; n = 136) with statistical methodology for mixture cure models. Both cured and noncured patients were subject to background mortality not related to cancer. When ignoring cured proportions, we found that patients treated with Ipi had an estimated mean OS that was 8 months longer than that of patients treated with gp100. Cure model analysis showed that the cured proportion drove this difference, with 21% cured on Ipi versus 6% cured on gp100. The mean OS among the noncured cohort patients was 10 and 9 months with Ipi and gp100, respectively. The mean OS among cured patients was 26 years on both arms. When ignoring cured proportions, we found that the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) when comparing Ipi with gp100 was $324,000/quality-adjusted life-year (QALY) (95% confidence interval $254,000-$600,000). With a mixture cure model, the ICER when comparing Ipi with gp100 was $113,000/QALY (95% confidence interval $101,000-$154,000). This analysis supports using cure modeling in health economic evaluation in advanced melanoma. When a proportion of patients may be long-term survivors, using cure models may reduce bias in OS estimates and provide more accurate estimates of health economic measures, including QALYs and ICERs. Copyright © 2017 International Society for Pharmacoeconomics and Outcomes Research (ISPOR). Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Influencing the Future: Special Considerations for IPY Education and Outreach

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Beitler, J.

2004-12-01

The International Geophysical Year (IGY) of 1957-1958 created a valuable legacy, by not only advancing the sciences involved, but by also stimulating interest in and support for science, and by inspiring many to enter science careers. Successful education and outreach efforts in conjunction with IGY transmitted this energy to the public and helped researchers to create this legacy. The International Polar Year (IPY) for 2007-2008 again holds promise to generate new scientific insights and leave a similar legacy -- if the sciences are once again successful in connecting with the public. Despite the fine example of the IGY of 1958 -1959, the way forward for meaningful education and outreach for IPY isn't entirely clear. Every element affecting science education and outreach today is considerably more complex, and the distinct challenges and opportunities of today may not always be addressed by simply extending what has been helpful in the past. Whether a large research group or an individual researcher, whether working with a dedicated outreach staff or conducting outreach more informally, whether already operating successful outreach programs or starting from scratch, any project intending an education and outreach effort will significantly increase its relevance and effectiveness by taking pause to formulate specific goals and objectives for IPY. Such thinking shouldn't be entirely delegated to non-researchers. The engagement of the scientists themselves in setting objectives for education and outreach will provide the strongest outcome. This discussion analyzes the communication setting for IPY as it affects outreach and education efforts, and proposes a model for discussing and formulating outreach and education objectives. It poses the key questions that should be asked and answered in order to ensure that researchers take full advantage of education and outreach opportunities with IPY, whatever the scope of their efforts. Education and outreach programs that are thus informed by thoughtful objective-setting will have the best chance to be a valuable investment in the future of science and society.

Providing a Continuum of Leadership in Polar Science - An IPY Legacy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Baeseman, J.

2008-12-01

The Association of Polar Early Career Scientists (APECS) grew out of the 4th International Polar Year (IPY-4) 2007-08 and is an international and interdisciplinary organization of over 1200 undergraduate and graduate students, postdoctoral researchers, early faculty members, educators and others with interests in Polar Regions and the wider cryosphere from more than 40 countries. Our aims are to stimulate interdisciplinary and international research collaborations, and develop effective future leaders in polar research, education and outreach. As potentially one of the major legacies of IPY-4, APECS members have been at the forefront of increasing scientific knowledge and public interest in the polar regions, centered around global climate change, and enhancing scientific understanding, media attention, primary and secondary school (K-12) educational programs, and public literacy campaigns. Research and Educational Outreach activities by APECS members during IPY-4 have improved both our understanding and the communication of all aspects of the Polar Regions and the importance of their broader global connections. APECS National Committees have run Polar Contests where young researchers partnered with teachers and students to develop curriculum and activities to share their research, have participated in many field based communication exchanges and are mentoring youth to pursue careers in science, and enhancing the public perception of scientists through photo, video and museum exhibits. In cooperation with the IPY Teachers Network and the IPY IPO, APECS is developing a polar education resource book that will feature education and outreach activities by young researchers, as well as provide examples of classroom activities for teachers to incorporate polar literacy into their curriculum and a 'how to' guide for researchers interested in conducting education and outreach. As young researchers share their excitement and experiences in deepening our understanding of the polar regions, a new generation of polar literate people emerges and society benefits from more knowledge of the rapidly changing polar regions that have a critical and inherent global connection.

International Polar Year Youth Steering Committee

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Baeseman, J. L.; Church, A.; Kuhn, T.; Raymond, M.; Lantuit, H.

2006-12-01

The International Youth Steering Committee is made up of youth representatives from around the world, from science, social science, aboriginal and arts backgrounds and ranging in education from new faculty to high school. The YSC serves as a voice for youth on polar issues and empower youth to get involved in issues facing the Polar Regions. YSC is working to draw the World's attention to the poles and act as a force for positive change. An International YSC website has been developed which will provide a forum where youth will be able to communicate with each other globally and get involved in IPY and YSC programs. One of these programs is the International Youth Conference on the Poles (IYCP). This conference, which will take place in May 2008, will bring together youth from around the world to focus on polar issues. Young polar researchers are being recruited to design educational materials based on their work for another YSC project, Polar Contests. YSC has partnered with Students on Ice (SOI), a non-profit organization who will be providing a series of nine SOI- IPY YSC expeditions to the Arctic and Antarctic over the course of IPY, allowing hundreds of students from around the world to experience the Polar Regions first-hand, learn from experts working in these areas and become inspired to work for their continued protection. We are also sponsoring an opportunity for youth from around the world to connect with and interview the participants of the International Geophysical Year (IGY), the results of that will ultimately be presented in book or documentary form at the close of IPY. The YSC has partnered with the science fiction educational book series, Tales of the Wonder Zone, to release Polaris; A Celebration of Polar Science, in which youth and professional authors from around the world submitted stories based on an IPY fifty years in the future. The final part of the YSC is to provide a forum and activities that will allow early career scientists to network and find opportunities to get involved with Polar research. Through these programs and others YSC will reach out to youth who may not take an interest in science or the poles or who chose not to undertake post-secondary education. YSC will be documenting the legacies that the world's youth feel should result from IPY, which will be used to monitor the progress of IPY and at its close in 2009 determine its effectiveness. The ultimate legacy left by the YSC will be the continued interest and research focus on the Polar Regions beyond the conclusion of IPY. YSC will form a network of polar researchers, policy makers and leaders who will continue to work in and for the poles long past 2009.

The International Polar Year in Portugal: A New National Polar Programme and a Major Education and Outreach project

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mendes-Victor, L.; Vieira, G.; Xavier, J.; Canario, A.

2008-12-01

Before the International Polar Year, in Portugal polar research was conducted by a very small group of scientists integrated in foreign projects or research institutions. Portugal was not member of the Scientific Committee for Antarctic Research (SCAR), the European Polar Board (EPB), neither a subscriber of the Antarctic Treaty. In 2004 Portuguese Polar researchers considered the IPY as an opportunity to change this situation and organized the national Committee for the IPY. The objectives were ambitious: to answer the aforementioned issues in defining and proposing a National Polar Programme. In late 2008, close to the end of the IPY, the objectives were attained, except the Antarctic Treaty signature that is, however, in an advanced stage, having been approved by consensus at the National Parliament in early 2007. Portugal joined SCAR in July 2006, the EPB in 2007 and a set of 5 Antarctic research projects forming the roots of the National Polar Programme (ProPolar) have been approved by the Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT-MCTES). Scientifically, the IPY can already be considered a major success in Portugal with an improvement in polar scientific research, in the number of scientists performing field work in the Antarctic, organizing polar science meetings and producing an expected increase in the number of polar science peer- reviewed papers. The Portuguese IPY scientific activities were accompanied by a major education and outreach project funded by the Agencia Ciência Viva (MCTES): LATITUDE60! Education for the Planet in the IPY. This project lead by the universities of Algarve, Lisbon and by the Portuguese Association of Geography Teachers is heavily interdisciplinary, programmed for all ages, from kindergarten to adults, and hoped to bring together scientists and society. LATITUDE60! was a major success and focussed on showing the importance of the polar regions for Earth's environment, emphasising on the implications of polar change for Portuguese society. Hundreds of events were organized, with activities lead by polar scientists and by about 400 teachers and thousands of students that got deeply involved in the IPY. The main activities were: the scientists go to school initiative, a national contest with over 8,000 participants that lead to a major exhibition and to the participation of 7 students in the Students on Ice Antarctic Expedition, an educational theatre play for kids presented n tens of schools, an IPY exhibition in the major shopping centers, public talks by scientists, production of educational materials (websites, a polar portal, on-line educational games, DVDs and class-oriented material), field stages with polar scientists, and the Polar Science Weekend with an attendance of over 7,000 people.

The phage integrase vector pIPI03 allows RecA-independent, site-specific labelling of Staphylococcus lugdunensis strains.

PubMed

Heilbronner, Simon; Monk, Ian R; Foster, Timothy J

2013-11-01

Staphylococcus lugdunensis is a coagulase negative staphylococcus that is a commensal of man and an opportunistic pathogen. A site-specific integrative plasmid for the use in S. lugdunensis was constructed and validated. The integrase gene ccrB of bacteriophage ϕSL01 together with its attachment site was cloned into the thermosensitive plasmid pIMAY. The resulting plasmid pIPI03 integrated RecA-independently, site-specifically and irreversibly into the S. lugdunensis chromosome. Two IPTG-inducible antibiotic resistance determinants were cloned into pIPI03 and the derivatives were used to construct strains suitable for competitive growth experiments in both in vitro and in vivo. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Temporal-pattern recognition by single neurons in a sensory pathway devoted to social communication behavior

PubMed Central

Carlson, Bruce A.

2010-01-01

Sensory systems often encode stimulus information into the temporal pattern of action potential activity. However, little is known about how the information contained within these patterns is extracted by postsynaptic neurons. Similar to temporal coding by sensory neurons, social information in mormyrid fish is encoded into the temporal patterning of an electric organ discharge (EOD). In the current study, sensitivity to temporal patterns of electrosensory stimuli was found to arise within the midbrain posterior exterolateral nucleus (ELp). Whole-cell patch recordings from ELp neurons in vivo revealed three patterns of interpulse interval (IPI) tuning: low-pass neurons tuned to long intervals, high-pass neurons tuned to short intervals and band-pass neurons tuned to intermediate intervals. Many neurons within each class also responded preferentially to either increasing or decreasing IPIs. Playback of electric signaling patterns recorded from freely behaving fish revealed that the IPI and direction tuning of ELp neurons resulted in selective responses to particular social communication displays characterized by distinct IPI patterns. The postsynaptic potential responses of many neurons indicated a combination of excitatory and inhibitory synaptic input, and the IPI tuning of ELp neurons was directly related to rate-dependent changes in the direction and amplitude of postsynaptic potentials. These results suggest that differences in the dynamics of short-term synaptic plasticity in excitatory and inhibitory pathways may tune central sensory neurons to particular temporal patterns of presynaptic activity. This may represent a general mechanism for the processing of behaviorally-relevant stimulus information encoded into temporal patterns of activity by sensory neurons. PMID:19641105

Temporal-pattern recognition by single neurons in a sensory pathway devoted to social communication behavior.

PubMed

Carlson, Bruce A

2009-07-29

Sensory systems often encode stimulus information into the temporal pattern of action potential activity. However, little is known about how the information contained within these patterns is extracted by postsynaptic neurons. Similar to temporal coding by sensory neurons, social information in mormyrid fish is encoded into the temporal patterning of an electric organ discharge. In the current study, sensitivity to temporal patterns of electrosensory stimuli was found to arise within the midbrain posterior exterolateral nucleus (ELp). Whole-cell patch recordings from ELp neurons in vivo revealed three patterns of interpulse interval (IPI) tuning: low-pass neurons tuned to long intervals, high-pass neurons tuned to short intervals, and bandpass neurons tuned to intermediate intervals. Many neurons within each class also responded preferentially to either increasing or decreasing IPIs. Playback of electric signaling patterns recorded from freely behaving fish revealed that the IPI and direction tuning of ELp neurons resulted in selective responses to particular social communication displays characterized by distinct IPI patterns. The postsynaptic potential responses of many neurons indicated a combination of excitatory and inhibitory synaptic input, and the IPI tuning of ELp neurons was directly related to rate-dependent changes in the direction and amplitude of postsynaptic potentials. These results suggest that differences in the dynamics of short-term synaptic plasticity in excitatory and inhibitory pathways may tune central sensory neurons to particular temporal patterns of presynaptic activity. This may represent a general mechanism for the processing of behaviorally relevant stimulus information encoded into temporal patterns of activity by sensory neurons.

Ice Stories: Engaging Polar Scientists as Field Correspondents for IPY

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Miller, M. K.

2006-12-01

The International Polar Year (IPY 2007-09) gives the public, teachers, and students an extraordinary opportunity to experience the process of scientific discovery in action. The Exploratorium, working in partnership with international scientists at both poles, will create educational resources for museum and online visitors that celebrate life, legacy and science in the world's polar regions. In this session, Senior Science Producer Mary Miller will discuss the Exploratorium's proposed IPY project, Ice Stories. This unique educational project will provide a public face for IPY by using the power of contemporary media to bring current research to mass audiences with unprecedented intimacy and immediacy. Ice Stories includes: a media-rich, dynamic and continuously updated public Web site; a media-assets database for journalists, media producers, educators, and museum partners; a training program in media production and story-telling for polar scientists Ice Stories provides the public with access to IPY research through the development of a network of Exploratorium-trained polar field correspondents. It makes use of the design, education and production capacity of an informal science center to create a bridge between scientific discovery and interested members of the public. Ice Stories employs sophisticated media production and communication technology as well as strong partnerships with allied research groups and with scientists and international organizations at the poles. The Exploratorium has pioneered in translating current science research into exhibits and presentations accessible to museum and Web audiences. It also has long experience creating award-winning Web sites, professional-development workshops, community outreach, and institutional alliances.

Activity of IPI-504, a Novel Heat-Shock Protein 90 Inhibitor, in Patients With Molecularly Defined Non–Small-Cell Lung Cancer

PubMed Central

Sequist, Lecia V.; Gettinger, Scott; Senzer, Neil N.; Martins, Renato G.; Jänne, Pasi A.; Lilenbaum, Rogerio; Gray, Jhanelle E.; Iafrate, A. John; Katayama, Ryohei; Hafeez, Nafeeza; Sweeney, Jennifer; Walker, John R.; Fritz, Christian; Ross, Robert W.; Grayzel, David; Engelman, Jeffrey A.; Borger, Darrell R.; Paez, Guillermo; Natale, Ronald

2010-01-01

Purpose IPI-504 is a novel, water-soluble, potent inhibitor of heat-shock protein 90 (Hsp90). Its potential anticancer activity has been validated in preclinical in vitro and in vivo models. We studied the activity of IPI-504 after epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) therapy in patients with advanced, molecularly defined non–small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Patients and Methods Patients with advanced NSCLC, prior treatment with EGFR TKIs, and tumor tissue available for molecular genotyping were enrolled in this prospective, nonrandomized, multicenter, phase II study of IPI-504 monotherapy. The primary outcome was objective response rate (ORR). Secondary aims included safety, progression-free survival (PFS), and analysis of activity by molecular subtypes. Results Seventy-six patients were enrolled between December 2007 and May 2009 from 10 United States cancer centers. An ORR of 7% (five of 76) was observed in the overall study population, 10% (four of 40) in patients who were EGFR wild-type, and 4% (one of 28) in those with EGFR mutations. Although both EGFR groups were below the target ORR of 20%, among the three patients with an ALK gene rearrangement, two had partial responses and the third had prolonged stable disease (7.2 months, 24% reduction in tumor size). The most common adverse events included grades 1 and 2 fatigue, nausea, and diarrhea. Grade 3 or higher liver function abnormalities were observed in nine patients (11.8%). Conclusion IPI-504 has clinical activity in patients with NSCLC, particularly among patients with ALK rearrangements. PMID:20940188

Generalizability of clinical trials of advanced melanoma in the real-world, population-based setting.

PubMed

Sam, Davis; Gresham, Gillian; Abdel-Rahman, Omar; Cheung, Winson Y

2018-06-18

Results from novel therapeutics trials are not always generalizable to real-world patients. We aimed to determine the pattern in which trial findings are applied in a population-based setting of melanoma patients and consequent treatment outcomes. Patients with unresectable disease during 2011-2014 and referred to cancer centers in a large Canadian province were retrospectively reviewed. Based on eligibility criteria as described in registration trials of vemurafenib (Vem) and ipilimumab (Ipi), we classified patients into trial-eligible and ineligible and those treated and untreated with these agents. We identified 290 patients with known BRAF status for the Vem analysis and 212 patients previously treated with first-line agents for the Ipi analysis. For the Vem cohort, a total of 49 patients were considered trial-eligible, of whom 36 (73%) received treatment. For the Ipi cohort, there were 119 trial-eligible cases of whom 43 (36%) received therapy. Factors other than eligibility criteria most frequently associated with non-treatment in these cohorts included concerns regarding treatment harm and patient preferences. In multivariable analysis, overall survival was improved in Vem cohort patients considered trial-eligible and treated compared to those who were ineligible. Within the Ipi cohort, survival was improved in trial-eligible patients regardless of whether they received Ipi compared to ineligible patients. Real-world uptake of new melanoma treatments was suboptimal, and non-use in trial-eligible patients was frequent. Future clinical trials that are more pragmatically designed to include participants who better reflect the real-world population may facilitate increased uptake of novel therapeutics into routine clinical practice.

Prevalence of intestinal parasites versus knowledge, attitudes, and practices of inhabitants of low-income communities of Campos dos Goytacazes, Rio de Janeiro State, Brazil.

PubMed

de Moraes Neto, Antonio Henrique A; Pereira, Adriana P M F; Alencar, Maria de Fátima L; Souza, Paulo R B; Dias, Rodrigo C; Fonseca, Juliana G; Santos, Clóvis P; Almeida, João C A

2010-07-01

Intestinal parasites are the causative agents of common infections responsible for significant public health problems in developing countries and generally linked to lack of sanitation, safe water, and improper hygiene. More than two billion people throughout the world live with unrelenting illness due to intestinal parasitic infections (IPIs). The purposes of this study are to assess knowledge, attitudes, and practices on IPIs and investigate the relationship with prevalence of intestinal parasites among a low-income group of inhabitants from two communities of the Travessão District area, Campos dos Goytacazes, north of Rio de Janeiro State, Brazil. The two communities are known as "Parque Santuário," which is an urban slum with miserable living conditions, and "Arraial," where the socioeconomic and educational levels are better, neither having a sanitary infrastructure with an excreta collection system. Questionnaires revealed that both communities had local and specific codification to denominate the intestinal parasites and present correct knowledge on the theme but ignored some aspects of IPI transmission, with the Arraial population being better informed (p < 0.05). The overall prevalence of IPIs in Parque Santuário (49.7%) was greater than in Arraial (27.2%) (p < 0.001; prevalence ratio/95% confidence interval 1.83/1.50-2.23). This study reports the real IPI situation in the Travessão District and also reinforces the need to continue the investigation on the impact of combined prophylactic methods, educational measures, and socioeconomic and sanitary improvements by governmental authorities and the local popular organization.

Inter-Pregnancy Intervals and the Risk of Autism Spectrum Disorder: Results of a Population-Based Study

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Durkin, Maureen S.; DuBois, Lindsay A.; Maenner, Matthew J.

2015-01-01

Recent studies have reported an increased risk of autism among second-born children conceived <12 versus >36 months after the birth of a sibling. Confirmation of this finding would point to inter-pregnancy interval (IPI) as a potentially modifiable risk factor for autism. This study evaluated the relationship between IPI and autism spectrum…

Thermal state of permafrost in North America: a contribution to the international polar year

Treesearch

S.L. Smith; V.E. Romanovsky; A.G. Lewkowicz; C.R. Burn; M. Allard; G.D. Clow; K. Yoshikawa; J. Throop

2010-01-01

A snapshot of the thermal state of permafrost in northern North America during the International Polar Year (IPY) was developed using ground temperature data collected from 350 boreholes. More than half these were established during IPY to enhance the network in sparsely monitored regions. The measurement sites span a diverse range of ecoclimatic and geological...

Extending IPY Data to a Wider Audience

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Turrin, M.; Bell, R. E.; Pfirman, S. L.

2010-12-01

Perhaps the most significant IPY contribution to science education was the vast amount of data collected at the polar-regions on Earth systems and processes that was made immediately available to teachers and curriculum developers. Supplementing textbooks with the Internet as an education partner, allowed participating teachers to transform science education through: their use of current data as an integral component of their classroom teaching; their training of students to seek out data as evidence of Earth processes; and their instruction to students on how to validate sources and uses of data. Yet, for every teacher and student who has been part of this successful IPY outreach there are many more who have not been reached, don’t know how to include polar science into their coursework, or don’t comfortably work with data. Our experience with data education projects suggests that to reach the next round of students, teachers, educators and the wider adult population we need to translate this data so it is accessible through carefully constructed activities, simulations, and games. In addition we need to actively seek new partnership and outlet opportunities. The collected measurements tell us that our poles are warming on a human timescale. Using data to tell the story, the unambiguous signal of warming makes it accessible to a much broader audience. Our experience has shown that, for a novice population working with data, the educational effectiveness is significantly enhanced when the signal in the data is strong and the Earth processes are clear. Building upon IPY data and resources, focusing on the Earth’s changing climate, and working with partnerships developed over the last two years, Lamont has put together several new education and outreach collaborations. Our goal is to reach new audiences through: 1) Inventorying, Assessing and Planning - Through an NSF planning grant we are leveraging IPY connections and findings in a Polar Climate Education Partnership. Using polar science as a focus this partnership includes a network of climate science researchers, learning experts and formal and informal education practitioners who will review existing climate resources and begin to develop and test, formal and informal educational resources for an adult population. 2) Linking IPY with Engineering - A new IcePod instrument development grant for an ice sensing system provides a linkage for STEM education. The system will be installed and operated as a data collection system to monitor the changing ice sheets on the New York Air National Guard LC-130 aircraft during flights across the poles. This project provides opportunities for data use, instrument design, technology, alternate science career options, and reaching diverse populations. 3) Linking IPY with mathematics and modeling - Working with West Point Military Academy we are hosting a Climate Curriculum Workshop to develop undergraduate and High School curriculum focused towards mathematics and modeling. Using IPY climate data will allow us to introduce cadets, undergraduates and high school students to the development and testing of simple simulations and models.

A computer-human interaction model to improve the diagnostic accuracy and clinical decision-making during 12-lead electrocardiogram interpretation.

PubMed

Cairns, Andrew W; Bond, Raymond R; Finlay, Dewar D; Breen, Cathal; Guldenring, Daniel; Gaffney, Robert; Gallagher, Anthony G; Peace, Aaron J; Henn, Pat

2016-12-01

The 12-lead Electrocardiogram (ECG) presents a plethora of information and demands extensive knowledge and a high cognitive workload to interpret. Whilst the ECG is an important clinical tool, it is frequently incorrectly interpreted. Even expert clinicians are known to impulsively provide a diagnosis based on their first impression and often miss co-abnormalities. Given it is widely reported that there is a lack of competency in ECG interpretation, it is imperative to optimise the interpretation process. Predominantly the ECG interpretation process remains a paper based approach and whilst computer algorithms are used to assist interpreters by providing printed computerised diagnoses, there are a lack of interactive human-computer interfaces to guide and assist the interpreter. An interactive computing system was developed to guide the decision making process of a clinician when interpreting the ECG. The system decomposes the interpretation process into a series of interactive sub-tasks and encourages the clinician to systematically interpret the ECG. We have named this model 'Interactive Progressive based Interpretation' (IPI) as the user cannot 'progress' unless they complete each sub-task. Using this model, the ECG is segmented into five parts and presented over five user interfaces (1: Rhythm interpretation, 2: Interpretation of the P-wave morphology, 3: Limb lead interpretation, 4: QRS morphology interpretation with chest lead and rhythm strip presentation and 5: Final review of 12-lead ECG). The IPI model was implemented using emerging web technologies (i.e. HTML5, CSS3, AJAX, PHP and MySQL). It was hypothesised that this system would reduce the number of interpretation errors and increase diagnostic accuracy in ECG interpreters. To test this, we compared the diagnostic accuracy of clinicians when they used the standard approach (control cohort) with clinicians who interpreted the same ECGs using the IPI approach (IPI cohort). For the control cohort, the (mean; standard deviation; confidence interval) of the ECG interpretation accuracy was (45.45%; SD=18.1%; CI=42.07, 48.83). The mean ECG interpretation accuracy rate for the IPI cohort was 58.85% (SD=42.4%; CI=49.12, 68.58), which indicates a positive mean difference of 13.4%. (CI=4.45, 22.35) An N-1 Chi-square test of independence indicated a 92% chance that the IPI cohort will have a higher accuracy rate. Interpreter self-rated confidence also increased between cohorts from a mean of 4.9/10 in the control cohort to 6.8/10 in the IPI cohort (p=0.06). Whilst the IPI cohort had greater diagnostic accuracy, the duration of ECG interpretation was six times longer when compared to the control cohort. We have developed a system that segments and presents the ECG across five graphical user interfaces. Results indicate that this approach improves diagnostic accuracy but with the expense of time, which is a valuable resource in medical practice. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

GABAergic Local Interneurons Shape Female Fruit Fly Response to Mating Songs.

PubMed

Yamada, Daichi; Ishimoto, Hiroshi; Li, Xiaodong; Kohashi, Tsunehiko; Ishikawa, Yuki; Kamikouchi, Azusa

2018-05-02

Many animals use acoustic signals to attract a potential mating partner. In fruit flies ( Drosophila melanogaster ), the courtship pulse song has a species-specific interpulse interval (IPI) that activates mating. Although a series of auditory neurons in the fly brain exhibit different tuning patterns to IPIs, it is unclear how the response of each neuron is tuned. Here, we studied the neural circuitry regulating the activity of antennal mechanosensory and motor center (AMMC)-B1 neurons, key secondary auditory neurons in the excitatory neural pathway that relay song information. By performing Ca 2+ imaging in female flies, we found that the IPI selectivity observed in AMMC-B1 neurons differs from that of upstream auditory sensory neurons [Johnston's organ (JO)-B]. Selective knock-down of a GABA A receptor subunit in AMMC-B1 neurons increased their response to short IPIs, suggesting that GABA suppresses AMMC-B1 activity at these IPIs. Connection mapping identified two GABAergic local interneurons that synapse with AMMC-B1 and JO-B. Ca 2+ imaging combined with neuronal silencing revealed that these local interneurons, AMMC-LN and AMMC-B2, shape the response pattern of AMMC-B1 neurons at a 15 ms IPI. Neuronal silencing studies further suggested that both GABAergic local interneurons suppress the behavioral response to artificial pulse songs in flies, particularly those with a 15 ms IPI. Altogether, we identified a circuit containing two GABAergic local interneurons that affects the temporal tuning of AMMC-B1 neurons in the song relay pathway and the behavioral response to the courtship song. Our findings suggest that feedforward inhibitory pathways adjust the behavioral response to courtship pulse songs in female flies. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT To understand how the brain detects time intervals between sound elements, we studied the neural pathway that relays species-specific courtship song information in female Drosophila melanogaster We demonstrate that the signal transmission from auditory sensory neurons to key secondary auditory neurons antennal mechanosensory and motor center (AMMC)-B1 is the first-step to generate time interval selectivity of neurons in the song relay pathway. Two GABAergic local interneurons are suggested to shape the interval selectivity of AMMC-B1 neurons by receiving auditory inputs and in turn providing feedforward inhibition onto AMMC-B1 neurons. Furthermore, these GABAergic local interneurons suppress the song response behavior in an interval-dependent manner. Our results provide new insights into the neural circuit basis to adjust neuronal and behavioral responses to a species-specific communication sound. Copyright © 2018 the authors 0270-6474/18/384329-19$15.00/0.

Outcomes of cup revision for ilio-psoas impingement after total hip arthroplasty: Retrospective study of 46 patients.

PubMed

Batailler, C; Bonin, N; M Wettstein; Nogier, A; Martres, S; Ollier, E; May, O; Lustig, S

2017-12-01

Impingement of the ilio-psoas tendon on the acetabular component is a cause of pain after total hip arthroplasty (THA). Studies of cup revision for ilio-psoas impingement (IPI) are scarce and limited in size. We therefore conducted a large multicentre retrospective study with the following objectives: to assess the effectiveness of cup replacement in resolving the impingement syndrome, to determine the frequency and nature of complications after cup revision for IPI, and to identify pre-operative factors associated with good outcomes of cup revision for IPI. Cup revision is effective in resolving the pain due to IPI in selected patients. This retrospective multicentre study included 46 patients who underwent cup revision because of IPI. Before the revision, 38 (83%) patients had prominence of the anterior cup rim (mean, 9.9±4.5mm (range, 2-22mm) by radiography and 35 (76%) had cup malposition (anteversion<10° and/or inclination>50°). Mean follow-up was 21months (range, 6months to 6 years) and no patient was lost to follow-up. Outcomes at last follow-up were assessed based on the Oxford Hip Score (OHS), patient satisfaction index, complications, and revisions. At last follow-up, 39 (85%) patients were satisfied with the revision procedure, a significant improvement versus baseline was noted in the OHS (mean, 43±6; range, 25-48; P<0.001), and 41 patients were free of pain during hip flexion (P<0.001 versus baseline). Complications occurred in 3 (6.5%) patients, but only one complication was severe (deep infection). Recurrent groin pain was reported by 4 (8.7%) patients at last follow-up. None of the factors studied predicted the outcome of revision surgery. Cup revision for IPI after THA is effective in relieving the groin pain in 80% of patients with anterior cup rim prominence and/or cup malposition. However, complications can occur. Tenotomy may be preferable when the diagnosis is in doubt and/or cup position is acceptable. IV, retrospective observational study. Published by Elsevier Masson SAS.

Neglected Intestinal Parasites, Malnutrition and Associated Key Factors: A Population Based Cross-Sectional Study among Indigenous Communities in Sarawak, Malaysia.

PubMed

Rajoo, Yamuna; Ambu, Stephen; Lim, Yvonne Ai Lian; Rajoo, Komalaveni; Tey, Siew Chang; Lu, Chan Woon; Ngui, Romano

2017-01-01

Intestinal parasitic infections (IPIs) have been recognized as one of the most significant causes of illness among disadvantaged communities. Many studies have been conducted on the prevalence of IPIs in Malaysia. However, these studies mostly focused on the indigenous groups in Peninsular Malaysia. The present study was conducted to provide the current baseline data on prevalence of IPIs, anaemia, malnutrition and associated risk factors among the indigenous communities in Sarawak, situation at northwest Borneo island of Malaysia. A cross sectional study was conducted among the longhouses communities. Stool samples were obtained and examined for the presence of IPIs using microscopy technique. Haemoglobin measurement was done using a portable haemoglobin analyzer. Malnutrition (i.e., stunting, underweight and wasting) was assessed using the WHO Anthro software. Statistical analysis was carried out using SPSS software. A total of 341participants took part in this study. The overall prevalence of IPIs was 57.5%. Multivariate analysis indicated that the absence of toilets (OR = 1.6; 95% CI = 1.1-2.7; p = 0.002) and close contact with animals (OR = 1.8; 95% CI = 1.3-2.9; p = 0.027) as significant predictors for IPIs. The incidence of anaemia was 36.4%. The incidence of underweight, wasting and stunting were 22.2%, 5.6% and 35.4%, respectively. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that low level of parental education attainment (OR = 1.9; 95% CI = 1.2-3.0; p = 0.006) was identified as significant predictor for anaemia. The incidence of wasting was significantly associated with mild anaemia (OR = 1.2; 95% CI = 0.9-1.7; p = 0.024). Low household income was identified as significant predictor for stunting (OR = 2.1; 95% CI = 9.8-22.2; p = 0.001) and underweight (OR = 1.9; 95% CI = 5.6-18.7; p = 0.037), respectively. Essentially, the present study highlighted that intestinal parasitic infections, anaemia and malnutrition are still prevalent among rural indigenous community in Sarawak. Improvement of socioeconomic status, periodic mass deworming, iron supplementation and health education program should be included in the control and prevention of public health strategies.

A data grid for imaging-based clinical trials

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhou, Zheng; Chao, Sander S.; Lee, Jasper; Liu, Brent; Documet, Jorge; Huang, H. K.

2007-03-01

Clinical trials play a crucial role in testing new drugs or devices in modern medicine. Medical imaging has also become an important tool in clinical trials because images provide a unique and fast diagnosis with visual observation and quantitative assessment. A typical imaging-based clinical trial consists of: 1) A well-defined rigorous clinical trial protocol, 2) a radiology core that has a quality control mechanism, a biostatistics component, and a server for storing and distributing data and analysis results; and 3) many field sites that generate and send image studies to the radiology core. As the number of clinical trials increases, it becomes a challenge for a radiology core servicing multiple trials to have a server robust enough to administrate and quickly distribute information to participating radiologists/clinicians worldwide. The Data Grid can satisfy the aforementioned requirements of imaging based clinical trials. In this paper, we present a Data Grid architecture for imaging-based clinical trials. A Data Grid prototype has been implemented in the Image Processing and Informatics (IPI) Laboratory at the University of Southern California to test and evaluate performance in storing trial images and analysis results for a clinical trial. The implementation methodology and evaluation protocol of the Data Grid are presented.

Characteristics and associations of pain intensity in patients referred to a specialist cancer pain clinic.

PubMed

Pina, Paulo; Sabri, Elham; Lawlor, Peter G

2015-01-01

Uncontrolled cancer pain (CP) may impair quality of life. Given the multidimensional nature of CP, its poor control is often attributed to poor assessment and classification. To determine the characteristics and associations of pain intensity in a specialist CP clinic. Consecutive patients referred to the CP clinic of the Portuguese Cancer Institute (Lisbon, Portugal) had standardized initial assessments and status documentation of the following: Brief Pain Inventory ratings for 'pain now' as the outcome variable; initial pain intensity (iPI) on a 0 to 10 scale; pain mechanism (using the Douleur Neuropathique 4 tool to assess neuropathic pain); episodic pain; Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group rating; oral morphine equivalent daily dose (MEDD); Hospital Anxiety Depression Scale and Emotional Thermometer scores; and cancer diagnosis, metastases, treatment and pain duration. Univariable analyses were conducted to test the association of independent variables with iPI. Variables with P<0.1 were entered into a multivariable regression model, using backward elimination and a cut-point of P=0.2 for final model selection. Of 371 participants, 285 (77%) had moderate (4 to 6) or severe (7 to 10) iPI. The initial median MEDD was relatively low (30 mg [range 20 mg to 60 mg]). In the multivariable model, higher income, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group rating 3 to 4, cancer diagnosis (head and neck, genitourinary and gastrointestinal), adjuvant use and initial MEDD were associated with iPI (P<0.05). The model's R2 was 18.6, which explained only 19% of iPI variance. The diversity of factors associated with pain intensity and their limited explanation of its variance underscore the biopsychosocial complexity of CP. Adequacy of CP management warrants further exploration.

ELECTRON PROBE MICROANALYSIS OF IRRADIATED AND 1600°C SAFETY-TESTED AGR-1 TRISO FUEL PARTICLES WITH LOW AND HIGH RETAINED 110MAG

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

Wright, Karen E.; van Rooyen, Isabella J.

2016-11-01

AGR-1 fuel Compact 4-3-3 achieved 18.63% FIMA and was exposed subsequently to a safety test at 1600°C. Two particles, AGR1-433-003 and AGR1-433-007, with measured-to-calculated 110mAg inventories of <22% and 100%, respectively, were selected for comparative electron microprobe analysis to determine whether the distribution or abundance of fission products differed proximally and distally from the deformed kernel in AGR1-433-003, and how this compared to fission product distribution in AGR1-433-007. On the deformed side of AGR1-433-003, Xe, Cs, I, Eu, Sr, and Te concentrations in the kernel buffer interface near the protruded kernel were up to six times higher than on themore » opposite, non-deformed side. At the SiC-inner pyrolytic carbon (IPyC) interface proximal to the deformed kernel, Pd and Ag concentrations were 1.2 wt% and 0.04 wt% respectively, whereas on the SiC-IPyC interface distal from the kernel deformation those elements measured 0.4 and 0.01 wt%, respectively. Palladium and Ag concentrations at the SiC-IPyC interface of AGR1-433-007 were 2.05 and 0.05 wt.%, respectively. Rare earth element concentrations at the SiC-IPyC interface of AGR1-433-007 were a factor of ten higher than at the SiC-IPyC interfaces measured in particle AGR1-433-003. Palladium permeated the SiC layer of AGR1-433-007 and the non-deformed SiC layer of AGR1-433-003.« less

Multicenter Phase 2 Trial of the Hsp-90 Inhibitor, IPI-504 (retaspimycin hydrochloride), in Patients with Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer

PubMed Central

Oh, William K; Galsky, Matthew D.; Stadler, Walter M.; Srinivas, Sandy; Chu, Franklin; Bubley, Glenn; Goddard, J; Dunbar, Joi; Ross, Robert W

2011-01-01

Objectives Evaluation of clinical activity and safety of IPI-504 (retaspimycin hydrochloride) in patients with castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC). Methods A single arm trial was conducted in two cohorts: Group A (chemotherapy-naïve), Group B (docetaxel-treated). IPI-504 was administered intravenously at 400 mg/m2 on Days 1, 4, 8, and 11 of a 21-day cycle. Trial expansion was planned if at least one prostate specific antigen (PSA) or radiographic response was noted per cohort. Pharmacokinetic samples were collected following the first dose; safety was assessed throughout. Results Nineteen patients were enrolled (4 in Group A; 15 in Group B), with a median age of 66 years (range 49-78). Group B had received a median of 2 prior chemotherapy regimens. All Group B patients had bone metastases; 66% had measurable soft tissue or visceral metastases. One Group A patient remained on trial for 9 cycles; PSA declined 48% from baseline. No PSA responses were observed in other patients. Adverse events reported in >25% of the study population included nausea (47%), diarrhea (42%), fatigue (32%), anorexia (26%), and arthralgia (26%). Two patients in Group B died on study, involving study drug-related events of hepatic failure and ketoacidosis, respectively. Conclusions In this study, Hsp90 inhibition with IPI-504 administered as a single agent had a minimal effect on PSA or tumor burden and was associated with unacceptable toxicity in several patients; therefore, further evaluation in CRPC patients is not warranted. IPI-504 is being investigated at less intensive doses and schedules in other tumor types. PMID:21762967

Antarctic Data Management as Part of the IPY Legacy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

de Bruin, T.

2006-12-01

The Antarctic Treaty states that "scientific observations and results from Antarctica shall be exchanged and made freely available". Antarctica includes the Southern Ocean. In support of this, National Antarctic Data Centres (NADC) are being established to catalogue data sets and to provide information on data sets to scientists and others with interest in Antarctic science. The Joint Committee on Antarctic Data Management (JCADM) was established by the Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research (SCAR) and the Council of Managers of National Antarctic Programs (COMNAP). JCADM comprises representatives of the National Antarctic Data Centres. Currently 30 nations around the world are represented in JCADM. JCADM is responsible for the Antarctic Master Directory (AMD), the internationally accessible, web-based, searchable record of Antarctic and Southern Ocean data set descriptions. The AMD is directly integrated into the international Global Change Master Directory (GCMD) to help further merge Antarctic science into global science. The AMD is a resource for scientists to advertise the data they have collected and to search for data they may need. JCADM is the Antarctic component of the IPY Data Infrastructure, which is presently being developed. This presentation will give an overview of the organization of Antarctic and Southern Ocean data management with sections on the organizational structure of JCADM, contents of the Antarctic Master Directory, relationships to the SCAR Scientific Research Programmes (SRP) and IPY, international embedding and connections with discipline-based peer organizations like the International Oceanographic Data and Information Exchange Committee (IODE). It will focus primarily on the role that an existing infrastructure as JCADM, may play in the development of the IPY Data Infrastructure and will provide considerations for IPY data management, based on the experiences in Antarctic and oceanographic data management.

Hyperfibrinogenemia is a poor prognostic factor in diffuse large B cell lymphoma.

PubMed

Niu, Jun-Ying; Tian, Tian; Zhu, Hua-Yuan; Liang, Jin-Hua; Wu, Wei; Cao, Lei; Lu, Rui-Nan; Wang, Li; Li, Jian-Yong; Xu, Wei

2018-06-02

Diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is the most common subtype of non-Hodgkin lymphomas worldwide. Previous studies indicated that hyperfibrinogenemia was a poor predictor in various tumors. The purpose of our study was to evaluate the prognostic effect of hyperfibrinogenemia in DLBCL. Data of 228 patients, who were diagnosed with DLBCL in our hospital between May 2009 and February 2016, were analyzed retrospectively. The Kaplan-Meier method and Cox regression were performed to find prognostic factors associated with progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS). Receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curve and the areas under the curve were used to evaluate the predictive accuracy of predictors. Comparison of characters between groups indicated that patients with high National Comprehensive Cancer Network-International Prognostic Index (NCCN-IPI) score (4-8) and advanced stage (III-IV) were more likely to suffer from hyperfibrinogenemia. The Kaplan-Meier method revealed that patients with hyperfibrinogenemia showed inferior PFS (P < 0.001) and OS (P < 0.001) than those without hyperfibrinogenemia. Multivariate analysis showed that hyperfibrinogenemia was an independent prognostic factor associated with poor outcomes (HR = 1.90, 95% CI: 1.15-3.16 for PFS, P = 0.013; HR = 2.65, 95% CI: 1.46-4.79 for OS, P = 0.001). We combined hyperfibrinogenemia and NCCN-IPI to build a new prognostic index (NPI). The NPI was demonstrated to have a superior predictive effect on prognosis (P = 0.0194 for PFS, P = 0.0034 for OS). Hyperfibrinogenemia was demonstrated to be able to predict poor outcome in DLBCL, especially for patients with advanced stage and high NCCN-IPI score. Adding hyperfibrinogenemia to NCCN-IPI could significantly improve the predictive effect of NCCN-IPI.

Students on Ice: International Polar Year Expeditions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Green, G.

2006-12-01

The Students on Ice program has been introducing and connecting the next generation of Polar researchers and scientists to the Arctic and Antarctic Regions since 1999. To date, approximately 600 international high school and university students have participated on these powerful and award-winning educational expeditions. Traveling through the Antarctic and Arctic on ice-class vessels, the students connect with an international educational team, consisting of Polar scientists, educators, researchers and lecturers, and gain valuable first hand information through a variety of different educational formats. Students participate in lectures, seminars, group discussions, `hands-on' science experiments, and experience once-in-a-lifetime opportunities to view rare wildlife, and to visit remote locations of historic, cultural, and scientific significance. In celebration of the upcoming International Polar Years (IPY), Students on Ice is launching nine unique IPY youth expeditions between 2007 and 2009. Intended for high school students, university students, and interested educators, these expeditions are officially endorsed by the International Polar Year Joint Committee. The goals of the SOI-IPY youth expeditions, include raising awareness and understanding about Polar and environmental issues, development of Polar curriculum and resources, inspiring the next generation of scientists and researchers, and promoting the IPY to millions of youth around through outreach, media and partnership activities.

The Arctic Grand Challenge: Abrupt Climate Change

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wilkniss, P. E.

2003-12-01

Trouble in polar paradise (Science, 08/30/02), significant changes in the Arctic environment are scientifically documented (R.E. Moritz et al. ibid.). More trouble, lots more, "abrupt climate change," (R. B. Alley, et al. Science 03/28/03). R. Corell, Arctic Climate Impact Assessment team (ACIA), "If you want to see what will happen in the rest of the world 25 years from now just look what's happening in the Arctic," (Arctic Council meeting, Iceland, 08/03). What to do? Make abrupt Arctic climate change a grand challenge for the IPY-4 and beyond! Scientifically:Describe the "state" of the Arctic climate system as succinctly as possible and accept it as the point of departure.Develop a hypothesis and criteria what constitutes "abrupt climate change," in the Arctic that can be tested with observations. Observations: Bring to bear existing observations and coordinate new investments in observations through an IPY-4 scientific management committee. Make the new Barrow, Alaska, Global Climate Change Research Facility a major U.S. contribution and focal point for the IPY-4 in the U.S Arctic. Arctic populations, Native peoples: The people of the North are living already, daily, with wrenching change, encroaching on their habitats and cultures. For them "the earth is faster now," (I. Krupnik and D. Jolly, ARCUS, 2002). From a political, economic, social and entirely realistic perspective, an Arctic grand challenge without the total integration of the Native peoples in this effort cannot succeed. Therefore: Communications must be established, and the respective Native entities must be approached with the determination to create well founded, well functioning, enduring partnerships. In the U.S. Arctic, Barrow with its long history of involvement and active support of science and with the new global climate change research facility should be the focal point of choice Private industry: Resource extraction in the Arctic followed by oil and gas consumption, return the combustion products as greenhouse gases to their regions of origin. Thus multinational company operations are affected by their own activities. There is a strong, convincing case, that these industrial giants must be involved in Arctic partnerships of the grand challenge. A most instructive, very successful example is the collaboration by the chemical companies after the discovery of the polar ozone holes, followed by the replacement of the culprit chlorofluorocarbon compounds. Public relations and involvement/education: The IPY offers a unique opportunity to showcase and drive home, into homes, the seriousness of the issue, Hollywood/Madison Avenue/ NASA style, nothing else will do. Ultimately we need to be mindful that "civilizations are ephemeral compared to species. -What we need is a primer on science, clearly written and unambiguous in its meaning-a primer for anyone interested in the state of the Earth and how to survive and live well on it." (James Lovelock, Science, 08/05/98). - Let's start in the Arctic-NOW.

i-PI: A Python interface for ab initio path integral molecular dynamics simulations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ceriotti, Michele; More, Joshua; Manolopoulos, David E.

2014-03-01

Recent developments in path integral methodology have significantly reduced the computational expense of including quantum mechanical effects in the nuclear motion in ab initio molecular dynamics simulations. However, the implementation of these developments requires a considerable programming effort, which has hindered their adoption. Here we describe i-PI, an interface written in Python that has been designed to minimise the effort required to bring state-of-the-art path integral techniques to an electronic structure program. While it is best suited to first principles calculations and path integral molecular dynamics, i-PI can also be used to perform classical molecular dynamics simulations, and can just as easily be interfaced with an empirical forcefield code. To give just one example of the many potential applications of the interface, we use it in conjunction with the CP2K electronic structure package to showcase the importance of nuclear quantum effects in high-pressure water. Catalogue identifier: AERN_v1_0 Program summary URL: http://cpc.cs.qub.ac.uk/summaries/AERN_v1_0.html Program obtainable from: CPC Program Library, Queen’s University, Belfast, N. Ireland Licensing provisions: GNU General Public License, version 3 No. of lines in distributed program, including test data, etc.: 138626 No. of bytes in distributed program, including test data, etc.: 3128618 Distribution format: tar.gz Programming language: Python. Computer: Multiple architectures. Operating system: Linux, Mac OSX, Windows. RAM: Less than 256 Mb Classification: 7.7. External routines: NumPy Nature of problem: Bringing the latest developments in the modelling of nuclear quantum effects with path integral molecular dynamics to ab initio electronic structure programs with minimal implementational effort. Solution method: State-of-the-art path integral molecular dynamics techniques are implemented in a Python interface. Any electronic structure code can be patched to receive the atomic coordinates from the Python interface, and to return the forces and energy that are used to integrate the equations of motion. Restrictions: This code only deals with distinguishable particles. It does not include fermonic or bosonic exchanges between equivalent nuclei, which can become important at very low temperatures. Running time: Depends dramatically on the nature of the simulation being performed. A few minutes for short tests with empirical force fields, up to several weeks for production calculations with ab initio forces. The examples provided with the code run in less than an hour.

Landsat Image Mosaic of Antarctica (LIMA)

USGS Publications Warehouse

,

2007-01-01

For most of us, Antarctica was at best a distant acquaintance. Now, with the Landsat Image Mosaic of Antarctica (LIMA), we are on intimate terms. In stunning, up-close and personal detail, LIMA brings Antarctica to life. Explore this virtually cloudless, seamless, most geometrically accurate, and highest resolution satellite mosaic of Antarctica. A team of scientists from the U.S. Geological Survey, the British Antarctic Survey, and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, with funding from the National Science Foundation, created LIMA in support of the International Polar Year (IPY; 2007?08). As the first major scientific outcome of the IPY, LIMA truly fulfills the IPY goals. LIMA is an international effort, supports current scientific polar research, encourages new projects, and helps the general public visualize Antarctica and changes happening in this southernmost environment. Researchers and the general public can download LIMA and all component Landsat scenes at no charge.

High pressure common rail injection system modeling and control.

PubMed

Wang, H P; Zheng, D; Tian, Y

2016-07-01

In this paper modeling and common-rail pressure control of high pressure common rail injection system (HPCRIS) is presented. The proposed mathematical model of high pressure common rail injection system which contains three sub-systems: high pressure pump sub-model, common rail sub-model and injector sub-model is a relative complicated nonlinear system. The mathematical model is validated by the software Matlab and a virtual detailed simulation environment. For the considered HPCRIS, an effective model free controller which is called Extended State Observer - based intelligent Proportional Integral (ESO-based iPI) controller is designed. And this proposed method is composed mainly of the referred ESO observer, and a time delay estimation based iPI controller. Finally, to demonstrate the performances of the proposed controller, the proposed ESO-based iPI controller is compared with a conventional PID controller and ADRC. Copyright © 2016 ISA. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

PolarTREC-Celebrating the Legacy of the IPY Through Researcher-Educator Partnerships

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Timm, K.; Warburton, J.; Larson, A. M.

2009-12-01

Polar TREC-Teachers and Researchers Exploring and Collaborating, a three-year (2007-2009) NSF-funded program, has matched over 40 teachers with polar researchers working in multiple scientific disciplines for 2-8 week Teacher Research Experiences (TRE) in the Arctic and Antarctica during the IPY. PolarTREC contributes to the legacy of the IPY through the creation and dissemination of polar education resources, prolonged teacher-researcher relationships, and contributions to scholarly knowledge on the impacts of TRE's. Products developed during PolarTREC are helping to sustain the widespread interest and enthusiasm in the polar regions generated during the IPY. During their expeditions, participating teachers brought science and information about profound changes at the poles to school, community, and professional audiences through web-based communications, journals, discussion forums, multimedia, and live events. PolarTREC teachers constructed nearly 100 classroom lesson plans and activities as products of their experiences. Live events from the field attracted over 11,000 participants, primarily K-12 students. Although the field experience is central to the PolarTREC TRE Model, many participants cite the relationship they built with their teacher/researcher as one of the best outcomes. Through personal communications, presentations at professional conferences, and continued support of each other’s work through classroom visits or joint proposal development, teachers and researchers have maintained the mutually beneficial relationships established during the IPY. Participating scientists gained access to professional educators with expertise in translating research approaches and results into programs. The need for researchers to explain their research and “boil it down to the raw essence” helped many see how their work fits into a bigger picture, often helping them communicate outside their scientific discipline and to diverse public audiences. Teachers, on the other hand, gained life-changing professional development and a network of science content experts who can help them in curriculum development. The IPY emphasized improved scientific understanding through innovative approaches to education and outreach programming. In initial PolarTREC evaluation data, participating teachers reported extensive increases in their knowledge of the Polar Regions, their use of effective science instruction methods, and their ability to teach the science concepts pertinent to their research experience. Students reported an increased understanding of general physical science concepts, topics related to the polar regions, and the importance of science for their future work and as a citizen in today’s world. Through participation in the IPY, PolarTREC provides a tested approach to TRE's that can be applied in the future to other contexts and locations. For more information, contact ARCUS at: info@polartrec.com or 907-474-1600.

Variation of Accumulation Rates Over the Last Eight Centuries on the East Antarctic Plateau Derived from Volcanic Signals in Ice Cores

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Anschuetz, H.; Sinisalo, A.; Isaksson, E.; McConnell, J. R.; Hamran, S.-E.; Bisiaux, M. M.; Pasteris, D.; Neumann, T. A.; Winther, J.-G.

2011-01-01

Volcanic signatures in ice-core records provide an excellent means to date the cores and obtain information about accumulation rates. From several ice cores it is thus possible to extract a spatio-temporal accumulation pattern. We show records of electrical conductivity and sulfur from firn cores from the Norwegian-USA scientific traverse during the International Polar Year 2007-2009 (IPY) through East Antarctica. Major volcanic eruptions are identified and used to assess century-scale accumulation changes. The largest changes seem to occur in the most recent decades with accumulation over the period 1963- 2007/08 being up to 25 % different from the long-term record. There is no clear overall trend, some sites show an increase in accumulation over the period 1963 to present while others show a decrease. Almost all of the sites above 3200 m above sea level (asl) suggest a decrease. These sites also show a significantly lower accumulation value than large-scale assessments both for the period 1963 to present and for the long-term mean at the respective drill sites. The spatial accumulation distribution is influenced mainly by elevation and distance to the ocean (continentality), as expected. Ground-penetrating radar data around the drill sites show a spatial variability within 10-20 % over several tens of kilometers, indicating that our drill sites are well representative for the area around them. Our results are important for large-scale assessments of Antarctic mass balance and model validation.

"Live from IPY"--Connecting Students, Teachers and the Public to Polar Research

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Breen, K.; Warnick, W. K.; Warburton, J.; Fischer, K.; Wiggins, H.

2007-12-01

PolarTREC-Teachers and Researchers Exploring and Collaborating is a three-year (2007-2009) teacher professional development program of the Arctic Research Consortium of the U.S. (ARCUS) that pairs K-12 teachers with researchers to improve science education through authentic polar research experiences. Each year of PolarTREC, approximately 15 teachers spend two to six weeks in the Arctic or Antarctic, working closely with researchers investigating a wide range of topics such as sea-ice dynamics, terrestrial ecology, marine biology, atmospheric chemistry, and long-term climate change. PolarTREC is funded by the National Science Foundation. While in the field, teachers and researchers communicate extensively with their colleagues, communities, and hundreds of students of all ages across the globe, using a variety of communication technologies and tools to appeal to broad student and public engagement in polar science. Through the PolarTREC website (www.polartrec.com) teachers connect from the field through the use of online journals and forums, photo galleries, podcasts, and learning resources. "Live from IPY," a key activity of PolarTREC, is a free, interactive, distance-learning experience that virtually transports students and the public to unique and remote polar locations through a live Internet interface. Rather than relying solely on the asynchronous elements of online journals, forums, photo albums, and podcasts, "Live from IPY" allows real-time interaction by adding elements including live voice, video, chat, application sharing, polling, and whiteboards, but requires only telephone and/or Internet access for participants and presenters to connect. "Live from IPY" and the online outreach elements of PolarTREC convey the excitement of polar research experiences to a broad audience far beyond the classrooms of the PolarTREC teachers, allowing anyone to join a global network of scientists, teachers, students, and communities and actively participate in the International Polar Year. Since January 2007, over 20 "Live from IPY" events have been held with more than 1700 participants, primarily K- 12 students, from 43 states across the US as well as international participants from 45 countries. "Live from IPY" has allowed educators to multiply the educational value of their expeditions, demonstrating the value that technology can bring to education by igniting thousands of young imaginations to the wonders of polar science.

Neglected Intestinal Parasites, Malnutrition and Associated Key Factors: A Population Based Cross-Sectional Study among Indigenous Communities in Sarawak, Malaysia

PubMed Central

Rajoo, Yamuna; Ambu, Stephen; Lim, Yvonne Ai Lian; Rajoo, Komalaveni; Tey, Siew Chang; Lu, Chan Woon; Ngui, Romano

2017-01-01

Intestinal parasitic infections (IPIs) have been recognized as one of the most significant causes of illness among disadvantaged communities. Many studies have been conducted on the prevalence of IPIs in Malaysia. However, these studies mostly focused on the indigenous groups in Peninsular Malaysia. The present study was conducted to provide the current baseline data on prevalence of IPIs, anaemia, malnutrition and associated risk factors among the indigenous communities in Sarawak, situation at northwest Borneo island of Malaysia. A cross sectional study was conducted among the longhouses communities. Stool samples were obtained and examined for the presence of IPIs using microscopy technique. Haemoglobin measurement was done using a portable haemoglobin analyzer. Malnutrition (i.e., stunting, underweight and wasting) was assessed using the WHO Anthro software. Statistical analysis was carried out using SPSS software. A total of 341participants took part in this study. The overall prevalence of IPIs was 57.5%. Multivariate analysis indicated that the absence of toilets (OR = 1.6; 95% CI = 1.1–2.7; p = 0.002) and close contact with animals (OR = 1.8; 95% CI = 1.3–2.9; p = 0.027) as significant predictors for IPIs. The incidence of anaemia was 36.4%. The incidence of underweight, wasting and stunting were 22.2%, 5.6% and 35.4%, respectively. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that low level of parental education attainment (OR = 1.9; 95% CI = 1.2–3.0; p = 0.006) was identified as significant predictor for anaemia. The incidence of wasting was significantly associated with mild anaemia (OR = 1.2; 95% CI = 0.9–1.7; p = 0.024). Low household income was identified as significant predictor for stunting (OR = 2.1; 95% CI = 9.8–22.2; p = 0.001) and underweight (OR = 1.9; 95% CI = 5.6–18.7; p = 0.037), respectively. Essentially, the present study highlighted that intestinal parasitic infections, anaemia and malnutrition are still prevalent among rural indigenous community in Sarawak. Improvement of socioeconomic status, periodic mass deworming, iron supplementation and health education program should be included in the control and prevention of public health strategies. PMID:28095446

DHHC3 Contributions to Breast Cancer

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-11-01

oligosaccharide 1,2-alpha-mannosidase MAN1B1 0.021 0.572 IPI00015954 GTP-binding protein SAR1a SAR1A 0.546 0.573 IPI00011937 Peroxiredoxin-4 PRDX4...previous report that DHHC3 itself is an integral membrane protein (10). In addition, the most significant biological processes regulated by DHHC3 are cell...motion and vesicle-mediated transport (Fig. 8), two processes important for cancer cell invasion and metastasis. Figure 7. Gene ontology

Integrated Practice Improvement Solutions-Practical Steps to Operating Room Management.

PubMed

Chernov, Mikhail; Pullockaran, Janet; Vick, Angela; Leyvi, Galina; Delphin, Ellise

2016-10-01

Perioperative productivity is a vital concern for surgeons, anesthesiologists, and administrators as the OR is a major source of hospital elective admissions and revenue. Based on elements of existing Practice Improvement Methodologies (PIMs), "Integrated Practice Improvement Solutions" (IPIS) is a practical and simple solution incorporating aspects of multiple management approaches into a single open source framework to increase OR efficiency and productivity by better utilization of existing resources. OR efficiency was measured both before and after IPIS implementation using the total number of cases versus room utilization, OR/anesthesia revenue and staff overtime (OT) costs. Other parameters of efficiency, such as the first case on-time start and the turnover time (TOT) were measured in parallel. IPIS implementation resulted in increased numbers of surgical procedures performed by an average of 10.7%, and OR and anesthesia revenue increases of 18.5% and 6.9%, respectively, with a simultaneous decrease in TOT (15%) and OT for anesthesia staff (26%). The number of perioperative adverse events was stable during the two-year study period which involved a total of 20,378 patients. IPIS, an effective and flexible practice improvement model, was designed to quickly, significantly, and sustainably improve OR efficiency by better utilization of existing resources. Success of its implementation directly correlates with the involvement of and acceptance by the entire OR team and hospital administration.

Cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone (CHOP) in the treatment of stage IE/IIE extranodal natural killer/T cell lymphoma, nasal type: 13-year follow-up in 135 patients.

PubMed

Wang, Liang; Xia, Zhong-jun; Huang, Hui-qiang; Lu, Yue; Zhang, Yu-jing

2012-11-01

We conducted a retrospective study of 135 patients of stage IE/IIE extranodal natural killer/T cell lymphoma, nasal type (ENKTL) treated with CHOP as induction chemotherapy to find some valuable prognostic factors and analyze the usefulness of International Prognostic Index (IPI) and Korean Prognostic Index (KPI) in predicting prognosis. Most of the patients were in the low-risk group (IPI score 0-1). Complete remission (CR) after induction chemotherapy was achieved in 31.8 % of the patients, which increased to 69.6 % after radiotherapy. The 2-, 5-, and 10-year overall survival (OS) rates were 60, 48, and 43 %, respectively. Patients with better performance status (ECOG 0-1), normal serum LDH level, without local invasiveness, low KPI scores, and IPI score of 0 had significantly better overall survival (P < 0.05) in univariate analysis. Using multivariate analysis, we identified serum LDH level, ECOG PS score and local invasiveness to be independent prognostic factors. In conclusion, ENKTL is an aggressive lymphoma that shows heterogeneity. The IPI and KPI score systems should be improved further to classify patients into different groups, and should be validated in larger prospective trials. Due to the multi-drug resistance mechanism of ENKTL, CHOP is no longer the state of art and novel drugs should be incorporated into future treatments.

Promoting contraceptive use among female rural-to-urban migrants in Qingdao, China: a comparative impact study of worksite-based interventions.

PubMed

Decat, Peter; Zhang, Wei-Hong; Delva, Wim; Moyer, Eileen; Cheng, Yimin; Wang, Zhi-Jin; Lu, Ci-Yong; Wu, Shi-Zhong; Nadisauskiene, Ruta Jolanta; Temmerman, Marleen; Degomme, Olivier

2012-10-01

We conducted a comparative study in worksites to assess the impact of sexual health promoting interventions on contraceptive use among female rural-to-urban migrants. In Qingdao ten manufacturing worksites were randomly allocated to a standard package of interventions (SPI) and an intensive package of interventions (IPI). The interventions ran from July 2008 to January 2009. Cross-sectional surveys at baseline and end line assessed the sexual behaviour of young female migrants. To evaluate the impact of the interventions we assessed pre- and post-time trends. From the SPI group 721 (baseline) and 615 (end line) respondents were considered. Out of the IPI group we included 684 and 603 migrants. Among childless migrants, self-reported contraceptive use increased significantly after SPI and IPI (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 3.23; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.52-6.84; p < 0.01 and aOR = 5.81; 95% CI = 2.63-12.80; p < 0.001, respectively). Childless migrants older than 22 years reported a greater use after IPI than after SPI. Implementing current Chinese sexual health promotion programmes at worksites is likely to have a positive impact on migrant women working in the manufacturing industry of Qingdao. More comprehensive interventions seem to have an added value if they are well targeted to specific groups.

Front-Row Seat at the IPY: The Field Notes Electronic Newsletter

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rithner, P. K.; Zager, S. D.; Garcia-Lavigne, D. N.

2007-12-01

As employees of Polar Field Services/VPR, the arctic logistics provider to the US National Science Foundation, we bear witness to the exploration, documentation, and celebration of the International Polar Year (IPY). Our front- row vantage point (logisticians working with field scientists) offers us a rare opportunity to report on developments at the frontiers of polar research and to describe how scientists work in the Arctic. Our reporting mechanism is field notes, a weekly (summer) to monthly (winter) electronic digest of information about the IPY research we support. Each issue showcases a short "cover" piece highlighting science projects or profiling arctic program participants. In addition, field notes offers news updates, short interviews, and blog-style dispatches contributed by researchers and support personnel. Wherever possible, we include URLs so readers may find more information via the Web: we link to an online database of projects we maintain for the NSF, to university Web sites, project blogs, and so on. We aim to inform the interested layperson about the myriad of activity in the IPY. We like to show that arctic science is interesting, relevant--and a great adventure. We've found field notes to be an excellent outreach venue. By no means a slick media outlet, field notes is published "on the side" by a small but dedicated group of employees who are endlessly fascinated by, and who enjoy an engaging perspective on, contemporary arctic research. Newsletter

Webuye Health and Demographic Surveillance Systems Baseline Survey of Soil-Transmitted Helminths and Intestinal Protozoa among Children up to Five Years

PubMed Central

Obala, A. A.; Simiyu, C. J.; Odhiambo, D. O.; Nanyu, V.; Chege, P.; Downing, R.; Mwaliko, E.; Mwangi, A. W.; Menya, D.; Chelagat, D.; Nyamogoba, H. D. N.; Ayuo, P. O.; O'Meara, W. P.; Twagirumukiza, M.; Vandenbroek, D.; Otsyula, B. B. O.; de Maeseneer, J.

2013-01-01

Background. The intestinal parasitic infections (IPIs) are globally endemic, and they constitute the greatest cause of illness and disease worldwide. Transmission of IPIs occurs as a result of inadequate sanitation, inaccessibility to potable water, and poor living conditions. Objectives. To determine a baseline prevalence of IPIs among children of five years and below at Webuye Health and Demographic Surveillance (HDSS) area in western Kenya. Methods. Cross-sectional survey was used to collect data. Direct saline and formal-ether-sedimentation techniques were used to process the specimens. Descriptive and inferential statistics such as Chi-square statistics were used to analyze the data. Results. A prevalence of 52.3% (417/797) was obtained with the male child slightly more infected than the female (53.5% versus 51%), but this was not significant (χ 2 = 0.482, P > 0.05). Giardia lamblia and Entamoeba histolytica were the most common pathogenic IPIs with a prevalence of 26.1% (208/797) and 11.2% (89/797), respectively. Soil-transmitted helminths (STHs) were less common with a prevalence of 4.8% (38/797), 3.8% (30/797), and 0.13% (1/797) for Ascaris lumbricoides, hookworms, and Trichuris trichiura, respectively. Conclusions. Giardia lamblia and E. histolytica were the most prevalent pathogenic intestinal protozoa, while STHs were less common. Community-based health promotion techniques are recommended for controlling these parasites. PMID:23533444

Community Needs Assessment and Portal Prototype Development for an Arctic Spatial Data Infrastructure (ASDI)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wiggins, H. V.; Warnick, W. K.; Hempel, L. C.; Henk, J.; Sorensen, M.; Tweedie, C. E.; Gaylord, A. G.

2007-12-01

As the creation and use of geospatial data in research, management, logistics, and education applications has proliferated, there is now a tremendous potential for advancing science through a variety of cyber-infrastructure applications, including Spatial Data Infrastructure (SDI) and related technologies. SDIs provide a necessary and common framework of standards, securities, policies, procedures, and technology to support the effective acquisition, coordination, dissemination and use of geospatial data by multiple and distributed stakeholder and user groups. Despite the numerous research activities in the Arctic, there is no established SDI and, because of this lack of a coordinated infrastructure, there is inefficiency, duplication of effort, and reduced data quality and search ability of arctic geospatial data. The urgency for establishing this framework is significant considering the myriad of data that is being collected in celebration of the International Polar Year (IPY) in 2007-2008 and the current international momentum for an improved and integrated circum-arctic terrestrial-marine-atmospheric environmental observatories network. The key objective of this project is to lay the foundation for full implementation of an Arctic Spatial Data Infrastructure (ASDI) through an assessment of community needs, readiness, and resources and through the development of a prototype web-mapping portal.

Evaluation of an intravenous preparation information system for improving the reconstitution and dilution process.

PubMed

Jo, Yun Hee; Shin, Wan Gyoon; Lee, Ju-Yeun; Yang, Bo Ram; Yu, Yun Mi; Jung, Sun Hoi; Kim, Hyang Sook

2016-10-01

There are very few studies reporting the impact of providing intravenous (IV) preparation information on quality use of antimicrobials, particularly regarding their reconstitution and dilution. Therefore, to improve these processes in IV antimicrobial administration, an IV preparation information system (IPIS) was implemented in a hospital. We aimed to evaluate the effect of improving reconstitution and dilution by implementing an IPIS in the electronic medical record (EMR) system. Prescriptions and activity records of nurses for injectable antimicrobials that required reconstitution and dilution for IV preparation from January 2008 to December 2013 were retrieved from EMR, and assessed based on packaging label information for reconstituting and diluting solutions. We defined proper reconstitution and dilution as occurring when the reconstitution and dilution solutions prescribed were consistent with the nurses' acting records. The types of intervention in the IPIS were as follows: a pop-up alert for proper reconstitution and passive guidance for proper dilution. We calculated the monthly proper reconstitution rate (PRR) and proper dilution rate (PDR) and evaluated the changes in these rates and trends using interrupted time series analyses. Prior to the initiation of the reconstitution alert and dilution information, the PRR and PDR were 12.7 and 46.1%, respectively. The reconstitution alert of the IPIS rapidly increased the PRR by 41% (p<0.001), after which the PRR decreased by 0.9% (p=0.013) per month after several months. However, there was no significant change in the rate or trend of the PDR during the study period. This study demonstrated that the provision of reconstitution alerts by the IPIS contributed to improving the reconstitution process of IV antimicrobial injection administration. However, providing passive information on dilution solutions was ineffective. Furthermore, solutions to ensure the continuous effectiveness of alert systems are warranted and should be actively sought. Copyright © 2016. Published by Elsevier Ireland Ltd.

Young Researchers Engaged in Educational Outreach to Increase Polar Literacy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Raymond, M.; Baeseman, J.; Xavier, J.; Kaiser, B.; Vendrell-Simon, B.

2008-12-01

The Association of Polar Early Career Scientists (APECS) grew out of the 4th International Polar Year (IPY-4) 2007-08 and is an international and interdisciplinary organization of over 1200 undergraduate and graduate students, postdoctoral researchers, early faculty members, educators and others with interests in Polar Regions and the wider cryosphere from more than 40 countries. Our aims are to stimulate interdisciplinary and international research collaborations, and develop effective future leaders in polar research, education and outreach. As potentially one of the major legacies of IPY-4, APECS members have been at the forefront of increasing scientific knowledge and public interest in the polar regions, centered around global climate change, and enhancing scientific understanding, media attention, primary and secondary school (K-12) educational programs, undergraduate institutions, and public literacy campaigns. Research and Educational Outreach activities by APECS members during IPY-4 have improved both our understanding and the communication of all aspects of the Polar Regions and the importance of their broader global connections. APECS National Committees have run Polar Contests where young researchers partnered with teachers and students to develop curriculum and activities to share their research, have participated in many field based communication exchanges and are mentoring youth to pursue careers in science, and enhancing the public perception of scientists through photo, video and museum exhibits. In cooperation with the IPY Teachers Network and the IPY IPO, APECS is developing a polar education resource book that will feature education and outreach activities by young researchers, as well as provide examples of classroom activities for teachers to incorporate polar literacy into their curriculum and a How-To guide for researchers interested in conducting education and outreach. As young researchers interactively share their excitement and experiences in deepening our understanding of the polar regions, a new generation of polar literate people emerges and society benefits from more knowledge of the rapidly changing polar regions that have a critical and inherent global connection.

NCCN-IPI score-independent prognostic potential of pretreatment uric acid levels for clinical outcome of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma patients

PubMed Central

Prochazka, Katharina T; Melchardt, Thomas; Posch, Florian; Schlick, Konstantin; Deutsch, Alexander; Beham-Schmid, Christine; Weiss, Lukas; Gary, Thomas; Neureiter, Daniel; Klieser, Eckhard; Greil, Richard; Neumeister, Peter; Egle, Alexander; Pichler, Martin

2016-01-01

Background: Blood-based parameters are gaining increasing interest as potential prognostic biomarkers in patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). The aim of this study was to comprehensively evaluate the prognostic significance of pretreatment plasma uric acid levels in patients with newly diagnosed DLBCL. Methods: The clinical course of 539 DLBCL patients, diagnosed and treated between 2004 and 2013 at two Austrian high-volume centres with rituximab-based immunochemotherapy was evaluated retrospectively. The prognostic influence of uric acid on overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) were studied including multi-state modelling, and analysis of conditional survival. Results: Five-year OS and PFS were 50.4% (95% CI: 39.2–60.6) and 44.0% (33.4–54.0) in patients with uric acid levels above the 75th percentile of the uric acid distribution (Q3, cut-off: 6.8 mg dl−1), and 66.2% (60.4–71.5) and 59.6% (53.7–65.0%) in patients with lower levels (log-rank P=0.002 and P=0.0045, respectively). In univariable time-to-event analysis, elevated uric acid levels were associated with a worse PFS (hazard ratio (HR) per 1 log increase in uric acid 1.47, 95% CI: 1.10–1.97, P=0.009) and a worse OS (HR=1.60, 95% CI: 1.16–2.19, P=0.004). These associations prevailed upon multivariable adjustment for the NCCN-IPI score. Uric acid levels significantly improved the predictive performance of the R-IPI and NCCN-IPI scores, and in multi-state analysis, it emerged as a highly significant predictor of an increased risk of death without developing recurrence (transition-HR=4.47, 95% CI: 2.17–9.23, P<0.0001). Conclusions: We demonstrate that elevated uric acid levels predict poor long-term outcomes in DLBCL patients beyond the NCCN-IPI risk index. PMID:27764838

PolarTREC-Teachers and Researchers Exploring and Collaborating: Innovative Science Education from the Poles to the World

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Warnick, W. K.; Warburton, J.; Breen, K.; Wiggins, H. V.; Larson, A.; Behr, S.

2006-12-01

PolarTREC-Teachers and Researchers Exploring and Collaborating is a three-year (2007-2009) teacher professional development program celebrating the International Polar Year (IPY) that will advance polar science education by bringing K-12 educators and polar researchers together in hands-on field experiences in the Arctic and Antarctic. PolarTREC builds on the strengths of the existing TREC program in the Arctic, an NSF supported program managed by the Arctic Research Consortium of the US (ARCUS), to embrace a wide range of activities occurring at both poles during and after IPY. PolarTREC will foster the integration of research and education to produce a legacy of long-term teacher-researcher collaborations, improved teacher content knowledge through experiences in scientific inquiry, and broad public interest and engagement in polar science and IPY. PolarTREC will enable thirty-six teachers to spend two to six weeks in the Arctic or Antarctic, working closely with researchers investigating a wide range of IPY science themed topics such as sea-ice dynamics, terrestrial ecology, marine biology, atmospheric chemistry, and long-term climate change. While in the field, teachers and researchers will communicate extensively with their colleagues, communities, and hundreds of students of all ages across the globe, using a variety of tools including satellite phones, online journals, podcasts and interactive "Live from IPY" calls and web-based seminars. The online outreach elements of the project convey these experiences to a broad audience far beyond the classrooms of the PolarTREC teachers. In addition to field research experiences, PolarTREC will support teacher professional development and a sustained community of teachers, scientists, and the public through workshops, Internet seminars, an e-mail listserve, and teacher peer groups. For further information on PolarTREC, contact Wendy Warnick, ARCUS Executive Director at warnick@arcus.org or 907-474-1600 or visit www.arcus.org/trec/

PARFUME Theory and Model basis Report

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

Darrell L. Knudson; Gregory K Miller; G.K. Miller

2009-09-01

The success of gas reactors depends upon the safety and quality of the coated particle fuel. The fuel performance modeling code PARFUME simulates the mechanical, thermal and physico-chemical behavior of fuel particles during irradiation. This report documents the theory and material properties behind vari¬ous capabilities of the code, which include: 1) various options for calculating CO production and fission product gas release, 2) an analytical solution for stresses in the coating layers that accounts for irradiation-induced creep and swelling of the pyrocarbon layers, 3) a thermal model that calculates a time-dependent temperature profile through a pebble bed sphere or amore » prismatic block core, as well as through the layers of each analyzed particle, 4) simulation of multi-dimensional particle behavior associated with cracking in the IPyC layer, partial debonding of the IPyC from the SiC, particle asphericity, and kernel migration (or amoeba effect), 5) two independent methods for determining particle failure probabilities, 6) a model for calculating release-to-birth (R/B) ratios of gaseous fission products that accounts for particle failures and uranium contamination in the fuel matrix, and 7) the evaluation of an accident condition, where a particle experiences a sudden change in temperature following a period of normal irradiation. The accident condi¬tion entails diffusion of fission products through the particle coating layers and through the fuel matrix to the coolant boundary. This document represents the initial version of the PARFUME Theory and Model Basis Report. More detailed descriptions will be provided in future revisions.« less

Additive Manufacturing: Preparing for the Reality of Science Fiction

DTIC Science & Technology

2015-09-01

3, 2007, http://ipi.org/ipi_issues/detail/the- true-cost-of-copyright-industry-piracy-to-the-us-economy. 21 are Bitcoin , the crypto-currency, and... Bitcoin is the New Napster….And That Is a Good Thing,” The Casey Report, August 28, 2013, https://www.caseyresearch.com/articles/ bitcoin -is-the-new...chiefs- issue-recommendations-drones-look-how-they-measure. Steinhart, Dan. “ Bitcoin is the New Napster…And That Is a Good Thing.” The Casey Report

From Auroras to Sea Ice: Views From the International Space Station and Plans for International Polar Year

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Evans, C. A.; Runco, S. K.; Willis, K.; Heydorn, J.; Trenchard, M.; Stefanov, W. L.; Wilkinson, M. J.

2006-12-01

For more than 40 years astronauts have been observing Earth, taking photographs or digital images from their spacecraft. Today, a robust program of observation from the International Space Station (ISS) has yielded hundreds of thousands of images of the Earth's surface collected since 2001. Seeing Earth through the eyes of an astronaut is exciting to the general public, and the images are popular in classrooms. Because the ISS has an orbital inclination of 51.6 degrees (the north-south limits of the orbit are at 51.6 degrees latitude), high latitude observations are common. Some of the most striking images collected include views of polar phenomena. Astronauts routinely pass above brilliant red and green aurora; view high, wispy clouds at the top of the atmosphere; or look down on glaciers and floating ice rafts. These images, framed and captured by humans, are easily interpreted by students and teachers. Astronaut observations provide a way to visualize complicated polar phenomena and communicate about them to students of all ages. Over the next two years, astronauts aboard the ISS will formally focus their observations on polar phenomena as participants in the International Polar Year (IPY). Imagery acquisition from the ISS will be coordinated with other IPY scientists staging studies and field campaigns on the ground. The imagery collected from the ISS will be cataloged and served on NASA's web-based database of images, http://eol.jsc.nasa.gov . The website allows investigators, students and teachers to search through the imagery, assemble image datasets, and download the imagery and the metadata. We display some of the most spectacular examples of polar imagery and demonstrate NASA's database of astronaut images of Earth.

Survey and Chase: A New Method of Observations For The Michigan Orbital Debris Survey Telescope (MODEST)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Abercromby, Kira J.; Seitzer, Patrick; Rodriquez, Heather M.; Barker, Edwin S.; Matney, Mark J.

2006-01-01

For more than 40 years astronauts have been observing Earth, taking photographs or digital images from their spacecraft. Today, a robust program of observation from the International Space Station (ISS) has yielded hundreds of thousands of images of the Earth s surface collected since 2001. Seeing Earth through the eyes of an astronaut is exciting to the general public, and the images are popular in classrooms. Because the ISS has an orbital inclination of 51.6 degrees (the north-south limits of the orbit are at 51.6 degrees latitude), high latitude observations are common. Some of the most striking images collected include views of polar phenomena. Astronauts routinely pass above brilliant red and green aurora; view high, wispy clouds at the top of the atmosphere; or look down on glaciers and floating ice rafts. These images, framed and captured by humans, are easily interpreted by students and teachers. Astronaut observations provide a way to visualize complicated polar phenomena and communicate about them to students of all ages. Over the next two years, astronauts aboard the ISS will formally focus their observations on polar phenomena as participants in the International Polar Year (IPY). Imagery acquisition from the ISS will be coordinated with other IPY scientists staging studies and field campaigns on the ground. The imagery collected from the ISS will be cataloged and served on NASA s web-based database of images, http://eol.jsc.nasa.gov . The website allows investigators, students and teachers to search through the imagery, assemble image datasets, and download the imagery and the metadata. We display some of the most spectacular examples of polar imagery and demonstrate NASA s database of astronaut images of Earth.

From Auroras to Sea Ice: Views From the International Space Station and Plans for International Polar Year

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Evans, Cynthia A.; Runco, Susan K.; Heydorn, James; Trenchard, Michael; Stefanov, William L.; Wilkinson, M. Justin

2006-01-01

For more than 40 years astronauts have been observing Earth, taking photographs or digital images from their spacecraft. Today, a robust program of observation from the International Space Station (ISS) has yielded hundreds of thousands of images of the Earth s surface collected since 2001. Seeing Earth through the eyes of an astronaut is exciting to the general public, and the images are popular in classrooms. Because the ISS has an orbital inclination of 51.6 degrees (the north-south limits of the orbit are at 51.6 degrees latitude), high latitude observations are common. Some of the most striking images collected include views of polar phenomena. Astronauts routinely pass above brilliant red and green aurora; view high, wispy clouds at the top of the atmosphere; or look down on glaciers and floating ice rafts. These images, framed and captured by humans, are easily interpreted by students and teachers. Astronaut observations provide a way to visualize complicated polar phenomena and communicate about them to students of all ages. Over the next two years, astronauts aboard the ISS will formally focus their observations on polar phenomena as participants in the International Polar Year (IPY). Imagery acquisition from the ISS will be coordinated with other IPY scientists staging studies and field campaigns on the ground. The imagery collected from the ISS will be cataloged and served on NASA s web-based database of images, http://eol.jsc.nasa.gov . The website allows investigators, students and teachers to search through the imagery, assemble image datasets, and download the imagery and the metadata. We display some of the most spectacular examples of polar imagery and demonstrate NASA s database of astronaut images of Earth.

Overview of the HUPO Plasma Proteome Project: Results from the pilot phase with 35 collaborating laboratories and multiple analytical groups, generating a core dataset of 3020 proteins and a publicly-available database

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

Omenn, Gilbert; States, David J.; Adamski, Marcin

2005-08-13

HUPO initiated the Plasma Proteome Project (PPP) in 2002. Its pilot phase has (1) evaluated advantages and limitations of many depletion, fractionation, and MS technology platforms; (2) compared PPP reference specimens of human serum and EDTA, heparin, and citrate-anticoagulated plasma; and (3) created a publicly-available knowledge base (www.bioinformatics. med.umich.edu/hupo/ppp; www.ebi.ac.uk/pride). Thirty-five participating laboratories in 13 countries submitted datasets. Working groups addressed (a) specimen stability and protein concentrations; (b) protein identifications from 18 MS/MS datasets; (c) independent analyses from raw MS-MS spectra; (d) search engine performance, subproteome analyses, and biological insights; (e) antibody arrays; and (f) direct MS/SELDI analyses. MS-MS datasetsmore » had 15 710 different International Protein Index (IPI) protein IDs; our integration algorithm applied to multiple matches of peptide sequences yielded 9504 IPI proteins identified with one or more peptides and 3020 proteins identified with two or more peptides (the Core Dataset). These proteins have been characterized with Gene Ontology, InterPro, Novartis Atlas, OMIM, and immunoassay based concentration determinations. The database permits examination of many other subsets, such as 1274 proteins identified with three or more peptides. Reverse protein to DNA matching identified proteins for 118 previously unidentified ORFs. We recommend use of plasma instead of serum, with EDTA (or citrate) for anticoagulation. To improve resolution, sensitivity and reproducibility of peptide identifications and protein matches, we recommend combinations of depletion, fractionation, and MS/MS technologies, with explicit criteria for evaluation of spectra, use of search algorithms, and integration of homologous protein matches. This Special Issue of PROTEOMICS presents papers integral to the collaborative analysis plus many reports of supplementary work on various aspects of the PPP workplan. These PPP results on complexity, dynamic range, incomplete sampling, false-positive matches, and integration of diverse datasets for plasma and serum proteins lay a foundation for development and validation of circulating protein biomarkers in health and disease.« less

Intestinal parasitic infections in different groups of immunocompromised patients in Kashan and Qom cities, central Iran.

PubMed

Rasti, Sima; Hassanzadeh, Malihe; Hooshyar, Hossein; Momen-Heravi, Mansooreh; Mousavi, Seyed Gholam Abbas; Abdoli, Amir

Intestinal parasitic infections (IPIs) are important causes of morbidity and mortality in patients with immunocompromising conditions. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of IPIs in different groups of immunocompromised patients, including hemodialysis patients (HD), renal transplant recipients (RTR), cancer and HIV/AIDS patients in comparison with healthy individuals in two central cities of Iran (Kashan and Qom). In this case-control study, the stool samples of 135 HD, 50 RTR, 60 cancer patients, 20 HIV/AIDS patients and 120 healthy subjects were tested using direct-smear, formol-ether concentration, Ziehl-Neelsen staining and Agar plate method. The overall infection rate was 11.7% (31/265) in patient groups and 0% (0/120) in the control group. The frequency of parasites was 25% in HIV/AIDS patients, 11.9% (16/135) in HD, 12.0% (6/50) in RTR and 6.7% (4/60) in cancer patients. Blastocystis hominis (4.2%) and Giardia lamblia (3.0%) were the most prevalent parasites in patient groups. The infection rate was significantly higher in male (17.6%) than female (5.4%) patients (p = .002), but no statistically significant association was observed according to the age and educational levels. This study showed a high prevalence of IPIs in immunocompromised patients. The results of this study suggest that periodic stool examinations for screening of IPIs should be included as a part of routine medical care in these patients.

Prevention and treatment of Encephalitozoon cuniculi infection in immunosuppressed rabbits with fenbendazole

PubMed Central

Abu-Akkada, S. S.; Oda, S. S.

2016-01-01

This study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of oral administration of fenbendazole (20 mg/kg body weight) prior to and after experimental infection of immunosuppressed rabbits with Encephalitozoon cuniculi. A total of thirty rabbits were divided into five groups: NN (non-immunosuppressed; non-infected), IN (immunosuppressed; non-infected), IPI (immunosuppressed; protected-infected), ITI (immunosuppressed; treated-infected), and II (immunosuppressed; infected) groups. Fenbendazole was administered as a prophylactic for seven successive days before infection with E. cuniculi and as a treatment for four weeks initiated on the 28th day post-challenge (PC). Experimental rabbits were infected with intraperitoneal injection of 2 × 105 E. cuniculi spores. Parameters evaluated were body weight, detection of spores in urine, serum antibody assay, hematological, biochemical and histopathological changes. The IPI and ITI groups showed a significant better final bwt than the II group. Spores were detected in urine of all infected rabbits from the 28th day PC until the end of the study. The IPI group showed the least values of antibodies (IgG) compared to the ITI and II groups. Concerning histopathological changes, the intensity of the lesions was marked particularly in the II rabbits and to a lesser extent in the ITI rabbits. Noticeable improvement was found in the IPI rabbits. It could be concluded that fenbendazole was effective to some extent in protection of rabbits against E. cuniculi infection, while when administered as a therapeutic no significant effects were observed. PMID:27822234

Prevention and treatment of Encephalitozoon cuniculi infection in immunosuppressed rabbits with fenbendazole.

PubMed

Abu-Akkada, S S; Oda, S S

2016-01-01

This study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of oral administration of fenbendazole (20 mg/kg body weight) prior to and after experimental infection of immunosuppressed rabbits with Encephalitozoon cuniculi . A total of thirty rabbits were divided into five groups: NN (non-immunosuppressed; non-infected), IN (immunosuppressed; non-infected), IPI (immunosuppressed; protected-infected), ITI (immunosuppressed; treated-infected), and II (immunosuppressed; infected) groups. Fenbendazole was administered as a prophylactic for seven successive days before infection with E. cuniculi and as a treatment for four weeks initiated on the 28th day post-challenge (PC). Experimental rabbits were infected with intraperitoneal injection of 2 × 10 5 E. cuniculi spores. Parameters evaluated were body weight, detection of spores in urine, serum antibody assay, hematological, biochemical and histopathological changes. The IPI and ITI groups showed a significant better final bwt than the II group. Spores were detected in urine of all infected rabbits from the 28th day PC until the end of the study. The IPI group showed the least values of antibodies (IgG) compared to the ITI and II groups. Concerning histopathological changes, the intensity of the lesions was marked particularly in the II rabbits and to a lesser extent in the ITI rabbits. Noticeable improvement was found in the IPI rabbits. It could be concluded that fenbendazole was effective to some extent in protection of rabbits against E. cuniculi infection, while when administered as a therapeutic no significant effects were observed.

Role of Immune Microenvironmental Factors for Improving the IPI-related Risk Stratification of Aggressive B Cell Lymphoma.

PubMed

Gong, Yi; Chen, Rui; Zhang, Xi; Zou, Zhong Min; Chen, Xing Hua

2017-07-01

To investigate the risk stratification of aggressive B cell lymphoma using the immune microenvironment and clinical factors. A total of 127 patients with aggressive B cell lymphoma between 2014 and 2015 were enrolled in this study. CD4, Foxp3, CD8, CD68, CD163, PD-1, and PD-L1 expression levels were evaluated in paraffin-embedded lymphoma tissues to identify their roles in the risk stratification. Eleven factors were identified for further evaluation using analysis of variance, chi-square, and multinomial logistic regression analysis. Significant differences in 11 factors (age, Ann Arbor stage, B symptom, ECOG performance status, infiltrating CD8+ T cells, PD-L1 expression, absolute blood monocyte count, serum lactate dehydrogenase, serum iron, serum albumin, and serum β2-microglobulin) were observed among patient groups stratified by at least two risk stratification methods [International Prognostic Index (IPI), revised IPI, and NCCN-IPI models] (P < 0.05). Concordance rates were high (81.4%-100.0%) when these factors were used for the risk stratification. No difference in the risk stratification results was observed with or without the Ann Arbor stage data. We developed a convenient and inexpensive tool for use in risk stratification of aggressive B cell lymphomas, although further studies on the role of immune microenvironmental factors are needed. Copyright © 2017 The Editorial Board of Biomedical and Environmental Sciences. Published by China CDC. All rights reserved.

Molecular tectonics: hierarchical organization of heterobimetallic coordination networks into heterotrimetallic core-shell crystals.

PubMed

Zhang, Fan; Adolf, Cyril R R; Zigon, Nicolas; Ferlay, Sylvie; Kyritsakas, Nathalie; Hosseini, Mir Wais

2017-03-23

Combinations of a neutral Pt(ii) organometallic tecton bearing two triphenylphosphine and two 3-ethynylpyridyl coordinating moieties in trans positions with MX 2 complexes (M = Co(ii) and X = Cl - or Br - and M = Zn(ii) and X = Cl - ) lead to the formation of isostructural 1D heterobimetallic coordination compounds. By 3D epitaxial growth processes, using coordination bonding, heterotrimetallic core-shell crystals are generated by the growth of crystalline layers on seed crystals.

International Polar Year (IPY), 2007-2008

USGS Publications Warehouse

,

2007-01-01

The International Polar Year is an intense scientific campaign to explore new frontiers in polar science, improve our understanding of the critical role of the polar regions in global processes, engage the public in polar discovery, and help attract the next generation of earth scientists. Participation in the IPY allows the USGS to celebrate this enduring tradition with the rest of the global polar research community and to renew our commitment to polar science at a time when the world is focused on the extraordinary changes happening in these regions.

A decision support system and rule-based algorithm to augment the human interpretation of the 12-lead electrocardiogram.

PubMed

Cairns, Andrew W; Bond, Raymond R; Finlay, Dewar D; Guldenring, Daniel; Badilini, Fabio; Libretti, Guido; Peace, Aaron J; Leslie, Stephen J

The 12-lead Electrocardiogram (ECG) has been used to detect cardiac abnormalities in the same format for more than 70years. However, due to the complex nature of 12-lead ECG interpretation, there is a significant cognitive workload required from the interpreter. This complexity in ECG interpretation often leads to errors in diagnosis and subsequent treatment. We have previously reported on the development of an ECG interpretation support system designed to augment the human interpretation process. This computerised decision support system has been named 'Interactive Progressive based Interpretation' (IPI). In this study, a decision support algorithm was built into the IPI system to suggest potential diagnoses based on the interpreter's annotations of the 12-lead ECG. We hypothesise semi-automatic interpretation using a digital assistant can be an optimal man-machine model for ECG interpretation. To improve interpretation accuracy and reduce missed co-abnormalities. The Differential Diagnoses Algorithm (DDA) was developed using web technologies where diagnostic ECG criteria are defined in an open storage format, Javascript Object Notation (JSON), which is queried using a rule-based reasoning algorithm to suggest diagnoses. To test our hypothesis, a counterbalanced trial was designed where subjects interpreted ECGs using the conventional approach and using the IPI+DDA approach. A total of 375 interpretations were collected. The IPI+DDA approach was shown to improve diagnostic accuracy by 8.7% (although not statistically significant, p-value=0.1852), the IPI+DDA suggested the correct interpretation more often than the human interpreter in 7/10 cases (varying statistical significance). Human interpretation accuracy increased to 70% when seven suggestions were generated. Although results were not found to be statistically significant, we found; 1) our decision support tool increased the number of correct interpretations, 2) the DDA algorithm suggested the correct interpretation more often than humans, and 3) as many as 7 computerised diagnostic suggestions augmented human decision making in ECG interpretation. Statistical significance may be achieved by expanding sample size. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

A Rising Tide for Polar Science: Efforts of the U.S. National Committee for the International Polar Year

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Albert, M. R.

2003-12-01

The polar regions, fascinating yet distant and cold places, hold the keys to our changing world. While the upcoming IPY is the 50th anniversary of the International Geophysical Year and the 125th anniversary of the first International Polar Year, it also falls at a crucial time in rapid changes in environmental and social systems that may affect all peoples of the Earth. Further warming of the Arctic, changing ecosystems and opening pathways for ocean travel, impact not only the people there but also the shipping, economics, and strategic considerations of distant nations. Yet potential further warming of the Arctic may be understood by clues in the Antarctic ice. How are the polar regions changing, and how swiftly may those changes affect the entire Earth? This is but one question emerging from community discussions of the science of the upcoming IPY. Our emerging ability to investigate previously unexplored areas is increasing our understanding of the wide world we live in, through interdisciplinary studies and tools for connections. Autonomous vehicles, genomics, and remote sensing technologies are just a few of the emerging areas that may provide new tools for investigating previously inaccessible realms. At the same time, tools such as the internet are making the world smaller, enabling instant communications between the peoples of the world. Joint international investigations enhance our ability to understand one another as well as our ability to understand our world and our universe. Rapid communications and international involvement can revolutionize the way we educate young scientists and our future leaders in a complex and changing world. Involving and educating people - young scientists, college students, school children, and the public - will be included as hallmarks of the IPY. The people are here. New tools are emerging. The ideas, or scientific goals, of the IPY are being crafted jointly through broad involvement of the scientific community, through meetings, conversations, and web-based discussions. This presentation will describe the process that the U.S. National committee has employed to nurture the evolution of the IPY, and will describe the new report that is being prepared based on this process.

Comparative analytics of infusion pump data across multiple hospital systems.

PubMed

Catlin, Ann Christine; Malloy, William X; Arthur, Karen J; Gaston, Cindy; Young, James; Fernando, Sudheera; Fernando, Ruchith

2015-02-15

A Web-based analytics system for conducting inhouse evaluations and cross-facility comparisons of alert data generated by smart infusion pumps is described. The Infusion Pump Informatics (IPI) project, a collaborative effort led by research scientists at Purdue University, was launched in 2009 to provide advanced analytics and tools for workflow analyses to assist hospitals in determining the significance of smart-pump alerts and reducing nuisance alerts. The IPI system allows facility-specific analyses of alert patterns and trends, as well as cross-facility comparisons of alert data uploaded by more than 55 participating institutions using different types of smart pumps. Tools accessible through the IPI portal include (1) charts displaying aggregated or breakout data on the top drugs associated with alerts, numbers of alerts per device or care area, and override-to-alert ratios, (2) investigative reports that can be used to characterize and analyze pump-programming errors in a variety of ways (e.g., by drug, by infusion type, by time of day), and (3) "drill-down" workflow analytics enabling users to evaluate alert patterns—both internally and in relation to patterns at other hospitals—in a quick and efficient stepwise fashion. The formation of the IPI analytics system to support a community of hospitals has been successful in providing sophisticated tools for member facilities to review, investigate, and efficiently analyze smart-pump alert data, not only within a member facility but also across other member facilities, to further enhance smart pump drug library design. Copyright © 2015 by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. All rights reserved.

Multiplex polymerase chain reaction-based prognostic models in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma patients treated with R-CHOP.

PubMed

Green, Tina M; Jensen, Andreas K; Holst, René; Falgreen, Steffen; Bøgsted, Martin; de Stricker, Karin; Plesner, Torben; Mourits-Andersen, Torben; Frederiksen, Mikael; Johnsen, Hans E; Pedersen, Lars M; Møller, Michael B

2016-09-01

We present a multiplex analysis for genes known to have prognostic value in an attempt to design a clinically useful classification model in patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). Real-time polymerase chain reaction was used to measure transcript levels of 28 relevant genes in 194 de novo DLBCL patients treated with R-CHOP (rituximab, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, prednisone). Including International Prognostic Index (IPI) as a variable in a penalized Cox regression, we investigated the association with disease progression for single genes or gene combinations in four models. The best model was validated in data from an online available R-CHOP treated cohort. With progression-free survival (PFS) as primary endpoint, the best performing IPI independent model incorporated the LMO2 and HLADQA1 as well as gene interactions for GCSAMxMIB1, GCSAMxCTGF and FOXP1xPDE4B. This model assigned 33% of patients (n = 60) to poor outcome with an estimated 3-year PFS of 40% vs. 87% for low risk (n = 61) and intermediate (n = 60) risk groups (P < 0·001). However, a simpler, IPI independent model incorporated LMO2 and BCL2 and assigned 33% of the patients with a 3-year PFS of 35% vs. 82% for low risk group (P < 0·001). We have documented the impact of a few single genes added to IPI for assignment in new drug trials. © 2016 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Cryosphere Communication from Knowledge to Action: Polar Educators International

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Crowley, S.

2012-12-01

Evidence from the recent IPY meetings shows that education and outreach of the 2007-08 IPY touched 24 million people; we intend to grow that number. As a legacy of IPY and as a direct action of IPY Montreal, we announced the establishment of Polar Educators International - a global professional network for those that educate in, for, and about the Polar Regions. We intend to move polar science forward by connecting the cultures and enthusiasm of polar education across the globe. The founding members come from polar and non-polar nations around the world. The new group draws together museums, schools, universities, science centers, formal and informal education, expeditions, NGOs, companies, governmental organizations, and non-profits. Working across national, disciplinary, and age group boundaries, we want to improve polar science & education for the next generation of policy makers, entrepreneurs, explorers, citizen scientists, journalists and educators; as well as the the public. The new network of more than 200 leading educators, scientists, and community members will develop innovative resources to communicate polar science. We intend to engage those learning and teaching about the polar regions, and thereby change the terms of debate, and the framework of education to rekindle student and public engagement with global environmental changes. We are committed to engaging our membership and have clear directions from our recent survey and report from the community. This presentation will address the needs put forth from our membership and where the organization will go in the future to inform a professional network on science and outreach in the polar regions.

Prevalence and co-infection of intestinal parasites among thai rural residents at high-risk of developing cholangiocarcinoma: a cross-sectional study in a prospective cohort study.

PubMed

Songserm, Nopparat; Promthet, Supannee; Wiangnon, Surapon; Sithithaworn, Paiboon

2012-01-01

Intestinal parasitic infections (IPIs) are still important to the health of Thai rural residents. IPIs are the cause of many chronic diseases with, for example, opisthorchiasis resulting in progression to cholangiocarcinoma (CCA). This cross-sectional study in a prospective cohort study aimed to examine the prevalence and co- infection of intestinal parasites among Northeastern Thai rural residents, recruited into the Khon Kaen Cohort Study (KKCS), and who were residing in areas of high-risk for developing CCA. On recruitment, subjects had completed questionnaires and provided fecal samples for IPI testing using the formalin ethyl acetate concentration technique. Data on selected general characteristics and the results of the fecal tests were analysed. IPI test results were available for 18,900 of cohort subjects, and 38.50% were found to be positive for one or more types of intestinal parasite. The prevalence of Opisthorchis viverrini (O. viverrini) infection was the highest (45.7%), followed by intestinal flukes (31.9%), intestinal nematodes (17.7%), intestinal protozoa (3.02%), and intestinal cestodes (1.69%). The pattern of different infections was similar in all age groups. According to a mapping analysis, a higher CCA burden was correlated with a higher prevalence of O. viverrini and intestinal flukes and a greater intensity of O. viverrini. Both prevention and control programs against liver fluke and other intestinal parasites are needed and should be delivered simultaneously. We can anticipate that the design of future control and prevention programmes will accommodate a more community-orientated and participatory approach.

Status of intestinal parasitic infections among residents of Jimma Town, Ethiopia.

PubMed

Jejaw, Ayalew; Zeynudin, Ahmed; Zemene, Endalew; Belay, Tariku

2014-08-07

Intestinal parasites cause considerable morbidity and mortality in the world, especially in developing countries like Ethiopia. Both urban and rural inhabitants are vulnerable to infection with intestinal parasites in developing countries. The aim of this study was to determine the status of intestinal parasitic infections (IPIs) among residents of Jimma Town, seven years after high prevalence was reported. Four hundred and thirty four residents of Jimma Town were included in this study. By the cross-sectional survey, the overall prevalence of intestinal parasites was 209 (48.2%). Nine species of intestinal parasites were isolated, Ascaris lumbricoides and Trichuris trichiura being the most predominant. Residence in Hermata Mentina kebele, Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR), 3.0, 95% CI, 1.71-5.39), age less than 10 years (AOR, 3.7, 95% CI, 1.33-10.36), illiteracy (AOR, 3.2, 95% CI, 1.64-6.19), estimated monthly family income of less than 500 Ethiopian Birr (AOR, 2.9, 95% CI, 1.32-4.90) and irregular washing hands before meal (AOR, 5.3, 95% CI, 1.36-21.07) were predictors of IPI in this study. The retrospective study revealed a significant decrease (P = 0.037) in the proportion of patients infected with intestinal parasites out of those who requested stool examination over the six-year period. This study confirms that IPIs are still common among residents of Jimma Town. Nearly half of the study participants were infected with at least one intestinal parasite. Public health interventions targeting prevention of IPIs should be strengthened in Jimma Town.

Comparison of clinical outcome after autologous stem cell transplantation between patients with peripheral T-cell lymphomas and diffuse large B-cell lymphoma.

PubMed

Sohn, B S; Park, I; Kim, E K; Yoon, D H; Lee, S S; Kang, B W; Jang, G; Choi, Y H; Kim, C; Lee, D H; Kim, S; Huh, J; Suh, C

2009-09-01

Although patients with T-cell phenotype lymphomas are generally accepted to have worse prognosis than B-cell phenotype lymphomas, the studies comparing outcomes after autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) between peripheral T-cell lymphomas (PTCLs) and with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) are few. In this study, we compared outcomes after ASCT between 23 patients with PTCLs and 54 patients with DLBCL. Univariate analysis showed that the timing of ASCT, complete response (CR) at ASCT, favorable lactate dehydrogenase/performance/stage, low/low-intermediate (L-LI) International Prognostic Index (IPI) and L-LI age-adjusted IPI (aaIPI) at ASCT were significant predictors of both OS and EFS. Multivariate analysis showed that CR and L-LI aaIPI at ASCT were favorable for both OS (hazard ratio (HR), 0.34; 95% CI, 0.14-0.81; P=0.016 and HR, 0.27; 95% CI, 0.12-0.57; P=0.001) and EFS (HR, 0.38; 95% CI, 0.17-0.85; P=0.020 and HR, 0.36; 95% CI, 0.17-0.77; P=0.008). B-cell or T-cell phenotype, however, had no impact on OS (HR, 0.56; 95% CI, 0.27-1.18; P=0.126) or EFS (HR, 0.62; 95% CI, 0.30-1.30; P=0.206). In conclusion, when compared to patients with DLBCL, patients with PTCLs did not have inferior outcomes after ASCT. T-cell phenotype itself may not have an effect on outcomes of PTCL patients who underwent ASCT.

The role of family size, employment and education of parents in the prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections in school children in Accra.

PubMed

Forson, Akua Obeng; Arthur, Isaac; Ayeh-Kumi, Patrick F

2018-01-01

Intestinal parasitic infections (IPIs) in school children are a public health problem in most developing countries. A cross sectional survey was conducted from May to July 2016 with school children living in overcrowded urban slums in Accra, Ghana. A simple random sample of 300 children aged 2-9 years was collected. The study used structured pre-tested questionnaire and stool tests to obtain information on epidemiological, sanitation habits, employment and education status of parents and children. Data were analysed using appropriate descriptive, univariate and multivariable logistic tools of analyses. The mean age of participants was 6.9 years and 49% were males and 51.3% were females. Giardia lamblia was found in males (10.95%) and females (7.79%). Very low prevalences for Schistosoma mansoni, Ascaris lumbricoides, Taenia species, and Entamoeba coli were detected. Whilst children from mothers (62.2%) and fathers (55.6%) with no education were often infected, a few children from fathers (22.2%) and mothers (6.7%) with no jobs were infected. Most of the infected children's (93.7%) parents did not have any knowledge of IPIs. The educational and employment status of the mothers [p = 1.0 and p = 0.422] was not significant, however, the family size was a predisposing factor (p = 0.031) for parasitic infections. Intestinal parasites were prevalent in children from overcrowded families and with no knowledge of IPIs. Educative programmes on IPIs, improving hygiene, and application of supportive programmes to elevate socioeconomic conditions may help reduce the burden of intestinal parasite carriage in children.

Prevalence, risk factors and clinical features associated with intestinal parasitic infections in children from San Juan y Martínez, Pinar del Río, Cuba.

PubMed

Escobedo, A A; Cañete, R; Núñez, F A

2008-09-01

A cross-sectional study was carried out in 200 children aged 5-15 years, to examine the presence of intestinal parasitic infections (IPIs) and to assess the risk factors and clinical features associated with them in children in San Juan y Martinez (SIM), Cuba. Three fresh faecal samples were collected from each child and were examined by direct wet mount, brine flotation, formalin-ether and Kato-Katz techniques. Data relating to demography, source of drinking water, personal hygiene habits and clinical features were also collected Living in the rural area was significantly associated with the highest infection rates (p < 0.01). According to clinical features and laboratory examinations, children with abdominal pain were about four times more likely to have IPIs (OR 4.05, CI, 1.11, 13.18) especially soil-transmitted helminths (STH). We suggest that IPIs, especially STH, in SJM should be strongly suspected in children with abdominal pain from rural areas. Targeted and frequent interventions to control these infections are needed in this municipality.

Establishment of the International Power Institute. Final technical report

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

Julius E. Coles

The International Power Institute, in collaboration with American industries, seeks to address technical, political, economic and cultural issues of developing countries in the interest of facilitating profitable transactions in power related infrastructure projects. IPI works with universities, governments and commercial organizations to render project-specific recommendations for private-sector investment considerations. IPI also established the following goals: Facilitate electric power infrastructure transactions between developing countries and the US power industry; Collaborate with developing countries to identify development strategies to achieve energy stability; and Encourage market driven solutions and work collaboratively with other international trade energy, technology and banking organizations.

Innovations for ISS Plug-In Plan (IPiP) Operations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Moore, Kevin D.

2013-01-01

Limited resources and increasing requirements will continue to influence decisions on ISS. The ISS Plug-In Plan (IPiP) supports power and data for utilization, systems, and daily operations through the Electrical Power System (EPS) Secondary Power/Data Subsystem. Given the fluid launch schedule, the focus of the Plug-In Plan has evolved to anticipate future requirements by judicious development and delivery of power supplies, power strips, Alternating Current (AC) power inverters, along with innovative deployment strategies. A partnership of ISS Program Office, Engineering Directorate, Mission Operations, and International Partners poses unique solutions with existing on-board equipment and resources.

Teaching Outside the Box: Challenging Gifted Students with Polar Sciences Without Benefit of a Science Classroom

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dooley, J.

2013-12-01

In the high-stakes-testing world of one-size-fits-most educational practices, it is often the needs of the most able students that are unmet, yet these high ability learners can benefit greatly from exploration in the area of polar science. With school schedules and budgets already stretched to the breaking point and Common Core (CCSS) subjects are the focus, very few resources remain for topics considered by some as unimportant. Polar and climate science are prime examples. Here, a council member of Polar Educators International and Gifted Education Teacher, shares resources and ideas to engage this unique group of students and others. She draws from experiences and knowledge gained through ANDRILL's Arise Educator program, IPY Oslo and Montreal PolarEDUCATOR workshops, and Consortium for Ocean Leadership's Deep Earth Academy. Topics include School-wide Enrichment through use of ANDRILL's Flexhibit material and participation in Antarctica Day, afterschool Deep Freeze clubs that presented in public outreach venues for polar science events at the Maryland Science Center in Baltimore and NYC's Museum of Natural History, group project work using IODP core data from Antarctica, interaction with polar scientists via Skype, and other projects.

Prognostic value of interim FDG-PET in R-CHOP-treated diffuse large B-cell lymphoma: Systematic review and meta-analysis.

PubMed

Adams, Hugo J A; Kwee, Thomas C

2016-10-01

This study aimed to systematically review and meta-analyze the prognostic value of interim (18)F-fluoro-2-deoxy-d-glucose positron emission tomography (FDG-PET) in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) patients treated with rituximab, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisolone (R-CHOP). MEDLINE and EMBASE were systematically searched for suitable studies. Included studies were methodologically appraised, and results were summarized both descriptively and meta-analytically. Nine studies, comprising a total of 996 R-CHOP-treated DLBCL patients, were included. Overall, studies were of moderate methodological quality. The area under the summary receiver operating curve (AUC) of interim FDG-PET in predicting treatment failure and death were 0.651 and 0.817, respectively. There was no heterogeneity in diagnostic odds ratios across available studies (I(2)=0.0%). At multivariable analysis, 2 studies reported interim FDG-PET to have independent prognostic value in addition to the International Prognostic Index (IPI) in predicting treatment failure, whereas 3 studies reported that this was not the case. One study reported interim FDG-PET to have independent prognostic value in addition to the IPI in predicting death, whereas 2 studies reported that this was not the case. In conclusion, interim FDG-PET in R-CHOP-treated DLBCL has some correlation with outcome, but its prognostic value is homogeneously suboptimal across studies and it has not consistently proven to surpass the prognostic potential of the IPI. Moreover, there is a lack of studies that compared interim FDG-PET to the recently developed and superior National Comprehensive Cancer Network-IPI. Therefore, at present there is no scientific base to support the clinical use of interim FDG-PET in R-CHOP-treated DLBCL. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Blunted day-night changes in luteinizing hormone pulse frequency in girls with obesity: the potential role of hyperandrogenemia.

PubMed

Collins, Jessicah S; Beller, Jennifer P; Burt Solorzano, Christine; Patrie, James T; Chang, R Jeffrey; Marshall, John C; McCartney, Christopher R

2014-08-01

Puberty is marked by sleep-associated changes in LH pulse frequency and amplitude. Early pubertal girls with obesity exhibit blunted day-to-night changes in LH secretion; whether this occurs in late pubertal obese girls is unknown. The objective of the study was to test two hypotheses: 1) blunted day-to-night changes in LH secretion occur in both early and late pubertal obese girls, and 2) such alterations are specifically associated with hyperandrogenemia. This was a cross-sectional analysis. The study was conducted at a clinical research center. Twenty-seven early pubertal, premenarcheal girls (12 of whom were obese) and 63 late pubertal (postmenarcheal) girls (27 of whom were obese) participated in the study. Blood samples were taken every 10 minutes from 7:00 pm to 7:00 am. Change in LH pulse frequency [LH interpulse interval (IPI)] from daytime hours (7:00 pm-11:00 pm, while awake) to nighttime hours (11:00 pm to 7:00 am, while generally asleep). Both nonobese and obese postmenarcheal girls demonstrated significant day-to-night decreases in LH pulse frequency (IPI increases of 33% and 16%, respectively), but day-to-night changes were blunted in obese girls (P = .004, obese vs nonobese). Day-to-night LH pulse frequency decreased significantly in postmenarcheal obese subjects with normal T concentrations (26% IPI increase) but not in those with hyperandrogenemia. Similar differences were evident for LH pulse amplitude. Nonobese and obese early pubertal girls exhibited nonsignificant differences in day-night LH pulse frequency (day to night IPI increase of 26% vs decrease of 1%, respectively). Day-to-night changes in LH pulse secretion are blunted in postmenarcheal obese adolescent girls. This phenomenon may in part reflect hyperandrogenemia.

Intestinal parasitic infections: Current status and associated risk factors among school aged children in an archetypal African urban slum in Nigeria.

PubMed

Gyang, Vincent P; Chuang, Ting-Wu; Liao, Chien-Wei; Lee, Yueh-Lun; Akinwale, Olaoluwa P; Orok, Akwaowo; Ajibaye, Olusola; Babasola, Ajayi J; Cheng, Po-Ching; Chou, Chia-Mei; Huang, Ying-Chieh; Sonko, Pasaiko; Fan, Chia-Kwung

2017-06-22

Intestinal parasitic infections (IPIs) among school aged children (SAC) in Nigeria remains endemic, hence the need for regular surveillance to attract the attention of policy makers. This cross-sectional study investigated the current prevalence and factors associated with intestinal parasitic infections among school aged children in an urban slum of Lagos City, Nigeria. Single stool samples from 384 school aged children (188 boys and 196 girls) were examined by employing Merthiolate-iodine-formaldehyde concentration (MIFC) and Kato-Katz methods. Demographic characteristics and risk factors were obtained by questionnaires investigation. The overall prevalence was 86.2% in school children, out of them 39.1% had polyparasitism. IPIs showed the highest to the lowest prevalence of 62% (238/384), 25% (97/384), 12.3% (47/384), 11.8% (45/384), 9.9% (38/384), 8.4% (32/384), 3.4% (13/384), and 0.5% (2/384) found in Ascaris lumbricoides, Entamoeba histolytica/dispar, Giardia duodenalis, Endolimax nana, Entamoeba coli, Trichuris trichiura, Blastocystis hominis, and hookworm infections, respectively. MIFC technique showed superiority to Kato-Katz technique in the detection of IPIs (p < 0.0001). Drinking untreated water was a significant risk factor for these school aged children in acquiring protozoan infections after multivariate adjustment (OR = 1.86, 95% CI = 1.08-3.20, p = 0.02). Intestinal parasitic infections are very severe among school aged children in the urban slums, thus regular mass de-worming programs, health education, and the provision of safe drinking water is recommended to combat IPIs among the school aged children. Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier B.V.

[Treatment outcome and prognosis of autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation combined with high dose radiotherapy/chemotherapy in 22 patients with nasal NK/T cell lymphoma].

PubMed

Cui, Xiu-Zhen; Wang, Hua-Qing; Liu, Xian-Ming; Zhang, Hui-Lai; Li, Wei

2007-09-01

To analyze the outcome and prognosis of autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (AHSCT) combined with high dose radiotherapy/chemotherapy in 22 patients with nasal NK/T cell lymphoma. From July 1992 to December 2005, 22 patients with nasal NK/T cell lymphoma were diagnosed pathologically. Immunophenotyping was performed in 13 cases. The patients were classified by Ann Arbor staging system and international prognosis index (IPI). The patients received cycles of chemotherapy every other two weeks or combined with radiotherapy for remission induction, followed high dose radiotherapy/chemotherapy, combined with autologous peripheral blood stem cell transplantation (APBSCT), or autologous bone-marrow transplantation (ABMT). Patients were given complementary radiotherapy after transplantation if they did not have it before. Twelve patients of IPI 3 -4 received consolidation chemotherapy, and one of them received the second transplantation. The median follow-up duration was 64 (12 - 168) months. The 5 and 8-year overall survivals (OS) were 79.3% and 64.1%, and disease free survivals (DFS) were 36.4% and 27.3%, respectively. The 5-year OS were as follows: for stage I - II and III - IV disease were 90.0% and 70.0% (P = 0. 041); for patients without and with B symptom were 100.0% and 70.7% (P = 0.045); and for IPI 1 - 2 and 3 - 4 were 100.0% and 60.0% (P = 0.035), respectively. Multivariate analysis by COX regression revealed that disease stage, B symptom and IPI were independent prognostic factors. AHSCT combined with high dose radiotherapy/chemotherapy is an effective treatment for patients with poor prognosis nasal NK/T cell lymphoma.

Multiple ECG Fiducial Points-Based Random Binary Sequence Generation for Securing Wireless Body Area Networks.

PubMed

Zheng, Guanglou; Fang, Gengfa; Shankaran, Rajan; Orgun, Mehmet A; Zhou, Jie; Qiao, Li; Saleem, Kashif

2017-05-01

Generating random binary sequences (BSes) is a fundamental requirement in cryptography. A BS is a sequence of N bits, and each bit has a value of 0 or 1. For securing sensors within wireless body area networks (WBANs), electrocardiogram (ECG)-based BS generation methods have been widely investigated in which interpulse intervals (IPIs) from each heartbeat cycle are processed to produce BSes. Using these IPI-based methods to generate a 128-bit BS in real time normally takes around half a minute. In order to improve the time efficiency of such methods, this paper presents an ECG multiple fiducial-points based binary sequence generation (MFBSG) algorithm. The technique of discrete wavelet transforms is employed to detect arrival time of these fiducial points, such as P, Q, R, S, and T peaks. Time intervals between them, including RR, RQ, RS, RP, and RT intervals, are then calculated based on this arrival time, and are used as ECG features to generate random BSes with low latency. According to our analysis on real ECG data, these ECG feature values exhibit the property of randomness and, thus, can be utilized to generate random BSes. Compared with the schemes that solely rely on IPIs to generate BSes, this MFBSG algorithm uses five feature values from one heart beat cycle, and can be up to five times faster than the solely IPI-based methods. So, it achieves a design goal of low latency. According to our analysis, the complexity of the algorithm is comparable to that of fast Fourier transforms. These randomly generated ECG BSes can be used as security keys for encryption or authentication in a WBAN system.

The effectiveness of regional anaesthesia before and after the introduction of a dedicated regional anaesthesia service incorporating a block room.

PubMed

Chin, A; Heywood, L; Iu, P; Pelecanos, A M; Barrington, M J

2017-11-01

Dedicated regional anaesthesia services incorporating block rooms and/or block teams may facilitate theatre efficiency and improve training in regional anaesthesia. Currently, it is unknown if a dedicated regional anaesthesia service improves the effectiveness of regional anaesthesia. In November 2013, the Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital established a dedicated regional anaesthesia service comprising a block team and a block room. Pre-intervention (conventional model of care) registry data was retrospectively compared with post-intervention (dedicated regional anaesthesia service) audit data, with regard to pain and opioid requirement in the post-anaesthesia care unit (PACU). The primary outcome was inadequate analgesia, defined as a numerical rating scale (NRS; 0, no pain; 10, worst pain imaginable) for pain >5 in the PACU. Pre- and post-intervention, 43.7% and 27.7% of patients respectively reported a NRS >5 (P <0.001). A difference in the type of blocks and surgery performed may have accounted for the improved outcome seen post-intervention. After adjustment for American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status, block type and surgery type, the odds ratio of having inadequate analgesia (NRS >5) was 0.54 (95% confidence interval 0.39 to 0.76) for post-intervention compared to pre-intervention. Secondary outcomes examined pre- and post-intervention were the absence of pain (39.3% and 55.1% of patients, respectively, P <0.001), systemic opioid analgesia requirement (48.6% and 30.5% of patients respectively, P <0.001) and median maximum NRS (4 [interquartile range (IQR) 0 to 8] and 0 [IQR 0 to 6] respectively, P <0.001). A dedicated regional anaesthesia service was associated with improved effectiveness of regional anaesthesia.

Sediment Core Descriptions: R/V KANA KEOKI 1972 Cruise, Eastern and Western Pacific Ocean,

DTIC Science & Technology

1976-06-01

of ship tracks and coring stations are shown. Corrected satellite navigation-determined coordinates for each coring operation are indicated, and water depth, length of core, and age of oldest sediment in the cores are given.

The International Polar year 2007-2008; the Arctic human health legacy.

PubMed

Parkinson, Alan J

2007-01-01

Life expectancy in Arctic populations has greatly improved over the last 50 years. Much of this improvement can be attributed health research that has resulted in a reduction in morbidity and mortality from infectious diseases, such as tuberculosis, and the vaccine-preventable diseases of childhood. However, despite these improvements in health indicators of Arctic residents, life expectancy and infant mortality remain higher in indigenous Arctic residents in the US Arctic, northern Canada, and Greenland when compared to Arctic residents of Nordic countries. The International Polar Year (IPY) represents a unique opportunity to focus world attention on Arctic human health and to further stimulate Circumpolar cooperation on emerging Arctic human health concerns. The Arctic Human Health Initiative (AHHI) is an Arctic Council IPY initiative that aims to build and expand on existing Arctic Council and International Union for Circumpolar Health (IUCH) human health research activities. The human health legacy of the IPY will be increased visibility of the human health concerns of Arctic communities, revitalization of cooperative Arctic human health research focused on those concerns, the development of health policies based on research findings, and the subsequent implementation of appropriate interventions, prevention and control measures at the community level.

The subtle balance of weak supramolecular interactions: The hierarchy of halogen and hydrogen bonds in haloanilinium and halopyridinium salts.

PubMed

Raatikainen, Kari; Cametti, Massimo; Rissanen, Kari

2010-01-15

THE SERIES OF HALOANILINIUM AND HALOPYRIDINIUM SALTS: 4-IPhNH₃Cl (1), 4-IPhNH₃Br (5), 4-IPhNH₃H₂PO₄ (6), 4-ClPhNH₃H₂PO₄ (8), 3-IPyBnCl (9), 3-IPyHCl (10) and 3-IPyH-5NIPA (3-iodopyridinium 5-nitroisophthalate, 13), where hydrogen or/and halogen bonding represents the most relevant non-covalent interactions, has been prepared and characterized by single crystal X-ray diffraction. This series was further complemented by extracting some relevant crystal structures: 4-BrPhNH₃Cl (2, CCDC ref. code TAWRAL), 4-ClPhNH₃Cl (3, CURGOL), 4-FPhNH₃Cl (4, ANLCLA), 4-BrPhNH₃H₂PO₄, (7, UGISEI), 3-BrPyHCl, (11, CIHBAX) and 3-ClPyHCl, (12, VOQMUJ) from Cambridge Structural Database for sake of comparison. Based on the X-ray data it was possible to highlight the balance between non-covalent forces acting in these systems, where the relative strength of the halogen bonding C-X...A⁻ (X = I, Br or Cl) and the ratio between the halogen and hydrogen bonds [C-X...A⁻ : D-H...A⁻] varied across the series.

Identification of Silver and Palladium in Irradiated TRISO Coated Particles of the AGR-1 Experiment

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

van Rooyen, Y. J.; Lillo, T. M.; Wu, Y. Q.

2014-03-01

Evidence of the release of certain metallic fission product through intact tristructural isotropic (TRISO) particles has been seen for decades around the world, as well as in the recent AGR-1 experiment at Idaho National Laboratory (INL). However, understanding the basic mechanism of transport is still lacking. This understanding is important because the TRISO coating is part of the high temperature gas reactor functional containment and critical for the safety strategy for licensing purposes. Our approach to identify fission products in irradiated AGR-1 TRISO fuel using scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM), Electron Energy Loss Spectroscopy (EELS) and Energy Filtered TEM (EFTEM),more » has led to first-of-a-kind data at the nano-scale indicating the presence of silver at triple points and grain boundaries of the SiC layer in the TRISO particle. Cadmium was also found in the triple junctions. In this initial study, the silver was only identified in SiC grain boundaries and triple points on the edge of the SiC-IPyC interface up to a depth of approximately 0.5 um. Palladium was identified as the main constituent of micron-sized precipitates present at the SiC grain boundaries. Additionally spherical nano-sized palladium rich precipitates were found inside the SiC grains. These nano-sized Pd precipitates were distributed up to a depth of 5 um away from the SiC-IPyC interlayer. No silver was found in the center of the micron-sized fission product precipitates using these techniques, although silver was found on the outer edge of one of the Pd-U-Si containing precipitates which was facing the IPyC layer. Only Pd-U containing precipitates were identified in the IPyC layer and no silver was identified in the IPyC layer. The identification of silver alongside the grain boundaries and the findings of Pd alongside grain boundaries as well as inside the grains, provide significant knowledge for understanding silver and palladium transport in TIRSO fuel, which has been the topic of international research for the past forty years. Additionally the usefulness of the advanced electron microscopic techniques for TRISO coated particle research is demonstrated in this paper.« less

Assessment of interferences during field measurements of OH using a laser-induced fluorescence instrument equipped with a scavenger injector

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Heard, Dwayne; Woodward-Massey, Robert; Slater, Eloise; Ye, Chunxiang; Seakins, Paul; Whalley, Lisa

2017-04-01

The hydroxyl radical is the most important atmospheric oxidant controlling the lifetimes of the majority of trace gases, including the greenhouse gas methane, and initiates the formation of harmful pollutants such as ozone and secondary organic aerosol. It has a very short lifetime of typically a second or less and hence its concentration is controlled by local in situ chemistry rather than transport, and hence is an ideal target for models containing detailed oxidation mechanisms. However, its accurate measurement in the atmosphere is extremely challenging, and despite having been measured in the troposphere for 30 years there remain uncertainties surrounding potential interferences in its measurement, which have been reported recently in some environments for some instruments. A new inlet pre-injector (IPI) has been developed for the Leeds FAGE (fluorescence assay by gas expansion) instrument which allows removal of ambient OH by addition of a chemical scavenger prior to the fluorescence detection cell. In this manner the background is determined and is subtracted from the OH signal determined during field measurements leading to a measurement of OH referred to as OH-CHEM. In the more traditional method the background is determined by tuning the wavelength of the laser away from the OH transition leading to a measurement of OH referred to as OH-WAVE. A detailed laboratory characterization will be presented of the IPI using OH removal using either propane or perfluoropropene (C3F6) as scavengers, with the presence of the IPI reducing the instrument OH sensitivity by 30%. There was no removal of OH within the fluorescence cell itself, and the IPI did not reduce the sensitivity of the instrument towards HO2. Results will be presented during deployment of the Leeds FAGE instrument equipped with the new IPI at a coastal location in Norfolk, England in the summer of 2015, and also in central Beijing, China in the winter of 2016. For both sites, which span a very wide range of NOx and VOC concentrations, OH-CHEM and OH-WAVE in general agreed well, within measurement uncertainties, demonstrating that at least for these locations there was no significant observed OH interference. Some results of further laboratory tests to investigate the potential presence of OH interferences formed during the ozonolysis of alkenes will also be presented.

IGY to IPY, the U.S. Antarctic oversnow and airborne geophysical-glaciological research program from 1957 to 1964 from the view of a young graduate student

USGS Publications Warehouse

Behrendt, John C.

2007-01-01

When 12 countries established scientific stations in Antarctica for the 1957-58 (IGY), the Cold War was at its height, seven countries had made claims in Antarctica, and the Antarctic Treaty was in the future. The only major field project of the U.S. IGY Antarctic program was series of oversnow traverses, starting in 1957, making seismic reflection ice soundings (and other geophysical measurements) and glaciological studies. The U.S.S.R. and France made similar traverses coordinated through the IGY. Although geology and topographic mapping were not part of the IGY program because of the claims issue and the possibility of mineral resources, the oversnow traverse parties did geologic work, during which unknown mountains were discovered. The oversnow traverses continued through 1966 and resulted in an excellent first approximation of the snow surface elevation, ice thickness and bed topography of Antarctica, as well as the mean annual temperature of that era and snow accumulation.

"Got Snow?" Education and Outreach for the IPY

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Turrin, M.; Bell, R. E.; Pfirman, S.; Maru, P.

2004-12-01

The "Bridging the Poles: Education Linked with Research" workshop of June 23-25, brought together an international group of 65 scientists, educators and media specialists to define strategies to engage the next generation of polar scientists, engineers and leaders, and inspire the general public. The workshop results emphasized the need to leverage emerging science programs with meaningful education and outreach programming that is rolled out to the public as major media events. Participants advocated a broad interdisciplinary approach, recognizing that the poles have a rich cultural heritage and fascinating history. Linking research events with student fascination about polar environments, peoples and histories of exploration, can help improve science, math, reading, and other skills. Distance learning with web course delivery is a powerful tool to reach advanced students and to help develop a new generation of researchers among Arctic indigenous peoples. Successful examples of this approach include the University of the Arctic's PhD network, and collaborative field courses. Field experiences build life-long advocates of the poles for students, teachers, and the media alike. Establishing connections among scientists, educators and informal outreach venues in their own community, can have long-lasting impact. "Think Globally/Act Locally" and the complementary "Think Locally/Act Globally" will be important themes for local, national and international IPY programming. Imagine a semi-trailer truck labeled "Got Snow?" traversing the country loaded with polar gear, interactive activities and a snowmaker; polar exhibitions opening at natural history and art museums and zoos; polar-themed postage stamps; national polar book-of-the-month recommendations; made-for-TV polar documentaries; and a rich, multidisciplinary and multilingual web portal. To meet these opportunities requires coordination, linking communities, and high-bandwidth access to high quality content from the polar regions. We need to start now to develop an integrated research/media/education strategy; establish partners among the research, media, and education communities; and diversify participation and audiences.

Evaluation of the CAPE and CORE Programs for Sensory-Impaired Multi-Handicapped Children in the Province of Alberta. Final Report.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Rutland Consulting Group Ltd.

The report presents summaries of evaluations of the Coordinated Assessment and Program Planning for Education (CAPE) Program and the Coordinated Rehabilitation and Education (CORE) program for multi-handicapped sensory impaired and/or communication and behavior disordered children and their families in Alberta, Canada. Each program is evaluated…

Monitoring of the Polar Stratospheric Clouds formation and evolution in Antarctica in August 2007 during IPY with the MATCH method applied to lidar data

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Montoux, Nadege; David, Christine; Klekociuk, Andrew; Pitts, Michael; di Liberto, Luca; Snels, Marcel; Jumelet, Julien; Bekki, Slimane; Larsen, Niels

2010-05-01

The project ORACLE-O3 ("Ozone layer and UV RAdiation in a changing CLimate Evaluated during IPY") is one of the coordinated international proposals selected for the International Polar Year (IPY). As part of this global project, LOLITA-PSC ("Lagrangian Observations with Lidar Investigations and Trajectories in Antarctica and Arctic, of PSC") is devoted to Polar Stratospheric Clouds (PSC) studies. Indeed, understanding the formation and evolution of PSC is an important issue to quantify the impact of climate changes on their frequency of formation and, further, on chlorine activation and subsequent ozone depletion. In this framework, three lidar stations performed PSC observations in Antarctica during the 2006, 2007, and 2008 winters: Davis (68.58°S, 77.97°E), McMurdo (77.86°S, 166.48°E) and Dumont D'Urville (66.67°S, 140.01°E). The data are completed with the lidar data from CALIOP ("Cloud-Aerosol Lidar with Orthogonal Polarization") onboard the CALIPSO ("Cloud-Aerosol Lidar and Infrared Pathfinder Satellite Observation") satellite. Lagrangian trajectory calculations are used to identify air masses with PSCs sounded by several ground-based lidar stations with the same method, called MATCH, applied for the first time in Arctic to study the ozone depletion with radiosoundings. The evolution of the optical properties of the PSCs and thus the type of PSCs formed (supercooled ternary solution, nitric acid trihydrate particles or ice particles) could thus be linked to the thermodynamical evolution of the air mass deduced from the trajectories. A modeling with the microphysical model of the Danish Meteorological Institute allows assessing our ability to predict PSCs for various environmental conditions. Indeed, from pressure and temperature evolution, the model allows retrieving the types of particles formed as well as their mean radii, their concentrations and could also simulate the lidar signals. In a first step, a case in August 2007 around 17-18 km, involving the three ground-based lidar stations and CALIOP has been selected. Trajectories with different models (gscf and ecmwf), grids and initializations have been computed to test the robustness of the MATCH. Then the DMI model has been used with these different trajectories to test its ability to reproduce the observations. For a same case, the temperature differences (~2-3 K) between the trajectories have a strong impact on the number density of the particles formed (factor 1000). This case is presented here in detail and a statistical comparison is planned with the numerous MATCH cases identified during the three winters and which involve most of the time two ground-based lidar stations with CALIOP.

Eigenvalues of Covariance Matrix for Two-Source Array Processing

DTIC Science & Technology

1990-11-01

Using (IpI1I) 2 - !p1 2(1 - lp2). . = p 72 - (-1 + 11 1 - J J21 - Ipl2 ) - -(1 - Ip12) + (1 + ) 21 and setting to zero the derivative of the above...A2 decreases from A2(- pI 101, (1 - 1012)(1 - Ip12)) = (1 - IPIO) - 1 Ipl1l) 2 -(1 1012)(1 - Ipl2 ) = (1 - Ipll0l) - IlPI - I011, to A2(0,(1 - 11 2 )(1...IP12)) = 1 - 1- (1 - 112 )(1 - I1p2), to A2(IPIIOI, (1 - 102 )(1 - IPl2 )) = (1 + IPI1l) - 01T IP111) 2 - (1 - 112)(1 - Ipl2 ) = (1 + Ipll01) - (Ipl

Photonic simulation of topological superconductor edge state and zero-energy mode at a vortex

PubMed Central

Tan, Wei; Chen, Liang; Ji, Xia; Lin, Hai-Qing

2014-01-01

Photonic simulations of quantum Hall edge states and topological insulators have inspired considerable interest in recent years. Interestingly, there are theoretical predictions for another type of topological states in topological superconductors, but debates over their experimental observations still remain. Here we investigate the photonic analogue of the px + ipy model of topological superconductor. Two essential characteristics of topological superconductor, particle-hole symmetry and px + ipy pairing potentials, are well emulated in photonic systems. Its topological features are presented by chiral edge state and zero-energy mode at a vortex. This work may fertilize the study of photonic topological states, and open up the possibility for emulating wave behaviors in superconductors. PMID:25488408

Theory of the high-frequency chiral optical response of a p(x) + ip(y) superconductor.

PubMed

Yakovenko, Victor M

2007-02-23

The optical Hall conductivity and the polar Kerr angle are calculated as functions of temperature for a two-dimensional chiral p(x) + ip(y) superconductor, where the time-reversal symmetry is spontaneously broken. The theoretical estimate for the polar Kerr angle agrees by the order of magnitude with the recent experimental measurement in Sr2RuO4 by Xia et al. [Phys. Rev. Lett. 97, 167002 (2006)10.1103/PhysRevLett.97.167002]. The theory predicts that the Kerr angle is proportional to the square of the superconducting energy gap and is inversely proportional to the cube of frequency, which can be verified experimentally.

Climate Simulations with an Isentropic Finite Volume Dynamical Core

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

Chen, Chih-Chieh; Rasch, Philip J.

2012-04-15

This paper discusses the impact of changing the vertical coordinate from a hybrid pressure to a hybrid-isentropic coordinate within the finite volume dynamical core of the Community Atmosphere Model (CAM). Results from a 20-year climate simulation using the new model coordinate configuration are compared to control simulations produced by the Eulerian spectral and FV dynamical cores of CAM which both use a pressure-based ({sigma}-p) coordinate. The same physical parameterization package is employed in all three dynamical cores. The isentropic modeling framework significantly alters the simulated climatology and has several desirable features. The revised model produces a better representation of heatmore » transport processes in the atmosphere leading to much improved atmospheric temperatures. We show that the isentropic model is very effective in reducing the long standing cold temperature bias in the upper troposphere and lower stratosphere, a deficiency shared among most climate models. The warmer upper troposphere and stratosphere seen in the isentropic model reduces the global coverage of high clouds which is in better agreement with observations. The isentropic model also shows improvements in the simulated wintertime mean sea-level pressure field in the northern hemisphere.« less

Environmental risk of heavy metal pollution and contamination sources using multivariate analysis in the soils of Varanasi environs, India.

PubMed

Singh, Shubhra; Raju, N Janardhana; Nazneen, Sadaf

2015-06-01

This study assessed soil pollution in the Varanasi environs of Uttar Pradesh in India. Assessing the concentration of potentially harmful heavy metals in the soils is imperative in order to evaluate the potential risks to human. To identify the concentration and sources of heavy metals and assess the soil environmental quality, 23 samples were collected from different locations covering dumping, road and agricultural area. The average concentrations of the heavy metals were all below the permissible limits according to soil quality guidelines except Cu (copper) and Pb (lead) in dumping and road soils. Soil heavy metal contamination was assessed on the basis of geoaccumulation index (Igeo), pollution index (PI) and integrated pollution index (IPI). The IPI of the metals ranged from 0.59 to 9.94, with the highest IPI observed in the dumping and road soils. A very significant correlation was found between Pb and Cu. The result of principal component analysis suggested that PC1 was mainly affected by the use of agrochemicals, PC2 was affected by vehicular emission and PC3 was affected by dumping waste. Meanwhile, PC4 was mainly controlled by parent material along with anthropogenic activities. Appropriate measures should be taken to minimize the heavy metal levels in soils and thus protect human health.

Auxin Produced by the Indole-3-Pyruvic Acid Pathway Regulates Development and Gemmae Dormancy in the Liverwort Marchantia polymorpha[OPEN

PubMed Central

Eklund, D. Magnus; Ishizaki, Kimitsune; Flores-Sandoval, Eduardo; Kikuchi, Saya; Takebayashi, Yumiko; Tsukamoto, Shigeyuki; Hirakawa, Yuki; Nonomura, Maiko; Kato, Hirotaka; Kouno, Masaru; Bhalerao, Rishikesh P.; Lagercrantz, Ulf; Kasahara, Hiroyuki; Kohchi, Takayuki; Bowman, John L.

2015-01-01

The plant hormone auxin (indole-3-acetic acid [IAA]) has previously been suggested to regulate diverse forms of dormancy in both seed plants and liverworts. Here, we use loss- and gain-of-function alleles for auxin synthesis- and signaling-related genes, as well as pharmacological approaches, to study how auxin regulates development and dormancy in the gametophyte generation of the liverwort Marchantia polymorpha. We found that M. polymorpha possess the smallest known toolkit for the indole-3-pyruvic acid (IPyA) pathway in any land plant and that this auxin synthesis pathway mainly is active in meristematic regions of the thallus. Previously a Trp-independent auxin synthesis pathway has been suggested to produce a majority of IAA in bryophytes. Our results indicate that the Trp-dependent IPyA pathway produces IAA that is essential for proper development of the gametophyte thallus of M. polymorpha. Furthermore, we show that dormancy of gemmae is positively regulated by auxin synthesized by the IPyA pathway in the apex of the thallus. Our results indicate that auxin synthesis, transport, and signaling, in addition to its role in growth and development, have a critical role in regulation of gemmae dormancy in M. polymorpha. PMID:26036256

Influence of sample pool on interference pattern in defocused interferometric particle imaging.

PubMed

Zhang, Hongxia; Zhou, Ye; Liu, Jing; Jia, Dagong; Liu, Tiegen

2017-04-01

Particles widely exist in various fields. In practical experiments, sometimes it is necessary to dissolve particles in water in a sample pool. This article proposes two typical layouts of the sample pool in defocused interferometric particle imaging (IPI). Layout I is the sample pool surface perpendicular to the incident light and layout II is the sample pool surface perpendicular to the scattered light. For layout I, the scattered light of the particles does not keep symmetric at the meridional and sagittal planes after being refracted by the sample pool surface, and elliptical interference patterns are formed at the defocused IPI image plane. But for layout II, the scattered light keeps symmetric after being refracted, and circular interference patterns are formed. Aimed at the two sample pool layouts, the ray-tracing software ZEMAX was used to simulate the spot shape of particles at different defocus distances. Furthermore, its effect on the ellipticity of the interference pattern with the tilt angle of the sample pool is analyzed. The relative error of the axis ratio for layout I does not exceed 9.2% at different defocus distances. The experimental results have good agreement with the theoretical analyses, and it indicates that layout II is more reasonable for the IPI system.

Influence of sample pool on interference pattern in defocused interferometric particle imaging

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Hongxia; Zhou, Ye; Liu, Jing; Jia, Dagong; Liu, Tiegen

2017-04-01

Particles widely exist in various fields. In practical experiments, sometimes it is necessary to dissolve particles in water in a sample pool. This article proposes two typical layouts of the sample pool in defocused interferometric particle imaging (IPI). Layout I is the sample pool surface perpendicular to the incident light and layout II is the sample pool surface perpendicular to the scattered light. For layout I, the scattered light of the particles does not keep symmetric at the meridional and sagittal planes after being refracted by the sample pool surface, and elliptical interference patterns are formed at the defocused IPI image plane. But for layout II, the scattered light keeps symmetric after being refracted, and circular interference patterns are formed. Aimed at the two sample pool layouts, the ray-tracing software ZEMAX was used to simulate the spot shape of particles at different defocus distances. Furthermore, its effect on the ellipticity of the interference pattern with the tilt angle of the sample pool is analyzed. The relative error of the axis ratio for layout I does not exceed 9.2% at different defocus distances. The experimental results have good agreement with the theoretical analyses, and it indicates that layout II is more reasonable for the IPI system.

A new methodology for surcharge risk management in urban areas (case study: Gonbad-e-Kavus city).

PubMed

Hooshyaripor, Farhad; Yazdi, Jafar

2017-02-01

This research presents a simulation-optimization model for urban flood mitigation integrating Non-dominated Sorting Genetic Algorithm (NSGA-II) with Storm Water Management Model (SWMM) hydraulic model under a curve number-based hydrologic model of low impact development technologies in Gonbad-e-Kavus, a small city in the north of Iran. In the developed model, the best performance of the system relies on the optimal layout and capacity of retention ponds over the study area in order to reduce surcharge from the manholes underlying a set of storm event loads, while the available investment plays a restricting role. Thus, there is a multi-objective optimization problem with two conflicting objectives solved successfully by NSGA-II to find a set of optimal solutions known as the Pareto front. In order to analyze the results, a new factor, investment priority index (IPI), is defined which shows the risk of surcharging over the network and priority of the mitigation actions. The IPI is calculated using the probability of pond selection for candidate locations and average depth of the ponds in all Pareto front solutions. The IPI can help the decision makers to arrange a long-term progressive plan with the priority of high-risk areas when an optimal solution has been selected.

Peripheral T-cell lymphoma, not otherwise specified: a report of 340 cases from the International Peripheral T-cell Lymphoma Project.

PubMed

Weisenburger, Dennis D; Savage, Kerry J; Harris, Nancy Lee; Gascoyne, Randy D; Jaffe, Elaine S; MacLennan, Kenneth A; Rüdiger, Thomas; Pileri, Stefano; Nakamura, Shigeo; Nathwani, Bharat; Campo, Elias; Berger, Francoise; Coiffier, Bertrand; Kim, Won-Seog; Holte, Harald; Federico, Massimo; Au, Wing Y; Tobinai, Kensei; Armitage, James O; Vose, Julie M

2011-03-24

The International Peripheral T-cell Lymphoma Project is a collaborative effort to better understand peripheral T-cell lymphoma (PTCL). A total of 22 institutions submitted clinical and pathologic material on 1314 cases. One objective was to analyze the clinical and pathologic features of 340 cases of PTCL, not otherwise specified. The median age of the patients was 60 years, and the majority (69%) presented with advanced stage disease. Most patients (87%) presented with nodal disease, but extranodal disease was present in 62%. The 5-year overall survival was 32%, and the 5-year failure-free survival was only 20%. The majority of patients (80%) were treated with combination chemotherapy that included an anthracycline, but there was no survival advantage. The International Prognostic Index (IPI) was predictive of both overall survival and failure-free survival (P < .001). Multivariate analysis of clinical and pathologic prognostic factors, respectively, when controlling for the IPI, identified bulky disease (≥ 10 cm), thrombocytopenia (< 150 × 10(9)/L), and a high number of transformed tumor cells (> 70%) as adverse predictors of survival, but only the latter was significant in final analysis. Thus, the IPI and a single pathologic feature could be used to stratify patients with PTCL-not otherwise specified for novel and risk-adapted therapies.

Sequential healing at implants installed immediately into extraction sockets. An experimental study in dogs.

PubMed

Mainetti, Tomaso; Lang, Niklaus P; Bengazi, Franco; Favero, Vittorio; Soto Cantero, Luis; Botticelli, Daniele

2016-01-01

To compare the sequential healing at implants installed in a healed alveolar bony ridge or immediately after tooth extraction without functional load. In the mandible of 12 dogs, the mesial roots of the first molars were endodontically treated, the tooth hemisected, and the distal roots extracted. After 3 months, the mesial roots of the fourth premolars were endodontically treated, the tooth hemisected, and the distal roots extracted in one side of the mandible. Implants were placed immediately into extraction sockets (IPIES) of the fourth premolar and in the healed sites in the molar regions. Healing abutments were placed, and the flaps were sutured to allow a non-submerged healing. The time of surgery and of sacrifices were planned in such a way to obtain biopsies representing the healing after 1 and 2 weeks and 1 and 3 months, respectively. Ground sections were prepared for histological evaluation of tissues components on the implant surface and the coronal termination level of osseointegration (M-B). New bone apposition on the implant surface was slightly higher at the healed compared to the IPIES sites, being 7.4% and 4.1% after 1 week, and 67.3% and 65.3% after 3 months, respectively. Old bone was progressively resorbed, from 27.0% and 21.9% after 1 week, to 2.5% and 2.0% after 3 months, at healed and IPIES sites, respectively. M-B was 1.4 mm and 2.6 mm after 1 week, 1.2 mm and 1.2 mm after 3 months, at healed and IPIES sites, respectively. Similar patterns of sequential osseointegration were found at implants installed in healed alveolar bone or in alveolar sockets immediately after tooth extraction. The coronal termination level of osseointegration, that was different after 1 week, was found similar at the 3-month observation. © 2014 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

The prevalence of the sesamoid bones of the hand: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

PubMed

Yammine, Kaissar

2014-11-01

The literature contains various estimates of the prevalence and distribution of the sesamoid bones in the hands. The aims of this systematic review are to provide a better estimate of the frequency of hand sesamoids and its association with variables such as ancestry, gender, and side. Nineteen studies met the inclusion criteria. The pooled rates of the sensitive meta-analyses from large-sample studies in adults showed: (a) true overall rates of 99.9% for the metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joint of the thumb (MCP-I), 53% for the interphalangeal joint (IP-I), 43.4% for the MCP of the index (MCP-II), 1.47% for the MCP of the medius finger (MCP-III), 0.6% for the MCP of the ring finger (MCP-IV), and 67.7% for the MCP of the auricular finger (MCP-V); (b) true radiological rates of 99.9% for the radial thumb sesamoid, 99.6% for the ulnar thumb sesamoid, 47.8% for IP-I, 40% for MCP-II, 1.3% for MCP-III, 0.8% for MCP-VI, and 62.8% for MCP-V. Black, Middle Eastern, and European ancestries conferred significantly higher sesamoid frequencies at IP-I, MCP-II, and MCP-V, respectively. There was a significant association with female gender at MCP-II, MCP-IV, and MCP-V, with ORs of 1.53, 4, and 1.3, respectively, and a nonsignificant "female" trend for the other locations. There was no significant association with hand side. The pooled rates of hand sesamoids in children aged 10-17 years were 92.7, 42.2, 33.8, 0.5, 0.3, and 36.5% for MCP-I, IP-I, MCP-II, MCP-III, MCP-IV, and MCP-V, respectively. The findings of this evidence-based anatomical review provide quantitative evidence that the incidence of sesamoid bones in human hands depends on genetic rather than functional factors. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Serum C-reactive protein (CRP) as a simple and independent prognostic factor in extranodal natural killer/T-cell lymphoma, nasal type.

PubMed

Li, Ya-Jun; Li, Zhi-Ming; Xia, Yi; Huang, Jia-Jia; Huang, Hui-Qiang; Xia, Zhong-Jun; Lin, Tong-Yu; Li, Su; Cai, Xiu-Yu; Wu-Xiao, Zhi-Jun; Jiang, Wen-Qi

2013-01-01

C-reactive protein (CRP) is a biomarker of the inflammatory response, and it shows significant prognostic value for several types of solid tumors. The prognostic significance of CRP for lymphoma has not been fully examined. We evaluated the prognostic role of baseline serum CRP levels in patients with extranodal natural killer (NK)/T-cell lymphoma (ENKTL). We retrospectively analyzed 185 patients with newly diagnosed ENKTL. The prognostic value of the serum CRP level was evaluated for the low-CRP group (CRP≤10 mg/L) versus the high-CRP group (CRP>10 mg/L). The prognostic value of the International Prognostic Index (IPI) and the Korean Prognostic Index (KPI) were evaluated and compared with the newly developed prognostic model. Patients in the high-CRP group tended to display increased adverse clinical characteristics, lower rates of complete remission (P<0.001), inferior progression-free survival (PFS, P = 0.001), and inferior overall survival (OS, P<0.001). Multivariate analysis demonstrated that elevated serum CRP levels, age >60 years, hypoalbuminemia, and elevated lactate dehydrogenase levels were independent adverse predictors of OS. Based on these four independent predictors, we constructed a new prognostic model that identified 4 groups with varying OS: group 1, no adverse factors; group 2, 1 factor; group 3, 2 factors; and group 4, 3 or 4 factors (P<0.001). The novel prognostic model was found to be superior to both the IPI in discriminating patients with different outcomes in the IPI low-risk group and the KPI in distinguishing between the low- and intermediate-low-risk groups, the intermediate-low- and high-intermediate-risk groups, and the high-intermediate- and high-risk groups. Our results suggest that pretreatment serum CRP levels represent an independent predictor of clinical outcome for patients with ENKTL. The prognostic value of the new prognostic model is superior to both IPI and KPI.

Serum C-Reactive Protein (CRP) as a Simple and Independent Prognostic Factor in Extranodal Natural Killer/T-Cell Lymphoma, Nasal Type

PubMed Central

Xia, Yi; Huang, Jia-Jia; Huang, Hui-Qiang; Xia, Zhong-Jun; Lin, Tong-Yu; Li, Su; Cai, Xiu-Yu; Wu-Xiao, Zhi-Jun; Jiang, Wen-Qi

2013-01-01

Background C-reactive protein (CRP) is a biomarker of the inflammatory response, and it shows significant prognostic value for several types of solid tumors. The prognostic significance of CRP for lymphoma has not been fully examined. We evaluated the prognostic role of baseline serum CRP levels in patients with extranodal natural killer (NK)/T-cell lymphoma (ENKTL). Methods We retrospectively analyzed 185 patients with newly diagnosed ENKTL. The prognostic value of the serum CRP level was evaluated for the low-CRP group (CRP≤10 mg/L) versus the high-CRP group (CRP>10 mg/L). The prognostic value of the International Prognostic Index (IPI) and the Korean Prognostic Index (KPI) were evaluated and compared with the newly developed prognostic model. Results Patients in the high-CRP group tended to display increased adverse clinical characteristics, lower rates of complete remission (P<0.001), inferior progression-free survival (PFS, P = 0.001), and inferior overall survival (OS, P<0.001). Multivariate analysis demonstrated that elevated serum CRP levels, age >60 years, hypoalbuminemia, and elevated lactate dehydrogenase levels were independent adverse predictors of OS. Based on these four independent predictors, we constructed a new prognostic model that identified 4 groups with varying OS: group 1, no adverse factors; group 2, 1 factor; group 3, 2 factors; and group 4, 3 or 4 factors (P<0.001). The novel prognostic model was found to be superior to both the IPI in discriminating patients with different outcomes in the IPI low-risk group and the KPI in distinguishing between the low- and intermediate-low-risk groups, the intermediate-low- and high-intermediate-risk groups, and the high-intermediate- and high-risk groups. Conclusions Our results suggest that pretreatment serum CRP levels represent an independent predictor of clinical outcome for patients with ENKTL. The prognostic value of the new prognostic model is superior to both IPI and KPI. PMID:23724031

XRCC2 Polymorphisms and Environmental Factors Predict High Risk of Colorectal Cancer.

PubMed

Wang, Lijie; Ma, Junxun; Yang, Bo; Jing, Fangfang; Hu, Yi

2018-05-07

BACKGROUND This case-control study aimed to analyze the association of [i]XRCC2[/i] polymorphisms (rs3218408 and rs3218384) with colorectal cancer (CRC) risk. The interaction of [i]XRCC2[/i] polymorphisms with environmental factors was investigated as well. MATERIAL AND METHODS We enrolled 147 CRC patients and 114 healthy individuals into the study. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-sequencing method was performed to detect rs3218408 and rs3218384 polymorphisms. Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium (HWE) was checked in the control group. Odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) represented the risk of CRC. Cross-table method was used in analyzing the interaction effects. RESULTS Compared to the control group, the frequency of smokers was much higher in the case group ([i]P[/i]<0.001). A similar result was observed in drinkers (55.8% [i]vs.[/i] 40.4%, [i]P[/i]=0.013). Dietary habits of all subjects were investigated as well, showing that CRC patients ate fewer vegetables than did healthy controls (P<0.001). In the analysis of polymorphisms, rs3218408 appeared to be an independent risk factor of CRC (GG: OR=2.048, 95%CI=1.032-4.061; G allele: OR=1.445, 95%CI=1.019-2.049). There were 68 (76.4%) C allele carriers (rs3218384) among smokers, which was higher than the number of G allele carriers ([i]P[/i]<0.001). A similar outcome was observed for alcohol drinkers ([i]P[/i]=0.048), which suggests a relationship of rs3218384 with smoking and drinking. Further analysis indicated that interaction of rs3218384 with smoking increased the risk of CRC (GG and smoking: OR=3.250, 95%CI=1.235-8.556; GC+CC and smoking: OR=2.167, 95%CI=1.175-3.996). CONCLUSIONS We found that rs3218408 was related with increased risk of CRC, and the interaction of rs3218384 with smoking increased the risk of CRC.

Intrapleural fluid infusion for MR-guided high-intensity focused ultrasound ablation in the liver dome.

PubMed

Wijlemans, Joost W; de Greef, Martijn; Schubert, Gerald; Moonen, Chrit T W; van den Bosch, Maurice A A J; Ries, Mario

2014-12-01

Magnetic resonance-guided high-intensity focused ultrasound (MR-HIFU) ablation of tumors in the liver dome is challenging because of the presence of air in the costophrenic angle. In this study, we used a porcine liver model and a clinical MR-HIFU system to assess the feasibility and safety of using intrapleural fluid infusion (IPI) to create an acoustic window for MR-HIFU ablation in the liver dome. Healthy adult Dalland land pigs (n = 6) under general anesthesia were used with animal committee approval. Degassed saline (200-800 mL) was infused into the intrapleural space under ultrasound guidance. A clinical 1.5-T MR-HIFU system was used to perform sonications (4-mm treatment cells, 300-450 W, 20-30 seconds) in the liver dome under real-time MR thermometry. An intercostal firing technique was used to prevent rib heating in one experiment. Technical success was defined as a temperature increase (>10°C) in the target area. After termination, the animal was examined for thermal damage to liver, diaphragm, pleura, lung, or intercostal muscle. An acoustic window was established in all animals. A temperature increase in the target area was achieved in all animals (max. 47°C-67°C). MR thermometry showed no heating outside the target area. Intercostal firing effectively reduced rib heating (55°C vs. 42°C). Postmortem examination revealed no unwanted thermal damage. One complication occurred, in the first experiment, because of an ill-suited needle (displacement of the needle). The results indicate that IPI may be used safely to assist MR-HIFU ablation of tumors in the liver dome. For reliable tissue coagulation, IPI must be combined with an intercostal sonication technique. Considering the proportion of patients with tumors in the liver dome, IPI widens the applicability of MR-HIFU ablation for liver tumors considerably. Copyright © 2014 AUR. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Size Distribution of Sperm Whales Acoustically Identified during Long Term Deep-Sea Monitoring in the Ionian Sea

PubMed Central

Caruso, Francesco; Sciacca, Virginia; Bellia, Giorgio; De Domenico, Emilio; Larosa, Giuseppina; Papale, Elena; Pellegrino, Carmelo; Pulvirenti, Sara; Riccobene, Giorgio; Simeone, Francesco; Speziale, Fabrizio; Viola, Salvatore; Pavan, Gianni

2015-01-01

The sperm whale (Physeter macrocephalus) emits a typical short acoustic signal, defined as a “click”, almost continuously while diving. It is produced in different time patterns to acoustically explore the environment and communicate with conspecifics. Each emitted click has a multi-pulse structure, resulting from the production of the sound within the sperm whale’s head. A Stable Inter Pulse Interval (Stable IPI) can be identified among the pulses that compose a single click. Applying specific algorithms, the measurement of this interval provides useful information to assess the total length of the animal recorded. In January 2005, a cabled hydrophone array was deployed at a depth of 2,100 m in the Central Mediterranean Sea, 25 km offshore Catania (Ionian Sea). The acoustic antenna, named OνDE (Ocean noise Detection Experiment), was in operation until November 2006. OνDE provided real time acoustic data used to perform Passive Acoustic Monitoring (PAM) of cetacean sound emissions. In this work, an innovative approach was applied to automatically measure the Stable IPI of the clicks, performing a cepstrum analysis to the energy (square amplitude) of the signals. About 2,100 five-minute recordings were processed to study the size distribution of the sperm whales detected during the OνDE long term deep-sea acoustic monitoring. Stable IPIs were measured in the range between 2.1 ms and 6.4 ms. The equations of Gordon (1991) and of Growcott (2011) were used to convert the IPIs into measures of size. The results revealed that the sperm whales recorded were distributed in length from about 7.5 m to 14 m. The size category most represented was from 9 m to 12 m (adult females or juvenile males) and specimens longer than 14 m (old males) seemed to be absent. PMID:26675588

Blunted Day-Night Changes in Luteinizing Hormone Pulse Frequency in Girls With Obesity: the Potential Role of Hyperandrogenemia

PubMed Central

Collins, Jessicah S.; Beller, Jennifer P.; Burt Solorzano, Christine; Patrie, James T.; Chang, R. Jeffrey; Marshall, John C.

2014-01-01

Context: Puberty is marked by sleep-associated changes in LH pulse frequency and amplitude. Early pubertal girls with obesity exhibit blunted day-to-night changes in LH secretion; whether this occurs in late pubertal obese girls is unknown. Objective: The objective of the study was to test two hypotheses: 1) blunted day-to-night changes in LH secretion occur in both early and late pubertal obese girls, and 2) such alterations are specifically associated with hyperandrogenemia. Design: This was a cross-sectional analysis. Setting: The study was conducted at a clinical research center. Patients or Other Participants: Twenty-seven early pubertal, premenarcheal girls (12 of whom were obese) and 63 late pubertal (postmenarcheal) girls (27 of whom were obese) participated in the study. Intervention: Blood samples were taken every 10 minutes from 7:00 pm to 7:00 am. Main Outcome Measure: Change in LH pulse frequency [LH interpulse interval (IPI)] from daytime hours (7:00 pm-11:00 pm, while awake) to nighttime hours (11:00 pm to 7:00 am, while generally asleep). Results: Both nonobese and obese postmenarcheal girls demonstrated significant day-to-night decreases in LH pulse frequency (IPI increases of 33% and 16%, respectively), but day-to-night changes were blunted in obese girls (P = .004, obese vs nonobese). Day-to-night LH pulse frequency decreased significantly in postmenarcheal obese subjects with normal T concentrations (26% IPI increase) but not in those with hyperandrogenemia. Similar differences were evident for LH pulse amplitude. Nonobese and obese early pubertal girls exhibited nonsignificant differences in day-night LH pulse frequency (day to night IPI increase of 26% vs decrease of 1%, respectively). Conclusions: Day-to-night changes in LH pulse secretion are blunted in postmenarcheal obese adolescent girls. This phenomenon may in part reflect hyperandrogenemia. PMID:24780043

International Polar Year (IPY): Thinking Beyond Polar Bears and Penguins

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Morris, P. A.; Reiff, P.; Austin, S.; Johnson, L.; Walter, D.

2008-12-01

The mention of an International Polar Year (IPY) to most of our university students evokes images of polar bears, penguins, perhaps some concepts of polar exploration in previous centuries. IPY provides an unusual opportunity to incorporate various aspects of polar research into the classroom, research opportunities as well as outreach activities. The subject areas that can be incorporated into classroom and undergraduate research activities would include astrobiology, atmospheric sciences, glaciation past and present. Astrobiology, in particular geomicrobiology in relation to the pursuit of life on other planets, is dependent on an understanding of extremophile organisms and the identifying signatures that can be chemical or morphological. Atmospheric studies using balloons with attached instruments enable us to understand the role of an atmosphere in providing a habitable world and filtering damaging rays from the Sun. L. Agassiz studied the patterns of glaciation and their alteration of the crustal surface today and the information enabled us to identify similar patterns in Earth's past and today are important for identifying polar glaciation on Mars. The wide variation of scientific opportunities and research information are also important for developing partnership and outreach programs whether elements are used for planetarium shows, exhibits at museums, hands-on activities, or leading students to pursue atmospheric studies. Each and every one of the components provides different avenues and the potential partnerships are limited only by one's creativity. One example of an effective partnership is the January NASA Space Day at the University of Texas at Brownsville, Texas. The event reaches over 600 primarily Hispanic students from the entire Rio Grande Valley. In January, 2009, the topic will be IPY and the popular Polar Palooza. The event will include exhibits, talks, and the new planetarium show Ice Worlds. The partners for this event include Johnson Space Center, Rice University, University of Houston-Downtown, Passport 2 Knowledge, the University of Texas at Brownsville and others. The end result is a cross-discipline scientific approach that incorporates a wide variety of programs and scientists.

Enhancing the Environmental Legacy of the International Polar Year 2007- 2008

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tin, T.; Roura, R.; Perrault, M.

2006-12-01

The International Geophysical Year (IGY) left a legacy of peace and international cooperation in the form of the 1959 Antarctic Treaty. Since the IGY, the 1991 Protocol of Environmental Protection to the Antarctic Treaty was signed and entered into force. The Protocol establishes that the protection of the environment and the wilderness values of Antarctica "shall be fundamental considerations in the planning and conduct of all activities in the Antarctic Treaty area". Fifty years on, the IPY 2007-08 can, in turn, leave behind a positive environmental legacy - where the sharing of facilities and logistics are encouraged, the human footprint in Antarctica is minimized and a future generation of environmentally aware scientists, logisticians and visitors is fostered. Based on an analysis of all Expressions of Interest submitted to the IPY, we found that about three-quarters of IPY's Antarctic projects plan to have fieldwork components. About one-third of these field projects expect to leave physical infrastructure in Antarctica. A number of projects plan to develop large-scale infrastructure, such as stations and observatories, in hitherto pristine areas. Fewer than one percent of Antarctic field projects address the issue of their environmental legacy: four projects indicated that the site will be cleaned up or the equipment will be removed at the end of the project; two projects indicated that their results may be useful for the management of the Antarctic environment, e.g., in the control of invasive species or setting up of marine protected areas. With the goal of increasing the environmental awareness of Antarctic field scientists, our contribution will review current research on the impacts of human activities science, tourism, exploitation of marine resources and global climate change - on the Antarctic environment. A preliminary analysis of the cumulative impacts of IPY activities will be presented. Case studies of scientific projects in Antarctica with a potentially positive environmental legacy will be highlighted, and suggestions of actions that could be taken to increase the environmental friendliness of scientific projects will be discussed.

Prognostic impact of sarcopenia in patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma treated with rituximab plus cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone.

PubMed

Go, Se-Il; Park, Mi Jung; Song, Haa-Na; Kim, Hoon-Gu; Kang, Myoung Hee; Lee, Hyang Rae; Kim, Yire; Kim, Rock Bum; Lee, Soon Il; Lee, Gyeong-Won

2016-12-01

Sarcopenia is known to be related to an increased risk of chemotherapy toxicity and to a poor prognosis in patients with malignancy. We assessed the prognostic role of sarcopenia in patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). In total, 187 consecutive patients with DLBCL treated with induction rituximab, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisolone (R-CHOP) immunochemotherapy were reviewed. Sarcopenia was defined as the lowest sex-specific quartile of the skeletal muscle index, calculated by dividing the pectoralis muscle area by the height. Clinical outcomes were compared between the sarcopenic and non-sarcopenic groups. A nomogram was constructed from the Cox regression model for overall survival (OS). Treatment-related mortality (21.7 vs. 5.0%, P  = 0.002) and early discontinuation of treatment (32.6 vs. 14.9%, P  = 0.008) were more common in the sarcopenic group than in the non-sarcopenic group. The 5 year progression-free survival (PFS) rates were 35.3% in the sarcopenic group and 65.8% in the non-sarcopenic group ( P  < 0.001). The 5 year OS rates were 37.3% in the sarcopenic group and 68.1% in the non-sarcopenic group ( P  < 0.001). Sarcopenia and the five variables of the International Prognostic Index (IPI) were independent prognostic factors in a multivariate analysis for PFS and OS and were used to construct the nomogram. The calibration plot showed good agreement between the nomogram predictions and actual observations. The c index of the nomogram (0.80) was higher than those of other prognostic indices (IPI, 0.77, P  = 0.009; revised-IPI, 0.74, P  < 0.001; National Comprehensive Cancer Network-IPI, 0.77, P  = 0.062). Sarcopenia is associated with intolerance to standard R-CHOP chemotherapy as well as a poor prognosis. Moreover, sarcopenia itself can be included in prognostic models in DLBCL.

The Effect of Intestinal Parasitic Infection on the Clinical Outcome of Malaria in Coinfected Children in Cameroon

PubMed Central

Kwenti, Tebit E.; Nkume, Franklin A.; Tanjeko, Ajime T.; Kwenti, Tayong D. B.

2016-01-01

Background The interaction between intestinal parasites and malaria is still not clear. Data in published literature are conflicting. We studied the effect of intestinal parasitic infection (IPI) on the clinical outcome of malaria in coinfected children. Methods In a cross sectional study performed between October 2014 and September 2015, children infected with malaria, as demonstrated by the presence of asexual parasites in Giemsa stained blood films, were enrolled. Stool samples were obtained from participants and subjected to the formol-ether concentration technique for the detection of intestinal parasites. The Complete blood count was performed using an automated haematology analyser (Mindray, BC-2800). The risk ratio, Pearson’s chi-square and the student T test were all performed as part of the statistical analyses. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Results In all, 405 children successfully took part in the study. The children were between 1 week and 120 months of age (mean ± SD = 41.5 ± 33.5). Coinfection with intestinal parasites was observed in 11.6%. The rate of severe malaria (SM) attack in this study was 10.9%. SM was not observed to be associated with age (p = 0.377) or gender (p = 0.387), meanwhile coinfection with intestinal parasites was associated with age (p = 0.003). Among SM cases, IPI prevalence was higher in children with mild (WHO group 3) severe malaria (p = 0.027). Overall, IPI was not observed to be associated with SM (p = 0.656) or malaria parasite density (p = 0.185) or haemoglobin concentration (p = 0.205). The main clinical features of SM observed were hyperpyrexia (68.2%), severe malarial anaemia (61.4%), and multiple convulsion (52.3%). Conclusion IPI was not observed to be associated with the severity of malaria, the malaria parasite density, and the haemoglobin concentration in coinfected children in Cameroon. The clinical outcome of malaria in children coinfected with intestinal parasites may depend on the geographical setting after all. PMID:27128975

The Effect of Intestinal Parasitic Infection on the Clinical Outcome of Malaria in Coinfected Children in Cameroon.

PubMed

Kwenti, Tebit E; Nkume, Franklin A; Tanjeko, Ajime T; Kwenti, Tayong D B

2016-04-01

The interaction between intestinal parasites and malaria is still not clear. Data in published literature are conflicting. We studied the effect of intestinal parasitic infection (IPI) on the clinical outcome of malaria in coinfected children. In a cross sectional study performed between October 2014 and September 2015, children infected with malaria, as demonstrated by the presence of asexual parasites in Giemsa stained blood films, were enrolled. Stool samples were obtained from participants and subjected to the formol-ether concentration technique for the detection of intestinal parasites. The Complete blood count was performed using an automated haematology analyser (Mindray, BC-2800). The risk ratio, Pearson's chi-square and the student T test were all performed as part of the statistical analyses. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. In all, 405 children successfully took part in the study. The children were between 1 week and 120 months of age (mean ± SD = 41.5 ± 33.5). Coinfection with intestinal parasites was observed in 11.6%. The rate of severe malaria (SM) attack in this study was 10.9%. SM was not observed to be associated with age (p = 0.377) or gender (p = 0.387), meanwhile coinfection with intestinal parasites was associated with age (p = 0.003). Among SM cases, IPI prevalence was higher in children with mild (WHO group 3) severe malaria (p = 0.027). Overall, IPI was not observed to be associated with SM (p = 0.656) or malaria parasite density (p = 0.185) or haemoglobin concentration (p = 0.205). The main clinical features of SM observed were hyperpyrexia (68.2%), severe malarial anaemia (61.4%), and multiple convulsion (52.3%). IPI was not observed to be associated with the severity of malaria, the malaria parasite density, and the haemoglobin concentration in coinfected children in Cameroon. The clinical outcome of malaria in children coinfected with intestinal parasites may depend on the geographical setting after all.

Prognostic Significance of Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma Cell of Origin Determined by Digital Gene Expression in Formalin-Fixed Paraffin-Embedded Tissue Biopsies

PubMed Central

Scott, David W.; Mottok, Anja; Ennishi, Daisuke; Wright, George W.; Farinha, Pedro; Ben-Neriah, Susana; Kridel, Robert; Barry, Garrett S.; Hother, Christoffer; Abrisqueta, Pau; Boyle, Merrill; Meissner, Barbara; Telenius, Adele; Savage, Kerry J.; Sehn, Laurie H.; Slack, Graham W.; Steidl, Christian; Staudt, Louis M.; Connors, Joseph M.; Rimsza, Lisa M.; Gascoyne, Randy D.

2015-01-01

Purpose To evaluate the prognostic impact of cell-of-origin (COO) subgroups, assigned using the recently described gene expression–based Lymph2Cx assay in comparison with International Prognostic Index (IPI) score and MYC/BCL2 coexpression status (dual expressers). Patients and Methods Reproducibility of COO assignment using the Lymph2Cx assay was tested employing repeated sampling within tumor biopsies and changes in reagent lots. The assay was then applied to pretreatment formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue (FFPET) biopsies from 344 patients with de novo diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) uniformly treated with rituximab plus cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone (R-CHOP) at the British Columbia Cancer Agency. MYC and BCL2 protein expression was assessed using immunohistochemistry on tissue microarrays. Results The Lymph2Cx assay provided concordant COO calls in 96% of 49 repeatedly sampled tumor biopsies and in 100% of 83 FFPET biopsies tested across reagent lots. Critically, no frank misclassification (activated B-cell–like DLBCL to germinal center B-cell–like DLBCL or vice versa) was observed. Patients with activated B-cell–like DLBCL had significantly inferior outcomes compared with patients with germinal center B-cell–like DLBCL (log-rank P < .001 for time to progression, progression-free survival, disease-specific survival, and overall survival). In pairwise multivariable analyses, COO was associated with outcomes independent of IPI score and MYC/BCL2 immunohistochemistry. The prognostic significance of COO was particularly evident in patients with intermediate IPI scores and the non–MYC-positive/BCL2-positive subgroup (log-rank P < .001 for time to progression). Conclusion Assignment of DLBCL COO by the Lymph2Cx assay using FFPET biopsies identifies patient groups with significantly different outcomes after R-CHOP, independent of IPI score and MYC/BCL2 dual expression. PMID:26240231

Virtually Shaping the Future of Polar Research

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Baeseman, J. L.; Koldunov, N. V.; Jochum, K.

2009-12-01

The Association of Polar Early Career Scientists (APECS) is an international and interdisciplinary organization for undergraduate and graduate students, postdoctoral researchers, early faculty members, educators and others with interests in Polar Regions and the wider cryosphere that started as a result of the International Polar Year (IPY). APECS is leading the way for virtual communication of polar research through several activities: an online Polar Literature Discussion Forum, a Virtual Poster Session, and Communication beyond the conference setting. APECS has created an extensive online discussion forum where researchers share both classic and cutting-edge literature articles and critique techniques that were used by authors, helping to improve methods as well as discover new ways to approach polar research questions. Many researchers present their results as posters at conferences. APECS has taken this process to a new level by creating a format to display previously presented posters online instead of these files simply sitting on a researcher’s hard-drive. Not only are the posters online, a monthly conference call open to hundreds of participants allows researchers to share their work with a new audience - fellow researchers, community members, potential colleagues, policy makers and educators. These calls are recorded and archived online so the next time someone visits the poster, they can hear the researcher describe their work and communicate with the researcher questions they may have, potential ways to collaborate or share different methodologies to improve future endeavors. Peer-reviewed literature articles are the currency of science and APECS has capitalized on this by creating a way for researchers to increase the exposure of their publications beyond the table of contents published by journals. The Polar Literature Discussion Forum is a new way for researchers to share their papers, as well as discuss classic articles. This has become a popular place where IPY related research is being archived in a non-traditional manner. Researchers are sharing not only their papers, but insights on data collection and how other researchers could improve on what they have done during the IPY. The IPY has created many new research projects and stimulated new questions and created cutting-edge techniques to address these problems. APECS is helping to carry on these discussions beyond the typical conference settings directly to a researcher’s office or at home on their couch. These communication tools will help to stimulate discussion carrying forward the research questions addressed and created during the IPY.

Closing the loop - Approaches to monitoring the state of the Arctic Mediterranean during the International Polar Year 2007-2008

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mauritzen, C.; Hansen, E.; Andersson, M.; Berx, B.; Beszczynska-Möller, A.; Burud, I.; Christensen, K. H.; Debernard, J.; de Steur, L.; Dodd, P.; Gerland, S.; Godøy, Ø.; Hansen, B.; Hudson, S.; Høydalsvik, F.; Ingvaldsen, R.; Isachsen, P. E.; Kasajima, Y.; Koszalka, I.; Kovacs, K. M.; Køltzow, M.; LaCasce, J.; Lee, C. M.; Lavergne, T.; Lydersen, C.; Nicolaus, M.; Nilsen, F.; Nøst, O. A.; Orvik, K. A.; Reigstad, M.; Schyberg, H.; Seuthe, L.; Skagseth, Ø.; Skarðhamar, J.; Skogseth, R.; Sperrevik, A.; Svensen, C.; Søiland, H.; Teigen, S. H.; Tverberg, V.; Wexels Riser, C.

2011-07-01

During the 4th International Polar Year 2007-2009 (IPY), it has become increasingly obvious that we need to prepare for a new era in the Arctic. IPY occurred during the time of the largest retreat of Arctic sea ice since satellite observations started in 1979. This minimum in September sea ice coverage was accompanied by other signs of a changing Arctic, including the unexpectedly rapid transpolar drift of the Tara schooner, a general thinning of Arctic sea ice and a double-dip minimum of the Arctic Oscillation at the end of 2009. Thanks to the lucky timing of the IPY, those recent phenomena are well documented as they have been scrutinized by the international research community, taking advantage of the dedicated observing systems that were deployed during IPY. However, understanding changes in the Arctic System likely requires monitoring over decades, not years. Many IPY projects have contributed to the pilot phase of a future, sustained, observing system for the Arctic. We now know that many of the technical challenges can be overcome. The Norwegian projects iAOOS-Norway, POLEWARD and MEOP were significant ocean monitoring/research contributions during the IPY. A large variety of techniques were used in these programs, ranging from oceanographic cruises to animal-borne platforms, autonomous gliders, helicopter surveys, surface drifters and current meter arrays. Our research approach was interdisciplinary from the outset, merging ocean dynamics, hydrography, biology, sea ice studies, as well as forecasting. The datasets are tremendously rich, and they will surely yield numerous findings in the years to come. Here, we present a status report at the end of the official period for IPY. Highlights of the research include: a quantification of the Meridional Overturning Circulation in the Nordic Seas (“ the loop”) in thermal space, based on a set of up to 15-year-long series of current measurements; a detailed map of the surface circulation as well as characterization of eddy dispersion based on drifter data; transport monitoring of Atlantic Water using gliders; a view of the water mass exchanges in the Norwegian Atlantic Current from both Eulerian and Lagrangian data; an integrated physical-biological view of the ice-influenced ecosystem in the East Greenland Current, showing for instance nutrient-limited primary production as a consequence of decreasing ice cover for larger regions of the Arctic Ocean. Our sea ice studies show that the albedo of snow on ice is lower when snow cover is thinner and suggest that reductions in sea ice thickness, without changes in sea ice extent, will have a significant impact on the arctic atmosphere. We present up-to-date freshwater transport numbers for the East Greenland Current in the Fram Strait, as well as the first map of the annual cycle of freshwater layer thickness in the East Greenland Current along the east coast of Greenland, from data obtained by CTDs mounted on seals that traveled back and forth across the Nordic Seas. We have taken advantage of the real-time transmission of some of these platforms and demonstrate the use of ice-tethered profilers in validating satellite products of sea ice motion, as well as the use of Seagliders in validating ocean forecasts, and we present a sea ice drift product - significantly improved both in space and time - for use in operational ice-forecasting applications. We consider real-time acquisition of data from the ocean interior to be a vital component of a sustained Arctic Ocean Observing System, and we conclude by presenting an outline for an observing system for the European sector of the Arctic Ocean.

Characterization of Trinuclear Oxo Bridged Cobalt Complexes in Isolation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lang, Johannes; Fries, Daniela V.; Niedner-Schatteburg, Gereon

2018-05-01

This study elucidates molecular structures, fragmentation pathways and relative stabilities of isolated trinuclear oxo bridged cobalt complexes of the structural type [Co3O(OAc)6(Py)n]+ (OAc=acetate, Py=pyridine, n=0, 1, 2, 3). We present infrared multiple photon dissociation (IR-MPD) spectra in combination with quantum chemical calculations. They indicate that the coordination of axial pyridine ligands to the [Co3O(OAc)6]+ subunit disturbs the triangular geometry of the Co3O core. [Co3O(OAc)6]+ exhibits a nearly equilateral triangular Co3O core geometry. The coordination of one or two pyridine ligands disturbs this arrangement resulting in isosceles triangular Co3O core geometries (in the cases of n=1 and 2). Coordination of three pyridine ligands (n=3) results in an equilateral triangular Co3O core geometry as in the case of n=0. Collision induced dissociation (CID) studies reveal that the complexes undergo a consecutive elimination of pyridine and acetate ligands with increasing excitation energy. Relative stabilities of the complexes decrease with the number of coordinated pyridine ligands. The presented results help to gain a fundamental insight into the molecular structure of trinuclear oxo bridged cobalt complexes void of any external effects such as crystal packing or solvation.

A theoretical framework for negotiating the path of emergency management multi-agency coordination.

PubMed

Curnin, Steven; Owen, Christine; Paton, Douglas; Brooks, Benjamin

2015-03-01

Multi-agency coordination represents a significant challenge in emergency management. The need for liaison officers working in strategic level emergency operations centres to play organizational boundary spanning roles within multi-agency coordination arrangements that are enacted in complex and dynamic emergency response scenarios creates significant research and practical challenges. The aim of the paper is to address a gap in the literature regarding the concept of multi-agency coordination from a human-environment interaction perspective. We present a theoretical framework for facilitating multi-agency coordination in emergency management that is grounded in human factors and ergonomics using the methodology of core-task analysis. As a result we believe the framework will enable liaison officers to cope more efficiently within the work domain. In addition, we provide suggestions for extending the theory of core-task analysis to an alternate high reliability environment. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd and The Ergonomics Society. All rights reserved.

Prognostic value of tumor necrosis at CT in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma.

PubMed

Adams, Hugo J A; de Klerk, John M H; Fijnheer, Rob; Dubois, Stefan V; Nievelstein, Rutger A J; Kwee, Thomas C

2015-03-01

To determine the prognostic value of tumor necrosis at computed tomography (CT) in newly diagnosed diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). This retrospective study included 51 patients with newly diagnosed DLBCL who had undergone both unenhanced and intravenous contrast-enhanced CT before R-CHOP (rituximab, cyclophosphamide, hydroxydaunorubicin, oncovin and prednisolone) chemo-immunotherapy. Presence of tumor necrosis was visually and quantitatively assessed at CT. Associations between tumor necrosis status at CT and the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) International Prognostic Index (IPI) factors were assessed. Cox regression analysis was used to determine the prognostic impact of NCCN-IPI scores and tumor necrosis status at CT. There were no correlations between tumor necrosis status at CT and the NCCN-IPI factors categorized age (ρ=-0.042, P=0.765), categorized lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) ratio (ρ=0.201, P=0.156), extranodal disease in major organs (φ=-0.245, P=0.083), Ann Arbor stage III/IV disease (φ=-0.208, P=0.141), and Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status (φ=0.015, P=0.914). In the multivariate Cox proportional hazards model, only tumor necrosis status at CT was an independent predictive factor of progression-free survival (P=0.003) and overall survival (P=0.004). The findings of this study indicate the prognostic potential of tumor necrosis at CT in newly diagnosed DLBCL. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Prognostic significance of peripheral monocyte count in patients with extranodal natural killer/T-cell lymphoma.

PubMed

Huang, Jia-Jia; Li, Ya-Jun; Xia, Yi; Wang, Yu; Wei, Wen-Xiao; Zhu, Ying-Jie; Lin, Tong-Yu; Huang, Hui-Qiang; Jiang, Wen-Qi; Li, Zhi-Ming

2013-05-03

Extranodal natural killer/T-cell lymphoma (ENKL) has heterogeneous clinical manifestations and prognosis. This study aims to evaluate the prognostic impact of absolute monocyte count (AMC) in ENKL, and provide some immunologically relevant information for better risk stratification in patients with ENKL. Retrospective data from 163 patients newly diagnosed with ENKL were analyzed. The absolute monocyte count (AMC) at diagnosis was analyzed as continuous and dichotomized variables. Independent prognostic factors of survival were determined by Cox regression analysis. The AMC at diagnosis were related to overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) in patients with ENKL. Multivariate analysis identified AMC as independent prognostic factors of survival, independent of International Prognostic Index (IPI) and Korean prognostic index (KPI). The prognostic index incorporating AMC and absolute lymphocyte count (ALC), another surrogate factor of immune status, could be used to stratify all 163 patients with ENKL into different prognostic groups. For patients who received chemotherapy followed by radiotherapy (102 cases), the three AMC/ALC index categories identified patients with significantly different survivals. When superimposed on IPI or KPI categories, the AMC/ALC index was better able to identify high-risk patients in the low-risk IPI or KPI category. The baseline peripheral monocyte count is shown to be an effective prognostic indicator of survival in ENKL patients. The prognostic index related to tumor microenvironment might be helpful to identify high-risk patients with ENKL.

Outcomes of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma patients relapsing after autologous stem cell transplantation: an analysis of patients included in the CORAL study.

PubMed

Van Den Neste, E; Schmitz, N; Mounier, N; Gill, D; Linch, D; Trneny, M; Bouadballah, R; Radford, J; Bargetzi, M; Ribrag, V; Dührsen, U; Ma, D; Briere, J; Thieblemont, C; Bachy, E; Moskowitz, C H; Glass, B; Gisselbrecht, C

2017-02-01

In the CORAL study, 255 chemosensitive relapses with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) were consolidated with autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT), and 75 of them relapsed thereafter. The median time between ASCT and progression was 7.1 months. The median age was 56.1 years; tertiary International Prognosis Index (tIPI) observed at relapse was 0-2 in 71.6% of the patients and >2 in 28.4%. The overall response rate to third-line chemotherapy was 44%. The median overall survival (OS) was 10.0 months (median follow-up: 32.8 months). Thirteen patients received an allogeneic SCT, and three a second ASCT. The median OS was shorter among patients who relapsed <6 months (5.7 months) compared with those relapsing ⩾12 months after ASCT (12.6 months, P=0.0221). The median OS in patients achieving CR, PR or no response after the third-line regimen was 37.7 (P<0.0001), 10.0 (P=0.03) and 6.3 months, respectively. The median OS varied according to tIPI: 0-2: 12.6 months and >2: 5.3 months (P=0.0007). In multivariate analysis, tIPI >2, achievement of response and remission lasting <6 months predicted the OS. This report identifies the prognostic factors for DLBCL relapsing after ASCT and thus helps to select patients for experimental therapy.

Integral reinforcement learning for continuous-time input-affine nonlinear systems with simultaneous invariant explorations.

PubMed

Lee, Jae Young; Park, Jin Bae; Choi, Yoon Ho

2015-05-01

This paper focuses on a class of reinforcement learning (RL) algorithms, named integral RL (I-RL), that solve continuous-time (CT) nonlinear optimal control problems with input-affine system dynamics. First, we extend the concepts of exploration, integral temporal difference, and invariant admissibility to the target CT nonlinear system that is governed by a control policy plus a probing signal called an exploration. Then, we show input-to-state stability (ISS) and invariant admissibility of the closed-loop systems with the policies generated by integral policy iteration (I-PI) or invariantly admissible PI (IA-PI) method. Based on these, three online I-RL algorithms named explorized I-PI and integral Q -learning I, II are proposed, all of which generate the same convergent sequences as I-PI and IA-PI under the required excitation condition on the exploration. All the proposed methods are partially or completely model free, and can simultaneously explore the state space in a stable manner during the online learning processes. ISS, invariant admissibility, and convergence properties of the proposed methods are also investigated, and related with these, we show the design principles of the exploration for safe learning. Neural-network-based implementation methods for the proposed schemes are also presented in this paper. Finally, several numerical simulations are carried out to verify the effectiveness of the proposed methods.

Spatial and temporal trends in fin whale vocalizations recorded in the NE Pacific Ocean between 2003-2013

PubMed Central

Weirathmueller, Michelle J.; Stafford, Kathleen M.; Wilcock, William S. D.; Hilmo, Rose S.; Dziak, Robert P.; Tréhu, Anne M.

2017-01-01

In order to study the long-term stability of fin whale (Balaenoptera physalus) singing behavior, the frequency and inter-pulse interval of fin whale 20 Hz vocalizations were observed over 10 years from 2003–2013 from bottom mounted hydrophones and seismometers in the northeast Pacific Ocean. The instrument locations extended from 40°N to 48°N and 130°W to 125°W with water depths ranging from 1500–4000 m. The inter-pulse interval (IPI) of fin whale song sequences was observed to increase at a rate of 0.54 seconds/year over the decade of observation. During the same time period, peak frequency decreased at a rate of 0.17 Hz/year. Two primary call patterns were observed. During the earlier years, the more commonly observed pattern had a single frequency and single IPI. In later years, a doublet pattern emerged, with two dominant frequencies and IPIs. Many call sequences in the intervening years appeared to represent a transitional state between the two patterns. The overall trend was consistent across the entire geographical span, although some regional differences exist. Understanding changes in acoustic behavior over long time periods is needed to help establish whether acoustic characteristics can be used to help determine population identity in a widely distributed, difficult to study species such as the fin whale. PMID:29073230

Spatial and temporal trends in fin whale vocalizations recorded in the NE Pacific Ocean between 2003-2013.

PubMed

Weirathmueller, Michelle J; Stafford, Kathleen M; Wilcock, William S D; Hilmo, Rose S; Dziak, Robert P; Tréhu, Anne M

2017-01-01

In order to study the long-term stability of fin whale (Balaenoptera physalus) singing behavior, the frequency and inter-pulse interval of fin whale 20 Hz vocalizations were observed over 10 years from 2003-2013 from bottom mounted hydrophones and seismometers in the northeast Pacific Ocean. The instrument locations extended from 40°N to 48°N and 130°W to 125°W with water depths ranging from 1500-4000 m. The inter-pulse interval (IPI) of fin whale song sequences was observed to increase at a rate of 0.54 seconds/year over the decade of observation. During the same time period, peak frequency decreased at a rate of 0.17 Hz/year. Two primary call patterns were observed. During the earlier years, the more commonly observed pattern had a single frequency and single IPI. In later years, a doublet pattern emerged, with two dominant frequencies and IPIs. Many call sequences in the intervening years appeared to represent a transitional state between the two patterns. The overall trend was consistent across the entire geographical span, although some regional differences exist. Understanding changes in acoustic behavior over long time periods is needed to help establish whether acoustic characteristics can be used to help determine population identity in a widely distributed, difficult to study species such as the fin whale.

The International Prognostic Index predicts outcome in aggressive adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma: analysis of 126 patients from the International Peripheral T-Cell Lymphoma Project.

PubMed

Suzumiya, J; Ohshima, K; Tamura, K; Karube, K; Uike, N; Tobinai, K; Gascoyne, R D; Vose, J M; Armitage, J O; Weisenburger, D D

2009-04-01

The International Peripheral T-cell Lymphoma Project was organized to better understand the T-cell and natural killer (NK) cell lymphomas, and our task is to present the clinicopathologic correlations and therapeutic results for adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma (ATL). Among 1153 patients with T-cell or NK cell lymphomas, 126 patients (9.6%) with ATL were represented in this project. All were categorized as aggressive ATL, i.e. acute or lymphoma type, and 87% fell into the lymphoma type. The median age was 62 years and the male to female ratio was 1.2 : 1. Significant prognostic factors for overall survival (OS) by univariate analysis were the presence of B symptoms (P = 0.018), platelet count <150 x 10(9)/l (P = 0.065), and the International Prognostic Index (IPI; P = 0.019). However, multivariate analysis indicated that only the IPI was an independent predictor of OS. Combination chemotherapy including anthracyclines was given as the initial therapy in 109 of the 116 patients (94%) who received treatment, and the overall and complete response rates were 70% and 34%, respectively. However, there was no survival benefit for those receiving an anthracycline-containing regimen. Patients with aggressive ATL have a poor clinical outcome and the IPI is a useful model for predicting outcome in ATL of the lymphoma type.

Core to College Evaluation: Statewide Networks. Connecting Education Systems and Stakeholders to Support College Readiness

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bracco, Kathy Reeves; Klarin, Becca; Broek, Marie; Austin, Kim; Finkelstein, Neal; Bugler, Daniel; Mundry, Susan

2014-01-01

The Core to College initiative aims to facilitate greater coordination between K-12 and postsecondary education systems around implementation of the Common Core State Standards and aligned assessments. Core to College grants have been awarded to teams in Colorado, Florida, Hawaii, Kentucky, Louisiana, Massachusetts, North Carolina, Oregon,…

Chlorine-induced assembly of a cationic coordination cage with a μ5-carbonato-bridged Mn(II)24 core.

PubMed

Xiong, Ke-Cai; Jiang, Fei-Long; Gai, Yan-Li; Yuan, Da-Qiang; Han, Dong; Ma, Jie; Zhang, Shu-Quan; Hong, Mao-Chun

2012-04-27

Chlorine caged in! The chlorine-induced assembly of six shuttlecock-like tetranuclear Mn(II) building blocks generated in situ based on p-tert-butylthiacalix[4]arene and facial anions gave rise to a novel truncated distorted octahedral cationic coordination cage with a μ(5)-carbonato-bridged Mn(II)(24) core. Copyright © 2012 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Spatial and Temporal Response of Auroral and Subauroral Plasma Convection to High- Latitude Drivers of Geomagnetic Activity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Greenwald, R. A.; Ruohoniemi, M.; Baker, J. B.; Talaat, E.; Lester, M.; Oksavik, K.

2008-12-01

During the IPY, the second of two lower-latitude SuperDARN radars was put into operation in the eastern U.S. Located at Blackstone, VA and directed toward central Canada, it extends the coverage of the preexisting Wallops Island radar to more than 4 hours of magnetic local time and covers 50-70 degrees geomagnetic latitude providing coverage of ionospheric plasma convection and electric fields on magnetic field lines connected to the inner boundary of the plasmasheet, ring current and plasmapause. Although initial measurements with this coordinated pair of radars were made at a time of low geomagnetic activity, there have been many opportunities to examine both the spatial and temporal response of low-latitude auroral and subauroral plasma convection and its associated electric field to a variety of high-latitude magnetospheric drivers including dayside reconnection and midnight sector substorms. In this paper, we discuss the dynamical response of these flows to both dayside reconnection and substorms. We specifically examine the timing, location, spatial extent and intensity of these flow enhancements versus the nature and strength of the driver.

Metal-Organic Polyhedral Core as a Versatile Scaffold for Divergent and Convergent Star Polymer Synthesis.

PubMed

Hosono, Nobuhiko; Gochomori, Mika; Matsuda, Ryotaro; Sato, Hiroshi; Kitagawa, Susumu

2016-05-25

We herein report the divergent and convergent synthesis of coordination star polymers (CSP) by using metal-organic polyhedrons (MOPs) as a multifunctional core. For the divergent route, copper-based great rhombicuboctahedral MOPs decorated with dithiobenzoate or trithioester chain transfer groups at the periphery were designed. Subsequent reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization of monomers mediated by the MOPs gave star polymers, in which 24 polymeric arms were grafted from the MOP core. On the other hand, the convergent route provided identical CSP architectures by simple mixing of a macroligand and copper ions. Isophthalic acid-terminated polymers (so-called macroligands) immediately formed the corresponding CSPs through a coordination reaction with copper(II) ions. This convergent route enabled us to obtain miktoarm CSPs with tunable chain compositions through ligand mixing alone. This powerful method allows instant access to a wide variety of multicomponent star polymers that conventionally have required highly skilled and multistep syntheses. MOP-core CSPs are a new class of star polymer that can offer a design strategy for highly processable porous soft materials by using coordination nanocages as a building component.

ISO/IEC's image interchange facility

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Blum, Christof; Hofmann, Georg R.

1992-04-01

This paper gives a technical description of the Image Interchange Facility (IIF), which comprises both a formate definition and a functional gateway specification. IIF is a part of the first International Image Processing and Interchange Standard (IPI), which is under elaboration by ISO/IEC JTC1/SC24. This paper reflects the related committee work performed up until January 1992. Considering the deficiencies and drawbacks of existing formats and current practices in exchanging digital images, the need for a new and more general approach to image interchange can be seen. This paper describes the requirements and design principles of the IIF data format and the IIF gateway. Furthermore, it explains the relation to the reference model for open communication (OSI) as well as the relation to the other parts of the IPI standard.

Exploiting cancer cell vulnerabilities to develop a combination therapy for Ras-driven tumors

PubMed Central

De Raedt, Thomas; Walton, Zandra; Yecies, Jessica L.; Li, Danan; Chen, Yimei; Malone, Clare F.; Maertens, Ophelia; Jeong, Seung Min; Bronson, Roderick T.; Lebleu, Valerie; Kalluri, Raghu; Normant, Emmanuel; Haigis, Marcia C.; Manning, Brendan D.; Wong, Kwok-Kin; Macleod, Kay F; Cichowski, Karen

2011-01-01

Summary Ras-driven tumors are often refractory to conventional therapies. Here we identify a promising targeted therapeutic strategy for two Ras-driven cancers: Nf1-deficient malignancies and KRas/p53-mutant lung cancer. We show that agents that enhance proteotoxic stress, including the HSP90 inhibitor IPI-504, induce tumor regression in aggressive mouse models, but only when combined with rapamycin. These agents synergize by promoting irresolvable ER stress, resulting in catastrophic ER and mitochondrial damage. This process is fueled by oxidative stress, which is caused by IPI-504-dependent production of reactive oxygen species, and the rapamycin-dependent suppression of glutathione, an important endogenous antioxidant. Notably, the mechanism by which these agents cooperate reveals a therapeutic paradigm that can be expanded to develop additional combinations. PMID:21907929

Data Management Considerations for the International Polar Year

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Parsons, M. A.; Weaver, R. L.; Duerr, R.; Barry, R. G.

2004-12-01

The legacy of the International Geophysical Year and past International Polar Years is in the scientific data collected. The upcoming IPY will result in an unprecedented collection of geophysical and social science data from the polar regions. To realize the full scientific and interdisciplinary utility of these data it is essential to consider the design of data management systems early in the expirimental planning process. This paper will present an array of high level data management considerations for the IPY including cross-disciplinary data access, essential documentation, system guidance, and long-term data archiving. Specific recommendations from relevant international organizations such as the Joint Committee on Antarctic Data Management and the WCRP Climate and Cryosphere Programme will be considered. The potential role of the Electronic Geophysical Year and other International Years will also be discussed.

Experimental animal studies of radon and cigarette smoke

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

Cross, F.T.; Dagle, G.E.; Gies, R.A.

Cigarette-smoking is a dominant cause of lung cancer and confounds risk assessment of exposure to radon decay products. Evidence in humans on the interaction between cigarette-smoking and exposure to radon decay products, although limited, indicates a possible synergy. Experimental animal data, in addition to showing synergy, also show a decrease or no change in risk with added cigarette-smoke exposures. This article reviews previous animal data developed at Compagnie Generale des Matieres Nucleaires and Pacific Northwest Laboratory (PNL) on mixed exposures to radon and cigarette smoke, and highlights new initiation-promotion-initiation (IPI) studies at PNL that were designed within the framework ofmore » a two-mutation carcinogenesis model. Also presented are the PNL exposure system, experimental protocols, dosimetry, and biological data observed to date in IPI animals.« less

Ultrafast fingerprint indexing for embedded systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhou, Ru; Sin, Sang Woo; Li, Dongju; Isshiki, Tsuyoshi; Kunieda, Hiroaki

2011-10-01

A novel core-based fingerprint indexing scheme for embedded systems is presented in this paper. Our approach is enabled by our new precise and fast core-detection algorithm with the direction map. It introduces the feature of CMP (core minutiae pair), which describes the coordinates of minutiae and the direction of ridges associated with the minutiae based on the uniquely defined core coordinates. Since each CMP is identical against the shift and rotation of the fingerprint image, the CMP comparison between a template and an input image can be performed without any alignment. The proposed indexing algorithm based on CMP is suitable for embedded systems because the tremendous speed up and the memory reduction are achieved. In fact, the experiments with the fingerprint database FVC2002 show that its speed for the identifications becomes about 40 times faster than conventional approaches, even though the database includes fingerprints with no core.

Use of First-phase Insulin Secretion in Early Diagnosis of Thyroid Diabetes and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

PubMed Central

Meng, Li-Heng; Huang, Yao; Zhou, Jia; Liang, Xing-Huan; Xian, Jing; Li, Li; Qin, Ying-Fen

2017-01-01

Background: A relationship between hyperthyroidism and insulin secretion in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) has been reported. Therefore, this study explored the use of first-phase insulin secretion in the differential diagnosis of thyroid diabetes (TDM) and T2DM. Methods: In total, 101 patients with hyperthyroidism were divided into hyperthyroidism with normal glucose tolerance (TNGT), hyperthyroidism with impaired glucose regulation (TIGR), and diabetes (TDM) groups. Furthermore, 96 patients without hyperthyroidism were recruited as control groups (normal glucose tolerance [NGT], impaired glucose regulation [IGR], and T2DM). The following parameters were evaluated: homeostasis model assessment (HOMA)-IR, HOMA-β, modified β-cell function index (MBCI), peak insulin/fasting insulin (IP/I0), AUCins-OGTT, and AUCins-OGTT/AUCglu-OGTT from the oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) insulin release test were utilized to assess the second-phase insulin secretion, while the IP/I0, AIR0′~10′, and AUCins-IVGTT from the intravenous glucose tolerance test (IVGTT) insulin release test were used to assess the first-phase insulin secretion. Results: In the OGTT, the HOMA-β values of the TNGT and TDM groups were higher than those of the NGT and T2DM groups (all P < 0.05). In the hyperthyroidism groups, the MBCI of the TDM group was lower than that of the TNGT and TIGR groups (all P < 0.05). Among the control groups, the MBCI values of the IGR and T2DM groups were lower than that of the normal glucose tolerance (NGT) group (all P < 0.05). In the IVGTT, insulin secretion peaked for all groups at 2–4 min, except for the T2DM group, which showed a low plateau and no secretion peak. The IP values of the TNGT, TIGR, and TDM groups were higher than those of the NGT, IGR, and T2DM groups (all P < 0.05). The Ip/I0, AIR0′~10′, and AUCins-IVGTT values of the TDM group were higher than those of the T2DM group but were lower than those of the TNGT, TIGR, NGR, and IGR groups (all P < 0.05). Compared with the other five groups, the Ip/I0, AIR0′~10′, and AUCins-IVGTT values of the T2DM group were significantly decreased (all P < 0.05). The Ip/I0 and AUCins-IVGTT values of the TNGT group were higher than those of the NGT group (all P < 0.05). Conclusions: β-cell function in TDM patients is superior to that in T2DM patients. First-phase insulin secretion could be used as an early diagnostic marker to differentiate TDM and T2DM. PMID:28345543

Association between interpregnancy interval and the risk of recurrent loss after a midtrimester loss.

PubMed

Roberts, C L; Algert, C S; Ford, J B; Nippita, T A; Morris, J M

2016-12-01

After an initial midtrimester loss, is the interval to the next conception associated with the risk of a recurrent loss? Among women who had a pregnancy loss at 14-19 weeks gestation, conception at least 3 months after this initial loss was associated with a reduced risk of a recurrent loss. A short interpregnancy interval (IPI) has been thought to increase risk but recent studies of pregnancy after a loss have found no effect; however, these studies have been based almost entirely on an initial first trimester (<14 weeks) loss. A retrospective cohort study drawing on over 997 000 linked birth and hospital records from New South Wales, Australia for 2003-2011. Index pregnancies were those of women who had a first recorded pregnancy loss of 14-23 weeks gestation (miscarriage, termination and perinatal death). The study population was 4290 women who conceived again within 2 years. The index loss was categorized by subgroups: 14-19 weeks gestation versus 20-23 weeks, and by whether spontaneous or a termination. The primary outcome was any loss or perinatal death before 24 weeks in the subsequent pregnancy. After a 14-19 weeks index loss, an IPI of ≤3 months had an increased rate of recurrent loss compared with an IPI of >9-12 months: 21.9% versus 11.3% (adjusted relative risk (aRR) = 2.02, 95% CI 1.44-2.83). For women who had a spontaneous index loss of 20-23 weeks, there was no evidence that a short IPI increased or decreased the risk of recurrent loss. For any gestational age group of index losses, an IPI of >18-24 months increased the risk of a recurrent loss; the risk was highest after a 20-23 weeks index loss (aRR = 2.15, 95% CI 1.18-3.91). We do not know how many cycles were required to achieve conception. Pregnancies resulting in early first trimester losses are unlikely to have resulted in hospitalization so would not have been identified. The risk of recurrent loss after an initial midtrimester loss may differ from the risk after an initial first trimester loss. This work was supported by an Australian National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) Centre for Research Excellence Grant (1001066). C.L.R. is supported by an NHMRC Senior Research Fellowship (#APP1021025). J.B.F. is supported by an ARC Future Fellowship (#120100069). The authors have no conflicts of interest to declare. N/A. © The Author 2016. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology. All rights reserved. For Permissions, please email: journals.permissions@oup.com.

Collaborative, International Efforts at Estimating Arctic Sea Ice Processes During IPY (Invited)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Overland, J. E.; Eicken, H.; Wiggins, H. V.

2009-12-01

Planning for the fourth IPY was conducted during a time of moderate decadal change in the Arctic. However, after this initial planning was completed, further rapid changes were seen, including a 39 % reduction in summer sea ice extent in 2007 and 2008 relative to the 1980s-1990s, loss of multi-year sea ice, and increased sea ice mobility. The SEARCH and DAMOCLES Programs endeavored to increase communication within the research community to promote observations and understanding of rapidly changing Arctic sea ice conditions during IPY. In May 2008 a web-based Sea Ice Outlook was initiated, an international collaborative effort that synthesizes, on a monthly basis throughout the summer, the community’s projections for September arctic sea ice extent. Each month, participating investigators provided a projection for the mean September sea ice extent based on spring and early summer data, along with a rationale for their estimates. The Outlook continued in summer of 2009. The Outlook is a method of rapidly synthesizing a broad range of remote sensing and field observations collected at the peak of the IPY, with analysis methods ranging from heuristic to statistical to ice-ocean model ensemble runs. The 2008 Outlook was a success with 20 groups participating and providing a median sea ice extent projection from June 2008 data of 4.4 million square kilometers (MSQK)—near the observed extent in September 2008 of 4.7 MSQK, and well below the 1979-2007 climatological extent of 6.7 MSQK. More importantly, the contrast of sea ice conditions and atmospheric forcing in 2008 compared to 2007 provided clues to the future fate of arctic sea ice. The question was whether the previous loss of multi-year ice and delay in autumn freeze-up in 2007 would allow sufficient winter thickening of sea ice to last through the summer 2008, promoting recovery from the 2007 minimum, or whether most first-year sea ice would melt out as in 2005 and 2007, resulting in a new record minimum extent. Ultimately, neither extreme was observed. For September 2009 the median projection based on June 2009 data was 4.6 MSQK. June and July conditions were favorable for another record ice loss, but atmospheric circulation and cloudiness in August slowed ice retreat, suggesting that the 2009 Outlook estimates will be too low. A conclusion of this IPY effort is that although it will be difficult for summer sea ice to return to 1990 conditions, it will also require near-perfect synchrony in physical forcing as in 2007 to produce the next major loss event. The Outlook plans to continue.

AGR-5/6/7 Irradiation Test Predictions using PARFUME

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

Skerjanc, William F.

PARFUME, (PARticle FUel ModEl) a fuel performance modeling code used for high temperature gas-cooled reactors (HTGRs), was used to model the Advanced Gas Reactor (AGR)-5/6/7 irradiation test using predicted physics and thermal hydraulics data. The AGR-5/6/7 test consists of the combined fifth, sixth, and seventh planned irradiations of the AGR Fuel Development and Qualification Program. The AGR-5/6/7 test train is a multi-capsule, instrumented experiment that is designed for irradiation in the 133.4-mm diameter north east flux trap (NEFT) position of Advanced Test Reactor (ATR). Each capsule contains compacts filled with uranium oxycarbide (UCO) unaltered fuel particles. This report documents themore » calculations performed to predict the failure probability of tristructural isotropic (TRISO)-coated fuel particles during the AGR-5/6/7 experiment. In addition, this report documents the calculated source term from the driver fuel. The calculations include modeling of the AGR-5/6/7 irradiation that is scheduled to occur from October 2017 to April 2021 over a total of 13 ATR cycles, including nine normal cycles and four Power Axial Locator Mechanism (PALM) cycle for a total between 500 – 550 effective full power days (EFPD). The irradiation conditions and material properties of the AGR-5/6/7 test predicted zero fuel particle failures in Capsules 1, 2, and 4. Fuel particle failures were predicted in Capsule 3 due to internal particle pressure. These failures were predicted in the highest temperature compacts. Capsule 5 fuel particle failures were due to inner pyrolytic carbon (IPyC) cracking causing localized stresses concentrations in the SiC layer. This capsule predicted the highest particle failures due to the lower irradiation temperature. In addition, shrinkage of the buffer and IPyC layer during irradiation resulted in formation of a buffer-IPyC gap. The two capsules at the two ends of the test train, Capsules 1 and 5 experienced the smallest buffer-IPyC gap formation due to the lower irradiation fluences and temperatures. Capsule 3 experienced the largest buffer-IPyC gap formation of just under 24 µm. The release fraction of fission products Ag, Cs, and Sr silver (Ag), cesium (Cs), and strontium (Sr) vary depending on capsule location and irradiation temperature. The maximum release fraction of Ag occurs in Capsule 3, reaching up to 84.8% for the TRISO fuel particles. The release fraction of the other two fission products, Cs and Sr are much smaller and, in most cases, less than 1%. The notable exception is again in Capsule 3, where the release fraction for Cs and Sr reach up to 9.7% and 19.1%, respectively.« less

Incorporating the International Polar Year Into Introductory Geology Laboratories at Ohio State University

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Judge, S. A.; Wilson, T. J.

2005-12-01

The International Polar Year (IPY) provides an excellent opportunity for highlighting polar research in education. The ultimate goal of our outreach and education program is to develop a series of modules that are focused on societally-relevant topics being investigated in Antarctic earth science, while teaching basic geologic concepts that are standard elements of school curricula. For example, we envision a university-level, undergraduate, introductory earth science class with the entire semester/quarter laboratory program focused on polar earth science research during the period of the International Polar Year. To attain this goal, a series of modules will be developed, including inquiry-based exercises founded on imagery (video, digital photos, digital core scans), GIS data layers, maps, and data sets available from OSU research groups. Modules that highlight polar research are also suitable for the K-12 audience. Scaleable/grade appropriate modules that use some of the same data sets as the undergraduate modules can be outlined for elementary through high school earth science classes. An initial module is being developed that focuses on paleoclimate data. The module provides a hands-on investigation of the climate history archived in both ice cores and sedimentary rock cores in order to understand time scales, drivers, and processes of global climate change. The paleoclimate module also demonstrates the types of polar research that are ongoing at OSU, allowing students to observe what research the faculty are undertaking in their respective fields. This will link faculty research with student education in the classroom, enhancing learning outcomes. Finally, this module will provide a direct link to U.S. Antarctic Program research related to the International Polar Year, when new ice and sedimentary rock cores will be obtained and analyzed. As a result of this laboratory exercise, the students will be able to: (1) Define an ice core and a sedimentary rock core. (Knowledge) (2) Identify climate indicators in each type of core by using digital core images. These include layers of particulate material (such as volcanic tephra) in ice cores and layers of larger grains (such as ice-rafted debris) in sedimentary rock cores. (Knowledge) (3) Describe how cores are taken in extreme environments, such as Antarctica. (Comprehension) (4) Use actual data from proxies in the ice and sedimentary records to graph changes through time in the cores. (Application) (5) Recognize variances in data sets that might illustrate periods of climate change. (Analysis) (6) Integrate data results from several proxies in order to construct a climate record for both ice cores and sedimentary rock cores. (Synthesis) (7) Interpret both the ice core and sedimentary rock core records to ascertain the effectiveness of both of these tools in archiving climate records. (Evaluation)

Antarctica: A Keystone in a Changing World--Online Proceedings for the Tenth International Symposium on Antarctic Earth Sciences. Santa Barbara, California, U.S.A.--August 26 to September 1, 2007

USGS Publications Warehouse

Cooper, Alan; Raymond, Carol; ,

2007-01-01

Overview: The International Symposium on Antarctic Earth Sciences (ISAES) is held once every four years to provide an international forum for presenting research results and new ideas and for planning future Antarctic geoscience research projects. This Tenth ISAES coincides with the International Polar Year (IPY; 50th Anniversary of the International Geophysical Year) and has been structured to showcase the great breadth of geoscience research being done in Antarctic regions by more than more than 100 institutions located in over 30 countries. The science program of the Symposium encompasses six broad themes that cover key topics on evolution and interactions of the geosphere, cryosphere and biosphere and their cross-linkages with past and historic paleoclimates. Emphasis is also on deciphering the climate records in ice cores, geologic cores, rock outcrops and those inferred from climate models. New technologies for the coming decades of geoscience data collection are also highlighted. Ten keynote presentations at the symposium outline the foundation for the research sessions of the symposium and the structure of the Online Proceedings and Proceedings Book for the Tenth ISAES. The ISAES is traditionally a cornerstone meeting for the Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research (SCAR). In recognition of the Tenth ISAES being held in the U.S. for the first time in 30 years and during IPY, the publication of the symposium proceedings is being handled as a special collaborative effort of the U.S. National Science Foundation, the U.S. Geological Survey, The National Academies Polar Research Board and The National Academies Press. The National Academies Polar Research Board oversees the activities of SCAR in the U.S. Special attention has been directed at publication formats for the symposium, to expedite the open and wide sharing of mature and preliminary research results presented in talks and posters at the Tenth ISAES. All symposium presentations are documented by a short Summary printed in the Symposium Program Booklet and either a short research paper or an extended abstract. The research papers and extended abstracts are compiled in this Online Proceedings and are replicated on a DVD-ROM that is placed in the back of the Tenth ISAES Proceedings Book. The Proceedings Book has printed versions of the keynote talks and an overview paper of the symposium. The short research papers and extended abstracts have been handled differently. Research papers present mature research results and syntheses. They have been peer-reviewed using standard journal procedures. Following revisions and acceptances by co-editors, the papers have been formatted for publication and proofread by authors. Each paper has been assigned a Digital Object Identification (DOI) number and separate html link, and posted online (as part of this USGS Open-File Report series) to ensure open and wide access to the research results. Extended abstracts focus on preliminary research results and have not been peer reviewed. They have had only minimal editorial review and revision. Authors have formatted and proofread their papers. Extended abstracts were not given DOI numbers and are included together in a separate chapter of this online Proceedings. USGS publications staff and Stanford-student editorial assistants indexed and compiled the PDF versions of the short research papers and extended abstracts for inclusion in this online Proceedings. USGS staff created the master DVD-ROM that contains a replica of the Online Proceedings for the Tenth ISAES, and provided the DVD-ROM copies that are included in the Tenth ISAES Proceedings Book published by The National Academies Press in the U.S. A team of more than 25 co-editors coordinated with the numerous authors and peer reviewers in handling the many research papers and extended abstracts that are included herein. Handling the large volume of short papers and extended abstracts, getting most of them onli

Earth System Science Education Alliance (ESSEA) IPY Modules

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Blaney, L. S.; Myers, R. J.; Schwerin, T.

2008-12-01

The Earth System Science Education Alliance (ESSEA) is a National Science Foundation-supported program implemented by the Institute for Global Environmental Strategies (IGES) to improve the quality of geoscience instruction for pre-service, middle, and high school teachers. ESSEA increases teachers' access to quality materials, standards-based instructional methods and content knowledge. With additional support from NASA, the ESSEA program is being enhanced to reflect emphasis on the International Polar Year. From 1999-2005 the ESSEA program was based on a trio of online courses (for elementary, middle, and high school teachers), the courses have been used by 40 faculty at 20 institutions educating over 1,700 teachers in Earth system science. Program evaluation of original course participants indicated that the courses had significant impact on teachers Earth system content knowledge and beliefs about teaching and learning. Seventeen of the original participating institutions have continued to use the courses and many have developed new programs that incorporate the courses in Earth science education opportunities for teachers. Today the ESSEA program lists nearly 40 colleges and universities as participants. With NASA support, the K-4 course and modules have been revised to include topics and resources focusing on the International Polar Year. Additional modules examining the changes in black carbon, ice sheets and permafrost have been added for middle and high school levels. The new modules incorporate geoscience data and analysis tools into classroom instruction. By exploring IPY related topics and data, participating teachers and their students will develop new understandings about the interactions and dependencies of the Earth spheres and our polar regions. Changes in climate, air, water, and land quality and animal and plant populations make the news everyday. The ESSEA IPY modules will help teachers inform rather than frighten their students as they learn more about the characteristics and importance of our polar regions. One goal of IPY 2007-2008 is to increase the awareness, understanding and interest of school-age children in polar conditions and research. The inclusion of polar topics in the ESSEA courses and modules contributes to the achievement of that goal.

International Youth Conference on the Poles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Church, A. K.; Kuhn, T. S.; Baeseman, J.; Garmulewicz, A.; Raymond, M.; Salmon, R.

2006-12-01

The International Polar Year (IPY) is an international effort, involving more than 50 countries, to focus research in both the sciences and social sciences on the world's Polar Regions. In order to secure youth involvement in the IPY, the Youth Steering Committee (YSC) has been formed, aiming specifically to network young polar researchers from all backgrounds enabling collaboration and to involve this group in outreach focused towards other young people. A conference targeted directly at an audience of early career researchers and international youth will be central to fulfilling these aims. The YSC has therefore developed the concept of the International Youth Conference on the Poles (IYCP). Proposed for 2008, this conference will bring together youth from a diverse set of backgrounds and nationalities to discuss the issues affecting the Polar Regions, their effects on a global scale and ways of addressing these issues. The conference will also serve to highlight ongoing IPY research, especially research being undertaken by young researchers, and provide a perennial framework for youth involvement in polar research and policies. The IYCP will run for three days in May 2008, attracting an international youth audience, as well as representatives from polar organizations, teachers, politicians, policy makers, the general public and media. The IYCP will be divided into three sections. Youth Roundtable Discussions will bring youth together to discuss issues affecting the Polar Regions and potential solutions to these. A Young Researchers Conference will provide the opportunity for young researchers working in the Polar Regions to present their work to an interdisciplinary audience. The Polar Fair will provide an interactive environment for youth to learn about the Polar Regions. The IYCP will be of great importance to the IPY because it will serve as the principle venue during the Polar Year where youth from many different disciplines, backgrounds and countries will be able to gather and interact. It will inspire many young people to become more actively involved in polar research and issues, while reinforcing for those currently undertaking these endeavours the importance of their contribution.

Prognostic significance of peripheral monocyte count in patients with extranodal natural killer/T-cell lymphoma

PubMed Central

2013-01-01

Background Extranodal natural killer/T-cell lymphoma (ENKL) has heterogeneous clinical manifestations and prognosis. This study aims to evaluate the prognostic impact of absolute monocyte count (AMC) in ENKL, and provide some immunologically relevant information for better risk stratification in patients with ENKL. Methods Retrospective data from 163 patients newly diagnosed with ENKL were analyzed. The absolute monocyte count (AMC) at diagnosis was analyzed as continuous and dichotomized variables. Independent prognostic factors of survival were determined by Cox regression analysis. Results The AMC at diagnosis were related to overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) in patients with ENKL. Multivariate analysis identified AMC as independent prognostic factors of survival, independent of International Prognostic Index (IPI) and Korean prognostic index (KPI). The prognostic index incorporating AMC and absolute lymphocyte count (ALC), another surrogate factor of immune status, could be used to stratify all 163 patients with ENKL into different prognostic groups. For patients who received chemotherapy followed by radiotherapy (102 cases), the three AMC/ALC index categories identified patients with significantly different survivals. When superimposed on IPI or KPI categories, the AMC/ALC index was better able to identify high-risk patients in the low-risk IPI or KPI category. Conclusion The baseline peripheral monocyte count is shown to be an effective prognostic indicator of survival in ENKL patients. The prognostic index related to tumor microenvironment might be helpful to identify high-risk patients with ENKL. PMID:23638998

Environmental aspects related to tuberculosis and intestinal parasites in a low-income community of the Brazilian Amazon

PubMed Central

Cardoso, Biatriz Araújo; Fonseca, Fabio de Oliveira; de Moraes, Antonio Henrique Almeida; Martins, Ana Caroline Guedes Souza; Oliveira, Nissa Vilhena da Silva; Lima, Luana Nepomuceno Gondim Costa; Dias, George Alberto da Silva; Saad, Maria Helena Féres

2017-01-01

ABSTRACT We carried out a cross-sectional study from January to December 2015 on 1,425 inhabitants from a floating population in the Brazilian Amazon (Murinin district, Pará State) to describe the population-based prevalence of tuberculosis (TB) from 2011 to 2014, recent TB contacts (rCts) latently infected with Mycobacterium tuberculosis (LTBI) , the coverage of the local health network, socio-environmental factors, and frequency of intestinal parasitic infection (IPI). We found that the sanitary structure was inadequate, with latrines being shared with other rooms within the same accommodation; well water was the main source of water, and 48% of families had low incomes. The average rate of TB was 105/100, 000 inhabitants per year; one third of TB patients had been household contacts of infected individuals in the past, and 23% of rCts were LTBI. More than half (65%) of 44% of the stools examined (representing 76% of the housing) had IPIs; the highest prevalence was of fecal-oral transmitted protozoa (40%, Giardia intestinalis ), followed by soil-transmitted helminths (23%). TB transmission may be related to insufficient disease control of rCts, frequent relocation, and underreporting. Education, adopting hygienic habits, improving sanitation, provision of a treated water supply and efficient sewage system, further comprehensive epidemiological surveillance of those who enter and leave the community and resources for basic treatment of IPIs are crucial in combating the transmission of these neglected diseases. PMID:28793025

Environmental aspects related to tuberculosis and intestinal parasites in a low-income community of the Brazilian Amazon.

PubMed

Cardoso, Biatriz Araújo; Fonseca, Fabio de Oliveira; Moraes, Antonio Henrique Almeida de; Martins, Ana Caroline Guedes Souza; Oliveira, Nissa Vilhena da Silva; Lima, Luana Nepomuceno Gondim Costa; Dias, George Alberto da Silva; Saad, Maria Helena Féres

2017-08-07

We carried out a cross-sectional study from January to December 2015 on 1,425 inhabitants from a floating population in the Brazilian Amazon (Murinin district, Pará State) to describe the population-based prevalence of tuberculosis (TB) from 2011 to 2014, recent TB contacts (rCts) latently infected with Mycobacterium tuberculosis (LTBI) , the coverage of the local health network, socio-environmental factors, and frequency of intestinal parasitic infection (IPI). We found that the sanitary structure was inadequate, with latrines being shared with other rooms within the same accommodation; well water was the main source of water, and 48% of families had low incomes. The average rate of TB was 105/100, 000 inhabitants per year; one third of TB patients had been household contacts of infected individuals in the past, and 23% of rCts were LTBI. More than half (65%) of 44% of the stools examined (representing 76% of the housing) had IPIs; the highest prevalence was of fecal-oral transmitted protozoa (40%, Giardia intestinalis ), followed by soil-transmitted helminths (23%). TB transmission may be related to insufficient disease control of rCts, frequent relocation, and underreporting. Education, adopting hygienic habits, improving sanitation, provision of a treated water supply and efficient sewage system, further comprehensive epidemiological surveillance of those who enter and leave the community and resources for basic treatment of IPIs are crucial in combating the transmission of these neglected diseases.

What's New about the Common Core State Standards?

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Riddile, Mel

2012-01-01

This article presents an interview with Susan Gendron, a policy coordinator at SMARTER Balanced Assessment Consortium. In this interview, Gendron talks about the Common Core State Standards and their implications for school leaders.

Clay Fabric of Gassy Submarine Sediments

DTIC Science & Technology

1991-01-01

28°54󈧑 ° 89°30󈧎" 38 125 11.9 39 559 81 *The Lambert coordinates of Core B- I A: X = 2,594,001; Y = 82,970. The Lambert coordinates of Core B-2... X = 2,585,823: Y = 90,832. Location fluid before critical point drying under equivalent in situ down- hole pressure, was constructed. The detailed...it appeared that Clay Fabric vs. Degassing ime with a specimen size of 7 x 7 x 20 mm the clay fabric in the central portion of a specimen will not

Breaking the Ice Between Reporters and Scientists During IPY

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bentley, M.

2007-12-01

Communicating scientific information to the general public is a challenge. If the story's not about health advice, a major breakthrough or a natural disaster, scientists may be left wondering how to capture the public's attention and convey the importance of their research. This is a particular challenge in the International Polar Year in which the relevant research has global impacts, but is more nuanced than the headline-grabbing threat of melting ice caps. For example, as ANDRILL punches through ice, it's rock the scientists are after. What can a rock core tell us about how ice comes and goes, and what kind of drill can penetrate 20 million years of strata anyway? In this talk, I will describe how scientists can help communicate to journalists - and thereby the public - the importance of polar research, and give examples of how to help make their work compelling and accessible to those outside of a particular circle of expertise. I will use my experience reporting on science and climate change for the BBC to discuss what frustrations journalists have when talking to scientists and what scientists find difficult in talking to reporters.

Effect of the bacillus of Calmette-Guérin, Propionibacter acnes and avridine as immunomodulators in antirabies vaccination of mice using the Fuenzalida-Palacios mouse brain vaccine.

PubMed

Megid, J; Peraçolli, M T; Curi, P R; Zanetti, C R; Cabrera, W H; Vassao, R; Ito, F H

1999-05-14

Using the laboratory mice, Fuenzalida-Palacios mouse brain human rabies vaccine was administered in groups of animals previously inoculated with rabies virus and then submitted to treatments with the immunomodulators onco-BCG, avridine and Propionibacterium acnes. Humoral and cellular immune responses were evaluated through the macrophage inhibition factor (MIF), intra-pad inoculation (IPI) and serum neutralization (SN) tests and by the detection of gamma-interferon (IFN-gamma). The IPI test was not effective in detecting the response of delayed-type hypersensitivity, contrary to MIF, which showed the immune cellular response. Higher levels of IFN-gamma were observed in the groups of mice vaccinated and treated with avridine and P. acnes. Although immunomodulating activities have been detected, the use of adjuvants with the Fuenzalida-Palacios type vaccine in mice did not reveal any encouraging results.

The Arctic Research Consortium of the United States (ARCUS)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wiggins, H. V.; Warnick, W. K.

2008-12-01

The Arctic Research Consortium of the United States (ARCUS) is a nonprofit membership organization composed of universities and institutions that have a substantial commitment to research in the Arctic. ARCUS was formed in 1988 to serve as a forum for planning, facilitating, coordinating, and implementing interdisciplinary studies of the Arctic; to act as a synthesizer and disseminator of scientific information on arctic research; and to educate scientists and the general public about the needs and opportunities for research in the Arctic. ARCUS, in collaboration with the broader science community, relevant agencies and organizations, and other stakeholders, coordinates science planning and educational activities across disciplinary and organizational boundaries. Examples of current ARCUS science planning activities include: serving as the project office for the multi- agency Study of Environmental Arctic Change (SEARCH) program, providing support to the related Bering Ecosystem Study (BEST), and serving as the Science Management Office for the National Science Foundation (NSF) Arctic System Science (ARCSS) Program. ARCUS" central educational activity is PolarTREC (Teachers and Researchers Exploring and Collaborating), an International Polar Year (IPY) program whereby K-12 educators and researchers work together in hands-on field experiences in the Arctic and Antarctic to advance polar science education. Additional science planning, educational, information, and outreach activities include, among many others, the Witness the Arctic newsletter, the Arctic Visiting Speakers" Series, the ArcticInfo listserve, the Internet Media Archive (IMA), and the annual Arctic Forum conference. More information about these and other ARCUS activities can be found at the ARCUS website at: http://www.arcus.org.

The Arctic Research Consortium of the United States

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Warnick, W. K.; Wiggins, H. V.

2007-12-01

The Arctic Research Consortium of the United States (ARCUS) is a nonprofit membership organization composed of universities and institutions that have a substantial commitment to research in the Arctic. ARCUS was formed in 1988 to serve as a forum for planning, facilitating, coordinating, and implementing interdisciplinary studies of the Arctic; to act as a synthesizer and disseminator of scientific information on arctic research; and to educate scientists and the general public about the needs and opportunities for research in the Arctic. ARCUS, in collaboration with the broad science community, relevant agencies and organizations, and other stakeholders, coordinates science planning and educational activities across disciplinary and organizational boundaries. Examples of current ARCUS science planning activities include: serving as the project office for the multi-agency Study of Environmental Arctic Change (SEARCH) program and providing support to the related Bering Ecosystem Study (BEST), and serving as the Science Management Office for the National Science Foundation (NSF) Arctic System Science (ARCSS) Program. ARCUS' central educational activity is PolarTREC (Teachers and Researchers Exploring and Collaborating), an International Polar Year (IPY) program whereby K-12 educators and researchers work together in hands-on field experiences in the Arctic and Antarctic to advance polar science education. Additional science planning, educational, information, and outreach activities include the Witness the Arctic newsletter, the Arctic Visiting Speakers' Series, the ArcticInfo listserve, the Internet Media Archive (IMA), the annual Arctic Forum conference, and many others. More information about these and other ARCUS activities can be found at the ARCUS website at www.arcus.org.

The Arctic Research Consortium of the United States (ARCUS)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Creek, K. R.; Fox, S. E.; Wiggins, H. V.

2010-12-01

The Arctic Research Consortium of the United States (ARCUS) is a nonprofit membership organization composed of universities and institutions that have a substantial commitment to research in the Arctic. ARCUS was formed in 1988 to serve as a forum for planning, facilitating, coordinating, and implementing interdisciplinary studies of the Arctic; to act as a synthesizer and disseminator of scientific information on arctic research; and to educate scientists and the general public about the needs and opportunities for research in the Arctic. ARCUS, in collaboration with the broader science community, relevant agencies and organizations, and other stakeholders, coordinates science planning and educational activities across disciplinary and organizational boundaries. Examples of current ARCUS science planning activities include: serving as the project office for the multi-agency Study of Environmental Arctic Change (SEARCH) program, providing support to the related Bering Ecosystem Study (BEST), and serving as the Science Management Office for the National Science Foundation (NSF) Arctic System Science (ARCSS) Program. ARCUS’ central educational activity is PolarTREC (Teachers and Researchers Exploring and Collaborating), an International Polar Year (IPY) program whereby K-12 educators and researchers work together in hands-on field experiences in the Arctic and Antarctic to advance polar science education. Additional science planning, educational, information, and outreach activities include, among many others, the Witness the Arctic newsletter, the Arctic Visiting Speakers’ Series, the ArcticInfo listserve, the Internet Media Archive (IMA), and the annual Arctic Forum conference. More information about these and other ARCUS activities can be found at the ARCUS website at: http://www.arcus.org.

Implementation of an ASP model offsite backup archive for clinical images utilizing Internet 2

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Brent J.; Chao, Sander S.; Documet, Jorge; Lee, Jasper; Lee, Michael; Topic, Ian; Williams, Lanita

2005-04-01

With the development of PACS technology and an increasing demand by medical facilities to become filmless, there is a need for a fast and efficient method of providing data backup for disaster recovery and downtime scenarios. At the Image Processing Informatics Lab (IPI), an ASP Backup Archive was developed using a fault-tolerant server with a T1 connection to serve the PACS at the St. John's Health Center (SJHC) Santa Monica, California. The ASP archive server has been in clinical operation for more than 18 months, and its performance was presented at this SPIE Conference last year. This paper extends the ASP Backup Archive to serve the PACS at the USC Healthcare Consultation Center II (HCC2) utilizing an Internet2 connection. HCC2 is a new outpatient facility that recently opened in April 2004. The Internet2 connectivity between USC's HCC2 and IPI has been established for over one year. There are two novelties of the current ASP model: 1) Use of Internet2 for daily clinical operation, and 2) Modifying the existing backup archive to handle two sites in the ASP model. This paper presents the evaluation of the ASP Backup Archive based on the following two criteria: 1) Reliability and performance of the Internet2 connection between HCC2 and IPI using DICOM image transfer in a clinical environment, and 2) Ability of the ASP Fault-Tolerant backup archive to support two separate clinical PACS sites simultaneously. The performances of using T1 and Internet2 at the two different sites are also compared.

Atmospheric Mercury Transport and Chemistry in Western Canada and the Arctic: Results from the IPY Project INCATPA

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cole, A. S.; Steffen, A.; Hung, H.

2010-12-01

Elevated levels of mercury and other pollutants are an ongoing threat to the health of Arctic people and wildlife, despite the vast distance that separates the region from major anthropogenic sources of these contaminants. The International Polar Year (IPY) project INterContinental Atmospheric Transport of anthropogenic Pollutants to the Arctic (INCATPA) is investigating the transport of pollutants, specifically persistent organic pollutants and mercury, from source regions to the remote Arctic. Transport from Asia is of particular interest since Asian sources comprise a significant and increasing fraction of global mercury emissions. The INCATPA project is also studying how climate change may affect atmospheric chemistry and transport of these pollutants in the Arctic. Mercury studies under INCATPA have involved concurrent measurements of ambient mercury during the period 2007-2009 at new and ongoing sites in Arctic and Pan-Pacific regions. These data include a first look at ambient mercury levels in areas of western Canada where mercury had not previously been monitored. At some sites, mercury measurements were analyzed along with supplementary data to assess contributions from local and long-distance sources. Long-term Arctic monitoring data were also used to address how climate change may already be affecting mercury chemistry and deposition in this region. As IPY and the INCATPA project wind down, their legacy is a continuation of mercury monitoring at these sites and new international scientific relationships to support growing international cooperation on the delivery of sound science for the development of public policy on mercury.

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia: A prognostic model comprising only two biomarkers (IGHV mutational status and FISH cytogenetics) separates patients with different outcome and simplifies the CLL-IPI.

PubMed

Delgado, Julio; Doubek, Michael; Baumann, Tycho; Kotaskova, Jana; Molica, Stefano; Mozas, Pablo; Rivas-Delgado, Alfredo; Morabito, Fortunato; Pospisilova, Sarka; Montserrat, Emili

2017-04-01

Rai and Binet staging systems are important to predict the outcome of patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) but do not reflect the biologic diversity of the disease nor predict response to therapy, which ultimately shape patients' outcome. We devised a biomarkers-only CLL prognostic system based on the two most important prognostic parameters in CLL (i.e., IGHV mutational status and fluorescence in situ hybridization [FISH] cytogenetics), separating three different risk groups: (1) low-risk (mutated IGHV + no adverse FISH cytogenetics [del(17p), del(11q)]); (2) intermediate-risk (either unmutated IGHV or adverse FISH cytogenetics) and (3) high-risk (unmutated IGHV + adverse FISH cytogenetics). In 524 unselected subjects with CLL, the 10-year overall survival was 82% (95% CI 76%-88%), 52% (45%-62%), and 27% (17%-42%) for the low-, intermediate-, and high-risk groups, respectively. Patients with low-risk comprised around 50% of the series and had a life expectancy comparable to the general population. The prognostic model was fully validated in two independent cohorts, including 417 patients representative of general CLL population and 337 patients with Binet stage A CLL. The model had a similar discriminatory value as the CLL-IPI. Moreover, it applied to all patients with CLL independently of age, and separated patients with different risk within Rai or Binet clinical stages. The biomarkers-only CLL prognostic system presented here simplifies the CLL-IPI and could be useful in daily practice and to stratify patients in clinical trials. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

The influence of pore structure parameters on the digital core recovery degree

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xia, Huifen; Zhao, Ling; Sun, Yanyu; Yuan, Shi

2017-05-01

Constructing digital core in the research of water flooding or polymer flooding oil displacement efficiency has its unique advantage. Using mercury injection experiment measured pore throat size distribution frequency, coordination number measured by CT scanning method and imbibition displacement method is used to measure the wettability of the data, on the basis of considering pore throat ratio, wettability, using the principle of adaptive porosity, on the basis of fitting the permeability to complete the construction of digital core. The results show that the model of throat distribution is concentrated water flooding recovery degree is higher, and distribution is more decentralized model polymer flooding recovery degree is higher. Around the same number of PV in poly, coordination number model of water flooding and polymer flooding recovery degree is higher.

Relational coordination promotes quality of chronic care delivery in Dutch disease-management programs.

PubMed

Cramm, Jane Murray; Nieboer, Anna Petra

2012-01-01

Previous studies have shown that relational coordination is positively associated with the delivery of hospital care, acute care, emergency care, trauma care, and nursing home care. The effect of relational coordination in primary care settings, such as disease-management programs, remains unknown. This study examined relational coordination between general practitioners and other professionals in disease-management programs and assessed the impact of relational coordination on the delivery of chronic illness care. Professionals (n = 188; response rate = 57%) in 19 disease-management programs located throughout the Netherlands completed surveys that assessed relational coordination and chronic care delivery. We used a cross-sectional study design. Our study demonstrated that the delivery of chronic illness care was positively related to relational coordination. We found positive relationships with community linkages (r = .210, p < .01), self-management support (r = .217, p < .01), decision support (r = .190, p < .01), delivery system design (r = .278, p < .001), and clinical information systems (r = .193, p < .01). Organization of the health delivery system was not significantly related to relational coordination. The regression analyses showed that even after controlling for all background variables, relational coordination still significantly affected chronic care delivery (β = .212, p ≤ .01). As expected, our findings showed a lower degree of relational coordination among general practitioners than between general practitioners and other core disease-management team members: practice nurses (M = 2.69 vs. 3.73; p < .001), dieticians (M = 2.69 vs. 3.07; p < .01), physical therapists (M = 2.69 vs. 3.06; p < .01), medical specialists (M = 2.69 vs. 3.16; p < .01), and nurse practitioners (M = 2.69 vs. 3.19; p < .001). The enhancement of relational coordination among core disease-management professionals with different disciplines is expected to improve chronic illness care delivery.

Control of the Speed of a Light-Induced Spin Transition through Mesoscale Core-Shell Architecture.

PubMed

Felts, Ashley C; Slimani, Ahmed; Cain, John M; Andrus, Matthew J; Ahir, Akhil R; Abboud, Khalil A; Meisel, Mark W; Boukheddaden, Kamel; Talham, Daniel R

2018-05-02

The rate of the light-induced spin transition in a coordination polymer network solid dramatically increases when included as the core in mesoscale core-shell particles. A series of photomagnetic coordination polymer core-shell heterostructures, based on the light-switchable Rb a Co b [Fe(CN) 6 ] c · mH 2 O (RbCoFe-PBA) as core with the isostructural K j Ni k [Cr(CN) 6 ] l · nH 2 O (KNiCr-PBA) as shell, are studied using temperature-dependent powder X-ray diffraction and SQUID magnetometry. The core RbCoFe-PBA exhibits a charge transfer-induced spin transition (CTIST), which can be thermally and optically induced. When coupled to the shell, the rate of the optically induced transition from low spin to high spin increases. Isothermal relaxation from the optically induced high spin state of the core back to the low spin state and activation energies associated with the transition between these states were measured. The presence of a shell decreases the activation energy, which is associated with the elastic properties of the core. Numerical simulations using an electro-elastic model for the spin transition in core-shell particles supports the findings, demonstrating how coupling of the core to the shell changes the elastic properties of the system. The ability to tune the rate of optically induced magnetic and structural phase transitions through control of mesoscale architecture presents a new approach to the development of photoswitchable materials with tailored properties.

Calibrating the Iowa pore index with mercury intrusion porosimetry and petrography.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2017-10-31

The Iowa Pore Index (IPI) test is a fast, non-destructive, inexpensive, and environmentally friendly test used by several Midwestern state departments of transportation to determine the volume ratio of macropores to micropores in a coarse rock aggreg...

Block coordination copolymers

DOEpatents

Koh, Kyoung Moo; Wong-Foy, Antek G; Matzger, Adam J; Benin, Annabelle I; Willis, Richard R

2014-11-11

The present invention provides compositions of crystalline coordination copolymers wherein multiple organic molecules are assembled to produce porous framework materials with layered or core-shell structures. These materials are synthesized by sequential growth techniques such as the seed growth technique. In addition, the invention provides a simple procedure for controlling functionality.

Block coordination copolymers

DOEpatents

Koh, Kyoung Moo; Wong-Foy, Antek G.; Matzger, Adam J.; Benin, Annabelle I.; Willis, Richard R.

2012-12-04

The present invention provides compositions of crystalline coordination copolymers wherein multiple organic molecules are assembled to produce porous framework materials with layered or core-shell structures. These materials are synthesized by sequential growth techniques such as the seed growth technique. In addition, the invention provides a simple procedure for controlling functionality.

Block coordination copolymers

DOEpatents

Koh, Kyoung Moo; Wong-Foy, Antek G; Matzger, Adam J; Benin, Annabelle I; Willis, Richard R

2012-11-13

The present invention provides compositions of crystalline coordination copolymers wherein multiple organic molecules are assembled to produce porous framework materials with layered or core-shell structures. These materials are synthesized by sequential growth techniques such as the seed growth technique. In addition, the invention provides a simple procedure for controlling functionality.

CORDEX Coordinated Output for Regional Evaluation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gutowski, William; Giorgi, Filippo; Lake, Irene

2017-04-01

The Science Advisory Team for the Coordinated Regional Downscaling Experiment (CORDEX) has developed a baseline framework of specified regions, resolutions and simulation periods intended to provide a foundation for ongoing regional CORDEX activities: the CORDEX Coordinated Output for Regional Evaluation, or CORDEX-CORE. CORDEX-CORE was conceived in part to be responsive to IPCC needs for coordinated simulations that could provide regional climate downscaling (RCD) that yields fine-scale climate information beyond that resolved by GCMs. For each CORDEX region, a matrix of GCM-RCD experiments is designed based on the need to cover as much as possible different dimensions of the uncertainty space (e.g., different emissions and land-use scenarios, GCMs, RCD models and techniques). An appropriate set of driving GCMs can allow a program of simulations that efficiently addresses key scientific issues within CORDEX, while facilitating comparison and transfer of results and lessons learned across different regions. The CORDEX-CORE program seeks to provide, as much as possible, homogeneity across domains, so it is envisioned that a standard set of regional climate models (RCMs) and empirical statistical downscaling (ESD) methods will downscale a standard set of GCMs over all or at least most CORDEX domains for a minimum set of scenarios (high and low end). The focus is on historical climate simulations for the 20th century and projections for 21st century, implying that data would be needed minimally for the period 1950-2100 (but ideally 1900-2100). This foundational ensemble can be regionally enriched with further contributions (additional GCM-RCD pairs) by individual groups over their selected domains of interest. The RCM model resolution for these core experiments will be in the range of 10-20 km, a resolution that has been shown to provide substantial added value for a variety of climate variables and that represents a significant forward step compared in the CORDEX program. This presentation presents the vision and structure of CORDEX-CORE while also soliciting discussion on plans for implementing the program.

POLAR-PALOOZA Polar Researchers and Arctic Residents Engage, Inform and Inspire Diverse Public Audiences by sharing Polar Science and Global Connections during the International Polar Year, using a New Model of Informal Science Education

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Haines-Stiles, G.; Akuginow, E.

2006-12-01

(Please note that the POLAR-PALOOZA initiative described in this Abstract is-as of 9/7/2006-"pending" for possible support from NSF and NASA as part of this year's IPY solicitation. Subject to decisions expected by 9/30, this presentation would either be withdrawn, or amplified with specific participants, locations and dates.) Despite the success of well-regarded movies like "March of the Penguins", the polar regions remain a great unknown for most people. Public knowledge about the Arctic and Antarctic, and the critical role of the Poles in the entire Earth system, is nonexistent, incomplete or burdened with misperceptions. The International Polar Years of 2007-2009-and associated "I*Y" science years such as IHY, IYPE and eGY-present a unique opportunity to change this. The people who can best effect this change are those who know the Poles best, through living or working there. Based on innovative but proven models, POLAR-PALOOZA will use three complementary strategies to engage, inform and inspire large public audiences. (1) A national tour, under the working title "Stories from a Changing Planet", will include in-person presentations at science centers, museums, libraries and schools across North America, including Canada and Mexico. The presentations will be augmented by High Definition Video taped on location at the Poles, audio and video podcasts, and special education and outreach activities for targeted audiences. "Stories from a Changing Planet" will provide diverse audiences with an exciting opportunity to meet and interact directly with polar experts, and to appreciate why the Poles and the research done there are directly relevant to their lives. (2) The "HiDef Video Science Story Capture Corps" is a team of professional videographers, using the latest generation of low-cost, high-quality cameras, deployed to both Poles. They will document the work of multiple researchers and projects, rather than focusing on one topic for a single broadcast program. The resulting HD footage will be cataloged, archived and made available as public domain material, accessible to government research agencies for media releases, to the researchers and their home universities, and to science centers and museums. (3) POLAR- PALOOZA will edit short video and audio podcasts from this archive, and distribute them non-exclusively through an open network of websites, including iTunes, YouTube, Google, Yahoo, and the official IPY, US-IPY, NSF and NASA websites. Project design targets underserved groups and regions, and has developed a detailed strategy by which to reach out to under-served minorities and mid-sized and smaller communities over the entire two years of IPY. A balanced cadre of researchers, both male and female, young and old, ethnically-diverse and representing the many disciplines engaged in polar research, has already been identified, and over twenty five scientists, engineers, artists and journalists have committed to participating. The project's Advisors include members of the National Academy's Polar Research Board, and the two U.S. representatives to the international IPY Education and Outreach Committee.

Core to College Evaluation: Exploring the Use of Multiple Measures for Placement into College-Level Courses. Seeking Alternatives or Improvements to the Use of a Single Standardized Test

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bracco, Kathy Reeves; Dadgar, Mina; Austin, Kim; Klarin, Becca; Broek, Marie; Finkelstein, Neal; Mundry, Susan; Bugler, Dan

2014-01-01

"Core to College: Preparing Students for College Readiness and Success" is a three-year initiative. The initiative's mission is to "facilitate greater coordination between K-12 and postsecondary education systems around implementation of the Common Core State Standards (CCSS) and aligned assessments." Its aim is to foster…

Kinematic performance of fine motor control in attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: the effects of comorbid developmental coordination disorder and core symptoms.

PubMed

Lee, I-Ching; Chen, Yung-Jung; Tsai, Chin-Liang

2013-02-01

The aims of this study were: (i) to determine whether differences exist in the fine motor fluency and flexibility of three groups (children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder [ADHD], children in whom ADHD is comorbid with developmental coordination disorder [DCD] [denoted as ADHD+DCD], and a typically developing control group); and (ii) to clarify whether the degree of severity of core symptoms affects performance. The Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test-Revised, the Beery-Buktenica Development Test of Visual-Motor Integration and the Movement Assessment Battery for Children were used as prescreening tests. The Integrated Visual and Auditory+Plus test was utilized to assess subjects' attention. The redesigned fine motor tracking and pursuit tasks were administered to evaluate subjects' fine motor performance. No significant difference was found when comparing the performance of the Children with ADHD and the typically developing group. Significant differences existed between children in whom ADHD is comorbid with DCD and typically developing children. Children with ADHD demonstrated proper fine motor fluency and flexibility, and deficient performance occurred when ADHD was comorbid with developmental coordination disorder. Children with ADHD had more difficulty implementing closed-loop movements that required higher levels of cognitive processing than those of their typically developing peers. Also, deficits in fine motor control were more pronounced when ADHD was combined with movement coordination problems. The severity of core symptoms had a greater effect on children with ADHD's fine motor flexibility than did fluency performance. In children with pure ADHD, unsmooth movement performance was highly related to the severity of core symptoms. © 2012 The Authors. Pediatrics International © 2012 Japan Pediatric Society.

Development and preliminary evaluation of an integrated treatment targeting parenting and depressive symptoms in mothers of children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder.

PubMed

Chronis-Tuscano, Andrea; Clarke, Tana L; O'Brien, Kelly A; Raggi, Veronica L; Diaz, Yamalis; Mintz, Abigail D; Rooney, Mary E; Knight, Laura A; Seymour, Karen E; Thomas, Sharon R; Seeley, John; Kosty, Derek; Lewinsohn, Peter

2013-10-01

More than 50% of mothers of children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) have a lifetime history of major depressive disorder (MDD). Maternal depressive symptoms are associated with impaired parenting and predict adverse developmental and treatment outcomes for children with ADHD. For these reasons, we developed and examined the preliminary efficacy of an integrated treatment targeting parenting and depressive symptoms for mothers of children with ADHD. This integrated intervention incorporated elements of 2 evidence-based treatments: behavioral parent training (BPT) and cognitive behavioral depression treatment. Ninety-eight mothers with at least mild depressive symptoms were randomized to receive either standard BPT (n = 51) or the integrated parenting intervention for ADHD (IPI-A; n = 47). Participants were assessed at baseline, posttreatment, and 3- to 6-month follow-up on measures of (a) self-reported maternal depressive symptoms, (b) observed positive and negative parenting, and (c) observed and mother-reported child disruptive behavior and mother-reported child and family impairment. The IPI-A produced effects of small to moderate magnitude relative to BPT on maternal depressive symptoms, observed negative parenting, observed child deviance, and child impairment at posttreatment and on maternal depressive symptoms, child disruptive behavior, child impairment and family functioning at follow-up. Contrary to expectations, the BPT group demonstrated moderate to large effects relative to IPI-A on observed positive parenting at follow-up. This treatment development study provides encouraging preliminary support for the integrated intervention targeting parenting and depressive symptoms in mothers of children with ADHD. Future studies should examine whether this integrated intervention improves long-term developmental outcomes for children with ADHD. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2013 APA, all rights reserved).

The Permafrost Young Researchers Network (PYRN): Contribution to IPY's "Thermal State of Permafrost"

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Johansson, M.; Lantuit, H.; Frauenfeld, O. W.

2007-12-01

The Permafrost Young Researchers Network (PYRN, www.pyrn.org) is a unique resource for students, young scientists, and engineers studying permafrost. It is an international organization fostering innovative collaboration, seeking to recruit, retain, and promote future generations of permafrost scientists and engineers. Initiated for and during IPY, PYRN directs the multi-disciplinary talents of its membership toward global awareness, knowledge, and response to permafrost-related challenges in a changing climate. Created as an education and outreach component of the International Permafrost Association (IPA), PYRN is a central database of permafrost information and science for more than 350 young researchers from 33 countries. PYRN distributes a newsletter, recognizes outstanding permafrost research by its members through an annual awards program, organizes training workshops (2007 in Abisko, Sweden and St. Petersburg, Russia), and contributes to the growth and future of the permafrost community. While networking forms the basis of PYRN's activities, the organization also seeks to establish itself as a driver of permafrost research for the IPY and beyond. We recently launched a series of initiatives on several continents aimed at providing young scientists and engineers with the means to conduct ground temperature monitoring in under-investigated permafrost regions. Focusing on sites not currently covered by the IPA's "Thermal State of Permafrost" project, the young investigators of PYRN will provide and use lightweight drills and temperature sensors to instrument shallow boreholes in those regions. The data and results will be incorporated in the global database on permafrost temperatures and made freely available to the scientific community, thereby contributing to the advance of permafrost science and the strengthening of the next generation of permafrost researchers.

Secondary central nervous system relapse in diffuse large B cell lymphoma in a resource limited country: result from the Thailand nationwide multi-institutional registry.

PubMed

Wudhikarn, Kitsada; Bunworasate, Udomsak; Julamanee, Jakrawadee; Lekhakula, Arnuparp; Chuncharunee, Suporn; Niparuck, Pimjai; Ekwattanakit, Supachai; Khuhapinant, Archrob; Norasetthada, Lalita; Nawarawong, Weerasak; Makruasi, Nisa; Kanitsap, Nonglak; Sirijerachai, Chittima; Chansung, Kanchana; Wong, Peerapon; Numbenjapon, Tontanai; Prayongratana, Kannadit; Suwanban, Tawatchai; Wongkhantee, Somchai; Praditsuktavorn, Pannee; Intragumtornchai, Tanin

2017-01-01

Secondary central nervous system (CNS) relapse is a serious and fatal complication of diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL). Data on secondary CNS (SCNS) relapse were mostly obtained from western countries with limited data from developing countries. We analyzed the data of 2034 newly diagnosed DLBCL patients enrolled into the multi-center registry under Thai Lymphoma Study Group from setting. The incidence, September 2006 to December 2013 to represent outcome from a resource limited pattern, management, and outcome of SCNS relapse were described. The 2-year cumulative incidence (CI) of SCNS relapse was 2.7 %. A total of 729, 1024, and 281 patients were classified as low-, intermediate-, and high-risk CNS international prognostic index (CNS-IPI) with corresponding 2-year CI of SCNS relapse of 1.5, 3.1, and 4.6 %, respectively (p < 0.001). Univariate analysis demonstrated advance stage disease, poor performance status, elevated lactate dehydrogenase, presence of B symptoms, more than one extranodal organ involvement, high IPI, and high CNS-IPI group as predictive factors for SCNS relapse. Rituximab exposure and intrathecal chemoprophylaxis offered no protective effect against SCNS relapse. At the time of analysis, six patients were alive. Median OS in SCNS relapsed patients was significantly shorter than relapsed patients without CNS involvement (13.2 vs 22.6 months) (p < 0.001). Primary causes of death were progressive disease (n = 35, 63.6 %) and infection (n = 9, 16.7 %). In conclusion, although the incidence of SCNS relapse in our cohort was low, the prognosis was dismal. Prophylaxis for SCNS involvement was underused even in high-risk patients. Novel approaches for SCNS relapse prophylaxis and managements are warranted.

Increased body mass index is associated with improved overall survival in extranodal natural killer/T-cell lymphoma, nasal type.

PubMed

Li, Ya-Jun; Yi, Ping-Yong; Li, Ji-Wei; Liu, Xian-Ling; Liu, Xi-Yu; Zhou, Fang; OuYang, Zhou; Sun, Zhong-Yi; Huang, Li-Jun; He, Jun-Qiao; Yao, Yuan; Fan, Zhou; Tang, Tian; Jiang, Wen-Qi

2017-01-17

The role of body mass index (BMI) in lymphoma survival outcomes is controversial. The prognostic significance of BMI in extranodal natural killer (NK)/T-cell lymphoma (ENKTL) is unclear. We evaluated the prognostic role of BMI in patients with ENKTL. We retrospectively analyzed 742 patients with newly diagnosed ENKTL. The prognostic value of BMI was compared between patients with low BMIs (< 20.0 kg/m2) and patients with high BMIs (≥ 20.0 kg/m2). The prognostic value of the International Prognostic Index (IPI) and the Korean Prognostic Index (KPI) was also evaluated and compared with that of the BMI classification. Patients with low BMIs tended to exhibit higher Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status (ECOG PS) scores (≥ 2) (P = 0.001), more frequent B symptoms (P < 0.001), lower albumin levels (P < 0.001), higher KPI scores (P = 0.03), and lower rates of complete remission (P < 0.001) than patients with high BMIs, as well as inferior progression-free survival (PFS, P = 0.003), and inferior overall survival (OS, P = 0.001). Multivariate analysis demonstrated that age > 60 years, mass > 5 cm, stage III/IV, elevated LDH levels, albumin levels < 35 g/L and low BMIs were independent adverse predictors of OS. The BMI classification was found to be superior to the IPI with respect to predicting patient outcomes among low-risk patients and the KPI with respect to distinguishing between intermediate-low- and high-intermediate-risk patients. Higher BMI at the time of diagnosis is associated with improved overall survival in ENKTL. Using the BMI classification may improve the IPI and KPI prognostic models.

Increased body mass index is associated with improved overall survival in extranodal natural killer/T-cell lymphoma, nasal type

PubMed Central

Li, Ya-Jun; Yi, Ping-Yong; Li, Ji-Wei; Liu, Xian-Ling; Liu, Xi-Yu; Zhou, Fang; OuYang, Zhou; Sun, Zhong-Yi; Huang, Li-Jun; He, Jun-Qiao; Yao, Yuan; Fan, Zhou; Tang, Tian; Jiang, Wen-Qi

2017-01-01

Objectives: The role of body mass index (BMI) in lymphoma survival outcomes is controversial. The prognostic significance of BMI in extranodal natural killer (NK)/T-cell lymphoma (ENKTL) is unclear. We evaluated the prognostic role of BMI in patients with ENKTL. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 742 patients with newly diagnosed ENKTL. The prognostic value of BMI was compared between patients with low BMIs (< 20.0 kg/m2) and patients with high BMIs (≥ 20.0 kg/m2). The prognostic value of the International Prognostic Index (IPI) and the Korean Prognostic Index (KPI) was also evaluated and compared with that of the BMI classification. Results: Patients with low BMIs tended to exhibit higher Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status (ECOG PS) scores (≥ 2) (P = 0.001), more frequent B symptoms (P < 0.001), lower albumin levels (P < 0.001), higher KPI scores (P = 0.03), and lower rates of complete remission (P < 0.001) than patients with high BMIs, as well as inferior progression-free survival (PFS, P = 0.003), and inferior overall survival (OS, P = 0.001). Multivariate analysis demonstrated that age > 60 years, mass > 5 cm, stage III/IV, elevated LDH levels, albumin levels < 35 g/L and low BMIs were independent adverse predictors of OS. The BMI classification was found to be superior to the IPI with respect to predicting patient outcomes among low-risk patients and the KPI with respect to distinguishing between intermediate-low- and high-intermediate-risk patients. Conclusions: Higher BMI at the time of diagnosis is associated with improved overall survival in ENKTL. Using the BMI classification may improve the IPI and KPI prognostic models. PMID:28002803

Prognostic role of ABO blood type in patients with extranodal natural killer/T cell lymphoma, nasal type: a triple-center study.

PubMed

Li, Ya-Jun; Yi, Ping-Yong; Li, Ji-Wei; Liu, Xian-Ling; Tang, Tian; Zhang, Pei-Ying; Jiang, Wen-Qi

2017-07-31

The prognostic significance of ABO blood type for lymphoma is largely unknown. We evaluated the prognostic role of ABO blood type in patients with extranodal natural killer (NK)/T-cell lymphoma (ENKTL). We retrospectively analyzed clinical data of 697 patients with newly diagnosed ENKTL from three cancer centers. The prognostic value of ABO blood type was evaluated using Kaplan-Meier curves and Cox proportional hazard models. The prognostic values of the International Prognostic Index (IPI) and the Korean Prognostic Index (KPI) were also evaluated. Compared with patients with blood type O, those with blood type non-O tended to display elevated baseline serum C-reactive protein levels (P = 0.038), lower rate of complete remission (P = 0.005), shorter progression-free survival (PFS, P < 0.001), and shorter overall survival (OS, P = 0.001). Patients with blood type O/AB had longer PFS (P < 0.001) and OS (P = 0.001) compared with those with blood type A/B. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that age >60 years (P < 0.001), mass ≥5 cm (P = 0.001), stage III/IV (P < 0.001), elevated serum lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels (P = 0.001), and blood type non-O were independent adverse predictors of OS (P = 0.001). ABO blood type was found to be superior to both the IPI in discriminating patients with different outcomes in the IPI low-risk group and the KPI in distinguishing between the intermediate-to-low- and high-to-intermediate-risk groups. ABO blood type was an independent predictor of clinical outcome for patients with ENKTL.

Localized primary gastrointestinal diffuse large B cell lymphoma received a surgical approach: an analysis of prognostic factors and comparison of staging systems in 101 patients from a single institution.

PubMed

Zhang, Shengting; Wang, Li; Yu, Dong; Shen, Yang; Cheng, Shu; Zhang, Li; Qian, Ying; Shen, Zhixiang; Li, Qinyu; Zhao, Weili

2015-08-15

Diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL) represents the most common histological subtype of primary gastrointestinal lymphoma and is a heterogeneous group of disease. Prognostic characterization of individual patients is an essential prerequisite for a proper risk-based therapeutic choice. Clinical and pathological prognostic factors were identified, and predictive value of four previously described prognostic systems were assessed in 101 primary gastrointestinal DLBCL (PG-DLBCL) patients with localized disease, including Ann Arbor staging with Musshoff modification, International Prognostic Index (IPI), Lugano classification, and Paris staging system. Univariate factors correlated with inferior survival time were clinical parameters [age>60 years old, multiple extranodal/gastrointestinal involvement, elevated serum lactate dehydrogenase and β2-microglobulin, and decreased serum albumin], as well as pathological parameters (invasion depth beyond serosa, involvement of regional lymph node or adjacent tissue, Ki-67 index, and Bcl-2 expression). Major independent variables of adverse outcome indicated by multivariate analysis were multiple gastrointestinal involvement. In patients unfit for Rituximab but received surgery, radical surgery significantly prolonged the survival time, comparing with alleviative surgery. Addition of Rituximab could overcome the negative prognostic effect of alleviative surgery. Among the four prognostic systems, IPI and Lugano classification clearly separated patients into different risk groups. IPI was able to further stratify the early-stage patients of Lugano classification into groups with distinct prognosis. Radical surgery might be proposed for the patients unfit for Rituximab treatment, and a combination of clinical and pathological staging systems was more helpful to predict the disease outcome of PG-DLBCL patients.

Electron Microscopic Evaluation and Fission Product Identification of Irradiated TRISO Coated Particles from the AGR-1 Experiment: A Preliminary Review

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

IJ van Rooyen; DE Janney; BD Miller

2014-05-01

Post-irradiation examination of coated particle fuel from the AGR-1 experiment is in progress at Idaho National Laboratory and Oak Ridge National Laboratory. In this paper a brief summary of results from characterization of microstructures in the coating layers of selected irradiated fuel particles with burnup of 11.3% and 19.3% FIMA will be given. The main objectives of the characterization were to study irradiation effects, fuel kernel porosity, layer debonding, layer degradation or corrosion, fission-product precipitation, grain sizes, and transport of fission products from the kernels across the TRISO layers. Characterization techniques such as scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, energymore » dispersive spectroscopy, and wavelength dispersive spectroscopy were used. A new approach to microscopic quantification of fission-product precipitates is also briefly demonstrated. Microstructural characterization focused on fission-product precipitates in the SiC-IPyC interface, the SiC layer and the fuel-buffer interlayer. The results provide significant new insights into mechanisms of fission-product transport. Although Pd-rich precipitates were identified at the SiC-IPyC interlayer, no significant SiC-layer thinning was observed for the particles investigated. Characterization of these precipitates highlighted the difficulty of measuring low concentrations of Ag in precipitates with significantly higher concentrations of Pd and U. Different approaches to resolving this problem are discussed. An initial hypothesis is provided to explain fission-product precipitate compositions and locations. No SiC phase transformations were observed and no debonding of the SiC-IPyC interlayer as a result of irradiation was observed for the samples investigated. Lessons learned from the post-irradiation examination are described and future actions are recommended.« less

Socioenvironmental conditions and intestinal parasitic infections in Brazilian urban slums: a cross-sectional study

PubMed Central

Ignacio, Caroline Ferraz; da Silva, Milena Enderson Chagas; Handam, Natasha Berendonk; Alencar, Maria de Fatima Leal; Sotero-Martins, Adriana; Barata, Martha Macedo de Lima; de Moraes, Antonio Henrique Almeida

2017-01-01

ABSTRACT Intestinal parasitic infections (IPIs) are neglected diseases with limited data regarding prevalence in Brazil and many other countries. In increasingly urban societies, investigating the profile and socioenvironmental determinants of IPIs in the general population of slum dwellers is necessary for establishing appropriate public policies catered to these environments. This study assessed the socioenvironmental conditions and prevalence of IPIs in slums of Rio de Janeiro, RJ State, Brazil. Methods A cross-sectional study covering an agglomeration of urban slums was conducted between 2015 and 2016 using participants observation, a socioeconomic survey, and the spontaneous sedimentation method with three slides per sample to analyze fresh stool specimens ( n =595) searching for intestinal parasites. Results Endolimax nana ( n =95, 16.0%) and Entamoeba coli ( n =65, 10.9%) were the most frequently identified agents, followed by Giardia intestinalis ( n =24, 4.0%) and Ascaris lumbricoides ( n =11, 1.8%). Coinfections caused by E. nana and E. histolytica/dispar and by Entamoeba coli/A. lumbricoides were significant. The use of piped water as drinking water, the presence of A. lumbricoides , and contamination with coliform bacteria and Escherichia coli were more common in major area (MA) 1. Children (0-19 years) had a greater chance of living in poverty (OR 3.36; 95% CI: 2.50- 4.52; p <0.001) which was pervasive. The predominance of protozoa parasites suggests that a one-size-fits-all approach focusing on preventive chemotherapy for soil-transmitted helminths is not appropriate for all communities in developing countries. It is important that both residents and health professionals consider the socioenvironmental conditions of urban slums when assessing intestinal parasitic infections for disease control and health promotion initiatives. PMID:28793024

CHOP or THP-COP regimens in the treatment of newly diagnosed peripheral T-cell lymphoma, not otherwise specified: a comparison of doxorubicin and pirarubicin.

PubMed

Shibata, Yuhei; Hara, Takeshi; Kasahara, Senji; Yamada, Toshiki; Sawada, Michio; Mabuchi, Ryoko; Matsumoto, Takuro; Nakamura, Nobuhiko; Nakamura, Hiroshi; Ninomiya, Soranobu; Kitagawa, Junichi; Kanemura, Nobuhiro; Kito, Yusuke; Goto, Naoe; Miyazaki, Tatsuhiko; Takami, Tsuyoshi; Takeuchi, Tamotsu; Shimizu, Masahito; Tsurumi, Hisashi

2017-06-01

The CHOP regimen consisting of cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin (DOX), vincristine and prednisolone has been the most used regimen for peripheral T-cell lymphoma, not otherwise specified (PTCL-NOS). Pirarubicin [tetrahydropyranyladriamycin (THP)], a derivative of DOX, is an anthracycline with reportedly less cardiotoxicity than DOX. Here, we confirmed the efficacy of THP-COP using THP instead of DOX in the treatment of PTCL-NOS. The study protocol employed a retrospective, consecutive entry design. We retrospectively analysed 56 patients with PTCL-NOS who had received THP-COP or CHOP. These regimens were performed every 21 days. Twenty-nine patients received THP-COP, and 27 received CHOP. There were no significant differences in known prognostic factors, including in the International Prognostic Index (IPI) and the prognostic index for T-cell lymphoma (PIT), between the two groups. Complete remission rates in patients with THP-COP and CHOP were 52% in both groups; the 3-year overall survival (OS) rates were 67% and 52% (p = 0.074), and the 3-year progression-free survival (PFS) rates were 51% and 29% (p = 0.070), respectively. In patients with low IPI (low or low-intermediate), THP-COP had significantly better 3-year OS (100% vs. 64%; p < 0.001) and 3-year PFS (75% vs. 33%; p < 0.05) than CHOP. Similar differences between THP-COP and CHOP were observed in patients with a low PIT (groups 1 or 2). Our study showed that THP-COP produced results equivalent to CHOP regarding efficacy and safety in patients with PTCL-NOS. In patients with low IPI or PIT, THP-COP resulted in significantly better prognosis. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

PolarTREC-Teachers and Researchers Exploring and Collaborating: Science Education from the Poles to the World

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Warnick, W. K.; Breen, K.; Warburton, J.; Fischer, K.; Wiggins, H.; Owens, R.; Polly, B.; Wade, B.; Buxbaum, T.

2007-12-01

PolarTREC-Teachers and Researchers Exploring and Collaborating is a three-year (2007-2009) teacher professional development program celebrating the International Polar Year (IPY) that advances polar science education by bringing K-12 educators and polar researchers together in hands-on field experiences in the Arctic and Antarctic. Currently in its second year, the program fosters the integration of research and education to produce a legacy of long-term teacher-researcher collaborations, improved teacher content knowledge through experiences in scientific inquiry, and broad public interest and engagement in polar science. Through PolarTREC, over 40 U.S. teachers will spend two to six weeks in the Arctic or Antarctic, working closely with researchers in the field as an integral part of the science team. Research projects focus on a wide range of IPY science themed topics such as sea-ice dynamics, terrestrial ecology, marine biology, atmospheric chemistry, and long-term climate change. While in the field, teachers and researchers will communicate extensively with their colleagues, communities, and hundreds of students of all ages across the globe, using a variety of tools including satellite phones, online journals, podcasts and interactive "Live from IPY" calls and web-based seminars. The online outreach elements of the project convey these experiences to a broad audience far beyond the classrooms of the PolarTREC teachers. In addition to field research experiences, PolarTREC will support teacher professional development and a sustained community of teachers, scientists, and the public through workshops, Internet seminars, an e-mail listserve, and teacher peer groups. To learn more about PolarTREC visit the website at: http://www.polartrec.com or contact info@polartrec.com or 907-474-1600. PolarTREC is funded by NSF and managed by the Arctic Research Consortium of the US (ARCUS).

Mathematical modeling and spectrum analysis of the physiological patello-femoral pulse train produced by slow knee movement.

PubMed

Zhang, Y T; Frank, C B; Rangayyan, R M; Bell, G D

1992-09-01

Analysis of vibration signals emitted by the knee joint has the potential for the development of a noninvasive procedure for the diagnosis and monitoring of knee pathology. In order to obtain as much information as possible from the power density spectrum of the knee vibration signal, it is necessary to identify the physiological factors (or physiologically relevant parameters) that shape the spectrum. This paper presents a mathematical model for knee vibration signals, in particular the physiological patello-femoral pulse (PFP) train produced by slow knee movement. It demonstrates through the mathematical model that the repetition rate of the physiological PFP train introduces repeated peaks in the power spectrum, and that it affects the spectrum mainly at low frequencies. The theoretical results also show that the spectral peaks at multiples of the PFP repetition rate become more evident when the variance of the interpulse interval (IPI) is small, and that these spectral peaks shift toward higher frequencies with increasing PFP repetition rates. To evaluate the mathematical model, a simulation algorithm was developed, which generates PFP signals with adjustable repetition rate and IPI variance. Signals generated by simulation were seen to possess representative spectral characteristics typically observed in physiological PFP signals. This simulation procedure allows an interactive examination of several factors which affect the PFP train spectrum. Finally, in vivo measurements of physiological PFP signals of normal volunteers are presented. Results of simulations and analysis of signals recorded from human subjects support the mathematical model's prediction that the IPI statistics play a very significant role in determining the low-end power spectrum of the physiological PFP signal.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Low T3 syndrome as a predictor of poor prognosis in chronic lymphocytic leukemia.

PubMed

Gao, Rui; Chen, Rui-Ze; Xia, Yi; Liang, Jin-Hua; Wang, Li; Zhu, Hua-Yuan; Zhu Wu, Jia-; Fan, Lei; Li, Jian-Yong; Yang, Tao; Xu, Wei

2018-02-19

Low triiodothyronine (T3) state is associated with poor prognosis in critical acute and prolonged illness. However, the information on thyroid dysfunction and cancer is limited. The aim of our study was to evaluate the prognostic value of low T3 syndrome in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). Two hundred and fifty-eight patients with detailed thyroid hormone profile at CLL diagnosis were enrolled. Low T3 syndrome was defined by low free T3 (FT3) level accompanied by normal-to-low free tetraiodothyronine (FT4) and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels. A propensity score-matched method was performed to balance the baseline characteristics. Multivariate Cox regression analyses screened the independent prognostic factors related to time-to-first-treatment (TTFT) and cancer-specific survival (CSS). Area under the curve (AUC) assessed the predictive accuracy of CLL-International Prognostic Index (IPI) together with low T3 syndrome. The results showed that 37 (14.34%) patients had low T3 syndrome, which was significantly associated with unfavorable TTFT and CSS in the propensity-matched cohort, and it was an independent prognostic indicator for both TTFT and CSS. Serum FT3 level was positively related to protein metabolism and anemia, and inversely related to inflammatory state. Patients with only low FT3 demonstrated better survival than those with synchronously low FT3 and FT4, while those with synchronously low FT3, FT4 and TSH had the worst clinical outcome. Low T3 syndrome together with CLL-IPI had larger AUCs compared with CLL-IPI alone in TTFT and CSS prediction. In conclusion, low T3 syndrome may be a good candidate for predicting prognosis in future clinical practice of CLL. © 2018 UICC.

Tunable emission in lanthanide coordination polymer gels based on a rationally designed blue emissive gelator.

PubMed

Sutar, Papri; Suresh, Venkata M; Maji, Tapas Kumar

2015-06-18

Rational design and synthesis of a new low molecular weight gelator (LMWG) having 9,10-diphenylanthracene core and terminal terpyridine is reported. Tb(III) and Eu(III) ion coordination to a LMWG results in green and pink emissive coordination polymer gels, respectively, with coiled nanofiber morphology. Further, control over stoichiometry of LMWG:Tb(III):Eu(III) leads to yellow and white light emitting bimetallic gels.

Using prognostic models in CLL to personalize approach to clinical care: Are we there yet?

PubMed

Mina, Alain; Sandoval Sus, Jose; Sleiman, Elsa; Pinilla-Ibarz, Javier; Awan, Farrukh T; Kharfan-Dabaja, Mohamed A

2018-03-01

Four decades ago, two staging systems were developed to help stratify CLL into different prognostic categories. These systems, the Rai and the Binet staging, depended entirely on abnormal exam findings and evidence of anemia and thrombocytopenia. Better understanding of biologic, genetic, and molecular characteristics of CLL have contributed to better appreciating its clinical heterogeneity. New prognostic models, the GCLLSG prognostic index and the CLL-IPI, emerged. They incorporate biologic and genetic information related to CLL and are capable of predicting survival outcomes and cases anticipated to need therapy earlier in the disease course. Accordingly, these newer models are helping develop better informed surveillance strategies and ultimately tailor treatment intensity according to presence (or lack thereof) of certain prognostic markers. This represents a step towards personalizing care of CLL patients. We anticipate that as more prognostic factors continue to be identified, the GCLLSG prognostic index and CLL-IPI models will undergo further revisions. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

[Integrative parent-infant psychotherapy for early regulatory and relationship disorders].

PubMed

Papousek, Mechthild; de Chuquisengo, Ruth Wollwerth

2006-01-01

The author introduces both the concept and practice of Integrative Parent-Infant Psychotherapy (IPI-P), a treatment specifically designed for the most frequent developmental problems and psychological needs of infants and their parents. Based on growing knowledge from interdisciplinary infancy research, both basic and clinical, IPI-P has been developed and practised in the "Munich Interdisciplinary Research and Intervention Program" for early regulatory and relationship disorders since the early nineties. Preverbal parent-infant communication represents both the port of entry into the system and the main focus of diagnostics, developmental counselling, interaction guidance, or psychodynamic psychotherapy of distorted communication and distressed/disordered relationships. The method of videomicroanalysis during video-feedback with the parent has proven particularly efficient--while observing, reliving and working through brief episodes of recorded parent-infant interaction. The author illustrates the diagnostic and therapeutic procedures with excerpts from psychotherapy of a toddler with an age-specific regulatory disorder in the context of severely distressed primary relationships.

Ice Stories: An Educational Collaboration between the Exploratorium and IPY Scientists.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mary, M. K.

2007-12-01

The Exploratorium, a renowned interactive science museum in San Francisco, has launched a major NSF-funded public education project to highlight research in the Arctic and Antarctic during the International Polar Year. "Ice Stories" will partner museum media and web producers with polar scientists working in the field to bring their research to the Internet and museum audiences via live Webcasts, video clips, blogs, podcasts, and other media platforms. To prepare scientists for their role as field correspondents, the Exploratoirum will train a cohort of 20- 30 young investigators in media collection, production and narrative story telling during an intensive one-week workshop in San Francisco. The museum will curate the polar field reports, and other IPY news and education events, into a continuously updated Web portal on the Exploratorium's award-winning Website and highlight the ongoing research in museum programming, floor demonstrations, and exhibits. These unique collaborations between formal and informal science can serve as a model for other partnerships during major scientific endeavors beyond the International Polar Year.

Assessing Adolescents’ Attachment Hierarchies: Differences Across Developmental Periods and Associations With Individual Adaptation

PubMed Central

Rosenthal, Natalie L.; Kobak, Roger

2012-01-01

Adolescents’ attachment hierarchies were assessed in a sample of 212 high school and 198 college students. The Important People Interview (IPI) differentiated attachment bonds from other supportive or affiliative relationships and indicated that adolescents show a hierarchical ordering of preferences for multiple attachment figures. Differences in the composition and structure of adolescents’ attachment hierarchies were found between the early high school (9th and 10th grades), later high school (11th and 12th grades), and college samples. In the college sample, romantic partners were placed in higher positions in adolescents’ hierarchies, fathers were placed in lower positions, and the structure of adolescents’ hierarchies were less differentiated than in the high school samples. Individual differences in the composition of adolescents’ hierarchies were associated with adjustment outcomes. Friends’ placement in higher positions and fathers’ exclusion from or placement in quaternary positions was associated with increased behavior problems. Findings demonstrate that the IPI provides a measure of adolescents’ attachment hierarchies that is sensitive to developmental stage and individual differences. PMID:22545000

Primary gastric mucosa associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma: Clinical data predicted treatment outcome

PubMed Central

Todorovic, Milena; Balint, Bela; Jevtic, Miodrag; Suvajdzic, Nada; Ceric, Amela; Stamatovic, Dragana; Markovic, Olivera; Perunicic, Maja; Marjanovic, Slobodan; Krstic, Miodrag

2008-01-01

AIM: To determine clinical characteristics and treatment outcome of gastric lymphoma after chemotherapy and immuno-chemotherapy. METHODS: Thirty four patients with primary gastric mucosa associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma (Ann Arbor stages I to IV) were enrolled. All had upper gastric endoscopy, abdominal ultrasonography, CT and H pylori status assessment (histology and serology). After anti-H pylori treatment and initial chemotherapy, patients were re-examined every 4 mo. RESULTS: Histological regression of the lymphoma was complete in 22/34 (64.7%) and partial in 9 (26.5%) patients. Median follow up time for these 31 responders was 60 mo (range 48-120). No regression was noted in 3 patients. Among the 25 (73.5%) H pylori positive patients, the eradication rate was 100%. CONCLUSION: Using univariate analysis, predictive factors for overall survival were international prognostic index (IPI) score, hemoglobin level, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), and platelet numbers (P < 0.005). In addition to this, Cox proportion hazard model differentiate IPI score, ESR, and platelets as predictors of survival. PMID:18416467

Core-Shell Coating Silicon Anode Interfaces with Coordination Complex for Stable Lithium-Ion Batteries.

PubMed

Zhou, Jinqiu; Qian, Tao; Wang, Mengfan; Xu, Na; Zhang, Qi; Li, Qun; Yan, Chenglin

2016-03-02

In situ core-shell coating was used to improve the electrochemical performance of Si-based anodes with polypyrrole-Fe coordination complex. The vast functional groups in the organometallic coordination complex easily formed hydrogen bonds when in situ modifying commercial Si nanoparticles. The incorporation of polypyrrole-Fe resulted in the conformal conductive coating surrounding each Si nanoparticle, not only providing good electrical connection to the particles but also promoting the formation of a stable solid-electrolyte-interface layer on the Si electrode surface, enhancing the cycling properties. As an anode material for Li-ion batteries, modified silicon powders exhibited high reversible capacity (3567 mAh/g at 0.3 A/g), good rate property (549.12 mAh/g at 12 A/g), and excellent cycling performance (reversible capacity of 1500 mAh/g after 800 cycles at 1.2 A/g). The constructed novel concept of core-shell coating Si particles presented a promising route for facile and large-scale production of Si-based anodes for extremely durable Li-ion batteries, which provided a wide range of applications in the field of energy storage of the renewable energy derived from the solar energy, hydropower, tidal energy, and geothermal heat.

X-Ray absorption spectroscopy quantitative analysis of biomimetic copper(II) complexes with tridentate nitrogen ligands mimicking the tris(imidazole) array of protein centres.

PubMed

Borghi, Elena; Casella, Luigi

2010-02-21

In this study copper(ii) complexes with the tridentate nitrogen ligand bis[2-(1-methylbenzimidazol-2-yl)ethyl]amine (2-BB) are considered as model compounds for the Cu-tris(imidazole) array found in several copper proteins. 2-BB chelates copper(ii) forming two six-membered rings and the complexes contain methanol, nitrite, azide and water as ancillary ligands; both the coordination numbers and stereochemistries differ in these complexes. Their key structural features were investigated by using full multiple-scattering theoretical analysis of the copper K-edge X-ray absorption spectrum with the MXAN code. We showed that using cluster sizes large enough to include all atoms of the ligand, the analysis of the XANES region can give both a structural model of the metal centre and map the structure of the 2-BB complexes. Complex [Cu(2-BB)(N(3))](+) provided a critical test through the comparison of the XANES simulation results with crystallographic data, thus permitting the extension of the method to the complex [Cu(2-BB)(H(2)O)(n)](+) (n = 1 or 2), for which crystallographic data are not available but is expected to bear a five-coordinated Cu(3N)(2O) core (n = 2). The structural data of [Cu(2-BB)(MeOH)(ClO(4))](+) and [Cu(2-BB)(NO(2))](+), both with a Cu(3N)(2O) core but with a different stereochemistry, were used as the starting parameters for two independent simulations of the XANES region of the [Cu(2-BB)(H(2)O)(2)](+) cation. The two structural models generated by simulation converge towards a structure for the aqua-cation with a lower coordination number. New calculations, where four-coordinated Cu(3N)(O) cores were considered as the starting structures, validated that the structure of the aqua-complex in the powder state has a copper(ii) centre with a four-coordinated Cu(3N)(O) core and a molecular formula [Cu(2-BB)(H(2)O)](ClO(4)).(H(2)O). A water solvation molecule, presumed to be disordered from the simulations with the two Cu(3N)(2O) cores, is present. The successful treatment of this Cu-2-BB complex system allows the extension of the method to other biomimetic compounds when a structural characterization is lacking.

The Structure and Infrastructure of the Finnish Research Literature

DTIC Science & Technology

2006-02-06

business context, and reflected the collective learning and coordination skills underlying a firm’s product lines. According to the original proposers...core competencies are the source of competitive advantage and enable the firm to introduce an array of new products and services. They lead to the...development of core products , which are then used to develop a larger number of end user products . Since the original core competence article, many

Common Core Thrusts School Librarians into Leadership Roles

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Gewertz, Catherine

2012-01-01

Librarians say they view the common core, with its emphasis on explanation, complex text, and cross-disciplinary synthesis, as an unprecedented opportunity for them to really strut their stuff. Adopted by all but four states, the standards have prompted coordinating discussions among the library-association divisions that represent librarians in…

Teaching Purposes, Learning Goals, and Multimedia Production in Teacher Education

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Baird, John; Love, Kristina

2003-01-01

The authors of this article coordinate and teach different core subjects within a course of preservice teacher education in the Faculty of Education, University of Melbourne, Australia. Both subjects are obligatory, and are taught to the same cohort of students. The first author coordinates the subject Learning and Teaching; the second author…

Disability care coordination organizations: improving health and function in people with disabilities.

PubMed

Palsbo, Susan E; Mastal, Margaret F; O'Donnell, Lolita T

2006-01-01

Disability care coordination organizations (DCCOs) combine attributes of the medical home model and community nursing. Teams of nurses and social workers collaborate with the client to arrange disability-competent medical and social services. This article synthesizes observational findings from site visits to approximately half of the DCCOs operating in 2004. DCCOs have 6 core clinical activities: comprehensive assessment; self-directed, person-centered planning; health visit support; centralized medical-social record; community resource engagement; and constant communication. We also identified 3 core business competencies: service coordination, patient education/behavioral modification, and continuous enhancement of disability competency. Each DCCO started as a new company rather than as a product line of an existing business, and each included the target population in the design stage. Most DCCOs contract with state Medicaid agencies under a prepaid capitation arrangement, and some also enroll Medicare beneficiaries. Capitated DCCOs retain cost savings and may be financially stronger than fee-for-service DCCOs. Although studies suggest that DCCOs improve coordination and clinical outcomes while reducing costs, the current evidence has not been peer reviewed.

Co-infection of HIV and intestinal parasites in rural area of China

PubMed Central

2012-01-01

Background Intestinal parasite infections (IPIs) are among the most significant causes of illness and disease of socially and economically disadvantaged populations in developing countries, including rural areas of the People's Republic of China. With the spread of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) among rural Chinese populations, there is ample scope for co-infections and there have been increasing fears about their effects. However, hardly any relevant epidemiological studies have been carried out in the country. The aim of the present survey was to assess the IPI infection status among a representative sample of HIV-positive Chinese in rural Anhui province, and compare the findings with those from a cohort of non-infected individuals. Methods A case control study was carried out in a rural village of Fuyang, Anhui province, China. Stool samples of all participants were examined for the presence of intestinal parasites. Blood examination was performed for the HIV infection detection and anemia test. A questionnaire was administered to all study participants. Results A total of 302 HIV positive and 303 HIV negative individuals provided one stool sample for examination. The overall IPI prevalence of intestinal helminth infections among HIV positives was 4.3% (13/302) while it was 5.6% (17/303) among HIV negatives, a non-significant difference. The prevalence of protozoa infections among HIV positives was 23.2% while the rate was 25.8% among HIV negatives. The species-specific prevalences among HIV positives were as follows: 3.6% for hookworm, 0.7% for Trichuris trichiura, zero for Ascaris lumbricoides, 0.3% for Clonorchis sinensis, 1.3% for Giardia intestinalis, 16.2% for Blastocystis hominis, 1.7% for Entamoeba spp. and 8.3% for Cryptosporidium spp.. Cryptosporidium spp. infections were significantly more prevalent among HIV positives (8.3%) compared to the HIV negative group (3.0%; P < 0.05). Among people infected with HIV, Cryptosporidium spp. was significantly more prevalent among males (12.6%) than females (4.4%; P < 0.05). According to multivariate logistic regression, the factors significantly associated with parasite infections of the people who were HIV positive included sex (male: OR = 6.70, 95% CI: 2.030, 22.114), younger age (less than 42 years old: OR = 4.148, 95% CI: 1.348, 12.761), and poor personal hygiene habits (OR = 0.324, 95% CI: 0.105, 0.994). Conclusions HIV positive individuals are more susceptible to co-infections with Cryptosporidium spp. than HIV negative people, particularly younger males with poor personal hygiene habits, indicating a need for targeted hygiene promotion, IPI surveillance and treatment. PMID:22330320

IPY to Mark Expansion of Research Facilities on the North Slope of Alaska

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zak, B. D.; Eicken, H.; Sheehan, G. W.; Glenn, R.

2004-12-01

The Barrow Global Climate Change Research Facility will open to researchers on the North Slope of Alaska during the 2007-08 anniversary of the first IPY. Between 1949 and 1980, arctic researchers were very active on the North Slope and in nearby waters largely because of the Naval Arctic Research Laboratory (NARL) at Barrow. NARL provided easy access, laboratories and logistical support. NARL was closed in 1981, but particularly during this past decade, Barrow-based arctic research projects have been back on the upswing. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Climate Monitoring and Diagnostics Laboratory (CMDL) Barrow station was founded during the 1970s, and continues as part of NOAA's five station global network for monitoring atmospheric composition. The North Slope Borough's Department of Wildlife Management (DWM) has for the past 20 years conducted its own research. The DWM also served as logistical provider for growing numbers of arctic researchers without other logistical support. In the late 1990s, the Department of Energy Atmospheric Radiation Measurement program (ARM: DOE's principal climate change research effort) created a Cloud and Radiation Testbed on the North Slope with atmospheric instrumentation at Barrow and Atqasuk. It is now part of the ARM Climate Research Facility, a National User Facility. In response to growing researcher needs, the Barrow Arctic Science Consortium (BASC) was formed in the late 1990s as a non-profit logistical support and community coordinating organization, and received the endorsement of Ukpeagvik Inupiat Corporation (UIC), NSB and the local community college. BASC provides logistical support to National Science Foundation (NSF) researchers through a cooperative agreement, and to others on a fee for service basis. UIC also dedicated 11 square miles of its land as the Barrow Environmental Observatory (BEO), and charged BASC with management of the BEO. This land that has been used for research for more than 50 years, and now is available to the larger research community through BASC. It has been protected from development by the NSB Assembly as a Scientific Research District. Since 1981, the remains of the old NARL infrastructure sustained the scientific enterprise on the North Slope. But now, as a result of the rapid ongoing changes in the Arctic, these old inadequate facilities are about to be replaced. The new Barrow facility, although smaller than the old NARL, will serve the needs of modern researchers with first class laboratories, information technology and lodging. It is being designed by the arctic research community itself through a series of workshops held over this past year, and through ongoing feedback (http://scifac.arcticscience.org). Research on the North Slope capitalizes on the history of collaboration between the Native Inupiat Eskimo people and scientists going back to the first IPY. Local native people have served in many support capacities for scientists in the past, and currently serve as managers and technicians for projects like ARM. It is this history of collaboration with scientists that inspired the creation of BASC, of the BEO, and that made the new facility possible. This paper reviews the status of planning for the new Barrow facility. Feedback can be provided through the web site and through the authors, who serve BASC respectively as chairs of advisory committees, Executive Director and President.

Verification of a Non-Hydrostatic Dynamical Core Using Horizontally Spectral Element Vertically Finite Difference Method: 2D Aspects

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-04-01

hydrostatic pressure vertical coordinate, which are the same as those used in the Weather Research and Forecasting ( WRF ) model, but a hybrid sigma...hydrostatic pressure vertical coordinate, which are the 33 same as those used in the Weather Research and Forecasting ( WRF ) model, but a hybrid 34 sigma...Weather Research and Forecasting 79 ( WRF ) Model. The Euler equations are in flux form based on the hydrostatic pressure vertical 80 coordinate. In

The Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative Informatics Core: A Decade in Review

PubMed Central

Toga, Arthur W.; Crawford, Karen L.

2015-01-01

The Informatics Core of the Alzheimer’s Diseases Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI) has coordinated data integration and dissemination for a continually growing and complex dataset in which both data contributors and recipients span institutions, scientific disciplines and geographic boundaries. This article provides an update on the accomplishments and future plans. PMID:26194316

Videoteleconferencing for administration of a multisite obstetrics and gynecology core clerkship.

PubMed

Browne, M W; Hines, J F; Satin, A J; Haffner, W H

2000-03-01

Recent changes and trends in health care delivery have required medical schools to use multiple sites to obtain adequate patient exposure for their students. Decentralization of clinical undergraduate medical education may lead to a lack of continuity in curricula, evaluation, and feedback. We describe the use of interactive videoteleconferencing as a tool to link and improve a multi-site undergraduate core clerkship in obstetrics and gynecology. The Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, Maryland, currently utilizes five geographically separate sites for its 6-week core clerkship in obstetrics and gynecology. The site coordinators, clerkship director, and administrative personnel from the parent institution meet approximately 3 weeks after the completion of each core clerkship for live, real-time, and interactive broadcast to complete student evaluations, review curricula, and discuss problems with current students and other pertinent educational issues. Videoteleconferencing provides a mechanism to ensure consistency in curriculum and student evaluations and provides administrative support to distant sites. Furthermore, it enables site coordinators to keep the clerkship director abreast of students and clerkship issues.

Evolution of Incubation Models: Evidence from the Italian Incubation Industry

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Grandi, Alessandro; Grimaldi, Rosa

2004-01-01

This paper addresses the role of incubators in supporting new venture creation. A mapping of four different types of incubator is proposed: corporate private incubators (CPIs), independent private incubators (IPIs), business innovation centres (BICs) and university business incubators (UBIs). This mapping is exemplified through case studies of one…

77 FR 66863 - Notice of Submission of Proposed Information Collection to OMB Electronic Stakeholder Survey...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-11-07

... Philanthropic Innovation AGENCY: Office of the Chief Information Officer, HUD. ACTION: Notice. SUMMARY: The proposed information collection requirement described below has been submitted to the Office of Management... presented by HUD's Office for International and Philanthropic Innovation (IPI). The Office for International...

A Comparison of Piagetian Conservation Concepts with Reading Achievement.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Caballero, Jane Alexis

This study involved a comparison of first and second grade students' performance on the Piagetian Task Administration Instrument (PTAI), the Metropolitan Readiness Test (MRT), and the Stanford Achievement Test (SAT) with actual reading achievement measured by placement on the Indiviudally Paced Instruction (IPI) Tracking Card in Reading, which was…

Correlates of Achievement in an IPI School.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Rookey, T. Jerome

An attempt was made to determine what factors relate to achievement in language arts, mathematics, and certain attitudes in an individualized programmed instruction school. A total of 87 fifth grade pupils were tested both in the Fall and Spring using the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania's Pennsylvania Questionnaire and the Stanford Achievement Test.…

77 FR 52051 - Proposed Information Collection for Public Comment: Electronic Stakeholder Survey-Office for...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-08-28

... and resources by working across public, private, and civil sectors to further HUD's mission. IPI works... alignment of cross-sector resources and ideas. Members of affected public: Individuals. Estimation of the... Collection for Public Comment: Electronic Stakeholder Survey--Office for International and Philanthropic...

Assessing Adolescents' Attachment Hierarchies: Differences across Developmental Periods and Associations with Individual Adaptation

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Rosenthal, Natalie L.; Kobak, Roger

2010-01-01

Adolescents' attachment hierarchies were assessed in a sample of 212 high school and 198 college students. The Important People Interview (IPI) differentiated attachment bonds from other supportive or affiliative relationships and indicated that adolescents show a hierarchical ordering of preferences for multiple attachment figures. Differences in…

An Investigation of the Efficiency of Various Observational Procedures.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kissel, Mary Ann; Yeager, John L.

Several sampling procedures for collecting observational data on student activities were studied in an effort to determine their relative efficiency. The setting was a fifth grade Individually Prescribed Instruction (IPI) mathematics class of thirty-three pupils. A criterion measure was obtained by cumulating the measurements obtained on the…

Experimental constraints on Earth's core formation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bouhifd, Mohamed Ali

2017-04-01

The Earth contains a Fe-rich metallic core that segregated from the primitive silicate mantle very early in its 4.5 billion year history. One major consequence of this segregation is the depletion of the Earth's mantle from the siderophile elements "high core affinity" relative to primitive solar system abundances. The way in which siderophile elements partition between metal and silicate depends strongly on pressure (P), temperature (T), oxygen fugacity (fO2) and chemical compositions of both metal and silicate phases. In the present presentation, I will discuss the experimental results of metal-silicate partitioning of Ni and Co that show a marked change with increasing pressure (e.g. Bouhifd and Jephcoat, 2011; Siebert et al., 2012; Fischer et al., 2015 for the most recent studies). This behavior coincides with a change in the coordination of silicon (in a basaltic melt composition) from 4-fold coordination under ambient conditions to 6-fold coordination at about 35 GPa, indicating that melt compressibility may controls siderophile-element partitioning (Sanloup et al., 2013). I will also discuss the impact of Earth's core formation on "lithophile" elements such as Sm, Nd, Ta and Nb (e.g. Bouhifd et al. 2015; Cartier et al., 2014), as well as the impact of sulphur on the behavior of various elements during core formation (e.g. Boujibar et al., 2014; Wohlers and Wood, 2015). By combining the metal-silicate partitioning data from siderophile, lithophile and chalcophile elements I will present and discuss the most plausible conditions for Earth's core formation. References Bouhifd and Jephcoat (2011) EPSL, 307, 341-348. Bouhifd et al. (2015) EPSL 413, 158-166. Boujibar et al. (2014) EPSL 391, 42-54. Cartier et al. (2014) Nature Geoscience, 7, 573-576. Fischer et al. (2015) GCA 167, 177-194. Sanloup et al. (2013) Nature, 503, 104-107. Siebert et al. (2012) EPSL 321-322, 189-197. Wohlers and Wood (2015) Nature 520, 337-340.

Illuminating light-dependent color shifts in core and veneer layers of dental all-ceramics.

PubMed

Lee, Yong-Keun; Cha, Hyun-Suk; Yu, Bin

2014-09-01

The color of an object is perceived differently depending on the ambient light conditions. Since dental all-ceramic restorations are fabricated by building up several layers to reproduce the tooth shade, the optical properties of each layer should be optimized for successful shade reproduction. This study aimed to determine the separate contributions of the color shifts in each of the core and veneer layers of all-ceramics by switching the illuminating lights on the color shifts of layered ceramics. Specimens of seven kinds of core ceramics and the corresponding veneer ceramics for each core were fabricated with a layered thickness of 1.5 mm. A sintering ceramic was used as a reference core material. The Commission Internationale de l’Eclairage (CIE) color coordinates of core, veneer, and layered specimens were measured with a spectroradiometer under the CIE illuminant D65 (daylight), A (incandescent lamp), and F9 (fluorescent lamp) simulating lights. Color shifts of the layered specimens were primarily determined by the CIE a shifts (D65 to A switch) or by the CIE b shifts (D65 to F9 switch) of the veneer layer. The color coordinates shifts in the constituent layers differentially influenced those of the layered specimens by the kind of switched lights. Therefore, the optical properties of the constituent layers of all-ceramics should be controlled to reflect these findings.

Illuminating light-dependent color shifts in core and veneer layers of dental all-ceramics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lee, Yong-Keun; Cha, Hyun-Suk; Yu, Bin

2014-09-01

The color of an object is perceived differently depending on the ambient light conditions. Since dental all-ceramic restorations are fabricated by building up several layers to reproduce the tooth shade, the optical properties of each layer should be optimized for successful shade reproduction. This study aimed to determine the separate contributions of the color shifts in each of the core and veneer layers of all-ceramics by switching the illuminating lights on the color shifts of layered ceramics. Specimens of seven kinds of core ceramics and the corresponding veneer ceramics for each core were fabricated with a layered thickness of 1.5 mm. A sintering ceramic was used as a reference core material. The Commission Internationale de l'Eclairage (CIE) color coordinates of core, veneer, and layered specimens were measured with a spectroradiometer under the CIE illuminant D65 (daylight), A (incandescent lamp), and F9 (fluorescent lamp) simulating lights. Color shifts of the layered specimens were primarily determined by the CIE a* shifts (D65 to A switch) or by the CIE b* shifts (D65 to F9 switch) of the veneer layer. The color coordinates shifts in the constituent layers differentially influenced those of the layered specimens by the kind of switched lights. Therefore, the optical properties of the constituent layers of all-ceramics should be controlled to reflect these findings.

Facilitating Teamwork in Adolescent and Young Adult Oncology

PubMed Central

Macpherson, Catherine Fiona; Smith, Ashley W.; Block, Rebecca G.; Keyton, Joann

2016-01-01

A case of a young adult patient in the days immediately after a cancer diagnosis illustrates the critical importance of three interrelated core coordinating mechanisms—closed-loop communication, shared mental models, and mutual trust—of teamwork in an adolescent and young adult multidisciplinary oncology team. The case illustrates both the opportunities to increase team member coordination and the problems that can occur when coordination breaks down. A model for teamwork is presented, which highlights the relationships among these coordinating mechanisms and demonstrates how balance among them works to optimize team function and patient care. Implications for clinical practice and research suggested by the case are presented. PMID:27624944

Outreach, Diversity, and Education Supported by NSF Facilities LacCore and the Continental Scientific Drilling Coordination Office (CSDCO), University of Minnesota

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Myrbo, A.

2015-12-01

Climatic and environmental change are a powerful hook to engage students and the public with geoscience. Recent lake sediments often feature visual and compositional evidence of anthropogenic changes, which can pique curiosity and serve as a gateway for interest in more remote past changes. Cores provide an integrative, place-based geoscience education/outreach platform: lake dynamics incorporate principles of chemistry, physics, and biology; lake basin formation and sedimentary signals trace back to numerous geoscience subdisciplines. Lakes reflect local changes, and so are inherently place-based and relevant to both rural and urban populations. The esthetics of lakes in the landscape and sediments under the microscope spark the artistic sensibilities of those who do not consider themselves scientists: lakes are readymade for STEAM education. LacCore has exploited the magic of lake sediment cores in its 15 years as an NSF Facility, and now expands to additional environments as the NSF Continental Scientific Drilling Coordination Office. Part of scaling up is the formalization of major support for the Broader Impacts (BI) activities of Facility users. LacCore/CSDCO now musters its collaborative experiences in site REUs and other undergrad research projects, in-depth training of students, teachers, and faculty, a long list of informal education experiences, and common-good software development, to provide assistance to researchers seeking meaningful broader impacts and educators seeking extra- or co-curricular field and laboratory research experiences for their students. Outreach, diversity, and education support includes dissemination of best practices, as well as coordination, administration, and basic capacity for such activities in collaboration with project PIs and students, through no-cost support, or collaborative proposals or supplements from NSF where necessary for project scale. Community-driven research and broadening participation are central to the vision. In the same way that LacCore/CSDCO nurtures drilling and coring project concepts through to fruition, it can foster the BI activities critical to project success in 21st century geoscience, where the challenges are profound, the answers are depressing, and real impacts may occur on the scale of only a few individuals.

Using Video Games to Teach Game Design: A Gaming Collection for Libraries

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Mastel, Kristen; Huston, Dave

2009-01-01

Game-design programs are relatively new in the world of academia, as the author of this article discovered when she worked as Brown College's librarian and learning resource center coordinator. With that newness comes the challenge of determining a "core" collection of materials to support the discipline. This kind of core collection is…

South Dakota Statewide Core Curriculum, Career Ladder and Challenge System: Volumes I and II. Final Report.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

1975

The two volume final report of the South Dakota Statewide Core Curriculum, Career Ladder, and Challenge System Project, coordinating associated health and nursing education on a statewide basis to achieve a more systematic production and utilization of health manpower, is presented. Volume 1 includes five chapters: (1) and (2) outlining funding…

The Likelihood of Use of Social Power Strategies by School Psychologists when Consulting with Teachers

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Wilson, Kristen E.; Erchul, William P.; Raven, Bertram H.

2008-01-01

The Interpersonal Power Inventory (IPI) has been applied previously to investigate school psychologists engaged in problem-solving consultation with teachers concerning students having various learning and adjustment problems. Relevant prior findings include (a) consultants and teachers both perceive soft power strategies as more effective than…

An Introduction to Fortran Programming: An IPI Approach.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Fisher, D. D.; And Others

This text is designed to give individually paced instruction in Fortran Programing. The text contains fifteen units. Unit titles include: Flowcharts, Input and Output, Loops, and Debugging. Also included is an extensive set of appendices. These were designed to contain a great deal of practical information necessary to the course. These appendices…

CHEMOSENSORY ATTRACTION OF ZOOSPORES OF THE ESTUARINE DINOFLAGELLATES, PFIESTERIA PISCICIDA AND P. SHUMWAYAE, TO FINFISH MUCUS AND EXCRETA. (R825551)

EPA Science Inventory

Toxic strains of the estuarine dinoflagellates, Pfiesteria piscicida and P. shumwayae, can cause fish death and disease, whereas other estuarine `lookalike' species such as cryptoperidiniopsoids have not been ichthyotoxic under ecologically rel...

Anti-PD-L1 efficacy can be enhanced by inhibition of myeloid derived suppressor cells with a selective inhibitor of PI3Kδ/γ

PubMed Central

Davis, Ruth J.; Moore, Ellen C.; Clavijo, Paul E.; Friedman, Jay; Cash, Harrison; Chen, Zhong; Silvin, Chris; Van Waes, Carter; Allen, Clint

2017-01-01

Checkpoint inhibitors are relatively inefficacious in head and neck cancers, despite an abundance of genetic alterations and a T cell-inflamed phenotype. One significant barrier to efficacy may be the recruitment of myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSC) into the tumor microenvironment. Here we demonstrate functional inhibition of MDSC with IPI-145, an inhibitor of PI3Kδ and PI3Kγ isoforms which enhances responses to PD-L1 blockade. Combination therapy induced CD8+ T lymphocyte-dependent primary tumor growth delay and prolonged survival only in T cell-inflamed tumor models of head and neck cancers. However, higher doses of IPI-145 reversed the observed enhancement of anti-PD-L1 efficacy due to off-target suppression of the activity f tumor-infiltrating T lymphocytes. Together, our results offer a preclinical proof of concept for the low dose use of isoform-specific PI3Kδ/γ inhibitors to suppress MDSC to enhance responses to immune checkpoint blockade. PMID:28364000

Gyrokinetic particle simulation of a field reversed configuration

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

Fulton, D. P., E-mail: dfulton@uci.edu; Lau, C. K.; Holod, I.

2016-01-15

Gyrokinetic particle simulation of the field-reversed configuration (FRC) has been developed using the gyrokinetic toroidal code (GTC). The magnetohydrodynamic equilibrium is mapped from cylindrical coordinates to Boozer coordinates for the FRC core and scrape-off layer (SOL), respectively. A field-aligned mesh is constructed for solving self-consistent electric fields using a semi-spectral solver in a partial torus FRC geometry. This new simulation capability has been successfully verified and driftwave instability in the FRC has been studied using the gyrokinetic simulation for the first time. Initial GTC simulations find that in the FRC core, the ion-scale driftwave is stabilized by the large ionmore » gyroradius. In the SOL, the driftwave is unstable on both ion and electron scales.« less

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration(NOAA) Arctic Climate Change Studies: A Contribution to IPY

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Calder, J.; Overland, J.; Uttal, T.; Richter-Menge, J.; Rigor, I.; Crane, K.

2004-12-01

NOAA has initiated four activities that respond to the Arctic Climate Impact Assessment(ACIA) recommendations and represent contributions toward the IPY: 1) Arctic cloud, radiation and aerosol observatories, 2) documentation and attribution of changes in sea-ice thickness through direct measurement and modeling, 3) deriving added value from existing multivariate and historical data, and 4) following physical and biological changes in the northern Bering and Chukchi Seas. Northeast Canada, the central Arctic coast of Russia and the continuing site at Barrow have been chosen as desirable radiation/cloud locations as they exhibit different responses to Arctic Oscillation variability. NOAA is closely collaborating with Canadian groups to establish an observatory at Eureka. NOAA has begun deployment of a network of ice-tethered ice mass balance buoys complemented by several ice profiling sonars. In combination with other sea ice investigators, the Arctic buoy program, and satellites, changes can be monitored more effectively in sea ice throughout the Arctic. Retrospective data analyses includes analysis of Arctic clouds and radiation from surface and satellite measurements, correction of systematic errors in TOVS radiance data sets for the Arctic which began in 1979, addressing the feasibility of an Arctic System Reanalysis, and an Arctic Change Detection project that incorporates historical and recent physical and biological observations and news items at a website, www.arctic.noaa.gov. NOAA has begun a long-term effort to detect change in ecosystem indicators in the northern Bering and Chukchi Seas that could provide a model for other northern marine ecosystems. The first efforts were undertaken in summer 2004 during a joint Russian-US cruise that mapped the regions physical, chemical and biological parameters to set the stage for future operations over the longer term. A line of biophysical moorings provide detection of the expected warming of this area. A retrospective analysis is also underway. NOAA is open to partnerships as the IPY develops.

DynPeak: An Algorithm for Pulse Detection and Frequency Analysis in Hormonal Time Series

PubMed Central

Vidal, Alexandre; Zhang, Qinghua; Médigue, Claire; Fabre, Stéphane; Clément, Frédérique

2012-01-01

The endocrine control of the reproductive function is often studied from the analysis of luteinizing hormone (LH) pulsatile secretion by the pituitary gland. Whereas measurements in the cavernous sinus cumulate anatomical and technical difficulties, LH levels can be easily assessed from jugular blood. However, plasma levels result from a convolution process due to clearance effects when LH enters the general circulation. Simultaneous measurements comparing LH levels in the cavernous sinus and jugular blood have revealed clear differences in the pulse shape, the amplitude and the baseline. Besides, experimental sampling occurs at a relatively low frequency (typically every 10 min) with respect to LH highest frequency release (one pulse per hour) and the resulting LH measurements are noised by both experimental and assay errors. As a result, the pattern of plasma LH may be not so clearly pulsatile. Yet, reliable information on the InterPulse Intervals (IPI) is a prerequisite to study precisely the steroid feedback exerted on the pituitary level. Hence, there is a real need for robust IPI detection algorithms. In this article, we present an algorithm for the monitoring of LH pulse frequency, basing ourselves both on the available endocrinological knowledge on LH pulse (shape and duration with respect to the frequency regime) and synthetic LH data generated by a simple model. We make use of synthetic data to make clear some basic notions underlying our algorithmic choices. We focus on explaining how the process of sampling affects drastically the original pattern of secretion, and especially the amplitude of the detectable pulses. We then describe the algorithm in details and perform it on different sets of both synthetic and experimental LH time series. We further comment on how to diagnose possible outliers from the series of IPIs which is the main output of the algorithm. PMID:22802933

Enhancing patient understanding of medical procedures: evaluation of an interactive multimedia program with in-line exercises.

PubMed

Tait, Alan R; Voepel-Lewis, Terri; Chetcuti, Stanley J; Brennan-Martinez, Colleen; Levine, Robert

2014-05-01

Standard print and verbal information provided to patients undergoing treatments are often difficult to understand and may impair their ability to be truly informed. This study examined the effect of an interactive multimedia informational program with in-line exercises and corrected feedback on patients' real-time understanding of their cardiac catheterization procedure. 151 adult patients scheduled for diagnostic cardiac catheterization were randomized to receive information about their procedure using either the standard institutional verbal and written information (SI) or an interactive iPad-based informational program (IPI). Subject understanding was evaluated using semi-structured interviews at baseline, immediately following catheterization, and 2 weeks after the procedure. In addition, for those randomized to the IPI, the ability to respond correctly to several in-line exercises was recorded. Subjects' perceptions of, and preferences for the information delivery were also elicited. Subjects randomized to the IPI program had significantly better understanding following the intervention compared with those randomized to the SI group (8.3±2.4 vs 7.4±2.5, respectively, 0-12 scale where 12=complete understanding, P<0.05). First-time correct responses to the in-line exercises ranged from 24.3% to 100%. Subjects reported that the in-line exercises were very helpful (9.1±1.7, 0-10 scale, where 10=extremely helpful) and the iPad program very easy to use (9.0±1.6, 0-10 scale, where 10=extremely easy) suggesting good clinical utility. Results demonstrated the ability of an interactive multimedia program to enhance patients' understanding of their medical procedure. Importantly, the incorporation of in-line exercises permitted identification of knowledge deficits, provided corrected feedback, and confirmed the patients' understanding of treatment information in real-time when consent was sought. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Integrating Research, Education, Outreach and Communication Through Storytelling: A Case Study in Progress

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

McCaffrey, M. S.; Ledley, T.; Manduca, C.; Salmon, R.

2006-12-01

In order to provide a meaningful context for non-technical users to be able to decipher and comprehend research data, it is necessary to provide background into the process involved. Storytelling can provide the narrative description that brings data alive by showing the 'Who' (providing human interest, education and training background, and career opportunities information), 'What' (focusing on discipline, field of study, research questions, and significance), 'Where' (geographic location(s), logistics involved in getting there, and elevation or depth), 'When' (time(s) of day, year data collected, and temporal scale data focus on), 'Why' (why is the data important intellectually as well as in the broader, societal context) and especially the 'How' (what tools, technology, mathematics, and statistics are used to collect, archive, and analyze data). The upcoming International Polar Year (IPY), running from March 2007 to March 2009, builds on prior polar research and IPYs, and offers a unique opportunity to showcase the process of data collection and analysis in a compelling human context. Internationally, the IPY Education, Outreach and Communication (EOC) subcommittee is seeking to integrate the EOC continuum and when appropriate repurpose information about specific research projects. For example, descriptions of projects designed initially for media purposes may also serve as the "at a glance" overview of a project that can then link to more detailed narrative descriptions of the projects, augmented with video and audio clips, web-links to related background information and relevant curriculum, and ultimately to the data itself, well scaffolded with relevant supporting materials and tools. In the United States, plans are underway for developing a suite of data stories that provide the narrative background of a project and can be used in museum kiosks and other informal science settings, data sheets, that provide teachers with an overview of the data, and curriculum and training for teachers using the model developed by the Earth Exploration Toolkit.

Permafrost Young Researchers Get Their Hands Dirty: The PYRN-Thermal State of Permafrost IPY Project

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Johansson, M.; Lantuit, H.

2009-04-01

The Permafrost Young Researchers Network (PYRN) (www.pyrn.org) is a unique resource for students and young scientists and engineers studying permafrost. It is an international organization fostering innovative collaboration, seeking to recruit, retain, and promote future generations of permafrost scientists and engineers. Initiated for and during IPY, PYRN directs the multi-disciplinary talents of its membership toward global awareness, knowledge, and response to permafrost-related challenges in a changing climate. Created as an education and outreach component of the International Permafrost Association (IPA), PYRN is a central database of permafrost information and science for more than 500 young researchers from over 40 countries. PYRN distributes a newsletter, recognizes outstanding permafrost research by its members through an annual awards program, organizes training workshops (2007 in Abisko, Sweden and St. Petersburg, Russia, 2008 in Fairbanks, Alaska and St. Petersburg, Russia), and contributes to the growth and future of the permafrost community. While networking forms the basis of PYRN's activities, the organization also seeks to establish itself as a driver of permafrost research for the IPY and beyond. We recently launched a series of initiatives on several continents aimed at providing young scientists and engineers with the means to conduct ground temperature monitoring in under investigated permafrost regions. Focusing on sites not currently covered by the IPA's "Thermal State of Permafrost" project, the young investigators of PYRN successfully launched and funded the PYRN-TSP project. They use lightweight drills and temperature sensors to instrument shallow boreholes in those regions. The first phase of the project was started in the spring of 2008 at Scandinavian sites. The data and results will be incorporated in the global database on permafrost temperatures and made freely available to the scientific community, thereby contributing to the advance of permafrost science and the strengthening of the next generation of permafrost researchers.

Combined varenicline and naltrexone treatment reduces smoking topography intensity in heavy-drinking smokers.

PubMed

Roche, Daniel J O; Bujarski, Spencer; Hartwell, Emily; Green, ReJoyce; Ray, Lara A

2015-07-01

Heavy drinking smokers constitute a distinct sub-population of smokers for whom traditional smoking cessation therapies may not be effective. Recent evidence suggested that combined varenicline (VAR) and naltrexone (NTX) therapy may be more efficacious than either monotherapy alone in reducing smoking and drinking-related behavior in this population. The manner in which individuals smoke a cigarette (i.e., smoking topography) may be predictive of smoking cessation outcomes, yet the effects of smoking pharmacotherapies on puffing behavior have not been thoroughly examined. Therefore, the current double-blind medication study examined the effects of VAR alone (1mg BID), low dose NTX alone (25mg QD), the combination of VAR+NTX, and placebo on smoking topography measures in heavy drinking, non-treatment seeking daily smokers (n=120). After a 9-day titration period, participants completed a laboratory session in which they smoked their first cigarette of the day using a smoking topography device following 12h of nicotine abstinence and consumption of an alcoholic beverage (BrAC=0.06g/dl). The primary measures were puff count, volume, duration, and velocity and inter-puff interval (IPI). Independent of medication group, puff velocity and IPI increased, while puff volume and duration decreased, over the course of the cigarette. The active medication groups, vs. the placebo group, had significantly blunted puff duration and velocity slopes over the course of the cigarette, and this effect was particularly evident in the VAR+NTX group. Additionally, the VAR+NTX group demonstrated lower average IPI than the monotherapy groups and lower average puff volume than all other groups. These results suggest that smoking pharmacotherapies, particularly the combination of VAR+NTX, alter smoking topography in heavy drinking smokers, producing a pattern of less intense puffing behavior. As smoking topography has been predictive of the ability to quit smoking, future studies should examine how smoking pharmacotherapies' effects on puffing behavior relate to smoking cessation outcomes. Copyright © 2015. Published by Elsevier Inc.

Combined Varenicline and naltrexone treatment reduces smoking topography intensity in heavy-drinking smokers

PubMed Central

Roche, Daniel J.O.; Bujarski, Spencer; Hartwell, Emily; Green, ReJoyce; Ray, Lara A.

2015-01-01

Heavy drinking smokers constitute a distinct sub-population of smokers for whom traditional smoking cessation therapies may not be effective. Recent evidence suggested that combined varenicline (VAR) and naltrexone (NTX) therapy may be more efficacious than either monotherapy alone in reducing smoking and drinking-related behavior in this population. The manner in which individuals smoke a cigarette (i.e., smoking topography) may be predictive of smoking cessation outcomes, yet the effects of smoking pharmacotherapies on puffing behavior have not been thoroughly examined. Therefore, the current double-blind medication study examined the effects of VAR alone (1mg BID), low dose NTX alone (25mg QD), the combination of VAR+NTX, and placebo on smoking topography measures in heavy drinking, non-treatment seeking daily smokers (n=120). After a 9-day titration period, participants completed a laboratory session in which they smoked their first cigarette of the day using a smoking topography device following 12-hrs of nicotine abstinence and consumption of an alcoholic beverage (BrAC = 0.06 g/dl). The primary measures were puff count, volume, duration, and velocity and inter-puff interval (IPI). Independent of medication group, puff velocity and IPI increased, while puff volume and duration decreased, over the course of the cigarette. The active medication groups, vs. the placebo group, had significantly blunted puff duration and velocity slopes over the course of the cigarette, and this effect was particularly evident in the VAR+NTX group. Additionally, the VAR+NTX group demonstrated lower average IPI than the monotherapy groups and lower average puff volume than all other groups. These results suggest that smoking pharmacotherapies, particularly the combination of VAR+NTX, alter smoking topography in heavy drinking smokers, producing a pattern of less intense puffing behavior. As smoking topography has been predictive of the ability to quit smoking, future studies should examine how smoking pharmacotherapies’ effects on puffing behavior relate to smoking cessation outcomes. PMID:25933795

High prevalence of Schistosoma mansoni and other intestinal parasites among elementary school children in Southwest Ethiopia: a cross-sectional study.

PubMed

Jejaw, Ayalew; Zemene, Endalew; Alemu, Yayehirad; Mengistie, Zemenu

2015-07-02

Intestinal parasitic infections (IPIs) pose significant public health challenges in school children in developing countries. The aim of this study is to determine prevalence of intestinal parasites among elementary school children in Mizan-Aman town, southwest Ethiopia. Institution-based cross-sectional study involving 460 elementary school children in Mizan-Aman Town was conducted from May to June 2013. The school children were selected using multistage sampling technique. Data on demography and predisposing factors of IPIs were collected using pretested questionnaire. Moreover, single stool specimen was examined microscopically after wet mount and formol-ether sedimentation concentration procedures. Infection intensity of Schistosoma mansoni and soil-transmitted helminths (STHs) was estimated using Kato-Katz egg counting method. Age of the children ranged from 5 to 17 years. Overall, 76.7% (95%CI: 72.8-80.6) of the children harbored at least one species of intestinal parasite. Eight species of intestinal parasites were detected with S. mansoni (44.8%) and Ascaris lumbricoides (28.7%) being predominant. Helminths and pathogenic intestinal protozoa were detected in 73.9 and 7.8% of the children, respectively. After adjusting for other variables, age between 5 and 9 years (AOR, 2.6, 95%CI, 1.552-4.298), male gender (AOR, 2.1, 95%CI, 1.222-3.526), attending public school (AOR, 0.1, 95%CI, 0.060-0.256), using river/well water (AOR, 2.4, 95%CI, 0.912-6.191), irregular washing of hands before meal (AOR, 0.5, 95%CI, 0.254-0.865), consuming street food (AOR, 2.3, 95%CI, 1.341-3.813) and raw vegetables (AOR, 2.7, 95%CI, 1.594-4.540) were significantly associated with IPIs in the study participants. Prevalence of intestinal parasites among the school children was high. Deworming of the school children and continuous follow up is required.

Intestinal parasitic infections among children under five years of age presenting with diarrhoeal diseases to two public health facilities in Hawassa, South Ethiopia.

PubMed

Mulatu, Getamesay; Zeynudin, Ahmed; Zemene, Endalew; Debalke, Serkadis; Beyene, Getenet

2015-11-04

Diarrhoea is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in children under 5 years of age in developing countries, including Ethiopia. It is caused by a wide range of pathogens, including parasites, bacteria and viruses. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of infection with intestinal parasites (IPs) (and types) among children under 5 years of age with diarrhoeal diseases. A cross-sectional study was conducted at Adare Hospital and Millennium Health Centre, both located in Hawassa, South Ethiopia, from June 6 to October 28, 2011. Children under 5 years of age with diarrhoea who visited these health facilities during the study period were included in the study. Data relating to demography and risk factors associated with intestinal parasitic infections (IPIs) were gathered using a structured questionnaire. Single, fresh stool specimens were examined for IPs using the direct wet mount examination, followed by Ziehl-Neelsen staining of formol-ether concentrated samples, as per standard procedures. Data were analysed using SPSS Statistics 20 software. A total of 158 children (51.3 % male and 48.7 % female) participated in the study. Overall, the prevalence of IPs was 26.6 % (42/158). Two species of IPs were detected in six children (3.8 %). Entamoeba histolytica/dispar/moshkovskii was the predominant parasite identified (11.4 %), followed by Giardia duodenalis (7.0 %). The multivariable analysis revealed that the age group ≥24 months was significantly associated (AOR = 0.221, 95 %CI: 0.085-0.576) with prevalence of IPIs. This study found that intestinal parasites are common among children with diarrheal diseases. The most frequently detected species was E. histolytica/dispar/moshkovskii. Health information about how to prevent diarrheal diseases in general and IPIs in particular should be provided to parents of young children.

Genomic and Transcriptomic Analyses of Indole-3-Acetic Acid Biosynthesis in Diatoms

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lim, R.; Armbrust, V.

2016-02-01

Indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) is a major plant growth hormone and a common mediator of plant-bacterial interactions. Recently, IAA has also been found to play a role in interactions between diatoms and bacteria, with IAA production by an associated Sulfitobacter leading to increased growth rates in the marine diatom Pseudo-nitzschia multiseries. It is unclear, however, if diatoms themselves are able to synthesize IAA and whether this capability is widespread throughout Bacillariophyta. Four major tryptophan-dependent IAA biosynthesis pathways have been identified in plants and bacteria, each denoted by the first intermediate downstream of tryptophan: the indole-3-pyruvate (IPyA), tryptamine (TAM), indole-3-acetaldoxime (IAOx) and indole-3-acetamide (IAM) pathways. To investigate the possibility of IAA biosynthesis in diatoms, we first analyzed publicly available genomes of raphid pennates P. multiseries, Phaeodactylum tricornutum, Fragilariopsis cylindrus and centric Thalassiosira pseudonana for potential homologs to plant and bacterial IAA biosynthesis genes. The P. multiseries, F. cylindrus and P. tricornutum genomes encode downstream enzymes for bacterial TAM and IAM and plant IPyA pathways. The more evolutionarily ancient T. pseudonana encodes one TAM enzyme in its genome. To investigate the potential distribution of these pathways more broadly, we surveyed the transcriptomes of 11 diatom species that include representatives from all four Bacillariophyta classes. Datasets used were sequenced as part of the Marine Microbial Eukaryote Transcriptome Sequencing Project (MMETSP) and obtained from cultures maintained axenically. Transcripts associated with the TAM pathway were most frequently detected, with potential homologs to required enzymes identified in 10 of the 11 species examined. Transcripts homologous to rate-limiting IPyA enzymes were detected in six species. Only two centric and araphid pennate species expressed transcripts associated with enzymes in the IAM and IAOx pathways. This pattern suggests multiple events of gene loss as the phylum expanded and diversified. Mass spectrometry analyses will be conducted to confirm the production of IAA in axenic cultures of P. pungens, P. multistriata, Skeletonema marinoi and F. cylindrus.

PolarTREC-Teachers and Researchers Exploring and Collaborating: Science Education from the Poles to the World

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Timm, K. M.; Warburton, J.; Owens, R.; Warnick, W. K.

2008-12-01

PolarTREC--Teachers and Researchers Exploring and Collaborating, a program of the Arctic Research Consortium of the U.S. (ARCUS), is a National Science Foundation (NSF)--funded International Polar Year (IPY) project in which K-12 educators participate in hands-on field experiences, working closely with IPY scientists as a pathway to improving science education. PolarTREC has developed a successful internet-based platform for teachers and researchers to interact and share their diverse experiences and expertise by creating interdisciplinary educational tools including online journals and forums, real-time Internet seminars, lesson plans, activities, audio, and other educational resources that address a broad range of scientific topics. These highly relevant, adaptable, and accessible resources are available to educators across the globe and have connected thousands of students and citizens to the excitement of polar science. By fostering the integration of research and education and infusing education with the thrill of discovery, PolarTREC will produce a legacy of long-term teacher-researcher collaborations and increased student knowledge of and interest in the polar regions well beyond the IPY time period. Educator and student feedback from preliminary evaluations has shown that PolarTREC's comprehensive program activities have many positive impacts on educators and their ability to teach science concepts and improve their teaching methods. Additionally, K-12 students polled in interest surveys showed significant changes in key areas including amount of time spent in school exploring research activities, importance of understanding science for future work, importance of understanding the polar regions as a person in today's world, as well as increased self-reported knowledge and interest in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics content areas. PolarTREC provides a tested approach and a clear route for researcher participation in the education community, facilitating increased educator, student, and community understanding of science and the polar regions during times of interrelated global change. For more information, visit the PolarTREC website.

Acceptance Test Data for BWXT Coated Particle Batches 93172B and 93173B—Defective IPyC and Pyrocarbon Anisotropy

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

Hunn, John D.; Helmreich, Grant W.; Dyer, John A.

Coated particle batches J52O-16-93172B and J52O-16-93173B were produced by Babcock and Wilcox Technologies (BWXT) as part of the production campaign for the Advanced Gas Reactor Fuel Development and Qualification (AGR) Program’s AGR-5/6/7 irradiation test in the Idaho National Laboratory (INL) Advanced Test Reactor (ATR), but were not used in the final fuel composite. However, these batches may be used as demonstration production-scale coated particle fuel for other experiments. Each batch was coated in a 150-mm-diameter production-scale fluidized-bed chemical vapor deposition (CVD) furnace. Tristructural isotropic (TRISO) coatings were deposited on 425-μm-nominal-diameter spherical kernels from BWXT lot J52R-16-69317 containing a mixture ofmore » 15.5%-enriched uranium carbide and uranium oxide (UCO). The TRISO coatings consisted of four consecutive CVD layers: a ~50% dense carbon buffer layer with 100-μm-nominal thickness, a dense inner pyrolytic carbon (IPyC) layer with 40-μm-nominal thickness, a silicon carbide (SiC) layer with 35-μm-nominal thickness, and a dense outer pyrolytic carbon (OPyC) layer with 40-μm-nominal thickness. The TRISO-coated particle batches were sieved to upgrade the particles by removing over-sized and under-sized material, and the upgraded batches were designated by appending the letter A to the end of the batch number (e.g., 93172A). Secondary upgrading by sieving was performed on the A-designated batches to remove particles with missing or very-thin buffer layers that were identified during previous analysis of the individual batches for defective IPyC, as reported in the acceptance test data report for the AGR-5/6/7 production batches [Hunn et al. 2017b]. The additionally-upgraded batches were designated by appending the letter B to the end of the batch number (e.g., 93172B).« less

The Effect of Core Stabilization Exercise on the Kinematics and Joint Coordination of the Lumbar Spine and Hip During Sit-to-Stand and Stand-to-Sit in Patients With Chronic Nonspecific Low Back Pain (COSCIOUS): Study Protocol for a Randomized Double-Blind Controlled Trial

PubMed Central

Pourahmadi, Mohammad Reza; Jaberzadeh, Shapour; Sarrafzadeh, Javad; Sanjari, Mohammad Ali; Mohsenifar, Holakoo; Bagheri, Rasool; Taghipour, Morteza

2017-01-01

Background Chronic nonspecific low back pain (CNLBP) is among the most prevalent health problems. Lumbar spine and hips kinematics and coordination can be affected in CNLBP. The effects of exercises on the kinematics and coordination of lumbar spine and hips during sit-to-stand (STS) and its reverse have not been evaluated. Objective The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of core stabilization exercise on the kinematics and joint coordination of the lumbar spine and hip during STS and its reverse in CNLBP patients. Methods COSCIOUS is a parallel randomized double-blind controlled trial. A total of 30 CNLBP patients and 15 asymptomatic participants will be included. The kinematics and joint coordination of the lumbar spine and hips will be evaluated during STS and its reverse using a motion capture system. The participants will be asked to sit in their usual posture on a stool. Reflective markers will be placed over the T12, S2, anterior and posterior superior iliac spines, greater trochanters, and lateral femoral epicondyles of both legs. The participants will be instructed to stand up at natural speed, remain in the erect posture for 3 seconds, and then sit down. Kinematic variables of the lumbar spine and hip will be computed. Afterward, the CNLBP participants will be allocated at random to receive one of 2 interventions: core stabilization or general exercise. Treatment sessions will be held 3 times per week for 16 sessions. After intervention, CNLBP participants will be assessed again. Results Funding for the study was provided in 2016 by Iran University of Medical Sciences. The study is expected to last approximately 12 months, depending on recruitment. Findings on the study’s primary outcomes are expected to be finalized by December 2017. The results of the study will be published in a peer-reviewed journal. Conclusions This investigation will evaluate the effects of core stabilization exercise on the kinematics and joint coordination of the lumbar spine and hip during STS and its reverse in patients with CNLBP. In addition, the effects of CNLBP on STS and its reverse will be investigated in COSCIOUS. Trial Registration Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials IRCT2016080812953N2; http://en.search.irct.ir/view/32003?format=xml (Archived by WebCite at http://www.webcitation.org/6qjTWd4Az) PMID:28572078

Gearing up to Teach the Common Core State Standards for Mathematics in Rural Northeast Region Schools. REL 2015-031

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Walters, Kirk; Torres, Aubrey Scheopner; Smith, Toni; Ford, Jennifer

2014-01-01

This study describes key challenges and necessary supports related to implementation of the Common Core State Standards for Mathematics (CCSSM) identified by rural math educators in the Northeast. The research team interviewed state and district math coordinators and surveyed teachers in Maine, New Hampshire, New York and Vermont, to assess their…

RNA connectivity requirements between conserved elements in the core of the yeast telomerase RNP

PubMed Central

Mefford, Melissa A; Rafiq, Qundeel; Zappulla, David C

2013-01-01

Telomerase is a specialized chromosome end-replicating enzyme required for genome duplication in many eukaryotes. An RNA and reverse transcriptase protein subunit comprise its enzymatic core. Telomerase is evolving rapidly, particularly its RNA component. Nevertheless, nearly all telomerase RNAs, including those of H. sapiens and S. cerevisiae, share four conserved structural elements: a core-enclosing helix (CEH), template-boundary element, template, and pseudoknot, in this order along the RNA. It is not clear how these elements coordinate telomerase activity. We find that although rearranging the order of the four conserved elements in the yeast telomerase RNA subunit, TLC1, disrupts activity, the RNA ends can be moved between the template and pseudoknot in vitro and in vivo. However, the ends disrupt activity when inserted between the other structured elements, defining an Area of Required Connectivity (ARC). Within the ARC, we find that only the junction nucleotides between the pseudoknot and CEH are essential. Integrating all of our findings provides a basic map of functional connections in the core of the yeast telomerase RNP and a framework to understand conserved element coordination in telomerase mechanism. PMID:24129512

Acid-switched Eu(III) coordination inside reverse aggregates: Insights into a synergistic liquid-liquid extraction system

DOE PAGES

Ellis, Ross J.

2016-08-09

Determining the structure of complex solutions bearing metal ions is challenging, but crucial for developing important technologies such as liquid-liquid extraction for metal refining and separation purposes. Herein, the structure of an organic Eu(III) solution consisting a binary mixture of lipophilic ligands di-2-ethylhexyl phosphoric acid (HDEHP) and tetraoctyl diglycolamide (TODGA) in dodecane is studied using synchrotron small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) and X-ray absorption fine structure spectroscopy (EXAFS). This system is of technological importance in f-element separation for nuclear fuel cycle applications, where extraction is controlled by varying nitric acid concentration. Extraction is promoted at low and high concentration, butmore » is retarded at intermediate concentration, leading to a U-shaped function; the structural origins of which we investigate. At the nanoscale, the solution is apparently comprised of reverse micelles with polar cores of approximately 1 nm in size, and these remain virtually unchanged as acid concentration is varied. Inside the polar cores, the coordination environment of Eu(III) switches from a 9-coordinate [Eu(TODGA) 3] 3+ motif at high acid, to a 6-coordinate HDEHP-dominated complex resembling Eu(HDEHP·DEHP) 3 at low acid. The results show that extraction is controlled within the coordination sphere, where it is promoted under conditions that favor coordination of either one of the two organic ligands, but is retarded under conditions that encourage mixed complexes. Lastly, our results link solution structure with ion transport properties in a technologically-important liquid-liquid ion extraction system.« less

U.S. EPA, Pesticide Product Label, ATRA-5, 04/17/1990

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

2011-04-19

... '.. 1.1 I , i: i ":11 ' ~:, (f··.,~r! 11 c~l(n (>:"I.pi 1 I ~:\\rt·.·). yn·lI QlIJ ... For mi x inq instruc:tiorls ~ 5f.·~E:·~ th~~ "t'li xing Instruc.tinn::;" se(:ti(]n of tllis l.abel. ...

Arctic Research and Writing: A Lasting Legacy of the International Polar Year

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Englert, Karl; Coon, Brian; Hinckley, Matt; Pruis, Matt

2009-01-01

Recently, senior-level physics students joined thousands of scientists from over 60 nations to examine a wide range of physical, biological, and social research topics as part of the International Polar Year (IPY). Through a National Science Foundation (NSF)-funded research project, these students applied physics concepts to the study of Arctic…

Celebrate with SATELLITES: An International Polar Year Partnership to Study Earth's Materials

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hedley, Mikell Lynne; Czajkowski, Kevin; Struble, Janet; Benko, Terri; Shellito, Brad; Sheridan, Scott; Stasiuk, Mandy Munroe

2009-01-01

The SATELLITES program uses geospatial technologies to study surface temperatures of Earth's materials, such as sand, soil, grass, and water. Data are collected using Global Learning and Observations to Benefit the Environment (GLOBE) protocols, which are then used in research projects that are a part of the International Polar Year (IPY).…

Report from the International Permafrost Association: carbon pools in permafrost regions

Treesearch

Peter Kuhry; Chien-Lu Ping; Edward A.G. Schuur; Charles Tarnocai; Sergey Zimov

2009-01-01

The IPA Carbon Pools in Permafrost Regions (CAPP) Project started in 2005, with endorsement of the Earth System Science Partnership (EESP) Global Carbon Project and the World Climate Research Programme (WCRP) Climate and Cryosphere Project. CAPP is also a project of the IPY. The project was launched because there is considerable concern and increased awareness both...

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

Park, J; Chen, YP; Perry, Z

A series of molybdenum- and copper-based MOPs were synthesized through coordination-driven process of a bridging ligand (3,3'-PDBAD, L-1) and dimetal paddlewheel clusters. Three conformers of the ligand exist with an ideal bridging angle between the two carboxylate groups of 0 degrees (H-2 zeta-L(1)), 120 degrees (H-2 beta-L-1), and of 90 degrees (H-2 beta-L-1), respectively. At ambient or lower temperature, (HL1)-L-2 and Mo-2(OAc)(4) or Cu-2(OAc)(4) were crystallized into a molecular square with ?-L-1 and Mo-2/Cu-2 units. With proper temperature elevation, not only the molecular square with ?-L-1 but also a lantern-shaped cage with a-L-1 formed simultaneously. Similar to how Watson-Crick pairsmore » stabilize the helical structure of duplex DNA, the core-shell molecular assembly possesses favorable H-bonding interaction sites. This is dictated by the ligand conformation in the shell, coding for the formation and providing stabilization of the central lantern shaped core, which was not observed without this complementary interaction. On the basis of the crystallographic implications, a heterobimetallic cage was obtained through a postsynthetic metal ion metathesis, showing different reactivity of coordination bonds in the core and shell. As an innovative synthetic strategy, the site-selective metathesis broadens the structural diversity and properties of coordination assemblies.« less

Deglaciation of the Western Margin of the Barents Sea Ice Sheet - a Swath Bathymetric and Sub-Bottom Seismic Study from Eglacom Nice-Streams Data in the Kveithola Trough

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rebesco, M.; Liu, Y.; Camerlenghi, A.; Winsborrow, M. C.; Laberg, J.; Caburlotto, A.; Diviacco, P.; Accettella, D.; Sauli, C.; Wardell, N.

2010-12-01

IPY Activity N. 367 focusing on Neogene ice streams and sedimentary processes on high- latitude continental margins (NICE-STREAMS) resulted in two coordinated cruises on the adjacent Storfjorden and Kveithola trough-mouth fans in the NW Barents Sea: SVAIS Cruise of BIO Hespérides, summer 2007, and EGLACOM Cruise of Cruise R/V OGS-Explora, summer 2008. The objectives were to acquire a high-resolution set of bathymetric, seismic and sediment core data in order to decipher the Neogene architectural development of the glacially-dominated NW Barents Sea continental margin in response to natural climate change. The paleo-ice streams drained ice from southern Spitsbergen, Spitsbergen Bank, and Bear Island. The short distance from the ice source to the calving front produced a short residence time of ice, and therefore a rapid response to climatic changes. We describe here the EGLACOM data collected within the Kveithola Trough, an E-W trending glacial trough in the NW Barents Sea, NW of the Bear Island. Swath bathymetry shows that the seafloor is characterised by E-W trending mega-scale glacial lineations (MSGL) that record a fast flowing ice stream draining the Svalbard/Barents Sea Ice Sheet (SBIS) during the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM). MSGL are overprinted by transverse sediment ridges about 15 km apart which give rise to a staircase axial profile of the trough. Such transverse ridges are interpreted as grounding-zone wedges (GZW) formed by deposition of unconsolidated, saturated subglacial till during episodic ice stream retreat. Sub-bottom (CHIRP) and multi-channel reflection seismic data show that present-day morphology is largely inherited from the palaeo-seafloor topography at the time of deposition of the transverse ridges, overlain by a draping glaciomarine unit up to over 15 m thick. Our data allow the reconstruction of depositional processes that accompanied the deglaciation of the Spitsbergen Bank area. The sedimentary drape deposited on top of the GZWs which accumulated at a very high rate in the order of 1-1.5 m ka-1 has a potential to preserve a high resolution palaeoclimatic record of the deglaciation and post-glacial condition in this sector of the Barents Sea.

Determinants of supply chain coordination of milk and dairy industries in Ethiopia: a case of Addis Ababa and its surroundings.

PubMed

Lemma, Habtamu Regassa; Singh, Rajwinder; Kaur, Navjot

2015-01-01

Coordination of different business activities among units becomes vital as organizations pay much attention to their core activities. Thus, their fruitfulness constantly relies on their capacity to coordinate their internal and external activities in the supply chain outside their own boundaries. Giving consideration to these obvious reasons, this paper aims to investigate the determinants of supply chain coordination of milk and dairy industries. The data were collected from 330 milk suppliers, processors, and retailers in the central part of Ethiopia. The structural equation modeling has been employed to develop the structural relationship between key constructs and measured variables. In total, 15 measured variables for coordination in the supply chain have been identified. These are further grouped into four factors namely, non-price coordination, price coordination, relationships and product development decision. It has been observed that the implementation of these factors could maximize the coordination linkage among supply chain members. Thus, dairy sectors should take the identified coordination factors into account in each of their business dealings.

The Movement for National Academic Standards: A Comparison of the Common Core State Standards Initiative in the USA and the National Curriculum in Australia

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Watt, Michael

2009-01-01

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the nature of activities in the change process undertaken by two initiatives to produce national standards in academic disciplines, national assessments and accountability measures. The Common Core State Standards Initiative, a project coordinated by the National Governors Association and the Council of…

Gearing up to Teach the Common Core State Standards for Mathematics in the Rural Northeast Region. Stated Briefly. REL 2015-066

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kirk, Walters; Smith, Toni M.; Ford, Jennifer; Scheopner Torres, Aubrey

2014-01-01

This study describes key challenges and necessary supports related to implementation of the Common Core State Standards for Mathematics (CCSSM) identified by rural math educators in the Northeast. The research team interviewed state and district math coordinators and surveyed teachers in Maine, New Hampshire, New York and Vermont, to assess their…

Investigating the geometrical preferences of a flexible benzimidazolone-based linker in the synthesis of coordination polymers

PubMed Central

Jones, Corey L.; Marsden, Elizabeth A.; Nevin, Adam C.; Kariuki, Benson M.; Bhadbhade, Mohan M.; Martin, Adam D.

2017-01-01

A series of new group 2 coordination polymers, MgL ={MgL(H2O)(DMF)0.75}∞, CaL = {CaL(DMF)2}∞, SrL = {SrL(H2O)0.5}∞ and BaL = {BaL(H2O)0.5}∞, were synthesized using a flexible benzimidazolone diacetic acid linker (H2L) in which the two carboxylic acid binding sites are connected to a planar core via {–CH2–} spacers that can freely rotate in solution. In a ‘curiosity-led' diversion from group 2 metals, the first row transition metal salts Mn2+, Cu2+ and Zn2+ were also reacted with L to yield crystals of MnL = {MnL(DMF)(H2O)3.33}∞, Cu3L2 = {Cu3L2(DMF)2(CHO2)2}∞ and ZnL = {ZnL(DMF)}∞. Crystal structures were obtained for all seven materials. All structures form as two-dimensional sheets and contain six-coordinate centres, with the exception of ZnL, which displays tetrahedrally coordinated metal centres, and Cu3L2, which contains square planar coordinated metal centres and Cu paddle-wheels. In each structure, the linker adopts one of two distinct conformations, with the carboxylate groups either cis or trans with respect to the planar core. All materials were also characterized by powder X-ray diffraction and thermogravimetric analysis. PMID:29308246

Lanthanide complex coordination polyhedron geometry prediction accuracies of ab initio effective core potential calculations.

PubMed

Freire, Ricardo O; Rocha, Gerd B; Simas, Alfredo M

2006-03-01

lanthanide coordination compounds efficiently and accurately is central for the design of new ligands capable of forming stable and highly luminescent complexes. Accordingly, we present in this paper a report on the capability of various ab initio effective core potential calculations in reproducing the coordination polyhedron geometries of lanthanide complexes. Starting with all combinations of HF, B3LYP and MP2(Full) with STO-3G, 3-21G, 6-31G, 6-31G* and 6-31+G basis sets for [Eu(H2O)9]3+ and closing with more manageable calculations for the larger complexes, we computed the fully predicted ab initio geometries for a total of 80 calculations on 52 complexes of Sm(III), Eu(III), Gd(III), Tb(III), Dy(III), Ho(III), Er(III) and Tm(III), the largest containing 164 atoms. Our results indicate that RHF/STO-3G/ECP appears to be the most efficient model chemistry in terms of coordination polyhedron crystallographic geometry predictions from isolated lanthanide complex ion calculations. Moreover, both augmenting the basis set and/or including electron correlation generally enlarged the deviations and aggravated the quality of the predicted coordination polyhedron crystallographic geometry. Our results further indicate that Cosentino et al.'s suggestion of using RHF/3-21G/ECP geometries appears to be indeed a more robust, but not necessarily, more accurate recommendation to be adopted for the general lanthanide complex case. [Figure: see text].

Autopsy consent, brain collection, and standardized neuropathologic assessment of ADNI participants: The essential role of the Neuropathology Core

PubMed Central

Cairns, Nigel J.; Taylor-Reinwald, Lisa; Morris, John C.

2010-01-01

Background Our objectives are to facilitate autopsy consent, brain collection, and perform standardized neuropathologic assessments of all Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI) participants who come to autopsy at the 58 ADNI sites in the USA and Canada. Methods Building on the expertise and resources of the existing Alzheimer's Disease Research Center (ADRC) at Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, a Neuropathology Core (NPC) to serve ADNI was established with one new highly motivated research coordinator. The ADNI-NPC coordinator provides training materials and protocols to assist clinicians at ADNI sites in obtaining voluntary consent for brain autopsy in ADNI participants. Secondly, the ADNI-NPC maintains a central laboratory to provide uniform neuropathologic assessments using the operational criteria for the classification of AD and other pathologies defined by the National Alzheimer Coordinating Center (NACC). Thirdly, the ADNI-NPC maintains a state-of-the-art brain bank of ADNI-derived brain tissue to promote biomarker and multi-disciplinary clinicopathologic studies. Results During the initial year of funding of the ADNI Neuropathology Core, there was notable improvement in the autopsy rate to 44.4%. In the most recent year of funding (September 1st, 2008 to August 31st 2009), our autopsy rate improved to 71.5%. Although the overall numbers to date are small, these data demonstrate that the Neuropathology Core has established the administrative organization with the participating sites to harvest brains from ADNI participants who come to autopsy. Conclusions Within two years of operation, the Neuropathology Core has: (1) implemented a protocol to solicit permission for brain autopsy in ADNI participants at all 58 sites who die and (2) to send appropriate brain tissue from the decedents to the Neuropathology Core for a standardized, uniform, and state-of-the-art neuropathologic assessment. The benefit to ADNI of the implementation of the NPC is very clear. Prior to the establishment of the NPC in September 2007, there were 6 deaths but no autopsies in ADNI participants. Subsequent to the establishment of the Core there have been 17 deaths of ADNI participants and 10 autopsies. Hence, the autopsy rate has gone from 0% to 59%. The third major accomplishment is the detection of co-existent pathologies with AD in the autopsied cases. It is possible that these co-morbidities may contribute to any variance in ADNI data. PMID:20451876

Energy Crisis In Pakistan

DTIC Science & Technology

2015-12-01

huge shortfall in gas supplies will be unavoidable. In an effort to mitigate this looming threat, the materialization of transnational gas pipeline ...original financing terms, to kick-start the TAPI gas pipeline project. Despite reaching a consensus, the consortium leader’s selection is still pending...is testimony of the government’s institutional, political, and policy inefficiency. Materialization of IPI and TAPI gas pipeline projects will add

How Are Teachers Integrating Technology in K-5 Classrooms? Studying Student Cognitive Engagement Using the Instructional Practices Inventory-Technology (IPI-T) Instrument

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Dennis, Larinee B.

2013-01-01

"It is often assumed that changing the classroom by introducing technology will result in better teaching and increased student motivation, which ultimately means more effective student learning experiences" (Donovan, Green, & Hartley, 2010, p. 423). But does it? This is the controversy and debate that surrounds the promise and…

Production of the plant hormone auxin by Salmonella and its role in the interactions with plants and animals

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

The ability of human enteric pathogens to colonize plants and use them as alternate hosts is now well established. Salmonella enterica, similarly to other phytobacteria, appears to be capable of producing the plant hormone auxin (IAA) via IpdC, an indole pyruvate (IPyA) decarboxylase. ipdC is a key ...

Three-Dimensional Gene Map of Cancer Cell Types: Structural Entropy Minimisation Principle for Defining Tumour Subtypes

PubMed Central

Li, Angsheng; Yin, Xianchen; Pan, Yicheng

2016-01-01

In this study, we propose a method for constructing cell sample networks from gene expression profiles, and a structural entropy minimisation principle for detecting natural structure of networks and for identifying cancer cell subtypes. Our method establishes a three-dimensional gene map of cancer cell types and subtypes. The identified subtypes are defined by a unique gene expression pattern, and a three-dimensional gene map is established by defining the unique gene expression pattern for each identified subtype for cancers, including acute leukaemia, lymphoma, multi-tissue, lung cancer and healthy tissue. Our three-dimensional gene map demonstrates that a true tumour type may be divided into subtypes, each defined by a unique gene expression pattern. Clinical data analyses demonstrate that most cell samples of an identified subtype share similar survival times, survival indicators and International Prognostic Index (IPI) scores and indicate that distinct subtypes identified by our algorithms exhibit different overall survival times, survival ratios and IPI scores. Our three-dimensional gene map establishes a high-definition, one-to-one map between the biologically and medically meaningful tumour subtypes and the gene expression patterns, and identifies remarkable cells that form singleton submodules. PMID:26842724

Advances through collaboration: sharing seismic reflection data via the Antarctic Seismic Data Library System for Cooperative Research (SDLS)

USGS Publications Warehouse

Wardell, N.; Childs, J. R.; Cooper, A. K.

2007-01-01

The Antarctic Seismic Data Library System for Cooperative Research (SDLS) has served for the past 16 years under the auspices of the Antarctic Treaty (ATCM Recommendation XVI-12) as a role model for collaboration and equitable sharing of Antarctic multichannel seismic reflection (MCS) data for geoscience studies. During this period, collaboration in MCS studies has advanced deciphering the seismic stratigraphy and structure of Antarctica’s continental margin more rapidly than previously. MCS data compilations provided the geologic framework for scientific drilling at several Antarctic locations and for high-resolution seismic and sampling studies to decipher Cenozoic depositional paleoenvironments. The SDLS successes come from cooperation of National Antarctic Programs and individual investigators in “on-time” submissions of their MCS data. Most do, but some do not. The SDLS community has an International Polar Year (IPY) goal of all overdue MCS data being sent to the SDLS by end of IPY. The community science objective is to compile all Antarctic MCS data to derive a unified seismic stratigraphy for the continental margin – a stratigraphy to be used with drilling data to derive Cenozoic circum-Antarctic paleobathymetry maps and local-to-regional scale paleoenvironmental histories.

Changing dietary patterns and body mass index over time in Canadian Inuit communities.

PubMed

Sheikh, Nelofar; Egeland, Grace M; Johnson-Down, Louise; Kuhnlein, Harriet V

2011-01-01

The International Polar Year (IPY) Inuit Health Survey provided an opportunity to compare dietary and body mass index (BMI) data with data collected a decade earlier for the same communities. A dietary survey included 1,929 randomly selected participants aged 15 years or older, selected from 18 Inuit communities in 1998-1999. The IPY survey included 2,595 randomly selected participants aged 18 years or older, selected from 36 Inuit communities in 2007-2008. Data from the same 18 communities included in both surveys were compared for adults 20 years and older. Twenty-four-hour dietary recall data were analysed to assess the percentage of energy from traditional and market foods by sex and age groups. Body mass index (BMI) was assessed to establish the prevalence of obesity by sex and age groups in both surveys. There was a significant decrease (p≤0.05) in energy contribution from traditional food and a significant increase in market food consumption over time. Sugar-sweetened beverages, chips and pasta all increased as percentages of energy. BMI increased overall for women and for each age stratum evaluated (p<0.05). The nutrition transition continues in the Canadian Arctic with a concurrent increase in BMI.

Fin whale song variability in southern California and the Gulf of California.

PubMed

Širović, Ana; Oleson, Erin M; Buccowich, Jasmine; Rice, Ally; Bayless, Alexandra R

2017-08-31

Songs are distinct, patterned sounds produced by a variety of animals including baleen whales. Fin whale songs, which consist of short pulses repeated at regular interpulse intervals (IPIs), have been suggested as a tool to distinguish populations. Fin whale songs were analyzed from data collected from 2000-2012 in Southern California and from 2004-2010 in the Gulf of California using autonomous acoustic recorders. IPIs were measured for each identifiable song sequence during two random days of each month with recordings. Four distinct song types were identified: long doublet, short doublet, long triplet, and short triplet. Long and short doublets were the dominant songs in Southern California, while long and short triplets were dominant in the Gulf of California. An abrupt change in song type occurred in both areas during the monitoring period. We argue that each song type is unique to a population and these changes represent a shift in the primary population in the monitoring area. Occasional temporal and spatial song overlap indicated some exchange or visitation among populations. Fin whales appear to synchronize and gradually modify song rhythm over long time scales. A better understanding of the evolutionary and ecological importance of songs to fin whale populations is needed.

Interaction of Bordetella bronchiseptica and Its Lipopolysaccharide with In Vitro Culture of Respiratory Nasal Epithelium

PubMed Central

Middleton, Andrew M.; Martínez, Nhora; Romero, Stefany; Iregui, Carlos

2013-01-01

The nasal septa of fetal rabbits at 26 days of gestation were harvested by cesarean section of the does while under anesthesia and then exposed to Bordetella bronchiseptica or its lipopolysaccharide (LPS) for periods of 2 and 4 hours. A total of 240 explants were used. The tissues were examined using the Hematoxylin & Eosin technique. Then, semithin sections (0.5 μm) were stained with toluidine blue and examined with indirect immunoperoxidase (IPI) and lectin histochemistry. The most frequent and statistically significant findings were as follows: (1) cell death and increased goblet cell activity when exposed to bacteria and (2) cell death, cytoplasmic vacuolation and infiltration of polymorphonuclear leukocytes when exposed to LPS. The lesions induced by the bacterium were more severe than with LPS alone, except for the cytoplasmic vacuolation in epithelial cells. IPI stained the ciliated border of the epithelium with the bacterium more intensely, while LPS lectin histochemistry preferentially labeled the cytoplasm of goblet cell. These data indicate that B. bronchiseptica and its LPS may have an affinity for specific glycoproteins that would act as adhesion receptors in both locations. PMID:23555071

Analysis of using interpulse intervals to generate 128-bit biometric random binary sequences for securing wireless body sensor networks.

PubMed

Zhang, Guang-He; Poon, Carmen C Y; Zhang, Yuan-Ting

2012-01-01

Wireless body sensor network (WBSN), a key building block for m-Health, demands extremely stringent resource constraints and thus lightweight security methods are preferred. To minimize resource consumption, utilizing information already available to a WBSN, particularly common to different sensor nodes of a WBSN, for security purposes becomes an attractive solution. In this paper, we tested the randomness and distinctiveness of the 128-bit biometric binary sequences (BSs) generated from interpulse intervals (IPIs) of 20 healthy subjects as well as 30 patients suffered from myocardial infarction and 34 subjects with other cardiovascular diseases. The encoding time of a biometric BS on a WBSN node is on average 23 ms and memory occupation is 204 bytes for any given IPI sequence. The results from five U.S. National Institute of Standards and Technology statistical tests suggest that random biometric BSs can be generated from both healthy subjects and cardiovascular patients and can potentially be used as authentication identifiers for securing WBSNs. Ultimately, it is preferred that these biometric BSs can be used as encryption keys such that key distribution over the WBSN can be avoided.

EVOLUTION OF DIVERGENT FEMALE MATING PREFERENCE IN RESPONSE TO EXPERIMENTAL SEXUAL SELECTION

PubMed Central

Debelle, Allan; Ritchie, Michael G; Snook, Rhonda R

2014-01-01

Sexual selection is predicted to drive the coevolution of mating signals and preferences (mating traits) within populations, and could play a role in speciation if sexual isolation arises due to mating trait divergence between populations. However, few studies have demonstrated that differences in mating traits between populations result from sexual selection alone. Experimental evolution is a promising approach to directly examine the action of sexual selection on mating trait divergence among populations. We manipulated the opportunity for sexual selection (low vs. high) in populations of Drosophila pseudoobscura. Previous studies on these experimental populations have shown that sexual selection manipulation resulted in the divergence between sexual selection treatments of several courtship song parameters, including interpulse interval (IPI) which markedly influences male mating success. Here, we measure female preference for IPI using a playback design to test for preference divergence between the sexual selection treatments after 130 generations of experimental sexual selection. The results suggest that female preference has coevolved with male signal, in opposite directions between the sexual selection treatments, providing direct evidence of the ability of sexual selection to drive the divergent coevolution of mating traits between populations. We discuss the implications in the context sexual selection and speciation. PMID:24931497

Forecasting on the total volumes of Malaysia's imports and exports by multiple linear regression

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Beh, W. L.; Yong, M. K. Au

2017-04-01

This study is to give an insight on the doubt of the important of macroeconomic variables that affecting the total volumes of Malaysia's imports and exports by using multiple linear regression (MLR) analysis. The time frame for this study will be determined by using quarterly data of the total volumes of Malaysia's imports and exports covering the period between 2000-2015. The macroeconomic variables will be limited to eleven variables which are the exchange rate of US Dollar with Malaysia Ringgit (USD-MYR), exchange rate of China Yuan with Malaysia Ringgit (RMB-MYR), exchange rate of European Euro with Malaysia Ringgit (EUR-MYR), exchange rate of Singapore Dollar with Malaysia Ringgit (SGD-MYR), crude oil prices, gold prices, producer price index (PPI), interest rate, consumer price index (CPI), industrial production index (IPI) and gross domestic product (GDP). This study has applied the Johansen Co-integration test to investigate the relationship among the total volumes to Malaysia's imports and exports. The result shows that crude oil prices, RMB-MYR, EUR-MYR and IPI play important roles in the total volumes of Malaysia's imports. Meanwhile crude oil price, USD-MYR and GDP play important roles in the total volumes of Malaysia's exports.

The Role of an Early Head Start Mental Health Coordinator: Screening for Maternal Depression in a Comprehensive Approach to Mental Health Care

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Canuso, Regina

2007-01-01

Screening for maternal depression was a core component of the P.E.A.C.E., Inc., Early Head Start program's comprehensive approach to supporting the mental health needs of low-income pregnant women and families with infants and toddlers. The addition of a mental health coordinator as a full-time staff member created an opportunity to develop a…

Box-like gel capsules from heterostructures based on a core-shell MOF as a template of crystal crosslinking.

PubMed

Ishiwata, Takumi; Michibata, Ayano; Kokado, Kenta; Ferlay, Sylvie; Hosseini, Mir Wais; Sada, Kazuki

2018-02-06

New polymer capsules (PCs) were obtained using a crystal crosslinking (CC) method on core-shell MOF crystals. The latter are based on the epitaxial growth of two isostructural coordination polymers which are then selectively crosslinked. Decomposition of the non-reticulated phase leads to new PCs, possessing a well-defined hollow cubic shape reflecting the heterostructure of the template.

Documentation to the NCES Common Core of Data Public Elementary/Secondary School Locale Code File: School Year 2003-04. Version 1a. NCES 2006-332

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Geverdt, Douglas; Phan, Tai

2006-01-01

The Common Core of Data (CCD) Nonfiscal surveys consist of data submitted annually by state education agencies (SEAs) to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). School, local education agency, and state data are sent to NCES by SEA personnel who are designated CCD Coordinators. The data are edited and maintained in machine-readable…

Family and Consumer Sciences Technology-Life-Careers Core Curriculum. A Curriculum Guide. A Family and Consumer Sciences Education Course of Study for Grades 6-7.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Utah State Office of Education, Salt Lake City.

This curriculum, part of a coordinated exploratory vocational core program, is an activity-oriented instructional course that enables students in grades 6-7 to explore careers and skills related to consumer and occupational roles. The curriculum consists of five units: (1) independent living skills; (2) families; (3) child care; (4) textiles…

The Effect of Core Stabilization Exercise on the Kinematics and Joint Coordination of the Lumbar Spine and Hip During Sit-to-Stand and Stand-to-Sit in Patients With Chronic Nonspecific Low Back Pain (COSCIOUS): Study Protocol for a Randomized Double-Blind Controlled Trial.

PubMed

Pourahmadi, Mohammad Reza; Ebrahimi Takamjani, Ismail; Jaberzadeh, Shapour; Sarrafzadeh, Javad; Sanjari, Mohammad Ali; Mohsenifar, Holakoo; Bagheri, Rasool; Taghipour, Morteza

2017-06-01

Chronic nonspecific low back pain (CNLBP) is among the most prevalent health problems. Lumbar spine and hips kinematics and coordination can be affected in CNLBP. The effects of exercises on the kinematics and coordination of lumbar spine and hips during sit-to-stand (STS) and its reverse have not been evaluated. The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of core stabilization exercise on the kinematics and joint coordination of the lumbar spine and hip during STS and its reverse in CNLBP patients. COSCIOUS is a parallel randomized double-blind controlled trial. A total of 30 CNLBP patients and 15 asymptomatic participants will be included. The kinematics and joint coordination of the lumbar spine and hips will be evaluated during STS and its reverse using a motion capture system. The participants will be asked to sit in their usual posture on a stool. Reflective markers will be placed over the T12, S2, anterior and posterior superior iliac spines, greater trochanters, and lateral femoral epicondyles of both legs. The participants will be instructed to stand up at natural speed, remain in the erect posture for 3 seconds, and then sit down. Kinematic variables of the lumbar spine and hip will be computed. Afterward, the CNLBP participants will be allocated at random to receive one of 2 interventions: core stabilization or general exercise. Treatment sessions will be held 3 times per week for 16 sessions. After intervention, CNLBP participants will be assessed again. Funding for the study was provided in 2016 by Iran University of Medical Sciences. The study is expected to last approximately 12 months, depending on recruitment. Findings on the study's primary outcomes are expected to be finalized by December 2017. The results of the study will be published in a peer-reviewed journal. This investigation will evaluate the effects of core stabilization exercise on the kinematics and joint coordination of the lumbar spine and hip during STS and its reverse in patients with CNLBP. In addition, the effects of CNLBP on STS and its reverse will be investigated in COSCIOUS. Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials IRCT2016080812953N2; http://en.search.irct.ir/view/32003?format=xml (Archived by WebCite at http://www.webcitation.org/6qjTWd4Az). ©Mohammad Reza Pourahmadi, Ismail Ebrahimi Takamjani, Shapour Jaberzadeh, Javad Sarrafzadeh, Mohammad Ali Sanjari, Holakoo Mohsenifar, Rasool Bagheri, Morteza Taghipour. Originally published in JMIR Research Protocols (http://www.researchprotocols.org), 01.06.2017.

Core-shell nanoscale coordination polymers combine chemotherapy and photodynamic therapy to potentiate checkpoint blockade cancer immunotherapy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

He, Chunbai; Duan, Xiaopin; Guo, Nining; Chan, Christina; Poon, Christopher; Weichselbaum, Ralph R.; Lin, Wenbin

2016-08-01

Advanced colorectal cancer is one of the deadliest cancers, with a 5-year survival rate of only 12% for patients with the metastatic disease. Checkpoint inhibitors, such as the antibodies inhibiting the PD-1/PD-L1 axis, are among the most promising immunotherapies for patients with advanced colon cancer, but their durable response rate remains low. We herein report the use of immunogenic nanoparticles to augment the antitumour efficacy of PD-L1 antibody-mediated cancer immunotherapy. Nanoscale coordination polymer (NCP) core-shell nanoparticles carry oxaliplatin in the core and the photosensitizer pyropheophorbide-lipid conjugate (pyrolipid) in the shell (NCP@pyrolipid) for effective chemotherapy and photodynamic therapy (PDT). Synergy between oxaliplatin and pyrolipid-induced PDT kills tumour cells and provokes an immune response, resulting in calreticulin exposure on the cell surface, antitumour vaccination and an abscopal effect. When combined with anti-PD-L1 therapy, NCP@pyrolipid mediates regression of both light-irradiated primary tumours and non-irradiated distant tumours by inducing a strong tumour-specific immune response.

Unsymmetrical Bimetallic Complexes with MII–(μ-OH)–MII Cores (MIIMIII = FeIIFeIII, MnIIFeIII, MnIIMnIII): Structural, Magnetic, and Redox Properties

PubMed Central

Sano, Yohei; Weitz, Andrew C.; Ziller, Joseph W.; Hendrich, Michael P.; Borovik, A.S.

2013-01-01

Heterobimetallic cores are important unit within the active sites of metalloproteins, but are often difficult to duplicate in synthetic systems. We have developed a synthetic approach for the preparation of a complex with a MnII–(μ-OH)–FeIII core, in which the metal centers have different coordination environments. Structural and physical data support the assignment of this complex as a heterobimetallic system. Comparison with the analogous homobimetallic complexes, those containing MnII–(μ-OH)–MnIII and FeII–(μ-OH)–FeIII cores, further supports this assignment. PMID:23992041

The new ICSU World Data System: Building on the 50 Year Legacy of the World Data Centers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Clark, D. M.; Minster, J.

2008-12-01

The International Council for Science (ICSU) World Data Center (WDC) system was established in 1957 in response to the data needs of the International Geophysical Year (IGY). Its holdings included a wide range of solar, geophysical, environmental, and human dimensions data. The WDC system developed many innovative data management and data exchange procedures and techniques over the last 50 years, which mitigated effectively the impact of global politics on science. The beginning of the 21st century has seen new ICSU requirements for management of large and diverse scientific data from major international programs such as the Group on Earth Observations (GEO) Global Earth Observation Systems of Systems (GEOSS), the International Polar Year (IPY), the Millennium Ecosystems Assessment (MEA), and the Coordinated Energy and Water Cycle Observation Project (CEOP). As a consequence, a completely new ICSU data activity, the World Data System (WDS) is being created which will incorporate the major ICSU data activities including in particular the WDCs and the Federation of Astronomical and Geophysical Data- Analysis Services. Using the legacy of the WDC system, the WDS will place an emphasis on new information technology as applied to modern data management techniques and international data exchange. The new World Data System will support ICSU's enduring mission and objectives, ensuring the long-term stewardship and provision of quality-assessed data and data services to the international science community and other stakeholders. It will have a broader disciplinary and geographic base than the current ICSU networks and be recognized as a world-wide "community of excellence" for data issues. It will use state-of-the-art systems interoperability, international very high bandwidth capabilities and a coordinated focus on topics such as virtual observatories. It will also encourage the establishment of new data centers and services, using modern paradigms for their establishment and using state-of-the-art approaches to global, distributed data management and exchange.

Interaction of sigma 70 with Escherichia coli RNA polymerase core enzyme studied by surface plasmon resonance.

PubMed

Ferguson, A L; Hughes, A D; Tufail, U; Baumann, C G; Scott, D J; Hoggett, J G

2000-09-22

The interaction between the core form of bacterial RNA polymerases and sigma factors is essential for specific promoter recognition, and for coordinating the expression of different sets of genes in response to varying cellular needs. The interaction between Escherichia coli core RNA polymerase and sigma 70 has been investigated by surface plasmon resonance. The His-tagged form of sigma 70 factor was immobilised on a Ni2+-NTA chip for monitoring its interaction with core polymerase. The binding constant for the interaction was found to be 1.9x10(-7) M, and the dissociation rate constant for release of sigma from core, in the absence of DNA or transcription, was 4x10(-3) s(-1), corresponding to a half-life of about 200 s.

Transient climate simulations of the deglaciation 21-9 thousand years before present (version 1) - PMIP4 Core experiment design and boundary conditions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ivanovic, Ruza F.; Gregoire, Lauren J.; Kageyama, Masa; Roche, Didier M.; Valdes, Paul J.; Burke, Andrea; Drummond, Rosemarie; Peltier, W. Richard; Tarasov, Lev

2016-07-01

The last deglaciation, which marked the transition between the last glacial and present interglacial periods, was punctuated by a series of rapid (centennial and decadal) climate changes. Numerical climate models are useful for investigating mechanisms that underpin the climate change events, especially now that some of the complex models can be run for multiple millennia. We have set up a Paleoclimate Modelling Intercomparison Project (PMIP) working group to coordinate efforts to run transient simulations of the last deglaciation, and to facilitate the dissemination of expertise between modellers and those engaged with reconstructing the climate of the last 21 000 years. Here, we present the design of a coordinated Core experiment over the period 21-9 thousand years before present (ka) with time-varying orbital forcing, greenhouse gases, ice sheets and other geographical changes. A choice of two ice sheet reconstructions is given, and we make recommendations for prescribing ice meltwater (or not) in the Core experiment. Additional focussed simulations will also be coordinated on an ad hoc basis by the working group, for example to investigate more thoroughly the effect of ice meltwater on climate system evolution, and to examine the uncertainty in other forcings. Some of these focussed simulations will target shorter durations around specific events in order to understand them in more detail and allow for the more computationally expensive models to take part.

Seafloor Morphology And Sediment Discharge Of The Storfjorden And Kveithola Palaeo-Ice Streams (NW Barents Sea) During The Last Deglaciation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Camerlenghi, Angelo; Rebesco, Michele; Pedrosa, Mayte; Demol, Ben; Giulia Lucchi, Renata; Urgeles, Roger; Colmenero-Hidalgo, Elena; Andreassen, Karin; Sverre Laberg, Jan; Winsborrow, Monica

2010-05-01

IPY Activity N. 367 focusing on Neogene ice streams and sedimentary processes on high- latitude continental margins (NICE-STREAMS) resulted in two coordinated cruises on the adjacent Storfjorden and Kveithola trough-mouth fans in the NW Barents Sea: SVAIS Cruise of BIO Hespérides, summer 2007, and EGLACOM Cruise of Cruise R/V OGS-Explora, summer 2008. The objectives were to acquire a high-resolution set of bathymetric, seismic and sediment core data in order to decipher the Neogene architectural development of the glacially-dominated NW Barents Sea continental margin in response to natural climate change. The paleo-ice streams drained ice from southern Spitsbergen, Spitsbergen Bank, and Bear Island. The short distance from the ice source to the calving front produced a short residence time of ice, and therefore a rapid response to climatic changes. In the outer trough of southern Storfjorden, lobate moraines superimpose and are cut by very large linear features attributed to mega-iceberg scours. In the adjacent Kveithola trough, a fresh morphology includes mega-scale glacial lineations overprinted by transverse grounding-zone wedges, diagnostic of episodic ice stream retreat. A 15 m thick glacimarine drape suggests an high post-deglaciation sedimentation rate. Preliminary interpretation suggests that the retreat of the Svalbard/Barents Sea Ice Sheet was highly dynamic and that grounded ice persisted on Spitsbergen Bank for some thousands years after the main Barents Sea deglaciation.The Storfjorden continental slope is divided into three wide lobes. Opposite the two northernmost lobes the slope is dominated by straight gullies in the upper part, and deposition of debris lobes on the mid and lower parts. In contrast, the southernmost lobe is characterized by widespread occurrence of submarine landslides. Sediment failure has accompanied the evolution of the southern Storfjorden and Kveithola margin throughout the Late Neogene, with very large mass transport deposits up to 200 m thick in the early phases of the development of the glacially influenced margin. Conversely, the central and northern parts of the Storfjorden margin have prograded without appreciable episodes of mass failure. Sedimentation has occurred through alternate layering of decimeter-thick glacial debris flows deposits, with laminated and acoustically transparent interglacial sediment drape. Gullies and paleo-gullies incise the glacial debris flows and are covered by the interglacial drape. They are formed early during each deglaciation phase, most likely by the erosive action of short-lived hyperpycnal flows generated by sediment-laden subglacial meltwater discharge. In sediment cores thick finely-laminated sedimentary beds on the upper continental slope of the southern part of the margin indicate preferential deposition by settlement of meltwater sediment plumes. High sedimentation rates of plumites may contribute to the slope instability and suggest that meltwater discharge was focused on the southern Storfjorden and Kveithola paleo-ice streams.

Health Care Reform, Care Coordination, and Transformational Leadership.

PubMed

Steaban, Robin Lea

2016-01-01

This article is meant to spur debate on the role of the professional nurse in care coordination as well as the role of nursing leaders for defining and leading to a future state. This work highlights the opportunity and benefits associated with transformation of professional nursing practice in response to the mandates of the Affordable Care Act of 2010. An understanding of core concepts and the work of care coordination are used to propose a model of care coordination based on the population health pyramid. This maximizes the roles of nurses across the continuum as transformational leaders in the patient/family and nursing relationship. The author explores the role of the nurse in a transactional versus transformational relationship with patients, leading to actualization of the nurse in care coordination. Focusing on the role of the nurse leader, the challenges and necessary actions for optimization of the professional nurse role are explored, using principles of transformational leadership.

DFT investigation of the interaction of gold nanoclusters with poly(amidoamine) PAMAM G0 dendrimer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Camarada, M. B.

2016-06-01

The interaction between PAMAM G0 and gold nanoclusters Aun (n = 2, 4, 6, and 8) was studied theoretically at DFT level. Different coordination sites were explored, including internal and superficial coordination. All stable complexes exhibited external interaction with the amine or carbonyl site, while the core site coordination was not favored. The more stable binding of Aun was registered with the terminal amine group, while the binding at the amide site was relatively weaker. The vertical first ionization potential, electron affinity, Fermi level, and the HOMO-LUMO gap of PAMAM and Aun-PAMAM G0 complexes were also analyzed.

Planar Cell Polarity Pathway – Coordinating morphogenetic cell behaviors with embryonic polarity

PubMed Central

Gray, Ryan S.; Roszko, Isabelle; Solnica-Krezel, Lilianna

2011-01-01

Planar cell polarization entails establishment of cellular asymmetries within the tissue plane. An evolutionarily conserved Planar Cell Polarity (PCP) signaling system employs intra- and intercellular feedback interactions between its core components, including Frizzled, Van Gogh, Flamingo, Prickle and Dishevelled, to establish their characteristic asymmetric intracellular distributions and coordinate planar polarity of cell populations. By translating global patterning information into asymmetries of cell membranes and intracellular organelles, PCP signaling coordinates morphogenetic behaviors of individual cells and cell populations with the embryonic polarity. In vertebrates, by polarizing cilia in the node/Kupffer’s vesicle, PCP signaling links the anteroposterior to left-right embryonic polarity. PMID:21763613

Construction of digital core by adaptive porosity method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xia, Huifen; Liu, Ting; Zhao, Ling; Sun, Yanyu; Pan, Junliang

2017-05-01

The construction of digital core has its unique advantages in the study of water flooding or polymer flooding oil displacement efficiency. The frequency distribution of pore size is measured by mercury injection experiment, the coordination number by CT scanning method, and the wettability data by imbibition displacement was measured, on the basis of considering the ratio of pore throat ratio and wettability, the principle of adaptive porosity is used to construct the digital core. The results show that the water flooding recovery, the degree of polymer flooding and the results of the Physical simulation experiment are in good agreement.

GSFC VLBI Analysis Center Annual Report

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gordon, David; Ma, Chopo; MacMillan, Dan

1999-01-01

The GSFC VLBI group, located at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, MD, is a part of the NASA Space Geodesy Program. Since its inception in the mid 1970's, this group has been involved with and been a leader in most aspects of geodetic and astrometric VLBI. Current major activities include coordination of the international geodetic observing program; coordination and analysis of the CORE program; VLBI technique development; and all types of data processing, analysis, and research activities.

Dysfunctional long-range coordination of neural activity during Gestalt perception in schizophrenia.

PubMed

Uhlhaas, Peter J; Linden, David E J; Singer, Wolf; Haenschel, Corinna; Lindner, Michael; Maurer, Konrad; Rodriguez, Eugenio

2006-08-02

Recent theoretical and empirical research on schizophrenia converges on the notion that core aspects of the pathophysiology of the disorder may arise from a dysfunction in the coordination of distributed neural activity. Synchronization of neural responses in the beta-band (15-30 Hz) and gamma-band range (30-80 Hz) has been implicated as a possible neural substrate for dysfunctional coordination in schizophrenia. To test this hypothesis, we examined the electroencephalography (EEG) activity in 19 patients with a Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorder, edition IV criteria, diagnosis of schizophrenia and 19 healthy control subjects during a Gestalt perception task. EEG data were analyzed for phase synchrony and induced spectral power as an index of neural synchronization. Schizophrenia patients were impaired significantly in the detection of images that required the grouping of stimulus elements into coherent object representations. This deficit was accompanied by longer reaction times in schizophrenia patients. Deficits in Gestalt perception in schizophrenia patients were associated with reduced phase synchrony in the beta-band (20-30 Hz), whereas induced spectral power in the gamma-band (40-70 Hz) was mainly intact. Our findings suggest that schizophrenia patients are impaired in the long-range synchronization of neural responses, which may reflect a core deficit in the coordination of neural activity and underlie the specific cognitive dysfunctions associated with the disorder.

Improving integration and coordination of funding, technical assistance, and reporting/data collection: recommendations from CDC and USAPI stakeholders.

PubMed

Ka'opua, Lana Sue I; White, Susan F; Rochester, Phyllis F; Holden, Debra J

2010-09-01

Current US Federal funding mechanisms may foster program silos that disable sharing of resources and information across programs within a larger system of public health services. Such silos present challenges to USAPI communities where human resources, health infrastructure, and health financing are limited. Integrative and coordinated approaches have been recommended. The CDC Pacific Islands Integration and Coordination project was initiated by the Division of Cancer Prevention and Control (DCPC). Its project aim was to identify ways for the CDC to collaborate with the USAPI in improving CDC activities and processes related to chronic disease. This article focuses on recommendations for improving coordination and integration in three core areas of health services programming: funding, program reporting/data collection and analysis, and technical assistance. Preliminary information on challenges and issues relevant to the core areas was gathered through site visits, focus groups, key informant interviews, and other sources. This information was used by stakeholder groups from the CDC and the USAPI to develop recommendations in the core programming areas. Recommendations generated at the CDC and USAPI stakeholder meetings were prepared into a single set of recommendations and stakeholders reviewed the document for accuracy prior to its dissemination to CDC's National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion programs management and staff. Key recommendations, include: (1) consideration of resource s and other challenges unique to the USAPI when reviewing funding applications, (2) consideration of ways to increase flexibility in USAPI use of program funds, (3) dedicate funding and human resources for technical assistance, (4) provide opportunities for capacity-building across programs and jurisdictions, (5) consider ways to more directly link program reporting with technical assistance. This project provided a unique opportunity for CDC and USAPI stakeholders to share diverse perspectives on challenges to public health programs in the USAPI. Despite diverse experiences, the final set of recommendations reflected a high level of concordance between USAPI and CDC stakeholders on ways to improve coordination and integration of CDC processes and activities in the three core areas. Recommendations have informed some actions already initiated by the DCPC, including the dedication of funds for leadership institutes aimed at enhancing USAPI capacity for sustainable, integrated regional and jurisdictional cancer control infrastructure. Such efforts are an important beginning, but more remains to be done. Indicated is the need for continuous dialogue and collaboration. While this project focused on the USAPI, our results may be relevant to those interested in inter-organizational collaborations, medically underserved areas, public health services programs, and community-based participatory approaches.

DCMIP2016: a review of non-hydrostatic dynamical core design and intercomparison of participating models

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ullrich, Paul A.; Jablonowski, Christiane; Kent, James; Lauritzen, Peter H.; Nair, Ramachandran; Reed, Kevin A.; Zarzycki, Colin M.; Hall, David M.; Dazlich, Don; Heikes, Ross; Konor, Celal; Randall, David; Dubos, Thomas; Meurdesoif, Yann; Chen, Xi; Harris, Lucas; Kühnlein, Christian; Lee, Vivian; Qaddouri, Abdessamad; Girard, Claude; Giorgetta, Marco; Reinert, Daniel; Klemp, Joseph; Park, Sang-Hun; Skamarock, William; Miura, Hiroaki; Ohno, Tomoki; Yoshida, Ryuji; Walko, Robert; Reinecke, Alex; Viner, Kevin

2017-12-01

Atmospheric dynamical cores are a fundamental component of global atmospheric modeling systems and are responsible for capturing the dynamical behavior of the Earth's atmosphere via numerical integration of the Navier-Stokes equations. These systems have existed in one form or another for over half of a century, with the earliest discretizations having now evolved into a complex ecosystem of algorithms and computational strategies. In essence, no two dynamical cores are alike, and their individual successes suggest that no perfect model exists. To better understand modern dynamical cores, this paper aims to provide a comprehensive review of 11 non-hydrostatic dynamical cores, drawn from modeling centers and groups that participated in the 2016 Dynamical Core Model Intercomparison Project (DCMIP) workshop and summer school. This review includes a choice of model grid, variable placement, vertical coordinate, prognostic equations, temporal discretization, and the diffusion, stabilization, filters, and fixers employed by each system.

Research and Teaching. Journey to the End of the Earth: Academic and Professional Benefits for Students Participating in a Field-Based Research Program in Antarctica

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Garcia, Claudia Venessa; Robertson, William H.; Lougheed, Vanessa; Tweedie, Craig; Velasco, Aaron

2013-01-01

With the need to increase minority representation in the polar sciences, a team of researchers from a southwestern United States public university developed an innovative field research experience entitled the International Polar Year-Research and Educational Opportunities in Antarctica for Minorities (IPY-ROAM). Supported by a National Science…

Adaptive Processing Experiment (APE) Phase II

DTIC Science & Technology

1976-05-01

P*T*~--- - ~ q ~ IPY , U.S. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Technical Information Service t AD/A-027 071 ADAPTIVE PROCESSING EXPERIMENT (APE...4 newsletter service covering the most recentik" research findings in 25 areas of industrial, The weekly w•Nsletter series will keep you...and professional informa- wish. Please request NTIS-PR-186/PCN for tion service provided by NTIS in the Weekly more information. Government Abstracts

Intrinsic and Extrinsic Origins of the Polar Kerr Effect in a Chiral p-WAVE Superconductor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Goryo, Jun

Recently, the measurement of the polar Kerr effect (PKE) in the quasi two-dimensional superconductor Sr2RuO4, which is motivated to observe the chirality of px + ipy-wave pairing, has been reported. We clarify that the PKE has intrinsic and extrinsic (disorder-induced) origins. The extrinsic contribution would be dominant in the PKE experiment.

Training the New Generation of Polar Researchers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Drobot, S.; Weiler, C. S.

2008-12-01

The polar regions are changing rapidly, and many of the pressing problems faced in the future will require a new generation of polar researchers to be disciplinary experts and work across traditional disciplinary boundaries to conduct socially relevant, transformative research, and translate it to more effective action. To learn about the past and better address these new challenges, a select international group of 35 students and early career researchers who are conducting research during the 2007-2009 International Polar Year were brought together May 4-11, 2008, at the La Foret Conference Center for the New Generation Polar Research (NGPR) Symposium. The participants were drawn from professional backgrounds spanning the spectrum of social, natural, and physical sciences and represented the research programs of 7 countries. In addition to the participants, 12 mentors, some of whom participated in the IGY, shared insights, stories, and expertise. This diverse and ambitious group spent an intensive week learning about many important aspects of IPY history and research, along with communication, outreach, interdisciplinary research and career development. Each of the participants presented a 7-minute overview of his or her IPY research and provided details and discussion in evening poster sessions. Polar history provided an informative and unifying context for discussions of the past, present, and future that lasted throughout the week. Mentors and guest speakers shared insights and advice on media interactions, and many participants were subsequently interviewed for an upcoming radio story to be aired on National Public Radio. Several presentations on outreach were followed by a hands-on session for a group 1st grade students who were visiting the La Foret Conference Center. The Symposium also featured several break-out sessions, where small groups of participants and mentors discussed challenges related to interdisciplinary research, science advocacy, and maintaining a work/life balance. In addition, each participant recorded a two-minute video overview of their research interests to be archived at the American Institute of Physics as a sort of "time capsule" to be shared with students, researchers, historians of science and the general public during the next IPY. This presentation will highlight this exciting week.

[The clinical characteristics and prognostic analysis of gastric mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma of 103 cases].

PubMed

Li, Xiao-wu; Xia, Bing; Guo, Qing; Jin, Xin; Yu, Yong; Zhao, Zhi-gang; Wang, Xiao-fang; Wang, Ya-fei; Zhang, Yi-zhuo

2012-10-01

To analyze the clinical characteristics and prognosis of the patients with gastric mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma. The clinical characteristics and prognostic factors of 103 gastric MALT lymphoma patients admitted to our hospital from April 2001 to August 2011 were retrospectively analyzed. The onset of gastric MALT lymphoma was often insidious without specific clinical manifestation, the most common complaints were abdominal pain or discomfort, weight loss, poor appetite, nausea and vomiting. According to Musshoff staging system, 75(72.8%) patients were at early stages (I/II) and 28 (27.2%) patients at advanced stages (III/IV). There was no significant difference in five-year overall survival (OS) between the patients in surgery group and non-surgery group (60.4% vs 78.9%, respectively, P = 0072), while there was statistical difference in five-year progression-free survival (PFS) between the two groups (31.7% vs 52.8%, respectively, P = 0.023). Helicobacter pylori (Hp) was detected in 94 patients (91.2%). Anti-Hp treatment was effective with 100% overall response rate. In 94 patients with complete follow-up data, the 5-year OS rate was 75%, 5-year PFS rate was 46%. Univariate survival analysis showed that the B symptoms, Musshoff staging, performance staging, stage-modified IPI, levels of LDH, nodal involvement and levels of β(2)-microglobulin were correlated with OS and PFS (P < 0.05). The Cox regression analysis showed that Musshoff-III/IV stage, stage-modified IPI score > 2 and B symptoms were independent factor for OS (P < 0.05), whereas Musshoff-III/IV stage was independent factor for PFS (P = 0.027). The gastric MALT lymphoma had a favorable outcome with high OS rate. The anti-Hp therapy was an effective treatment for the gastric MALT lymphoma, which avoid the surgical trauma and improve the quality of life. The prognostic analysis showed that Musshoff staging, B symptoms or stage-modified IPI score were independent factors for OS and Musshoff staging was also an independent factor for PFS.

Acceptance Test Data for the AGR-5/6/7 Irradiation Test Fuel Composite Defective IPyC Fraction and Pyrocarbon Anisotropy

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

Helmreich, Grant W.; Hunn, John D.; Skitt, Darren J.

Coated particle composite J52R-16-98005 was produced by Babcock and Wilcox Technologies (BWXT) as fuel for the Advanced Gas Reactor Fuel Development and Qualification (AGR) Program’s AGR-5/6/7 irradiation test in the Idaho National Laboratory (INL) Advanced Test Reactor (ATR). This composite was comprised of four coated particle fuel batches J52O-16-93165B (26%), 93168B (26%), 93169B (24%), and 93170B (24%), chosen based on the Quality Control (QC) data acquired for each individual candidate AGR-5/6/7 batch. Each batch was coated in a 150-mm-diameter production-scale fluidized-bed chemical vapor deposition (CVD) furnace. Tristructural isotropic (TRISO) coatings were deposited on 425-μm-nominal-diameter spherical kernels from BWXT Lot J52R-16-69317more » containing a mixture of 15.5%-enriched uranium carbide and uranium oxide (UCO). The TRISO coatings consisted of four consecutive CVD layers: a ~50% dense carbon buffer layer with 100-μm-nominal thickness, a dense inner pyrolytic carbon (IPyC) layer with 40-μm-nominal thickness, a silicon carbide (SiC) layer with 35-μm-nominal thickness, and a dense outer pyrolytic carbon (OPyC) layer with 40-μm-nominal thickness. The TRISO-coated particle batches were sieved to upgrade the particles by removing over-sized and under-sized material, and the upgraded batches were designated by appending the letter A to the end of the batch number (e.g., 93165A). Secondary upgrading by sieving was performed on the A-designated batches to remove particles with missing or very-thin buffer layers that were identified during previous analysis of the individual batches for defective IPyC, as reported in the acceptance test data report for the AGR-5/6/7 production batches [Hunn et al. 2017]. The additionally-upgraded batches were designated by appending the letter B to the end of the batch number (e.g., 93165B).« less

45 CFR 1351.1 - Significant terms.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

... homeless youth project is or will be located. (c) Coordinated networks of agencies means an association of...-term (maximum of 15 days) room and board and core crisis intervention services, on a 24-hour basis, by...

45 CFR 1351.1 - Significant terms.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-10-01

... homeless youth project is or will be located. (c) Coordinated networks of agencies means an association of...-term (maximum of 15 days) room and board and core crisis intervention services, on a 24-hour basis, by...

45 CFR 1351.1 - Significant terms.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-10-01

... homeless youth project is or will be located. (c) Coordinated networks of agencies means an association of...-term (maximum of 15 days) room and board and core crisis intervention services, on a 24-hour basis, by...

45 CFR 1351.1 - Significant terms.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-10-01

... homeless youth project is or will be located. (c) Coordinated networks of agencies means an association of...-term (maximum of 15 days) room and board and core crisis intervention services, on a 24-hour basis, by...

Coordination of Hepatitis C Virus Assembly by Distinct Regulatory Regions in Nonstructural Protein 5A

PubMed Central

Zayas, Margarita; Long, Gang; Madan, Vanesa; Bartenschlager, Ralf

2016-01-01

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) nonstructural protein (NS)5A is a RNA-binding protein composed of a N-terminal membrane anchor, a structured domain I (DI) and two intrinsically disordered domains (DII and DIII) interacting with viral and cellular proteins. While DI and DII are essential for RNA replication, DIII is required for assembly. How these processes are orchestrated by NS5A is poorly understood. In this study, we identified a highly conserved basic cluster (BC) at the N-terminus of DIII that is critical for particle assembly. We generated BC mutants and compared them with mutants that are blocked at different stages of the assembly process: a NS5A serine cluster (SC) mutant blocked in NS5A-core interaction and a mutant lacking the envelope glycoproteins (ΔE1E2). We found that BC mutations did not affect core-NS5A interaction, but strongly impaired core–RNA association as well as virus particle envelopment. Moreover, BC mutations impaired RNA-NS5A interaction arguing that the BC might be required for loading of core protein with viral RNA. Interestingly, RNA-core interaction was also reduced with the ΔE1E2 mutant, suggesting that nucleocapsid formation and envelopment are coupled. These findings argue for two NS5A DIII determinants regulating assembly at distinct, but closely linked steps: (i) SC-dependent recruitment of replication complexes to core protein and (ii) BC-dependent RNA genome delivery to core protein, triggering encapsidation that is tightly coupled to particle envelopment. These results provide a striking example how a single viral protein exerts multiple functions to coordinate the steps from RNA replication to the assembly of infectious virus particles. PMID:26727512

Person-Centredness and Fundamentals of Care - Dancing with Beauty Rather than Fighting Ugliness.

PubMed

McCormack, Brendan

2016-01-01

The fundamentals of care have re-emerged as an important consideration in nursing following a period when these role elements were predominantly "delegated tasks" delivered by other (usually unregistered/unregulated) members of the health and social care team. Contemporary critiques of nursing highlight the technical focus of nursing at the expense of its caring function. Person-centred nursing theory offers a way of reinstating the value of fundamental care as a core part of providing holistic nursing to persons as well as highlighting the importance of the nursing role in coordinating healthcare services in ways that are consistent with a person's beliefs and values. This paper argues that a focus on person-centredness enables the core function of nurses as providers and coordinators of holistic person-centred fundamental care to be revalued. It highlights the importance of nurses being clear about "what matters" in caring practices and suggests that nurses adopting a person-centred approach can achieve effective care coordination through the lens of the fundamentals of care. In reading this paper, a greater understanding of person-centredness in the context of the fundamentals of care can be achieved. Copyright © 2016 Longwoods Publishing.

Ligand-Sensitive But Not Ligand-Diagnostic: Evaluating Cr Valence-to-Core X-ray Emission Spectroscopy as a Probe of Inner-Sphere Coordination

PubMed Central

2015-01-01

This paper explores the strengths and limitations of valence-to-core X-ray emission spectroscopy (V2C XES) as a probe of coordination environments. A library was assembled from spectra obtained for 12 diverse Cr complexes and used to calibrate density functional theory (DFT) calculations of V2C XES band energies. A functional dependence study was undertaken to benchmark predictive accuracy. All 7 functionals tested reproduce experimental V2C XES energies with an accuracy of 0.5 eV. Experimentally calibrated, DFT calculated V2C XES spectra of 90 Cr compounds were used to produce a quantitative spectrochemical series showing the V2C XES band energy ranges for ligands comprising 18 distinct classes. Substantial overlaps are detected in these ranges, which complicates the use of V2C XES to identify ligands in the coordination spheres of unknown Cr compounds. The ligand-dependent origins of V2C intensity are explored for a homologous series of [CrIII(NH3)5X]2+ (X = F, Cl, Br, and I) to rationalize the variable intensity contributions of these ligand classes. PMID:25496512

Shape Sensing Using a Multi-Core Optical Fiber Having an Arbitrary Initial Shape in the Presence of Extrinsic Forces

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rogge, Matthew D. (Inventor); Moore, Jason P. (Inventor)

2014-01-01

Shape of a multi-core optical fiber is determined by positioning the fiber in an arbitrary initial shape and measuring strain over the fiber's length using strain sensors. A three-coordinate p-vector is defined for each core as a function of the distance of the corresponding cores from a center point of the fiber and a bending angle of the cores. The method includes calculating, via a controller, an applied strain value of the fiber using the p-vector and the measured strain for each core, and calculating strain due to bending as a function of the measured and the applied strain values. Additionally, an apparent local curvature vector is defined for each core as a function of the calculated strain due to bending. Curvature and bend direction are calculated using the apparent local curvature vector, and fiber shape is determined via the controller using the calculated curvature and bend direction.

Transient climate simulations of the deglaciation 21-9 thousand years before present; PMIP4 Core experiment design and boundary conditions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ivanovic, Ruza; Gregoire, Lauren; Kageyama, Masa; Roche, Didier; Valdes, Paul; Burke, Andrea; Drummond, Rosemarie; Peltier, W. Richard; Tarasov, Lev

2016-04-01

The last deglaciation, which marked the transition between the last glacial and present interglacial periods, was punctuated by a series of rapid (centennial and decadal) climate changes. Numerical climate models are useful for investigating mechanisms that underpin the events, especially now that some of the complex models can be run for multiple millennia. We have set up a Paleoclimate Modelling Intercomparison Project (PMIP) working group to coordinate efforts to run transient simulations of the last deglaciation, and to facilitate the dissemination of expertise between modellers and those engaged with reconstructing the climate of the last 21 thousand years. Here, we present the design of a coordinated Core simulation over the period 21-9 thousand years before present (ka) with time varying orbital forcing, greenhouse gases, ice sheets, and other geographical changes. A choice of two ice sheet reconstructions is given. Additional focussed simulations will also be coordinated on an ad-hoc basis by the working group, for example to investigate the effect of ice sheet and iceberg meltwater, and the uncertainty in other forcings. Some of these focussed simulations will concentrate on shorter durations around specific events to allow the more computationally expensive models to take part. Ivanovic, R. F., Gregoire, L. J., Kageyama, M., Roche, D. M., Valdes, P. J., Burke, A., Drummond, R., Peltier, W. R., and Tarasov, L.: Transient climate simulations of the deglaciation 21-9 thousand years before present; PMIP4 Core experiment design and boundary conditions, Geosci. Model Dev. Discuss., 8, 9045-9102, doi:10.5194/gmdd-8-9045-2015, 2015.

Technology Insertion (TI)/Industrial Process Improvement (IPI) Task Order Number 1. Data Base Documentation Book for WR-ALC/MANPSB (Sheet Metal)

DTIC Science & Technology

1989-08-14

peel the cover skins using a wood chisel, tin snips, pliars, etc. to remove the skin without damaging the wires or the heating elements. O.5T-.3...called " Banana Boxes" because they are about the same shape and construction as the boxes used to ship bananas . These boxes would be similar to the ones

Intestinal parasitic infections and associated epidemiological drivers in two rural communities of the Bolivian Chaco.

PubMed

Macchioni, Fabio; Segundo, Higinio; Totino, Valentina; Gabrielli, Simona; Rojas, Patricia; Roselli, Mimmo; Paredes, Grover Adolfo; Masana, Mario; Bartoloni, Alessandro; Cancrini, Gabriella

2016-09-30

In 2013 a coproparasitological survey was carried out in two rural communities of the Bolivian Chaco to determine the prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections (IPIs) and to investigate on possible infection drivers through a questionnaire interview. Faecal samples were examined by microscopy. Samples positive for Entamoeba histolytica complex and Blastocystis were molecularly examined to identify the species/subtypes involved. The overall infection rate was 86%, identical in both communities and mostly due to protozoa. Soil-transmitted helminths were detected in <3% of children and adults. The protozoa detected, including Blastocystis subtypes, indicate faecal contamination of the environment by both humans (as confirmed by the presence of Hymenolepis nana) and animals. Nested-PCR identified E. histolytica, thus signalling the possible occurrence of invasive amoebosis. Lack of safe water, environmental contamination, poor sanitation and hygiene, shared by both communities, are the main drivers of IPIs. In addition, unlike gender and socioeconomic factors, childhood (only for some species), crowding and cohabitation with animals proved to be further significant protozoon infection risk factors. These results highlight the need for the promotion of access to clean water, improved sanitation and better hygiene, thus reducing the frequency of preventive chemotherapy for STHs while continuing to monitor the population for possible recrudescence.

Fasting blood glucose is a novel prognostic indicator for extranodal natural killer/T-cell lymphoma, nasal type

PubMed Central

Cai, Q; Luo, X; Liang, Y; Rao, H; Fang, X; Jiang, W; Lin, T; Lin, T; Huang, H

2013-01-01

Background: Extranodal natural killer (NK)/T-cell lymphoma, nasal type (ENKTL) is an aggressive disease with poor prognosis, requiring risk stratification. However, the prognosis of ENKTL is not fully defined and needs supplementation. We hypothesised that fasting blood glucose (FBG) may be a new prognostic factor for ENKTL. Methods: We retrospectively analysed 130 patients newly diagnosed with ENKTL. Results: Both univariate analysis and multivariate analysis revealed that FBG >100 mg dl−1 was associated with a poor outcome. Patients with FBG >100 mg dl−1 at diagnosis had more adverse clinical features, achieved lower complete remission rates (P=0.003) and had worse overall survival (P<0.001) and progression-free survival (P<0.001) compared with low-FBG patients. Measurement of FBG was helpful in differentiating between low-risk patients using the International Prognostic Index (IPI) and Prognosis Index for peripheral T-cell lymphoma (PIT) scoring and patients in a different category using the Korean Prognostic Index (KPI) scores with different survival outcomes (P<0.05). Conclusion: Our data suggest that measuring FBG levels at diagnosis is a novel, independent predictor of prognosis in ENKTL and helps to distinguish low-risk patients with poor survival, and this holds true in patients considered low-risk by IPI, PIT and KPI. PMID:23299534

Outcome of patients with relapsed diffuse large B-cell lymphoma who fail second-line salvage regimens in the International CORAL study.

PubMed

Van Den Neste, E; Schmitz, N; Mounier, N; Gill, D; Linch, D; Trneny, M; Milpied, N; Radford, J; Ketterer, N; Shpilberg, O; Dührsen, U; Ma, D; Brière, J; Thieblemont, C; Salles, G; Moskowitz, C H; Glass, B; Gisselbrecht, C

2016-01-01

Salvage chemotherapy followed by autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) is the standard second-line treatment for relapsed and refractory diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). However, the strategy is less clear in patients who require third-line treatment. Updated outcomes of 203 patients who could not proceed to scheduled ASCT in the Collaborative Trial in Relapsed Aggressive Lymphoma (CORAL) are herein reviewed. In the intent-to-treat analysis, overall response rate to third-line chemotherapy was 39%, with 27% CR or CR unconfirmed, and 12% PR. Among the 203 patients, 64 (31.5%) were eventually transplanted (ASCT 56, allogeneic SCT 8). Median overall survival (OS) of the entire population was 4.4 months. OS was significantly improved in patients with lower tertiary International Prognostic Index (IPI), patients responding to third-line treatment and patients transplanted with a 1-year OS of 41.6% compared with 16.3% for the not transplanted (P<0.0001). In multivariate analysis, IPI at relapse (hazard ratio (HR) 2.409) and transplantation (HR 0.375) independently predicted OS. Third-line salvage chemotherapy can lead to response followed by transplantation and long-term survival in DLBCL patients. However, improvement of salvage efficacy is an urgent need with new drugs.

Detecting trends in academic research from a citation network using network representation learning

PubMed Central

Mori, Junichiro; Ochi, Masanao; Sakata, Ichiro

2018-01-01

Several network features and information retrieval methods have been proposed to elucidate the structure of citation networks and to detect important nodes. However, it is difficult to retrieve information related to trends in an academic field and to detect cutting-edge areas from the citation network. In this paper, we propose a novel framework that detects the trend as the growth direction of a citation network using network representation learning(NRL). We presume that the linear growth of citation network in latent space obtained by NRL is the result of the iterative edge additional process of a citation network. On APS datasets and papers of some domains of the Web of Science, we confirm the existence of trends by observing that an academic field grows in a specific direction linearly in latent space. Next, we calculate each node’s degree of trend-following as an indicator called the intrinsic publication year (IPY). As a result, there is a correlation between the indicator and the number of future citations. Furthermore, a word frequently used in the abstracts of cutting-edge papers (high-IPY paper) is likely to be used often in future publications. These results confirm the validity of the detected trend for predicting citation network growth. PMID:29782521

‘Antarctic biology in the 21st century - Advances in, and beyond the international polar year 2007-2008’

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Stoddart, Michael

2010-08-01

The International Polar Year 2007-2008 (IPY) has provided an opportunity for biology to show itself as an important part of Antarctic science in a manner in which it was not seen during earlier Polar Years. Of the 15 endorsed biological projects in Antarctica, 7 included more than 20 scientists and could be deemed truly international. Four were conducted in the marine environment, and one each in the fields of biological invasions, microbial ecology, and terrestrial ecology, and one was SCAR’s over-arching ‘Evolution and Biodiversity in the Antarctic’. The marine projects have left a robust legacy of data for future research into the consequences of environmental change, and into future decisions about marine protected areas. Studies on introductions of exotic organisms reveal an ever-present threat to the warmer parts of the high-latitude Southern Ocean, or parts which might become warmer with climate change. Studies on microbial ecology reveal great complexity of ecosystems with high numbers of unknown species. Terrestrial research has shown how vulnerable the Antarctic is to accidental introductions, and how productive the soils can be under changed climate conditions. Antarctic biology has come-of-age during IPY 2007-2008 and the campaign has set the scene for future research.

Students and Teachers Conduct an Assessment of Antarctic Peninsula Ecosystems and Take Their Research into Classrooms.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lougheed, V. L.; Tweedie, C. E.; Robertson, W. H.; Velasco, A. A.; Garcia, C. V.

2008-12-01

The University of Texas at El Paso received an IPY grant from the US National Science Foundation to take undergraduate and graduate students, as well as teachers, to Antarctica over winter break 2007. The program, called IPY-ROAM (International Polar Year - Research and Educational Experiences in Antarctica for Minorities) aimed to increase the number of underrepresented minorities in the sciences, and increase public awareness about the polar regions. Participants completed research projects in terrestrial ecology, marine sciences, geosciences and tourism policy, and helped design education products to take this science into classrooms. All data were collected during a 10-day expedition aboard a tourist vessel in December 2007, which included 8 landings in the Antarctic Peninsula region. Student projects found that, in nearshore areas adjacent to penguin colonies, water column nutrients were elevated and algal communities were relatively unique, whereas algal communities found at sites without penguins tended to be more similar to each other. Similarly, student working on land found that penguin rookery size has a distinct impact on plant community composition, biomass and CO2 efflux. Education and outreach activities directed at schools across the US will take data and techniques from this research to teach students about polar science.

Evolution of divergent female mating preference in response to experimental sexual selection.

PubMed

Debelle, Allan; Ritchie, Michael G; Snook, Rhonda R

2014-09-01

Sexual selection is predicted to drive the coevolution of mating signals and preferences (mating traits) within populations, and could play a role in speciation if sexual isolation arises due to mating trait divergence between populations. However, few studies have demonstrated that differences in mating traits between populations result from sexual selection alone. Experimental evolution is a promising approach to directly examine the action of sexual selection on mating trait divergence among populations. We manipulated the opportunity for sexual selection (low vs. high) in populations of Drosophila pseudoobscura. Previous studies on these experimental populations have shown that sexual selection manipulation resulted in the divergence between sexual selection treatments of several courtship song parameters, including interpulse interval (IPI) which markedly influences male mating success. Here, we measure female preference for IPI using a playback design to test for preference divergence between the sexual selection treatments after 130 generations of experimental sexual selection. The results suggest that female preference has coevolved with male signal, in opposite directions between the sexual selection treatments, providing direct evidence of the ability of sexual selection to drive the divergent coevolution of mating traits between populations. We discuss the implications in the context sexual selection and speciation. © 2014 The Authors. Evolution published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of The Society for the Study of Evolution.

Anemia among pregnant women in Southeast Ethiopia: prevalence, severity and associated risk factors.

PubMed

Kefiyalew, Filagot; Zemene, Endalew; Asres, Yaregal; Gedefaw, Lealem

2014-11-03

Anemia is a significant public health problem in developing countries, particularly in pregnant women. It may complicate pregnancy, sometimes resulting in tragic outcomes. There is a lack of information on the magnitude of anemia among pregnant women in Southeast Ethiopia. The aim of this study is, therefore, to determine the prevalence of anemia and assess associated factors among pregnant women attending antenatal care (ANC) at Bisidimo Hospital in Southeast Ethiopia. A facility-based cross-sectional study, involving 258 pregnant women, was conducted from March to June 2013. Socio-demographic, medical and obstetric data of the study participants were collected using structured questionnaire. Hemoglobin was measured using a hematology analyzer and faecal specimens were examined to detect intestinal parasites. Anemia in pregnancy was defined as hemoglobin <11 g/dl. Overall, prevalence of anemia was 27.9%, of which 55% had mild anemia. Rural residence (AOR =3.3, 95% CI: 1.5-7.4), intestinal parasitic infection (IPI) (AOR = 2.5, 95% CI: 1.3-4.8) and history of heavy cycle (AOR =2.7, 95% CI: 1.3-1.7) were predictors of anemia. This study showed moderate prevalence of anemia among the pregnant women, with a sizable proportion having severe anemia. Routine testing of pregnant women for IPIs and creating awareness on factors predisposing to anemia is recommended.

Sensor Webs in Digital Earth

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Heavner, M. J.; Fatland, D. R.; Moeller, H.; Hood, E.; Schultz, M.

2007-12-01

The University of Alaska Southeast is currently implementing a sensor web identified as the SouthEast Alaska MOnitoring Network for Science, Telecommunications, Education, and Research (SEAMONSTER). From power systems and instrumentation through data management, visualization, education, and public outreach, SEAMONSTER is designed with modularity in mind. We are utilizing virtual earth infrastructures to enhance both sensor web management and data access. We will describe how the design philosophy of using open, modular components contributes to the exploration of different virtual earth environments. We will also describe the sensor web physical implementation and how the many components have corresponding virtual earth representations. This presentation will provide an example of the integration of sensor webs into a virtual earth. We suggest that IPY sensor networks and sensor webs may integrate into virtual earth systems and provide an IPY legacy easily accessible to both scientists and the public. SEAMONSTER utilizes geobrowsers for education and public outreach, sensor web management, data dissemination, and enabling collaboration. We generate near-real-time auto-updating geobrowser files of the data. In this presentation we will describe how we have implemented these technologies to date, the lessons learned, and our efforts towards greater OGC standard implementation. A major focus will be on demonstrating how geobrowsers have made this project possible.

Get the Power You Need, When and Where You Need It Aboard the International Space Station (ISS) Using the ISS Plug-In Plan (IPiP) Requirement Request Process

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Moore, Kevin D.

2017-01-01

Trying to get your experiment aboard ISS? You likely will need power. Many enditem providers do. ISS Plug-In Plan (IPiP) supports power and data for science, Payloads (or Utilization), vehicle systems, and daily operations through the Electrical Power System (EPS) Secondary Power/Data Subsystem. Yet limited resources and increasing requirements continue to influence decisions on deployment of ISS end items. Given the fluid launch schedule and the rapidly- increasing number of end item providers requiring power support, the focus of the Plug-In Plan has evolved from a simple FIFO recommendation to provide power to end item users, to anticipating future requirements by judicious development and delivery of support equipment (cables, power supplies, power strips, and alternating current (AC) power inverters), employing innovative deployment strategies, and collaborating on end item development. This paper describes the evolution of the ISS Program Office, Engineering Directorate, Flight Operations Directorate (FOD), International Partners and the end item provider relationship and how collaboration successfully leverages unique requirements with limited on- board equipment and resources, tools and processes which result in more agile integration, and describes the process designed for the new ISS end item provider to assure that their power requirements will be met.

Discrimination between sequential and simultaneous virtual channels with electrical hearing

PubMed Central

Landsberger, David; Galvin, John J.

2011-01-01

In cochlear implants (CIs), simultaneous or sequential stimulation of adjacent electrodes can produce intermediate pitch percepts between those of the component electrodes. However, it is unclear whether simultaneous and sequential virtual channels (VCs) can be discriminated. In this study, CI users were asked to discriminate simultaneous and sequential VCs; discrimination was measured for monopolar (MP) and bipolar + 1 stimulation (BP + 1), i.e., relatively broad and focused stimulation modes. For sequential VCs, the interpulse interval (IPI) varied between 0.0 and 1.8 ms. All stimuli were presented at comfortably loud, loudness-balanced levels at a 250 pulse per second per electrode (ppse) stimulation rate. On average, CI subjects were able to reliably discriminate between sequential and simultaneous VCs. While there was no significant effect of IPI or stimulation mode on VC discrimination, some subjects exhibited better VC discrimination with BP + 1 stimulation. Subjects’ discrimination between sequential and simultaneous VCs was correlated with electrode discrimination, suggesting that spatial selectivity may influence perception of sequential VCs. To maintain equal loudness, sequential VC amplitudes were nearly double those of simultaneous VCs, presumably resulting in a broader spread of excitation. These results suggest that perceptual differences between simultaneous and sequential VCs might be explained by differences in the spread of excitation. PMID:21895094

Discrimination between sequential and simultaneous virtual channels with electrical hearing.

PubMed

Landsberger, David; Galvin, John J

2011-09-01

In cochlear implants (CIs), simultaneous or sequential stimulation of adjacent electrodes can produce intermediate pitch percepts between those of the component electrodes. However, it is unclear whether simultaneous and sequential virtual channels (VCs) can be discriminated. In this study, CI users were asked to discriminate simultaneous and sequential VCs; discrimination was measured for monopolar (MP) and bipolar + 1 stimulation (BP + 1), i.e., relatively broad and focused stimulation modes. For sequential VCs, the interpulse interval (IPI) varied between 0.0 and 1.8 ms. All stimuli were presented at comfortably loud, loudness-balanced levels at a 250 pulse per second per electrode (ppse) stimulation rate. On average, CI subjects were able to reliably discriminate between sequential and simultaneous VCs. While there was no significant effect of IPI or stimulation mode on VC discrimination, some subjects exhibited better VC discrimination with BP + 1 stimulation. Subjects' discrimination between sequential and simultaneous VCs was correlated with electrode discrimination, suggesting that spatial selectivity may influence perception of sequential VCs. To maintain equal loudness, sequential VC amplitudes were nearly double those of simultaneous VCs, presumably resulting in a broader spread of excitation. These results suggest that perceptual differences between simultaneous and sequential VCs might be explained by differences in the spread of excitation. © 2011 Acoustical Society of America

Associations of family characteristics with perceptions of care among parents of children with autism.

PubMed

Sobotka, S A; Francis, A; Vander Ploeg Booth, K

2016-01-01

Although autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is an increasingly common chronic disability, primary care provider (PCPs) report deficits in providing primary care for children with ASD, and parents report lapses in receipt of medical home services. In this study, we describe parental experiences with specific medical home components for their children with ASD. We analysed data from all children within the National Survey of Children with Special Health Care Needs database with ASD and a usual place for care (n = 2859). We evaluated the receipt of core medical home components: accessible, comprehensive, coordinated, family centred and compassionate and culturally sensitive care. Children were mean age 10.1 years, and respondents were 75% mothers and 95% reported having a primary care provider (PCP). Seventy-one percent reported care to be usually comprehensive, over three-fourths of respondents reported care to be family centred and compassionate and 87% reported care to be culturally sensitive. Of the parents who reported a need for care coordination (n = 1049), only 14% of parents reported usually getting the help they needed. More educated, English-speaking, non-Hispanic White mothers of older children supported by private insurance were more likely to report never getting as much help coordinating care as desired. Coordination with education services are especially important for children with ASD, yet 27% of parents reported dissatisfaction with PCPs' communication with schools or early intervention. Although parents report a high level of access to PCPs and places for care as well as receiving most core components of the medical home, care coordination activities are lacking for children with ASD. More resourced families are particularly likely to report unmet needs. © 2015 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Zinc(II)-methimazole complexes: synthesis and reactivity.

PubMed

Isaia, Francesco; Aragoni, Maria Carla; Arca, Massimiliano; Bettoschi, Alexandre; Caltagirone, Claudia; Castellano, Carlo; Demartin, Francesco; Lippolis, Vito; Pivetta, Tiziana; Valletta, Elisa

2015-06-07

The tetrahedral S-coordinated complex [Zn(MeImHS)4](ClO4)2, synthesised from the reaction of [Zn(ClO4)2] with methimazole (1-methyl-3H-imidazole-2-thione, MeImHS), reacts with triethylamine to yield the homoleptic complex [Zn(MeImS)2] (MeImS = anion methimazole). ESI-MS and MAS (13)C-NMR experiments supported MeImS acting as a (N,S)-chelating ligand. The DFT-optimised structure of [Zn(MeImS)2] is also reported and the main bond lengths compared to those of related Zn-methimazole complexes. The complex [Zn(MeImS)2] reacts under mild conditions with methyl iodide and separates the novel complex [Zn(MeImSMe)2I2] (MeImSMe = S-methylmethimazole). X-ray diffraction analysis of the complex shows a ZnI2N2 core, with the methyl thioethers uncoordinated to zinc. Conversely, the reaction of [Zn(MeImS)2] with hydroiodic acid led to the formation of the complex [Zn(MeImHS)2I2] having a ZnI2S2 core with the neutral methimazole units S-coordinating the metal centre. The Zn-coordinated methimazole can markedly modify the coordination environment when changing from its thione to thionate form and vice versa. The study of the interaction of the drug methimazole with the complex [Zn(MeIm)4](2+) (MeIm = 1-methylimidazole) - as a model for Zn-enzymes containing a N4 donor set from histidine residues - shows that methimazole displaces only one of the coordinated MeIm molecules; the formation constant of the mixed complex [Zn(MeIm)3(MeImHS)](2+) was determined.

Carbonate formation within a nickel dimer: synthesis of a coordinatively unsaturated bis(mu-hydroxo) dinickel complex and its reactivity toward carbon dioxide.

PubMed

Wikstrom, Jeffrey P; Filatov, Alexander S; Mikhalyova, Elena A; Shatruk, Michael; Foxman, Bruce M; Rybak-Akimova, Elena V

2010-03-14

The tridentate aminopyridine ligand bearing a bulky tert-butyl substituent at the amine nitrogen, tert-butyl-dipicolylamine (tBuDPA), occupies three coordination sites in six-coordinate complexes of nickel(ii), leaving the remaining three sites available for additional ligand binding and activation. New crystallographically characterized complexes include two mononuclear species with 1:1 metal:ligand complexation: a trihydrate solvate (1.3H(2)O) and a monohydrate biacetonitrile solvate (1.H(2)O.2CH(3)CN). Complexation in the presence of sodium hydroxide results in a bis(mu-hydroxo) complex (2), the bridging hydroxide anions of which are labile and become displaced by methoxide anions in methanol solvent, affording bis-methoxo-bridged (4). Nickel(II) centers in 2 are five-coordinate and antiferromagnetically coupled (with J = -31.4(5) cm(-1), H = -2JS(1)S(2), in agreement with Ni-O-Ni angle of 103.7 degrees). Bridging hydroxide or alkoxide anions in coordinatively unsaturated dinuclear nickel(II) complexes with tBuDPA react as active nucleophiles. 2 readily performs carbon dioxide fixation, resulting in the formation of a bis(mu-carbonato) tetrameric complex (3), which features a novel binding geometry in the form of an inverted butterfly-type nickel-carbonate core. Temperature-dependent magnetic measurements of tetranuclear carbonato-bridged revealed relatively weak antiferromagnetic coupling (J(1) = -3.1(2) cm(-1)) between the two nickel centers in the core of the cluster, as well as weak antiferromagnetic pairwise interactions (J(2) = J(3) = -4.54(5) cm(-1)) between central and terminal nickel ions.

Stroke disease management--a framework for comprehensive stroke care.

PubMed

Venketasubramanian, N; Chan, B P L; Lim, E; Hafizah, Noor; Goh, K T; Lew, Y J; Loo, L; Yin, A; Widjaja, L; Loke, W C; Kuick, G; Lee, N L; Ong, B S; Koh, S F; Heng, B H; Cheah, J

2002-07-01

Disease management is an approach to patient care that coordinates medical resources for the patient across the entire healthcare delivery system throughout the lifetime of the patient with the disease. Stroke is suitable for disease management as it is a well-known disease with a high prevalence, high cost, variable practice pattern, poor clinical outcome, and managed by a non-integrated healthcare system. It has measurable and actionable outcomes, with available local expertise and support of the Ministry of Health. Developing the programme requires a multidisciplinary team, baseline data on target populations and healthcare services, identification of core components, collaboration with key stakeholders, development of evidence-based clinical practice guidelines and carepaths, institution of care coordinators, use of information technology and continuous quality improvement to produce an effective plan. Core components include public education, risk factor screening and management, primary care and specialist clinics, acute stroke units, inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation facilities, and supportive community services including medical, nursing, therapy, home help and support groups for patients and carers. The family physician plays a key role. Coordination of services is best done by a network of hospital and community-based care managers, and is enhanced by a coordinating call centre. Continuous quality improvement is required, with audit of processes and outcomes, facilitated by a disease registry. Pitfalls include inappropriate exclusion of deserving patients, misuse, loss of physician and patient independence, over-estimation of benefits, and care fragmentation. Collaboration and cooperative among all parties will help ensure a successful and sustainable programme.

Analytical and Experimental Investigations of Delta Wings in Incompressible Flow

DTIC Science & Technology

1976-08-01

posi- tion unless so designated by other official documents. Rep roduct ion Reproduction in whole or in part is permitted for any purpose of the...Trailing Edge of Free-Wake Model 56 19 Polar Coordinate System 5i 20 Free-Wake Geometry Prediction 5 21 Finite-Size Core 58 22 Vortex Core Position of Smith...k=0.4 70 34 Details of a Helical Type Burst 71 35 Vortex Burst-Steady Flow 72 36 Location of Pressure Ports 73 37 Pressure Destribution on a Delta

Coordination-Supported Imidazolate Networks: Water- and Heat-Stable Mesoporous Polymers for Catalysis

DOE PAGES

Zhang, Pengfei; Yang, Shize; Chisholm, Matthew F.; ...

2017-05-29

The poor water stability of most porous coordination polymers (PCPs) or metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) is widely recognised as a barrier hampering their practical applications. Herein, a facile and scalable route to prepare metal-containing polymers with a good stability in boiling water (100°C, 24 h) and air (up to 390°C) is presented. The bifunctional 1-vinylimidazole (VIm) with both a coordinating site and a polymerizable organic group is introduced as the building block. This core strategy includes the synthesis of a rigid monomer with four VIm branches via a coordination process at room temperature, followed by a radical polymerization. Here we callmore » this material Coordination-supported Imidazolate Networks (CINs). Interestingly, CINs are composed of rich mesopores from 2 to 15 nm, as characterized by low-energy (60 kV) STEM-HAADF images. Especially, the stable CINs illustrate a high turnover frequency (TOF) of 779 h -1 in the catalytic oxidation of phenol with H 2O as the green solvent.« less

Age-related changes in the auditory brainstem response.

PubMed

Konrad-Martin, Dawn; Dille, Marilyn F; McMillan, Garnett; Griest, Susan; McDermott, Daniel; Fausti, Stephen A; Austin, Donald F

2012-01-01

This cross-sectional study had two goals: (1) Identify and quantify the effects of aging on the auditory brainstem response (ABR); (2) Describe how click rate and hearing impairment modify effects of aging. RESEARCH DESIGN AND ANALYSIS: ABR measures were obtained from 131 predominately male Veteran participants aged 26 to 71 yr. Metrics analyzed include amplitude and latency for waves I, III, and V, and the I-V interpeak latency interval (IPI) at three repetition rates (11, 51, and 71 clicks/sec) using both polarities. In order to avoid confounding from missing data due to hearing impairment, participants had hearing thresholds <40 dB HL at 2 kHz and 70 dB HL at 4 kHz in at least one ear. Additionally, the median 2, 3, and 4 kHz pure tone threshold average (PTA2,3,4) for the sample, ∼17 dB HL, was used to delineate subgroups of better and worse hearing ears, and only the better hearing sample was modeled statistically. We modeled ABR responses using age, repetition rate, and PTA2,3,4 as covariates. Random effects were used to model correlation between the two ears of a subject and across repetition rates. Inferences regarding effects of aging on ABR measures at each rate were derived from the fitted model. Results were compared to data from subjects with poorer hearing. Aging substantially diminished amplitudes of all of the principal ABR peaks, largely independent of any threshold differences within the group. For waves I and III, age-related amplitude decrements were greatest at a low (11/sec) click rate. At the 11/sec rate, the model-based mean wave III amplitude was significantly smaller in older compared with younger subjects even after adjusting for wave I amplitude. Aging also increased ABR peak latencies, with significant shifts limited to early waves. The I-V IPI did not change with age. For both younger and older subjects, increasing click presentation rate significantly decreased amplitudes of early peaks and prolonged latencies of later peaks, resulting in increased IPIs. Advanced age did not enhance effects of rate. Instead, the rate effect on wave I and III amplitudes was attenuated for the older subjects due to reduced peak amplitudes at lower click rates. Compared with model predictions from the sample of better hearing subjects, mean ABR amplitudes were diminished in the group with poorer hearing, and wave V latencies were prolonged. In a sample of veterans, aging substantially reduced amplitudes of all principal ABR peaks, with significant latency shifts limited to waves I and III. Aging did not influence the I-V IPI even at high click rates, suggesting that the observed absolute latency changes associated with aging can be attributed to changes in auditory nerve input. In contrast, ABR amplitude changes with age are not adequately explained by changes in wave I. Results suggest that aging reduces the numbers and/or synchrony of contributing auditory nerve units. Results also support the concept that aging reduces the numbers, though perhaps not the synchrony, of central ABR generators. American Academy of Audiology.

Environmental Studies in the Boreal Forest Zone: Summer IPY Institute at Central Boreal Forest Reserve, Fedorovskoe, Tver area, Russia (14-28 August, 2007)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sparrow, E. B.; Kurbatova, Y.; Groisman, P.; Alexeev, V.

2007-12-01

The Summer Institute was organized by the International Arctic Research Center (IARC) at the University of Alaska Fairbanks, in collaboration with the A.N. Severtsov Institute for Ecology and Evolution of the Russian Academy of Sciences in Moscow, Russia, and the Central Forest State Nature Biosphere Reserve in Fedorovskoe, Russia. The Institute was arranged as a part of the education/outreach activities of the International Polar Year (IPY) at the University of Alaska and the Northern Eurasia Earth Science Partnership Initiative (NEESPI) and was held in Russia. The Institute provided a unique opportunity for participants to learn about the climate and environment of Northern Eurasia from leading scientists and educators, in a wide spectrum of polar and Earth system science disciplines from meteorology, biology, chemistry, and earth system modeling. Additionally, the Institute attendees observed and participated in the biospheric research activities under the guidance of experienced scientists. During a two-week-interval, the School attendees heard 40 lectures, attended several field trips and participated in three brainstorming Round Table Workshop Sessions devoted to perspectives of the boreal forest zone research and major unresolved problems that it faces. Thirty professors and experts in different areas of climate and biosphere research from Russia, the United States, Germany, Finland, and Japan, shared their expertise in lectures and in round table discussions with the Institute participants. Among the Institute participants there were 31 graduate students/early career scientists from six countries (China, Russia, Estonia, Finland, UK, and the United States) and eight K-12 teachers from Russia. The two groups joined together for several workshop sessions and for the field work components of the Institute. The field work was focused on land-atmosphere interactions and wetland studies in the boreal forest zone. Several field trips in and outside the Forest Reserve were arranged to highlight various aspects of wetland studies and management in the European taiga environment. As part of the GLOBE (Global Learning and Observations to Benefit the Environment) IPY "Seasons and Biomes" project led by Dr. Elena Sparrow, the K-12 teachers were instructed in and practiced existing GLOBE protocols as well as new protocols created specifically for the Seasons and Biomes project to study interannual variability of seasons in their own biomes. These teachers will in turn engage their students in Earth System scientific research as a way of teaching and learning science as well as involving them in the IPY. Support for the Summer Institute was provided by many institutions and organizations from the United States (IARC, NASA, NSF, University of Maryland, GLOBE USA, and Hydrology Science and Services Corporation), Russia (Central Biosphere Forest Reserve, A.N. Severtsov Institute for Ecology and Evolution of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Southern Federal University, Russian Foundation for Basic Research, GLOBE Russia, and non-profit organization "Transparent World"), Japan (National Institute for Environmental Studies), China (Beijing Normal University), Germany (Friedrich-Schiller-University) and the Circumpolar North (University of the Arctic).

Frequently Asked Questions about Improved Academic Performance

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

A healthy school environment is one of the keys to keeping young minds and bodies strong. In fact, a healthy school environment is one of eight core components in the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) model “Healthy Youth! Coordinated

Core stability training for injury prevention.

PubMed

Huxel Bliven, Kellie C; Anderson, Barton E

2013-11-01

Enhancing core stability through exercise is common to musculoskeletal injury prevention programs. Definitive evidence demonstrating an association between core instability and injury is lacking; however, multifaceted prevention programs including core stabilization exercises appear to be effective at reducing lower extremity injury rates. PUBMED WAS SEARCHED FOR EPIDEMIOLOGIC, BIOMECHANIC, AND CLINICAL STUDIES OF CORE STABILITY FOR INJURY PREVENTION (KEYWORDS: "core OR trunk" AND "training OR prevention OR exercise OR rehabilitation" AND "risk OR prevalence") published between January 1980 and October 2012. Articles with relevance to core stability risk factors, assessment, and training were reviewed. Relevant sources from articles were also retrieved and reviewed. Stabilizer, mobilizer, and load transfer core muscles assist in understanding injury risk, assessing core muscle function, and developing injury prevention programs. Moderate evidence of alterations in core muscle recruitment and injury risk exists. Assessment tools to identify deficits in volitional muscle contraction, isometric muscle endurance, stabilization, and movement patterns are available. Exercise programs to improve core stability should focus on muscle activation, neuromuscular control, static stabilization, and dynamic stability. Core stabilization relies on instantaneous integration among passive, active, and neural control subsystems. Core muscles are often categorized functionally on the basis of stabilizing or mobilizing roles. Neuromuscular control is critical in coordinating this complex system for dynamic stabilization. Comprehensive assessment and training require a multifaceted approach to address core muscle strength, endurance, and recruitment requirements for functional demands associated with daily activities, exercise, and sport.

Pakistan: Ascending a Path through Regional Turmoil

DTIC Science & Technology

2013-03-01

Correspondingly, the US perceives that it is Pakistan’s unwarranted and paranoid fear of India (and mistrust of the reliability of the US) that is causing...For instance, Pakistan has welcomed the Iranian offer to overcome its energy crisis with the building of the Iran-Pakistan-India (IPI) gas pipeline...mitigate its effects. It may have to look both inwards and outwards to overcome this emerging crisis. It will have to carefully develop a viable

Conservation of Planar Polarity Pathway Function Across the Animal Kingdom.

PubMed

Hale, Rosalind; Strutt, David

2015-01-01

Planar polarity is a well-studied phenomenon resulting in the directional coordination of cells in the plane of a tissue. In invertebrates and vertebrates, planar polarity is established and maintained by the largely independent core and Fat/Dachsous/Four-jointed (Ft-Ds-Fj) pathways. Loss of function of these pathways can result in a wide range of developmental or cellular defects, including failure of gastrulation and problems with placement and function of cilia. This review discusses the conservation of these pathways across the animal kingdom. The lack of vital core pathway components in basal metazoans suggests that the core planar polarity pathway evolved shortly after, but not necessarily alongside, the emergence of multicellularity.

What core primary health care services should be available to Australians living in rural and remote communities?

PubMed

Thomas, Susan L; Wakerman, John; Humphreys, John S

2014-08-21

Australians living in rural and remote areas experience poorer access to primary health care (PHC) and poorer health outcomes compared to metropolitan populations. Current health reform in Australia aims to ensure all Australians, regardless of where they live, have access to essential PHC services. However, at a national level policy makers and health planners lack an evidence-based set of core PHC services to assist in implementing this goal. A Delphi method was used to reach consensus on an evidence-based list of core PHC services to which all Australians should have access and their necessary support functions. Experts in rural and remote and/or Indigenous PHC, including policy-makers, academics, clinicians and consumers, were invited to consider a list of core services derived from the literature. Thirty nine experts agreed to participate. After three survey rounds there was a strong consensus (≥80% agreement) on core PHC services namely; 'care of the sick and injured', 'mental health', 'maternal/child health', 'allied health', 'sexual/reproductive health', 'rehabilitation', 'oral/dental health' and 'public health/illness prevention'; and on the PHC support functions of; 'management/governance/leadership', 'coordination', 'health infrastructure', 'quality systems', 'data systems', 'professional development' and 'community participation'. Themes emerging from qualitative data included challenges in providing equitable PHC in rural and remote areas, the importance of service coordination and diverse strategies to overcome access barriers. This study identifies a basket of PHC services that consumers in rural and remote communities can expect to access. It provides rigorously derived evidence that will contribute to a more systematic approach to PHC service planning and availability and will assist policy makers in the allocation of scarce resources necessary to improve the health outcomes of residents of rural and remote areas.

The Surface Velocity Structure of the Florida Current in a Jet Coordinate Frame

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Archer, Matthew R.; Shay, Lynn K.; Johns, William E.

2017-11-01

The structure and variability of the Florida Current between 25° and 26°N are investigated using HF radar ocean current measurements to provide the most detailed view of the surface jet to date. A 2-D jet coordinate analysis is performed to define lateral displacements of the jet in time (meandering), and associated structural variations over a 2 year period (2005-2006). In the jet coordinate frame, core speed has a median value of ˜160 cm s-1 at the central latitude of the array (25.4°N), with a standard deviation (STD) of 35 cm s-1. The jet meanders at timescales of 3-30 days, with a STD of 8 km, and a downstream phase speed of ˜80 km d-1. Meandering accounts for ˜45% of eddy kinetic energy computed in a fixed (geographical) reference frame. Core speed, width, and shear undergo the same dominant 3-30 day variability, plus an annual cycle that matches seasonality of alongshore wind stress. Jet transport at 25.4°N exhibits a different seasonality to volume transport at 27°N, most likely driven by input from the Northwest Providence Channel. Core speed correlates inversely with Miami sea level fluctuations such that a 40 cm s-1 deceleration is associated with a ˜10 cm elevation in sea level, although there is no correlation of sea level to jet meandering or width. Such accurate quantification of the Florida Current's variability is critical to understand and forecast future changes in the climate system of the North Atlantic, as well as local impacts on coastal circulation and sea level variability along south Florida's coastline.

PolarTREC: Successful Methods and Tools for Attaining Broad Educational Impacts with Interdisciplinary Polar Science

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Timm, K. M.; Warburton, J.; Owens, R.; Warnick, W. K.

2008-12-01

PolarTREC--Teachers and Researchers Exploring and Collaborating, a program of the Arctic Research Consortium of the U.S. (ARCUS), is a National Science Foundation (NSF)-funded International Polar Year (IPY) project in which K-12 educators participate in hands-on field experiences in the polar regions, working closely with IPY scientists as a pathway to improving science education. Developing long-term teacher- researcher collaborations through PolarTREC ensures up-to-date climate change science content will permeate the K-12 education system long after the IPY. By infusing education with the cutting edge science from the polar regions, PolarTREC has already shown an increase in student and public knowledge of and interest in the polar regions and global climate change. Preliminary evaluations have shown that PolarTREC's program activities have many positive impacts on educators and their ability to teach science concepts and improve their teaching methods. Additionally, K-12 students polled in interest surveys showed significant changes regarding the importance of understanding the polar regions as a person in today's world. Researchers have been overwhelmingly satisfied with PolarTREC and cited several specific strengths, including the program's crucial link between the teachers' field research experiences and their classroom and the extensive training provided to teachers prior to their expedition. This presentation will focus on other successful components of the PolarTREC program and how researchers and organizations might use these tools to reach out to the public for long-term impacts. Best practices include strategies for working with educators and the development of an internet-based platform for teachers and researchers to interact with the public, combining several communication tools such as online journals and forums, real-time Internet seminars, lesson plans, activities, audio, and other educational resources that address a broad range of scientific topics. These highly relevant, adaptable, and accessible tools and resources are available to educators across the globe and have connected thousands of students and citizens to the excitement of polar science. PolarTREC provides a tested approach and a clear route for researcher participation in the education community, facilitating increased educator, student, and community understanding of science and the polar regions during times of interrelated global change. For more information, visit the PolarTREC website.

PolarTREC: Successful Methods and Tools for Attaining Broad Educational Impacts with Interdisciplinary Polar Science

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Warburton, J.; Timm, K. M.; Owens, R.; Warnick, W. K.

2008-12-01

PolarTREC--Teachers and Researchers Exploring and Collaborating, a program of the Arctic Research Consortium of the U.S. (ARCUS), is a National Science Foundation (NSF)-funded International Polar Year (IPY) project in which K-12 educators participate in hands-on field experiences in the polar regions, working closely with IPY scientists as a pathway to improving science education. Developing long-term teacher- researcher collaborations through PolarTREC ensures up-to-date climate change science content will permeate the K-12 education system long after the IPY. By infusing education with the cutting edge science from the polar regions, PolarTREC has already shown an increase in student and public knowledge of and interest in the polar regions and global climate change. Preliminary evaluations have shown that PolarTREC's program activities have many positive impacts on educators and their ability to teach science concepts and improve their teaching methods. Additionally, K-12 students polled in interest surveys showed significant changes regarding the importance of understanding the polar regions as a person in today's world. Researchers have been overwhelmingly satisfied with PolarTREC and cited several specific strengths, including the program's crucial link between the teachers' field research experiences and their classroom and the extensive training provided to teachers prior to their expedition. This poster will focus on other successful components of the PolarTREC program and how researchers and organizations might use these tools to reach out to the public for long-term impacts. Best practices include strategies for working with educators and the development of an internet-based platform for teachers and researchers to interact with the public, combining several communication tools such as online journals and forums, real-time Internet seminars, lesson plans, activities, audio, and other educational resources that address a broad range of scientific topics. These highly relevant, adaptable, and accessible tools and resources are available to educators across the globe and have connected thousands of students and citizens to the excitement of polar science. PolarTREC provides a tested approach and a clear route for researcher participation in the education community, facilitating increased educator, student, and community understanding of science and the polar regions during times of interrelated global change. For more information, visit the PolarTREC website.

Induced abortion - impact on a subsequent pregnancy in first-time mothers: a registry-based study.

PubMed

Holmlund, Susanna; Kauko, Tommi; Matomäki, Jaakko; Tuominen, Miia; Mäkinen, Juha; Rautava, Päivi

2016-10-24

To date, several studies concerning the effects of induced abortion (IA) on women's later psychosocial well-being and future delivery complications have been published. However, the lack of reports on woman's physical well-being during their first full-term pregnancy occurring after IA is what inspired the current study. Here, we evaluate the physical well-being and use of maternity services of first-time mothers with a history of IA. Finnish National Birth Registry data from 2008 to 2010 were linked with the Induced Abortion Registry data from 1983 to 2007. After excluding first-time mothers with a history of miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy or delivery, 57,406 mothers were eligible for the study, with 5,167 (9.0 %) having experienced prior IA. Data from the pregnancy follow-up visits were evaluated and compared between IA mothers and primiparous mothers. Women with IA had higher rates of smoking after the first trimester and were more likely to be overweight (body mass index >25 kg/m 2 ) than the control group mothers. A higher use of maternity health clinic (MHC) services, thrombosis prophylaxis and participation in a second trimester ultrasound and amniotic fluid sample testing were evident in IA mothers, whereas the likelihood of assisted fertilisation procedure(s) was elevated in the control group. A shorter interpregnancy interval (IPI) seemed to contribute to a late first MHC visit and first trimester serum screening test participation, a higher incidence of placenta samples and an increased presence of preeclampsia and maternal care for poor foetal growth. IA is associated with being overweight before the subsequent pregnancy and with smoking after the first trimester. More frequent pregnancy follow-up visits in the IA group may be due to greater participation in the placenta sample testing and use of thrombosis prophylaxis. No association between IA and preeclampsia, hypertension, gestational diabetes or preterm premature rupture of membranes was evident in the pregnancy parameters. According to our findings, experiencing IA decreased the need for fertilisation procedures before the next pregnancy when compared to primiparous mothers. Among the IA mothers, the short IPI seemed to contribute to the higher risk for preeclampsia and maternal care for poor foetal growth. However, more research is needed around the IPI before establishing its effect on later pregnancy.

Identifying Criegee Intermediates As Potential Oxidants In The Troposphere

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Novelli, A.; Hens, K.; Tatum Ernest, C.; Martinez, M.; Nölscher, A. C.; Sinha, V.; Paasonen, P.; Petäjä, T.; Sipilä, M.; Elste, T.; Plass-Duelmer, C.; Kubistin, D.; Phillips, G. J.; Williams, J.; Vereecken, L.; Lelieveld, J.; Harder, H.

2015-12-01

Criegee intermediates (CI) are formed during the ozonolysis of unsaturated compounds and have been intensively studied in the last few years due to their possible role as oxidants in the troposphere. Stabilised CI (SCI) are now known to react very rapidly, k(298 K) = 10-12 to 10-10 cm3 molecule-1 s-1, with a large number of trace gases (SO2, NO2, organic acids, water dimers). An assessment of their effective oxidative capacity remain challenging as, CI chemistry is complex, it spans a large range of rate coefficients for different SCI conformers reacting with water dimers and trace gases, and in addition, no reliable measurement technique able to detect ambient SCI concentrations is currently available. In this study, we examine the extensive dataset from the HUMPPA-COPEC 2010 and the HOPE 2012 field campaigns, aided by literature data, to estimate the abundance of SCI in the lower troposphere. The budget of SCI is analyzed using four different approaches: 1) based on an observed yet unexplained H2SO4 production; 2) from the measured concentrations of unsaturated volatile organic compounds (VOC); 3) from OH reactivity measurements; 4) from the unexplained production rate of OH. A SCI concentration range between 5 x 103 and 2 x 106 molecule cm-3 is calculated for the two environments. The weighted mean estimate of the SCI concentration over the boreal forest of ~ 5 x 104 molecules cm-3 implies a significant impact on the conversion of SO2 into H2SO4. In addition, we present measurements obtained using our inlet pre-injector laser-induced fluorescence assay by gas expansion technique (IPI-LIF-FAGE) for the above-mentioned campaigns. A recent laboratory study performed with the same instrumental setup showed that the IPI-LIF-FAGE system is sensitive to the detection of the OH formed from unimolecular decomposition of SCI. In order to investigate the applicability of the laboratory findings to the ambient data, measurement of the background OH (OHbg), the signal detected by the IPI-LIF-FAGE after the removal of ambient OH, measured during the two field campaigns are represented in comparison with many other trace gases to assess if the observations in controlled conditions are transferable to ambient conditions.

Group Waterpipe Tobacco Smoking Increases Smoke Toxicant Concentration

PubMed Central

Ramôa, Carolina P.; Shihadeh, Alan; Salman, Rola

2016-01-01

Abstract Introduction: Waterpipe tobacco smoking is a global health concern. Laboratory research has focused on individual waterpipe users while group use is common. This study examined user toxicant exposure and smoke toxicant yield associated with individual and group waterpipe smoking. Methods: Twenty-two pairs of waterpipe smokers used a waterpipe individually and as a dyad. Before and after smoking, blood was sampled and expired carbon monoxide (CO) measured; puff topography was recorded throughout. One participant from each pair was selected randomly and their plasma nicotine and expired air CO concentrations were compared when smoking alone to when smoking as part of a dyad. Recorded puff topography was used to machine-produce smoke that was analyzed for toxicant content. Results: There was no difference in mean plasma nicotine concentration when an individual smoked as part of a dyad (mean = 14.9ng/ml; standard error of the mean [ SEM ] = 3.0) compared to when smoking alone (mean = 10.0ng/ml; SEM = 1.5). An individual smoking as part of as a dyad had, on average, lower CO (mean = 15.8 ppm; SEM = 2.0) compared to when smoking alone (mean= 21.3 ppm; SEM = 2.7). When two participants smoked as a dyad they took, on average, more puffs (mean = 109.8; SEM = 7.6) than a singleton smoker (mean = 77.7; SEM = 8.1) and a shorter interpuff interval (IPI; dyad mean = 23.8 seconds; SEM = 1.9; singleton mean = 40.8 seconds; SEM = 4.8). Higher concentrations of several toxicants were observed in dyad-produced smoke. Discussion: Dyad smoking may increase smoke toxicant content, likely due to the dyad’s shorter IPIs and greater puff number. More work is needed to understand if group waterpipe smoking alters the health risks of waterpipe tobacco smoking. Implications: This study is the first to measure toxicants in smoke generated from a waterpipe when used by a dyad. Relative to smoke generated by a singleton, dyad smoke had higher concentration of some toxicants. These differences may be attributed to differences in puffing behavior, specifically the shorter IPI and greater puff number observed in the dyad condition. Relative to singleton smokers, dyad smokers were exposed to less CO, but nicotine exposure did not differ. More work is needed to assess the health effects of inhalation of more toxicant-laden smoke during group waterpipe use. PMID:26659913

Irradiation performance of AGR-1 high temperature reactor fuel

DOE PAGES

Demkowicz, Paul A.; Hunn, John D.; Ploger, Scott A.; ...

2015-10-23

The AGR-1 experiment contained 72 low-enriched uranium oxide/uranium carbide TRISO coated particle fuel compacts in six capsules irradiated to burnups of 11.2 to 19.6% FIMA, with zero TRISO coating failures detected during the irradiation. The irradiation performance of the fuel including the extent of fission product release and the evolution of kernel and coating microstructures was evaluated based on detailed examination of the irradiation capsules, the fuel compacts, and individual particles. Fractional release of 110mAg from the fuel compacts was often significant, with capsule-average values ranging from 0.01 to 0.38. Analysis of silver release from individual compacts indicated that itmore » was primarily dependent on fuel temperature history. Europium and strontium were released in small amounts through intact coatings, but were found to be significantly retained in the outer pyrocarbon and compact matrix. The capsule-average fractional release from the compacts was 1 × 10 –4 to 5 × 10 –4 for 154Eu and 8 × 10 –7 to 3 × 10 –5 for 90Sr. The average 134Cs fractional release from compacts was <3 × 10 –6 when all particles maintained intact SiC. An estimated four particles out of 2.98 × 10 5 in the experiment experienced partial cesium release due to SiC failure during the irradiation, driving 134Cs fractional release in two capsules to approximately 10 –5. Identification and characterization of these particles has provided unprecedented insight into the nature and causes of SiC coating failure in high-quality TRISO fuel. In general, changes in coating morphology were found to be dominated by the behavior of the buffer and inner pyrolytic carbon (IPyC), and infrequently observed SiC layer damage was usually related to cracks in the IPyC. Palladium attack of the SiC layer was relatively minor, except for the particles that released cesium during irradiation, where SiC corrosion was found adjacent to IPyC cracks. In conclusion, palladium, silver, and uranium were found in the SiC layer of irradiated particles, and characterization of these elements within the SiC microstructure is the subject of ongoing focused study.« less

Standards Supporters Firing Back

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ujifusa, Andrew

2013-01-01

Supporters of the Common Core State Standards are moving to confront increasingly high-profile opposition to the standards at the state and national levels by rallying the private sector and initiating coordinated public relations and advertising campaigns as schools continue implementation. In states such as Michigan and Tennessee, where…

One Veteran Counselor's Take on the Future of Rehabilitation Counseling

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

McMahon, Brian T.

2009-01-01

One counselor argues that rehabilitation counseling has a bright future that will be better still if it recommits to vocational services, achieves organizational unity (not just coordination), remains true to its core values, and increases collaboration with cross-disability organizations. (Contains 1 table.)

Impact of Math Snacks Games on Students' Conceptual Understanding

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Winburg, Karin; Chamberlain, Barbara; Valdez, Alfred; Trujillo, Karen; Stanford, Theodore B.

2016-01-01

This "Math Snacks" intervention measured 741 fifth grade students' gains in conceptual understanding of core math concepts after game-based learning activities. Teachers integrated four "Math Snacks" games and related activities into instruction on ratios, coordinate plane, number systems, fractions and decimals. Using a…

Conducting correlation seminars in basic sciences at KIST Medical College, Nepal

PubMed Central

2011-01-01

KIST Medical College is a new medical school in Lalitpur, Nepal. In Nepal, six basic science subjects are taught together in an integrated organ system-based manner with early clinical exposure and community medicine. Correlation seminars are conducted at the end of covering each organ system. The topics are decided by the core academic group (consisting of members from each basic science department, the Department of Community Medicine, the academic director, and the clinical and program coordinators) considering the public health importance of the condition and its ability to include learning objectives from a maximum number of subjects. The learning objectives are decided by individual departments and finalized after the meeting of the core group. There are two student coordinators for each seminar and an evaluation group evaluates each seminar and presenter. Correlation seminars help students revise the organ system covered and understand its clinical importance, promote teamwork and organization, and supports active learning. Correlation seminars should be considered as a learning modality by other medical schools. PMID:22066033

Iron(III) carboxylate/aminoalcohol coordination clusters with propeller-shaped Fe8 cores: approaching reasonable exchange energies.

PubMed

Botezat, Olga; van Leusen, Jan; Kravtsov, Victor Ch; Ellern, Arkady; Kögerler, Paul; Baca, Svetlana G

2015-12-21

A series of new octanuclear propeller-like aminoalcohol-supported Fe(III) oxocarboxylate coordination clusters, [Fe8O3(O2CCHMe2)9(tea)(teaH)3]·MeCN·2(H2O) (1), [Fe8O3(O2CCHMe2)6(N3)3(tea)(teaH)3] (2), [Fe8O3(O2CCMe3)6(N3)3(tea)(teaH)3]·0.5(EtOH) (3), and [Fe8O3(O2CCHMe2)6(N3)3(mdea)3(MeO)3] (4) (where teaH3 = triethanolamine; mdeaH2 = N-methyldiethanolamine) has been isolated and magnetochemically analyzed combining the programs wxJFinder and CONDON in an approach to avoid overparameterization issues that are common to larger spin polytopes. Dominant antiferromagnetic exchange interactions exist in all clusters along the edges of the propellers, while moderate ferromagnetic interactions are found along the propeller axes in their {Fe8O3} metallic cores.

Core stability exercise is as effective as task-oriented motor training in improving motor proficiency in children with developmental coordination disorder: a randomized controlled pilot study.

PubMed

Au, Mei K; Chan, Wai M; Lee, Lin; Chen, Tracy Mk; Chau, Rosanna Mw; Pang, Marco Yc

2014-10-01

To compare the effectiveness of a core stability program with a task-oriented motor training program in improving motor proficiency in children with developmental coordination disorder (DCD). Randomized controlled pilot trial. Outpatient unit in a hospital. Twenty-two children diagnosed with DCD aged 6-9 years were randomly allocated to the core stability program or the task-oriented motor program. Both groups underwent their respective face-to-face training session once per week for eight consecutive weeks. They were also instructed to carry out home exercises on a daily basis during the intervention period. Short Form of the Bruininks-Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency (Second Edition) and Sensory Organization Test at pre- and post-intervention. Intention-to-treat analysis revealed no significant between-group difference in the change of motor proficiency standard score (P=0.717), and composite equilibrium score derived from the Sensory Organization Test (P=0.100). Further analysis showed significant improvement in motor proficiency in both the core stability (mean change (SD)=6.3(5.4); p=0.008) and task-oriented training groups (mean change(SD)=5.1(4.0); P=0.007). The composite equilibrium score was significantly increased in the task-oriented training group (mean change (SD)=6.0(5.5); P=0.009), but not in the core stability group (mean change(SD) =0.0(9.6); P=0.812). In the task-oriented training group, compliance with the home program was positively correlated with change in motor proficiency (ρ=0.680, P=0.030) and composite equilibrium score (ρ=0.638, P=0.047). The core stability exercise program is as effective as task-oriented training in improving motor proficiency among children with DCD. © The Author(s) 2014.

Care coordination experiences of people with disabilities enrolled in medicaid managed care.

PubMed

Bowers, Anne; Owen, Randall; Heller, Tamar

2017-10-01

To understand the impact of experience and contacts with care coordinators on Medicaid Managed Care (MMC) enrollees with disabilities. Primary data was collected from a random sample of 6000 out of the 100,000 people with disabilities enrolled in one state's mandatory MMC program. Surveys were conducted through the mail, telephone, and Internet; 1041 surveys were completed. The sample used for analysis included 442 MMC enrollees who received care coordination. Regression analyses were conducted with the outcomes of number of unmet health care needs and enrollee appraisal of the health services they received. Race, age, gender, and disability variables controlled for demographic differences, and the independent variables included enrollee experience with a care coordinator (coordinator knowledge of enrollee medical history and whether the coordinator took into account enrollee wishes and input) and frequency of contact with a care coordinator. Positive enrollee experiences with care coordinators significantly related to more positive enrollee health service appraisals and fewer unmet health care needs; frequency of contact did not have any significant impacts. People with mental health disabilities and intellectual/developmental disabilities had significantly lower health service appraisals. People with mental health disabilities had significantly more unmet needs. Quality of care coordination, but not frequency of contact alone, is associated with better health outcomes for MMC enrollees. Implications for rehabilitation Care coordination is a core component of managed care and facilitates effective healthcare management for people with complex chronic conditions and disabilities. Better experiences with care coordinators is related to fewer unmet healthcare needs and more positive health care service appraisals for Medicaid managed care enrollees. The continuous development of person-centered care coordination strategies and training programs emphasizing quality relationships between coordinators and consumers should be prioritized.

Cramer-Rao Bound, MUSIC, and Maximum Likelihood. Effects of Temporal Phase Difference

DTIC Science & Technology

1990-11-01

Technical Report 1373 November 1990 Cramer-Rao Bound, MUSIC , And Maximum Likelihood Effects of Temporal Phase o Difference C. V. TranI OTIC Approved... MUSIC , and Maximum Likelihood (ML) asymptotic variances corresponding to the two-source direction-of-arrival estimation where sources were modeled as...1pI = 1.00, SNR = 20 dB ..................................... 27 2. MUSIC for two equipowered signals impinging on a 5-element ULA (a) IpI = 0.50, SNR

NGSS and the Next Generation of Science Teachers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bybee, Rodger W.

2014-03-01

This article centers on the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) and their implications for teacher development, particularly at the undergraduate level. After an introduction to NGSS and the influence of standards in the educational system, the article addresses specific educational shifts—interconnecting science and engineering practices, disciplinary core ideas, crosscutting concepts; recognizing learning progressions; including engineering; addressing the nature of science, coordinating with Common Core State Standards. The article continues with a general discussion of reforming teacher education programs and a concluding discussion of basic competencies and personal qualities of effective science teachers.

The trans-species core SELF: the emergence of active cultural and neuro-ecological agents through self-related processing within subcortical-cortical midline networks.

PubMed

Panksepp, Jaak; Northoff, Georg

2009-03-01

The nature of "the self" has been one of the central problems in philosophy and more recently in neuroscience. This raises various questions: (i) Can we attribute a self to animals? (ii) Do animals and humans share certain aspects of their core selves, yielding a trans-species concept of self? (iii) What are the neural processes that underlie a possible trans-species concept of self? (iv) What are the developmental aspects and do they result in various levels of self-representation? Drawing on recent literature from both human and animal research, we suggest a trans-species concept of self that is based upon what has been called a "core-self" which can be described by self-related processing (SRP) as a specific mode of interaction between organism and environment. When we refer to specific neural networks, we will here refer to the underlying system as the "core-SELF." The core-SELF provides primordial neural coordinates that represent organisms as living creatures-at the lowest level this elaborates interoceptive states along with raw emotional feelings (i.e., the intentions in action of a primordial core-SELF) while higher medial cortical levels facilitate affective-cognitive integration (yielding a fully-developed nomothetic core-self). Developmentally, SRP allows stimuli from the environment to be related and linked to organismic needs, signaled and processed within core-self structures within subcorical-cortical midline structures (SCMS) that provide the foundation for epigenetic emergence of ecologically framed, higher idiographic forms of selfhood across different individuals within a species. These functions ultimately operate as a coordinated network. We postulate that core SRP operates automatically, is deeply affective, and is developmentally and epigenetically connected to sensory-motor and higher cognitive abilities. This core-self is mediated by SCMS, embedded in visceral and instinctual representations of the body that are well integrated with basic attentional, emotional and motivational functions that are apparently shared between humans, non-human mammals, and perhaps in a proto-SELF form, other vertebrates. Such a trans-species concept of organismic coherence is thoroughly biological and affective at the lowest levels of a complex neural network, and culturally and ecologically molded at higher levels of neural processing. It allows organisms to selectively adapt to and integrate with physical and social environments. Such a psychobiologically universal, but environmentally diversified, concept may promote novel trans-species studies of the core-self across mammalian species.

Preparation of Simulated LBL Defects for Round Robin Experiment

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

Gerczak, Tyler J.; Baldwin, Charles A.; Hunn, John D.

2016-01-01

A critical characteristic of the TRISO fuel design is its ability to retain fission products. During reactor operation, the TRISO layers act as barriers to release of fission products not stabilized in the kernel. Each component of the TRISO particle and compact construction plays a unique role in retaining select fission products, and layer performance is often interrelated. The IPyC, SiC, and OPyC layers are barriers to the release of fission product gases such as Kr and Xe. The SiC layer provides the primary barrier to release of metallic fission products not retained in the kernel, as transport across themore » SiC layer is rate limiting due to the greater permeability of the IPyC and OPyC layers to many metallic fission products. These attributes allow intact TRISO coatings to successfully retain most fission products released from the kernel, with the majority of released fission products during operation being due to defective, damaged, or failed coatings. This dominant release of fission products from compromised particles contributes to the overall source term in reactor; causing safety and maintenance concerns and limiting the lifetime of the fuel. Under these considerations, an understanding of the nature and frequency of compromised particles is an important part of predicting the expected fission product release and ensuring safe and efficient operation.« less

A new class of antibacterials, the imidazopyrazinones, reveal structural transitions involved in DNA gyrase poisoning and mechanisms of resistance.

PubMed

Germe, Thomas; Vörös, Judit; Jeannot, Frederic; Taillier, Thomas; Stavenger, Robert A; Bacqué, Eric; Maxwell, Anthony; Bax, Benjamin D

2018-05-04

Imidazopyrazinones (IPYs) are a new class of compounds that target bacterial topoisomerases as a basis for their antibacterial activity. We have characterized the mechanism of these compounds through structural/mechanistic studies showing they bind and stabilize a cleavage complex between DNA gyrase and DNA ('poisoning') in an analogous fashion to fluoroquinolones, but without the requirement for the water-metal-ion bridge. Biochemical experiments and structural studies of cleavage complexes of IPYs compared with an uncleaved gyrase-DNA complex, reveal conformational transitions coupled to DNA cleavage at the DNA gate. These involve movement at the GyrA interface and tilting of the TOPRIM domains toward the scissile phosphate coupled to capture of the catalytic metal ion. Our experiments show that these structural transitions are involved generally in poisoning of gyrase by therapeutic compounds and resemble those undergone by the enzyme during its adenosine triphosphate-coupled strand-passage cycle. In addition to resistance mutations affecting residues that directly interact with the compounds, we characterized a mutant (D82N) that inhibits formation of the cleavage complex by the unpoisoned enzyme. The D82N mutant appears to act by stabilizing the binary conformation of DNA gyrase with uncleaved DNA without direct interaction with the compounds. This provides general insight into the resistance mechanisms to antibiotics targeting bacterial type II topoisomerases.

A new class of antibacterials, the imidazopyrazinones, reveal structural transitions involved in DNA gyrase poisoning and mechanisms of resistance

PubMed Central

Germe, Thomas; Vörös, Judit; Jeannot, Frederic; Taillier, Thomas; Stavenger, Robert A; Bacqué, Eric; Bax, Benjamin D

2018-01-01

Abstract Imidazopyrazinones (IPYs) are a new class of compounds that target bacterial topoisomerases as a basis for their antibacterial activity. We have characterized the mechanism of these compounds through structural/mechanistic studies showing they bind and stabilize a cleavage complex between DNA gyrase and DNA (‘poisoning’) in an analogous fashion to fluoroquinolones, but without the requirement for the water–metal–ion bridge. Biochemical experiments and structural studies of cleavage complexes of IPYs compared with an uncleaved gyrase–DNA complex, reveal conformational transitions coupled to DNA cleavage at the DNA gate. These involve movement at the GyrA interface and tilting of the TOPRIM domains toward the scissile phosphate coupled to capture of the catalytic metal ion. Our experiments show that these structural transitions are involved generally in poisoning of gyrase by therapeutic compounds and resemble those undergone by the enzyme during its adenosine triphosphate-coupled strand-passage cycle. In addition to resistance mutations affecting residues that directly interact with the compounds, we characterized a mutant (D82N) that inhibits formation of the cleavage complex by the unpoisoned enzyme. The D82N mutant appears to act by stabilizing the binary conformation of DNA gyrase with uncleaved DNA without direct interaction with the compounds. This provides general insight into the resistance mechanisms to antibiotics targeting bacterial type II topoisomerases. PMID:29538767

A method for estimating mount isolations of powertrain mounting systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Qin, Wu; Shangguan, Wen-Bin; Luo, Guohai; Xie, Zhengchao

2018-07-01

A method for calculating isolation ratios of mounts at a powertrain mounting systems (PMS) is proposed assuming a powertrain as a rigid body and using the identified powertrain excitation forces and the measured IPI (input point inertance) of mounting points at the body side. With measured accelerations of mounts at powertrain and body sides of one Vehicle (Vehicle A), the excitation forces of a powertrain are identified using conversational method firstly. Another Vehicle (Vehicle B) has the same powertrain as that of Vehicle A, but with different body and mount configuration. The accelerations of mounts at powertrain side of a PMS on Vehicle B are calculated using the powertrain excitation forces identified from Vehicle A. The identified forces of the powertrain are validated by comparing the calculated and the measured accelerations of mounts at the powertrain side of the powertrain on Vehicle B. A method for calculating acceleration of mounting point at body side for Vehicle B is presented using the identified powertrain excitation forces and the measured IPI at a connecting point between car body and mount. Using the calculated accelerations of mounts at powertrain side and body side at different directions, the isolation ratios of a mount are then estimated. The isolation ratios are validated using the experiment, which verified the proposed methods for estimating isolation ratios of mounts. The developed method is beneficial for optimizing mount stiffness to meet mount isolation requirements before prototype.

The Glasgow Prognostic Score as a significant predictor of diffuse large B cell lymphoma treated with R-CHOP in China.

PubMed

Li, Xiaoyang; Zhang, Yunxiang; Zhao, Weili; Liu, Zhao; Shen, Yang; Li, Junmin; Shen, Zhixiang

2015-01-01

The Glasgow Prognostic Score (GPS) incorporates C-reactive protein and albumin as clinically useful markers of tumor behavior and shows significant prognostic value in several types of solid tumors. The accuracy of the GPS in predicting outcomes in diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL) remains unknown. We performed this study to evaluate the prognostic significance of the GPS in DLBCL in China. We retrospectively analyzed 160 patients with newly diagnosed DLBCL at the Shanghai Ruijin Hospital (China). The prognostic value of the GPS was evaluated and compared with that of the International Prognostic Index (IPI) and immunohistochemical subtyping. The GPS was defined as follows: GPS-0, C-reactive protein (CRP) ≤10 mg/L and albumin ≥35 g/L; GPS-1, CRP >10 mg/L or albumin <35 g/L; and GPS-2, CRP >10 mg/L and albumin <35 g/L. Patients with lower GPS tended to have better outcomes including progression-free survival (PFS, P < 0.001) and overall survival (OS, P < 0.001). Multivariate analysis demonstrated that high GPS and high IPI score were independent adverse predictors of OS. Similar to several other tumors, GPS is a reliable predictor of survival outcomes in DLBCL patients treated with R-CHOP therapy. Inflammatory responses are implicated in the progression and survival of patients with DLBCL.

McMurdo Dry Valleys, Antarctica - A Mars Phoenix Mission Analog

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Tamppari, L. K.; Anderson, R. M.; Archer, D.; Douglas, S.; Kounaves, S. P.; McKay, C. P.; Ming, Douglas W.; Moore, Q.; Quinn, J. E.; Smith, P. H.;

IPY STEM Polar Connections Links Teachers with the Global Relevance of the High Latitudes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Brigham-Grette, J.; Sternheim, M.; Bradley, R.; Caissie, B.; Snyder, R.; Devlin, K.; Silver, M.; Hargraves, H.

2008-12-01

IPY STEM Polar Connections is a curriculum development and professional development program involving a summer residential institute at UMass-Amherst and academic year, on-line communication for teachers involved in the professional development of colleagues. The project produces and disseminates a range of curriculum modules related to the Polar regions and climate change. The purpose of the summer institutes (2008 and 2009) is to test the modules and prepare teachers to disseminate selected materials in workshops in their districts, in their states and nationally. The institute agenda balanced content presentations with hands-on activities for use by teachers with diverse backgrounds and classroom settings. Power point presentations and accompanying flash videos are all posted on our website along with teacher guides and student handouts. Most of the materials were designed to be adaptable to a range of inquiry-based levels. The teachers shared their own experiences with dissemination in rounds of focus groups. Pre institute and post institute surveys confirmed our success in increasing the personal knowledge base of the teachers despite the fact that most were veteran teachers. The main outcomes of participation were the development of relationships with other teachers, enhanced knowledge of earth system science and inspiration for introducing the materials to their students. Many did see funding, time and state frameworks as potential barriers to including materials in their classrooms.

IPY Education, Outreach and Communication - Some Lessons Learned (Invited)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Carlson, D. J.; Salmon, R.; Munro, N.

2009-12-01

IPY Education, Outreach and Communications planning and implementation occurred with a minimum of staff and resources and a maximum of international volunteer enthusiasm and energy. Although many relatively well-funded and remarkable national activities occurred, sharing and promoting these internationally depended entirely on the volunteer networks of individuals and institutions. Through these partnerships we have learned valuable lessons about impact and distribution, and challenged several assumptions about educational partnerships. For example, we learned the importance of regular pre-scheduled events, and how to use networks of volunteer translators and free geobrowser tools. We have learned how best to conduct planning meetings and live events across time zones and hemispheres, and shown how the best concepts and ideas of science education can propagate across age groups and among languages. We have learned the optimal times of year for international events, and the most effective means for international distribution and communication. We have established a rapid-response help desk without home or staff, and sustained active and high-impact interactions with journalists largely without press releases. We have shown that, in general, wide-spread distribution of freely accessible materials produces a better impact than embargoes and restrictions. Most fundamentally, we have exposed a pervasive interest in polar science and a hunger for climate information, and responded with an active, flexible, and efficient network of partners and products.

Acceptance Test Data for BWXT Coated Particle Batch 93164A Defective IPyC Fraction and Pyrocarbon Anisotropy

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

Helmreich, Grant W.; Hunn, John D.; Skitt, Darren J.

2017-02-01

Coated particle fuel batch J52O-16-93164 was produced by Babcock and Wilcox Technologies (BWXT) for possible selection as fuel for the Advanced Gas Reactor Fuel Development and Qualification (AGR) Program’s AGR-5/6/7 irradiation test in the Idaho National Laboratory (INL) Advanced Test Reactor (ATR), or may be used as demonstration production-scale coated particle fuel for other experiments. The tristructural-isotropic (TRISO) coatings were deposited in a 150-mm-diameter production-scale fluidizedbed chemical vapor deposition (CVD) furnace onto 425-μm-nominal-diameter spherical kernels from BWXT lot J52L-16-69316. Each kernel contained a mixture of 15.5%-enriched uranium carbide and uranium oxide (UCO) and was coated with four consecutive CVD layers:more » a ~50% dense carbon buffer layer with 100-μm-nominal thickness, a dense inner pyrolytic carbon (IPyC) layer with 40-μm-nominal thickness, a silicon carbide (SiC) layer with 35-μm-nominal thickness, and a dense outer pyrolytic carbon (OPyC) layer with 40-μm-nominal thickness. The TRISO-coated particle batch was sieved to upgrade the particles by removing over-sized and under-sized material, and the upgraded batch was designated by appending the letter A to the end of the batch number (i.e., 93164A).« less

Prognostic roles of absolute monocyte and absolute lymphocyte counts in patients with advanced-stage follicular lymphoma in the rituximab era: an analysis from the FOLL05 trial of the Fondazione Italiana Linfomi.

PubMed

Marcheselli, Luigi; Bari, Alessia; Anastasia, Antonella; Botto, Barbara; Puccini, Benedetta; Dondi, Alessandra; Carella, Angelo M; Alvarez, Isabel; Chiarenza, Annalisa; Arcari, Annalisa; Salvi, Flavia; Federico, Massimo

2015-05-01

Recently, in an attempt to improve the discrimination power of the international prognostic index (IPI), patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma were evaluated to determine the prognostic roles of peripheral blood absolute monocyte count (AMC) and absolute lymphocyte count (ALC). Here, we analysed data of 428 patients with follicular lymphoma (FL) enrolled in a prospective, randomized trial (FOLL05 study) conducted by Fondazione Italiana Linfomi, to assess the impact of AMC and ALC on progression-free survival (PFS). All patients had been treated with one of three treatment combinations: (i) rituximab (R) plus cyclophosphamide, vincristine and prednisone; (ii) R plus cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine and prednisone or (iii) R plus mitoxantrone and fludarabine. We showed that only AMC was a powerful predictor of PFS, and possibly overall survival, in patients with FL treated with combination chemotherapy regimens that contained R. The AMC can be used alone as a novel, simple factor that can predict survival outcome in patients with FL, independent of the immunochemotherapy regimen. It may therefore be widely used by clinicians, due to its simplicity and broad applicability. Additionally, it can be combined with other factors that determine the IPI or FLIPI, to increase the discriminating ability of these indices. © 2015 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Non-negative infrared patch-image model: Robust target-background separation via partial sum minimization of singular values

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dai, Yimian; Wu, Yiquan; Song, Yu; Guo, Jun

2017-03-01

To further enhance the small targets and suppress the heavy clutters simultaneously, a robust non-negative infrared patch-image model via partial sum minimization of singular values is proposed. First, the intrinsic reason behind the undesirable performance of the state-of-the-art infrared patch-image (IPI) model when facing extremely complex backgrounds is analyzed. We point out that it lies in the mismatching of IPI model's implicit assumption of a large number of observations with the reality of deficient observations of strong edges. To fix this problem, instead of the nuclear norm, we adopt the partial sum of singular values to constrain the low-rank background patch-image, which could provide a more accurate background estimation and almost eliminate all the salient residuals in the decomposed target image. In addition, considering the fact that the infrared small target is always brighter than its adjacent background, we propose an additional non-negative constraint to the sparse target patch-image, which could not only wipe off more undesirable components ulteriorly but also accelerate the convergence rate. Finally, an algorithm based on inexact augmented Lagrange multiplier method is developed to solve the proposed model. A large number of experiments are conducted demonstrating that the proposed model has a significant improvement over the other nine competitive methods in terms of both clutter suppressing performance and convergence rate.

Thermal state of permafrost in North America: A contribution to the international polar year

USGS Publications Warehouse

Smith, S.L.; Romanovsky, V.E.; Lewkowicz, A.G.; Burn, C.R.; Allard, M.; Clow, G.D.; Yoshikawa, K.; Throop, J.

2010-01-01

A snapshot of the thermal state of permafrost in northern North America during the International Polar Year (IPY) was developed using ground temperature data collected from 350 boreholes. More than half these were established during IPY to enhance the network in sparsely monitored regions. The measurement sites span a diverse range of ecoclimatic and geological conditions across the continent and are at various elevations within the Cordillera. The ground temperatures within the discontinuous permafrost zone are generally above -3°C, and range down to -15°C in the continuous zone. Ground temperature envelopes vary according to substrate, with shallow depths of zero annual amplitude for peat and mineral soils, and much greater depths for bedrock. New monitoring sites in the mountains of southern and central Yukon suggest that permafrost may be limited in extent. In concert with regional air temperatures, permafrost has generally been warming across North America for the past several decades, as indicated by measurements from the western Arctic since the 1970s and from parts of eastern Canada since the early 1990s. The rates of ground warming have been variable, but are generally greater north of the treeline. Latent heat effects in the southern discontinuous zone dominate the permafrost thermal regime close to 0°C and allow permafrost to persist under a warming climate. Consequently, the spatial diversity of permafrost thermal conditions is decreasing over time.

PSYCHIATRIC MORBIDITY AMONG VICTIMS OF BOMB BLAST

PubMed Central

Gautam, Shiv; Gupta, I.D.; Batra, Lalit; Sharma, Himanshiu; Khandelwal, Rakesh; Pant, Anshuman

1998-01-01

Thirty one victims of bomb blast in a bus caused by terrorist activity in Dausa district, Rajasthan on 22.5.96, were evaluated for psychological reactions 3 days & 2 weeks after the incident. All hospitalized & non hospitalised bomb blast victims were assessed within 3 days of injury by objective predictors (percent of burnt area, facial disfigurement, limb amputations, fractures etc.) and subjective predictors (emotional distress and perceived social support). Detailed history, physical and mental state examination of all patients was carried out and for those having scores more then 17 on GHQ-60 (Hindi version), IPIS was administered. Diagnosis was made by 3 senior consultant psychiatrists of Psychiatric Centre, Jaipur, on the basis oflCD-10. At day 3 of 31 patients studied 11 (35.45%) had psychiatric morbidity. Out of which 6 (19.35%) had acute stress reaction, 3 (9.68%) had depression and 2 (6.45%) dissociative amnesia. Most commonly reported symptoms on IPIS were depersonalisation, derealisation, sleep disturbances specially generalised sleep loss, loss of appetite, nightmares, situational anxiety, depression, mental irritability, dulness of feelings, self blame, guilt, loss of interest, suicidal ideas, and worry about money, spouse, work and children. Most common physical injury was burns, followed by hearing disturbances, wounds received due to glass <& metal pieces and non specific pains and aches. Findings of follow up have been discussed and battery of tests for evaluation of victims of acute trauma has been suggested. PMID:21494441

Nitric oxide activation by distal redox modulation in tetranuclear iron nitrosyl complexes.

PubMed

de Ruiter, Graham; Thompson, Niklas B; Lionetti, Davide; Agapie, Theodor

2015-11-11

A series of tetranuclear iron complexes displaying a site-differentiated metal center was synthesized. Three of the metal centers are coordinated to our previously reported ligand, based on a 1,3,5-triarylbenzene motif with nitrogen and oxygen donors. The fourth (apical) iron center is coordinatively unsaturated and appended to the trinuclear core through three bridging pyrazolates and an interstitial μ4-oxide moiety. Electrochemical studies of complex [LFe3(PhPz)3OFe][OTf]2 revealed three reversible redox events assigned to the Fe(II)4/Fe(II)3Fe(III) (-1.733 V), Fe(II)3Fe(III)/Fe(II)2Fe(III)2 (-0.727 V), and Fe(II)2Fe(III)2/Fe(II)Fe(III)3 (0.018 V) redox couples. Combined Mössbauer and crystallographic studies indicate that the change in oxidation state is exclusively localized at the triiron core, without changing the oxidation state of the apical metal center. This phenomenon is assigned to differences in the coordination environment of the two metal sites and provides a strategy for storing electron and hole equivalents without affecting the oxidation state of the coordinatively unsaturated metal. The presence of a ligand-binding site allowed the effect of redox modulation on nitric oxide activation by an Fe(II) metal center to be studied. Treatment of the clusters with nitric oxide resulted in binding of NO to the apical iron center, generating a {FeNO}(7) moiety. As with the NO-free precursors, the three reversible redox events are localized at the iron centers distal from the NO ligand. Altering the redox state of the triiron core resulted in significant change in the NO stretching frequency, by as much as 100 cm(-1). The increased activation of NO is attributed to structural changes within the clusters, in particular, those related to the interaction of the metal centers with the interstitial atom. The differences in NO activation were further shown to lead to differential reactivity, with NO disproportionation and N2O formation performed by the more electron-rich cluster.

Coordination-Supported Imidazolate Networks: Water- and Heat-Stable Mesoporous Polymers for Catalysis.

PubMed

Zhang, Pengfei; Yang, Shize; Chisholm, Matthew F; Jiang, Xueguang; Huang, Caili; Dai, Sheng

2017-07-26

The poor water stability of most porous coordination polymers (PCPs) or metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) is widely recognized as a barrier hampering their practical applications. Here, a facile and scalable route to prepare metal-containing polymers with a good stability in boiling water (100 °C, 24 h) and air (up to 390 °C) is presented. The bifunctional 1-vinylimidazole (VIm) with a coordinating site and a polymerizable organic group is introduced as the building block. This core strategy includes the synthesis of a rigid monomer with four VIm branches through a coordination process at room temperature, followed by a radical polymerization. We refer to this material as coordination-supported imidazolate networks (CINs). Interestingly, CINs are composed of rich mesopores from 2-15 nm, as characterized by low-energy (60 kV) STEM-HAADF images. In particular, the stable CINs illustrate a high turnover frequency (TOF) of 779 h -1 in the catalytic oxidation of phenol with H 2 O as the green solvent. © 2017 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Pi-metal complexes of tetrapyrrolic systems. A novel coordination mode in "porphyrin-like" chemistry.

PubMed

Cuesta, Luciano; Sessler, Jonathan L

2009-09-01

The coordination chemistry of porphyrins and related tetrapyrrolic ligands has traditionally centered around the ability of these systems to form pyrrole N-ligated complexes via the formation of sigma bonds, either within the N(4) core or displaced above it. In fact, such sigma-complexes are known with almost every metal cation in the periodic table. However, a growing number of pi-complexes derived from tetrapyrrolic ligands have been reported in recent years. The underlying coordination mode, while still novel in the context of "porphyrin-like" chemistry, is already being recognized for the effects it can impart over the reactivity, as well as the spectroscopic, redox, electronic, and optical properties of various oligopyrrolic macrocycles. This critical review summarizes accomplishments made in this fast-emerging field (59 references).

Advocating for Student Health through Grassroots Curricular Development

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Barcelona, Jeanne M.; Goetten, Julia

2018-01-01

One strategy for creating a healthy school culture is to integrate health concepts into core subject areas. In this article, a health and wellness coordinator and a curriculum specialist explain the meticulous process and discoveries that led to the development of a district-specific health curriculum.

Heavy Equipment Operator Instructional Materials. Basic Core. Volume I.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hendrix, Laborn J.; Sawatzky, Joyce

Developed through close coordination between contractors, construction workers, and vocational educators, this instructor's manual is designed to help heavy equipment instructors present materials in a systematic format. The instructional materials in the manual are written in terms of student performance, using measurable behavioral objectives.…

A half century perspective on the International Geophysical Year (IGY) - A Template for the International Polar Year 2007 (IPY 2007)?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Behrendt, J. C.

2003-12-01

In 1956 I sailed for Antarctica to spend 18 months as a graduate student participating in geophysical-glaciological investigations, as part of the 18-month IGY. This led to a career in geophysics, which has taken me to all of the continents and oceans. As we approach the IPY 2007, the changes in technology and our understanding of the earth over the past half century are breathtaking to contemplate. Although 70 countries participated in IGY, the disciplines were restricted to geophysics. Originally the Third Polar Year, the name was changed to IGY in 1952, at the suggestion of Sydney Chapman. The geographical area comprised the entire earth. The highest priority was given to "problems requiring concurrent synoptic observations at many points involving cooperative observations by many stations." One category was reserved for research on topics such as ocean levels, weather patterns, and the distribution of glacier ice "to establish basic information for subsequent comparison at later epochs." IPY 2007 seems such an epoch. A major international efforts was concentrated in Antarctica, although only 12 counties participated. Glaciology, seismology, auroral studies, ionospheric soundings, magnetic field measurements, and other solar-terrestrial, and meteorological observations comprised the scientific station activities. The only major field activities away from the stations were the oversnow geophysical-glaciological traverses, which made seismic measurements of ice thickness and other ice properties; gravity and magnetic anomaly profiles; and determination of snow accumulation and mean annual temperature. The most intensive of the oversnow traverse programs were those of the U.S. and USSR. Geology and topographic mapping were excluded from the Antarctica because of potential complications due to territorial claims and the possibility of mineral resource discoveries. Despite this, significant geologic findings, such as the discovery of the Dufek intrusion, were made by glaciologists and geophysicists with geologic training. Biology was not an IGY discipline, but even in this case, noted ornithologist, Carl Ekland (at Wilkes Station), carried out significant investigations of skuas. Physical oceanographic investigations resulted in geologic and biological sampling of the sea floor as well. A very few of the significant accomplishments of the IGY include the discovery of the Van Allen belts (the symbol of the IGY was a satellite circling the earth); the observation (at Mauna Loa) and recognition of the rapid global increase in carbon dioxide; the first major models of Arctic sea ice formation, decay, and drift; and the mapping of the midocean ridge system. In Antarctica, a first approximation of the mass of the ice sheet including the order of magnitude thicker ice than previously known (4 km) was a highlight. A baseline of mean annual temperatures measured (to about 0.1 degree accuracy) at about 40 km intervals along thousands of km of oversnow traverses was defined. Three World Data Centers were established; scientific results and data were deposited and made freely available to all. The peaceful international cooperation in Antarctica led directly to the signing of the Antarctic Treaty in 1959, with the first disarmament and freedom of inspection and scientific investigations clauses in history, covering a large area of the earth. I anticipate even greater international scientific cooperation from the IPY 2007. A new generation of polar scientists was developed as a result of IGY; a few of us are still active in Antarctic research. A similar result will provide continuity for the next 50 years.

Open Core Data approaches to exposing facility data to support FAIR principles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fils, D.; Lehnert, K.; Noren, A. J.

2017-12-01

The Open Core Data (OCD) award from NSF is focused on exposing scientific drilling data from the JOIDES Resolution Science Operator (JRSO) and Continental Scientific Drilling Coordination Office (CSDCO) following guidance from the Force 11 FAIR principles and the W3C "best practices" recommendations and notes. The goal of this implementation is to provide the identification, access, citation and provenance of these data to support the research community. OCD employs Linked Open Data (LOD) patterns and HTML5 microdata publishing via JSON-LD using various vocabularies. These vocabularies include schema.org, GeoLink and other relevant community vocabularies. Attention is paid to enabling hypermedia navigation between resources to aid in fast and efficient harvesting of the metadata directly from the LOD approach using web architecture patterns. Further, the vocabularies are employed to address the need of both DOI assignment and creation of data citation entries following ESIP data citation recommendations. The use of LOD, community vocabularies and persistent identifiers has enabled linking between hosted and remote data resources. In addition to the semantic metadata and LOD pattern, OCD is implementing approaches to data packaging to facilitate data use. OCD is currently using the CSV for the Web approach but is moving to implement frictionless data packages. This data package model provide access to a large suite of tools, libraries and workbenches to support data utilization, validation and visualization. Further, a basic reference implementation of the W3C PROV-AQ pingback pattern is under testing. This work is done in coordination with the RDA Provenance Patterns WG and follows patterns already employed by Geoscience Australia. This development is also done in coordination with ESIP provenance work. As needed, more traditional Application Program Interfaces (APIs) are exposed following best practices in RESTful services. All these capabilities are implemented in Open Core Data in the lightest possible manner to address the desired functions while being as easy to maintain as possible. The approaches, lessons learned and takeaways from this work at Open Core Data to date will be presented.

AST: World Coordinate Systems in Astronomy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Berry, David S.; Warren-Smith, Rodney F.

2014-04-01

The AST library provides a comprehensive range of facilities for attaching world coordinate systems to astronomical data, for retrieving and interpreting that information in a variety of formats, including FITS-WCS, and for generating graphical output based on it. Core projection algorithms are provided by WCSLIB (ascl:1108.003) and astrometry is provided by the PAL (ascl:1606.002) and SOFA (ascl:1403.026) libraries. AST bindings are available in Python (pyast), Java (JNIAST) and Perl (Starlink::AST). AST is used as the plotting and astrometry library in DS9 and GAIA, and is distributed separately and as part of the Starlink software collection.

Field-assisted organization, substrate effects and magnetic behavior of Ag 30Co 70 core-shell nanoparticles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Crisan, A. D.; Angelakeris, M.; Simeonidis, K.; Tsiaoussis, I.; Crisan, O.

2010-11-01

In core-shell systems with non-magnetic core and magnetic shell, the electron transport and magnetic properties are expected to show enhanced behavior due to the particular morpho-structural features of the conductive and magnetic regions. This may lead to novel advanced GMR materials and spin valves. This is the case of core-shell Ag-Co colloidal nanoscale particles that organize into regular arrays. An insight on the structure and morphology of the newly synthesized Ag-Co nanoparticles deposited on different substrates will be presented. The influence of the substrate on different morphologies and organization dynamics is discussed. It is shown that the magnetic behavior of the Ag-Co nanoparticles is highly influenced by the corona-like morphology of Co shell, chemical environment of the magnetic atoms and by the fact that they exhibit strongly reduced coordination due to the surface states.

InP/ZnS nanocrystals: coupling NMR and XPS for fine surface and interface description.

PubMed

Virieux, Héloïse; Le Troedec, Marianne; Cros-Gagneux, Arnaud; Ojo, Wilfried-Solo; Delpech, Fabien; Nayral, Céline; Martinez, Hervé; Chaudret, Bruno

2012-12-05

Advanced (1)H, (13)C, and (31)P solution- and solid-state NMR studies combined with XPS were used to probe, at the molecular scale, the composition (of the core, the shell, and the interface) and the surface chemistry of InP/ZnS core/shell quantum dots prepared via a non-coordinating solvent strategy. The interface between the mismatched InP and ZnS phases is composed of an amorphous mixed oxide phase incorporating InPO(x) (with x = 3 and predominantly 4), In(2)O(3), and InO(y)(OH)(3-2y) (y = 0, 1). Thanks to the analysis of the underlying reaction mechanisms, we demonstrate that the oxidation of the upper part of the InP core is the consequence of oxidative conditions brought by decarboxylative coupling reactions (ketonization). These reactions occur during both the core preparation and the coating process, but according to different mechanisms.

Implementation strategies to promote community-engaged efforts to counter tobacco marketing at the point of sale.

PubMed

Leeman, Jennifer; Myers, Allison; Grant, Jennifer C; Wangen, Mary; Queen, Tara L

2017-09-01

The US tobacco industry spends $8.2 billion annually on marketing at the point of sale (POS), a practice known to increase tobacco use. Evidence-based policy interventions (EBPIs) are available to reduce exposure to POS marketing, and nationwide, states are funding community-based tobacco control partnerships to promote local enactment of these EBPIs. Little is known, however, about what implementation strategies best support community partnerships' success enacting EBPI. Guided by Kingdon's theory of policy change, Counter Tools provides tools, training, and other implementation strategies to support community partnerships' performance of five core policy change processes: document local problem, formulate policy solutions, engage partners, raise awareness of problems and solutions, and persuade decision makers to enact new policy. We assessed Counter Tools' impact at 1 year on (1) partnership coordinators' self-efficacy, (2) partnerships' performance of core policy change processes, (3) community progress toward EBPI enactment, and (4) salient contextual factors. Counter Tools provided implementation strategies to 30 partnerships. Data on self-efficacy were collected using a pre-post survey. Structured interviews assessed performance of core policy change processes. Data also were collected on progress toward EBPI enactment and contextual factors. Analysis included descriptive and bivariate statistics and content analysis. Following 1-year exposure to implementation strategies, coordinators' self-efficacy increased significantly. Partnerships completed the greatest proportion of activities within the "engage partners" and "document local problem" core processes. Communities made only limited progress toward policy enactment. Findings can inform delivery of implementation strategies and tests of their effects on community-level efforts to enact EBPIs.

Report of the Polymer Core Course Committee: Inclusion of Polymer Topics into Undergraduate Inorganic Chemistry Courses.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Miller, Norman E.; And Others

1984-01-01

Suggests polymer topics for study in inorganic chemistry courses. Commercial materials (including list of inorganic compounds utilized in polymer industry), anchored metal catalysis, polymers modified or formed by coordination, polysiloxanes, phosphazene or phosphonitrilic halide polymers, and hetergeneous polymerization catalysts are considered.…

Advanced Education and Technology Business Plan, 2009-12

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Alberta Advanced Education and Technology, 2009

2009-01-01

The Ministry of Advanced Education and Technology consists of the following entities for budget purposes: Department of Advanced Education and Technology, the Access to the Future Fund, Alberta Enterprise Corporation, Alberta Research Council Inc., and iCORE Inc. Achieving the Ministry's goals involves the work and coordination of many…

One Episode, Two Lenses

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Drijvers, Paul; Godino, Juan D.; Font, Vicenc; Trouche, Luc

2013-01-01

A deep understanding of students' learning processes is one of the core challenges of research in mathematics education. To achieve this, different theoretical lenses are available. The question is how these different lenses compare and contrast, and how they can be coordinated and combined to provide a more comprehensive view on the topic of…

Coordinating the Commons: Diversity & Dynamics in Open Collaborations

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Morgan, Jonathan T.

2013-01-01

The success of Wikipedia demonstrates that open collaboration can be an effective model for organizing geographically-distributed volunteers to perform complex, sustained work at a massive scale. However, Wikipedia's history also demonstrates some of the challenges that large, long-term open collaborations face: the core community of Wikipedia…

Multilevel Design of School Effectiveness Studies in Sub-Saharan Africa

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kelcey, Ben; Shen, Zuchao

2016-01-01

School-based improvement programs represent a core strategy in improving education because they can leverage pre-existing social and organizational structures to promote coordinated and comprehensive change across multiple facets of schooling. School-based programs are generally designed to be implemented by intact schools/districts, frequently…

Towards black-box calculations of tunneling splittings obtained from vibrational structure methods based on normal coordinates.

PubMed

Neff, Michael; Rauhut, Guntram

2014-02-05

Multidimensional potential energy surfaces obtained from explicitly correlated coupled-cluster calculations and further corrections for high-order correlation contributions, scalar relativistic effects and core-correlation energy contributions were generated in a fully automated fashion for the double-minimum benchmark systems OH3(+) and NH3. The black-box generation of the potentials is based on normal coordinates, which were used in the underlying multimode expansions of the potentials and the μ-tensor within the Watson operator. Normal coordinates are not the optimal choice for describing double-minimum potentials and the question remains if they can be used for accurate calculations at all. However, their unique definition is an appealing feature, which removes remaining errors in truncated potential expansions arising from different choices of curvilinear coordinate systems. Fully automated calculations are presented, which demonstrate, that the proposed scheme allows for the determination of energy levels and tunneling splittings as a routine application. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

On the Scene: Developing a Nurse Care Coordinator Role at City of Hope.

PubMed

Johnson, Shirley A; Giesie, Pamela D; Ireland, Anne M; Rice, Robert David; Thomson, Brenda K

2016-01-01

We describe the development of an oncology solid tumor disease-focused care coordination model. Consistent with our strategic plan to provide patient- and family-centered care and to organize care around disease management teams, we developed the role of nurse care coordinator as an integral team member in our care delivery model. Managing a defined high-risk patient population across the care trajectory, these nurses provide stable points of contact and continuity for patients and families as they navigate the complex treatments and systems required to deliver cancer care. We describe role delineation and staffing models; role clarity between the role of the nurse care coordinator and the case manager; core curriculum development; the use of workflow management tools to support the touch points of the patient and members of the care team; and the incorporation of electronic medical records and data streams to inform the care delivery model. We identify measures that we will use to evaluate the success of our program.

Bibliography on Cold Regions Science and Technology. Volume 43. Part 2

DTIC Science & Technology

1989-12-01

Norem, H., ci a ). ’(1987, p.363-379. engl Influence of ship hull forms on propulsion performance in 1985-1988. Kujals, P.. (1989. p.1 118-1 129... performance of& a ship in ipi Radiative energy budget in the cloudy and hazy Arctic as.Msrkhisskiy interfluve (1988, p.3.1 1, rusl 43Z51 red rfies...2820 els and a ship model between two ice model baims (1988. M.V. Arctic manocuvriog performance is ice. Final report Oxygen isotopic cemposition and

Technology Insertion (TI)/Industrial Process Improvement (IPI) Task Order Number 1. Quick Fix Plan for WR-ALC, 7 RCC’s

DTIC Science & Technology

1989-09-25

Orders and test specifications. Some mandatory replacement of high failure items are directed by Technical Orders to extend MTBF. Precision bearing and...Experience is very high but natural attrition is reducing the numbers faster than training is furnishing younger mechanics. Surge conditions would be...model validation run output revealed that utilization of equipment is very low and manpower is high . Based on this analysis and the brainstorming

Boundary Layers Induced by Three-Dimensional Vortex Loops

DTIC Science & Technology

1993-12-01

obtained analytically (see Appendix B) and are given by =-2 Oz,(sin0 -)I- k IK(I IckI) - sKo (Y I k ) Cosa, (2.35) 1= -2 1 k Oq IIJ~ G=2 -’(cosO-y’)lkl...F- Ko (o Ipl) 279Ul I 280 p = if’, and similarly U a E(g) = 2(g 2 + a2)3/2 ** F = IPI K(a Ipl) 3 where K0, K, are the modified Bessel functions of

Bibliography of Soviet Laser Developments, Number 22, October-December 1975

DTIC Science & Technology

1976-05-17

medium by a resonant monoc.iromatic field. KE, no. 9, 1975, 1985- 1991 . 33 ^^ W ftHUUUI.ipiU i U.iHJilll»ll«llil*i»Hiiiil..»w I 245...V. Pankratov , A. N. Skachkov, and G. V. Shmerling (0). Kinetics of threshold luminescence and bleaching in SF, and BC1., gases...PANASYUK, YE.L 2,45 PANCHENKO, M.V. 35 PANCHENKO, V. YA. 23 PANCHENKO, YU. M. 90 PANFILOV, V. N. 64 PANIN, V.V. 52,80 PANKRATOV , A.V

Numerically Solving a Transient Heat Conduction Problem with Convection and Radiation

DTIC Science & Technology

1993-06-01

AGREE W1 DISAGREE W1 DISAGREE STRONGLY AGREE RESERVATION RESERVATION DISAGREE COMMENT: Synonyms: Antonyms: 91 INDUSTRIAL PLANT EQUIPMENT (IPI) Plant ... Plant equipment acquired by the Government, exceeding an established acquisition cost threshold, used for the purpose of cutting, abrading, grinding...Antonyms: None Survey Results Industrial Plant Equipment First Round 60% 51.X In C 40%0 Q cc 4- 30% -28.2% 0 4-, 0) 20% U 10% 2.6% 2.6s BA A AR DR D

A STUDY OF PSYCHIATRIC ASPECTS OF HYSTERECTOMY

PubMed Central

Vyas, J.N.; Rathore, R.S.; Sharma, P.; Singhal, A.K.

1989-01-01

SUMMARY Thirty women patients who were hysterectomized for non-malignant pathologies were compared with thirty comparable patients who underwent other gynaecological operations. Each patient was subjected to semistructured psychiatric interview, standardised Hindi version of G.H.Q., Hindi version of PEN, I.P.I.S. and BDRI. The diagnosis was made according to I.C.D. - 9. It was observed that patients undergoing hysterectomy do suffer significantly higher psychiatric morbidity (60%), had higher G.H.Q. and BDRI scores at the time of discharge from hospital. PMID:21927363

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

Park, Jinhee; Chen, Ying-Pin; Perry, Zachary

A series of molybdenum- and copper-based MOPs were synthesized through coordination-driven process of a bridging ligand (3,3 -PDBAD, L1) and dimetal paddlewheel clusters. Three conformers of the ligand exist with an ideal bridging angle between the two carboxylate groups of 0° (H2α-L1), 120° (H2β-L1), and of 90° (H2γ-L1), respectively. At ambient or lower temperature, H2L1 and Mo2(OAc)4 or Cu2(OAc)4 were crystallized into a molecular square with γ-L1 and Mo2/Cu2 units. With proper temperature elevation, not only the molecular square with γ-L1 but also a lantern-shaped cage with α-L1 formed simultaneously. Similar to how Watson–Crick pairs stabilize the helical structure ofmore » duplex DNA, the core–shell molecular assembly possesses favorable H-bonding interaction sites. This is dictated by the ligand conformation in the shell, coding for the formation and providing stabilization of the central lantern shaped core, which was not observed without this complementary interaction. On the basis of the crystallographic implications, a heterobimetallic cage was obtained through a postsynthetic metal ion metathesis, showing different reactivity of coordination bonds in the core and shell. As an innovative synthetic strategy, the site-selective metathesis broadens the structural diversity and properties of coordination assemblies.« less

An orthogonal ferromagnetically coupled tetracopper(II) 2 x 2 homoleptic grid supported by micro-O4 bridges and its DFT study.

PubMed

Roy, Somnath; Mandal, Tarak Nath; Barik, Anil Kumar; Pal, Sachindranath; Butcher, Ray J; El Fallah, Mohamed Salah; Tercero, Javier; Kar, Susanta Kumar

2007-03-28

A pyrazole based ditopic ligand (PzOAP), prepared by the reaction between 5-methylpyrazole-3-carbohydrazide and methyl ester of imino picolinic acid, reacts with Cu(NO3)2.6H2O to form a self-assembled, ferromagnetically coupled, alkoxide bridged tetranuclear homoleptic Cu(II) square grid-complex [Cu4(PzOAP)4(NO3)2] (NO3)2.4H2O (1) with a central Cu4[micro-O4] core, involving four ligand molecules. In the Cu4[micro-O4] core, out of four copper centers, two copper centers are penta-coordinated and the remaining two are hexa-coordinated. In each case of hexa-coordination, the sixth position is occupied by the nitrate ion. The complex 1 has been characterized structurally and magnetically. Although Cu-O-Cu bridge angles are too large (138-141 degrees) and Cu-Cu distances are short (4.043-4.131 A), suitable for propagation of expected antiferromagnetic exchange interactions within the grid, yet intramolecular ferromagnetic exchange (J = 5.38 cm(-1)) is present with S = 4/2 magnetic ground state. This ferromagnetic interaction is quite obvious from the bridging connections (d(x2-y2)) lying almost orthogonally between the metal centers. The exchange pathways parameters have been evaluated from density functional calculations.

Field Instrumentation With Bricks: Wireless Networks Built From Tough, Cheap, Reliable Field Computers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fatland, D. R.; Anandakrishnan, S.; Heavner, M.

2004-12-01

We describe tough, cheap, reliable field computers configured as wireless networks for distributed high-volume data acquisition and low-cost data recovery. Running under the GNU/Linux open source model these network nodes ('Bricks') are intended for either autonomous or managed deployment for many months in harsh Arctic conditions. We present here results from Generation-1 Bricks used in 2004 for glacier seismology research in Alaska and Antarctica and describe future generation Bricks in terms of core capabilities and a growing list of field applications. Subsequent generations of Bricks will feature low-power embedded architecture, large data storage capacity (GB), long range telemetry (15 km+ up from 3 km currently), and robust operational software. The list of Brick applications is growing to include Geodetic GPS, Bioacoustics (bats to whales), volcano seismicity, tracking marine fauna, ice sounding via distributed microwave receivers and more. This NASA-supported STTR project capitalizes on advancing computer/wireless technology to get scientists more data per research budget dollar, solving system integration problems and thereby getting researchers out of the hardware lab and into the field. One exemplary scenario: An investigator can install a Brick network in a remote polar environment to collect data for several months and then fly over the site to recover the data via wireless telemetry. In the past year Brick networks have moved beyond proof-of-concept to the full-bore development and testing stage; they will be a mature and powerful tool available for IPY 2007-8.

Syntheses, crystal structures, and properties of new metal-5-bromonicotinate coordination polymers

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

Li, Wenjie; Li, Guoting; Lv, Lulu

2015-05-15

Four metal–5-bromonicotinate (Brnic) coordination polymers [Fe(Brnic){sub 2}(H{sub 2}O){sub 2}]{sub n} (1), [Ni(Brnic){sub 2}]{sub n} (2), [Ni(Brnic)(bpy)(H{sub 2}O){sub 2}]{sub n}·n(Brnic)·4.5nH{sub 2}O (3), and [Co{sub 2}(Brnic){sub 3}(bpy){sub 2}(OH)]{sub n}·nH{sub 2}O (4) have been synthesized and structurally characterized (bpy=4,4′-bipyridine). Complex 1 has corrugated (4,4) sheets formed by μ-Brnic ligands and planar nodes Fe(II). As for 2–4, they all built up from Brnic-bridged dinuclear subunits, but have very different structure features. Complex 2 is a twin-like polymer with (4,4) layers formed by twin paddle-wheel [Ni{sub 2}(Brnic){sub 4}] subunits. Through the bridge coordination of bpy ligands with dinuclear rings [Ni{sub 2}(Brnic){sub 2}] and trigons [Co{submore » 2}(Brnic){sub 3}(OH)], 6{sup 3}-topological cationic layers with nanosized grids of 3 and chiral ladder-type double chains of 4 formed, respectively. Notably, halogen-related interactions play an important role in the formation of 3D metallosupermolecules 1–4. The thermostabilities of all compounds have been discussed in detail. Moreover, the magnetic investigations of 2 and 4 indicate that there exist antiferromagnetic interactions in the paddle-wheel [Ni{sub 2}(Brnic){sub 4}] and trigon [Co{sub 2}(Brnic){sub 3}(OH)] cores, respectively. - Highlights: • Four novel metal–5-bromonicotinate coordination polymers have been synthesized. • Notably, halogen-related interactions play an important role in the formation of 3D metallosupermolecules. • Antiferromagnetic interactions in nickel(II) paddle-wheel and cobalt(II) trigon cores were observed.« less

One World-One Health and neglected zoonotic disease: elimination, emergence and emergency in Uganda.

PubMed

Smith, James; Taylor, Emma Michelle; Kingsley, Pete

2015-03-01

This paper traces the emergence and tensions of an internationally constructed and framed One World-One Health (OWOH) approach to control and attempt to eliminate African Trypanosomiasis in Uganda. In many respects Trypanosomiasis is a disease that an OWOH approach is perfectly designed to treat, requiring an integrated approach built on effective surveillance in animals and humans, quick diagnosis and targeting of the vector. The reality appears to be that the translation of global notions of OWOH down to national and district levels generates problems, primarily due to interactions between: a) international, external actors not engaging with the Ugandan state; b) actors setting up structures and activities parallel to those of the state; c) actors deciding when emergencies begin and end without consultation; d) weak Ugandan state capacity to coordinate its own integrated response to disease; e) limited collaboration between core Ugandan planning activities and a weak, increasingly devolved district health system. These interrelated dynamics result in the global, international interventionalist mode of OWOH undermining the Coordinating Office for Control of Trypanosomiasis in Uganda (COCTU), the body within the Ugandan state mandated expressly with managing a sustainable One Health response to trypanosomiasis outbreaks in Uganda. This does two things, firstly it suggests we need a more grounded, national perspective of OWOH, where states and health systems are acknowledged and engaged with by international actors and initiatives. Secondly, it suggests that more support needs to be given to core coordinating capacity in resource-poor contexts. Supporting national coordinating bodies, focused around One Health, and ensuring that external actors engage with and through those bodies can help develop a sustained, effective OWOH presence in resource-poor countries, where after all most zoonotic disease burden remains. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Future Secretariat: an innovation research coordination and governance structure

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ojima, D. S.; Johan, R.; Cramer, W.; Fukushi, K.; Allard, S.

2014-12-01

Future Earth, an emerging global sustainability research program, will be managed by a novel, internationally distributed secretariat spanning the globe and providing a platform for co-design, co-production, and co-delivery of knowledge to support research on the earth system, global development and transformation toward sustainability. The Future Earth secretariat has an innovative structure consisting of five global hubs functioning as a single entity; these hubs are located in Canada, Japan, France, Sweden, and the United States. The secretariat's reach is extended through a set of regional hubs covering Latin America, the Middle East, Africa, Europe, and Asia, with the potential to expand to additional areas. This secretariat will operate under the auspices of the Future Earth Governing Council The Future Earth Secretariat will support and enable the implementation of knowledge-sharing between research and stakeholder communities to enable society to cope with and to alter global environmental trends, and to transition society toward sustainability. The secretariat will provide coordination support to over 25 global environmental core projects and committees; coordinate scientific work across the whole Future Earth agenda; develop and implement innovative mechanisms for bottom-up inputs, synthesis and integration. Future Earth, as a research program, aims to support global transformations toward sustainability through partnerships among scientific and stakeholder communities worldwide. It brings together existing international environmental research core projects associated with DIVERSITAS, the International Geosphere-Biosphere Programme, the International Human Dimensions Programme, and the World Climate Research Programme—to support coordinated, interdisciplinary research that can be used by decision makers seeking to reduce their impact and provide more sustainable products and services. USGCRP partners with Future Earth through scientific participation in and annual funding for its constituent programs.

Collision-induced dissociation of [4Fe-4S] cubane cluster complexes: [Fe4S4Cl4 - x(SC2H5)x]2-/1- (x = 0-4)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fu, You-Jun; Laskin, Julia; Wang, Lai-Sheng

2006-09-01

Collision-induced dissociation (CID) experiments on a series of [4Fe-4S] cluster ions, [Fe4S4Cl4 - x(SC2H5)x]2-/1- (x = 0-4), revealed that their fragmentation channels change with the coordination environment. Among the three Coulomb repulsion related channels for the doubly charged species, the collision induced electron detachment channel was found to become more significant from x = 0 to 4 due to the decreasing electron binding energies and the magnitude of repulsion Coulomb barrier, while both the ligand detachment of Cl- and the fission of the [Fe4S4]2+ core became more and more significant with the increase of the Cl- coordination, and eventually became the dominant channel at x = 0. From the parents containing the SC2H5 ligand, neutral losses of HSC2H5 (62 u) and/or HSCHCH2 (60 u) were observed. It was proposed that inter- and intra-ligand proton transfer could happen during the CID process, resulting in hydrogen coordination to the [4Fe-4S] cluster. In the presence of O2, [Fe4S4Cl3(SC2H5)]2- and [Fe4S4Cl4]2- can form the O2-substituted products [Fe4S4Cl2(SC2H5)O2]- and [Fe4S4Cl3O2]-, respectively. It was shown that the O2 complexation occurs by coordination to the empty iron site of the [4Fe-4S] cubane core after dissociation of one Cl- ligand.

Heliophysics in the United States of America

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Smith, R. W.

2006-11-01

jmc@gi.alaska.edu The IHY program extends from the sun to the heliopause, or from the troposphere to the center of the sun, depending on your viewpoint. The US has cooperating observatories, CIPs and interested individuals willing to participate. On the other hand, there has been very little dedicated funding for the event even though NASA now claims a heliophysics program. Seen from the US viewpoint, this disappointment in funding is moderated by the fact that there are several existing programs that are well organized to collect data relevant to IHY needs. These include national programs such as CEDAR, GEM and SHINE as well as international coordinated groups such as CAWSES, eGY and IPY. Funding is adequate in each of these areas. Given that observational activity is funded and planned to happen, the most important remaining need is to communicate and demonstrate our original Universal Processes approach. Our task is to show how the Universal Processes approach adds important synthesis to the scientific process in programs that are happening. Hence we need to be present at workshops organized by CAWSES, CEDAR, GEM and SHINE to make our message relevant and stimulate studies focused on Universal Processes. Equally important is our emphasis on education and outreach. In the US we are planning special summer schools on IHY and special curriculum to be used in middle and high schools. We hope to produce a major documentary movie to air on television. In both outreach and in the arenas of professional science, our main aim is communication and demonstration of the new science of heliophysics.

Application of the three-dimensional aperiodic Fourier modal method using arc elements in curvilinear coordinates.

PubMed

Bucci, Davide; Martin, Bruno; Morand, Alain

2012-03-01

This paper deals with a full vectorial generalization of the aperiodic Fourier modal method (AFMM) in cylindrical coordinates. The goal is to predict some key characteristics such as the bending losses of waveguides having an arbitrary distribution of the transverse refractive index. After a description of the method, we compare the results of the cylindrical coordinates AFMM with simulations by the finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) method performed on an S-bend structure made by a 500 nm × 200 nm silicon core (n=3.48) in silica (n=1.44) at a wavelength λ=1550 nm, the bending radius varying from 0.5 up to 2 μm. The FDTD and AFMM results show differences comparable to the variations obtained by changing the parameters of the FDTD simulations.

Polymer Directed Self-Assembly of pH-Responsive Antioxidant Nanoparticles

PubMed Central

Tang, Christina; Amin, Devang; Messersmith, Phillip B.; Anthony, John E.; Prud’homme, Robert K.

2015-01-01

We have developed pH-responsive, multifunctional nanoparticles based on encapsulation of an antioxidant, tannic acid (TA), using Flash NanoPrecipitation, a polymer directed self-assembly method. Formation of insoluble coordination complexes of tannic acid and iron during mixing drives nanoparticle assembly. Tuning the core material to polymer ratio, the size of the nanoparticles can be readily tuned between 50 and 265 nm. The resulting nanoparticle is pH-responsive, i.e. stable at pH 7.4 and soluble under acidic conditions due to the nature of the coordination complex. Further, the coordination complex can be coprecipitated with other hydrophobic materials such as therapeutics or imaging agents. For example, coprecipitation with a hydrophobic fluorescent dye creates fluorescent nanoparticles. In vitro, the nanoparticles have low cytotoxicity show antioxidant activity. Therefore, these particles may facilitate intracellular delivery of antioxidants. PMID:25760226

Computational quest for spherical C12B68 fullerenes with "magic" π-electrons and quasi-planar tetra-coordinated carbon.

PubMed

Li, Fengyu; Jiang, De-en; Chen, Zhongfang

2014-02-01

Inspired by the exciting properties of B80 clusters and the novel chemical bonding of planar tetra-coordinated carbon (ptC), we computationally investigated C12B68 clusters by substituting 12 boron atoms to 12 carbon in the B80 framework. Three types of C12B68 configurations, namely core-shell, boron-trapped and fullerene-like, were examined. The fullerene-like C12B68 clusters are featured with multiple quasi-planar tetra-coordinated carbon moieties; though with "magic" (72) number of electrons, they are not highly aromatic due to the limitations of Hirsch's rule for clusters with more than 50 π electrons. These C12B68 fullerenes are not global minima, but the appreciable HOMO-LUMO gaps, spherical aromaticity, and the thermal stability indicate their reasonable stabilities.

MYC/MIZ1-dependent gene repression inversely coordinates the circadian clock with cell cycle and proliferation.

PubMed

Shostak, Anton; Ruppert, Bianca; Ha, Nati; Bruns, Philipp; Toprak, Umut H; Eils, Roland; Schlesner, Matthias; Diernfellner, Axel; Brunner, Michael

2016-06-24

The circadian clock and the cell cycle are major cellular systems that organize global physiology in temporal fashion. It seems conceivable that the potentially conflicting programs are coordinated. We show here that overexpression of MYC in U2OS cells attenuates the clock and conversely promotes cell proliferation while downregulation of MYC strengthens the clock and reduces proliferation. Inhibition of the circadian clock is crucially dependent on the formation of repressive complexes of MYC with MIZ1 and subsequent downregulation of the core clock genes BMAL1 (ARNTL), CLOCK and NPAS2. We show furthermore that BMAL1 expression levels correlate inversely with MYC levels in 102 human lymphomas. Our data suggest that MYC acts as a master coordinator that inversely modulates the impact of cell cycle and circadian clock on gene expression.

Mountain Home Well - Photos

DOE Data Explorer

Shervais, John

2012-01-11

The Snake River Plain (SRP), Idaho, hosts potential geothermal resources due to elevated groundwater temperatures associated with the thermal anomaly Yellowstone-Snake River hotspot. Project HOTSPOT has coordinated international institutions and organizations to understand subsurface stratigraphy and assess geothermal potential. Over 5.9km of core were drilled from three boreholes within the SRP in an attempt to acquire continuous core documenting the volcanic and sedimentary record of the hotspot: (1) Kimama, (2) Kimberly, and (3) Mountain Home. The Mountain Home drill hole is located along the western plain and documents older basalts overlain by sediment. Data submitted by project collaborator Doug Schmitt, University of Alberta

Partnership For Edge Physics Simulation

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

Parashar, Manish

In this effort, we will extend our prior work as part of CPES (i.e., DART and DataSpaces) to support in-situ tight coupling between application codes that exploits data locality and core-level parallelism to maximize on-chip data exchange and reuse. This will be accomplished by mapping coupled simulations so that the data exchanges are more localized within the nodes. Coupled simulation workflows can more effectively utilize the resources available on emerging HEC platforms if they can be mapped and executed to exploit data locality as well as the communication patterns between application components. Scheduling and running such workflows requires an extendedmore » framework that should provide a unified hybrid abstraction to enable coordination and data sharing across computation tasks that run on the heterogeneous multi-core-based systems, and develop a data-locality based dynamic tasks scheduling approach to increase on-chip or intra-node data exchanges and in-situ execution. This effort will extend our prior work as part of CPES (i.e., DART and DataSpaces), which provided a simple virtual shared-space abstraction hosted at the staging nodes, to support application coordination, data sharing and active data processing services. Moreover, it will transparently manage the low-level operations associated with the inter-application data exchange, such as data redistributions, and will enable running coupled simulation workflow on multi-cores computing platforms.« less

Characterization of Hepatitis C Virus Core Protein Multimerization and Membrane Envelopment: Revelation of a Cascade of Core-Membrane Interactions ▿

PubMed Central

Ai, Li-Shuang; Lee, Yu-Wen; Chen, Steve S.-L.

2009-01-01

The molecular basis underlying hepatitis C virus (HCV) core protein maturation and morphogenesis remains elusive. We characterized the concerted events associated with core protein multimerization and interaction with membranes. Analyses of core proteins expressed from a subgenomic system showed that the signal sequence located between the core and envelope glycoprotein E1 is critical for core association with endoplasmic reticula (ER)/late endosomes and the core's envelopment by membranes, which was judged by the core's acquisition of resistance to proteinase K digestion. Despite exerting an inhibitory effect on the core's association with membranes, (Z-LL)2-ketone, a specific inhibitor of signal peptide peptidase (SPP), did not affect core multimeric complex formation, suggesting that oligomeric core complex formation proceeds prior to or upon core attachment to membranes. Protease-resistant core complexes that contained both innate and processed proteins were detected in the presence of (Z-LL)2-ketone, implying that core envelopment occurs after intramembrane cleavage. Mutations of the core that prevent signal peptide cleavage or coexpression with an SPP loss-of-function D219A mutant decreased the core's envelopment, demonstrating that SPP-mediated cleavage is required for core envelopment. Analyses of core mutants with a deletion in domain I revealed that this domain contains sequences crucial for core envelopment. The core proteins expressed by infectious JFH1 and Jc1 RNAs in Huh7 cells also assembled into a multimeric complex, associated with ER/late-endosomal membranes, and were enveloped by membranes. Treatment with (Z-LL)2-ketone or coexpression with D219A mutant SPP interfered with both core envelopment and infectious HCV production, indicating a critical role of core envelopment in HCV morphogenesis. The results provide mechanistic insights into the sequential and coordinated processes during the association of the HCV core protein with membranes in the early phase of virus maturation and morphogenesis. PMID:19605478

Hydration of copper(II): new insights from density functional theory and the COSMO solvation model.

PubMed

Bryantsev, Vyacheslav S; Diallo, Mamadou S; van Duin, Adri C T; Goddard, William A

2008-09-25

The hydrated structure of the Cu(II) ion has been a subject of ongoing debate in the literature. In this article, we use density functional theory (B3LYP) and the COSMO continuum solvent model to characterize the structure and stability of [Cu(H2O)n](2+) clusters as a function of coordination number (4, 5, and 6) and cluster size (n = 4-18). We find that the most thermodynamically favored Cu(II) complexes in the gas phase have a very open four-coordinate structure. They are formed from a stable square-planar [Cu(H2O)8](2+) core stabilized by an unpaired electron in the Cu(II) ion d(x(2)-y(2)) orbital. This is consistent with cluster geometries suggested by recent mass-spectrometric experiments. In the aqueous phase, we find that the more compact five-coordinate square-pyramidal geometry is more stable than either the four-coordinate or six-coordinate clusters in agreement with recent combined EXAFS and XANES studies of aqueous solutions of Cu(II). However, a small energetic difference (approximately 1.4 kcal/mol) between the five- and six-coordinate models with two full hydration shells around the metal ion suggests that both forms may coexist in solution.

Planetary exploration through year 2000, a core program: Mission operations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1986-01-01

In 1980 the NASA Advisory Council created the Solar System Exploratory Committee (SSEC) to formulate a long-range program of planetary missions that was consistent with likely fiscal constraints on total program cost. The SSEC had as its primary goal the establishment of a scientifically valid, affordable program that would preserve the nation's leading role in solar system exploration, capitalize on two decades of investment, and be consistent with the coordinated set of scientific stategies developed earlier by the Committe on Planetary and Lunar Exploration (COMPLEX). The result of the SSEC effort was the design of a Core Program of planetary missions to be launched by the year 2000, together with a realistic and responsible funding plan. The Core Program Missions, subcommittee activities, science issues, transition period assumptions, and recommendations are discussed.

Conceptual Challenges in Coordinating Theoretical and Data-Centered Estimates of Probability

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Konold, Cliff; Madden, Sandra; Pollatsek, Alexander; Pfannkuch, Maxine; Wild, Chris; Ziedins, Ilze; Finzer, William; Horton, Nicholas J.; Kazak, Sibel

2011-01-01

A core component of informal statistical inference is the recognition that judgments based on sample data are inherently uncertain. This implies that instruction aimed at developing informal inference needs to foster basic probabilistic reasoning. In this article, we analyze and critique the now-common practice of introducing students to both…

Map Metadata: Essential Elements for Search and Storage

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Beamer, Ashley

2009-01-01

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to develop an understanding of the issues surrounding the cataloguing of maps in archives and libraries. An investigation into appropriate metadata formats, such as MARC21, EAD and Dublin Core with RDF, shows how particular map data can be stored. Mathematical map elements, specifically co-ordinates, are…

Mission: Define Computer Literacy. The Illinois-Wisconsin ISACS Computer Coordinators' Committee on Computer Literacy Report (May 1985).

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Computing Teacher, 1985

1985-01-01

Defines computer literacy and describes a computer literacy course which stresses ethics, hardware, and disk operating systems throughout. Core units on keyboarding, word processing, graphics, database management, problem solving, algorithmic thinking, and programing are outlined, together with additional units on spreadsheets, simulations,…

Conditioning for Dance: Training for Peak Performance in All Dance Forms.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Franklin, Eric

This book is designed to help dancers improve their technique and performance in all dance forms by strengthening the body's core while improving coordination, balance, alignment, and flexibility. It features 170 imagery illustrations paired with 160 dance-specific exercises to help maximize body-mind conditioning. It culminates with a 20-minute,…

Multidisciplinary Education: Core Competencies for Meeting the Needs of Youngsters with Disabilities.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Del Polito, Carolyn M.

The paper reviews the training need by professionals in the allied health services for work with handicapped children and youth. The American Society of Allied Health Professionals (ASAHP) has conducted workshops in which roles and responsibilities for allied health personnel were identified, such as helping to coordinate health, education, and…

Invasive Species Science Update (No. 5)

Treesearch

Dean Pearson; Yvette Ortega

2011-01-01

Welcome to the fifth issue of the Rocky Mountain Research Station's (RMRS) Invasive Species Science Update. The newsletter is produced by the RMRS Invasive Species Working Group (ISWG), which is a core group of scientists who volunteer to coordinate outreach of RMRS invasive species science to managers and the public. After publishing the past four newsletters, we...

Daple coordinates organ-wide and cell-intrinsic polarity to pattern inner-ear hair bundles

PubMed Central

Siletti, Kimberly; Hudspeth, A. J.

2017-01-01

The establishment of planar polarization by mammalian cells necessitates the integration of diverse signaling pathways. In the inner ear, at least two systems regulate the planar polarity of sensory hair bundles. The core planar cell polarity (PCP) proteins coordinate the orientations of hair cells across the epithelial plane. The cell-intrinsic patterning of hair bundles is implemented independently by the G protein complex classically known for orienting the mitotic spindle. Although the primary cilium also participates in each of these pathways, its role and the integration of the two systems are poorly understood. We show that Dishevelled-associating protein with a high frequency of leucine residues (Daple) interacts with PCP and cell-intrinsic signals. Regulated by the cell-intrinsic pathway, Daple is required to maintain the polarized distribution of the core PCP protein Dishevelled and to position the primary cilium at the abneural edge of the apical surface. Our results suggest that the primary cilium or an associated structure influences the domain of cell-intrinsic signals that shape the hair bundle. Daple is therefore essential to orient and pattern sensory hair bundles. PMID:29229865

Three-dimensional Boltzmann-Hydro Code for Core-collapse in Massive Stars. II. The Implementation of Moving-mesh for Neutron Star Kicks

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nagakura, Hiroki; Iwakami, Wakana; Furusawa, Shun; Sumiyoshi, Kohsuke; Yamada, Shoichi; Matsufuru, Hideo; Imakura, Akira

2017-04-01

We present a newly developed moving-mesh technique for the multi-dimensional Boltzmann-Hydro code for the simulation of core-collapse supernovae (CCSNe). What makes this technique different from others is the fact that it treats not only hydrodynamics but also neutrino transfer in the language of the 3 + 1 formalism of general relativity (GR), making use of the shift vector to specify the time evolution of the coordinate system. This means that the transport part of our code is essentially general relativistic, although in this paper it is applied only to the moving curvilinear coordinates in the flat Minknowski spacetime, since the gravity part is still Newtonian. The numerical aspect of the implementation is also described in detail. Employing the axisymmetric two-dimensional version of the code, we conduct two test computations: oscillations and runaways of proto-neutron star (PNS). We show that our new method works fine, tracking the motions of PNS correctly. We believe that this is a major advancement toward the realistic simulation of CCSNe.

Rational Synthesis of Hollow Prussian Blue Analogue Through Coordination Replication and Controlled-Etching for Cs-Ion Removal.

PubMed

Xu, Jun; Bu, Fan-Xing; Guo, Yi-Fei; Zhang, Wei; Hu, Ming; Jiang, Ji-Sen

2018-05-01

Radioactive cesium pollution have received considerable attention due to the increasing risks in development of the nuclear power plants in the world. Although various functional porous materials are utilized to adsorb Cs+ ions in water, Prussian blue analogues (PBAs) are an impressive class of candidates because of their super affinity of Cs+ ions. The adsorption ability of the PBAs strongly relate to the mesostructure and interstitial sites. To design a hollow PBA with large number of interstitial sites, the traditional hollowing methods are not suitable owing to the difficulty in processing the specific PBAs with large number of interstitial sites. In this work, we empolyed a rational strategy which was to form a "metal oxide"@"PBA" core-shell structure via coordination replication at first, then utilized a mild etching to remove the metal oxide core, led to hollow PBA finally. The obtained hollow PBAs were of high crystallinity and large number of interstitial sites, showing a super adsorption performance for Cs+ ions (221.6 mg/g) within a short period (10 min).

Human Health Risks Associated with Metals from Urban Soil and Road Dust in an Oilfield Area of Southeastern Algeria.

PubMed

Benhaddya, Mohammed Lamine; Boukhelkhal, Abdelaziz; Halis, Youcef; Hadjel, Mohammed

2016-04-01

Hassi Messaoud town is a recent city that is situated inside the oil field, which hosts an important petroleum extraction field and refinery. Large-scale and long-term oil refinery and corresponding industrial activities may contaminate the surrounding soil/dust and could lead to pollution levels that can affect human health. The soil and road dust samples were analysed for different trace elements: copper (Cu), manganese (Mn), nickel (Ni), lead (Pb), and zinc (Zn). Geo-accumulation index (I(geo)), pollution index (PI), and integrated pollution index (IPI) were calculated to evaluate the heavy metal contamination level of urban soil and road dust. The I(geo) values indicate unpolluted to moderate polluted of investigated metals in the soil samples. The assessment results of PI support the results of I(geo), and IPI indicates heavy metals in road dust polluted seriously. The noncarcinogenic health risk assessment shows that ingestion of soil/dust particles is the route for exposure to heavy metals, followed by dermal adsorption. The human exposure risk assessment based on different exposure pathways showed that the hazard index (HI) was <1.0 for all of the elements. The relative exposure risk (noncarcinogenic) was greater for toddlers. Although the overall risk was within the acceptable limit of 1.00, the HI of Pb from the soil (0.103) and road dust (0.132) was close to the threshold limits, which over the long-term may pose a health risk.

Antarctic Super Heroes: Using a Graphic Novel to Teach Students About Polar Science. (Invited)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lougheed, V.; Palsole, S.; Rojas, C.; Tweedie, C. E.

2009-12-01

The University of Texas at El Paso received an IPY grant from the US National Science Foundation to take undergraduate and graduate students, as well as teachers, to Antarctica over winter break 2007. The program, called IPY-ROAM (International Polar Year - Research and Educational Experiences in Antarctica for Minorities) aimed to increase the number of underrepresented minorities in the sciences, and increase public awareness about the polar regions. Education and outreach activities have been designed to teach people of all ages about polar science. For example, an interactive museum exhibit was designed to describe how the polar regions are being affected by climate change, and how individuals can make a difference. Our latest outreach strategy involves taking the large amount of educational materials collected for the museum display and making it available to a broader audience. We have created a graphic novel where the story of the ROAM Antarctic trip and existing educational materials are communicated using a combination of comic strips, fact sheets, and classroom activities. Photographic images from the ROAM trip were digitized and converted to a comic strip format. These images were combined with text from film footage collected by a documentary film, as well as personal anecdotes, to convey the successes of the program and the primary messages participants wanted to share with the public. The graphic novel will be made available to local school groups and online, at our website: www.ipyroam.org.