Sample records for laboratory monthly progress

  1. COSMIC monthly progress report

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    1994-01-01

    Activities of the Computer Software Management and Information Center (COSMIC) are summarized for the month of January 1994. Tables showing the current inventory of programs available from COSMIC are presented and program processing and evaluation activities are discussed. Marketing and customer service activities in this period are presented as is the progress report of NASTRAN maintenance and support. Tables of disseminations and budget summary conclude the report.

  2. Hanford Laboratories monthly activities report, August 1963

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

    Not Available

    1963-09-16

    This is the monthly report for the Hanford Laboratories Operation, August 1963. Metallurgy, reactor fuels, chemistry, dosimetry, separation processes, reactor technology, financial activities, visits, biology operation, physics and instrumentation research, and employee relations are discussed.

  3. Hanford Laboratories monthly activities report, March 1964

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

    Not Available

    1964-04-15

    The monthly report for the Hanford Laboratories Operation, March 1964. Reactor fuels, chemistry, dosimetry, separation processes, reactor technology, financial activities, biology operation, and physics and instrumentation research, and applied mathematics operation, and programming operations are discussed.

  4. Hanford Laboratories monthly activities report, February 1964

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

    Not Available

    1964-03-16

    This is the monthly report for the Hanford Laboratories Operation, February, 1964. Reactor fuels, chemistry, dosimetry, separation process, reactor technology financial activities, biology operation, physics and instrumentation research, employee relations, applied mathematics, programming, and radiation protection are discussed.

  5. Monthly oral methylprednisolone pulse treatment in progressive multiple sclerosis.

    PubMed

    Ratzer, Rikke; Iversen, Pernille; Börnsen, Lars; Dyrby, Tim B; Romme Christensen, Jeppe; Ammitzbøll, Cecilie; Madsen, Camilla Gøbel; Garde, Ellen; Lyksborg, Mark; Andersen, Birgit; Hyldstrup, Lars; Sørensen, Per Soelberg; Siebner, Hartwig R; Sellebjerg, Finn

    2016-06-01

    There is a large unmet need for treatments for patients with progressive multiple sclerosis (MS). Phase 2 studies with cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) biomarker outcomes may be well suited for the initial evaluation of efficacious treatments. To evaluate the effect of monthly oral methylprednisolone pulse treatment on intrathecal inflammation in progressive MS. In this open-label phase 2A study, 15 primary progressive and 15 secondary progressive MS patients received oral methylprednisolone pulse treatment for 60 weeks. Primary outcome was changes in CSF concentrations of osteopontin. Secondary outcomes were other CSF biomarkers of inflammation, axonal damage and demyelination; clinical scores; magnetic resonance imaging measures of disease activity, magnetization transfer ratio (MTR) and diffusion tensor imaging (DTI); motor evoked potentials; and bone density scans. We found no change in the CSF concentration of osteopontin, but we observed significant improvement in clinical scores, MTR, DTI and some secondary CSF outcome measures. Adverse events were well-known side effects to methylprednisolone. Monthly methylprednisolone pulse treatment was safe, but had no effect on the primary outcome. However, improvements in secondary clinical and MRI outcome measures suggest that this treatment regimen may have a beneficial effect in progressive MS. © The Author(s), 2015.

  6. Hanford Laboratories Operation monthly activities report, September 1960

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

    Not Available

    1960-10-15

    This is the monthly report for the Hanford Laboratories Operation, October, 1960. Metallurgy, reactor fuels, chemistry, dosimetry, separation processes, reactor technology, financial activities, visits, biology operation, physics and instrumentation research, and employee relations are discussed.

  7. Hanford Laboratories Operation monthly activities report, November 1962

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

    Not Available

    1962-12-14

    This is the monthly report for the Hanford Laboratories Operation, November 1962. Metallurgy, reactor fuels, chemistry, dosimetry, separation processes, reactor technology, financial activities, visits, biology operation, physics and instrumentation research, and employee relations are discussed.

  8. Hanford Laboratories Operation monthly activities report, August 1959

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

    Not Available

    1959-09-15

    This is the monthly report for the Hanford Laboratories Operation, August, 1959. Reactor fuels, chemistry, dosimetry, separation processes, reactor technology financial activities, visits, biology operation, physics and instrumentation research, employee relations, and operations research and synthesis operation are discussed.

  9. Hanford Laboratories Operation monthly activities report, September 1961

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

    Not Available

    1961-10-16

    This is the monthly report for the Hanford Laboratories Operation September 1961. Reactor fuels, chemistry, dosimetry, separation processes, reactor technology, financial activities, biology operation, physics and instrumentation research, operations research and synthesis, programming, and radiation protection operation are discussed.

  10. Language Assessment in a Snap: Monitoring Progress up to 36 Months

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Gilkerson, Jill; Richards, Jeffrey A.; Greenwood, Charles R.; Montgomery, Judy K.

    2017-01-01

    This article describes the development and validation of the Developmental Snapshot, a 52-item parent questionnaire on child language and vocal communication development that can be administered monthly and scored automatically. The Snapshot was created to provide an easily administered monthly progress monitoring tool that enables parents to…

  11. Laboratory Directed Research and Development FY 1998 Progress Report

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

    John Vigil; Kyle Wheeler

    This is the FY 1998 Progress Report for the Laboratory Directed Research and Development (LDRD) Program at Los Alamos National Laboratory. It gives an overview of the LDRD Program, summarizes work done on individual research projects, relates the projects to major Laboratory program sponsors, and provides an index to the principle investigators. Project summaries are grouped by their LDRD component: Competency Development, Program Development, and Individual Projects. Within each component, they are further grouped into nine technical categories: (1) materials science, (2) chemistry, (3) mathematics and computational science, (4) atomic, molecular, optical, and plasma physics, fluids, and particle beams, (5)more » engineering science, (6) instrumentation and diagnostics, (7) geoscience, space science, and astrophysics, (8) nuclear and particle physics, and (9) bioscience.« less

  12. Laboratory directed research and development: FY 1997 progress report

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

    Vigil, J.; Prono, J.

    1998-05-01

    This is the FY 1997 Progress Report for the Laboratory Directed Research and Development (LDRD) program at Los Alamos National Laboratory. It gives an overview of the LDRD program, summarizes work done on individual research projects, relates the projects to major Laboratory program sponsors, and provides an index to the principal investigators. Project summaries are grouped by their LDRD component: Competency Development, Program Development, and Individual Projects. Within each component, they are further grouped into nine technical categories: (1) materials science, (2) chemistry, (3) mathematics and computational science, (4) atomic and molecular physics and plasmas, fluids, and particle beams, (5)more » engineering science, (6) instrumentation and diagnostics, (7) geoscience, space science, and astrophysics, (8) nuclear and particle physics, and (9) bioscience.« less

  13. Role of congenital rubella reference laboratory: 21-months-surveillance in Liguria, Italy.

    PubMed

    Canepa, P; Valle, L; Cristina, E; De Florentiis, D; Parodi, V; Banfi, F; Zancolli, M; Durando, P; Icardi, G; Ansaldi, F

    2009-12-01

    Rubella is generally a mild rush fever disease when acquired in childhood, but when infection occurs during the first months of pregnancy, high risk of trans-placental transmission to the foetus and of congenital anomalies exists. In November 2003, a National Plan for measles and congenital rubella elimination was approved in Italy. The aim was to reduce and maintain Congenital Rubella Syndrome incidence lower than 1 case per 100,000 live births/year by 2007. Since June 2006, Liguria Administrative Region recognized U.O. Hygiene, "San Martino" University Hospital, Genoa, as regional reference laboratory for diagnosis of rubella infection during pregnancy and post-partum. Twenty-one-month virological-surveillance results between April 2007 and December 2008 were reported in terms of demographic data, risk factors, access reasons, clinical picture, vaccination, previous rubella disease, laboratory results of pregnant women and newborns. Since the beginning of surveillance, 65 pregnant women with suspected virus infection and 18 newborns with suspected congenital rubella were followed up. The results of laboratory surveillance highlighted (i) the importance of an early screening, (ii) the suboptimal specificity of chemiluminescent assays, that often yield false positive IgM results and (iii) the fundamental role of second-level laboratory to confirm the serological diagnosis and to detect the virus by molecular techniques.

  14. Laboratory database population surveillance to improve detection of progressive chronic kidney disease.

    PubMed

    Kennedy, David M; Chatha, Kamaljit; Rayner, Hugh C

    2013-09-01

    Some patients with chronic kidney disease are still referred late for specialist care despite the evidence that earlier detection and intervention can halt or delay progression to end-stage kidney disease (ESKD). To develop a population surveillance system using existing laboratory data to enable early detection of patients at high risk of ESKD by reviewing cumulative graphs of estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). A database was developed, updated daily with data from the laboratory computer. Cumulative eGFR graphs containing up to five years of data are reviewed by clinical scientists for all primary care patients or out-patients with a low eGFR for their age. For those with a declining trend, a report containing the eGFR graph is sent to the requesting doctor. A retrospective audit was performed using historical data to assess the predictive value of the graphs. In nine months, we reported 370,000 eGFR results, reviewing 12,000 eGFR graphs. On average 60 graphs per week were flagged as 'high' or 'intermediate' risk. Patients with graphs flagged as high risk had a significantly higher mortality after 3.5 years and a significantly greater chance of requiring renal replacement therapy after 4.5 years of follow-up. Five patients (7%) with graphs flagged as high risk had a sustained >25% fall in eGFR without evidence of secondary care referral. Feedback about the service from requesting clinicians was 73% positive. We have developed a system for laboratory staff to review cumulative eGFR graphs for a large population and identify patients at highest risk of developing ESKD. Further research is needed to measure the impact of this service on patient outcomes. © 2013 European Dialysis and Transplant Nurses Association/European Renal Care Association.

  15. Progress in Harmonizing Tiered HIV Laboratory Systems: Challenges and Opportunities in 8 African Countries.

    PubMed

    Williams, Jason; Umaru, Farouk; Edgil, Dianna; Kuritsky, Joel

    2016-09-28

    In 2014, the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS released its 90-90-90 targets, which make laboratory diagnostics a cornerstone for measuring efforts toward the epidemic control of HIV. A data-driven laboratory harmonization and standardization approach is one way to create efficiencies and ensure optimal laboratory procurements. Following the 2008 "Maputo Declaration on Strengthening of Laboratory Systems"-a call for government leadership in harmonizing tiered laboratory networks and standardizing testing services-several national ministries of health requested that the United States Government and in-country partners help implement the recommendations by facilitating laboratory harmonization and standardization workshops, with a primary focus on improving HIV laboratory service delivery. Between 2007 and 2015, harmonization and standardization workshops were held in 8 African countries. This article reviews progress in the harmonization of laboratory systems in these 8 countries. We examined agreed-upon instrument lists established at the workshops and compared them against instrument data from laboratory quantification exercises over time. We used this measure as an indicator of adherence to national procurement policies. We found high levels of diversity across laboratories' diagnostic instruments, equipment, and services. This diversity contributes to different levels of compliance with expected service delivery standards. We believe the following challenges to be the most important to address: (1) lack of adherence to procurement policies, (2) absence or limited influence of a coordinating body to fully implement harmonization proposals, and (3) misalignment of laboratory policies with minimum packages of care and with national HIV care and treatment guidelines. Overall, the effort to implement the recommendations from the Maputo Declaration has had mixed success and is a work in progress. Program managers should continue efforts to advance the

  16. Progress in Harmonizing Tiered HIV Laboratory Systems: Challenges and Opportunities in 8 African Countries

    PubMed Central

    Williams, Jason; Umaru, Farouk; Edgil, Dianna; Kuritsky, Joel

    2016-01-01

    ABSTRACT In 2014, the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS released its 90-90-90 targets, which make laboratory diagnostics a cornerstone for measuring efforts toward the epidemic control of HIV. A data-driven laboratory harmonization and standardization approach is one way to create efficiencies and ensure optimal laboratory procurements. Following the 2008 “Maputo Declaration on Strengthening of Laboratory Systems”—a call for government leadership in harmonizing tiered laboratory networks and standardizing testing services—several national ministries of health requested that the United States Government and in-country partners help implement the recommendations by facilitating laboratory harmonization and standardization workshops, with a primary focus on improving HIV laboratory service delivery. Between 2007 and 2015, harmonization and standardization workshops were held in 8 African countries. This article reviews progress in the harmonization of laboratory systems in these 8 countries. We examined agreed-upon instrument lists established at the workshops and compared them against instrument data from laboratory quantification exercises over time. We used this measure as an indicator of adherence to national procurement policies. We found high levels of diversity across laboratories’ diagnostic instruments, equipment, and services. This diversity contributes to different levels of compliance with expected service delivery standards. We believe the following challenges to be the most important to address: (1) lack of adherence to procurement policies, (2) absence or limited influence of a coordinating body to fully implement harmonization proposals, and (3) misalignment of laboratory policies with minimum packages of care and with national HIV care and treatment guidelines. Overall, the effort to implement the recommendations from the Maputo Declaration has had mixed success and is a work in progress. Program managers should continue efforts to

  17. Inter-laboratory assessment of a harmonized zebrafish developmental toxicology assay - progress report on phase I.

    PubMed

    Gustafson, A-L; Stedman, D B; Ball, J; Hillegass, J M; Flood, A; Zhang, C X; Panzica-Kelly, J; Cao, J; Coburn, A; Enright, B P; Tornesi, M B; Hetheridge, M; Augustine-Rauch, K A

    2012-04-01

    This report provides a progress update of a consortium effort to develop a harmonized zebrafish developmental toxicity assay. Twenty non-proprietary compounds (10 animal teratogens and 10 animal non-teratogens) were evaluated blinded in 4 laboratories. Zebrafish embryos from pond-derived and cultivated strain wild types were exposed to the test compounds for 5 days and subsequently evaluated for lethality and morphological changes. Each of the testing laboratories achieved similar overall concordance to the animal data (60-70%). Subsequent optimization procedures to improve the overall concordance focused on compound formulation and test concentration adjustments, chorion permeation and number of replicates. These optimized procedures were integrated into a revised protocol and all compounds were retested in one lab using embryos from pond-derived zebrafish and achieved 85% total concordance. To further assess assay performance, a study of additional compounds is currently in progress at two laboratories using embryos from pond-derived and cultivated-strain wild type zebrafish. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  18. Progress in increasing electronic reporting of laboratory results to public health agencies--United States, 2013.

    PubMed

    2013-09-27

    Electronic reporting of laboratory results to public health agencies can improve public health surveillance for reportable diseases and conditions by making reporting more timely and complete. Since 2010, CDC has provided funding to 57 state, local, and territorial health departments through the Epidemiology and Laboratory Capacity for Infectious Diseases cooperative agreement to assist with improving electronic laboratory reporting (ELR) from clinical and public health laboratories to public health agencies. As part of this agreement, CDC and state and large local health departments are collaborating to monitor ELR implementation in the United States by developing data from each jurisdiction regarding total reporting laboratories, laboratories sending ELR by disease category and message format, and the number of ELR laboratory reports compared with the total number of laboratory reports. At the end of July 2013, 54 of the 57 jurisdictions were receiving at least some laboratory reports through ELR, and approximately 62% of 20 million laboratory reports were being received electronically, compared with 54% in 2012. Continued progress will require collaboration between clinical laboratories, laboratory information management system (LIMS) vendors, and public health agencies.

  19. MOUND LABORATORY MONTHLY PROGRESS REPORT FOR MARCH 1961

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

    Eichelberger, J.F.

    Adhesives. The effects obtained when diols and triols are used to cure Adiprene L-213 are discussed. Most of the formulations are very viscous and present difficulties in degassing operations. Ionium Project. Four plant samples having 1 ppm or more of Th/sup 2//sup 3//sup 0/ were analyzed for Th/sup 2//sup 3//sup 0/ in two different ways, one using HNO/sub 3/ digestion and the other using HClO/sub 4/ digestion. The difference between these two methods found for one sample is attributed to insolubility induced by calcining. Half Life of Radium-223. The decay of a purified Ra/sup 2//sup 2//sup 3/ sample was followedmore » by alpha counting for 109 days; the results indicate that a long-lived impurity may be the cause of the nonconvergence of the probable error in the resolution time range. Purification of a composite sample containing Ac/sup 2// sup 2//sup 7/ to give a source of Ra/sup 2//sup 2//sup 3/ is described. Determination of Coincidence Correction. The coincidence correction was determined for a proportional alpha counter with Pb/sup 2//sup 1//sup 1/, and the best resolution times and half lives are given. Plutonium Alloy Research. The density of liquid Ce was measured from 825 to 1000 deg C with the vacuum pycnometer method; the thermal coefficient of cubical expansion is found to be very small, 33 x 10/sup -//sup 6/ cm/sup 3// cm/sup 3// deg C, and the volume change of fusion is also estimated to be small, less than 0.5%. The viscosities of molten La and Pr were determined from their melting points up to 996 deg C. Qualitative tests were made to study the wetting properties of Pu alloys on Ta. Pure liquid Pu did not wet Ta surfaces, but a Fu--43 at.% Co alloy had improved wetting properties. Plutonium-bearing Glass Fibers. Leaching tests were made at room temperature on glass fibers containing 10 wt.% Pu oxide. Reaching in water, 0.1 N HCl, and 0.5 N HNO/sub 3/ for 2206, 2183, and 1363 hr, respectively, resulted in respective losses of 0.15, 0.24, and 0.65% of the Pu oxide from the fibers. Additional leaching data for glass fibers containing 15 wt.% Pu oxide indicate that the rate of dissolution of Fu oxide is not related to the concentration of the Pu oxide but to that of the alkali metal oxides in the glass. Preliminary results are presented for the tensile strengths of glass fibers containing 20 wt.% Pu oxide. (D.L.C.)« less

  20. Effect of pulsed progressive fluoroscopy on reduction of radiation dose in the cardiac catheterization laboratory

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

    Holmes, D.R. Jr.; Wondrow, M.A.; Gray, J.E.

    1990-01-01

    The increased application of therapeutic interventional cardiology procedures is associated with increased radiation exposure to physicians, patients and technical personnel. New advances in imaging techniques have the potential for reducing radiation exposure. A progressive scanning video system with a standard vascular phantom has been shown to decrease entrance radiation exposure. The effect of this system on reducing actual radiation exposure to physicians and technicians was assessed from 1984 through 1987. During this time, progressive fluoroscopy was added sequentially to all four adult catheterization laboratories; no changes in shielding procedures were made. During this time, the case load per physician increasedmore » by 63% and the number of percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty procedures (a high radiation procedure) increased by 244%. Despite these increases in both case load and higher radiation procedures, the average radiation exposure per physician declined by 37%. During the same time, the radiation exposure for technicians decreased by 35%. Pulsed progressive fluoroscopy is effective for reducing radiation exposure to catheterization laboratory physicians and technical staff.« less

  1. Progression of brain atrophy in PSP and CBS over 6 months and 1 year.

    PubMed

    Dutt, Shubir; Binney, Richard J; Heuer, Hilary W; Luong, Phi; Attygalle, Suneth; Bhatt, Priyanka; Marx, Gabe A; Elofson, Jonathan; Tartaglia, Maria C; Litvan, Irene; McGinnis, Scott M; Dickerson, Bradford C; Kornak, John; Waltzman, Dana; Voltarelli, Lisa; Schuff, Norbert; Rabinovici, Gil D; Kramer, Joel H; Jack, Clifford R; Miller, Bruce L; Rosen, Howard J; Boxer, Adam L

    2016-11-08

    To examine the utility and reliability of volumetric MRI in measuring disease progression in the 4 repeat tauopathies, progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) and corticobasal syndrome (CBS), to support clinical development of new tau-directed therapeutic agents. Six- and 12-month changes in regional MRI volumes and PSP Rating Scale scores were examined in 55 patients with PSP and 33 patients with CBS (78% amyloid PET negative) compared to 30 normal controls from a multicenter natural history study. Longitudinal voxel-based morphometric analyses identified patterns of volume loss, and region-of-interest analyses examined rates of volume loss in brainstem (midbrain, pons, superior cerebellar peduncle), cortical, and subcortical regions based on previously validated atlases. Results were compared to those in a replication cohort of 226 patients with PSP with MRI data from the AL-108-231 clinical trial. Patients with CBS exhibited greater baseline atrophy and greater longitudinal atrophy rates in cortical and basal ganglia regions than patients with PSP; however, midbrain and pontine atrophy rates were similar. Voxel-wise analyses showed distinct patterns of regional longitudinal atrophy in each group as compared to normal controls. The midbrain/pons volumetric ratio differed between diagnoses but remained stable over time. In both patient groups, brainstem atrophy rates were correlated with disease progression measured using the PSP Rating Scale. Volume loss is quantifiable over a period of 6 months in CBS and PSP. Future clinical trials may be able to combine CBS and PSP to measure therapeutic effects. © 2016 American Academy of Neurology.

  2. Hyperargininemia: 7-month follow-up under sodium benzoate therapy in an Italian child presenting progressive spastic paraparesis, cognitive decline, and novel mutation in ARG1 gene.

    PubMed

    Baranello, Giovanni; Alfei, Enrico; Martinelli, Diego; Rizzetto, Manuela; Cazzaniga, Fabiana; Dionisi-Vici, Carlo; Gellera, Cinzia; Castellotti, Barbara

    2014-09-01

    Hyperargininemia due to mutations in ARG1 gene is an autosomal recessive inborn error of metabolism caused by a defect in the final step of the urea cycle. Common clinical presentation is a variable association of progressive spastic paraparesis, epilepsy, and cognitive deficits. We describe the clinical history of an Italian child presenting progressive spastic paraparesis, carrying a new homozygous missense mutation in the ARG1 gene. A detailed clinical, biochemical, and neurophysiological follow-up after 7 months of sodium benzoate therapy is reported. Laboratory findings, gait abnormalities, spastic paraparesis, and electroencephalographic and neurophysiological abnormalities remained quite stable over the follow-up. Conversely, a mild cognitive deterioration has been detected by means of the neuropsychologic assessment. Further longitudinal studies by means of longer follow-up and using clinical, biochemical, radiological, and neurophysiological assessments are needed in such patients to describe natural history and monitor the effects of treatments. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  3. Recent Progresses in Laboratory Astrophysics with Ames’ COSmIC Facility

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Salama, Farid; Contreras, Cesar; Sciamma-O'Brien, Ella; Bejaoui, Salma

    2016-06-01

    We present and discuss the characteristics and the capabilities of the laboratory facility, COSmIC, that was developed at NASA Ames to generate, process and analyze interstellar, circumstellar and planetary analogs in the laboratory [1]. COSmIC stands for “Cosmic Simulation Chamber” and is dedicated to the study of neutral and ionized molecules and nano particles under the low temperature and high vacuum conditions that are required to simulate space environments. COSmIC integrates a variety of state-of-the-art instruments that allow forming, processing and monitoring simulated space conditions for planetary, circumstellar and interstellar materials in the laboratory. COSmIC is composed of a Pulsed Discharge Nozzle (PDN) expansion that generates a plasma in free supersonic jet expansion coupled to two high-sensitivity, complementary in situ diagnostics: a Cavity Ring Down Spectroscopy (CRDS) and laser induced fluorescence (LIF) systems for photonic detection and a Reflectron Time-Of-Flight Mass Spectrometer (ReTOF-MS) for mass detection [2].Recent laboratory results that were obtained using COSmIC will be presented, in particular the progress that has been achieved in the domain of the diffuse interstellar bands (DIBs) [3] and in monitoring, in the laboratory, the formation of dust grains and aerosols from their gas-phase molecular precursors in environments as varied as stellar/circumstellar outflows [4] and planetary atmospheres [5]. Plans for future, next generation, laboratory experiments on cosmic molecules and grains in the growing field of laboratory astrophysics will also be addressed as well as the implications of the current studies for astronomy.References: [1] Salama F., In Organic Matter in Space, IAU Symposium 251, Kwok & Sandford Eds.Cambridge University Press, Vol. 4, S251, p. 357 (2008) and references therein.[2] Ricketts C., Contreras C., Walker, R., Salama F., Int. J. Mass Spec, 300, 26 (2011)[3] Salama F., Galazutdinov G., Krelowski J

  4. Implementation of quality management systems and progress towards accreditation of National Tuberculosis Reference Laboratories in Africa

    PubMed Central

    de Dieu Iragena, Jean; Kao, Kekeletso; Erni, Donatelle; Mekonen, Teferi

    2017-01-01

    Background Laboratory services are essential at all stages of the tuberculosis care cascade, from diagnosis and drug resistance testing to monitoring response to treatment. Enabling access to quality services is a challenge in low-resource settings. Implementation of a strong quality management system (QMS) and laboratory accreditation are key to improving patient care. Objectives The study objective was to determine the status of QMS implementation and progress towards accreditation of National Tuberculosis Reference Laboratories (NTRLs) in the African Region. Method An online questionnaire was administered to NTRL managers in 47 World Health Organization Regional Office for Africa member states in the region, between February and April 2015, regarding the knowledge of QMS tools and progress toward implementation to inform strategies for tuberculosis diagnostic services strengthening in the region. Results A total of 21 laboratories (43.0%) had received SLMTA/TB-SLMTA training, of which 10 had also used the Global Laboratory Initiative accreditation tool. However, only 36.7% of NTRLs had received a laboratory audit, a first step in quality improvement. Most NTRLs participated in acid-fast bacilli microscopy external quality assurance (95.8%), although external quality assurance for other techniques was lower (60.4% for first-line drug susceptibility testing, 25.0% for second-line drug susceptibility testing, and 22.9% for molecular testing). Barriers to accreditation included lack of training and accreditation programmes. Only 28.6% of NTRLs had developed strategic plans and budgets which included accreditation. Conclusion Good foundations are in place on the continent from which to scale up accreditation efforts. Laboratory audits should be conducted as a first step in developing quality improvement action plans. Political commitment and strong leadership are needed to drive accreditation efforts; advocacy will require clear evidence of patient impact and cost

  5. COSMIC monthly progress report

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    1994-01-01

    Activities of the Computer Software Management and Information Center (COSMIC) are summarized for the month of April 1994. Tables showing the current inventory of programs available from COSMIC are presented and program processing and evaluation activities are summarized. Five articles were prepared for publication in the NASA Tech Brief Journal. These articles (included in this report) describe the following software items: GAP 1.0 - Groove Analysis Program, Version 1.0; SUBTRANS - Subband/Transform MATLAB Functions for Image Processing; CSDM - COLD-SAT Dynamic Model; CASRE - Computer Aided Software Reliability Estimation; and XOPPS - OEL Project Planner/Scheduler Tool. Activities in the areas of marketing, customer service, benefits identification, maintenance and support, and disseminations are also described along with a budget summary.

  6. Progression of diabetic retinopathy severity after treatment with dexamethasone implant: a 24-month cohort study the 'DR-Pro-DEX Study'.

    PubMed

    Iglicki, Matias; Zur, Dinah; Busch, Catharina; Okada, Mali; Loewenstein, Anat

    2018-06-01

    Intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor agents have been shown to reduce diabetic retinopathy (DR) progression; data on the effects of intravitreal corticosteroids on modifying disease severity are limited. This study evaluates the long-term effect of intravitreal dexamethasone implant (DEX) on the severity and progression of non-proliferative DR (NPDR). This was a retrospective cohort study. Sixty eyes from 60 consecutive patients with NPDR and diabetic macular edema (DME) treated with dexamethasone implant (DEX group) and 49 eyes from consecutive 49 patients without DME requiring observation only. Fundus angiography images from baseline and after 24 months were graded by two masked assessors into mild, moderate and severe NPDR and PDR, according to the ETDRS classification. Patients were followed up 1-3 and 4-6 months after each DEX implant. Re-treatment with DEX implant was on a pro re nata basis. Records were reviewed for performance of panretinal photocoagulation. Main outcome was as follows: change of DR ≥ 1 grade and progression to proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR). Three eyes (5%) in the DEX group and 43 (87.8%) eyes in the control group progressed to PDR (P < 0.0001). Twenty-five eyes (41.7%) in the DEX group but none in the control group demonstrated an improvement in DR severity (P < 0.0001). This study provides the first long-term evidence that DEX implant has the potential to not only delay progression of DR and PDR development, but may also improve DR severity over 24 months. Better understanding of the effects of corticosteroids will help guide its use in the treatment pathway of DR.

  7. The Effects of 6 Months of Progressive High Effort Resistance Training Methods upon Strength, Body Composition, Function, and Wellbeing of Elderly Adults.

    PubMed

    Steele, James; Raubold, Kristin; Kemmler, Wolfgang; Fisher, James; Gentil, Paulo; Giessing, Jürgen

    2017-01-01

    The present study examined the progressive implementation of a high effort resistance training (RT) approach in older adults over 6 months and through a 6-month follow-up on strength, body composition, function, and wellbeing of older adults. Twenty-three older adults (aged 61 to 80 years) completed a 6-month supervised RT intervention applying progressive introduction of higher effort set end points. After completion of the intervention participants could choose to continue performing RT unsupervised until 6-month follow-up. Strength, body composition, function, and wellbeing all significantly improved over the intervention. Over the follow-up, body composition changes reverted to baseline values, strength was reduced though it remained significantly higher than baseline, and wellbeing outcomes were mostly maintained. Comparisons over the follow-up between those who did and those who did not continue with RT revealed no significant differences for changes in any outcome measure. Supervised RT employing progressive application of high effort set end points is well tolerated and effective in improving strength, body composition, function, and wellbeing in older adults. However, whether participants continued, or did not, with RT unsupervised at follow-up had no effect on outcomes perhaps due to reduced effort employed during unsupervised RT.

  8. Progress toward establishing a US national laboratory on the International Space Station

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Uhran, Mark L.

    2010-01-01

    The International Space Station (ISS) is rapidly approaching the long-awaited completion of assembly. All United States (US) core elements have been integrated and tested on-orbit and the principle elements of the European and Japanese laboratories were successfully deployed in 2008. The fully envisioned configuration is on schedule to be completed as planned by the end of US government fiscal year 2010. Section 507 of the NASA Authorization Act of 2005 designated the US segment of the ISS as a " national laboratory", thereby opening up its use to other US government agencies, US private firms and US non-profit institutions. This paper reports on progress toward identifying and entering into agreements with entities outside of NASA that plan to use the ISS in the post-assembly timeframe. The original 1984 vision of a robust, multi-mission space station serving as a platform for the advancement of US science, technology and industry will soon be achieved.

  9. Phase II study of monthly pasireotide LAR (SOM230C) for recurrent or progressive meningioma

    PubMed Central

    Norden, Andrew D.; Ligon, Keith L.; Hammond, Samantha N.; Muzikansky, Alona; Reardon, David A.; Kaley, Thomas J.; Batchelor, Tracy T.; Plotkin, Scott R.; Raizer, Jeffrey J.; Wong, Eric T.; Drappatz, Jan; Lesser, Glenn J.; Haidar, Sam; Beroukhim, Rameen; Lee, Eudocia Q.; Doherty, Lisa; Lafrankie, Debra; Gaffey, Sarah C.; Gerard, Mary; Smith, Katrina H.; McCluskey, Christine; Phuphanich, Surasak

    2015-01-01

    Objective: A subset of meningiomas recur after surgery and radiation therapy, but no medical therapy for recurrent meningioma has proven effective. Methods: Pasireotide LAR is a long-acting somatostatin analog that may inhibit meningioma growth. This was a phase II trial in patients with histologically confirmed recurrent or progressive meningioma designed to evaluate whether pasireotide LAR prolongs progression-free survival at 6 months (PFS6). Patients were stratified by histology (atypical [World Health Organization grade 2] and malignant [grade 3] meningiomas in cohort A and benign [grade 3] in cohort B). Results: Eighteen patients were accrued in cohort A and 16 in cohort B. Cohort A had median age 59 years, median Karnofsky performance status 80, 17 (94%) had previous radiation therapy, and 11 (61%) showed high octreotide uptake. Cohort B had median age 52 years, median Karnofsky performance status 90, 11 (69%) had previous radiation therapy, and 12 (75%) showed high octreotide uptake. There were no radiographic responses to pasireotide LAR therapy in either cohort. Twelve patients (67%) in cohort A and 13 (81%) in cohort B achieved stable disease. In cohort A, PFS6 was 17% and median PFS 15 weeks (95% confidence interval: 8–20). In cohort B, PFS6 was 50% and median PFS 26 weeks (12–43). Treatment was well tolerated. Octreotide uptake and insulin-like growth factor–1 levels did not predict outcome. Expression of somatostatin receptor 3 predicted favorable PFS and overall survival. Conclusions: Pasireotide LAR has limited activity in recurrent meningiomas. The finding that somatostatin receptor 3 is associated with favorable outcomes warrants further investigation. Classification of evidence: This study provides Class IV evidence that in patients with recurrent or progressive meningioma, pasireotide LAR does not significantly increase the proportion of patients with PFS at 6 months. PMID:25527270

  10. Analytical progresses of the International Olympic Committee and World Anti-Doping Agency Olympic laboratories.

    PubMed

    Georgakopoulos, Costas; Saugy, Martial; Giraud, Sylvain; Robinson, Neil; Alsayrafi, Mohammed

    2012-07-01

    The Summer Olympic Games constitute the biggest concentration of human sports and activities in a particular place and time since 776 BCE, when the written history of the Olympic Games in Olympia began. Summer and Winter Olympic anti-doping laboratories, accredited by the International Olympic Committee in the past and the World Anti-Doping Agency in the present times, acquire worldwide interest to apply all new analytical advancements in the fight against doping in sports, hoping that this major human event will not become dirty by association with this negative phenomenon. This article summarizes the new analytical progresses, technologies and knowledge used by the Olympic laboratories, which for the vast majority of them are, eventually, incorporated into routine anti-doping analysis.

  11. Recent Progress in Laboratory Astrophysics and Astrochemistry Achieved with the COSmIC Facility

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Salama, Farid; Sciamma-O'Brien, Ella; Bejaoui, Salma

    2017-01-01

    We describe the characteristics and the capabilities of the laboratory facility, COSmIC, that was developed at NASA Ames to generate, process and analyze interstellar, circumstellar and planetary analogs in the laboratory. COSmIC stands for "Cosmic Simulation Chamber" and is dedicated to the study of neutral and ionized molecules and nanoparticles under the low temperature and high vacuum conditions that are required to simulate various space environments such as diffuse interstellar clouds, circumstellar outflows and planetary atmospheres. COSmIC integrates a variety of state-of-the-art instruments that allow recreating simulated space conditions to generate, process and monitor cosmic analogs in the laboratory. The COSmIC experimental setup is composed of a Pulsed Discharge Nozzle (PDN) expansion, that generates a plasma in the stream of a free supersonic jet expansion, coupled to high-sensitivity, complementary in situ diagnostics: cavity ring down spectroscopy (CRDS) and laser induced fluorescence (LIF) systems for photonic detection, and Reflectron Time-Of-Flight Mass Spectrometer (ReTOF-MS) for mass detection. Recent results obtained using COSmIC will be highlighted. In particular, the progress that has been achieved in the domain of the diffuse interstellar bands (DIBs) and in monitoring, in the laboratory, the formation of circumstellar dust grains and planetary atmosphere aerosols from their gas-phase molecular precursors. Plans for future laboratory experiments on interstellar and planetary molecules and grains will also be addressed, as well as the implications of the studies underway for astronomical observations and past and future space mission data analysis.

  12. COSMIC monthly progress report

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    1994-01-01

    Activities of the Computer Software Management and Information Center (COSMIC) are summarized for the month of May 1994. Tables showing the current inventory of programs available from COSMIC are presented and program processing and evaluation activities are summarized. Nine articles were prepared for publication in the NASA Tech Brief Journal. These articles (included in this report) describe the following software items: (1) WFI - Windowing System for Test and Simulation; (2) HZETRN - A Free Space Radiation Transport and Shielding Program; (3) COMGEN-BEM - Composite Model Generation-Boundary Element Method; (4) IDDS - Interactive Data Display System; (5) CET93/PC - Chemical Equilibrium with Transport Properties, 1993; (6) SDVIC - Sub-pixel Digital Video Image Correlation; (7) TRASYS - Thermal Radiation Analyzer System (HP9000 Series 700/800 Version without NASADIG); (8) NASADIG - NASA Device Independent Graphics Library, Version 6.0 (VAX VMS Version); and (9) NASADIG - NASA Device Independent Graphics Library, Version 6.0 (UNIX Version). Activities in the areas of marketing, customer service, benefits identification, maintenance and support, and dissemination are also described along with a budget summary.

  13. New Brunswick Laboratory progress report, October 1989--September 1990

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

    Not Available

    The New Brunswick Laboratory (NBL) has been tasked by the DOE Office of Safeguards and Security, Defense Programs (OSS/DP) to assure the application of accurate and reliable measurement technology for the safeguarding of special nuclear materials. NBL is fulfilling its mission responsibilities by identifying the measurement and measurement-related needs of the nuclear material safeguards community and addressing them by means of activities in the following program areas: (1) reference and calibration materials, (2) measurement development, (3) measurement services, (4) measurement evaluation, (5) safeguards assessment, and (6) site-specific assistance. Highlights of each of these program areas are provided in this summary.more » This progress report is written as a part of NBL's technology transfer responsibilities, primarily for the use and benefit of the scientific personnel that perform safeguards-related measurements. Consequently, the report is technical in nature. Many of the reports of multi-year projects are fragmentary in that only partial results are reported. Separate topical reports are to be issued at the completion of many of these projects. 30 refs.« less

  14. Laboratory capacity for diagnosis of foot-and-mouth disease in Eastern Africa: implications for the progressive control pathway.

    PubMed

    Namatovu, Alice; Wekesa, Sabenzia Nabalayo; Tjørnehøj, Kirsten; Dhikusooka, Moses Tefula; Muwanika, Vincent B; Siegsmund, Hans Redlef; Ayebazibwe, Chrisostom

    2013-01-24

    Accurate diagnosis is pertinent to any disease control programme. If Eastern Africa is to work towards control of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) using the Progressive Control Pathway for FMD (PCP-FMD) as a tool, then the capacity of national reference laboratories (NRLs) mandated to diagnose FMD should match this task. This study assessed the laboratory capacity of 14 NRLs of the Eastern Africa Region Laboratory Network member countries using a semi-structured questionnaire and retrospective data from the World Reference Laboratory for FMD annual reports and Genbank® through National Centre for Biotechnology Information for the period 2006-2010. The questionnaire response rate was 13/14 (93%). Twelve out of the 13 countries/regions had experienced at least one outbreak in the relevant five year period. Only two countries (Ethiopia and Kenya) had laboratories at biosecurity level 3 and only three (Ethiopia, Kenya and Sudan) had identified FMD virus serotypes for all reported outbreaks. Based on their own country/region assessment, 12/13 of these countries /regions were below stage 3 of the PCP-FMD. Quarantine (77%) and vaccination (54%) were the major FMD control strategies employed. The majority (12/13) of the NRLs used serological techniques to diagnose FMD, seven used antigen ELISA and three of these (25%) also used molecular techniques which were the tests most frequently requested from collaborating laboratories by the majority (69%) of the NRLs. Only 4/13 (31%) participated in proficiency testing for FMD. Four (31%) laboratories had no quality management systems (QMS) in place and where QMS existed it was still deficient, thus, none of the laboratories had achieved accreditation for FMD diagnosis. This study indicates that FMD diagnostic capacity in Eastern Africa is still inadequate and largely depends on antigen and antibody ELISAs techniques undertaken by the NRLs. Hence, for the region to progress on the PCP-FMD, there is need to: implement regional control

  15. Laboratory capacity for diagnosis of foot-and-mouth disease in Eastern Africa: implications for the progressive control pathway

    PubMed Central

    2013-01-01

    Background Accurate diagnosis is pertinent to any disease control programme. If Eastern Africa is to work towards control of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) using the Progressive Control Pathway for FMD (PCP-FMD) as a tool, then the capacity of national reference laboratories (NRLs) mandated to diagnose FMD should match this task. This study assessed the laboratory capacity of 14 NRLs of the Eastern Africa Region Laboratory Network member countries using a semi-structured questionnaire and retrospective data from the World Reference Laboratory for FMD annual reports and Genbank® through National Centre for Biotechnology Information for the period 2006–2010. Results The questionnaire response rate was 13/14 (93%). Twelve out of the 13 countries/regions had experienced at least one outbreak in the relevant five year period. Only two countries (Ethiopia and Kenya) had laboratories at biosecurity level 3 and only three (Ethiopia, Kenya and Sudan) had identified FMD virus serotypes for all reported outbreaks. Based on their own country/region assessment, 12/13 of these countries /regions were below stage 3 of the PCP-FMD. Quarantine (77%) and vaccination (54%) were the major FMD control strategies employed. The majority (12/13) of the NRLs used serological techniques to diagnose FMD, seven used antigen ELISA and three of these (25%) also used molecular techniques which were the tests most frequently requested from collaborating laboratories by the majority (69%) of the NRLs. Only 4/13 (31%) participated in proficiency testing for FMD. Four (31%) laboratories had no quality management systems (QMS) in place and where QMS existed it was still deficient, thus, none of the laboratories had achieved accreditation for FMD diagnosis. Conclusions This study indicates that FMD diagnostic capacity in Eastern Africa is still inadequate and largely depends on antigen and antibody ELISAs techniques undertaken by the NRLs. Hence, for the region to progress on the PCP-FMD, there is

  16. Utility of laboratory studies in seizures of children older than one month of age.

    PubMed

    Karbasi, S Akhavan; Mosadegh, M Modares; Fallah, R

    2009-08-01

    Seizure is the most common paediatric neurological disease which occurs in ten percent of children. In approaching a convulsive patient, finding the causes of seizure is essential, and the patient's history as well as the physical examination are important. The role of routine laboratory tests for children's seizures (except neonates) is undetermined, but checking for serum sodium, glucose, calcium and urea routinely has been advised. The purpose of this study was to determine the diagnostic efficacy of these serum chemistry tests in the seizures of children older than one month of age. In this descriptive, retrospective study, medical records of 302 hospitalised children with seizure were reviewed. Results of laboratory tests, like sodium, calcium, blood glucose and urea levels, pertinent history and physical examination, and the change in patient management based on serum chemistry test results, were analysed. All the children in the study were classified as having seizure with or without fever. In 302 hospitalised children with seizure, about ten percent of 938 tests were abnormal. 27.7 percent of these abnormal results were seen in 1-12-month-old infants. Only 11 percent of abnormal tests (1.3 percent of total tests) might have caused a seizure. Also, 0.2 percent of the results could not be predicted from the history or physical examination, which was conducted in patients younger than one year of age. Routine determination of serum chemistry values in seizures of children does not contribute to therapy, and are costly and time-consuming. It may not be helpful and informative unless the patient is less than one year of age.

  17. Edge Simulation Laboratory Progress and Plans

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

    Cohen, R

    The Edge Simulation Laboratory (ESL) is a project to develop a gyrokinetic code for MFE edge plasmas based on continuum (Eulerian) techniques. ESL is a base-program activity of OFES, with an allied algorithm research activity funded by the OASCR base math program. ESL OFES funds directly support about 0.8 FTE of career staff at LLNL, a postdoc and a small fraction of an FTE at GA, and a graduate student at UCSD. In addition the allied OASCR program funds about 1/2 FTE each in the computations directorates at LBNL and LLNL. OFES ESL funding for LLNL and UCSD began inmore » fall 2005, while funding for GA and the math team began about a year ago. ESL's continuum approach is a complement to the PIC-based methods of the CPES Project, and was selected (1) because of concerns about noise issues associated with PIC in the high-density-contrast environment of the edge pedestal, (2) to be able to exploit advanced numerical methods developed for fluid codes, and (3) to build upon the successes of core continuum gyrokinetic codes such as GYRO, GS2 and GENE. The ESL project presently has three components: TEMPEST, a full-f, full-geometry (single-null divertor, or arbitrary-shape closed flux surfaces) code in E, {mu} (energy, magnetic-moment) coordinates; EGK, a simple-geometry rapid-prototype code, presently of; and the math component, which is developing and implementing algorithms for a next-generation code. Progress would be accelerated if we could find funding for a fourth, computer science, component, which would develop software infrastructure, provide user support, and address needs for data handing and analysis. We summarize the status and plans for the three funded activities.« less

  18. Creating a sustainable culture of quality through the SLMTA programme in a district hospital laboratory in Kenya.

    PubMed

    Maruti, Phidelis M; Mulianga, Ekesa A; Wambani, Lorna N; Wafula, Melda N; Mambo, Fidelis A; Mutisya, Shadrack M; Wakaria, Eric N; Mbati, Erick M; Amayo, Angela A; Majani, Jonathan M; Nyary, Bryan; Songwe, Kilian A

    2014-01-01

    Bungoma District Hospital Laboratory (BDHL), which supports a 200-bed referral facility, began its Strengthening Laboratory Management Toward Accreditation (SLMTA) journey in 2011 together with eight other laboratories in the second round of SLMTA rollout in Kenya. To describe how the SLMTA programme and enhanced quality interventions changed the culture and management style at BDHL and instilled a quality system designed to sustain progress for years to come. SLMTA implementation followed the standard three-workshop series, mentorship site visits and audits. In order to build sustainability of progress, BDHL integrated quality improvement processes into its daily operations. The lab undertook a process of changing its internal culture to align all hospital stakeholders - including upper management, clinicians, laboratory staff and maintenance staff - to the mission of sustainable quality practices at BDHL. After 16 months in the SLMTA programme, BDHL improved from zero stars (38%) to four stars (89%). Over a period of two to three years, external quality assessment results improved from 47% to 87%; staff punctuality increased from 49% to 82%; clinician complaints decreased from 83% to 16; rejection rates decreased from 12% to 3%; and annual equipment repairs decreased from 40 to 15. Twelve months later the laboratory scored three stars (81%) in an external surveillance audit conducted by Kenya Accreditation Service (KENAS). Management buy-in, staff participation, use of progress-monitoring tools and feedback systems, as well as incorporation of improvement processes into routine daily activities, were vital in developing and sustaining a culture of quality improvement.

  19. COSMIC monthly progress report

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    1993-01-01

    Activities of the Computer Software Management and Information Center (COSMIC) are summarized for the month of August, 1993. Tables showing the current inventory of programs available from COSMIC are presented and program processing and evaluation activities are discussed. Ten articles were prepared for publication in the NASA Tech Brief Journal. These articles (included in this report) describe the following software items: (1) MOM3D - A Method of Moments Code for Electromagnetic Scattering (UNIX Version); (2) EM-Animate - Computer Program for Displaying and Animating the Steady-State Time-Harmonic Electromagnetic Near Field and Surface-Current Solutions; (3) MOM3D - A Method of Moments Code for Electromagnetic Scattering (IBM PC Version); (4) M414 - MIL-STD-414 Variable Sampling Procedures Computer Program; (5) MEDOF - Minimum Euclidean Distance Optimal Filter; (6) CLIPS 6.0 - C Language Integrated Production System, Version 6.0 (Macintosh Version); (7) CLIPS 6.0 - C Language Integrated Production System, Version 6.0 (IBM PC Version); (8) CLIPS 6.0 - C Language Integrated Production System, Version 6.0 (UNIX Version); (9) CLIPS 6.0 - C Language Integrated Production System, Version 6.0 (DEC VAX VMS Version); and (10) TFSSRA - Thick Frequency Selective Surface with Rectangular Apertures. Activities in the areas of marketing, customer service, benefits identification, maintenance and support, and dissemination are also described along with a budget summary.

  20. Nonanalytic Laboratory Automation: A Quarter Century of Progress.

    PubMed

    Hawker, Charles D

    2017-06-01

    Clinical laboratory automation has blossomed since the 1989 AACC meeting, at which Dr. Masahide Sasaki first showed a western audience what his laboratory had implemented. Many diagnostics and other vendors are now offering a variety of automated options for laboratories of all sizes. Replacing manual processing and handling procedures with automation was embraced by the laboratory community because of the obvious benefits of labor savings and improvement in turnaround time and quality. Automation was also embraced by the diagnostics vendors who saw automation as a means of incorporating the analyzers purchased by their customers into larger systems in which the benefits of automation were integrated to the analyzers.This report reviews the options that are available to laboratory customers. These options include so called task-targeted automation-modules that range from single function devices that automate single tasks (e.g., decapping or aliquoting) to multifunction workstations that incorporate several of the functions of a laboratory sample processing department. The options also include total laboratory automation systems that use conveyors to link sample processing functions to analyzers and often include postanalytical features such as refrigerated storage and sample retrieval.Most importantly, this report reviews a recommended process for evaluating the need for new automation and for identifying the specific requirements of a laboratory and developing solutions that can meet those requirements. The report also discusses some of the practical considerations facing a laboratory in a new implementation and reviews the concept of machine vision to replace human inspections. © 2017 American Association for Clinical Chemistry.

  1. Implementation research: a mentoring programme to improve laboratory quality in Cambodia

    PubMed Central

    Voeurng, Vireak; Sek, Sophat; Song, Sophanna; Vong, Nora; Tous, Chansamrach; Flandin, Jean-Frederic; Confer, Deborah; Costa, Alexandre; Martin, Robert

    2016-01-01

    Abstract Objective To implement a mentored laboratory quality stepwise implementation (LQSI) programme to strengthen the quality and capacity of Cambodian hospital laboratories. Methods We recruited four laboratory technicians to be mentors and trained them in mentoring skills, laboratory quality management practices and international standard organization (ISO) 15189 requirements for medical laboratories. Separately, we trained staff from 12 referral hospital laboratories in laboratory quality management systems followed by tri-weekly in-person mentoring on quality management systems implementation using the LQSI tool, which is aligned with the ISO 15189 standard. The tool was adapted from a web-based resource into a software-based spreadsheet checklist, which includes a detailed action plan and can be used to qualitatively monitor each laboratory’s progress. The tool – translated into Khmer – included a set of quality improvement activities grouped into four phases for implementation with increasing complexity. Project staff reviewed the laboratories’ progress and challenges in weekly conference calls and bi-monthly meetings with focal points of the health ministry, participating laboratories and local partners. We present the achievements in implementation from September 2014 to March 2016. Findings As of March 2016, the 12 laboratories have completed 74–90% of the 104 activities in phase 1, 53–78% of the 178 activities in phase 2, and 18–26% of the 129 activities in phase 3. Conclusion Regular on-site mentoring of laboratories using a detailed action plan in the local language allows staff to learn concepts of quality management system and learn on the job without disruption to laboratory service provision. PMID:27843164

  2. MRI Characterizes the Progressive Course of AD and Predicts Conversion to Alzheimer's Dementia 24 Months Before Probable Diagnosis.

    PubMed

    Salvatore, Christian; Cerasa, Antonio; Castiglioni, Isabella

    2018-01-01

    There is no disease-modifying treatment currently available for AD, one of the more impacting neurodegenerative diseases affecting more than 47.5 million people worldwide. The definition of new approaches for the design of proper clinical trials is highly demanded in order to achieve non-confounding results and assess more effective treatment. In this study, a cohort of 200 subjects was obtained from the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative. Subjects were followed-up for 24 months, and classified as AD (50), progressive-MCI to AD (50), stable-MCI (50), and cognitively normal (50). Structural T1-weighted MRI brain studies and neuropsychological measures of these subjects were used to train and optimize an artificial-intelligence classifier to distinguish mild-AD patients who need treatment (AD + pMCI) from subjects who do not need treatment (sMCI + CN). The classifier was able to distinguish between the two groups 24 months before AD definite diagnosis using a combination of MRI brain studies and specific neuropsychological measures, with 85% accuracy, 83% sensitivity, and 87% specificity. The combined-approach model outperformed the classification using MRI data alone (72% classification accuracy, 69% sensitivity, and 75% specificity). The patterns of morphological abnormalities localized in the temporal pole and medial-temporal cortex might be considered as biomarkers of clinical progression and evolution. These regions can be already observed 24 months before AD definite diagnosis. The best neuropsychological predictors mainly included measures of functional abilities, memory and learning, working memory, language, visuoconstructional reasoning, and complex attention, with a particular focus on some of the sub-scores of the FAQ and AVLT tests.

  3. Electronic laboratory notebooks progress and challenges in implementation.

    PubMed

    Machina, Hari K; Wild, David J

    2013-08-01

    Electronic laboratory notebooks (ELNs) are increasingly replacing paper notebooks in life science laboratories, including those in industry, academic settings, and hospitals. ELNs offer significant advantages over paper notebooks, but adopting them in a predominantly paper-based environment is usually disruptive. The benefits of ELN increase when they are integrated with other laboratory informatics tools such as laboratory information management systems, chromatography data systems, analytical instrumentation, and scientific data management systems, but there is no well-established path for effective integration of these tools. In this article, we review and evaluate some of the approaches that have been taken thus far and also some radical new methods of integration that are emerging.

  4. The development and utility of a novel scale that quantifies the glycemic progression toward type 1 diabetes over 6 months.

    PubMed

    Sosenko, Jay M; Skyler, Jay S; Beam, Craig A; Boulware, David; Mahon, Jeffrey L; Krischer, Jeffrey P; Greenbaum, Carla J; Rafkin, Lisa E; Matheson, Della; Herold, Kevan C; Palmer, Jerry P

    2015-05-01

    We developed a scale to serve as a potential end point for 6-month glycemic progression (PS6M) toward type 1 diabetes (T1D) in autoantibody-positive relatives of individuals with T1D. The PS6M was developed from Diabetes Prevention Trial-Type 1 (DPT-1) data and tested in the TrialNet Pathway to Prevention Study (PTP). It is the difference between 6-month glucose sum values (30-120 min oral glucose tolerance test values) and values predicted for nonprogressors. The PS6M predicted T1D in the PTP (P < 0.001). The area under the receiver operating chacteristic curve was greater (P < 0.001) for the PS6M than for the baseline-to-6-month difference. PS6M values were higher in those with two or more autoantibodies, 30-0 min C-peptide values <2.00 ng/mL, or DPT-1 Risk Scores >7.00 (P < 0.001 for all). The PS6M is an indicator of short-term glycemic progression to T1D that could be a useful tool for assessing preventive treatments and biomarkers. © 2015 by the American Diabetes Association. Readers may use this article as long as the work is properly cited, the use is educational and not for profit, and the work is not altered.

  5. Dynamic Balance Deficits 6 Months Following First-Time Acute Lateral Ankle Sprain: A Laboratory Analysis.

    PubMed

    Doherty, Cailbhe; Bleakley, Chris; Hertel, Jay; Caulfield, Brian; Ryan, John; Delahunt, Eamonn

    2015-08-01

    Controlled laboratory study. To utilize kinematic and stabilometric measures to compare dynamic balance during performance of the Star Excursion Balance Test between persons 6 months following first-time lateral ankle sprain (LAS) and a noninjured control group. Biomechanical evaluation of dynamic balance in persons following first-time LAS during performance of the Star Excursion Balance Test could provide insight into the mechanisms by which individuals proceed to recover fully or develop chronic ankle instability. Sagittal plane kinematics of the lower extremity and the center-of-pressure path during the performance of the anterior, posterolateral, and posteromedial reach directions of the Star Excursion Balance Test were obtained from 69 participants 6 months following first-time acute LAS and from a control group of 20 noninjured participants. Compared to the control group, the LAS group displayed lower normalized reach distances in all 3 reach directions on the injured and noninjured limbs, with the largest observed effect size in the posterolateral direction (P = .001, ηp(2) = 0.07). The performance impairment was associated with less hip and knee flexion and ankle dorsiflexion at the point of maximum reach (P<.02), and coincided with less complexity of the center-of-pressure path (P<.05). Participants with a 6-month history of LAS exhibit a persistence of deficits previously established in the acute phase of injury.

  6. Quarterly Progress Report (January 1 to March 31, 1950)

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

    Brookhaven National Laboratory

    This is the first of a series of Quarterly Reports. These reports will deal primarily with the progress made in our scientific program during a three months period. Those interested in matters pertaining to organization, administration, complete scientific program, personnel and other matters not directly involved in current scientific progress are referred to our Annual Progress Report which is issued in January. We have attempted to describe new information that appears significant, or of interest, to other scientists within the Atomic Energy Commission Laboratories. No effort has been made, however, to detail progress in each and every research project. Littlemore » or no reference will therefore be found to the projects in which progress during the current period is considered too inconclusive. Since our organizational structure is departmental, the work described herein is arranged in the following sequence: (1) Accelerator Project; (2) Biology Department; (3) Chemistry Department; (4) Instrumentation and Health Physic8 Department; (5) Medical Department; (6) Physics Department; and (7) Reactor Science and Engineering Department.« less

  7. Recent Progress on the magnetic turbulence experiment at the Bryn Mawr Plasma Laboratory

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Schaffner, D. A.; Cartagena-Sanchez, C. A.; Johnson, H. K.; Fahim, L. E.; Fiedler-Kawaguchi, C.; Douglas-Mann, E.

    2017-10-01

    Recent progress is reported on the construction, implementation and testing of the magnetic turbulence experiment at the Bryn Mawr Plasma Laboratory (BMPL). The experiment at the BMPL consists of an ( 300 μs) long coaxial plasma gun discharge that injects magnetic helicity into a flux-conserving chamber in a process akin to sustained slow-formation of spheromaks. A 24cm by 2m cylindrical chamber has been constructed with a high density axial port array to enable detailed simultaneous spatial measurements of magnetic and plasma fluctuations. Careful positioning of the magnetic structure produced by the three separately pulsed coils (one internal, two external) are preformed to optimize for continuous injection of turbulent magnetized plasma. High frequency calibration of magnetic probes is also underway using a power amplifier.

  8. [Isolation of anaerobes during a 30-month observation at a hospital microbiology laboratory].

    PubMed

    Pistono, P G; Rapetti, I; Stacchini, E; Vironda, N; D'Usi, M P; Guasco, C

    1989-01-01

    The authors evaluate retrospectively the results obtained from the research of anaerobial bacteria on 1313 samples received at the Microbiology Laboratory of the "Ospedale Civile di Ivrea" over a period of 31 months (6/1/86-12/31/88). From this evaluation, high percentages of detection of anaerobic bacteria are emerging in the following infections: appendiculare abscesses (60%), intestinal operations (71%), wounds (57%), tubovarian abscesses (100%), as well as thoracic empyema (50%). Also relevant are the isolations from skin and subcutaneous tissues: breast infections (50%) preputial infections (60%), perineal and perirectal abscesses (60%). The incident of anaerobic bacteria in bacteriemia is 17%. The most representative anaerobic bacteria group are: Bacteroides spp. (56%), Peptostreptococcus spp. (12%), Propionibacterium spp. (9%), Fusobacterium spp. (7%) Clostridium spp. (6%), Veillonella spp. and Eubacterium spp. (3%). In the intraabdominal infections prevails the Bacteroides group, particularly fragilis species, while in the skin and subcutaneous infections prevails the Peptostreptococcus group.

  9. MRI Characterizes the Progressive Course of AD and Predicts Conversion to Alzheimer’s Dementia 24 Months Before Probable Diagnosis

    PubMed Central

    Salvatore, Christian; Cerasa, Antonio; Castiglioni, Isabella

    2018-01-01

    There is no disease-modifying treatment currently available for AD, one of the more impacting neurodegenerative diseases affecting more than 47.5 million people worldwide. The definition of new approaches for the design of proper clinical trials is highly demanded in order to achieve non-confounding results and assess more effective treatment. In this study, a cohort of 200 subjects was obtained from the Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative. Subjects were followed-up for 24 months, and classified as AD (50), progressive-MCI to AD (50), stable-MCI (50), and cognitively normal (50). Structural T1-weighted MRI brain studies and neuropsychological measures of these subjects were used to train and optimize an artificial-intelligence classifier to distinguish mild-AD patients who need treatment (AD + pMCI) from subjects who do not need treatment (sMCI + CN). The classifier was able to distinguish between the two groups 24 months before AD definite diagnosis using a combination of MRI brain studies and specific neuropsychological measures, with 85% accuracy, 83% sensitivity, and 87% specificity. The combined-approach model outperformed the classification using MRI data alone (72% classification accuracy, 69% sensitivity, and 75% specificity). The patterns of morphological abnormalities localized in the temporal pole and medial-temporal cortex might be considered as biomarkers of clinical progression and evolution. These regions can be already observed 24 months before AD definite diagnosis. The best neuropsychological predictors mainly included measures of functional abilities, memory and learning, working memory, language, visuoconstructional reasoning, and complex attention, with a particular focus on some of the sub-scores of the FAQ and AVLT tests. PMID:29881340

  10. Incidence of laboratory-confirmed influenza disease among infants under 6 months of age: a systematic review

    PubMed Central

    Fell, Deshayne B; Johnson, Jeanene; Mor, Zohar; Katz, Mark A; Skidmore, Becky; Neuzil, Kathleen M; Ortiz, Justin R; Bhat, Niranjan

    2017-01-01

    Objectives The aim of this systematic review was to assess incidence rates of laboratory-confirmed influenza (LCI) outcomes among infants under 6 months of age. Design Systematic literature search and review of indexed studies in PubMed, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library and CINAHL Plus from inception to 19 April 2017. Setting Population-based estimates from community or hospital settings. Participants Infants under 6 months of age. Primary and secondary outcome measures LCI illness in ambulatory care settings, LCI hospitalisation, LCI intensive care unit admission and LCI death. Only studies with population-based incidence data were included. Results We identified 27 primary studies, 11 of which were from the USA, four were from other non-US high-income settings and the remaining were from lower-middle-income or upper-middle-income countries. Most studies (n=23) assessed incidence of LCI hospitalisation, but meta-analysis to pool study-specific rates was not possible due to high statistical and methodological heterogeneity. Among US studies, the reported incidence of LCI hospitalisation ranged from 9.3 to 91.2 per 10 000 infants under 6 months for seasonal influenza, while the only US-based estimate for pandemic H1N1 influenza was 20.2 per 10 000 infants. Reported rates for LCI hospitalisation for seasonal influenza from other countries ranged from 6.2 to 73.0 per 10 000 infants under 6 months, with the exception of one study with an estimated rate of 250 per 10 000 infants. No events were reported in five of the nine studies that evaluated LCI death among infants under 6 months. Conclusion Our review of published studies found limited data on LCI outcomes for infants under 6 months, particularly from non-US settings. Globally representative and reliable incidence data are necessary to fully evaluate influenza disease burden and the potential impact of maternal influenza immunisation programme on morbidity and mortality in young infants. PMID

  11. Laboratory Automation and Middleware.

    PubMed

    Riben, Michael

    2015-06-01

    The practice of surgical pathology is under constant pressure to deliver the highest quality of service, reduce errors, increase throughput, and decrease turnaround time while at the same time dealing with an aging workforce, increasing financial constraints, and economic uncertainty. Although not able to implement total laboratory automation, great progress continues to be made in workstation automation in all areas of the pathology laboratory. This report highlights the benefits and challenges of pathology automation, reviews middleware and its use to facilitate automation, and reviews the progress so far in the anatomic pathology laboratory. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  12. Analytical Chemistry Laboratory. Progress report for FY 1996

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

    Green, D.W.; Boparai, A.S.; Bowers, D.L.

    The purpose of this report is to summarize the activities of the Analytical Chemistry Laboratory (ACL) at Argonne National Laboratory (ANL) for Fiscal Year (FY) 1996. This annual report is the thirteenth for the ACL. It describes effort on continuing and new projects and contributions of the ACL staff to various programs at ANL. The ACL operates in the ANL system as a full-cost-recovery service center, but has a mission that includes a complementary research and development component: The Analytical Chemistry Laboratory will provide high-quality, cost-effective chemical analysis and related technical support to solve research problems of our clients --more » Argonne National Laboratory, the Department of Energy, and others -- and will conduct world-class research and development in analytical chemistry and its applications. Because of the diversity of research and development work at ANL, the ACL handles a wide range of analytical chemistry problems. Some routine or standard analyses are done, but the ACL usually works with commercial laboratories if our clients require high-volume, production-type analyses. It is common for ANL programs to generate unique problems that require significant development of methods and adaption of techniques to obtain useful analytical data. Thus, much of the support work done by the ACL is very similar to our applied analytical chemistry research.« less

  13. The Biochemistry of the Muscle Contraction Process: An Undergraduate Laboratory Experiment Using Viscosity to Follow the Progress of a Reaction.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Belliveau, James F.; And Others

    1981-01-01

    Describes an undergraduate laboratory experiment using viscosity to follow the progress of the contractile process in muscles. This simple, short experiment illustrates the action of ATP as the source of energy in the contractile process and the catalytic effect of calcium ions as a control in the energy producing process. (CS)

  14. Progress Monitoring in Reading: Comparison of Weekly, Bimonthly, and Monthly Assessments for Students at Risk for Reading Difficulties in Grades 2-4

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    January, Stacy-Ann A.; Van Norman, Ethan R.; Christ, Theodore J.; Ardoin, Scott P.; Eckert, Tanya L.; White, Mary Jane

    2018-01-01

    The present study examined the utility of two progress monitoring assessment schedules (bimonthly and monthly) as alternatives to monitoring once weekly with curriculum-based measurement in reading (CBM-R). General education students (N = 93) in Grades 2-4 who were at risk for reading difficulties but not yet receiving special education services…

  15. Hanford Works monthly report, December 1950

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

    Prout, G.R.

    1951-01-22

    This is a progress report of the production reactors on the Hanford Reservation for the month of December 1950. This report takes each division (e.g., manufacturing, medical, accounting, occupational safety, security, reactor operations, etc.) of the site and summarizes its accomplishments and employee relations for that month.

  16. Hanford Works monthly report, April 1952

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

    Prout, G.R.

    1952-05-20

    This is a progress report of the production reactors on the Hanford Reservation for the month of April 1952. This report takes each division (e.g., manufacturing, medical, accounting, occupational safety, security, reactor operations, etc.) of the site and summarizes its accomplishments and employee relations for that month.

  17. Hanford Works monthly report, August 1950

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

    Prout, G.R.

    1950-09-18

    This is a progress report of the production reactors on the Hanford Reservation for the month of August 1950. This report takes each division (e.g. manufacturing, medical, accounting, occupational safety, security, reactor operations, etc.) of the site and summarizes its accomplishments and employee relations for that month.

  18. Hanford Works monthly report, March 1951

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

    Prout, G.R.

    1951-04-20

    This is a progress report of the production reactors on the Hanford Reservation for the month of March 1951. This report takes each division (e.g., manufacturing, medical, accounting, occupational safety, security, reactor operations, etc.) of the site and summarizes its accomplishments and employee relations for that month.

  19. Hanford Works monthly report, May 1951

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

    Prout, G.R.

    1951-06-21

    This is a progress report of the production reactors on the Hanford Reservation for the month of May 1951. This report takes each division (e.g., manufacturing, medical, accounting, occupational safety, security, reactor operations, etc.) of the site and summarizes its accomplishments and employee relations for that month.

  20. Hanford Works monthly report, July 1951

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

    Prout, G.R.

    This is a progress report of the production reactors on the Hanford Reservation for the month of July 1951. This report takes each division (e.g., manufacturing, medical, accounting, occupational safety, security, reactor operations, etc.) of the site and summarizes its accomplishments and employee relations for that month.

  1. Hanford Works monthly report, March 1952

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

    Prout, G.R.

    1952-04-18

    This is a progress report of the production reactors on the Hanford Reservation for the month of April 1952. This report takes each division (e.g., manufacturing, medical, accounting, occupational safety, security, reactor operations, etc.) of the site and summarizes its accomplishments and employee relations for that month.

  2. Hanford Works monthly report, July 1952

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

    Prout, G.R.

    1952-08-15

    This is a progress report of the production reactors on the Hanford Reservation for the month of July 1952. This report takes each division (e.g., manufacturing, medical, accounting, occupational safety, security, reactor operations, etc.) of the site and summarizes its accomplishments and employee relations for that month.

  3. Hanford works monthly report, September 1951

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

    Prout, G.R.

    This is a progress report of the production reactors on the Hanford Reservation for the month of September 1951. This report takes each division (e.g., manufacturing, medical, accounting, occupational safety, security, reactor operations, etc.) of the site and summarizes its accomplishments and employee relations for that month.

  4. Hanford Works monthly report, January 1952

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

    Prout, G.R.

    This is a progress report of the production reactors on the Hanford Reservation for the month of January 1952. This report takes each division (e.g., manufacturing, medical, accounting, occupational safety, security, reactor operations, etc.) of the site and summarizes its accomplishments and employee relations for that month.

  5. Hanford Works monthly report, August 1951

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

    Not Available

    1951-09-24

    This is a progress report of the production reactors on the Hanford Reservation for the month of August 1951. This report takes each division (e.g., manufacturing, medical, accounting, occupational safety, security, reactor operations, etc.) of the site and summarizes its accomplishments and employee relations for that month.

  6. Hanford Works monthly report, July 1950

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

    Prout, G.R.

    1950-08-18

    This is a progress report of the production reactors on the Hanford Reservation for the month of July 1950. This report takes each division (e.g., manufacturing, medical, accounting, occupational safety, security, reactor operations, etc.) of the site and summarizes its accomplishments and employee relations for that month.

  7. Hanford Works monthly report, November 1951

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

    Prout, G.R.

    1951-12-21

    This is a progress report of the production reactors on the Hanford Reservation for the month of November 1951. This report takes each division (e.g., manufacturing, medical, accounting, occupational safety, security, reactor operations, etc.) of the site and summarizes its accomplishments and employee relations for that month.

  8. Hanford Works monthly report, October 1950

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

    Prout, G.R.

    1950-11-20

    This is a progress report of the production reactors on the Hanford Reservation for the month of October 1950. This report takes each division (e.g., manufacturing, medical, accounting, occupational safety, security, reactor operations, etc.) of the site and summarizes its accomplishments and employee relations for that month.

  9. Hanford Works monthly report, September 1950

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

    Prout, G.R.

    1950-10-20

    This is a progress report of the production reactors on the Hanford Reservation for the month of September 1950. This report takes each division (e.g., manufacturing, medical, accounting, occupational safety, security, reactor operations, etc.) of the site and summarizes its accomplishments and employee relations for that month.

  10. Hanford Works monthly report, November 1950

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

    Prout, G.R.

    1950-12-20

    This is a progress report of the production reactors on the Hanford Reservation for the month of November 1950. This report takes each division (e.g. manufacturing, medical, accounting, occupational safety, security, reactor operations, etc.) of the site and summarizes its accomplishments and employee relations for that month.

  11. Hanford Works monthly report, December 1951

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

    Prout, G.R.

    1952-01-22

    This is a progress report of the production reactors on the Hanford Reservation for the month of December 1951. This report takes each division (e.g., manufacturing, medical, accounting, occupational safety, security, reactor operations, etc.) of the site and summarizes its accomplishments and employee relations for that month.

  12. 78 FR 26215 - Jewish American Heritage Month, 2013

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2013-05-03

    ... American Heritage Month, 2013 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation In his second... American shores. We take this month to celebrate the progress that followed, and the bright future that... May 2013 as Jewish American Heritage Month. I call upon all Americans to visit www.JewishHeritageMonth...

  13. The progression of heartworm associated respiratory disease (HARD) in SPF cats 18 months after Dirofilaria immitis infection.

    PubMed

    Dillon, A Ray; Blagburn, Bryon L; Tillson, Michael; Brawner, William; Welles, Betsy; Johnson, Calvin; Cattley, Russell; Rynders, Pat; Barney, Sharron

    2017-11-09

    Heartworm-associated respiratory disease (HARD) in cats is induced by the arrival and death of immature adult Dirofilaria immitis in the pulmonary system and is indistinguishable from mature adult heartworm infection. A controlled, blind research study investigated the long-term (18 months post infection, PI) consequences of the inflammatory response associated with the death of immature adult heartworms in cats. Three groups of cats, 10 per group, were infected with 100 third-stage (L3) larvae by subcutaneous injection. Group A cats were treated with selamectin (Revolution®; Zoetis) per label directions at 28 days PI and once monthly for 17 months. Group B cats were treated orally with ivermectin (Ivomec®; Merial) at 150 μg/kg) at 70 days PI, then every 2 weeks for 15 months. Group C cats were untreated PI. At baseline (Day 0) and on Days 70, 110, 168, 240, 309, 380, and 505 PI, peripheral blood, serum, bronchial lavage, and thoracic radiographic images were collected. The selamectin-treated cats (Group A) and ivermectin-treated cats (Group B) were free of heartworms or heartworm fragments at necropsy. All cats became heartworm antibody positive at some time point in the study except for one cat in Group A. Only cats in Group C (all with adult heartworms) were heartworm antigen positive. The heartworm antibody titer for Group B was highest on Days 110 to 168 and then decreased over time and 50% were serologically antibody negative on Day 240. Eosinophilic bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) cytology and peripheral eosinophilia were most pronounced on Day 110 in all cats. Randomly distributed myofibrocytes in the lungs of some Group A cats suggest that precardiac larval stages were affecting the lungs. Radiographs in Group B cats demonstrated partial resolution of the initial HARD reaction but chronic myofibrocyte proliferation was histologically evident 18 months after infection. HARD was induced by immature adult worm infection with progressive improvement

  14. Progress at LAMPF: Clinton P. Anderson Meson Physics Facility. Progress report, January-June 1981

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

    Allred, J.C.

    1981-09-01

    Progress at LAMPF is the semiannual progress report of the MP Division of the Los Alamos National Laboratory. The report includes brief reports on research done at LAMPF by researchers from other institutions and Los Alamos divisions.

  15. Extra-analytical quality indicators and laboratory performances.

    PubMed

    Sciacovelli, Laura; Aita, Ada; Plebani, Mario

    2017-07-01

    In the last few years much progress has been made in raising the awareness of laboratory medicine professionals about the effectiveness of quality indicators (QIs) in monitoring, and improving upon, performances in the extra-analytical phases of the Total Testing Process (TTP). An effective system for management of QIs includes the implementation of an internal assessment system and participation in inter-laboratory comparison. A well-designed internal assessment system allows the identification of critical activities and their systematic monitoring. Active participation in inter-laboratory comparison provides information on the performance level of one laboratory with respect to that of other participating laboratories. In order to guarantee the use of appropriate QIs and facilitate their implementation, many laboratories have adopted the Model of Quality Indicators (MQI) proposed by Working Group "Laboratory Errors and Patient Safety" (WG-LEPS) of IFCC, since 2008, which is the result of international consensus and continuous experimentation, and updating to meet new, constantly emerging needs. Data from participating laboratories are collected monthly and reports describing the statistical results and evaluating laboratory data, utilizing the Six Sigma metric, issued regularly. Although the results demonstrate that the processes need to be improved upon, overall the comparison with data collected in 2014 shows a general stability of quality levels and that an improvement has been achieved over time for some activities. The continuous monitoring of QI data allows identification all possible improvements, thus highlighting the value of participation in the inter-laboratory program proposed by WG-LEPS. The active participation of numerous laboratories will guarantee an ever more significant State-of-the-Art, promote the reduction of errors and improve quality of the TTP, thus guaranteeing patient safety. Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier Inc.

  16. Publications of the Jet Propulsion Laboratory 1976

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    1977-01-01

    The formalized technical reporting, released January through December 1975, that resulted from scientific and engineering work performed, or managed, by the Jet Propulsion Laboratory is described and indexed. The following classes of publications are included: (1) technical reports; (2) technical memorandums; (3) articles from bi-monthly Deep Space Network (DSN) progress report; (4) special publications; and (5) articles published in the open literature. The publications are indexed by: (1) author, (2) subject, and (3) publication type and number. A descriptive entry appears under the name of each author of each publication; an abstract is included with the entry for the primary (first-listed) author. Unless designated otherwise, all publications listed are unclassified.

  17. 76 FR 25519 - National Foster Care Month, 2011

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2011-05-05

    ... Foster Care Month, 2011 By the President of the United States A Proclamation Progress in America can be... where they can feel secure and thrive. During National Foster Care Month, we renew our commitment to... possible for children when they cannot remain in their own homes. During National Foster Care Month, we...

  18. Bone Conduction Communication: Research Progress and Directions

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2017-08-16

    ARL-TR-8096 ● AUG 2017 US Army Research Laboratory Bone Conduction Communication: Research Progress and Directions by Maranda...this report when it is no longer needed. Do not return it to the originator. ARL-TR-8096 ● AUG 2017 US Army Research Laboratory...Bone Conduction Communication: Research Progress and Directions by Maranda McBride North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University

  19. Recurrent endometrial carcinoma: prognosis for patients with recurrence within 6 to 12 months is worse relative to those relapsing at 12 months or later.

    PubMed

    Miyake, Takahito; Ueda, Yutaka; Egawa-Takata, Tomomi; Matsuzaki, Shinya; Yokoyama, Takuhei; Miyoshi, Yukari; Kimura, Toshihiro; Yoshino, Kiyoshi; Fujita, Masami; Yamasaki, Masato; Enomoto, Takayuki; Kimura, Tadashi

    2011-06-01

    We evaluated association of prognosis of endometrial carcinoma patients and treatment-free intervals (TFIs). We compared the effectiveness of second-line chemotherapy performed for patients with TFIs of 6-12 months and 12 or more months following a first-line chemotherapy based on taxane (paclitaxel) and carboplatin, with or without the anthracycline (TC). Progression-free and overall survivals were significantly shorter in patients with TFIs of 6-12 months than those with TFIs of 12 or more months. Among the patients who received similar second-line chemotherapy, response rates of 15 patients with TFIs of 12 or more months and 7 patients with TFIs of 6-12 months were 67% and 43%, respectively. Progression-free survival was significantly worse in those with TFIs of 6-12 months (median, 7 months) than those with TFIs of 12 or more months (median, 12 months). Our small retrospective analysis suggests that recurrent endometrial carcinomas with TFIs of 6-12 months can be regarded as being partially sensitive to TC-based chemotherapy. Copyright © 2011 Mosby, Inc. All rights reserved.

  20. New Brunswick Laboratory progress report, October 1994--September 1995

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

    NONE

    The mission of the New Brunswick Laboratory (NBL) of the A. S. Department of Energy (DOE) is to serve as the National Certifying Authority for nuclear reference materials and to provide an independent Federal technical staff and laboratory resource performing nuclear material measurement, safeguards, and non-proliferation functions in support of multiple program sponsors. This annual report describes accomplishments achieved in carrying out NBL`s assigned missions.

  1. Afatinib for an EGFR exon 20 insertion mutation: A case report of progressive stage IV metastatic lung adenocarcinoma with 54 months' survival.

    PubMed

    Chan, Raymond Tsz-Tong

    2018-03-01

    Non-small cell lung cancers (NSCLC) harboring the uncommon epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) exon 20 insertion mutations are generally thought to be unresponsive to EGFR-tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) therapy. Presented here is a case of stage IV NSCLC harboring an uncommon EGFR exon 20 insertion mutation that was maintained at minimal progressive disease for 54 months, with 36 months on the second-generation TKI afatinib. Contrary to the existing literature, the patient in this case demonstrated a long, durable response to the EGFR-TKI, which was exhibited by a long survival endpoint. This suggests that stability in clinical symptoms might be sufficient to warrant continuation of therapy. © 2018 The Authors. Asia-Pacific Journal of Clinical Oncology Published by John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd.

  2. In vivo measurements of tooth wear over 12 months.

    PubMed

    Rodriguez, J M; Austin, R S; Bartlett, D W

    2012-01-01

    The aim of this study was to measure the progression of tooth wear in a cohort of 63 patients, 43 males and 20 females with a mean age of 39.1 years. Recruitment followed referral from general practice to Guy's Hospital for advice/management of tooth wear. Addition silicone impressions were taken at 6-month intervals for a total of 12 months; impressions were subsequently poured in type IV gypsum. Casts were scanned using a non-contacting laser profilometer and then superimposed using Geomagic® Qualify 11. Wear was measured in μm by tooth per time interval. A questionnaire highlighting dietary, parafunctional and gastric risk factors was obtained from each participant. Clustered multiple regression analysis was used to determine the relationship between tooth wear progression and risk factors. Maximum follow-up times were 6 months for 63 participants and 12 months for 30 participants. The measurement error was 15 μm. At the tooth level, 72.2% of 1,078 teeth wore <15 μm over a 6-month period. At the subject level, 77.7% of 63 participants showed median wear <15 μm over a 6-month period. There was a statistical trend towards tooth wear progression being associated with gastric risk factors (p < 0.05). The lower molars and the upper anterior teeth were the most commonly affected teeth; the lower molars and the upper central incisors were the most severely affected teeth. Tooth wear progression was slow in this cohort, suggesting that tooth wear may be cyclical and inactive in the majority of participants. Copyright © 2011 S. Karger AG, Basel.

  3. Teaching laboratory neuroscience at bowdoin: the laboratory instructor perspective.

    PubMed

    Hauptman, Stephen; Curtis, Nancy

    2009-01-01

    Bowdoin College is a small liberal arts college that offers a comprehensive Neuroscience major. The laboratory experience is an integral part of the major, and many students progress through three stages. A core course offers a survey of concepts and techniques. Four upper-level courses function to give students more intensive laboratory research experience in neurophysiology, molecular neurobiology, social behavior, and learning and memory. Finally, many majors choose to work in the individual research labs of the Neuroscience faculty. We, as laboratory instructors, are vital to the process, and are actively involved in all aspects of the lab-based courses. We provide student instruction in state of the art techniques in neuroscience research. By sharing laboratory teaching responsibilities with course professors, we help to prepare students for careers in laboratory neuroscience and also support and facilitate faculty research programs.

  4. 2011 Women's History Month

    NASA Image and Video Library

    2011-03-24

    John C. Stennis Space Center employees (l to r) Janet Kovac (NASA Shared Services Center), Lael Butler (Environmental Protection Agency Gulf of Mexico Program), Mary Carter (NSSC) and Maura Lohrenz (Naval Research Laboratory) celebrate a correct answer during the Women's History Month Quiz Bowl held onsite March 24. The contest between the women and a panel of four men tested each side's knowledge of women's history facts and events. This year's Women's History Month theme was 'Our History is Our Strength.' Befitting that sentiment, the panel of women won the contest.

  5. Processing and thermodynamics research, Volume II. Monthly progress report, November 1984

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

    Not Available

    Data assembly is in progress on the Venezuelan Cerro Negro, California, Wilmington and Mexican Mayan crudes. A draft of a proposal is in preparation that might join this correlational work with complementary correlational work at the University of Oklahoma (Project BPT1). Cerro Negro 200 to 425/sup 0/C and 425 to 550/sup 0/C saturate fractions were analyzed with the CEC 21-103 mass spectrometer using ASTM method D2786, and experiments were devised to establish reproducibility of analyses with the KRATOS MS-50 (Project BPT2). Thermodynamic property measurements on organic nitrogen compounds included a liquid phase heat capacity study of 2,5-dimethylpyridine, and the oxygenmore » sensitivity of phenanthridine was checked prior to bomb calorimetry (Project BPT3A). Heat capacity measurements on chroman are progressing well, and vapor pressure measurements of tetrahydrophenanthrene are in progress (Project BPT3B). Work was begun on the design and procurement of equipment necessary for construction of a bench scale catalytic cracking unit. The supercritical extraction unit is being assembled (Project OPT1). Thiopene separations were begun on Cerro Negro 425 to 550/sup 0/C neutrals, and separation of sulfides from Cerro Negro 550 to 700/sup 0/C and 700+/sup 0/C neutrals was completed (Project OPT2). Preparations for PVT studies of methanol are nearing completion, and a list of critically needed PVT measurements was reviewed to help select the next compound for study. A possible candidate is hydrogen sulfide. (Project OPT3). Good progress continues in the treatment of the RP feed (Project OPT4) to recover Milspec F-76. It is anticipated that 85% recovery is possible by the chemical treatment/distillation process.« less

  6. New Brunswick Laboratory: Progress report, October 1993 through September 1994

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

    NONE

    The mission of the New Brunswick Laboratory of the US Department of Energy (DOE) is to serve as the National Certifying Authority for nuclear reference materials and to provide an independent Federal technical staff and laboratory resource performing nuclear material measurement, safeguards and non-proliferation functions in support of multiple program sponsors. During FY 94 New Brunswick Laboratory (NBL) completed development of a Strategic Plan which will aid in better defining performance oriented laboratory goals and objectives in each functional area consistent with the changing needs of the global nuclear community. This annual report describes accomplishments achieved in carrying out NBL`smore » assigned missions. Details of completed projects are reported in separate topical reports or as open-literature publications. Programs discussed here are: (1) safeguards assistance; (2) reference materials program; (3) measurement evaluation; (4) measurement services; and (5) measurement development.« less

  7. Progressive solitary sclerosis

    PubMed Central

    Kaufmann, Timothy J.; Weinshenker, Brian G.; Kantarci, Orhun H.; Schmalstieg, William F.; Paz Soldan, M. Mateo; Flanagan, Eoin P.

    2016-01-01

    Objective: To report patients with progressive motor impairment resulting from an isolated CNS demyelinating lesion in cerebral, brainstem, or spinal cord white matter that we call progressive solitary sclerosis. Methods: Thirty patients were identified with (1) progressive motor impairment for over 1 year with a single radiologically identified CNS demyelinating lesion along corticospinal tracts, (2) absence of other demyelinating CNS lesions, and (3) no history of relapses affecting other CNS pathways. Twenty-five were followed prospectively in our multiple sclerosis (MS) clinic and 5 were identified retrospectively from our progressive MS database. Patients were excluded if an alternative etiology for progressive motor impairment was found. Multiple brain and spinal cord MRI were reviewed by a neuroradiologist blinded to the clinical details. Results: The patients' median age was 48.5 years (range 23–71) and 15 (50%) were women. The median follow-up from symptom onset was 100 months (range 15–343 months). All had insidiously progressive upper motor neuron weakness attributable to the solitary demyelinating lesion found on MRI. Clinical presentations were hemiparesis/monoparesis (n = 24), quadriparesis (n = 5), and paraparesis (n = 1). Solitary MRI lesions involved cervical spinal cord (n = 18), cervico-medullary/brainstem region (n = 6), thoracic spinal cord (n = 4), and subcortical white matter (n = 2). CSF abnormalities consistent with MS were found in 13 of 26 (50%). Demyelinating disease was confirmed pathologically in 2 (biopsy, 1; autopsy, 1). Conclusions: Progressive solitary sclerosis results from an isolated CNS demyelinating lesion. Future revisions to MS diagnostic criteria could incorporate this presentation of demyelinating disease. PMID:27638926

  8. Hanford Atomic Products Operation monthly report, April 1954

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

    McCune, F.K.

    1954-05-21

    This is a progress report of the production reactors on the Hanford Reservation for the month of April 1954. This report takes each division (e.g., manufacturing, medical, accounting, occupational safety, security, reactor operations, etc.) of the site and summarizes its accomplishments and employee relations for that month.

  9. Hanford Atomic Products Operation monthly report, March 1953

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

    McCune, F.K.

    1953-04-22

    This is a progress report of the production reactors on the Hanford Reservation for the month of March 1953. This report takes each division (e.g., manufacturing, medical, accounting, occupational safety, security, reactor operations, etc.) of the site and summarizes its accomplishments and employee relations for that month.

  10. Hanford Atomic Products Operation monthly report, April 1953

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

    McCune, F.K.

    1953-05-20

    This is a progress report of the production reactors on the Hanford Reservation for the month of April 1951. This report takes each division (e.g., manufacturing, medical, accounting, occupational safety, security, reactor operations, etc.) of the site and summarizes its accomplishments and employee relations for that month.

  11. Hanford Atomic Products Operation monthly report, January 1954

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

    McCune, F.K.

    1954-02-25

    This is a progress report of the production reactors on the Hanford Reservation for the month of January 1954. This report takes each division (e.g., manufacturing, medical, accounting, occupational safety, security, reactor operations, etc.) of the site and summarizes the accomplishments and employee relations for that month.

  12. Science to Support DOE Site Cleanup: The Pacific Northwest National Laboratory Environmental Management Science Program Awards-Fiscal Year 1999 Mid-Year Progress Report

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

    Peurrung, L.M.

    1999-06-30

    Pacific Northwest National Laboratory was awarded ten Environmental Management Science Program (EMSP) research grants in fiscal year 1996, six in fiscal year 1997, and eight in fiscal year 1998. This section summarizes how each grant addresses significant U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) cleanup issues, including those at the Hanford Site. The technical progress made to date in each of these research projects is addressed in more detail in the individual progress reports contained in this document. This research is focused primarily in five areas: Tank Waste Remediation, Decontamination and Decommissioning, Spent Nuclear Fuel and Nuclear Materials, Soil and Groundwater Cleanmore » Up, and Health Effects.« less

  13. Extreme Performance Scalable Operating Systems Final Progress Report (July 1, 2008 - October 31, 2011)

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

    Malony, Allen D; Shende, Sameer

    This is the final progress report for the FastOS (Phase 2) (FastOS-2) project with Argonne National Laboratory and the University of Oregon (UO). The project started at UO on July 1, 2008 and ran until April 30, 2010, at which time a six-month no-cost extension began. The FastOS-2 work at UO delivered excellent results in all research work areas: * scalable parallel monitoring * kernel-level performance measurement * parallel I/0 system measurement * large-scale and hybrid application performance measurement * onlne scalable performance data reduction and analysis * binary instrumentation

  14. The SLMTA programme: Transforming the laboratory landscape in developing countries

    PubMed Central

    Maruta, Talkmore; Luman, Elizabeth T.; Nkengasong, John N.

    2014-01-01

    Background Efficient and reliable laboratory services are essential to effective and well-functioning health systems. Laboratory managers play a critical role in ensuring the quality and timeliness of these services. However, few laboratory management programmes focus on the competencies required for the daily operations of a laboratory in resource-limited settings. This report provides a detailed description of an innovative laboratory management training tool called Strengthening Laboratory Management Toward Accreditation (SLMTA) and highlights some challenges, achievements and lessons learned during the first five years of implementation (2009–2013) in developing countries. Programme SLMTA is a competency-based programme that uses a series of short courses and work-based learning projects to effect immediate and measurable laboratory improvement, while empowering laboratory managers to implement practical quality management systems to ensure better patient care. A SLMTA training programme spans from 12 to 18 months; after each workshop, participants implement improvement projects supported by regular supervisory visits or on-site mentoring. In order to assess strengths, weaknesses and progress made by the laboratory, audits are conducted using the World Health Organization’s Regional Office for Africa (WHO AFRO) Stepwise Laboratory Quality Improvement Process Towards Accreditation (SLIPTA) checklist, which is based on International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 15189 requirements. These internal audits are conducted at the beginning and end of the SLMTA training programme. Conclusion Within five years, SLMTA had been implemented in 617 laboratories in 47 countries, transforming the laboratory landscape in developing countries. To our knowledge, SLMTA is the first programme that makes an explicit connection between the performance of specific management behaviours and routines and ISO 15189 requirements. Because of this close relationship, SLMTA is

  15. Effects of low calcium dialysate on the progression of coronary artery calcification in hemodialysis patients: An open-label 12-month randomized clinical trial.

    PubMed

    Kim, Soo Jin; Lee, Young-Ki; Oh, Jieun; Cho, AJin; Noh, Jung Woo

    2017-09-15

    The association between the dialysate calcium level and coronary artery calcification (CAC) has not yet been evaluated in hemodialysis patients. The objective of this study was to determine whether lowering the dialysate calcium levels would decrease the progression of coronary artery calcification (CAC) compared to using standard calcium dialysate. We conducted an open-label randomized trial with parallel groups. The patients were randomly assigned to either 12-month treatment with low calcium dialysate (LCD; 1.25mmol/L, n=36) or standard calcium dialysate (SCD; 1.5mmol/L, n=40). The primary outcome was the change in the CAC scores assessed by 64-slice multidetector computed tomography after 12months. During the treatment period, CAC scores increased in both groups, especially significant in LCD group (402.5±776.8, 580.5±1011.9, P=0.004). When we defined progressors as patients at second and third tertiles of CAC changes, progressor group had a higher proportion of LCD-treated patients than SCD-treated patients (P=0.0229). In multivariate analysis, LCD treatment is a significant risk factor for increase in CAC scores (odds ratio=5.720, 95% CI: 1.219-26.843, P=0.027). Use of LCD may accelerate the progression of CAC in patients with chronic hemodialysis over a 12-month period. Clinical Research Information Service [Internet]; Osong (Chungcheongbuk-do): Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Ministry of Health and Welfare (Republic of Korea), 2010: KCT0000942. Available from: https://cris.nih.go.kr/cris/search/search_result_st01_kren.jsp?seq=3572&sLeft=2&type=my. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

  16. Laboratory hemostasis: milestones in Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine.

    PubMed

    Lippi, Giuseppe; Favaloro, Emmanuel J

    2013-01-01

    Hemostasis is a delicate, dynamic and intricate system, in which pro- and anti-coagulant forces cooperate for either maintaining blood fluidity under normal conditions, or else will prompt blood clot generation to limit the bleeding when the integrity of blood vessels is jeopardized. Excessive prevalence of anticoagulant forces leads to hemorrhage, whereas excessive activation of procoagulant forces triggers excessive coagulation and thrombosis. The hemostasis laboratory performs a variety of first, second and third line tests, and plays a pivotal role in diagnostic and monitoring of most hemostasis disturbances. Since the leading targets of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine include promotion of progress in fundamental and applied research, along with publication of guidelines and recommendations in laboratory diagnostics, this journal is an ideal source of information on current developments in the laboratory technology of hemostasis, and this article is aimed to celebrate some of the most important and popular articles ever published by the journal in the filed of laboratory hemostasis.

  17. [Accreditation of medical laboratories].

    PubMed

    Horváth, Andrea Rita; Ring, Rózsa; Fehér, Miklós; Mikó, Tivadar

    2003-07-27

    In Hungary, the National Accreditation Body was established by government in 1995 as an independent, non-profit organization, and has exclusive rights to accredit, amongst others, medical laboratories. The National Accreditation Body has two Specialist Advisory Committees in the health care sector. One is the Health Care Specialist Advisory Committee that accredits certifying bodies, which deal with certification of hospitals. The other Specialist Advisory Committee for Medical Laboratories is directly involved in accrediting medical laboratory services of health care institutions. The Specialist Advisory Committee for Medical Laboratories is a multidisciplinary peer review group of experts from all disciplines of in vitro diagnostics, i.e. laboratory medicine, microbiology, histopathology and blood banking. At present, the only published International Standard applicable to laboratories is ISO/IEC 17025:1999. Work has been in progress on the official approval of the new ISO 15189 standard, specific to medical laboratories. Until the official approval of the International Standard ISO 15189, as accreditation standard, the Hungarian National Accreditation Body has decided to progress with accreditation by formulating explanatory notes to the ISO/IEC 17025:1999 document, using ISO/FDIS 15189:2000, the European EC4 criteria and CPA (UK) Ltd accreditation standards as guidelines. This harmonized guideline provides 'explanations' that facilitate the application of ISO/IEC 17025:1999 to medical laboratories, and can be used as a checklist for the verification of compliance during the onsite assessment of the laboratory. The harmonized guideline adapted the process model of ISO 9001:2000 to rearrange the main clauses of ISO/IEC 17025:1999. This rearrangement does not only make the guideline compliant with ISO 9001:2000 but also improves understanding for those working in medical laboratories, and facilitates the training and education of laboratory staff. With the

  18. Students' Progression in Monitoring Anomalous Results Obtained in Inquiry-Based Laboratory Tasks

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Crujeiras-Pérez, Beatriz; Jiménez-Aleixandre, Maria Pilar

    2017-07-01

    This paper examines students' engagement in monitoring anomalous results across a 2-year longitudinal study with 9th and 10th graders (14-15 and 15-16 years of age). The context is a set of five inquiry-based laboratory tasks, requiring students to plan and carry out investigations. The study seeks to examine students' interpretation of data, in particular anomalous results generated by them during the process of solving the tasks, and their ability to monitor them. Data collected include video and audio recordings as well as students' written products. For the analysis, two rubrics were developed drawing on Chinn and Brewer (Cognition and Instruction, 19, 323-393, 2001) and Hmelo-Silver et al. (Science Education, 86, 219-243, 2002). The findings point to a pattern of progress in students' responses across the 2 years: (a) responses revealing a low capacity of monitoring due to not recognizing the data as anomalous or recognizing it as anomalous but being unable to explain their causes are more frequent in the first tasks and (b) responses revealing an improved capacity of monitoring are more frequent in the last tasks. The factors influencing students' regulation of their performances, as the requirement of planning, and specific scaffolding based on activity theory are discussed.

  19. Anti-MCV antibodies predict radiographic progression in Greek patients with very early (<3 months duration) rheumatoid arthritis.

    PubMed

    Barouta, Georgia; Katsiari, Christina G; Alexiou, Ioannis; Liaskos, Christos; Varna, Areti; Bogdanos, Dimitrios P; Germenis, Anastasios E; Sakkas, Lazaros I

    2017-04-01

    This study aimed to assess the diagnostic and prognostic value of anti-mutated citrullinated vimentin (MCV) antibodies in very early rheumatoid arthritis (VERA) and in established rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Seventy-one patients with undifferentiated arthritis (UA) of <3 months duration, 141 with established RA, 53 with other rheumatic diseases, and 40 healthy individuals were included in the study. Anti-MCV, anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide (CCP) antibodies, and rheumatoid factor (RF) were determined and hand radiographs were recorded. Patients were assessed prospectively for 2 years, and hand radiographs were repeated. Diagnostic performance of anti-MCV was studied with receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves and evaluation of sensitivity, specificity, and likelihood ratios. Forty-six percent of UA patients progressed to RA at 2 years. In VERA patients, sensitivity of anti-MCV was 52 %, compared to 44 % of anti-CCP and 37 % of RF, while specificity was 91 %, compared to 91 % of RF and 84 % of anti-CCP. Anti-MCV were detected in 25 % of VERA patients negative for both anti-CCP and RF. In established RA, anti-MCV did not sustain its diagnostic performance. By multivariable analysis, anti-MCV, but not anti-CCP or RF, showed significant correlation with radiographic progression in VERA patients. In established RA, anti-MCV, anti-CCP, and RF were associated with active disease (p ≤ 0.03) and joint damage (p ≤ 0.004). By multivariate analysis, the strongest factors for radiographic damage were disease duration (p = 0.000), HAQ score (p = 0.000), and RF (p = 0.002). In conclusion, in patients with very early UA, anti-MCV predict both progression to RA and radiological damage, and therefore, anti-MCV antibody testing may be useful in every day practice.

  20. Analytical Chemistry Laboratory Progress Report for FY 1994

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

    Green, D.W.; Boparai, A.S.; Bowers, D.L.

    The purpose of this report is to summarize the activities of the Analytical Chemistry Laboratory (ACL) at Argonne National Laboratory (ANL) for Fiscal Year (FY) 1994 (October 1993 through September 1994). This annual report is the eleventh for the ACL and describes continuing effort on projects, work on new projects, and contributions of the ACL staff to various programs at ANL. The Analytical Chemistry Laboratory is a full-cost-recovery service center, with the primary mission of providing a broad range of analytical chemistry support services to the scientific and engineering programs at ANL. The ACL also has a research program inmore » analytical chemistry, conducts instrumental and methods development, and provides analytical services for governmental, educational, and industrial organizations. The ACL handles a wide range of analytical problems. Some routine or standard analyses are done, but it is common for the Argonne programs to generate unique problems that require significant development of methods and adaption of techniques to obtain useful analytical data. The ACL has four technical groups -- Chemical Analysis, Instrumental Analysis, Organic Analysis, and Environmental Analysis -- which together include about 45 technical staff members. Talents and interests of staff members cross the group lines, as do many projects within the ACL. The Chemical Analysis Group uses wet- chemical and instrumental methods for elemental, compositional, and isotopic determinations in solid, liquid, and gaseous samples and provides specialized analytical services. Major instruments in this group include an ion chromatograph (IC), an inductively coupled plasma/atomic emission spectrometer (ICP/AES), spectrophotometers, mass spectrometers (including gas-analysis and thermal-ionization mass spectrometers), emission spectrographs, autotitrators, sulfur and carbon determinators, and a kinetic phosphorescence uranium analyzer.« less

  1. Foothill Transit Agency Battery Electric Bus Progress Report, Data Period Focus: Jan. 2017 through Dec. 2017

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

    Eudy, Leslie

    This report summarizes results of a battery electric bus (BEB) evaluation at Foothill Transit, located in the San Gabriel Valley area of Los Angeles. Foothill Transit is collaborating with the California Air Resources Board and the U.S. Department of Energy's National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) to evaluate the buses in revenue service. The focus of this evaluation is to compare the performance and the operating costs of the BEBs to that of conventional technology buses and to track progress over time. Previous reports documented results from April 2014 through December 2016. This report extends the data analysis through December 2017.more » NREL plans to publish progress reports on the Foothill Transit fleet every six months through 2020.« less

  2. Predictors of phenotypic progression and disease onset in premanifest and early-stage Huntington's disease in the TRACK-HD study: analysis of 36-month observational data.

    PubMed

    Tabrizi, Sarah J; Scahill, Rachael I; Owen, Gail; Durr, Alexandra; Leavitt, Blair R; Roos, Raymund A; Borowsky, Beth; Landwehrmeyer, Bernhard; Frost, Chris; Johnson, Hans; Craufurd, David; Reilmann, Ralf; Stout, Julie C; Langbehn, Douglas R

    2013-07-01

    TRACK-HD is a multinational prospective observational study of Huntington's disease (HD) that examines clinical and biological findings of disease progression in individuals with premanifest HD (preHD) and early-stage HD. We aimed to describe phenotypic changes in these participants over 36 months and identify baseline predictors of progression. Individuals without HD but carrying the mutant huntingtin gene (classed as preHD-A if ≥10·8 years and preHD-B if <10·8 years from predicted onset), participants with early HD (classed as HD1 if they had a total functional capacity score of 11-13 and HD2 if they had a score of 7-10), and healthy control individuals were assessed at four study sites in the Netherlands, the UK, France, and Canada. We measured 36-month change for 3T MRI, clinical, cognitive, quantitative motor, and neuropsychiatric assessments and examined their prognostic value. We also assessed the relation between disease progression and the combined effect of CAG repeat length and age. All participants were analysed according to their baseline subgroups. Longitudinal results were analysed using a combination of repeated-measure weighted least squares models and, when examining risk of new diagnosis, survival analysis. At baseline, 366 participants were enrolled between Jan 17, and Aug 26, 2008, and of these 298 completed 36-month follow-up: 97 controls, 58 participants with preHD-A, 46 with preHD-B, 66 with HD1, and 31 with HD2. In the preHD-B group, several quantitative motor and cognitive tasks showed significantly increased rates of decline at 36 months, compared with controls, whereas few had at 24 months. Of the cognitive measures, the symbol digit modality test was especially sensitive (adjusted mean loss 4·11 points [95% CI 1·49-6·73] greater than controls; p=0·003). Among psychiatric indicators, apathy ratings specifically showed significant increases (0·34 points [95% CI 0·02-0·66] greater than controls; p=0·038). There was little

  3. 2014 Fermilab Laboratory Directoed Research & Development Annual Report

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

    W. Wester

    After initiation by the Fermilab Laboratory Director, a team from the senior Laboratory leadership and a Laboratory Directed Research and Development (LDRD) Advisory Committee developed an implementation plan for LDRD at Fermilab for the first time. This implementation was captured in the approved Fermilab 2014 LDRD Program Plan and followed directions and guidance from the Department of Energy (DOE) order, DOE O 413.2B, a “Roles, Responsibilities, and Guidelines, …” document, and examples of best practices at other DOE Office of Science Laboratories. At Fermilab, a FY14 midyear Call for Proposals was issued. A LDRD Selection Committee evaluated those proposals thatmore » were received and provided a recommendation to the Laboratory Director who approved seven LDRD projects. This Annual Report focuses on the status of those seven projects and provides an overview of the current status of LDRD at Fermilab. The seven FY14 LDRD approved projects had a date of initiation late in FY14 such that this report reflects approximately six months of effort approximately through January 2015. The progress of these seven projects, the subsequent award of six additional new projects beginning in FY15, and preparations for the issuance of the FY16 Call for Proposals indicates that LDRD is now integrated into the overall annual program at Fermilab. All indications are that LDRD is improving the scientific and technical vitality of the Laboratory and providing new, novel, or cutting edge projects carried out at the forefront of science and technology and aligned with the mission and strategic visions of Fermilab and the Department of Energy.« less

  4. 48 CFR 2052.211-71 - Technical progress report.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-10-01

    ... 48 Federal Acquisition Regulations System 6 2014-10-01 2014-10-01 false Technical progress report... Technical progress report. As prescribed at 2011.104-70(b), the contracting officer shall insert the... solicitation. Technical Progress Report (JAN 1993) The contractor shall provide a monthly Technical Progress...

  5. 48 CFR 2052.211-71 - Technical progress report.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-10-01

    ... 48 Federal Acquisition Regulations System 6 2013-10-01 2013-10-01 false Technical progress report... Technical progress report. As prescribed at 2011.104-70(b), the contracting officer shall insert the... solicitation. Technical Progress Report (JAN 1993) The contractor shall provide a monthly Technical Progress...

  6. 48 CFR 2052.211-71 - Technical progress report.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-10-01

    ... 48 Federal Acquisition Regulations System 6 2012-10-01 2012-10-01 false Technical progress report... Technical progress report. As prescribed at 2011.104-70(b), the contracting officer shall insert the... solicitation. Technical Progress Report (JAN 1993) The contractor shall provide a monthly Technical Progress...

  7. 48 CFR 2052.211-71 - Technical progress report.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-10-01

    ... 48 Federal Acquisition Regulations System 6 2011-10-01 2011-10-01 false Technical progress report... Technical progress report. As prescribed at 2011.104-70(b), the contracting officer shall insert the... solicitation. Technical Progress Report (JAN 1993) The contractor shall provide a monthly Technical Progress...

  8. RAWP Progress Report August 19, 2011 - Combined

    EPA Pesticide Factsheets

    Combines cover letter and Progress Report #2 as required in Residential Soil Remedial Action Work Plan (RAWP)-Phase 1, with the Analytical Laboratory Report of Walter Coke Inc site in Birmingham AL, August 16, 2011, prepared by TestAmerica Laboratories.

  9. Fourteen-month-olds selectively search for and use information depending on the familiarity of the informant in both laboratory and home contexts.

    PubMed

    Schieler, Andy; Koenig, Melissa; Buttelmann, David

    2018-06-20

    Infants are selective in their learning from others. However, there is only very limited research on the possible factors that shape this selectivity, especially when it comes to the impact of infants' familiarity with the informant and the context. The current study investigated whether 14-month-olds preferred to receive and use information provided by an unfamiliar informant (experimenter) compared with a familiar informant (parent) and whether this pattern depended on the context (home vs. laboratory). We tested infants either in the laboratory (n = 67) or in their home (n = 70). When both informants presented a novel object with positive or negative emotions, we measured infants' gaze behavior as an indicator for information search. When infants acted on the novel object themselves, we measured their exploratory behavior as an indicator of information use. Results revealed no effect of context on infants' information search and use. Rather, we found that the familiarity of informant had distinct effects on infant attention and object exploration. Namely, infants looked longer at the unfamiliar informant across contexts, but they explored more when the familiar informant presented the object compared with when the unfamiliar informant did so. Thus, during information search, 14-month-olds paid most attention to an unfamiliar source of information. However, participants explored the objects more when they came from a familiar source than when they came from an unfamiliar one. Possible explanations for these findings are discussed. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  10. Hanford Environmental Dose Reconstruction Project Monthly Report

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

    Finch, S.M.

    1991-02-01

    The objective of the Hanford Environmental Dose Reconstruction Project is to estimate the radiation doses that populations could have received from nuclear operations at Hanford since 1944. The project is being managed and conducted by the Pacific Northwest Laboratory (PNL) under the direction of an independent Technical Steering Panel (TSP). The TSP consists of experts in environmental pathways, epidemiology, surface-water transport, ground-water transport, statistics, demography, agriculture, meteorology, nuclear engineering, radiation dosimetry, and cultural anthropology. Included are appointed technical members representing the states of Oregon and Washington, cultural and technical experts nominated by the regional Native American tribes, and an individualmore » representing the public. The project is divided into the following technical tasks. These tasks correspond to the path radionuclides followed, from release to impact on humans (dose estimates): source terms; environmental transport; environmental monitoring data; demographics, agriculture, food habits; and environmental pathways and dose estimates. Project reports and references used in the reports are made available to the public in a public reading room. Project progress is documented in this monthly report, which is available to the public. 3 figs., 3 tabs.« less

  11. Safety in the Chemical Laboratory. Safety in the Laboratory: Are We Making Any Progress?

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    McKusick, Blaine C.

    1987-01-01

    Reviews trends in laboratory safety found in both industrial and academic situations. Reports that large industrial labs generally have excellent safety programs but that, although there have been improvements, academia still lags behind industry in safety. Includes recommendations for improving lab safety. (ML)

  12. Visitor's Guide | Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research

    Cancer.gov

    The Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research headquarters are located at the Advanced Technology and Research Facility (ATRF), located at 8560 Progress Drive, Frederick Maryland. Additional offices and laboratories are locatedon the NC

  13. Processing and thermodynamics research. Volume II. Monthly progress report, October 1984

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

    Not Available

    1984-11-15

    A detailed list of materials was prepared, data and information that will be gathered for analysis in the study (Project BPT1) that relates feedstock to product slate. A meeting of the sponsors Steering Committee gave broad support to the research direction presented. Discussions were held with Professor Lloyd Lee at the University of Oklahoma on possible future cooperation of this work with his correlation and model studies. Mass spectrometry efforts (Project BPT2) centered on establishing the performance characteristics of the MS-50 as pertains to quantitative ultra-high dynamic resolution low voltage EI analysis with this system. A complete review of allmore » chemical separations done to date on Wilmington and Mayan crudes revealed a few inconsistencies, and a few repeat experiments are in progress to resolve them (Project OPT2). Preparations are being made for thiophene separations from the 425/sup 0/ to 550/sup 0/C Cerro Negro neutrals (Project OPT2). A review of the progress on the chemistry of contaminated fuels project (Project OPT4) was held with DOD personnel. The acid fractions of the various distillates from contaminated diesel fuel have been shown to be corrosive in copper strip testing. Biological activity was also established as one source of corrosion problems. Stability test technique development focused on the type of filter materials that will withstand the accelerated aging conditions (65/sup 0/C) for several weeks. Thermodynamic studies on hetero-atom compounds continued with experimental work in progress on 2,5-dimethylpyridine, 2,5-dimethylpyrrole, 2,3-benzofuran, and 3-methylpyrrolidine (Project BPT3A and BPT3B). Vapor liquid-equilibria measurements continue on hydrogen and a 450/sup 0/ to 950/sup 0/F cut from the Wilsonville, AL coal liquefaction plant (Project OPT3).« less

  14. Applied technology section. Monthly report, December 1993

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

    Buckner, M.R.

    1994-01-28

    This monthly report contains abstracts of the progress made in various projects from the applied technology section at the Savannah River Plant. Research areas include engineering modeling and simulation, applied physics, experimental thermal hydraulics, and packaging and transportation.

  15. Strengthening national health laboratories in sub-Saharan Africa: a decade of remarkable progress

    PubMed Central

    Alemnji, G. A.; Zeh, C.; Yao, K.; Fonjungo, P. N.

    2016-01-01

    OBJECTIVES Efforts to combat the HIV/AIDS pandemic have underscored the fragile and neglected nature of some national health laboratories in Africa. In response, national and international partners and various governments have worked collaboratively over the last several years to build sustainable laboratory capacities within the continent. Key accomplishments reflecting this successful partnership include the establishment of the African-based World Health Organization Regional Office for Africa (WHO-AFRO) Stepwise Laboratory Quality Improvement Process Towards Accreditation (SLIPTA); development of the Strengthening Laboratory Management Toward Accreditation (SLMTA) training programme; and launching of a Pan African-based institution, the African Society for Laboratory Medicine (ASLM). These platforms continue to serve as the foundations for national health laboratory infrastructure enhancement, capacity development and overall quality system improvement. Further targeted interventions should encourage countries to aim at integrated tiered referral networks, promote quality system improvement and accreditation, develop laboratory policies and strategic plans, enhance training and laboratory workforce development and a retention strategy, create career paths for laboratory professionals and establish public–private partnerships. Maintaining the gains and ensuring sustainability will require concerted action by all stakeholders with strong leadership and funding from African governments and from the African Union. PMID:24506521

  16. SwarmSight: Measuring the Temporal Progression of Animal Group Activity Levels from Natural Scene and Laboratory Videos

    PubMed Central

    Birgiolas, Justas; Jernigan, Christopher M.; Smith, Brian H.; Crook, Sharon M.

    2016-01-01

    We describe SwarmSight (available at: https://github.com/justasb/SwarmSight), a novel, open-source, Microsoft Windows software tool for quantitative assessment of the temporal progression of animal group activity levels from recorded videos. The tool utilizes a background subtraction machine vision algorithm and provides an activity metric that can be used to quantitatively assess and compare animal group behavior. Here we demonstrate the tool utility by analyzing defensive bee behavior as modulated by alarm pheromones, wild bird feeding onset and interruption, and cockroach nest finding activity. While more sophisticated, commercial software packages are available, SwarmSight provides a low-cost, open-source, and easy-to-use alternative that is suitable for a wide range of users, including minimally trained research technicians and behavioral science undergraduate students in classroom laboratory settings. PMID:27130170

  17. Improving laboratory data entry quality using Six Sigma.

    PubMed

    Elbireer, Ali; Le Chasseur, Julie; Jackson, Brooks

    2013-01-01

    The Uganda Makerere University provides clinical laboratory support to over 70 clients in Uganda. With increased volume, manual data entry errors have steadily increased, prompting laboratory managers to employ the Six Sigma method to evaluate and reduce their problems. The purpose of this paper is to describe how laboratory data entry quality was improved by using Six Sigma. The Six Sigma Quality Improvement (QI) project team followed a sequence of steps, starting with defining project goals, measuring data entry errors to assess current performance, analyzing data and determining data-entry error root causes. Finally the team implemented changes and control measures to address the root causes and to maintain improvements. Establishing the Six Sigma project required considerable resources and maintaining the gains requires additional personnel time and dedicated resources. After initiating the Six Sigma project, there was a 60.5 percent reduction in data entry errors from 423 errors a month (i.e. 4.34 Six Sigma) in the first month, down to an average 166 errors/month (i.e. 4.65 Six Sigma) over 12 months. The team estimated the average cost of identifying and fixing a data entry error to be $16.25 per error. Thus, reducing errors by an average of 257 errors per month over one year has saved the laboratory an estimated $50,115 a year. The Six Sigma QI project provides a replicable framework for Ugandan laboratory staff and other resource-limited organizations to promote quality environment. Laboratory staff can deliver excellent care at a lower cost, by applying QI principles. This innovative QI method of reducing data entry errors in medical laboratories may improve the clinical workflow processes and make cost savings across the health care continuum.

  18. Crevicular Fluid Biomarkers and Periodontal Disease Progression

    PubMed Central

    Oh, Min; Braun, Thomas M.; Ramseier, Christoph A.; Sugai, Jim V.; Giannobile, William V.

    2014-01-01

    Aim Assess the ability of a panel of gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) biomarkers as predictors of periodontal disease progression (PDP). Materials and Methods 100 individuals participated in a 12-month longitudinal investigation and categorized into 4 groups according to their periodontal status. GCF, clinical parameters, and saliva were collected bi-monthly. Sub-gingival plaque and serum were collected bi-annually. For 6 months, no periodontal treatment was provided. At 6-months, patients received periodontal therapy and continued participation from 6-12 months. GCF samples were analyzed by ELISA for MMP-8, MMP-9, OPG, CRP and IL-1β. Differences in median levels of GCF biomarkers were compared between stable and progressing participants using Wilcoxon Rank Sum test (p=0.05). Clustering algorithm was used to evaluate the ability of oral biomarkers to classify patients as either stable or progressing. Results Eighty-three individuals completed the 6-month monitoring phase. With the exception of GCF C-reactive protein, all biomarkers were significantly higher in the PDP group compared to stable patients. Clustering analysis showed highest sensitivity levels when biofilm pathogens and GCF biomarkers were combined with clinical measures, 74% (95% CI = 61,86). Conclusions Signature of GCF fluid-derived biomarkers combined with pathogens and clinical measures provides a sensitive measure for discrimination of PDP (ClinicalTrials.gov NCT00277745). PMID:24303954

  19. New Brunswick Laboratory. Progress report, October 1995--September 1996

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

    NONE

    Fiscal year (FY) 1996 was a very good year for New Brunswick Laboratory (NBL), whose major sponsor is the Office of Safeguards and Security (NN-51) in the US Department of Energy (DOE), Office of Nonproliferation and National Security, Office of Security Affairs. Several projects pertinent to the NBL mission were completed, and NBL`s interactions with partners and customers were encouraging. Among the partners with which NBL interacted in this report period were the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), NN-51. Environmental Program Group of the DOE Chicago Operations Office, International Safeguards Project Office, Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP), Ukraine Working Group,more » Fissile Materials Assurance Working Group, National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), Institute for Reference Materials and Measurements (IRMM) in Belgium, Brazilian/Argentine Agency for Accounting and Control of Nuclear Materials (ABACC), Lockheed Idaho Technologies Company, and other DOE facilities and laboratories. NBL staff publications, participation in safeguards assistance and other nuclear programs, development of new reference materials, involvement in the updating and refinement of DOE documents, service in enhancing the science education of others, and other related activities enhanced NBL`s status among DOE laboratories and facilities. Noteworthy are the facts that NBL`s small inventory of nuclear materials is accurately accounted for, and, as in past years, its materials and human resources were used in peaceful nuclear activities worldwide.« less

  20. A Moveable Feast--A Progressive Approach to the Unit Operations Laboratory

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Conner, Wm. Curtis, Jr.; Hammond, Karl D.; Laurence, Robert L.

    2011-01-01

    The authors describe an alternative format for the senior laboratory in which students are allowed--indeed, expected--to communicate with previous groups and build on their results. The effect is a unit operations laboratory in which students are empowered to propose the experiments they wish to do and in which the cumulative experience of the…

  1. U.S. Army Aeromedical Research Laboratory Annual Progress Report: FY 84

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1984-10-01

    OFFICE SYMBOL 7a. NAME OF MONITORING ORGANIZATION U.S. Army Aeromedical Research (if applicable) U.S. Army Medical Research and Developmmt Laboratory...Group for Aerospace Research and Develop- ment--Aerospace Medical Panel ......................... 105 American National Standards Institute (ANSI...aviation specialities. Assists other US Army Medical Research and Development Command (USAMRDC) laboratories and institutes in research on the

  2. 78 FR 26223 - National Physical Fitness and Sports Month, 2013

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2013-05-03

    ... Physical Fitness and Sports Month, 2013 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation... life. During National Physical Fitness and Sports Month, we celebrate that progress and keep striving... at work. Through Let's Move! and the President's Council on Fitness, Sports, and Nutrition, we...

  3. Strengthening national health laboratories in sub-Saharan Africa: a decade of remarkable progress.

    PubMed

    Alemnji, G A; Zeh, C; Yao, K; Fonjungo, P N

    2014-04-01

    Efforts to combat the HIV/AIDS pandemic have underscored the fragile and neglected nature of some national health laboratories in Africa. In response, national and international partners and various governments have worked collaboratively over the last several years to build sustainable laboratory capacities within the continent. Key accomplishments reflecting this successful partnership include the establishment of the African-based World Health Organization Regional Office for Africa (WHO-AFRO) Stepwise Laboratory Quality Improvement Process Towards Accreditation (SLIPTA); development of the Strengthening Laboratory Management Toward Accreditation (SLMTA) training programme; and launching of a Pan African-based institution, the African Society for Laboratory Medicine (ASLM). These platforms continue to serve as the foundations for national health laboratory infrastructure enhancement, capacity development and overall quality system improvement. Further targeted interventions should encourage countries to aim at integrated tiered referral networks, promote quality system improvement and accreditation, develop laboratory policies and strategic plans, enhance training and laboratory workforce development and a retention strategy, create career paths for laboratory professionals and establish public-private partnerships. Maintaining the gains and ensuring sustainability will require concerted action by all stakeholders with strong leadership and funding from African governments and from the African Union. Published 2014. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the U.S.A.

  4. Laboratory directed research and development 2006 annual report.

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

    Westrich, Henry Roger

    2007-03-01

    This report summarizes progress from the Laboratory Directed Research and Development (LDRD) program during fiscal year 2006. In addition to a programmatic and financial overview, the report includes progress reports from 430 individual R&D projects in 17 categories.

  5. A professional development model for medical laboratory scientists working in the microbiology laboratory.

    PubMed

    Amerson, Megan H; Pulido, Lila; Garza, Melinda N; Ali, Faheem A; Greenhill, Brandy; Einspahr, Christopher L; Yarsa, Joseph; Sood, Pramilla K; Hu, Peter C

    2012-01-01

    The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Division of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine is committed to providing the best pathology and medicine through: state-of-the art techniques, progressive ground-breaking research, education and training for the clinical diagnosis and research of cancer and related diseases. After surveying the laboratory staff and other hospital professionals, the Department administrators and Human Resource generalists developed a professional development model for Microbiology to support laboratory skills, behavior, certification, and continual education within its staff. This model sets high standards for the laboratory professionals to allow the labs to work at their fullest potential; it provides organization to training technologists based on complete laboratory needs instead of training technologists in individual areas in which more training is required if the laboratory needs them to work in other areas. This model is a working example for all microbiology based laboratories who want to set high standards and want their staff to be acknowledged for demonstrated excellence and professional development in the laboratory. The PDM model is designed to focus on the needs of the laboratory as well as the laboratory professionals.

  6. Rapidly Progressive Maxillary Atelectasis.

    PubMed

    Elkhatib, Ahmad; McMullen, Kyle; Hachem, Ralph Abi; Carrau, Ricardo L; Mastros, Nicholas

    2017-07-01

    Report of a patient with rapidly progressive maxillary atelectasis documented by sequential imaging. A 51-year-old man, presented with left periorbital and retro-orbital pain associated with left nasal obstruction. An initial computed tomographic (CT) scan of the paranasal sinuses failed to reveal any significant abnormality. A subsequent CT scan, indicated for recurrence of symptoms 11 months later, showed significant maxillary atelectasis. An uncinectomy, maxillary antrostomy, and anterior ethmoidectomy resulted in a complete resolution of the symptoms. Chronic maxillary atelectasis is most commonly a consequence of chronic rhinosinusitis. All previous reports have indicated a chronic process but lacked documentation of the course of the disease. This report documents a patient of rapidly progressive chronic maxillary atelectasis with CT scans that demonstrate changes in the maxillary sinus (from normal to atelectatic) within 11 months.

  7. Internal quality control indicators of cervical cytopathology exams performed in laboratories monitored by the External Quality Control Laboratory.

    PubMed

    Ázara, Cinara Zago Silveira; Manrique, Edna Joana Cláudio; Tavares, Suelene Brito do Nascimento; de Souza, Nadja Lindany Alves; Amaral, Rita Goreti

    2014-09-01

    To evaluate the impact of continued education provided by an external quality control laboratory on the indicators of internal quality control of cytopathology exams. The internal quality assurance indicators for cytopathology exams from 12 laboratories monitored by the External Quality Control Laboratory were evaluated. Overall, 185,194 exams were included, 98,133 of which referred to the period preceding implementation of a continued education program, while 87,061 referred to the period following this intervention. Data were obtained from the Cervical Cancer Database of the Brazilian National Health Service. Following implementation of the continued education program, the positivity index (PI) remained within recommended limits in four laboratories. In another four laboratories, the PI progressed from below the limits to within the recommended standards. In one laboratory, the PI remained low, in two laboratories, it remained very low, and in one, it increased from very low to low. The percentage of exams compatible with a high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (HSIL) remained within the recommended limits in five laboratories, while in three laboratories it progressed from below the recommended levels to >0.4% of the total number of satisfactory exams, and in four laboratories it remained below the standard limit. Both the percentage of atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance (ASC-US) in relation to abnormal exams, and the ratio between ASC-US and intraepithelial lesions remained within recommended levels in all the laboratories investigated. An improvement was found in the indicators represented by the positivity index and the percentage of exams compatible with a high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion, showing that the role played by the external quality control laboratory in providing continued education contributed towards improving laboratory staff skills in detecting cervical cancer precursor lesions.

  8. 24 CFR 968.230 - Progress reports.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-04-01

    ... 24 Housing and Urban Development 4 2010-04-01 2010-04-01 false Progress reports. 968.230 Section 968.230 Housing and Urban Development Regulations Relating to Housing and Urban Development (Continued... Fewer Than 250 Units) § 968.230 Progress reports. For each six-month period ending March 31 and...

  9. Epoch Analysis of On-Treatment Disability Progression Events over Time in the Tysabri Observational Program (TOP)

    PubMed Central

    Wiendl, Heinz; Butzkueven, Helmut; Kappos, Ludwig; Trojano, Maria; Pellegrini, Fabio; Paes, Dominic; Zhang, Annie; Belachew, Shibeshih

    2016-01-01

    Objective To evaluate the effect of natalizumab on disability progression beyond 2 years of treatment in clinical practice. Methods Analyses included the 496 relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) patients among 5122 patients in the Tysabri Observational Program (TOP) who had completed 4 continuous years of natalizumab treatment and had baseline (study enrollment) and postbaseline Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) assessments. Proportions of patients with 6-month or 12-month confirmed ≥1.0-point EDSS progression relative to baseline were compared in treatment months 1–24 and 25–48. Sensitivity analyses compared progression rates in months 13–24 and 25–36. Results Baseline characteristics appeared similar between the overall TOP population (N = 5122), patients who had completed 4 years of natalizumab treatment (n = 469), and patients eligible to complete 4 years in TOP who had discontinued natalizumab after 2 years of treatment (n = 514). Among 4-year completers, the proportion of patients with 6-month and 12-month confirmed EDSS progression decreased between months 1–24 and 25–48 of natalizumab treatment by 42% (from 10.9% to 6.3%; p < 0.01) and 52% (from 9.5% to 4.6%; p < 0.01), respectively. Few patients had 6-month or 12-month confirmed EDSS progression in both epochs (0.6% and 0.2%, respectively). Between months 13–24 and 25–36 of treatment, the proportion of patients with 6-month and 12-month confirmed EDSS progression decreased by 60% (from 7.5% to 3.0%; p < 0.01) and 58% (from 6.7% to 2.8%; p < 0.01), respectively. Significant reductions in disability progression events between months 13–24 and 25–36 were also observed in relapse-free patients. Conclusion In this observational study, the disability progression rate decreased further beyond 2 years of natalizumab treatment. Patients who responded well and remained on continuous natalizumab therapy for over 4 years had sustained and potentially enhanced reductions in EDSS

  10. Crevicular fluid biomarkers and periodontal disease progression.

    PubMed

    Kinney, Janet S; Morelli, Thiago; Oh, Min; Braun, Thomas M; Ramseier, Christoph A; Sugai, Jim V; Giannobile, William V

    2014-02-01

    Assess the ability of a panel of gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) biomarkers as predictors of periodontal disease progression (PDP). In this study, 100 individuals participated in a 12-month longitudinal investigation and were categorized into four groups according to their periodontal status. GCF, clinical parameters and saliva were collected bi-monthly. Subgingival plaque and serum were collected bi-annually. For 6 months, no periodontal treatment was provided. At 6 months, patients received periodontal therapy and continued participation from 6 to 12 months. GCF samples were analysed by ELISA for MMP-8, MMP-9, Osteoprotegerin, C-reactive Protein and IL-1β. Differences in median levels of GCF biomarkers were compared between stable and progressing participants using Wilcoxon Rank Sum test (p = 0.05). Clustering algorithm was used to evaluate the ability of oral biomarkers to classify patients as either stable or progressing. Eighty-three individuals completed the 6-month monitoring phase. With the exception of GCF C-reactive protein, all biomarkers were significantly higher in the PDP group compared to stable patients. Clustering analysis showed highest sensitivity levels when biofilm pathogens and GCF biomarkers were combined with clinical measures, 74% (95% CI = 61, 86). Signature of GCF fluid-derived biomarkers combined with pathogens and clinical measures provides a sensitive measure for discrimination of PDP (ClinicalTrials.gov NCT00277745). © 2013 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

  11. Long-term disability progression in primary progressive multiple sclerosis: a 15-year study.

    PubMed

    Rocca, Maria A; Sormani, Maria Pia; Rovaris, Marco; Caputo, Domenico; Ghezzi, Angelo; Montanari, Enrico; Bertolotto, Antonio; Laroni, Alice; Bergamaschi, Roberto; Martinelli, Vittorio; Comi, Giancarlo; Filippi, Massimo

    2017-11-01

    Prognostic markers of primary progressive multiple sclerosis evolution are needed. We investigated the added value of magnetic resonance imaging measures of brain and cervical cord damage in predicting long-term clinical worsening of primary progressive multiple sclerosis compared to simple clinical assessment. In 54 patients, conventional and diffusion tensor brain scans and cervical cord T1-weighted scans were acquired at baseline and after 15 months. Clinical evaluation was performed after 5 and 15 years in 49 patients. Lesion load, brain and cord atrophy, mean diffusivity and fractional anisotropy values from the brain normal-appearing white matter and grey matter were obtained. Using linear regression models, we screened the clinical and imaging variables as independent predictors of 15-year disability change (measured on the expanded disability status scale). At 15 years, 90% of the patients had disability progression. Integrating clinical and imaging variables at 15 months predicted disability changes at 15 years better than clinical factors at 5 years (R2 = 61% versus R2 = 57%). The model predicted long-term disability change with a precision within one point in 38 of 49 patients (77.6%). Integration of clinical and imaging measures allows identification of primary progressive multiple sclerosis patients at risk of long-term disease progression 4 years earlier than when using clinical assessment alone. © The Author (2017). Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the Guarantors of Brain. All rights reserved. For Permissions, please email: journals.permissions@oup.com.

  12. Putting the Laboratory at the Center of Teaching Chemistry

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Bopegedera, A. M. R. P.

    2011-01-01

    This article describes an effective approach to teaching chemistry by bringing the laboratory to the center of teaching, to bring the excitement of discovery to the learning process. The lectures and laboratories are closely integrated to provide a holistic learning experience. The laboratories progress from verification to open-inquiry and…

  13. Six Strategies for Chemical Waste Minimization in Laboratories.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Matteson, Gary C.; Hadley, Cheri R.

    1991-01-01

    Guidelines are offered to research administrators for reducing the volume of hazardous laboratory waste. Suggestions include a chemical location inventory, a chemical reuse facility, progressive contracts with chemical suppliers, internal or external chemical recycling mechanisms, a "chemical conservation" campaign, and laboratory fees for…

  14. Quality Indicators in Laboratory Medicine: the status of the progress of IFCC Working Group "Laboratory Errors and Patient Safety" project.

    PubMed

    Sciacovelli, Laura; Lippi, Giuseppe; Sumarac, Zorica; West, Jamie; Garcia Del Pino Castro, Isabel; Furtado Vieira, Keila; Ivanov, Agnes; Plebani, Mario

    2017-03-01

    The knowledge of error rates is essential in all clinical laboratories as it enables them to accurately identify their risk level, and compare it with those of other laboratories in order to evaluate their performance in relation to the State-of-the-Art (i.e. benchmarking) and define priorities for improvement actions. Although no activity is risk free, it is widely accepted that the risk of error is minimized by the use of Quality Indicators (QIs) managed as a part of laboratory improvement strategy and proven to be suitable monitoring and improvement tools. The purpose of QIs is to keep the error risk at a level that minimizes the likelihood of patients. However, identifying a suitable State-of-the-Art is challenging, because it calls for the knowledge of error rates measured in a variety of laboratories throughout world that differ in their organization and management, context, and the population they serve. Moreover, it also depends on the choice of the events to keep under control and the individual procedure for measurement. Although many laboratory professionals believe that the systemic use of QIs in Laboratory Medicine may be effective in decreasing errors occurring throughout the total testing process (TTP), to improve patient safety as well as to satisfy the requirements of International Standard ISO 15189, they find it difficult to maintain standardized and systematic data collection, and to promote continued high level of interest, commitment and dedication in the entire staff. Although many laboratories worldwide express a willingness to participate to the Model of QIs (MQI) project of IFCC Working Group "Laboratory Errors and Patient Safety", few systematically enter/record their own results and/or use a number of QIs designed to cover all phases of the TTP. Many laboratories justify their inadequate participation in data collection of QIs by claiming that the number of QIs included in the MQI is excessive. However, an analysis of results suggests

  15. A far-infrared spatial/spectral Fourier interferometry laboratory-based testbed instrument

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Spencer, Locke D.; Naylor, David A.; Scott, Jeremy P.; Weiler, Vince F.; MacCrimmon, Roderick K.; Sitwell, Geoffrey R. H.; Ade, Peter A. R.

    2016-07-01

    We describe the current status, including preliminary design, characterization efforts, and recent progress, in the development of a spatial/spectral double Fourier laboratory-based interferometer testbed instrument within the Astronomical Instrumentation Group (AIG) laboratories at the University of Lethbridge, Canada (UL). Supported by CRC, CFI, and NSERC grants, this instrument development will provide laboratory demonstration of spatial-spectral interferometry with a concentration of furthering progress in areas including the development of spatial/spectral interferometry observation, data processing, characterization, and analysis techniques in the Far-Infrared (FIR) region of the electromagnetic spectrum.

  16. Publications of the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, 1981

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    1982-01-01

    Over 500 externally distributed technical reports released during 1981 that resulted from scientific and engineering work performed, or managed by Jet Propulsion Laboratory are listed by primary author. Of the total number of entries, 311 are from the bimonthly Deep Space Network Progress Report, and its successor, the Telecommunications and Data Acquisition Progress Report.

  17. The effectiveness of Robot-Assisted Gait Training versus conventional therapy on mobility in severely disabled progressIve MultiplE sclerosis patients (RAGTIME): study protocol for a randomized controlled trial.

    PubMed

    Straudi, Sofia; Manfredini, Fabio; Lamberti, Nicola; Zamboni, Paolo; Bernardi, Francesco; Marchetti, Giovanna; Pinton, Paolo; Bonora, Massimo; Secchiero, Paola; Tisato, Veronica; Volpato, Stefano; Basaglia, Nino

    2017-02-27

    Gait and mobility impairments affect the quality of life (QoL) of patients with progressive multiple sclerosis (MS). Robot-assisted gait training (RAGT) is an effective rehabilitative treatment but evidence of its superiority compared to other options is lacking. Furthermore, the response to rehabilitation is multidimensional, person-specific and possibly involves functional reorganization processes. The aims of this study are: (1) to test the effectiveness on gait speed, mobility, balance, fatigue and QoL of RAGT compared to conventional therapy (CT) in progressive MS and (2) to explore changes of clinical and circulating biomarkers of neural plasticity. This will be a parallel-group, randomized controlled trial design with the assessor blinded to the group allocation of participants. Ninety-eight (49 per arm) progressive MS patients (EDSS scale 6-7) will be randomly assigned to receive twelve 2-h training sessions over a 4-week period (three sessions/week) of either: (1) RAGT intervention on a robotic-driven gait orthosis (Lokomat, Hocoma, Switzerland). The training parameters (torque of the knee and hip drives, treadmill speed, body weight support) are set during the first session and progressively adjusted during training progression or (2) individual conventional physiotherapy focusing on over-ground walking training performed with the habitual walking device. The same assessors will perform outcome measurements at four time points: baseline (before the first intervention session); intermediate (after six training sessions); end of treatment (after the completion of 12 sessions); and follow-up (after 3 months from the end of the training program). The primary outcome is gait speed, assessed by the Timed 25-Foot Walk Test. We will also assess walking endurance, balance, depression, fatigue and QoL as well as instrumental laboratory markers (muscle metabolism, cerebral venous hemodynamics, cortical activation) and circulating laboratory markers (rare

  18. Early Cerebral Blood Volume Changes Predict Progression After Convection-Enhanced Delivery of Topotecan for Recurrent Malignant Glioma.

    PubMed

    Surapaneni, Krishna; Kennedy, Benjamin C; Yanagihara, Ted K; DeLaPaz, Robert; Bruce, Jeffrey N

    2015-07-01

    To assess whether early changes in enhancing tumor volume (eTV) and relative cerebral blood volume (rCBV) 1 month after convection-enhanced delivery of topotecan in patients with recurrent malignant glioma correlated with 6-month disease progression status. Sixteen patients were enrolled in a Phase Ib trial of convection-enhanced delivery of topotecan for recurrent malignant glioma. Each patient was evaluated with serial follow-up magnetic resonance imaging at baseline and at 4- to 8-week intervals. Changes at 1 month compared with baseline in eTV and rCBV were evaluated as potential predictors of 6-month progression status, classified as either progressive disease or nonprogressive disease. Relationships between percent changes in eTV and rCBV at 1 month with the probability of progressive disease at 6 months were estimated by the use of logistic regression analysis. Receiver operating characteristic curves for varying percent change thresholds in eTV and rCBV were evaluated by the use of 6-month progressive disease as the reference. There was a significant difference in the percent change in rCBV at 1 month in patients with progressive disease compared with those with nonprogressive disease at 6 months (+12% vs. -29%, P = 0.02). Logistic regression analysis demonstrated on average that a 10% increase in rCBV at 1 month after convection-enhanced delivery of topotecan was associated with 1.7 times the odds of developing progressive disease at 6 months (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.0-2.9 P = 0.05). Receiver operating characteristic analysis for determining progressive disease at 6 months showed a greater area under the curve with rCBV (0.867; 95% CI 0.66-1.00) than with change in enhancing tumor volume (0.767; 95% CI 0.51-1.00). In this selected population of patients with recurrent malignant glioma treated with convection-enhanced delivery of topotecan, early changes in rCBV at 4 weeks after therapy may help predict progression status at 6 months. Copyright

  19. Underground laboratories in Asia

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

    Lin, Shin Ted, E-mail: linst@mails.phys.sinica.edu.tw; Yue, Qian, E-mail: yueq@mail.tsinghua.edu.cn

    2015-08-17

    Deep underground laboratories in Asia have been making huge progress recently because underground sites provide unique opportunities to explore the rare-event phenomena for the study of dark matter searches, neutrino physics and nuclear astrophysics as well as the multi-disciplinary researches based on the low radioactive environments. The status and perspectives of Kamioda underground observatories in Japan, the existing Y2L and the planned CUP in Korea, India-based Neutrino Observatory (INO) in India and China JinPing Underground Laboratory (CJPL) in China will be surveyed.

  20. Underground laboratories in Asia

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Lin, Shin Ted; Yue, Qian

    2015-08-01

    Deep underground laboratories in Asia have been making huge progress recently because underground sites provide unique opportunities to explore the rare-event phenomena for the study of dark matter searches, neutrino physics and nuclear astrophysics as well as the multi-disciplinary researches based on the low radioactive environments. The status and perspectives of Kamioda underground observatories in Japan, the existing Y2L and the planned CUP in Korea, India-based Neutrino Observatory (INO) in India and China JinPing Underground Laboratory (CJPL) in China will be surveyed.

  1. Economic impact of disease progression in follicular non-Hodgkin lymphoma

    PubMed Central

    Beveridge, Roy; Satram-Hoang, Sacha; Sail, Kavita; Darragh, Joseph; Chen, Clara; Forsyth, Michael; Reyes, Carolina

    2011-01-01

    Using a retrospective claims database, we estimated the economic costs of progression among patients with follicular non-Hodgkin lymphoma (f-NHL) treated in an outpatient community-based setting. Patients with f-NHL who received care between 1 July 2006 and 31 December 2009 were categorized into two cohorts based on whether they experienced progressive disease (PD) or not. Costs per patient per month (PPPM) were compared between patients with PD versus non-PD. Follow-up time was censored at the last entry for disease status or 6 months after the date of remission/stable disease or progression. Of the 1002 patients with f-NHL identified, 268 progressed and 734 did not. The mean overall costs PPPM over the 6-month follow-up period were significantly higher for patients with PD versus non-PD ($3527 vs. $860; difference = $2667; p < 0.001). This cost difference persisted within all resource categories evaluated. Results of this study indicate that therapies which delay progression for patients with f-NHL may result in potential cost savings. PMID:21745172

  2. Current progress on TPFI nulling architectures at Jet Propulsion Laboratory

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Gappinger, Robert O.; Wallace, J. Kent; Bartos, Randall D.; Macdonald, Daniel R.; Brown, Kenneth A.

    2005-01-01

    Infrared interferometric nulling is a promising technology for exoplanet detection. Nulling research for the Terrestrial Planet Finder Interferometer has been exploring a variety of interferometer architectures at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL).

  3. Hanford Atomic Products Operation monthly report, January 1956

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

    Not Available

    1956-02-24

    This is the monthly report for the Hanford Atomic Laboratories Products Operation, February, 1956. Metallurgy, reactor fuels, chemistry, dosimetry, separation processes, reactor technology, financial activities, visits, biology operation, physics and instrumentation research, and employee relations are discussed.

  4. Medical students in their final six months of training: progress in self-perceived clinical competence, and relationship between experience and confidence in practical skills.

    PubMed

    Lai, N M; Sivalingam, N; Ramesh, J C

    2007-11-01

    We evaluated the progress in the self-perceived competence of medical students in a range of common clinical, practical and personal skills, in their final six months of training. The study was conducted on 65 final-year medical students undertaking their senior clerkship training at International Medical University, Malaysia. Questionnaire surveys were conducted at the beginning and the end of the six-month period, with 44 items covering clinical, practical, personal skills and readiness to work. Correlations were performed for experience and self-perceived competence, with the respective skills. 64 students returned the first survey and 63 returned the second survey. When the two survey results were compared, significant increases were found in self-perceived competence for the majority of the skills examined. The items with no significant improvement were divided into those which the students were already proficient in before senior clerkship, and those in which experience and confidence remained poor at the end of training. There were significant, but moderate, correlations between the experience and confidence of all common practical skills (correlation coefficients: 0.348-0.522, p-value is less than 0.001 for all items). At the end of training, students were, in general, more prepared to work as house officers (mean rating in the first survey: 3.05, second survey: 3.97, p-value is less than 0.001). Significant progresses in clinical experience and confidence can be observed in the final stages of medical training. The findings of inadequate improvements in some skills call for dedicated training sessions and strengthening of on-site supervision.

  5. Common Progress Monitoring Omissions: Planning and Practice. Progress Monitoring Brief #1

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    National Center on Response to Intervention, 2013

    2013-01-01

    Progress monitoring, one of the essential components of Response to Intervention (RTI), is characterized by repeated measurement of academic performance that is conducted at least monthly. The process may be used to assess students' academic performance over time, to quantify student rates of improvement or responsiveness to instruction, and to…

  6. Laboratory directed research and development. FY 1995 progress report

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

    Vigil, J.; Prono, J.

    1996-03-01

    This document presents an overview of Laboratory Directed Research and Development Programs at Los Alamos. The nine technical disciplines in which research is described include materials, engineering and base technologies, plasma, fluids, and particle beams, chemistry, mathematics and computational science, atmic and molecular physics, geoscience, space science, and astrophysics, nuclear and particle physics, and biosciences. Brief descriptions are provided in the above programs.

  7. NASA Ames’ COSmIC Laboratory Astrophysics Facility: Recent Results and Progress

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Salama, Farid; Sciamma-O'Brien, Ella; Bejaoui, Salma

    2018-06-01

    The COSmIC facility was developed at NASA Ames to study interstellar, circumstellar and planetary analogs in the laboratory [1, 2]. COSmIC stands for “Cosmic Simulation Chamber” and is dedicated to the study of molecules, ions and nanoparticles under the low temperature and high vacuum conditions that are required to simulate space environments. COSmIC integrates a variety of instruments that allow generating; processing and monitoring simulated space conditions in the laboratory. It is composed of a Pulsed Discharge Nozzle expansion that generates a plasma in a free supersonic jet expansion coupled to high-sensitivity, complementary in situ diagnostic tools, used for the detection and characterization of the species present in the expansion: a Cavity Ring Down Spectroscopy (CRDS) and fluorescence spectroscopy systems for photonic detection, and a Reflectron Time-Of-Flight Mass Spectrometer (ReTOF-MS) for mass detection [3, 4].Recent advances achieved in laboratory astrophysics using COSmIC will be presented, in particular in the domain of the diffuse interstellar bands (DIBs) [5, 6] and the monitoring, in the laboratory, of the formation of dust grains and aerosols from their gas-phase molecular precursors in environments as varied as circumstellar outflows [7] and planetary atmospheres [8, 9, 10]. Plans for future laboratory experiments on cosmic molecules and grains in the growing field of laboratory astrophysics (NIR-MIR CRDS, Laser Induced Fluorescence spectra of cosmic molecule analogs and the laser induced incandescence spectra of cosmic grain analogs) will also be addressed as well as the implications for astronomy.References: [1] Salama F., Proceed. IAU S251, Kwok & Sandford eds. CUP, 4, 357 (2008).[2] Salama F., et al., Proceed. IAU S332, Y. Aikawa, M. Cunningham, T. Millar, eds., CUP (2018)[3] Biennier L., et al., J. Chem. Phys., 118, 7863 (2003)[4] Ricketts C. et al. IJMS, 300, 26 (2011)[5] Salama F., et al., ApJ., 728, 154 (2011)[6] EDIBLES

  8. Laboratory quality improvement in Tanzania.

    PubMed

    Andiric, Linda R; Massambu, Charles G

    2015-04-01

    The article describes the implementation and improvement in the first groups of medical laboratories in Tanzania selected to participate in the training program on Strengthening Laboratory Management Toward Accreditation (SLMTA). As in many other African nations, the selected improvement plan consisted of formalized hands-on training (SLMTA) that teaches the tasks and skills of laboratory management and provides the tools for implementation of best laboratory practice. Implementation of the improvements learned during training was verified before and after SLMTA with the World Health Organization African Region Stepwise Laboratory Improvement Process Towards Accreditation checklist. During a 4-year period, the selected laboratories described in this article demonstrated improvement with a range of 2% to 203% (cohort I) and 12% to 243% (cohort II) over baseline scores. The article describes the progress made in Tanzania's first cohorts, the obstacles encountered, and the lessons learned during the pilot and subsequent implementations. Copyright© by the American Society for Clinical Pathology.

  9. Monthly progress report

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Moorhead, Robert J., II; Smith, Wayne

    1992-01-01

    This report is the mid-year report intended for the design concepts for the communication network for the Advanced Solid Rocket Motor (ASRM) facility being built at Yellow Creek near Iuka, MS. The overall network is to include heterogeneous computers, to use various protocols, and to have different bandwidths. Performance consideration must be given to the potential network applications in the network environment. The performance evaluation of X window applications was given the major emphasis in this report. A simulation study using Bones will be included later. This mid-year report has three parts: Part 1 is an investigation of X window traffic using TCP/IP over Ethernet networks; part 2 is a survey study of performance concepts of X window applications with Macintosh computers; and the last part is a tutorial on DECnet protocols. The results of this report should be useful in the design and operation of the ASRM communication network.

  10. The impact of SLMTA in improving laboratory quality systems in the Caribbean Region.

    PubMed

    Guevara, Giselle; Gordon, Floris; Irving, Yvette; Whyms, Ismae; Parris, Keith; Beckles, Songee; Maruta, Talkmore; Ndlovu, Nqobile; Albalak, Rachel; Alemnji, George

    Past efforts to improve laboratory quality systems and to achieve accreditation for better patient care in the Caribbean Region have been slow. To describe the impact of the Strengthening of Laboratory Management Toward Accreditation (SLMTA) training programme and mentorship amongst five clinical laboratories in the Caribbean after 18 months. Five national reference laboratories from four countries participated in the SLMTA programme that incorporated classroom teaching and implementation of improvement projects. Mentors were assigned to the laboratories to guide trainees on their improvement projects and to assist in the development of Quality Management Systems (QMS). Audits were conducted at baseline, six months, exit (at 12 months) and post-SLMTA (at 18 months) using the Stepwise Laboratory Quality Improvement Process Towards Accreditation (SLIPTA) checklist to measure changes in implementation of the QMS during the period. At the end of each audit, a comprehensive implementation plan was developed in order to address gaps. Baseline audit scores ranged from 19% to 52%, corresponding to 0 stars on the SLIPTA five-star scale. After 18 months, one laboratory reached four stars, two reached three stars and two reached two stars. There was a corresponding decrease in nonconformities and development of over 100 management and technical standard operating procedures in each of the five laboratories. The tremendous improvement in these five Caribbean laboratories shows that SLMTA coupled with mentorship is an effective, user-friendly, flexible and customisable approach to the implementation of laboratory QMS. It is recommended that other laboratories in the region consider using the SLMTA training programme as they engage in quality systems improvement and preparation for accreditation.

  11. The impact of SLMTA in improving laboratory quality systems in the Caribbean Region

    PubMed Central

    Gordon, Floris; Irving, Yvette; Whyms, Ismae; Parris, Keith; Beckles, Songee; Maruta, Talkmore; Ndlovu, Nqobile; Albalak, Rachel; Alemnji, George

    2014-01-01

    Background Past efforts to improve laboratory quality systems and to achieve accreditation for better patient care in the Caribbean Region have been slow. Objective To describe the impact of the Strengthening of Laboratory Management Toward Accreditation (SLMTA) training programme and mentorship amongst five clinical laboratories in the Caribbean after 18 months. Method Five national reference laboratories from four countries participated in the SLMTA programme that incorporated classroom teaching and implementation of improvement projects. Mentors were assigned to the laboratories to guide trainees on their improvement projects and to assist in the development of Quality Management Systems (QMS). Audits were conducted at baseline, six months, exit (at 12 months) and post-SLMTA (at 18 months) using the Stepwise Laboratory Quality Improvement Process Towards Accreditation (SLIPTA) checklist to measure changes in implementation of the QMS during the period. At the end of each audit, a comprehensive implementation plan was developed in order to address gaps. Results Baseline audit scores ranged from 19% to 52%, corresponding to 0 stars on the SLIPTA five-star scale. After 18 months, one laboratory reached four stars, two reached three stars and two reached two stars. There was a corresponding decrease in nonconformities and development of over 100 management and technical standard operating procedures in each of the five laboratories. Conclusion The tremendous improvement in these five Caribbean laboratories shows that SLMTA coupled with mentorship is an effective, user-friendly, flexible and customisable approach to the implementation of laboratory QMS. It is recommended that other laboratories in the region consider using the SLMTA training programme as they engage in quality systems improvement and preparation for accreditation. PMID:27066396

  12. New Brunswick Laboratory progress report for the period October 1988--September 1989

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

    Not Available

    The mission of the New Brunswick Laboratory (NBL) of the US Department of Energy (DOE) is to provide and maintain a nuclear material measurements and standards laboratory as a technical response to DOE's statutory responsibility to assure the safeguarding of nuclear materials. This report summarizes the mission-fulfilling activities of NBL for the period October 1988 through September 1989.

  13. Monitoring progress towards the elimination of measles in China: an analysis of measles surveillance data

    PubMed Central

    Ma, Chao; Hao, Lixin; Zhang, Yan; Su, Qiru; Rodewald, Lance; An, Zhijie; Yu, Wenzhou; Ma, Jing; Wen, Ning; Wang, Huiling; Liang, Xiaofeng; Wang, Huaqing; Yang, Weizhong; Li, Li

    2014-01-01

    Abstract Objective To analyse the epidemiology of measles in China and determine the progress made towards the national elimination of the disease. Methods We analysed measles surveillance data – on the age, sex, residence and vaccination status of each case and the corresponding outcome, dates of onset and report and laboratory results – collected between January 2005 and October 2013. Findings Between 2005 and October 2013, 596 391 measles cases and 368 measles-related deaths were reported in China. Annual incidence, in cases per 100 000 population, decreased from 9.95 in 2008 to 0.46 in 2012 but then rose to more than 1.96 in 2013. The number of provinces that reported an annual incidence of less than one case per million population increased from one in 2009 to 15 in 2012 but fell back to one in 2013. Median case age decreased from 83 months in 2005 to 14 months in 2012 and 11 months in January to October 2013. Between 2008 and 2012, the incidence of measles in all age groups, including those not targeted for vaccination, decreased by at least 93.6%. However, resurgence started in late 2012 and continued into 2013. Of the cases reported in January to October 2013, 40% were aged 8 months to 6 years. Conclusion Although there is evidence of progress towards the elimination of measles from China, resurgence in 2013 indicated that many children were still not being vaccinated on time. Routine immunization must be strengthened and the remaining immunity gaps need to be identified and filled. PMID:24839323

  14. Savannah River Ecology Laboratory. Annual technical progress report of ecological research

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

    Smith, M.H.

    1996-07-31

    The Savannah River Ecology Laboratory (SREL) is a research unit of the University of Georgia (UGA). The overall mission of the Laboratory is to acquire and communicate knowledge of ecological processes and principles. SREL conducts basic and applied ecological research, as well as education and outreach programs, under a contract with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) at the Savannah River Site (SRS) near Aiken, South Carolina. Significant accomplishments were made during the past year in the areas of research, education and service. The Laboratory`s research mission was fulfilled with the publication of two books and 143 journal articles andmore » book chapters by faculty, technical and students, and visiting scientists. An additional three books and about 80 journal articles currently are in press. Faculty, technician and students presented 193 lectures, scientific presentations, and posters to colleges and universities, including minority institutions. Dr. J Vaun McArthur organized and conducted the Third Annual SREL Symposium on the Environment: New Concepts in Strewn Ecology: An Integrative Approach. Dr. Michael Newman conducted a 5-day course titled Quantitative Methods in Ecotoxicology, and Dr. Brian Teppen of The Advanced Analytical Center for Environmental Sciences (AACES) taught a 3-day short course titled Introduction to Molecular Modeling of Environmental Systems. Dr. I. Lehr Brisbin co-hosted a meeting of the Crocodile Special Interest Group. Dr. Rebecca Sharitz attended four symposia in Japan during May and June 1996 and conducted meetings of the Executive Committee and Board of the International Association for Ecology (ENTECOL).« less

  15. Mars Science Laboratory Rover Taking Shape

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    2008-01-01

    This image taken in August 2008 in a clean room at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena, Calif., shows NASA's next Mars rover, the Mars Science Laboratory, in the course of its assembly, before additions of its arm, mast, laboratory instruments and other equipment.

    The rover is about 9 feet wide and 10 feet long.

    Viewing progress on the assembly are, from left: NASA Associate Administrator for Science Ed Weiler, California Institute of Technology President Jean-Lou Chameau, JPL Director Charles Elachi, and JPL Associate Director for Flight Projects and Mission Success Tom Gavin.

    JPL, a division of Caltech, manages the Mars Science Laboratory project for the NASA Science Mission Directorate, Washington.

  16. Tour NREL Facilities During Energy Awareness Month

    Science.gov Websites

    laboratories for photovoltaics (solar electricity) research; the Photovoltaic Outdoor Test Facility, where scientists test photovoltaic systems; and the Alternative Fuels User Facility, which houses a biofuels pilot month. Space is limited and pre-registration is required at (303) 384-6565. NREL is a national

  17. Efficacy, safety, and tolerability of a 24-month treatment regimen including delamanid in a child with extensively drug-resistant tuberculosis: A case report and review of the literature.

    PubMed

    Esposito, Susanna; Bosis, Samantha; Tadolini, Marina; Bianchini, Sonia; Migliori, Giovanni Battista; Principi, Nicola

    2016-11-01

    Multidrug-resistant (MDR) and extensively drug-resistant (XDR) tuberculosis (TB) are emerging problems in several countries. These infections require long and expensive treatment regimens. Recently, 2 new drugs, bedaquiline and delamanid, have been approved in several countries for use in adults with severe, difficult-to-treat MDR-TB, and it has been suggested that they could also be administered to children with MDR-TB and limited treatment options. However, no study has been completed on their efficacy. This report describes a 12-year-old child with XDR-TB who was cured after a 24-month therapy regimen, which included delamanid. The patient showed progressive clinical deterioration after 5 months of treatment with the majority of anti-TB drugs available on the market. After unsuccessfull treatment with several anti-TB drugs for 5 months, he was treated with a regimen including for 24 months. Direct smear microscopy of the gastric aspirates and gastric aspirate cultures for Mycobacterium tuberculosis became negative after only 1 week and remained persistently negative. During the 24-month treatment, all blood test results remained within the normal range, no adverse events were reported, and corrected QT interval was always normal. A clinical and laboratory control was performed 3 months after discontinuation of delamanid, and the other drugs did not reveal any modification of both general conditions as well as laboratory and radiological findings. The patient was considered cured. The positive outcome associated with the favorable safety and tolerability profile showed that long-term therapy with delamanid can significantly contribute to treating apparently hopeless XDR-TB cases in children.

  18. Hanford Atomic Products Operation monthly report for February 1956

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

    Not Available

    1956-02-21

    This is the monthly report for the Hanford Laboratories Operation, February, 1956. Metallurgy, reactors fuels, chemistry, dosimetry, separation processes, reactor technology financial activities, visits, biology operation, physics and instrumentation research, employee relations are discussed.

  19. Vemurafenib for BRAF V600 mutated advanced melanoma: results of treatment beyond progression.

    PubMed

    Scholtens, A; Geukes Foppen, M H; Blank, C U; van Thienen, J V; van Tinteren, H; Haanen, J B

    2015-03-01

    Selective BRAF inhibition (BRAFi) by vemurafenib or dabrafenib has become approved standard treatment in BRAF V600 mutated advanced stage melanoma. While the response rate is high, the response duration is limited with a progression-free survival (PFS) of 5-6months. Our observation of accelerated disease progression within some patients after stopping vemurafenib treatment has fostered the idea of treatment beyond progression (BRAFi TBP). In this retrospective study, we analysed 70 metastatic melanoma patients, treated at our institute, who experienced progression after prior objective response upon treatment with vemurafenib. Thirty-five patients that continued treatment beyond progression are compared with 35 patients who stopped BRAFi treatment at disease progression. Median overall survival beyond documented progression was found to be 5.2months versus 1.4months (95% confidence interval (CI): 3.8-7.4 versus 0.6-3.4; Log-Rank p=0.002) in favour of BRAFi TBP. In the multivariate survival analysis, stopping treatment at disease progression was significantly associated with shorter survival (hazard ratio: 1.92; 95% CI: 1.04-3.55; p=0.04). Our results suggest that continuing vemurafenib treatment beyond progression may be beneficial in advanced melanoma patients, who prior to progression responded to vemurafenib. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  20. AERIAL VIEW OF MAIN PROCESSING BUILDING SHOWING CONSTRUCTION PROGRESS AND ...

    Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

    AERIAL VIEW OF MAIN PROCESSING BUILDING SHOWING CONSTRUCTION PROGRESS AND EXCAVATION FOR LABORATORY ON LEFT. INL PHOTO NUMBER NRTS-51-1759. Unknown Photographer, 3/28/1951 - Idaho National Engineering Laboratory, Idaho Chemical Processing Plant, Fuel Reprocessing Complex, Scoville, Butte County, ID

  1. Progressive ataxia in a Charolais bull.

    PubMed

    Zicker, S C; Kasari, T R; Scruggs, D W; Read, W K; Edwards, J F

    1988-06-01

    A 20-month-old Charolais bull was referred for evaluation of progressive hind limb ataxia. Clinical findings suggested a neuroanatomic lesion caudal to T2. Postmortem histologic examination revealed multifocal, acellular, pale, eosinophilic plaques throughout the cerebellum, which were diagnostic for the disease progressive ataxia of Charolais cattle. This disease is presumed to have a hereditary transmission and is not commonly recognized in the United States.

  2. Common Progress Monitoring Omissions: Reporting Information to Parents. Progress Monitoring Brief #4

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    National Center on Response to Intervention, 2013

    2013-01-01

    Progress monitoring, one of the essential components of Response to Intervention (RTI), is characterized by repeated measurement of academic performance that is conducted at least monthly. The process may be used to assess students' academic performance over time, to quantify student rates of improvement or responsiveness to instruction, and to…

  3. Modernisation of the intermediate physics laboratory

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Kontro, Inkeri; Heino, Olga; Hendolin, Ilkka; Galambosi, Szabolcs

    2018-03-01

    The intermediate laboratory courses at the Department of Physics, University of Helsinki, were reformed using desired learning outcomes as the basis for design. The reformed laboratory courses consist of weekly workshops and small-group laboratory sessions. Many of the laboratory exercises are open-ended and have several possible ways of execution. They were designed around affordable devices, to allow for the purchase of multiple sets of laboratory equipment. This allowed students to work on the same problems simultaneously. Thus, it was possible to set learning goals which build on each other. Workshop sessions supported the course by letting the students solve problems related to conceptual and technical aspects of each laboratory exercise. The laboratory exercises progressed biweekly to allow for iterative problem solving. Students reached the learning goals well and the reform improved student experiences. Neither positive or negative changes in expert-like attitudes towards experimental physics (measured by E-CLASS questionnaire) were observed.

  4. Implementing a laboratory automation system: experience of a large clinical laboratory.

    PubMed

    Lam, Choong Weng; Jacob, Edward

    2012-02-01

    Laboratories today face increasing pressure to automate their operations as they are challenged by a continuing increase in workload, need to reduce expenditure, and difficulties in recruitment of experienced technical staff. Was the implementation of a laboratory automation system (LAS) in the Clinical Biochemistry Laboratory at Singapore General Hospital successful? There is no simple answer, so the following topics comparing and contrasting pre- and post-LAS have been explored: turnaround time (TAT), laboratory errors, and staff satisfaction. The benefits and limitations of LAS from the laboratory experience were also reviewed. The mean TAT for both stat and routine samples decreased post-LAS (30% and 13.4%, respectively). In the 90th percentile TAT chart, a 29% reduction was seen in the processing of stat samples on the LAS. However, no significant difference in the 90th percentile TAT was observed with routine samples. It was surprising to note that laboratory errors increased post-LAS. Considerable effort was needed to overcome the initial difficulties associated with adjusting to a new system, new software, and new working procedures. Although some of the known advantages and limitations of LAS have been validated, the claimed benefits such as improvements in TAT, laboratory errors, and staff morale were not evident in the initial months.

  5. RLE (Research Laboratory of Electronics) Progress Report Number 129.

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1987-01-01

    8217," ’,/’.’t MICROCOP ,"Y RESOLUTION TEST C-’HA"-/’%’.’."."% "-’- -" "."o -- - -" " OI FILE COPYAJ MASSACHUSETTS INSTITUTE OF EHOGYD The RESEARCH LABORATORY of...Intercalation Compound Structures and Transitions .................................. 59 10.0 Semiconductor Surface Studies...understanding of the HEMT, which is the basic block in building surface superlattices on III-V compound materials, our device structure has been simu

  6. Progress In Electromagnetics Research Symposium (PIERS)

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    1993-01-01

    The third Progress In Electromagnetics Research Symposium (PIERS) was held 12-16 Jul. 1993, at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, California. More than 800 presentations were made, and those abstracts are included in this publication.

  7. Hanford Works monthly report, October 1952

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

    Not Available

    1952-11-20

    this document presents a summary of work and progress at the Hanford Engineer works for October 1952. The report is divided into sections by department. A plant wide general summary is included at the beginning of the report, after which the departmental summaries begin. The Manufacturing Department reports plant statistics, and summaries for the Metal Preparation, Reactor and Separation sections. The Engineering Department`s section summaries work for the Technical, Design, and Project Sections. Costs for the various departments are presented in the Financial Department`s summary. The Medical, Radiological Sciences, Utilities and General Services, Employee and Public Relations, and Community Realmore » Estate and Services departments have sections presenting their monthly statistics, work, progress, and summaries.« less

  8. Hanford Works monthly report, December 1952

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

    Not Available

    1953-01-23

    This document presents a summary of work and progress at the Hanford Engineer Works for December 1952. The report is divided into sections by department. A plant wide general summary is included at the beginning of the report, after which the departmental summaries begin. The Manufacturing Department reports plant statistics, and summaries for the Metal Preparation, Reactor and Separation sections. The Engineering Department`s section summarizes work for the Technical, Design, and Project Sections. Costs for the various departments are presented in the Financial Department`s summary. The Medical, Radiological Sciences, Utilities and General Services, Employee and Public Relations, and Community Realmore » Estate and Services departments have sections presenting their monthly statistics, work, progress, and summaries.« less

  9. Hanford Works monthly report, February 1953

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

    Not Available

    1953-03-18

    This document presents a summary of work and progress at the Hanford Engineer Works for February 1953. The report is divided into sections by department. A plant wide general summary is included at the beginning of the report, after which the departmental summaries begin. The Manufacturing Department reports plant statistics, and summaries for the Metal Preparation, Reactor and Separation sections. The Engineering Department`s section summaries work for the Technical, Design, and Project Sections. Costs for the various departments are presented in the Financial Department`s summary. The Medical, Radiological Sciences, Utilities and General Services, Employee and Public Relations, and Community Realmore » Estate and Service departments have sections presenting their monthly statistics, work, progress, and summaries.« less

  10. Hanford Works monthly report, August 1952

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

    Not Available

    1952-09-24

    This document presents a summary of work and progress at the Hanford Engineer Works for August 1952. The report is divided into sections by department. A plant wide general summary is included at the beginning of the report, after which the departmental summaries begin. The Manufacturing Department reports plant statistics, and summaries for the Metal Preparation, Reactor and Separation sections. The Engineering Department` section summaries work for the Technical, Design, and Project Sections. Costs for the various departments are presented in the Financial Department`s summary. The Medical,Radiological Sciences, Utilities and General Services, Employee and Public Relations, and Community Real Estatemore » and Services departments have sections presenting their monthly statistics, work, progress, and summaries.« less

  11. Hanford Works monthly report, September 1952

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

    Not Available

    1952-10-20

    This document presents a summary of work and progress at the Hanford Engineer Works for September 1952. The report is divided into sections by department. A plant wide general summary is included at the beginning of the report, after which the departmental summaries begin. The Manufacturing Department reports plant statistics, and summaries for the Metal Preparation, Reactor and Separation sections. The Engineering Department`s section summaries work for the Technical Design, and Project Sections. Costs for the various departments are presented in the Financial Department`s summary. The Medical, Radiological Sciences, Utilities and General Services, Employee and Public Relations, and Community Realmore » Estate and Services departments have sections presenting their monthly statistics, work, progress, and summaries.« less

  12. Progressive Hearing Impairment in Children with Congenital Cytomegalovirus Infection.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Dahle, Arthur J.; And Others

    1979-01-01

    Audiological assessment of 86 children (mean age 38 months at last evaluation time) with congenital cytomegalovirus infection revealed progressive hearing loss in four of 12 Ss with sensorineural hearing impairments. Case descriptions documented the progression of the hearing loss. (Author)

  13. Towards a space-borne quantum gravity gradiometer: progress in laboratory demonstration

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Yu, Nan; Kohel, James M.; Kellogg, James R.; Maleki, Lute

    2005-01-01

    This paper describes the working principles and technical benefits of atom-wave interferometer-based inertial sensors, and gives a progress report on the development of a quantum gravity gradiometer for space applications at JPL.

  14. Designing Mission Operations for the Gravity Recovery and Interior Laboratory Mission

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Havens, Glen G.; Beerer, Joseph G.

    2012-01-01

    NASA's Gravity Recovery and Interior Laboratory (GRAIL) mission, to understand the internal structure and thermal evolution of the Moon, offered unique challenges to mission operations. From launch through end of mission, the twin GRAIL orbiters had to be operated in parallel. The journey to the Moon and into the low science orbit involved numerous maneuvers, planned on tight timelines, to ultimately place the orbiters into the required formation-flying configuration necessary. The baseline GRAIL mission is short, only 9 months in duration, but progressed quickly through seven very unique mission phases. Compressed into this short mission timeline, operations activities and maneuvers for both orbiters had to be planned and coordinated carefully. To prepare for these challenges, development of the GRAIL Mission Operations System began in 2008. Based on high heritage multi-mission operations developed by NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory and Lockheed Martin, the GRAIL mission operations system was adapted to meet the unique challenges posed by the GRAIL mission design. This paper describes GRAIL's system engineering development process for defining GRAIL's operations scenarios and generating requirements, tracing the evolution from operations concept through final design, implementation, and validation.

  15. Fatal course of foodborne botulism in an eight-month old infant

    PubMed Central

    Lonati, Davide; Locatelli, Carlo Alessandro; Fenicia, Lucia; Anniballi, Fabrizio; Landri, Paolo; Giampreti, Andrea; Petrolini, Valeria Margherita; Vecchio, Sarah; Manzo, Luigi

    2011-01-01

    An 8-month old girl, weighing 9 kg, was brought by her parents at 8.15 am to the Emergency Department (ED) for a progressive worsening of weakness and acute respiratory failure. On admission, the baby presented with poor oral intake, a weak cry and extremely weak muscular body control. Poor gag and suck, unreactive mydriasis, hypotonia, lethargy and absence of peristalsis were noted. Laboratory data showed severe respiratory acidosis. Chest X-ray, electroencephalography, encephalic CT scan and MRI were all normal, as were cerebrospinal fluid analysis and viral tests. Orotracheal intubation and continuous mechanical ventilation were applied. The patient received fluids, corticosteroids, aerosol therapy, large-spectrum antibiotics and enteral-nutrition. Further investigation revealed ingestion of an improperly prepared home-canned homogenized turkey meal. Type A botulinum neurotoxin was identified. Trivalent botulinum antitoxin, prostigmine and oral activated charcoal were administered. Generalized flaccid paralysis, areflexic bilateral mydriasis, gastric stasis and deep coma persisted for the duration of the hospital stay, and the patient died of severe respiratory failure and cardiac arrest 12 days after ED admission. Botulism poisoning should be suspected in any infant presenting with feeding difficulties, constipation, descendent paralysis or acute respiratory failure. Supportive treatment and antidotal therapy should be performed as soon as a clinical diagnosis is made. We describe a case of foodborne botulism in an 8-month old infant caused by ingestion of an improperly prepared home-canned homogenized turkey meal, representing the youngest fatal case reported in medical literature. PMID:22355516

  16. FY2017 Technology Integration Annual Progress Report

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

    None

    The 2017 Technology Integration Annual Progress Report covers 27 multi-year projects funded by the Vehicle Technologies Office. The report includes information on 20 competitively awarded projects, ranging from training on alternative fuels and vehicles for first responders, to safety training and design for maintenance facilities housing gaseous fuel vehicles, to electric vehicle community partner programs. It also includes seven projects conducted by several of VTO’s national laboratory partners, Argonne National Laboratory, Oak Ridge National Laboratory and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory. These projects range from a Technical Assistance project for business, industry, government and individuals, to the EcoCar 3 Studentmore » Competition, and the Fuel Economy Information Project.« less

  17. Progressive Perineal Urethroplasty for Pelvic Fracture Urethral Distraction Defect in Prepubertal Children: The Outcome.

    PubMed

    Pal, Bipin Chandra; Modi, Pranjal R; Qadri, Syed Javid Farooq; Modi, Jayesh; Kumar, Suresh; Nagarajan, Ramya; Safee, Yusuf

    2017-01-01

    Urethroplasty in pediatric patients is a challenging task. In this study, we have tried to assess the complexity and evaluate the outcome of progressive perineal anastomotic urethroplasty in prepubertal children. Retrospective data of all the prepubertal children who underwent progressive perineal urethroplasty between March 2009 and April 2014 were analyzed. Patients were evaluated with history, examination, essential laboratory investigations, retrograde urethrogram, and voiding cystourethrogram. Before subjecting the patients for definitive surgery, antegrade and retrograde endoscopic assessment was done. The surgery was performed by the transperineal route with the help of ×2.5 magnification. Patients were followed up with uroflowmetry for every 3 months in the 1 st year and for every 6 months in the subsequent years. Mean age of the patients was 7.3 (range 5-11) years. Mean urethral distraction defect was 1.7 (range 1-2.5) cm. All the patients were successfully managed by the perineal approach. Crural separation was performed in all the patients while additional inferior pubectomy was required in six patients. Mean operating time was 298 (range 180-400) min. Mean blood loss was 174 (range 100-500) ml. One patient had the left calf hematoma in the immediate postoperative period. Seven out of nine (77.7%) patients had successful urethroplasty. Two patients had failed urethroplasty who were successfully managed by redo-urethroplasty. Transient incontinence was observed in one patient. Erectile function could not be assessed in these patients. This study shows the feasibility of progressive perineal urethroplasty by the perineal route in prepubertal children. An endoscopic assessment should be performed before the definitive surgery. Use of loupe helps in performing better anastomosis and hence yielding a better result.

  18. Hanford Atomic Products Operation monthly report for March 1956

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

    Not Available

    1956-04-20

    This is the monthly report for the Hanford Laboratories Operation, March, 1956. Metallurgy, reactor fuels, chemistry, dosimetry, separation processes, reactor technology; financial activities, visits, biology operation, physics and instrumentation research, employee relations, pile technology, safety and radiological sciences are discussed.

  19. Fifty Years of Progress, 1937-1987 [Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory (LBL, LBNL)

    DOE R&D Accomplishments Database

    Budinger, T. F. (ed.)

    1987-01-01

    This booklet was prepared for the 50th anniversary of medical and biological research at the Donner Laboratory and the Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory of the University of California. The intent is to present historical facts and to highlight important facets of fifty years of accomplishments in medical and biological sciences. A list of selected scientific publications from 1937 to 1960 is included to demonstrate the character and lasting importance of early pioneering work. The organizational concept is to show the research themes starting with the history, then discoveries of medically important radionuclides, then the use of accelerated charged particles in therapy, next human physiology studies then sequentially studies of biology from tissues to macromolecules; and finally studies of the genetic code.

  20. Trends in Testing for Mycobacterium tuberculosis Complex From US Public Health Laboratories, 2009-2013.

    PubMed

    Tyrrell, Frances; Stafford, Cortney; Yakrus, Mitchell; Youngblood, Monica; Hill, Andrew; Johnston, Stephanie

    We investigated data from US public health laboratories funded through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Tuberculosis Elimination and Laboratory Cooperative Agreement to document trends and challenges in meeting national objectives in tuberculosis (TB) laboratory diagnoses. We examined data on workload and turnaround time from public health laboratories' progress reports during 2009-2013. We reviewed methodologies, laboratory roles, and progress toward rapid detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex through nucleic acid amplification (NAA) testing. We compared selected data with TB surveillance reports to estimate public health laboratories' contribution to national diagnostic services. During the study period, culture and drug susceptibility tests decreased, but NAA testing increased. Public health laboratories achieved turnaround time benchmarks for drug susceptibility tests at lower levels than for acid-fast bacilli smear and identification from culture. NAA positivity in laboratories among surveillance-reported culture-positive TB cases increased from 26.6% (2355 of 8876) in 2009 to 40.0% (2948 of 7358) in 2013. Public health laboratories provided an estimated 50.9% (4285 of 8413 in 2010) to 57.2% (4210 of 7358 in 2013) of culture testing and 88.3% (6822 of 7727 in 2011) to 94.4% (6845 of 7250 in 2012) of drug susceptibility tests for all US TB cases. Public health laboratories contribute substantially to TB diagnoses in the United States. Although testing volumes mostly decreased, the increase in NAA testing indicates continued progress in rapid M tuberculosis complex detection.

  1. Progression-free survival/time to progression as a potential surrogate for overall survival in HR+, HER2- metastatic breast cancer.

    PubMed

    Forsythe, Anna; Chandiwana, David; Barth, Janina; Thabane, Marroon; Baeck, Johan; Tremblay, Gabriel

    2018-01-01

    Several recent randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in hormone receptor-positive (HR+), human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-negative (HER2-) metastatic breast cancer (MBC) have demonstrated significant improvements in progression-free survival (PFS); however, few have reported improvement in overall survival (OS). The surrogacy of PFS or time to progression (TTP) for OS has not been formally investigated in HR+, HER2- MBC. A systematic literature review of RCTs in HR+, HER2- MBC was conducted to identify studies that reported both median PFS/TTP and OS. The correlation between PFS/TTP and OS was evaluated using Pearson's product-moment correlation and Spearman's rank correlation. Subgroup analyses were performed to explore possible reasons for heterogeneity. Errors-in-variables weighted least squares regression (LSR) was used to model incremental OS months as a function of incremental PFS/TTP months. An exploratory analysis investigated the impact of three covariates (chemotherapy vs hormonal/targeted therapy, PFS vs TTP, and first-line therapy vs second-line therapy or greater) on OS prediction. The lower 95% prediction band was used to determine the minimum incremental PFS/TTP months required to predict OS benefit (surrogate threshold effect [STE]). Forty studies were identified. There was a statistically significant correlation between median PFS/TTP and OS (Pearson =0.741, P =0.000; Spearman =0.650, P =0.000). These results proved consistent for chemotherapy and hormonal/targeted therapy. Univariate LSR analysis yielded an R 2 of 0.354 with 1 incremental PFS/TTP month corresponding to 1.13 incremental OS months. Controlling the type of treatment (chemotherapy vs hormonal/targeted therapy), line of therapy (first vs subsequent), and progression measure (PFS vs TTP) led to an improved R 2 of 0.569 with 1 PFS/TTP month corresponding to 0.78 OS months. The STE for OS benefit was 5-6 months of incremental PFS/TTP. We demonstrated a significant association

  2. Health and Safety Research Division progress report, October 1, 1988--March 31, 1990

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

    Not Available

    1990-09-01

    The Health and Safety Research Division (HASRD) of the Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) continues to maintain an outstanding program of basic and applied research displaying a high level of creativity and achievement as documented by awards, publications, professional service, and successful completion of variety of projects. Our focus is on human health and the scientific basis for measurement and assessment of health-related impacts of energy technologies. It is our custom to publish a division progress report every 18 months that summarizes our programmatic progress and other measures of achievement over the reporting period. Since it is not feasible tomore » summarize in detail all of our work over the period covered by this report (October 1, 1988, to March 30, 1990), we intend this document to point the way to the expensive open literature that documents our findings. During the reporting period the Division continued to maintain strong programs in its traditional areas of R D, but also achieved noteworthy progress in other areas. Much of the Division's work on site characterization, development of new field instruments, compilation of data bases, and methodology development fits into this initiative. Other new work in tunneling microscopy in support of DOE's Human Genome Program and the comprehensive R D work related to surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy have attained new and exciting results. These examples of our progress and numerous other activities are highlighted in this report.« less

  3. [Errors in laboratory daily practice].

    PubMed

    Larrose, C; Le Carrer, D

    2007-01-01

    Legislation set by GBEA (Guide de bonne exécution des analyses) requires that, before performing analysis, the laboratory directors have to check both the nature of the samples and the patients identity. The data processing of requisition forms, which identifies key errors, was established in 2000 and in 2002 by the specialized biochemistry laboratory, also with the contribution of the reception centre for biological samples. The laboratories follow a strict criteria of defining acceptability as a starting point for the reception to then check requisition forms and biological samples. All errors are logged into the laboratory database and analysis report are sent to the care unit specifying the problems and the consequences they have on the analysis. The data is then assessed by the laboratory directors to produce monthly or annual statistical reports. This indicates the number of errors, which are then indexed to patient files to reveal the specific problem areas, therefore allowing the laboratory directors to teach the nurses and enable corrective action.

  4. 15 CFR 255.5 - Progress reports.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-01-01

    ... STANDARDS AND TECHNOLOGY, DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE FELLOWSHIPS AND RESEARCH ASSOCIATES FELLOWSHIPS IN LABORATORY STANDARDIZATION AND TESTING FOR QUALIFIED CITIZENS OF OTHER AMERICAN REPUBLICS § 255.5 Progress... & Technology may determine. [13 FR 8374, Dec. 28, 1948, as amended at 55 FR 38316, Sept. 18, 1990] ...

  5. 15 CFR 255.5 - Progress reports.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-01-01

    ... STANDARDS AND TECHNOLOGY, DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE FELLOWSHIPS AND RESEARCH ASSOCIATES FELLOWSHIPS IN LABORATORY STANDARDIZATION AND TESTING FOR QUALIFIED CITIZENS OF OTHER AMERICAN REPUBLICS § 255.5 Progress... & Technology may determine. [13 FR 8374, Dec. 28, 1948, as amended at 55 FR 38316, Sept. 18, 1990] ...

  6. 15 CFR 255.5 - Progress reports.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-01-01

    ... STANDARDS AND TECHNOLOGY, DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE FELLOWSHIPS AND RESEARCH ASSOCIATES FELLOWSHIPS IN LABORATORY STANDARDIZATION AND TESTING FOR QUALIFIED CITIZENS OF OTHER AMERICAN REPUBLICS § 255.5 Progress... & Technology may determine. [13 FR 8374, Dec. 28, 1948, as amended at 55 FR 38316, Sept. 18, 1990] ...

  7. 15 CFR 255.5 - Progress reports.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-01-01

    ... STANDARDS AND TECHNOLOGY, DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE FELLOWSHIPS AND RESEARCH ASSOCIATES FELLOWSHIPS IN LABORATORY STANDARDIZATION AND TESTING FOR QUALIFIED CITIZENS OF OTHER AMERICAN REPUBLICS § 255.5 Progress... & Technology may determine. [13 FR 8374, Dec. 28, 1948, as amended at 55 FR 38316, Sept. 18, 1990] ...

  8. 15 CFR 255.5 - Progress reports.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-01-01

    ... STANDARDS AND TECHNOLOGY, DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE FELLOWSHIPS AND RESEARCH ASSOCIATES FELLOWSHIPS IN LABORATORY STANDARDIZATION AND TESTING FOR QUALIFIED CITIZENS OF OTHER AMERICAN REPUBLICS § 255.5 Progress... & Technology may determine. [13 FR 8374, Dec. 28, 1948, as amended at 55 FR 38316, Sept. 18, 1990] ...

  9. The Soluble Plasminogen Activator Receptor as a Biomarker on Monitoring the Therapy Progress of Pulmonary TB-AFB(+) Patients

    PubMed Central

    Mardining Raras, Tri Yudani; Noor Chozin, Iin

    2010-01-01

    The role of soluble soluble urokinase-type plasminogen activator receptor (suPAR) as a biological marker for TB treatment efficacy on active pulmonary TB-AFB(+) patients was investigated. Twenty pulmonary TB-AFB(+) patients participated in a cohort study for six months. The plasma suPAR level was measured using ELISA method before treatment, two months, four months and six months after treatment. At the same time clinical parameters were also measured. Results indicated that all patients (n = 20) showed highest plasma suPAR levels before treatment (median 12.775 ng/mL) and significantly decreased ( P = .0001<.05, R 2 = .890) after 2 months (median 8.019 ng/mL) and 4 months (median 5.771 ng/mL) of treatment, respectively. However, only slightly declined after 6 months therapy (median 5.009 ng/mL), near control group level (median 4.772 ng/mL). Interestingly, the significant reduced of suPAR level was parallel to treatment efficacy and correlated with other clinical and laboratory parameters, that is, decreasing of patients' complaints, increasing of BMI (r = −0.281), thoracic imaging improvement, sputum conversion, decreasing of ESR (r = 0.577) and monocytes count (r = 0.536) with exception the width of lesion in thoracic imaging. In conclusion, the suPAR level in could reflect the progress of TB therapy. PMID:22567258

  10. Construction of the Hangar at the New Aircraft Engine Research Laboratory

    NASA Image and Video Library

    1941-08-21

    Northward view of the Flight Research Building's steel framework in August 1941 as it neared completion at the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (NACA) Aircraft Engine Research Laboratory. The 272- by 150-foot hangar had a 90-foot clearance at its highest point. The hangar was the first structure built and was needed as a shelter for the growing staff, who occupied a nearby Farm House at this point. In January 1941 the Cleveland-area R.P. Carbone Construction Company was selected to build the hangar. Over the ensuing months, however, the NACA management became frustrated by the slow progress on the project. Although Carbone was contracted to complete the entire hangar by August, it was September before even the structural steel frame, seen in this photograph, was in place. Officials estimated the roof and siding were four months behind schedule. This was a serious concern because the lab’s research, support and administrative staff members would soon begin arriving. By mid-September the transite walls began enclosing the skeleton. In October work began on the temporary offices inside. The building was completed in mid-December just in time for the staff arriving from Langley.

  11. Laboratory Astrophysics Using High Intensity Particle and Photon Beams

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

    Chen, Pisin

    History has shown that the symbiosis between direct observations and laboratory studies is instrumental in the progress of astrophysics. Recent years have seen growing interests in the laboratory investigation of astrophysical phenomena that can be addressed by high densities and advancement of technologies in lasers as well as high-energy particle beams. We will give examples on how frontier phenomena such as black holes, supernovae, gamma ray bursts, ultra high-energy cosmic rays, etc., can be investigated in the laboratory setting. Finally, we describe a possible laboratory astrophysics facility to be developed at SLAC.

  12. Laboratory challenges conducting international clinical research in resource-limited settings.

    PubMed

    Fitzgibbon, Joseph E; Wallis, Carole L

    2014-01-01

    There are many challenges to performing clinical research in resource-limited settings. Here, we discuss several of the most common laboratory issues that must be addressed. These include issues relating to organization and personnel, laboratory facilities and equipment, standard operating procedures, external quality assurance, shipping, laboratory capacity, and data management. Although much progress has been made, innovative ways of addressing some of these issues are still very much needed.

  13. 78 FR 61811 - National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, 2013

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2013-10-04

    ... Proclamation Since the passage of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) nearly 20 years ago, our Nation's... National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, we stand with domestic abuse survivors, celebrate our Nation's.... Although we have made substantial progress in reducing domestic violence, one in four women and one in...

  14. 77 FR 55093 - National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month, 2012

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2012-09-06

    ... National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month, 2012 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation Over the past several decades, childhood obesity has become a serious public health issue that... problems associated with obesity. Thankfully, while more remains to be done, we are making real progress...

  15. Proton Therapy for Reirradiation of Progressive or Recurrent Chordoma

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

    McDonald, Mark W., E-mail: mmcdona2@iuhealth.org; Indiana University Health Proton Therapy Center, Bloomington, Indiana; Linton, Okechuckwu R.

    2013-12-01

    Purpose: To report the results in patients reirradiated with proton therapy for recurrent or progressive chordoma, with or without salvage surgery. Methods and Materials: A retrospective review of 16 consecutive patients treated from 2005 to 2012 was performed. All patients had received at least 1 prior course of radiation therapy to the same area, and all but 1 patient had at least 1 surgical resection for disease before receiving reirradiation. At the time of recurrence or progression, half of the patients underwent additional salvage surgery before receiving reirradiation. The median prior dose of radiation was 75.2 Gy (range, 40-79.2 Gy).more » Six patients had received prior proton therapy, and the remainder had received photon radiation. The median gross tumor volume at the time of reirradiation was 71 cm{sup 3} (range, 0-701 cm{sup 3}). Reirradiation occurred at a median interval of 37 months after prior radiation (range, 12-129 months), and the median dose of reirradiation was 75.6 Gy (relative biological effectiveness [RBE]) (range. 71.2-79.2 Gy [RBE]), given in standard daily fractionation (n=14) or hyperfractionation (n=2). Results: The median follow-up time was 23 months (range, 6-63 months); it was 26 months in patients alive at the last follow-up visit (range, 12-63 months). The 2-year estimate for local control was 85%, overall survival 80%, chordoma-specific survival 88%, and development of distant metastases 20%. Four patients have had local progression: 3 in-field and 1 marginal. Late toxicity included grade 3 bitemporal lobe radionecrosis in 1 patient that improved with hyperbaric oxygen, a grade 4 cerebrospinal fluid leak with meningitis in 1 patient, and a grade 4 ischemic brainstem stroke (out of radiation field) in 1 patient, with subsequent neurologic recovery. Conclusions: Full-dose proton reirradiation provided encouraging initial disease control and overall survival for patients with recurrent or progressive chordoma, although

  16. Guide for Training Medical Laboratory Technicians. Fourth Edition.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    American Medical Technologists, Park Ridge, IL.

    This document is intended to assist educators in the development of medical laboratory technician training programs. The following elements are included in the document: (1) an introduction; (2) the American Medical Technologists' Code of Ethics; (3) suggested curricula for medical laboratory technician programs for a 12-month course and an…

  17. β2 -microglobulin normalization within 6 months of ibrutinib-based treatment is associated with superior progression-free survival in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia.

    PubMed

    Thompson, Philip A; O'Brien, Susan M; Xiao, Lianchun; Wang, Xuemei; Burger, Jan A; Jain, Nitin; Ferrajoli, Alessandra; Estrov, Zeev; Keating, Michael J; Wierda, William G

    2016-02-15

    A high pretreatment β2 -microglobulin (B2M) level is associated with inferior survival outcomes in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia. However, to the authors' knowledge, the prognostic and predictive significance of changes in B2M during treatment have not been reported to date. The authors analyzed 83 patients treated with ibrutinib-based regimens (66 with recurrent/refractory disease) and 198 treatment-naive patients who were treated with combined fludarabine, cyclophosphamide, and rituximab (FCR) to characterize changes in B2M and their relationship with clinical outcomes. B2M rapidly decreased during treatment with ibrutinib; on multivariable analysis, patients who received FCR (odds ratio, 0.40; 95% confidence interval [95% CI], 0.18-0.90 [P = .027]) were less likely to have normalized B2M at 6 months than patients treated with ibrutinib. On univariable analysis, normalization of B2M was associated with superior progression-free survival (PFS) from the 6-month landmark in patients treated with ibrutinib-based regimens and FCR. On multivariable analysis, failure to achieve normalized B2M at 6 months of treatment was associated with inferior PFS (hazard ratio, 16.9; 95% CI, 1.3-220.0 [P = .031]) for patients treated with ibrutinib, after adjusting for the effects of baseline B2M, stage of disease, fludarabine-refractory disease, and del(17p). In contrast, in patients treated with FCR, negative minimal residual disease status in the bone marrow was the only variable found to be significantly associated with superior PFS (hazard ratio, 0.28; 95% CI, 0.12-0.67 [P = .004]). Normalization of B2M at 6 months in patients treated with ibrutinib was found to be a useful predictor of subsequent PFS and may assist in clinical decision-making. © 2015 American Cancer Society.

  18. Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory Safeguards and Security quarterly progress report to the US Department of Energy: Quarter ending December 31, 1993

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

    Davis, G.; Mansur, D.L.; Ruhter, W.D.

    1994-01-01

    The Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) carries out safeguards and security activities for the Department of Energy (DOE), Office of Safeguards and Security (OSS), as well as other organizations, both within and outside the DOE. This document summarizes the activities conducted for the OSS during the first quarter of fiscal year 1994 (October through December, 1993). The nature and scope of the activities carried out for OSS at LLNL require a broad base of technical expertise. To assure projects are staffed and executed effectively, projects are conducted by the organization at LLNL best able to supply the needed technical expertise.more » These projects are developed and managed by senior program managers. Institutional oversight and coordination is provided through the LLNL Deputy Director`s office. At present, the Laboratory is supporting OSS in five areas: (1) Safeguards Technology, (2) Safeguards and Decision Support, (3) Computer Security, (4) DOE Automated Physical Security, and (5) DOE Automated Visitor Access Control System. This report describes the activities in each of these five areas. The information provided includes an introduction which briefly describes the activity, summary of major accomplishments, task descriptions with quarterly progress, summaries of milestones and deliverables and publications published this quarter.« less

  19. Progressive Perineal Urethroplasty for Pelvic Fracture Urethral Distraction Defect in Prepubertal Children: The Outcome

    PubMed Central

    Pal, Bipin Chandra; Modi, Pranjal R.; Qadri, Syed Javid Farooq; Modi, Jayesh; Kumar, Suresh; Nagarajan, Ramya; Safee, Yusuf

    2017-01-01

    Background: Urethroplasty in pediatric patients is a challenging task. In this study, we have tried to assess the complexity and evaluate the outcome of progressive perineal anastomotic urethroplasty in prepubertal children. Materials and Methods: Retrospective data of all the prepubertal children who underwent progressive perineal urethroplasty between March 2009 and April 2014 were analyzed. Patients were evaluated with history, examination, essential laboratory investigations, retrograde urethrogram, and voiding cystourethrogram. Before subjecting the patients for definitive surgery, antegrade and retrograde endoscopic assessment was done. The surgery was performed by the transperineal route with the help of ×2.5 magnification. Patients were followed up with uroflowmetry for every 3 months in the 1st year and for every 6 months in the subsequent years. Results: Mean age of the patients was 7.3 (range 5–11) years. Mean urethral distraction defect was 1.7 (range 1–2.5) cm. All the patients were successfully managed by the perineal approach. Crural separation was performed in all the patients while additional inferior pubectomy was required in six patients. Mean operating time was 298 (range 180–400) min. Mean blood loss was 174 (range 100–500) ml. One patient had the left calf hematoma in the immediate postoperative period. Seven out of nine (77.7%) patients had successful urethroplasty. Two patients had failed urethroplasty who were successfully managed by redo-urethroplasty. Transient incontinence was observed in one patient. Erectile function could not be assessed in these patients. Conclusion: This study shows the feasibility of progressive perineal urethroplasty by the perineal route in prepubertal children. An endoscopic assessment should be performed before the definitive surgery. Use of loupe helps in performing better anastomosis and hence yielding a better result. PMID:28082772

  20. High doses of biotin in chronic progressive multiple sclerosis: a pilot study.

    PubMed

    Sedel, Frédéric; Papeix, Caroline; Bellanger, Agnès; Touitou, Valérie; Lebrun-Frenay, Christine; Galanaud, Damien; Gout, Olivier; Lyon-Caen, Olivier; Tourbah, Ayman

    2015-03-01

    No drug has been found to have any impact on progressive multiple sclerosis (MS). Biotin is a vitamin acting as a coenzyme for carboxylases involved in key steps of energy metabolism and fatty acids synthesis. Among others, biotin activates acetylCoA carboxylase, a potentially rate-limiting enzyme in myelin synthesis. The aim of this pilot study is to assess the clinical efficacy and safety of high doses of biotin in patients suffering from progressive MS. Uncontrolled, non-blinded proof of concept study 23 consecutive patients with primary and secondary progressive MS originated from three different French MS reference centers were treated with high doses of biotin (100-300mg/day) from 2 to 36 months (mean=9.2 months). Judgement criteria varied according to clinical presentations and included quantitative and qualitative measures. In four patients with prominent visual impairment related to optic nerve injury, visual acuity improved significantly. Visual evoked potentials in two patients exhibited progressive reappearance of P100 waves, with normalization of latencies in one case. Proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (H-MRS) in one case showed a progressive normalization of the Choline/Creatine ratio. One patient with left homonymous hemianopia kept on improving from 2 to 16 months following treatment׳s onset. Sixteen patients out of 18 (89%) with prominent spinal cord involvement were considered as improved as confirmed by blinded review of videotaped clinical examination in 9 cases. In all cases improvement was delayed from 2 to 8 months following treatment׳s onset. These preliminary data suggest that high doses of biotin might have an impact on disability and progression in progressive MS. Two double-blind placebo-controlled trials are on going. Copyright © 2015 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  1. Progressive Decrease of Peripapillary Angioflow Vessel Density During Structural and Visual Field Progression in Early Primary Open-angle Glaucoma.

    PubMed

    Holló, Gábor

    2017-07-01

    To present a case of early primary open-angle glaucoma in which retinal nerve fiber layer thickness (RNFLT), ganglion cell complex (GCC), and visual field progression were accompanied with significant progression of peripapillary angioflow vessel density (PAFD) measured with optical coherence tomographic angiography. A 68-year-old female patient who was under topical intraocular pressure (IOP) lowering medication for 20 years for ocular hypertension of the right and preperimetric primary open-angle glaucoma of the left eye (with reproducible inferotemporal and superotemporal neuroretinal rim and RNFL loss) was prospectively imaged with the AngioVue OCT for RNFLT, GCC thickness, and PAFD, and investigated with the Octopus Normal G2 visual field test on the same days at 6-month intervals for 18 months, while the IOP of the left eye escaped from control. IOP of the left eye fluctuated between 14 and 30 mm Hg in the study period. RNFLT, GCC thickness, and peripapillary PAFD all decreased significantly (linear regression analysis, P=0.030, 0.040, and 0.020, respectively), and a significant 2.1 dB/y progression was seen for a superior visual field cluster. The RNFLT, peripapillary PAFD, and visual field of the right eye remained normal and unchanged. In our case IOP elevation, glaucomatous visual field conversion, and structural progression were accompanied with significant progressive decrease of peripapillary PAFD. The simultaneous thinning of RNFLT and GCC and decrease of peripapillary PAFD suggest that PAFD may potentially be an additional indicator of early progression in primary open-angle glaucoma.

  2. Laboratory-directed research and development: FY 1996 progress report

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

    Vigil, J.; Prono, J.

    1997-05-01

    This report summarizes the FY 1996 goals and accomplishments of Laboratory-Directed Research and Development (LDRD) projects. It gives an overview of the LDRD program, summarizes work done on individual research projects, and provides an index to the projects` principal investigators. Projects are grouped by their LDRD component: Individual Projects, Competency Development, and Program Development. Within each component, they are further divided into nine technical disciplines: (1) materials science, (2) engineering and base technologies, (3) plasmas, fluids, and particle beams, (4) chemistry, (5) mathematics and computational sciences, (6) atomic and molecular physics, (7) geoscience, space science, and astrophysics, (8) nuclear andmore » particle physics, and (9) biosciences.« less

  3. Zoledronic acid in metastatic osteosarcoma: encouraging progression free survival in four consecutive patients.

    PubMed

    Conry, Robert M; Rodriguez, Michael G; Pressey, Joseph G

    2016-01-01

    Zoledronic acid (ZA) is a third-generation bisphosphonate in widespread clinical use to reduce pain and skeletal events in patients from a variety of malignancies with bone metastases. Pre-clinical studies indicate that ZA inhibits osteosarcoma through direct anti-proliferative effects, immune activation and anti-angiogenic activity. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the antitumor efficacy of ZA at standard dose until progression in patients with stage IV osteosarcoma lacking a standard of care treatment option proven to influence survival. Researchers retrospectively reviewed medical records of all patients at our institution with high-grade osteosarcoma presumed to be incurable due to metastases progressive after primary combination chemotherapy who received single agent ZA in an effort to delay progression. In our four-patient cohort following initiation of ZA, the median progression-free survival was 19 months, and median overall survival was 56+ months. Two of four patients have remained progression-free since starting ZA. The other two initially progressed after 18-20 months on ZA followed by metastasectomy of lung or dural metastases and further stability for over a year following resumption of ZA. After a 20-month progression-free interval on ZA alone, one patient had partial response following addition of pazopanib to ZA that likely contributed to long term disease control. The four patients experienced no significant toxicities despite protracted dosing of ZA for up to 5 years, and none have required chemotherapy since beginning ZA. Single agent ZA was associated with encouraging progression-free survival in four consecutive patients with metastatic osteosarcoma. Prospective trials of single agent ZA are warranted as protracted maintenance therapy in surgically incurable osteosarcoma relapsed or refractory to first line combination chemotherapy with radiographically measurable metastases.

  4. Impact of mentorship on WHO-AFRO Strengthening Laboratory Quality Improvement Process Towards Accreditation (SLIPTA)

    PubMed Central

    Motebang, David; Mathabo, Lebina; Rotz, Philip J.; Wanyoike, Joseph; Peter, Trevor

    2012-01-01

    mentorship programme in this study resulted in significant measurable improvements towards preparation for the WHO-AFRO SLIPTA process in less than six months. We recommend that mentorship be incorporated into laboratory quality improvement and management training programmes such as SLMTA, in order to accelerate the progress of laboratories towards achieving accreditation. PMID:29062726

  5. External quality assurance performance of clinical research laboratories in sub-saharan Africa.

    PubMed

    Amukele, Timothy K; Michael, Kurt; Hanes, Mary; Miller, Robert E; Jackson, J Brooks

    2012-11-01

    Patient Safety Monitoring in International Laboratories (JHU-SMILE) is a resource at Johns Hopkins University that supports and monitors laboratories in National Institutes of Health-funded international clinical trials. To determine the impact of the JHU-SMILE quality assurance scheme in sub-Saharan African laboratories, we reviewed 40 to 60 months of external quality assurance (EQA) results of the College of American Pathologists (CAP) in these laboratories. We reviewed the performance of 8 analytes: albumin, alanine aminotransferase, creatinine, sodium, WBC, hemoglobin, hematocrit, and the human immunodeficiency virus antibody rapid test. Over the 40- to 60-month observation period, the sub-Saharan laboratories had a 1.63% failure rate, which was 40% lower than the 2011 CAP-wide rate of 2.8%. Seventy-six percent of the observed EQA failures occurred in 4 of the 21 laboratories. These results demonstrate that a system of remote monitoring, feedback, and audits can support quality in low-resource settings, even in places without strong regulatory support for laboratory quality.

  6. ISABELLE: a progress report

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

    Hahn, H

    This paper discusses the ISABELLE project, which has the objective of constructing a high-energy proton colliding beam facility at Brookhaven National Laboratory. The major technical features of the intersecting storage accelerators with their projected performance are described. Application of over 1000 superconducting magnets in the two rings represents the salient characteristic of the machine. The status of the entire project, the technical progress made so far, and difficulties encountered are reviewed.

  7. U.S. Army Aeromedical Research Laboratory Annual Progress Report FY 1986

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1986-10-01

    19 Contracts ................................................. 19 Small Business Innovation...universities and businesses which parallels the research requirements of the laboratories under the USAMRDC command. Because of the scientific manpower...Software is being written to allow double entry verification of data. 2) Small business innovation research Each year, in compliance with the Small

  8. Reproducibility of cervical cytopathology following an intervention by an external quality control laboratory.

    PubMed

    Ázara, Cinara Zago Silveira; Manrique, Edna Joana Claudio; Tavares, Suelene Brito do Nascimento; Alves de Souza, Nadja Lindany; Magalhães, Juliana Cristina; Amaral, Rita Goreti

    2016-04-01

    This study assessed the effects of a continued education program on the agreement between cervical cytopathology exams interpreted by local laboratories and interpretation made by an external quality control laboratory (LabMEQ). Overall, 9,798 exams were analyzed between 2007 and 2008, prior to implementation of a continued education program, and 10,028 between 2010 and 2011, following implementation. Continued education consisted of theoretical and practical classes held every two months. The chi-square test and the kappa coefficient were used in the statistical analysis. Following implementation of continued education, the rate of false-negative results, and those leading to delays in clinical management fell in eight laboratories and the rate of false-positive results in five. Agreement between the results reported by the laboratories and the findings of LabMEQ, evaluated according to clinical management, remained excellent in three laboratories (kappa >0.80 and <1.0), went from good (kappa >0.60 and <0.80) to excellent in seven and from excellent to good in two. Agreement regarding the identification of metaplastic epithelium was poor (kappa = 0.25) but progressed to excellent following the implementation of continued education (kappa = 0.950). Agreement between cytopathology results improved significantly following implementation of continued education in cases reported as unsatisfactory (P < 0.001), atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance, cannot exclude high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (P < 0.001), low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (P < 0.001), and glandular atypia (P < 0.001). Continued education contributed towards improving the reproducibility of cervical cytopathology, decreased the rates of false-negative and false-positive results, and reduced delays in clinical management. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

  9. Increasing Psychotherapists’ Adoption and Implementation of the Evidence-based Practice of Progress Monitoring

    PubMed Central

    Persons, Jacqueline B.; Koerner, Kelly; Eidelman, Polina; Thomas, Cannon; Liu, Howard

    2015-01-01

    Evidence-based practices (EBPs) reach consumers slowly because practitioners are slow to adopt and implement them. We hypothesized that giving psychotherapists a tool + training intervention that was designed to help the therapist integrate the EBP of progress monitoring into his or her usual way of working would be associated with adoption and sustained implementation of the particular progress monitoring tool we trained them to use (the Depression Anxiety Stress Scales on our Online Progress Tracking tool) and would generalize to all types of progress monitoring measures. To test these hypotheses, we developed an online progress monitoring tool and a course that trained psychotherapists to use it, and we assessed progress monitoring behavior in 26 psychotherapists before, during, immediately after, and 12 months after they received the tool and training. Immediately after receiving the tool + training intervention, participants showed statistically significant increases in use of the online tool and of all types of progress monitoring measures. Twelve months later, participants showed sustained use of any type of progress monitoring measure but not the online tool. PMID:26618237

  10. The State of Organic Teaching Laboratories

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Horowitz, Gail

    2007-01-01

    The changes that have taken place in the organic chemistry laboratory course since 1980s are reviewed with reference to the quantity and diversity of discovery-based experiments available to date. The data illustrates that significant progress is towards accomplishing dramatic changes such as the almost universal adoption of microscale, the use of…

  11. Progression into Engineering. Building Bridges between Education, Training and Employment.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Evans, Karen; And Others

    This publication reports findings of a 12-month study of progression opportunities in engineering education and training, a study which explored ways of bridging the gap between skills and knowledge acquired through basic training and prevocational education and those required for progression to higher levels of occupational training and…

  12. 24. CONSTRUCTION PROGRESS VIEW TO NORTHWEST, SHOWING BLOWER BUILDING. INEEL ...

    Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

    24. CONSTRUCTION PROGRESS VIEW TO NORTHWEST, SHOWING BLOWER BUILDING. INEEL PHOTO NUMBER NRTS-60-4407. - Idaho National Engineering Laboratory, Old Waste Calcining Facility, Scoville, Butte County, ID

  13. SAFETY IN THE CHEMICAL LABORATORY.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    STEERE, NORMAN V.

    MONTHLY ARTICLES ON LABORATORY SAFETY THAT APPEARED IN THE "JOURNAL OF CHEMICAL EDUCATION" BETWEEN JANUARY 1964, AND JANUARY 1967, ARE COMBINED IN THIS MANUAL FOR HIGH SCHOOL AND COLLEGE CHEMISTRY TEACHERS. A GENERAL SECTION DEALS WITH (1) RESPONSIBILITY FOR ACCIDENT PREVENTION, (2) SAFETY CONSIDERATION IN RESEARCH PROPOSALS, (3) A…

  14. Stabilization of a progressive hemangioblastoma under treatment with thalidomide.

    PubMed

    Piribauer, Maria; Czech, Thomas; Dieckmann, Karin; Birner, Peter; Hainfellner, Johannes A; Prayer, Daniela; Fazeny-Dörner, Barbara; Weinländer, Georg; Marosi, Christine

    2004-02-01

    After the second recurrence of spinal seeding in hemangioblastoma not associated to von-Hippel-Lindau disease, we treated an adult female patient with thalidomide 200 mg orally/day at night for longer than 1 year. The patient reported subjective relief of symptoms after 1 month. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) controls 1,6 and 11 months after begin of thalidomide treatment did not show further tumor progression. She remained wheelchair-bound, but mobility of her arms continuously improved. There was no thalidomide associated side-effect in this patient until her death from pneumonia due to legionnaire's disease. Antiangiogenic treatment with interferon (IFN) alpha-2a and IFN alpha-2b and with SU 5416 has been reported to be effective and well tolerated in several patients with previously progressive angioblastomas and hemangioblastomas. This case adds further evidence of the efficacy of an antiangiogenic treatment concept in a progressive hemangioblastoma.

  15. Recent progress in tidal modeling

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Vial, F.; Forbes, J. M.

    1989-01-01

    Recent contributions to tidal theory during the last five years are reviewed. Specific areas where recent progress has occurred include: the action of mean wind and dissipation on tides, interactions of other waves with tides, the use of TGCM in tidal studies. Furthermore, attention is put on the nonlinear interaction between semidiurnal and diurnal tides. Finally, more realistic thermal excitation and background wind and temperature models have been developed in the past few years. This has led to new month-to-month numerical simulations of the semidiurnal tide. Some results using these models are presented and compared with ATMAP tidal climatologies.

  16. Progressive central puberty in a toddler with partial androgen insensitivity.

    PubMed

    Dougan, Grace C; Uli, Naveen; Shulman, Dorothy I

    2014-03-01

    A male infant was diagnosed with partial androgen insensitivity caused by a novel mutation in the androgen receptor. At 3.5 months of age, he received 100 mg of testosterone intramuscularly over the course of 3 months to increase phallic size. He developed pubic hair after 5 months and signs of progressive central precocious puberty when re-examined at 17.5 months, which subsequently was suppressed with depot leuprolide. Copyright © 2014 Mosby, Inc. All rights reserved.

  17. From laboratory corrosion tests to a corrosion lifetime for wood fasteners : progress and challenges

    Treesearch

    Samuel L. Zelinka; Dominique Derome; Samuel V. Glass

    2010-01-01

    Determining a “corrosion-lifetime” for fasteners embedded in wood treated with recently adopted preservative systems depends upon successfully relating results of laboratory tests to in-service conditions. In contrast to laboratory tests where metal is embedded in wood at constant temperature and moisture content, the in-service temperature and moisture content of wood...

  18. Effectiveness study of atropine for progressive myopia in Europeans

    PubMed Central

    Polling, J R; Kok, R G W; Tideman, J W L; Meskat, B; Klaver, C C W

    2016-01-01

    Purpose Randomized controlled trials have shown the efficacy of atropine for progressive myopia, and this treatment has become the preferred pattern for this condition in Taiwan. This study explores the effectiveness of atropine 0.5% treatment for progressive high myopia and adherence to therapy in a non-Asian country. Methods An effectiveness study was performed in Rotterdam, the Netherlands. Overall 77 children (mean age 10.3 years±2.3), of European (n=53), Asian (n=18), and African (n=6) descent with progressive myopia were prescribed atropine 0.5% eye drops daily. Both parents and children filled in a questionnaire regarding adverse events and adherence to therapy. A standardized eye examination including cycloplegic refraction and axial length was performed at baseline and 1, 4, and 12 months after initiation of therapy. Results Mean spherical equivalent at baseline was −6.6D (±3.3). The majority (60/77, 78%) of children adhered to atropine treatment for 12 months; 11 of the 17 children who discontinued therapy did so within 1 month after the start of therapy. The most prominent reported adverse events were photophobia (72%), followed by reading problems (38%), and headaches (22%). The progression rate of spherical equivalent before treatment (−1.0D/year±0.7) diminished substantially during treatment (−0.1D/year±0.7) compared to those who ceased therapy (−0.5D/year±0.6; P=0.03). Conclusions Despite the relatively high occurrence of adverse events, our study shows that atropine can be an effective and sustainable treatment for progressive high myopia in Europeans. PMID:27101751

  19. Effectiveness study of atropine for progressive myopia in Europeans.

    PubMed

    Polling, J R; Kok, R G W; Tideman, J W L; Meskat, B; Klaver, C C W

    2016-07-01

    PurposeRandomized controlled trials have shown the efficacy of atropine for progressive myopia, and this treatment has become the preferred pattern for this condition in Taiwan. This study explores the effectiveness of atropine 0.5% treatment for progressive high myopia and adherence to therapy in a non-Asian country.MethodsAn effectiveness study was performed in Rotterdam, the Netherlands. Overall 77 children (mean age 10.3 years±2.3), of European (n=53), Asian (n=18), and African (n=6) descent with progressive myopia were prescribed atropine 0.5% eye drops daily. Both parents and children filled in a questionnaire regarding adverse events and adherence to therapy. A standardized eye examination including cycloplegic refraction and axial length was performed at baseline and 1, 4, and 12 months after initiation of therapy.ResultsMean spherical equivalent at baseline was -6.6D (±3.3). The majority (60/77, 78%) of children adhered to atropine treatment for 12 months; 11 of the 17 children who discontinued therapy did so within 1 month after the start of therapy. The most prominent reported adverse events were photophobia (72%), followed by reading problems (38%), and headaches (22%). The progression rate of spherical equivalent before treatment (-1.0D/year±0.7) diminished substantially during treatment (-0.1D/year±0.7) compared to those who ceased therapy (-0.5D/year±0.6; P=0.03).ConclusionsDespite the relatively high occurrence of adverse events, our study shows that atropine can be an effective and sustainable treatment for progressive high myopia in Europeans.

  20. Nutrient enrichment enhances black band disease progression in corals

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Voss, Joshua D.; Richardson, Laurie L.

    2006-11-01

    Infectious diseases are recognized as significant contributors to the dramatic loss of corals observed worldwide. However, the causes of increased coral disease prevalence and severity are not well understood. One potential factor is elevated nutrient concentration related to localized anthropogenic activities such as inadequate waste water treatment or terrestrial runoff. In this study the effect of nutrient enrichment on the progression of black band disease (BBD) was investigated using both in situ and laboratory experiments. Experimental increases in localized nutrient availability using commercial time release fertilizer in situ resulted in doubling of BBD progression and coral tissue loss in the common reef framework coral Siderastrea siderea. Laboratory experiments in which artificially infected S. siderea colonies were exposed to increased nitrate concentrations (up to 3 μM) demonstrated similar increases in BBD progression. These findings provide evidence that the impacts of this disease on coral populations are exacerbated by nutrient enrichment and that management to curtail excess nutrient loading may be important for reducing coral cover loss due to BBD.

  1. Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory safeguards and security quarterly progress report to the U.S. Department of Energy. Quarter ending December 31, 1996

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

    Davis, G.; Mansur, D.L.; Ruhter, W.D.

    The Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) carries out safeguards and security activities for the Department of Energy (DOE), Office of Safeguards and Security (OSS), as well as other organizations, both within and outside the DOE. This document summarizes the activities conducted for the OSS during the First Quarter of Fiscal Year 1997 (October through December, 1996). The nature and scope of the activities carried out for OSS at LLNL require a broad base of technical expertise. To assure projects are staffed and executed effectively, projects are conducted by the organization at LLNL best able to supply the needed technical expertise.more » These projects are developed and managed by senior program managers. Institutional oversight and coordination is provided through the LLNL Deputy Director`s office. At present, the Laboratory is supporting OSS in four areas: (1) safeguards technology; (2) safeguards and material accountability; (3) computer security--distributed systems; and (4) physical and personnel security support. The remainder of this report describes the activities in each of these four areas. The information provided includes an introduction which briefly describes the activity, summary of major accomplishments, task descriptions with quarterly progress, summaries of milestones and deliverables and publications published this quarter.« less

  2. Summer Research Program (1992). Graduate Student Research Program (GSRP) Reports. Volume 8. Phillips Laboratory.

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1992-12-28

    Research Program Starfire Optical Range, Phillips Laboratory /LITE Kirtland Air Force Base, Albuquerque, NM 87117 Sponsored by: Air ... Phillips Laboratory Sponsored by: Air Force Office of Scientific Research Kirtland Air Force Base, Albuquerque, New Mexico September, 1992 18-1 PROGRESS...Report for: Summer Research Program Phillips Laboratory Sponsored by: Air

  3. 23. CONSTRUCTION PROGRESS VIEW LOOKING TOWARD EAST SHOWING CONCRETE BLOCK ...

    Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

    23. CONSTRUCTION PROGRESS VIEW LOOKING TOWARD EAST SHOWING CONCRETE BLOCK CONSTRUCTION. INEEL PHOTO NUMBER NRTS-59-4305. - Idaho National Engineering Laboratory, Old Waste Calcining Facility, Scoville, Butte County, ID

  4. 19. CONSTRUCTION PROGRESS PHOTO SHOWING (TYPICALLY COMPLEX) WASTE HOLDING CELL ...

    Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

    19. CONSTRUCTION PROGRESS PHOTO SHOWING (TYPICALLY COMPLEX) WASTE HOLDING CELL PIPING. INEEL PHOTO NUMBER NRTS-59-3212. - Idaho National Engineering Laboratory, Old Waste Calcining Facility, Scoville, Butte County, ID

  5. 15. CONSTRUCTION PROGRESS PHOTO SHOWING FORMS GOING UP ON ACCESS ...

    Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

    15. CONSTRUCTION PROGRESS PHOTO SHOWING FORMS GOING UP ON ACCESS CORRIDOR. INEEL PHOTO NUMBER NRTS-59-336. - Idaho National Engineering Laboratory, Old Waste Calcining Facility, Scoville, Butte County, ID

  6. Estimating long-term multivariate progression from short-term data.

    PubMed

    Donohue, Michael C; Jacqmin-Gadda, Hélène; Le Goff, Mélanie; Thomas, Ronald G; Raman, Rema; Gamst, Anthony C; Beckett, Laurel A; Jack, Clifford R; Weiner, Michael W; Dartigues, Jean-François; Aisen, Paul S

    2014-10-01

    Diseases that progress slowly are often studied by observing cohorts at different stages of disease for short periods of time. The Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI) follows elders with various degrees of cognitive impairment, from normal to impaired. The study includes a rich panel of novel cognitive tests, biomarkers, and brain images collected every 6 months for as long as 6 years. The relative timing of the observations with respect to disease pathology is unknown. We propose a general semiparametric model and iterative estimation procedure to estimate simultaneously the pathological timing and long-term growth curves. The resulting estimates of long-term progression are fine-tuned using cognitive trajectories derived from the long-term "Personnes Agées Quid" study. We demonstrate with simulations that the method can recover long-term disease trends from short-term observations. The method also estimates temporal ordering of individuals with respect to disease pathology, providing subject-specific prognostic estimates of the time until onset of symptoms. When the method is applied to ADNI data, the estimated growth curves are in general agreement with prevailing theories of the Alzheimer's disease cascade. Other data sets with common outcome measures can be combined using the proposed algorithm. Software to fit the model and reproduce results with the statistical software R is available as the grace package. ADNI data can be downloaded from the Laboratory of NeuroImaging. Copyright © 2014 The Alzheimer's Association. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  7. Combined vemurafenib and fotemustine in patients with BRAF V600 melanoma progressing on vemurafenib.

    PubMed

    Queirolo, Paola; Spagnolo, Francesco; Picasso, Virginia; Spano, Laura; Tanda, Enrica; Fontana, Valeria; Giorello, Laura; Merlo, Domenico Franco; Simeone, Ester; Grimaldi, Antonio Maria; Curvietto, Marcello; Del Vecchio, Michele; Bruzzi, Paolo; Ascierto, Paolo Antonio

    2018-02-23

    BRAF inhibitor vemurafenib achieves high response rate and an improvement in survival in patients with BRAF-mutated metastatic melanoma. However, median progression-free survival is only 6.9 months in the phase 3 study. Retrospective analyses suggest that treatment with BRAF inhibitors beyond initial progression might be associated with improved overall survival. We aimed to prospectively investigate the activity of prolonged treatment with vemurafenib and the addition of fotemustine in patients with systemic progression on prior single-agent BRAF inhibitor. In this two-centres, single-arm Phase 2 trial, we enrolled patients with systemic progressive disease during single-agent vemurafenib treatment. Participants received vemurafenib 960 mg twice daily or dose administered at time of disease progression with vemurafenib previous treatment and fotemustine 100 mg/m2 intravenously every three weeks. The primary endpoint was PFS. Thirty-one patients were enrolled in the study; 16 patients had brain metastases at baseline. Median PFS was 3.9 months and 19 patients (61.3%) achieved disease control (1 CR, 4 PR, 14 SD). For patients achieving disease control, median duration of treatment was 6 months. Median OS was 5.8 months from enrolment and 15.4 months from start of previous vemurafenib. Five patients (16.1%) had a G3-4 AE, the most common being thrombocytopenia, which occurred in 3 patients.This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov number NCT01983124. The combination of vemurafenib plus fotemustine has clinical activity and an acceptable safety profile in BRAF-refractory patients.

  8. Hanford Atomic Products Operation monthly report, January 1955

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

    Not Available

    1955-02-21

    This document presents a summary of work and progress at the Hanford Engineer Works for January 1955. The report is divided into sections by department. A plant wide general summary is included at the beginning of the report, after which the departmental summaries begin. The Manufacturing Department reports plant statistics, and summaries for the Metal Preparation, Reactor and Separation sections. The Engineering Department`s section summarizes work for the Technical Design, and Project Sections. Costs for the various departments are presented in the Financial department`s summary. The Medical, Radiological Sciences, Utilities and General Services, Employee and Public Relations, and Community Realmore » Estate and Services departments have sections presenting their monthly statistics, work, progress, and summaries.« less

  9. Monthly report Hanford Atomic Products Operation, July 1954

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

    Not Available

    1954-08-20

    This document presents a summary of work and progress at the Hanford Engineer Works for July 1954. The report is divided into sections by department. A plant wide general summary is included at the beginning of the report, after which the departmental summaries begin. The Manufacturing Department reports plant statistics, and summaries for the Metal Preparation, Reactor and Separation sections. The Engineering Department`s section summarizes work for the Technical, Design, and Project sections. Costs for the various departments are presented in the Financial Department`s summary. The Medical, Radiological Sciences, Utilities and General Services, Employee and Public Relations, and Community Realmore » Estate and Services Departments have sections presenting their monthly statistics, work, progress, and summaries.« less

  10. Hanford Atomic Products Operation monthly report, August 1956

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

    Not Available

    1956-09-28

    This document presents a summary of work and progress at the Hanford Engineer Works for August 1956. The report is divided into sections by department. A plant wide general summary is included at the beginning of the report, after which the departmental summaries begin. The Manufacturing Department reports plant statistics, and summaries for the Metal Preparation, Reactor and Separation sections. The Engineering Department`s section summarizes work for the Technical, Design, and Project Sections. Costs for the various departments are presented in the Financial Department`s summary. The Medical, Radiological Sciences, Utilities and General Sciences, Employee and Public Relations, and Community Realmore » Estate and Services departments have sections presenting their monthly statistics, work, progress, and summaries.« less

  11. Hanford Atomic Products Operation monthly report, October 1953

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

    Not Available

    1953-11-20

    This document presents a summary of work and progress at the Hanford Engineer Works for October 1953. The report is divided into sections by department. A plant wide general summary is included at the beginning of the report, after which the departmental summaries begin. The Manufacturing Department reports plant statistics, and summaries for the Metal Preparation, Reactor and Separation sections. The Engineering Department`s section summaries work for the Technical, Design, and Project Sections. Costs for the various departments are presented in the Financial Department`s summary. The Medical, Radiological Sciences, Utilities and General Services. Employee and Public Relations, and Community Realmore » Estate and Service departments have sections presenting their monthly statistics, work, progress, and summaries.« less

  12. Hanford Atomic Products Operation monthly report, March 1954

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

    Not Available

    1954-04-23

    This document presents a summary of work and progress at the Hanford Engineer Works for March 1954. The report is divided into sections by department. A plant wide general summary is included at the beginning of the report, after which the departmental summaries begin. The Manufacturing Department reports plant statistics, and summaries for the Metal Preparation, Reactor and Separation sections. The Engineering Department`s section summaries work for the Technical, Design, and Project Sections. Costs for the various departments are presented in the Financial Department`s summary. The Medical, Radiological Sciences, Utilities and General Services, Employee and Public Relations, and Community Realmore » Estate and Service departments have sections presenting their monthly statistics, work, progress, and summaries.« less

  13. Hanford Atomic Products Operation monthly report, September 1955

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

    Not Available

    1955-10-27

    This document presents a summary of work and progress at the Hanford Engineer Works for September 1955. The report is divided into sections by department. A plant wide general summary is included at the beginning of the report, after which the departmental summaries begin. The Manufacturing Department reports plant statistics, and summaries for the Metal Preparation, Reactor and Separation sections. The Engineering Department`s section summarizes work for the Technical, Design, and Project Sections. Costs for the various departments are presented in the Financial Department`s summary. The Medical, Radiological Sciences, Utilities and General Services, Employee and Public Relations, and Community Realmore » Estate and Services departments have sections presenting their monthly statistics, work, progress, and summaries.« less

  14. Hanford Atomic Products Operation monthly report, June 1954

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

    Not Available

    1954-07-26

    This document presents a summary of work and progress at the Hanford Engineer Works for June 1954. The report is divided into sections by department. A plant wide general summary is included at the beginning of the report, after which the departmental summaries begin. The Manufacturing Department reports plant statistics, and summaries for the Metal Preparation, Reactor and Separation sections. The Engineering Department`s section summaries work for the Technical, Design, and Project Sections. Costs for the various departments are presented in the Financial Department`s summary. The Medical, Radiological Sciences, Utilities and General Services, Employee and Public Relations, and Community Realmore » Estate and Services departments have sections presenting their monthly statistics, work, progress, and summaries.« less

  15. Hanford Atomic Products Operation monthly report, March 1955

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

    Not Available

    1955-04-20

    This document presents a summary of work and progress at the Hanford Engineer Works for March 1955. The report is divided into sections by department. A plant wide general summary is included at the beginning of the report, after which the departmental summaries begin. The Manufacturing Department reports plant statistics, and summaries for the Metal Preparation, Reactor and Separation sections. The Engineering Department`s section summarizes work for the Technical, Design, and Project Sections. Costs for the various departments are presented in the Financial Department`s summary. The Medical, Radiological Sciences, Utilities and General Services, Employee and Public Relations, and Community Realmore » Estate and Services departments have sections presenting their monthly statistics, work, progress, and summaries.« less

  16. Hanford Atomic Products Operation monthly report, November 1955

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

    Not Available

    1955-12-30

    This document presents a summary of work and progress at the Hanford Engineer Works for November 1955. The report is divided into sections by department. A plant wide general summary is included at the beginning of the report, after which the departmental summaries begin. The Manufacturing Department reports plant statistics, and summaries for the Metal Preparation, Reactor and Separation sections. The Engineering Department`s section summarizes work for the Technical, Design, and Project Sections. Costs for the various departments are presented in the Financial Department`s summary. The Medical, Radiological Sciences, Utilities and General Services, Employee and Public Relations, and Community Realmore » Estate and Services departments have sections presenting their monthly statistics, work, progress, and summaries.« less

  17. Hanford Atomic Products Operation monthly report, August 1955

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

    Not Available

    1955-09-27

    This document presents a summary of work and progress at the Hanford Engineer Works for August 1955. The report is divided into sections by department. A plant wide general summary is included at the beginning of the report, after which the departmental summaries begin. The Manufacturing Department reports plant statistics, and summaries for the Metal Preparation, Reactor and Separation sections. The Engineering Department`s section summarizes work for the Technical, Design, and Project Sections. Costs for the various departments are presented in the Financial Department`s summary. The Medical, Radiological Sciences, Utilities and General Sciences, Employee and Public Relations, and Community Realmore » Estate and Services departments have sections presenting their monthly statistics, work, progress, and summaries.« less

  18. Hanford Atomic Products Operation monthly report, May 1954

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

    Not Available

    1954-06-22

    This document presents a summary of work and progress at the Hanford Engineer Works for May 1954. The report is divided into sections by department. A plant wide general summary is included at the beginning of the report, after which the departmental summaries begin. The Manufacturing Department reports plant statistics, and summaries for the Metal Preparation, Reactor and Separation sections. The Engineering Department`s section summaries work for the Technical, Design, and Project Sections. Costs for the various departments are presented in the Financial Department`s summary. The Medical, Radiological Science, Utilities and General Services, Employee and Public Relations, and Community Realmore » Estate and Services departments have sections presenting their monthly statistics, work, progress, and summaries.« less

  19. Hanford Atomic Products Operation monthly report, October 1955

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

    Not Available

    1955-11-30

    This document presents a summary of work and progress at the Hanford Engineer works for October, 1955. The report is divided into sections by department. A plant wide general summary is included at the beginning of the report, after which the departmental summaries begin. The Manufacturing Department reports plant statistics, and summaries for the Metal Preparation, Reactor and Separation sections. The Engineering Department`s section summarizes work for the Technical, Design, and Project Sections. Costs for the various departments are presented in the Financial Department`s summary. The Medical, Radiological Sciences, Utilities and General Services, Employee and Public Relations, and community Realmore » Estate and Services departments have sections presenting their monthly statistics, work, progress, and summaries.« less

  20. Hanford Atomic Products Operation monthly report, May 1955

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

    Not Available

    1955-06-23

    This document presents a summary of work and progress at the Hanford Engineer Works for May 1955. The report is divided into sections by department. A plant wide general summary is included at the beginning of the report, after which the departmental summaries begin. The Manufacturing Department reports plant statistics, and summaries for the Metal Preparation, Reactor and Separation sections. The Engineering Department`s section summarizes work for the Technical, Design, and Project Sections. Costs for the various departments are presented in the Financial Department`s summary. The Medical, Radiological Sciences, Utilities and General Services, Employee and Public Relations, and Community Realmore » Estate and Services departments have sections presenting their monthly statistics, work, progress, and summaries.« less

  1. Hanford Atomic Products Operation monthly report, July 1955

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

    Not Available

    1955-08-26

    This document presents a summary of work and progress at the Hanford Engineer Works for July 1955. The report is divided into sections by department. A plant wide general summary is included at the beginning of the report, after which the departmental summaries begin. The Manufacturing Department reports plant statistics, and summaries for the Metal Preparation, Reactor and Separation sections. The Engineering Department`s section summarizes work for the Technical, Design, and Project sections. Costs for the various departments are presented in the Financial Department`s summary. The Medical, Radiological Sciences, Utilities and General Services, Employee and Public Relations, and Community Realmore » Estate and services departments have sections presenting their monthly statistics, work, progress, and summaries.« less

  2. Hanford Atomic Products Operation monthly report, May 1953

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

    Not Available

    This document presents a summary of work and progress at the Hanford Engineer Works for May 1953. The report is divided into sections by department. A plant wide general summary is included at the beginning of the report, after which the departmental summaries begin. The Manufacturing Department reports plant statistics, and summaries for the Metal Preparation, Reactor and Separation sections. The Engineering Department`s section summaries work for the Technical, Design, and Project Sections. Costs for the various departments are presented in the Financial Department`s summary. The Medical, Radiological Sciences, Utilities and General Services, Employee and Public Relations, and Community Realmore » Estate and Services departments have sections presenting their monthly statistics, work, progress, and summaries.« less

  3. Hanford Atomic Products Operation monthly report, October 1954

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

    Not Available

    1954-11-24

    This document presents a summary of work and progress at the Hanford Engineer Works for October 1954. The report is divided into sections by department. A plant wide general summary is included at the beginning of the report, after which the departmental summaries begin. The Manufacturing Department reports plant statistics, and summaries for the Metal Preparation, Reactor and Separation sections. The Engineering Department`s section summarizes work for the Technical, Design, and Project Sections. Costs for the various departments are presented in the Financial Department`s summary. The Medical, Radiological Sciences, Utilities and General Services, Employee and Public Relations, and Community Realmore » Estate and Services departments have sections presenting their monthly statistics, work, progress, and summaries.« less

  4. Hanford Atomic Products Operation monthly report, December 1954

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

    Not Available

    1955-01-25

    This document presents a summary of work and progress at the Hanford Engineer Works for December 1954. The report is divided into sections by department. A plant wide general summary is included at the beginning of the report, after which the departmental summaries begin. The Manufacturing Department reports plant statistics, and summaries for the Metal Preparation, Reactor and Separation sections. The Engineering Department`s section summarizes work for the Technical, Design, and Project Sections. Costs for the various departments are presented in the Financial Department`s summary. The Medical, Radiological Sciences, Utilities and General Services, Employee and Public Relations, and Community Realmore » Estate and Services departments have sections presenting their monthly statistics, work, progress, and summaries.« less

  5. Hanford Atomic Products Operation monthly report, July 1953

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

    Not Available

    1953-08-20

    This document presents a summary of work and progress at the Hanford Engineer Works for July 1953. The report is divided into sections by department. A plant wide general summary is included at the beginning of the report, after which the departmental summaries begin. The Manufacturing Department reports plant statistics, and summaries for the Metal Preparation, Reactor and Separation sections. The Engineering Department`s section summaries work for the Technical, Design, and Project Sections. Costs for the various departments are presented in the Financial Department`s summary. The Medical, Radiological Sciences, Utilities and General Services, Employee and Public Relations, and Community Realmore » Estate and Services departments have sections presenting their monthly statistics, work, progress, and summaries.« less

  6. Hanford Atomic Products Operation monthly report, August 1954

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

    Not Available

    1954-09-17

    This document presents a summary of work and progress at the Hanford Engineer Works for August 1954. The report is divided into sections by department. A plant wide general summary is included at the beginning of the report, after which the departmental summaries begin. The Manufacturing Department report plant statistics, and summaries for the Metal Preparation, Reactor and Separation sections. The Engineering Department`s section summarizes work for the Technical, Design, and Project Sections. Costs for the various departments are presented in the Financial Department`s summary. The Medical, Radiological Sciences, Utilities, and General Services, Employee and Public Relations, and Community Realmore » Estate and Services departments have sections presenting their monthly statistics, work, progress, and summaries.« less

  7. Hanford Atomic Products Operation monthly report, June 1953

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

    Not Available

    1953-07-22

    This document presents a summary of work and progress at the Hanford Engineer Works for June 1953. The report is divided into sections by department. A plant wide general summary is included at the beginning of the report, after which the departmental summaries begin. The Manufacturing Department reports plant statistics, and summaries for the Metal Preparation, Reactor and Separation sections. The Engineering Department`s section summaries work the Technical, Design, and Project Sections. Costs for the various departments are presented in the Financial Department`s summary. The Medical, Radiological Sciences, Utilities and General Services, Employee and Public Relations, and Community Real Estatemore » and Services departments have sections presenting their monthly statistics, work, progress, and summaries.« less

  8. Hanford Atomic Products Operation monthly report, December 1953

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

    Not Available

    1954-01-22

    This document presents a summary of work and progress at the Hanford Engineer Works for December 1953. The report is divided into sections by department. A plant wide general summary is included at the beginning of the report, after which the departmental summaries begin. The Manufacturing Department reports plant statistics, and summaries for the Metal Preparation, Reactor and Separation sections. The Engineering Department`s section summaries work for the Technical, Design, and Project Sections. Costs for the various departments are presented in the Financial Department`s summary. The Medical, Radiological Sciences, Utilities and General Services, Employee and Public Relations, and Community Realmore » Estate and Services departments have sections presenting their monthly statistics, work, progress, and summaries.« less

  9. Hanford Atomic Products Operation monthly report, August 1953

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

    Not Available

    1953-09-18

    This document presents a summary of work and progress at the Hanford Engineer Works for August, 1953. The report is divided into sections by department. A plant wide general summary is included at the beginning of the report, after which the departmental summaries begin. The Manufacturing Department reports plant statistics, and summaries for the Metal Preparation, Reactor and Separation sections. The Engineering Department`s section summarizes work for the Technical, Design, and Project Sections. Costs for the various departments are presented in the Financial Department`s summary. The Medical, Radiological Sciences, Utilities and General Services, Employee and Public Relations, and Community Realmore » Estate and Services departments have sections presenting their monthly statistics, work, progress, and summaries.« less

  10. Vemurafenib beyond progression in a patient with metastatic melanoma: a case report.

    PubMed

    Grimaldi, Antonio M; Simeone, Ester; Palla, Marco; Festino, Lucia; Caracò, Corrado; Mozzillo, Nicola; Petrillo, Antonella; Muto, Paolo; Ascierto, Paolo A

    2015-04-01

    The prognosis of metastatic melanoma has changed markedly in recent years because of the advent of newer targeted therapies such as BRAF inhibitors. However, the response to BRAF inhibitor therapy is frequently nondurable in patients with advanced melanoma. Novel approaches are thus needed to overcome resistance to these agents and to improve the management of advanced melanoma patients after disease progression. Here, we present the case of a 44-year-old man diagnosed with advanced melanoma in July 2010, harboring a BRAF mutation. Melanoma progressed during first-line chemotherapy with dacarbazine, but showed significant benefit after the initiation of vemurafenib on August 2011. Six months later, the patient experienced disease progression in left-obturator lymphadenopathy; still, anti-BRAF treatment was continued together with stereotactic radiotherapy, and was interrupted only shortly for intestinal occlusion secondary to melanoma metastasis of the bowel. When his conditions were stable, after 1 month of vemurafenib treatment discontinuation, anti-BRAF therapy was reinitiated, with a positive outcome. Vemurafenib treatment was definitively discontinued for disease progression in the brain, peritoneum, lymph node, intestine, and skin in March 2013, after about 20 months from initiation, and the patient died a few weeks later. The clinical case presented here shows that treatment beyond progression with vemurafenib can yield a survival benefit in melanoma patients whose disease progresses in a few sites, which can be treated with locoregional therapies. This clinical strategy needs further validation in prospective clinical trials.

  11. [The laboratory of tomorrow. Particular reference to hematology].

    PubMed

    Cazal, P

    1985-01-01

    A serious prediction can only be an extrapolation of recent developments. To be exact, the development has to continue in the same direction, which is only a probability. Probable development of hematological technology: Progress in methods. Development of new labelling methods: radio-elements, antibodies. Monoclonal antibodies. Progress in equipment: Cell counters and their adaptation to routine hemograms is a certainty. From analyzers: a promise that will perhaps become reality. Coagulometers: progress still to be made. Hemagglutination detectors and their application to grouping: good achievements, but the market is too limited. Computerization and automation: What form will the computerizing take? What will the computer do? Who will the computer control? What should the automatic analyzers be? Two current levels. Relationships between the automatic analysers and the computer. rapidity, fidelity and above all, reliability. Memory: large capacity and easy access. Disadvantages: conservatism and technical dependency. How can they be avoided? Development of the environment: Laboratory input: outside supplies, electricity, reagents, consumables. Samples and their identification. Output: distribution of results and communication problems. Centralization or decentralization? What will tomorrow's laboratory be? 3 hypotheses: optimistic, pessimistic, and balanced.

  12. 20. CONSTRUCTION PROGRESS PHOTO OF INSTRUMENT PANEL IN PLACE IN ...

    Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

    20. CONSTRUCTION PROGRESS PHOTO OF INSTRUMENT PANEL IN PLACE IN OPERATING CORRIDOR. INEEL PHOTO NUMBER NRTS-59-6091. - Idaho National Engineering Laboratory, Old Waste Calcining Facility, Scoville, Butte County, ID

  13. Increasing psychotherapists' adoption and implementation of the evidence-based practice of progress monitoring.

    PubMed

    Persons, Jacqueline B; Koerner, Kelly; Eidelman, Polina; Thomas, Cannon; Liu, Howard

    2016-01-01

    Evidence-based practices (EBPs) reach consumers slowly because practitioners are slow to adopt and implement them. We hypothesized that giving psychotherapists a tool + training intervention that was designed to help the therapist integrate the EBP of progress monitoring into his or her usual way of working would be associated with adoption and sustained implementation of the particular progress monitoring tool we trained them to use (the Depression Anxiety Stress Scales on our Online Progress Tracking tool) and would generalize to all types of progress monitoring measures. To test these hypotheses, we developed an online progress monitoring tool and a course that trained psychotherapists to use it, and we assessed progress monitoring behavior in 26 psychotherapists before, during, immediately after, and 12 months after they received the tool and training. Immediately after receiving the tool + training intervention, participants showed statistically significant increases in use of the online tool and of all types of progress monitoring measures. Twelve months later, participants showed sustained use of any type of progress monitoring measure but not the online tool. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  14. Cyclophosphamide's addition in relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma patients with biochemical progression during lenalidomide-dexamethasone treatment.

    PubMed

    Cesini, Laura; Siniscalchi, Agostina; Grammatico, Sara; Andriani, Alessandro; Fiorini, Alessia; De Rosa, Luca; Za, Tommaso; Rago, Angela; Caravita, Tommaso; Petrucci, Maria Teresa

    2018-05-02

    The aim of this study was to evaluate the addition of cyclophosphamide in relapsed-refractory multiple myeloma patients (RRMM) who experienced biochemical relapse or progression without CRAB, during treatment with lenalidomide and dexamethasone (Rd), to slow down the progression in active relapse. This analysis included 31 patients with RRMM treated with Rd who received cyclophosphamide (CRd) at biochemical relapse. The CRd regimen was continued until disease progression. The median number of CRd cycles administered was 8 (range: 1-35). A response was observed in 9 (29%) patients. After a median observation time of 11 months, the median overall survival (OS) from the beginning of CRd was 17.7 months. The median progression-free survival (PFS) from the beginning of CRd was 13.1 months. The addition of cyclophosphamide delays the progression in patients who present a biochemical relapse during Rd treatment. The response rate and the duration of PFS obtained with minimal toxicities and low costs induced us to setting up a randomized clinical trial. © 2018 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

  15. Meniscal Extrusion Progresses Shortly after the Medial Meniscus Posterior Root Tear.

    PubMed

    Furumatsu, Takayuki; Kodama, Yuya; Kamatsuki, Yusuke; Hino, Tomohito; Okazaki, Yoshiki; Ozaki, Toshifumi

    2017-12-01

    Medial meniscus posterior root tears (MMPRT) induce medial meniscus extrusion (MME). However, the time-dependent extent of MME in patients suffering from the MMPRT remains unclear. This study evaluated the extent of MME after painful popping events that occurred at the onset of the MMPRT. Thirty-five patients who had an episode of posteromedial painful popping were investigated. All the patients were diagnosed as having an MMPRT by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) within 12 months after painful popping. Medial meniscus body width (MMBW), absolute MME, and relative MME (100×absolute MME/MMBW) were assessed among three groups divided according to the time after painful popping events: early period (〈1 month), subacute period (1-3 months), and chronic period (4-12 months). In the early period, absolute and relative MMEs were 3.0 mm and 32.7%, respectively. Absolute MME increased up to 4.2 mm and 5.8 mm during the subacute and chronic periods, respectively. Relative MME also progressed to 49.2% and 60.3% in the subacute and chronic periods, respectively. This study demonstrated that absolute and relative MMEs increased progressively within the short period after the onset of symptomatic MMPRT. Our results suggest that early diagnosis of an MMPRT may be important to prevent progression of MME following the MMPRT.

  16. When dementia progresses quickly: a practical approach to the diagnosis and management of rapidly progressive dementia.

    PubMed

    Day, Gregory S; Tang-Wai, David F

    2014-01-01

    Making a diagnosis of rapidly progressive dementia requires practical adaptation of the skills used to assess patients with chronic causes of cognitive impairment. An expedited assessment, commensurate with the accelerated pace of the disease, is required to identify the cause of symptoms amidst a myriad of possibilities. Features upon history, physical examination and cognitive assessment that support specific diagnoses are reviewed, and a stratified approach to testing is presented. The use of readily-accessible investigations is prioritized, acknowledging the implications and applications of novel diagnostic tests. The coordinated use of clinical and laboratory measures are promoted as a means of facilitating rapid evaluation, with the ultimate goal of identifying patients with potentially reversible causes of rapidly progressive dementia.

  17. 1999 LDRD Laboratory Directed Research and Development

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

    Rita Spencer; Kyle Wheeler

    This is the FY 1999 Progress Report for the Laboratory Directed Research and Development (LDRD) Program at Los Alamos National Laboratory. It gives an overview of the LDRD Program, summarizes work done on individual research projects, relates the projects to major Laboratory program sponsors, and provides an index to the principal investigators. Project summaries are grouped by their LDRD component: Competency Development, Program Development, and Individual Projects. Within each component, they are further grouped into nine technical categories: (1) materials science, (2) chemistry, (3) mathematics and computational science, (4) atomic, molecular, optical, and plasma physics, fluids, and particle beams, (5)more » engineering science, (6) instrumentation and diagnostics, (7) geoscience, space science, and astrophysics, (8) nuclear and particle physics, and (9) bioscience.« less

  18. 21. CONSTRUCTION PROGRESS VIEW OF CALCINER VESSEL ON LOW BOY ...

    Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

    21. CONSTRUCTION PROGRESS VIEW OF CALCINER VESSEL ON LOW BOY EN ROUTE TO FACILITY. INEEL PHOTO NUMBER NRTS-60-2487. - Idaho National Engineering Laboratory, Old Waste Calcining Facility, Scoville, Butte County, ID

  19. 22. CONSTRUCTION PROGRESS PHOTO SHOWING WORKERS LOWERING CALCINER VESSEL INTO ...

    Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

    22. CONSTRUCTION PROGRESS PHOTO SHOWING WORKERS LOWERING CALCINER VESSEL INTO CELL THROUGH THE HATCH. INEEL PHOTO NUMBER NRTS-60-2485. - Idaho National Engineering Laboratory, Old Waste Calcining Facility, Scoville, Butte County, ID

  20. Structural MRI correlates of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis progression.

    PubMed

    Senda, Joe; Atsuta, Naoki; Watanabe, Hirohisa; Bagarinao, Epifanio; Imai, Kazunori; Yokoi, Daichi; Riku, Yuichi; Masuda, Michihito; Nakamura, Ryoichi; Watanabe, Hazuki; Ito, Mizuki; Katsuno, Masahisa; Naganawa, Shinji; Sobue, Gen

    2017-11-01

    Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) presents with varying degrees of brain degeneration that can extend beyond the corticospinal tract (CST). Furthermore, the clinical course and progression of ALS varies widely. Brain degeneration detected using structural MRI could reflect disease progression. On study registration, 3-Tesla volumetric MRI and diffusion tensor imaging scans were obtained at baseline in 38 healthy controls and 67 patients with sporadic ALS. Patients had Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Functional Rating Scale-Revised (ALSFRS-R) scores of ≥36 and did not have the chromosome 9, open reading frame 72 repeat expansion. Six months later, changes in ALSFRS-R (ΔALSFRS-R) scores were calculated and patients were grouped into three categories, namely, patients with slow progression with ΔALSFRS-R scores ≤3 (n=19), intermediate progression with ΔALSFRS-R scores =4, 5 and 6 (n=36) and rapid progression with ΔALSFRS-R scores ≥7 (n=12). We analysed voxel-based morphometry and tract-based spatial statistics among these subgroups and controls. In comparison with controls, patients with ALS showed grey matter atrophy and decreased fractional anisotropy beyond the motor cortex and CST, especially in the frontotemporal lobes and basal ganglia. Moreover, the degree of change was highly proportional to ΔALSFRS-R at the 6-month assessment. A more rapid disease progression and poorer functional decline were associated with greater involvement of the extra-motor cortex and basal ganglia, suggesting that the spatial extent of brain involvement can be an indicator of the progression in ALS. © Article author(s) (or their employer(s) unless otherwise stated in the text of the article) 2017. All rights reserved. No commercial use is permitted unless otherwise expressly granted.

  1. What We Do | Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research

    Cancer.gov

    The Frederick National Laboratory is the only U.S. national lab wholly focused on research, technology, and collaboration in the biomedical sciences- working to discover, to innovate, and to improve human health. We accelerate progress against can

  2. Successful treatment of Dandy-Walker syndrome by endoscopic third ventriculostomy in a 6-month-old girl with progressive hydrocephalus: a case report and literature review.

    PubMed

    Hu, Chih-Fen; Fan, Hueng-Chuen; Chang, Cheng-Fu; Wang, Chih-Chien; Chen, Shyi-Jou

    2011-02-01

    Dandy-Walker syndrome (DWS) is a congenital brain malformation involving the cerebellum and fourth ventricle. We report a 6-month-old girl with DWS presenting an initially normal ventricular system and mild cyst-like lesion over the posterior fossa as assessed by postnatal brain sonography. However, symptoms and signs of increased intracranial cerebral pressure in terms of frequent vomiting and tense anterior fontanel developed, and these were associated with mild hypotonia and poor neck support, and upward-gaze palsy at the age of 6 months. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed a huge cystic lesion of the fourth ventricle, which filled the posterior fossa and ventricular dilatation. The tentorium was progressively displaced upward by the cyst. A nearly complete agenesis of the cerebellar vermis was also confirmed. After a successful endoscopic third ventriculostomy, a series of brain magnetic resonance imaging scans, taken during a follow-up survey, showed normal lateral and third ventricles. Consequently, symptoms of intracranial cerebral pressure resolved, and a developmental milestone was achieved. In conclusion, DWS can be confirmed postpartum, and endoscopic third ventriculostomy was found to be a preferential operative procedure for DWS with hydrocephalus. It may be effective for patients younger than 1 year. Copyright © 2011. Published by Elsevier B.V.

  3. Allopurinol Against Progression of Chronic Kidney Disease.

    PubMed

    Golmohammadi, Sima; Almasi, Afshin; Manouchehri, M; Omrani, Hamid Reza; Zandkarimi, Mohammad Reza

    2017-07-01

    Hyperuricemia is common in approximately 50% of patients with kidney failure due to decreased uric acid excretion, and it has been recently known as an independent factor in the progression of renal insufficiency. Allopurinol inhibits the production of uric acid. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of allopurinol on chronic kidney disease progression. In a clinical trial, patients with stages 3 and 4 of chronic kidney disease were divided into two groups to receive allopurinol, 100 mg, daily and placebo for 12 months. Patients' kidney function and serum uric acid levels were assessed at baseline and 3, 6, and 12 months after initial administration. Subgroups of patients with severe and mild glomerular filtration rate (GFR) impairment (GFR, 15 mL/min/1.73 m2 to 30 mL/min/1.73 m2 and 30 mL/min/1.73 m2 to 60 mL/min/1.73 m2, respectively), were compared between the groups. Serum uric acid levels decreased significantly during after 12 months of allopurinol administration (P = .004). In patients with severe GFR impairment, serum creatinine levels did not decrease significantly and there was no significant increase in GFR, but in those with mild GFR impairment, serum creatinine levels decreased and GFR increase significantly (P < .001) after administration of allopurinol. These effects were not observed in the control subgroups. Allopurinol may slow down stage 3 chronic kidney disease progression and could be administered with other effective medications for controlling the kidney disease.

  4. 26 CFR 1.46-5 - Qualified progress expenditures.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-04-01

    ... 26 Internal Revenue 1 2011-04-01 2009-04-01 true Qualified progress expenditures. 1.46-5 Section 1... planning, designing, preparing blueprints, exploring, or securing financing. (ii) The determination of the... construction also does not include research and development activities in a laboratory or experimental setting...

  5. 26 CFR 1.46-5 - Qualified progress expenditures.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-04-01

    ... 26 Internal Revenue 1 2010-04-01 2010-04-01 true Qualified progress expenditures. 1.46-5 Section 1... planning, designing, preparing blueprints, exploring, or securing financing. (ii) The determination of the... construction also does not include research and development activities in a laboratory or experimental setting...

  6. 26 CFR 1.46-5 - Qualified progress expenditures.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-04-01

    ... 26 Internal Revenue 1 2014-04-01 2013-04-01 true Qualified progress expenditures. 1.46-5 Section 1... planning, designing, preparing blueprints, exploring, or securing financing. (ii) The determination of the... construction also does not include research and development activities in a laboratory or experimental setting...

  7. Research on Speech Perception. Progress Report No. 13.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Pisoni, David B.; And Others

    Summarizing research activities in 1987, this is the thirteenth annual report of research on speech perception, analysis, synthesis, and recognition conducted in the Speech Research Laboratory of the Department of Psychology at Indiana University. The report includes extended manuscripts, short reports, progress reports, and information on…

  8. Human Laboratory Paradigms in Alcohol Research

    PubMed Central

    Plebani, Jennifer G.; Ray, Lara A.; Morean, Meghan E.; Corbin, William R.; Mackillop, James; Amlung, Michael; King, Andrea C.

    2014-01-01

    Human laboratory studies have a long and rich history in the field of alcoholism. Human laboratory studies have allowed for advances in alcohol research in a variety of ways, including elucidating of the neurobehavioral mechanisms of risk, identifying phenotypically distinct sub-types of alcohol users, investigating of candidate genes underlying experimental phenotypes for alcoholism, and testing mechanisms of action of alcoholism pharmacotherapies on clinically-relevant translational phenotypes, such as persons exhibiting positive-like alcohol effects or alcohol craving. Importantly, the field of human laboratory studies in addiction has progressed rapidly over the past decade and has built upon earlier findings of alcohol's neuropharmacological effects to advancing translational research on alcoholism etiology and treatment. To that end, the new generation of human laboratory studies has focused on applying new methodologies, further refining alcoholism phenotypes, and translating these findings to studies of alcoholism genetics, medication development, and pharmacogenetics. The combination of experimental laboratory approaches with recent developments in neuroscience and pharmacology has been particularly fruitful in furthering our understanding of the impact of individual differences in alcoholism risk and in treatment response. This review of the literature focuses on human laboratory studies of subjective intoxication, alcohol craving, anxiety, and behavioral economics. Each section discusses opportunities for phenotype refinement under laboratory conditions, as well as its application to translational science of alcoholism. A summary and recommendations for future research are also provided. PMID:22309888

  9. Liver proteomics in progressive alcoholic steatosis

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

    Fernando, Harshica; Wiktorowicz, John E.; Soman, Kizhake V.

    2013-02-01

    Fatty liver is an early stage of alcoholic and nonalcoholic liver disease (ALD and NALD) that progresses to steatohepatitis and other irreversible conditions. In this study, we identified proteins that were differentially expressed in the livers of rats fed 5% ethanol in a Lieber–DeCarli diet daily for 1 and 3 months by discovery proteomics (two-dimensional gel electrophoresis and mass spectrometry) and non-parametric modeling (Multivariate Adaptive Regression Splines). Hepatic fatty infiltration was significantly higher in ethanol-fed animals as compared to controls, and more pronounced at 3 months of ethanol feeding. Discovery proteomics identified changes in the expression of proteins involved inmore » alcohol, lipid, and amino acid metabolism after ethanol feeding. At 1 and 3 months, 12 and 15 different proteins were differentially expressed. Of the identified proteins, down regulation of alcohol dehydrogenase (− 1.6) at 1 month and up regulation of aldehyde dehydrogenase (2.1) at 3 months could be a protective/adaptive mechanism against ethanol toxicity. In addition, betaine-homocysteine S-methyltransferase 2 a protein responsible for methionine metabolism and previously implicated in fatty liver development was significantly up regulated (1.4) at ethanol-induced fatty liver stage (1 month) while peroxiredoxin-1 was down regulated (− 1.5) at late fatty liver stage (3 months). Nonparametric analysis of the protein spots yielded fewer proteins and narrowed the list of possible markers and identified D-dopachrome tautomerase (− 1.7, at 3 months) as a possible marker for ethanol-induced early steatohepatitis. The observed differential regulation of proteins have potential to serve as biomarker signature for the detection of steatosis and its progression to steatohepatitis once validated in plasma/serum. -- Graphical abstract: The figure shows the Hierarchial cluster analysis of differentially expressed protein spots obtained after ethanol feeding for 1

  10. A refuge for inorganic chemistry: Bunsen's Heidelberg laboratory.

    PubMed

    Nawa, Christine

    2014-05-01

    Immediately after its opening in 1855, Bunsen's Heidelberg laboratory became iconic as the most modern and best equipped laboratory in Europe. Although comparatively modest in size, the laboratory's progressive equipment made it a role model for new construction projects in Germany and beyond. In retrospect, it represents an intermediate stage of development between early teaching facilities, such as Liebig's laboratory in Giessen, and the new 'chemistry palaces' that came into existence with Wöhler's Göttingen laboratory of 1860. As a 'transition laboratory,' Bunsen's Heidelberg edifice is of particular historical interest. This paper explores the allocation of spaces to specific procedures and audiences within the laboratory, and the hierarchies and professional rites of passage embedded within it. On this basis, it argues that the laboratory in Heidelberg was tailored to Bunsen's needs in inorganic and physical chemistry and never aimed at a broad-scale representation of chemistry as a whole. On the contrary, it is an example of early specialisation within a chemical laboratory preceding the process of differentiation into chemical sub-disciplines. Finally, it is shown that the relatively small size of this laboratory, and the fact that after ca. 1860 no significant changes were made within the building, are inseparably connected to Bunsen's views on chemistry teaching.

  11. Knee Injuries Are Associated with Accelerated Knee Osteoarthritis Progression: Data from the Osteoarthritis Initiative

    PubMed Central

    Driban, Jeffrey B.; Eaton, Charles B.; Lo, Grace H.; Ward, Robert J.; Lu, Bing; McAlindon, Timothy E.

    2014-01-01

    Objective We aimed to evaluate if a recent knee injury was associated with accelerated knee osteoarthritis (KOA) progression. Methods In the Osteoarthritis Initiative (OAI) we studied participants free of KOA on their baseline radiographs (Kellgren-Lawrence [KL]<2). We compared three groups: 1) individuals with accelerated progression of KOA: defined as having at least one knee that progressed to end-stage KOA (KL Grade 3 or 4) within 48 months, 2) common KOA progression: at least one knee increased in radiographic scoring within 48 months (excluding those defined as accelerated KOA), and 3) no KOA: no change in KL grade in either knee. At baseline, participants were asked if their knees had ever been injured and at each annual visit they were asked about injuries during the prior 12 months. We used multinomial logistic regressions to determine if a new knee injury was associated with the outcome of accelerated KOA or common KOA progression after adjusting for age, sex, body mass index, static knee malalignment, and systolic blood pressure. Results A knee injury during the total observation period was associated with accelerated KOA progression (n=54, odds ratio [OR]=3.14) but not common KOA progression (n=187, OR=1.08). Furthermore, a more recent knee injury (within a year of the outcome) was associated with accelerated (OR=8.46) and common KOA progression (OR=3.12). Conclusion Recent knee injuries are associated with accelerated KOA. Most concerning is that certain injuries may be associated with a rapid cascade towards joint failure in less than one year. PMID:24782446

  12. Clinicopathological features and outcomes of progression of CLL on the BCL2 inhibitor venetoclax.

    PubMed

    Anderson, Mary Ann; Tam, Constantine; Lew, Thomas E; Juneja, Surender; Juneja, Manu; Westerman, David; Wall, Meaghan; Lade, Stephen; Gorelik, Alexandra; Huang, David C S; Seymour, John F; Roberts, Andrew W

    2017-06-22

    The BCL2 inhibitor venetoclax achieves responses in ∼79% of patients with relapsed or refractory chronic lymphocytic leukemia/small lymphocytic lymphoma (RR-CLL/SLL), irrespective of risk factors associated with poor response to chemoimmunotherapy. A limitation of this targeted therapy is progressive disease (PD) in some patients. To define the risk factors for progression, the clinicopathological features of PD, and the outcomes for patients after venetoclax failure, we analyzed 67 heavily pretreated patients on 3 early phase clinical trials. Investigations at progression included positron emission tomography scan and biopsy. Twenty-five (37%) patients manifested PD on therapy: 17 with Richter transformation (RT) and 8 with progressive CLL/SLL. RT occurred significantly earlier (median 7.9 months) than progressive CLL (median 23.4 months) ( P = .003). Among patients who received the recommended phase 2 dose of venetoclax or higher (≥400 mg/d), fludarabine refractoriness and complex karyotype were associated with progression (hazard ratio 7.01 [95% confidence interval 1.7-28.5]; P = .002 and 6.6 [1.5-29.8]; P = .005, respectively), whereas del(17p) and/or TP53 mutation were not ( P = .75). Median postprogression survival was 13 (<1-49.9) months. Bruton tyrosine kinase inhibitors were active in progressive CLL, but outcomes were mixed. Patients with disease that is fludarabine refractory or who have complex cytogenetics should have occult RT excluded before initiating venetoclax therapy. © 2017 by The American Society of Hematology.

  13. Kinetics, prognostic and predictive values of ESR1 circulating mutations in metastatic breast cancer patients progressing on aromatase inhibitor.

    PubMed

    Clatot, Florian; Perdrix, Anne; Augusto, Laetitia; Beaussire, Ludivine; Delacour, Julien; Calbrix, Céline; Sefrioui, David; Viailly, Pierre-Julien; Bubenheim, Michael; Moldovan, Cristian; Alexandru, Cristina; Tennevet, Isabelle; Rigal, Olivier; Guillemet, Cécile; Leheurteur, Marianne; Gouérant, Sophie; Petrau, Camille; Théry, Jean-Christophe; Picquenot, Jean-Michel; Veyret, Corinne; Frébourg, Thierry; Jardin, Fabrice; Sarafan-Vasseur, Nasrin; Di Fiore, Frédéric

    2016-11-15

    To assess the prognostic and predictive value of circulating ESR1 mutation and its kinetics before and after progression on aromatase inhibitor (AI) treatment. ESR1 circulating D538G and Y537S/N/C mutations were retrospectively analyzed by digital droplet PCR after first-line AI failure in patients treated consecutively from 2010 to 2012 for hormone receptor-positive metastatic breast cancer. Progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were analyzed according to circulating mutational status and subsequent lines of treatment. The kinetics of ESR1 mutation before (3 and 6 months) and after (3 months) AI progression were determined in the available archive plasmas. Circulating ESR1 mutations were found at AI progression in 44/144 patients included (30.6%). Median follow-up from AI initiation was 40 months (range 4-94). The median OS was decreased in patients with circulating ESR1 mutation than in patients without mutation (15.5 versus 23.8 months, P=0.0006). The median PFS was also significantly decreased in patients with ESR1 mutation than in patients without mutation (5.9 vs 7 months, P=0.002). After AI failure, there was no difference in outcome for patients receiving chemotherapy (n = 58) versus non-AI endocrine therapy (n=51) in patients with and without ESR1 mutation. ESR1 circulating mutations were detectable in 75% of all cases before AI progression, whereas the kinetics 3 months after progression did not correlate with outcome. ESR1 circulating mutations are independent risk factors for poor outcome after AI failure, and are frequently detectable before clinical progression. Interventional studies based on ESR1 circulating status are warranted.

  14. Cle Elum Supplementation and Research Facility : Monthly Progress Report November 2008.

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

    Cle Elum Supplementation and Research Facility

    2008-12-09

    FISH PRODUCTION: Final shocking of eggs was finished in the incubation. Egg enumeration for the 2008 brood was completed and the eggs are being incubated in 38 degree Fahrenheit chilled water. Don Larsen of NOAA made a request of eggs for research purposes and was able to acquire supplemental line eggs 10,555. Estimated density at the time of ponding in Mid-March of 2009 is approximately 43,869 fry per raceway after calculating an average fry loss of 2%. The end of the month totals for the 2007 brood reports 773,807 juveniles on hand with an overall average of 31.4 fish permore » pound. Tagging continues on the 2007 brood and is on pace to wrap up in early December. FISH CULTURE: Ponds are cleaned as needed and due to the colder water temperatures, the feeding frequency has been changed to three days a week. All ponds are sampled at the end of the month. Growth for production fish are adjusted accordingly as temperature dictates feeding levels. Torrential rain on the 12th turned the Yakima River extremely turbid. Fish tagging operations were halted and the ensuing conditions at the facility intake screens became a concern. Water flow to the wet well became restricted so the decision was made to shut the surface water (river) pumps down and turn on well pumps No.1, No.4 and No.6 to run water to the facility head box. This operation continued for twenty-four hours at which point normal operations were optimal and fish tagging resumed, although the river didn't clear up enough to feed the fish until the 17th. WATER PRODUCTION: The current combined well and river water supply to the complex is 14,822 gallons/minute. Well No.2 is pumping water at a rate of 530 gallons per minute. All four river pumps are in operation and pumping 14,292 gallons/minute. ACCLIMATION SITES: Cle Elum staff has been working to prep the acclimation sites for the upcoming fish transfer before the snow falls. Thermographs at each site are changed weekly. AMB Tools performed routine maintenance

  15. 25. CONSTRUCTION PROGRESS AERIAL VIEW OF WASTE CALCINING FACILITY TAKEN ...

    Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

    25. CONSTRUCTION PROGRESS AERIAL VIEW OF WASTE CALCINING FACILITY TAKEN WHEN STRUCTURE WAS 99 PERCENT COMPLETE. INEEL PHOTO NUMBER NRTS-60-5409. - Idaho National Engineering Laboratory, Old Waste Calcining Facility, Scoville, Butte County, ID

  16. 18. CONSTRUCTION PROGRESS PHOTO SHOWING SURPLUS GUN BARRELS IN PLACE ...

    Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

    18. CONSTRUCTION PROGRESS PHOTO SHOWING SURPLUS GUN BARRELS IN PLACE TO BE USED AS PIPE TUNNELS. INEEL PHOTO NUMBER NRTS-59-925. - Idaho National Engineering Laboratory, Old Waste Calcining Facility, Scoville, Butte County, ID

  17. Nuclear Science User Facilities (NSUF) Monthly Report March 2015

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

    Soelberg, Renae

    Nuclear Science User Facilities (NSUF) Formerly: Advanced Test Reactor National Scientific User Facility (ATR NSUF) Monthly Report February 2015 Highlights; Jim Cole attended the OECD NEA Expert Group on Innovative Structural Materials meeting in Paris, France; Jim Lane and Doug Copsey of Writers Ink visited PNNL to prepare an article for the NSUF annual report; Brenden Heidrich briefed the Nuclear Energy Advisory Committee-Facilities Subcommittee on the Nuclear Energy Infrastructure Database project and provided them with custom reports for their upcoming visits to Argonne National Laboratory, Idaho National Laboratory, Oak Ridge National Laboratory and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology; and Universitymore » of California-Berkeley Principal Investigator Mehdi Balooch visited PNNL to observe measurements and help finalize plans for completing the desired suite of analyses. His visit was coordinated to coincide with the visit of Jim Lane and Doug Copsey.« less

  18. Knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) of 'teaching laboratory' technicians towards laboratory safety and waste management: a pilot interventional study.

    PubMed

    El-Gilany, A-H; El-Shaer, S; Khashaba, E; El-Dakroory, S A; Omar, N

    2017-06-01

    A quasi-experimental study was performed on 20 technicians working in the Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Egypt. The knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) of laboratory technicians was measured before and two months after enrolling them in an intervention programme about laboratory best practice procedures. The programme addressed laboratory safety and medical waste management. The assessment was performed using a validated Arabic self-administered questionnaire. Pre- and post-intervention scores were compared using non-parametric tests. There are significant increases in the scores of KAP after implementation of the training programme. Copyright © 2017 The Healthcare Infection Society. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  19. Developing Technical Writing Skills in the Physical Chemistry Laboratory: A Progressive Approach Employing Peer Review

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Gragson, Derek E.; Hagen, John P.

    2010-01-01

    Writing formal "journal-style" lab reports is often one of the requirements chemistry and biochemistry students encounter in the physical chemistry laboratory. Helping students improve their technical writing skills is the primary reason this type of writing is a requirement in the physical chemistry laboratory. Developing these skills is an…

  20. Development of Accessible Laboratory Experiments for Students with Visual Impairments

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Kroes, KC; Lefler, Daniel; Schmitt, Aaron; Supalo, Cary A.

    2016-01-01

    The hands-on laboratory experiments are frequently what spark students' interest in science. Students who are blind or have low vision (BLV) typically do not get the same experience while participating in hands-on activities due to accessibility. Over the course of approximately nine months, common chemistry laboratory experiments were adapted and…

  1. Progression of Structural Change in the Breast Cancer Genome

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2013-08-01

    CNV !(months!143,!samples!have!already!been!approved!for!use)!.............................!6! 2b:!Develop!and!test!FISH!probes!to! detect !SMRT! CNV ...hormone+ therapy+resistance+–+likely+in+combination+with+some+of+the+other+mutations+identified+here.+ 2b:%Develop%and%test%FISH%probes%to% detect %SMRT% CNV ...4! Task!2:!Determine!impact!of!NCOR2/SMRT! CNV !on!breast!cancer!progression!(months!1424

  2. 16. CONSTRUCTION PROGRESS PHOTO SHOWING SURPLUS GUN BARREL BEING LOWERED ...

    Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

    16. CONSTRUCTION PROGRESS PHOTO SHOWING SURPLUS GUN BARREL BEING LOWERED INTO PLACE FOR USE AS PIPE TUNNEL. INEEL PHOTO NUMBER NRTS-59-709. - Idaho National Engineering Laboratory, Old Waste Calcining Facility, Scoville, Butte County, ID

  3. Mass Transportation in Massachusetts : demonstration project progress report no. 5 - tentative conclusions

    DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

    1963-11-22

    This fifth progress report is submitted twelve months after the initiation of the first MTC-HHFA experiment, and ten months after the start of the large Boston and Maine Railroad. Because of the urgent need to present comprehensive analyses in some d...

  4. Progress of applied superconductivity research at Materials Research Laboratories, ITRI (Taiwan)

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Liu, R. S.; Wang, C. M.

    1995-01-01

    A status report based on the applied high temperature superconductivity (HTS) research at Materials Research Laboratories (MRL), Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI) is given. The aim is to develop fabrication technologies for the high-TC materials appropriate to the industrial application requirements. To date, the majorities of works have been undertaken in the areas of new materials, wires/tapes with long length, prototypes of magnets, large-area thin films, SQUID's and microwave applications.

  5. 1996 Laboratory directed research and development annual report

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

    Meyers, C.E.; Harvey, C.L.; Lopez-Andreas, L.M.

    This report summarizes progress from the Laboratory Directed Research and Development (LDRD) program during fiscal year 1996. In addition to a programmatic and financial overview, the report includes progress reports from 259 individual R&D projects in seventeen categories. The general areas of research include: engineered processes and materials; computational and information sciences; microelectronics and photonics; engineering sciences; pulsed power; advanced manufacturing technologies; biomedical engineering; energy and environmental science and technology; advanced information technologies; counterproliferation; advanced transportation; national security technology; electronics technologies; idea exploration and exploitation; production; and science at the interfaces - engineering with atoms.

  6. Translating a National Laboratory Strategic Plan into action through SLMTA in a district hospital laboratory in Botswana.

    PubMed

    Ntshambiwa, Keoratile; Ntabe-Jagwer, Winnie; Kefilwe, Chandapiwa; Samuel, Fredrick; Moyo, Sikhulile

    2014-01-01

    The Ministry of Health (MOH) of Botswana adopted Strengthening Laboratory Management Toward Accreditation (SLMTA), a structured quality improvement programme, as a key tool for the implementation of quality management systems in its public health laboratories. Coupled with focused mentorship, this programme aimed to help MOH achieve the goals of the National Laboratory Strategic Plan to provide quality and timely clinical diagnoses. This article describes the impact of implementing SLMTA in Sekgoma Memorial Hospital Laboratory (SMHL) in Serowe, Botswana. SLMTA implementation in SMHL included trainings, improvement projects, site visits and focused mentorship. To measure progress, audits using the Stepwise Laboratory Quality Improvement Process Towards Accreditation (SLIPTA) checklist were conducted at baseline and exit of the programme, with scores corresponding to a zero- to five-star scale. Turnaround times, customer satisfaction, and several other health service indicators were tracked. The laboratory scored 53% (zero stars) at the baseline audit and 80% (three stars) at exit. Nearly three years later, the laboratory scored 85% (four stars) in an official audit conducted by the African Society for Laboratory Medicine. Turnaround times became shorter after SLMTA implementation, with reductions ranging 19% to 52%; overall patient satisfaction increased from 56% to 73%; and clinician satisfaction increased from 41% to 72%. Improvements in inventory management led to decreases in discarded reagents, reducing losses from US $18 000 in 2011 to $40 in 2013. The SLMTA programme contributed to enhanced performance of the laboratory, which in turn yielded potential positive impacts for patient care at the hospital.

  7. Continued EGFR-TKI with concurrent radiotherapy to improve time to progression (TTP) in patients with locally progressive non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) after front-line EGFR-TKI treatment.

    PubMed

    Wang, Y; Li, Y; Xia, L; Niu, K; Chen, X; Lu, D; Kong, R; Chen, Z; Sun, J

    2018-03-01

    Epidermal growth factor receptor-tyrosine kinase inhibitor (EGFR-TKI) is the optimal treatment for EGFR-mutant advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, most patients developed systemic or local progression due to acquired EGFR-TKI resistance. This retrospective study aimed to evaluate the feasibility of continued EGFR-TKI with concurrent radiotherapy (CTCRT) in patients with local progression after front-line EGFR-TKI treatment. Advanced NSCLC patients with active EGFR mutation who received EGFR-TKI were treated with CTCRT after local progression. Medical data were analyzed for time to progression (TTP), progression-free survival (PFS), tumor response rate, overall survival (OS) and adverse events. A total of 50 irradiated lesions from 44 patients were included. Median TTP and PFS of measurable lesions (n = 31) were both significantly prolonged after local radiotherapy (TTP1 + TTP2 vs. TTP1: 21.7 vs. 16.0 months, P = 0.010; PFS1 + PFS2 vs. PFS1: 21.3 vs. 16.0 months, P = 0.027). For all lesions (n = 50), objective response rate (ORR) and local tumor control rate (LCR) were 54.0 and 84.0%, respectively. Median OS was 26.6 months. There were no serious adverse events before or after radiotherapy. The treatment modality of CTCRT is considerable and effective for EGFR-mutant NSCLC patients even with local failure from front-line EGFR-TKI treatment.

  8. FY 1999 Annual Self-Evaluation Report of the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory

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

    Randy R. LaBarge

    1999-11-05

    This is a report of the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory's (Pacific Northwest's) FY1999 Annual Self-Evaluation Report. This report summarizes our progress toward accomplishment of the critical outcomes, objectives, and performance indicators as delineated in the FY1999 Performance Evaluation & Fee Agreement. It also summarizes our analysis of the results of Pacific Northwest's Division and Directorate annual self-assessments, and the implementation of our key operational improvement initiatives. Together, these provide an indication of how well we have used our Integrated Assessment processes to identify and plan improvements for FY2000. As you review the report you will find areas of significantly positivemore » progress; you will also note areas where I believe the Laboratory could make improvements. Overall, however, I believe you will be quite pleased to note that we have maintained, or exceeded, the high standards of performance we have set for the Laboratory.« less

  9. Visual field progression in glaucoma: what is the specificity of the Guided Progression Analysis?

    PubMed

    Artes, Paul H; O'Leary, Neil; Nicolela, Marcelo T; Chauhan, Balwantray C; Crabb, David P

    2014-10-01

    To estimate the specificity of the Guided Progression Analysis (GPA) (Carl Zeiss Meditec, Dublin, CA) in individual patients with glaucoma. Observational cohort study. Thirty patients with open-angle glaucoma. In 30 patients with open-angle glaucoma, 1 eye (median mean deviation [MD], -2.5 decibels [dB]; interquartile range, -4.4 to -1.3 dB) was tested 12 times over 3 months (Humphrey Field Analyzer, Carl Zeiss Meditec; SITA Standard, 24-2). "Possible progression" and "likely progression" were determined with the GPA. These analyses were repeated after the order of the tests had been randomly rearranged (1000 unique permutations). Rate of false-positive alerts of "possible progression" and "likely progression" with the GPA. On average, the specificity of the GPA "likely progression" alert was high-for the entire sample, the mean rate of false-positive alerts after 10 follow-up tests was 2.6%. With "possible progression," the specificity was considerably lower (false-positive rate, 18.5%). Most important, the cumulative rate of false-positive alerts varied substantially among patients, from <1% to 80% with "possible progression" and from <0.1% to 20% with "likely progression." Factors associated with false-positive alerts were visual field variability (standard deviation of MD, Spearman's rho = 0.41, P<0.001) and the reliability indices (proportion of false-positive and false-negative responses, fixation losses, rho>0.31, P≤0.10). On average, progression criteria currently used in the GPA have high specificity, but some patients are more likely to show false-positive alerts than others. This is a natural consequence of population-based change criteria and may not matter in clinical trials and studies in which large groups of patients are compared. However, it must be considered when the GPA is used in clinical practice where specificity needs to be controlled for individual patients. Copyright © 2014 American Academy of Ophthalmology. Published by Elsevier Inc

  10. Hanford Atomic Products Operation monthly report for April 1955

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

    Not Available

    1955-05-23

    This document presents a summary of work and progress at the Hanford Engineer Works for April 1955. The report is divided into sections by department. A plant wide general summary is included at the beginning of the report, after which the departmental summaries begin. The Manufacturing Department reports plant statistics, and summaries for the Metal Preparation, Reactor and Separation sections. The Engineering Department`s section summarizes work for the Technical, Design, and Project Sections. Costs for the various departments are presented in the Financial Department`s summary. The Medical, Radiological Sciences, Utilities and General Services, Employee and Public Relations, and Community Realmore » Estate and Services departments have sections presenting their monthly statistics, work, progress, and summaries.« less

  11. Hanford Atomic Products Operation monthly report for May 1956

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

    Not Available

    1956-06-21

    This document presents a summary of work and progress at the Hanford Engineer Works for May, 1956. The report is divided into sections by department. A plant wide general summary is included at the beginning of the report, after which the departmental summaries begin. The Manufacturing department reports plant statistics, and summaries for the Metal Preparation, Reactor and Separation sections. The Engineering Department`s section summarizes work for the Technical, Design, and Project Sections. Costs for the various departments are presented in the financial Department`s summary. The Medical, Radiological Sciences, Utilities and General Services, Employee and Public Relations, and Community Realmore » Estate and Services departments have sections presenting their monthly statistics, work, progress, and summaries.« less

  12. Hanford Atomic Products Operation monthly report for December 1955

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

    Not Available

    1956-01-30

    This document presents a summary of work and progress at the Hanford Engineer Works for December 1955. The report is divided into sections by department. A plant wide general summary is included at the beginning of the report, after which the departmental summaries begin. The Manufacturing Department reports plant statistics, and summaries for the Metal Preparation, Reactor and Separation sections. The Engineering Department`s section summarizes work for the Technical, Design, and Project Sections. Costs for the various departments are presented in the Financial Department`s summary. The Medical, Radiological Sciences, Utilities and General Services, Employee and Public Relations, and Community Realmore » Estate and Services departments have sections presenting their monthly statistics, work, progress, and summaries.« less

  13. Hanford Atomic Products for Operation monthly report, February 1955

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

    Not Available

    1955-03-18

    This document presents a summary of work and progress at the Hanford Engineer Works for February 1955. The report is divided into sections by department. A plant wide general summary is included at the beginning of the report, after which the departmental summaries begin. The Manufacturing Department reports plant statistics, and summaries for the Metal Preparation, Reactor and Separation sections. The Engineering Department`s section summarizes work for the Technical, Design, and Project Sections. Costs for the various departments are presented in the Financial Department`s summary. The Medical, Radiological Sciences, Utilities and General Services, Employee and Public Relations, and Community Realmore » Estate and Services departments have sections presenting their monthly statistics, work, progress, and summaries.« less

  14. Hanford Atomic Products Operation monthly report for September 1954

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

    Not Available

    1954-10-25

    This document presents a summary of work and progress at the Hanford Engineer Works for September 1954. The report is divided into sections by department. A plant wide general summary is included at the beginning of the report, after which the departmental summaries begin. The Manufacturing Department reports plant statistics, and summaries for the Metal Preparation, Reactor and Separation sections. The Engineering Department`s section summaries work for the Technical, Design, and Project Sections. Costs for the various departments are presented in the Financial Department`s summary. The Medical, Radiological Sciences, Utilities and General Services, Employee and Public Relations, and Community Realmore » Estate and Services departments have sections presenting their monthly statistics, work, progress, and summaries.« less

  15. CONSTRUCTION PROGRESS PHOTO SHOWING WEST STORAGE BASIN AT FUEL STORAGE ...

    Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

    CONSTRUCTION PROGRESS PHOTO SHOWING WEST STORAGE BASIN AT FUEL STORAGE BUILDING (CPP-603). INL PHOTO NUMBER NRTS-51-689. Unknown Photographer, 1950 - Idaho National Engineering Laboratory, Idaho Chemical Processing Plant, Fuel Reprocessing Complex, Scoville, Butte County, ID

  16. Mitigating preventable chronic disease: Progress report of the Cleveland Clinic's Lifestyle 180 program

    PubMed Central

    2011-01-01

    Background Poor lifestyle choices are key in development and progression of preventable chronic diseases. The purpose of the study was to design and test a program to mitigate the physical and fiscal consequences of chronic diseases. Methods Here we report the outcomes for 429 participants with one or more chronic conditions, including obesity, hypertension, hyperlipidemia and diabetes mellitus, many of whom had failed traditional disease management programs, who enrolled into a comprehensive lifestyle intervention. The Lifestyle 180 program integrates nutrition, physical activity and stress management interventions and was conducted at the Wellness Institute of the Cleveland Clinic, United States. An intensive 6 week immersion course, with 8 hours of group instruction per week, was followed by 3 follow-up, 4 hour-long sessions over the course of 6 months. Results Changes in biometric (weight, height, waist circumference, resting heart rate and blood pressure) and laboratory variables (fasting lipid panel, blood glucose, insulin, hemoglobin A1c, ultra sensitive C-reactive protein) at 6 months were compared with baseline (pre-post analysis). At week 30, biometric and laboratory data were available for 244 (57%) and 299 (70%) participants, respectively. These had a mean ± SD reduction in weight (6.8 ± 6.9 kg, P < 0.001), waist circumference (6.1 ± 7.3 cm, P < 0.001), glucose (4.5 ± 29.6 mg/dL or 0.25 ± 1.64 mmol/L, P = 0.009), triglycerides (26.4 ± 58.5 mg/dL or 0.30 ± 0.66 mmol/L, P < 0.001), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL) (7.9 ± 25.1 mg/dL or 0.2 ± 0.65 mmol/L, P < 0.001), hemoglobin A1c (HgbA1c) (0.20 ± 0.64%, P = 0.001), insulin (3.8 ± 11 microU/ml or 26.6 ± 76.4 ρmol, P < 0.001) and ultra sensitive C-reactive protein (US - CRP) (0.9 ± 4.8 mg/dL or 7.3 ± 40.2 nmol/L, P = 0.012), an increase in mean high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL) (3.7 ± 8.4 mg/dL or 0.1 ± 0.22, P < 0.001), and decreased use of medications. Conclusion

  17. Kinetics, prognostic and predictive values of ESR1 circulating mutations in metastatic breast cancer patients progressing on aromatase inhibitor

    PubMed Central

    Clatot, Florian; Perdrix, Anne; Augusto, Laetitia; Beaussire, Ludivine; Delacour, Julien; Calbrix, Céline; Sefrioui, David; Viailly, Pierre-Julien; Bubenheim, Michael; Moldovan, Cristian; Alexandru, Cristina; Tennevet, Isabelle; Rigal, Olivier; Guillemet, Cécile; Leheurteur, Marianne; Gouérant, Sophie; Petrau, Camille; Théry, Jean-Christophe; Picquenot, Jean-Michel; Veyret, Corinne; Frébourg, Thierry; Jardin, Fabrice

    2016-01-01

    Purpose To assess the prognostic and predictive value of circulating ESR1 mutation and its kinetics before and after progression on aromatase inhibitor (AI) treatment. Patients and methods ESR1 circulating D538G and Y537S/N/C mutations were retrospectively analyzed by digital droplet PCR after first-line AI failure in patients treated consecutively from 2010 to 2012 for hormone receptor-positive metastatic breast cancer. Progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were analyzed according to circulating mutational status and subsequent lines of treatment. The kinetics of ESR1 mutation before (3 and 6 months) and after (3 months) AI progression were determined in the available archive plasmas. Results Circulating ESR1 mutations were found at AI progression in 44/144 patients included (30.6%). Median follow-up from AI initiation was 40 months (range 4-94). The median OS was decreased in patients with circulating ESR1 mutation than in patients without mutation (15.5 versus 23.8 months, P=0.0006). The median PFS was also significantly decreased in patients with ESR1 mutation than in patients without mutation (5.9 vs 7 months, P=0.002). After AI failure, there was no difference in outcome for patients receiving chemotherapy (n = 58) versus non-AI endocrine therapy (n=51) in patients with and without ESR1 mutation. ESR1 circulating mutations were detectable in 75% of all cases before AI progression, whereas the kinetics 3 months after progression did not correlate with outcome. Conclusion ESR1 circulating mutations are independent risk factors for poor outcome after AI failure, and are frequently detectable before clinical progression. Interventional studies based on ESR1 circulating status are warranted. PMID:27801670

  18. Sorafenib for the Treatment of Progressive Metastatic Medullary Thyroid Cancer: Efficacy and Safety Analysis.

    PubMed

    de Castroneves, Luciana Audi; Negrão, Marcelo Vailati; de Freitas, Ricardo Miguel Costa; Papadia, Carla; Lima, José Viana; Fukushima, Julia T; Simão, Eduardo Furquim; Kulcsar, Marco Aurélio Vamondes; Tavares, Marcos Roberto; Jorge, Alexander Augusto de Lima; de Castro, Gilberto; Hoff, Paulo Marcelo; Hoff, Ana Oliveira

    2016-03-01

    Treatment of advanced medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) was recently improved with the approval of vandetanib and cabozantinib. However, there is still a need to explore sequential therapy with more than one tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) and to explore alternative therapies when vandetanib and cabozantinib are not available. This study reports the authors' experience with sorafenib as a treatment for advanced MTC. This is a retrospective longitudinal study of 13 patients with progressive metastatic MTC treated with sorafenib 400 mg twice daily between December 2011 and January 2015. The primary endpoints were to evaluate response and progression-free survival (PFS) in patients treated with sorafenib outside a clinical trial. The secondary endpoint was an assessment of the toxicity profile. One patient was excluded because of a serious allergic skin rash one week after starting sorafenib. The analysis included 12 patients with metastatic MTC (median age 48 years), 10 with sporadic and 2 with hereditary disease. The median duration of treatment was 11 months, and the median follow-up was 15.5 months. At data cutoff, 2/12 (16%) patients were still on treatment for 16 and 34 months. According to Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors analysis, 10 (83.3%) patients showed stable disease, and two (16.6%) had progression of disease; no partial response was observed. The median PFS was nine months. However, three patients with extensive and rapidly progressive disease died within three months of sorafenib treatment. The median PFS excluding these three patients was 12 months. Adverse events (AE) occurred in nine (75%) patients. The main AEs were skin toxicity, weight loss, and fatigue. Five (41.6%) patients needed dose reduction, and one patient discontinued treatment because of toxicity. Treatment with sorafenib in progressive metastatic MTC is well tolerated and resulted in disease control and durable clinical benefit in 75% of patients. Sorafenib treatment

  19. Present status and perspective of laboratory hematology in Japan: On the standardization of blood cell morphology including myelodysplasia: On behalf of the Japanese Society for Laboratory Hematology.

    PubMed

    Tohyama, K

    2018-05-01

    The Japanese Society for Laboratory Hematology (JSLH) was launched in 2000 and has been developed by a mutual collaboration of hematologists, medical technologists, and the companies involved in hematological laboratory testing. The aim of JSLH is the progress and development of laboratory hematology by academic conferences, periodic publication of academic journal, training and education (in the meeting, the journal, or the website), promotion of the standardization of laboratory hematology, and certification of the laboratory hematology specialists. Among 3 specialized committees organized for the standardization of laboratory hematology, the standardization committee on blood cell morphology has been dealing with the various projects on peripheral/bone marrow blood cells and normal/abnormal morphology. Another independent organization, the Japanese National Research Group on idiopathic bone marrow failure syndromes (BMF), has raised the importance of the dysplasia of myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) and has been conducting the prospective registration, central review, and follow-up study of MDS. This group recently proposed the grading system for diagnostic accuracy of MDS, and the detailed procedure of morphological diagnosis of MDS is presented in the specialized color atlas with typical photographs of various dysplasia. JSLH has also approved the grading system for diagnostic accuracy of MDS and adopted this standardized diagnostic system to the educational item for certification of the laboratory hematology specialists, aiming at a nationwidely expanding morphological evaluation of myelodysplasia. Further and significant progress in the standardization of blood cell morphology will be expected in Japan through the activity of JSLH. © 2018 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

  20. Final Progress Report for Ionospheric Dusty Plasma In the Laboratory [Smokey Plasma

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

    Robertson, Scott

    2010-07-31

    “Ionospheric Dusty Plasma in the Laboratory” is a research project with the purpose of finding and reproducing the characteristics of plasma in the polar mesosphere that is unusually cold (down to 140 K) and contains nanometer-sized dust particles. This final progress report summarizes results from four years of effort that include a final year with a no-cost extension.

  1. Progression of cartilage damage and meniscal pathology over 30 months is associated with an increase in radiographic tibiofemoral joint space narrowing in persons with knee OA--the MOST study.

    PubMed

    Crema, M D; Nevitt, M C; Guermazi, A; Felson, D T; Wang, K; Lynch, J A; Marra, M D; Torner, J; Lewis, C E; Roemer, F W

    2014-10-01

    To determine the association of MRI-assessed worsening of tibiofemoral cartilage damage, meniscal damage, meniscal extrusion, separately and together, with progression of radiographic joint space narrowing (JSN). The Multicenter Osteoarthitis Study (MOST) Study is a cohort study of subjects with or at risk for knee osteoarthritis (OA). Knees with radiographic OA Kellgren-Lawrence grade 2 at baseline and with baseline and 30-month 1.0 T MRIs were selected for reading using the WORMS system for cartilage damage, meniscal damage, and meniscal extrusion. The association of worsening of cartilage damage, meniscal damage, and/or meniscal extrusion with increases in the JSN was performed using logistic regression. A total of 276 knees (one per subject) were included (women 68.5%, mean age 62.9 ± 7.8, mean body mass index (BMI) 30.2 ± 5.0). Worsening of each MRI feature was associated with any increase in JSN (P < 0.01). Worsening of cartilage damage was more frequently observed than worsening of meniscal damage and extrusion, and was significantly associated with both slow and fast progression of JSN. An increasing risk of JSN worsening was associated with increasing number of worsening MRI features (P for trend < 0.0001). Worsening of tibiofemoral cartilage damage, meniscal damage, and meniscal extrusion are independent predictors of JSN progression in the same compartment. Worsening of cartilage damage is more frequently observed in JSN when compared to meniscal worsening. A strong cumulative effect on JSN progression is observed for worsening of more than one MRI feature. Copyright © 2014 Osteoarthritis Research Society International. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  2. SYSTEM DESIGN FOR A CONTINUOUS PROGRESS SCHOOL--PART III, THE INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS CENTER.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    COGSWELL, JOHN F.; EGBERT, ROBERT L.

    THE INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS CENTER (IMC) OF THE CONTINUOUS PROGRESS SCHOOL WAS DESCRIBED. THE CONTINUOUS PROGRESS SCHOOL PLAN WAS DEVISED BY DR. EDWIN READ AND WAS BEING DEVELOPED AT THE LABORATORY SCHOOL OF BRIGHAM YOUNG UNIVERSITY. THIS REPORT DESCRIBED HOW AN IMC MIGHT OPERATE RATHER THAN HOW ONE IS OPERATING OR IS PLANNED TO OPERATE. AS…

  3. Progress 33P undock

    NASA Image and Video Library

    2009-06-30

    ISS020-E-015987 (30 June 2009) --- An unpiloted ISS Progress 33 cargo craft, filled with trash and unneeded items, departs from the International Space Station?s Pirs Docking Compartment at 1:30 p.m. (CDT) on June 30, 2009. The Progress was commanded into a parking orbit for its re-rendezvous with the ISS on July 12, approaching to within 10-15 meters of the Zvezda Service Module to test new automated rendezvous equipment mounted on Zvezda during a pair of spacewalks earlier this month by Gennady Padalka and Mike Barratt that will be used to guide the new Mini-Research Module-2 (MRM2) to an unpiloted docking to the zenith port of Zvezda later this year. MRM2 will serve as a new docking port for Russian spacecraft and an additional airlock for spacewalks conducted out of the Russian segment.

  4. Therapeutic Effect of Recombinant Adenovirus Encoding Interferon-γ in a Murine Model of Progressive Pulmonary Tuberculosis.

    PubMed

    Mata-Espinosa, Dulce A; Mendoza-Rodríguez, Valentin; Aguilar-León, Diana; Rosales, Ricardo; López-Casillas, Fernando; Hernández-Pando, Rogelio

    2008-06-01

    We constructed recombinant adenoviruses encoding murine interferon-γ (AdIFNγ) and tested its therapeutic efficiency in a well characterized model of progressive pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) in Balb/c mice, infected through the trachea with the laboratory drug-susceptible H37Rv strain or multidrug-resistant (MDR) clinical isolate. When the disease was in a late phase, 2 months after infection, we administered by intratracheal cannulation a single dose [1.7 × 10 9 plaque forming units (pfu)] of AdIFNγ or the control adenovirus. Groups of mice were killed at different time-points and the lungs were examined to determine bacilli colony forming units (CFU), cytokine/chemokine gene expression, and CD4/CD8 subpopulations, and also subjected to automated histomorphometry. In comparison with the control group, after 2 weeks of treatment and during the next 6 months, AdIFNγ-treated animals infected with either the H37Rv strain or the MDR strain showed significantly lower bacilli loads and tissue damage (pneumonia), higher expressions of IFN-γ, tumor necrosis factor (TNF), and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), and bigger granulomas. When compared with the results from conventional chemotherapy or AdIFNγ treatment alone, the combined treatment with AdIFNγ plus conventional chemotherapy shortened the time taken for reduction of bacillary load. This shows that gene therapy with AdIFNγ efficiently reconstituted the protective immune response and controlled the progress of pulmonary TB produced by MDR or non-MDR strains. Copyright © 2008 The American Society of Gene Therapy. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  5. CONSTRUCTION PROGRESS PHOTO SHOWING EXCAVATION PIT FOR MAIN PROCESSING BUILDING ...

    Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

    CONSTRUCTION PROGRESS PHOTO SHOWING EXCAVATION PIT FOR MAIN PROCESSING BUILDING (CPP-601) LOOKING SOUTH. INL PHOTO NUMBER NRTS-50-693. Unknown Photographer, 1950 - Idaho National Engineering Laboratory, Idaho Chemical Processing Plant, Fuel Reprocessing Complex, Scoville, Butte County, ID

  6. Annual Progress Report - Fiscal Year 1982

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1982-10-01

    activity . A published method developed in our laboratory for determining tne antibacterial activity of mouse peritoneal phagocytes in vivo (1) has been...EDITOR’S NOTE This FY 1982 Annual Progress report is a general review of research activities of the U. S. Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious...years earlier. Passive immunization, active immunization using killed or living attenuated whole agent, or immunization with sub-unit antigens achieved

  7. Challenges to laboratory hematology practice: Egypt perspective.

    PubMed

    Rizk, S H

    2018-05-01

    Laboratory hematology is an integral part of all clinical laboratories along the extensive healthcare facilities in Egypt. The aim of this review is to portrait the laboratory hematology practice in Egypt including its unique socioeconomic background, blood disease pattern, education and training, regulatory oversight, and the related challenges. Current practice varies widely between different parts of the healthcare system in terms of the range of tests, applied techniques, workforce experience, and quality of service. The national transfusion service (NBTS) in Egypt has been recently upgraded and standardized according to the World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines. Formal postgraduate education roughly follows the British system. Laboratory hematology specialization is achieved through 2-3 years masters' degree followed by 2-4 years doctorate degree in clinical pathology with training and research in hematology. Improvement of laboratory hematology education is recently undergoing a reform as a part of the modernization of higher education policy and following the standards developed by the National Quality Assurance and Accreditation Agency (NQAAA). Accreditation of medical laboratories is recently progressing with the development of the "Egyptian Accreditation Council" (EGAC) as the sole accreditation body system and training of assessors. Current laboratory system has many challenges, some are related to the inadequate system performance, and others are unique to laboratory hematology issues. The rapid technological advances and therapeutic innovations in hematology practice call for an adapting laboratory system with continuous upgrading. © 2018 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

  8. Implementing and measuring the level of laboratory service integration in a program setting in Nigeria.

    PubMed

    Mbah, Henry; Negedu-Momoh, Olubunmi Ruth; Adedokun, Oluwasanmi; Ikani, Patrick Anibbe; Balogun, Oluseyi; Sanwo, Olusola; Ochei, Kingsley; Ekanem, Maurice; Torpey, Kwasi

    2014-01-01

    The surge of donor funds to fight HIV&AIDS epidemic inadvertently resulted in the setup of laboratories as parallel structures to rapidly respond to the identified need. However these parallel structures are a threat to the existing fragile laboratory systems. Laboratory service integration is critical to remedy this situation. This paper describes an approach to quantitatively measure and track integration of HIV-related laboratory services into the mainstream laboratory services and highlight some key intervention steps taken, to enhance service integration. A quantitative before-and-after study conducted in 122 Family Health International (FHI360) supported health facilities across Nigeria. A minimum service package was identified including management structure; trainings; equipment utilization and maintenance; information, commodity and quality management for laboratory integration. A check list was used to assess facilities at baseline and 3 months follow-up. Level of integration was assessed on an ordinal scale (0 = no integration, 1 = partial integration, 2 = full integration) for each service package. A composite score grading expressed as a percentage of total obtainable score of 14 was defined and used to classify facilities (≤ 80% FULL, 25% to 79% PARTIAL and <25% NO integration). Weaknesses were noted and addressed. We analyzed 9 (7.4%) primary, 104 (85.2%) secondary and 9 (7.4%) tertiary level facilities. There were statistically significant differences in integration levels between baseline and 3 months follow-up period (p<0.01). Baseline median total integration score was 4 (IQR 3 to 5) compared to 7 (IQR 4 to 9) at 3 months follow-up (p = 0.000). Partial and fully integrated laboratory systems were 64 (52.5%) and 0 (0.0%) at baseline, compared to 100 (82.0%) and 3 (2.4%) respectively at 3 months follow-up (p = 0.000). This project showcases our novel approach to measure the status of each laboratory on the integration continuum.

  9. Rapidly progressive idiopathic lenticular astigmatism.

    PubMed

    Tint, Naing L; Jayaswal, Rakesh; Masood, Imran; Maharajan, V Senthil

    2007-02-01

    A myopic 43-year-old woman with early nuclear sclerotic cataract developed more than 11.0 diopters (D) of astigmatism over a 6-month period. This was found to be lenticular in origin. Phacoemulsification with intraocular lens implantation was performed, resulting in residual astigmatism of 0.75 D. To our knowledge, this is the first case of rapidly progressive lenticular astigmatism in an otherwise healthy eye with early nuclear sclerotic cataract.

  10. Microaneurysm turnover is a predictor of diabetic retinopathy progression.

    PubMed

    Pappuru, Rajeev K R; Ribeiro, Luísa; Lobo, Conceição; Alves, Dalila; Cunha-Vaz, José

    2018-04-26

    To analyse retinopathy phenotypes and microaneurysm (MA) turnover in mild non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy (NPDR) as predictors of progression to diabetic central-involved macular oedema (CIMO) in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) in two different ethnic populations. 205 patients with type 2 DM and mild NPDR were followed in a prospective observational study for 2 years or until development of CIMO, in two centres from different regions of the world. Ophthalmological examinations, including best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), fundus photography with RetmarkerDR analysis, and optical coherence tomography (OCT), were performed at baseline and 6 12 and 24 months. 158 eyes/patients reached either the study endpoint, CIMO (24) or performed the last study visit (24-month visit) without developing CIMO (134). From the eyes/patients in analysis, 27 eyes (17.1%) progressed to more advanced ETDRS (Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study) levels: 6 progressed to mild NPDR (level 35), 15 progressed to moderate NPDR (level 43), 5 progressed to moderately severe NPDR (level 47) and 1 progressed to high risk PDR (level 71). Worsening in ETDRS level is associated with phenotype C (p=0.005). From the 130 eyes/patients with a low MA turnover, 18 (13.8%) eyes/patients had an increase in ETDRS level, and from the 19 eyes/patients with a high MA turnover, 9 (47.4%) had an increase in ETDRS level (p<0.001). Eyes in the initial stages of diabetic retinopathy show different phenotypes with different risks for progression to CIMO. In phenotype C, MA turnover correlates with ETDRS grading worsening and development of CIMO. © Article author(s) (or their employer(s) unless otherwise stated in the text of the article) 2018. All rights reserved. No commercial use is permitted unless otherwise expressly granted.

  11. Space debris measurement program at Phillips Laboratory

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Dao, Phan D.; Mcnutt, Ross T.

    1992-01-01

    Ground-based optical sensing was identified as a technique for measuring space debris complementary to radar in the critical debris size range of 1 to 10 cm. The Phillips Laboratory is building a staring optical sensor for space debris measurement and considering search and track optical measurement at additional sites. The staring sensor is implemented in collaboration with Wright Laboratory using the 2.5 m telescope at Wright Patterson AFB, Dayton, Ohio. The search and track sensor is designed to detect and track orbital debris in tasked orbits. A progress report and a discussion of sensor performance and search and track strategies will be given.

  12. Long-term outcome in BRAF(V600E) melanoma patients treated with vemurafenib: Patterns of disease progression and clinical management of limited progression.

    PubMed

    Puzanov, Igor; Amaravadi, Ravi K; McArthur, Grant A; Flaherty, Keith T; Chapman, Paul B; Sosman, Jeffrey A; Ribas, Antoni; Shackleton, Mark; Hwu, Patrick; Chmielowski, Bartosz; Nolop, Keith B; Lin, Paul S; Kim, Kevin B

    2015-07-01

    Vemurafenib induces tumour regression in most patients with BRAF(V600E)-mutant melanoma; eventually, most experience progressive disease (PD). Long-term follow-up of patients with BRAF(V600E) melanoma treated in the phase 1 vemurafenib trial is reported. Patients received vemurafenib 240-1120 mg (dose escalation cohort) or 960 mg (extension cohort) orally twice daily. Clinical response was evaluated every 8 weeks by Response Evaluation Criteria In Solid Tumors (RECIST). Patients with PD amenable to local therapy (surgery or radiotherapy) were allowed to continue vemurafenib after progression. Overall survival (OS) from time of treatment initiation and from PD was estimated. Sites of PD were recorded. Forty-eight patients (escalation cohort, n = 16; extension cohort, n = 32) received therapeutic doses of vemurafenib (⩾ 240 mg twice daily). Forty-four patients had PD by the time of this analysis and four remained progression free (follow-up time, 1.2-56.1 months). Median OS was 14 months (range, 1.2-56.1); 3- and 4-year melanoma-specific survival rate in the extension cohort was 26% and 19%, respectively. Median OS was 26.0 months (range, 7.7-56.1) among 20 patients who continued vemurafenib after local therapy. Median treatment duration beyond initial PD was 3.8 months (range, 1.1-26.6). In the extension cohort, six and five patients were alive after 3 and 4 years, respectively, on vemurafenib monotherapy. Some patients with melanoma achieved long-term survival with vemurafenib monotherapy. Continuation of vemurafenib after PD might be beneficial in some patients because remaining disease might continue to respond to BRAF inhibition. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  13. Progressive outer retinal necrosis associated with occlusive vasculitis in acquired immunodeficiency syndrome.

    PubMed

    Tseng, Chien-Chi; Chen, San-Ni; Hwang, Jiunn-Feng; Lin, Chun-Ju; Chen, Huan-Sheng

    2015-05-01

    A 45-year-old man, a case of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, received a highly active antiretroviral therapy at the outpatient service for 4 years without regular follow-up. He experienced progressively blurred vision for 6 months and a cutaneous zoster on his back 3 months ago. He was diagnosed with progressive outer retinal necrosis by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism using an aqueous humor sample, which revealed an existence of varicella zoster virus. He was given a combination of systemic, intravitreal antiviral and a highly active antiretroviral therapy. Occlusive vasculitis, an unusual finding for progressive outer retinal necrosis, developed in both eyes 1 week after the secondary intravitreal injection. Unfortunately, his vision deteriorated to no light perception in both eyes within 2 weeks. Progressive outer retinal necrosis is characterized clinically as showing minimal or no inflammation in the aqueous and vitreous humors, absence of retinal vasculitis, and patches of yellowish spots located deep in the retina. Physicians should pay attention to this rare case of progressive outer retinal necrosis associated occlusive vasculitis with very poor prognosis in spite of aggressive treatment. Copyright © 2015. Published by Elsevier B.V.

  14. Progressive lenticular astigmatism in the clear lens.

    PubMed

    Tatham, Andrew; Prydal, Jeremy

    2008-03-01

    We describe a case of progressive lenticular astigmatism in a 53-year-old man with a clear lens. The patient acquired 5 diopters of lenticular astigmatism in his right eye over an 18-month period. The visual acuity was reduced to 6/60. Following phacoemulsification and intraocular lens implantation, the uncorrected visual acuity was 6/5. Progressive astigmatism is usually corneal in origin and in an otherwise healthy eye, significant lenticular astigmatism is rare. When lenticular astigmatism occurs, it is usually associated with a cortical cataract; however, astigmatism may precede the development of a clinically visible cataract.

  15. Electronic laboratory system reduces errors in National Tuberculosis Program: a cluster randomized controlled trial.

    PubMed

    Blaya, J A; Shin, S S; Yale, G; Suarez, C; Asencios, L; Contreras, C; Rodriguez, P; Kim, J; Cegielski, P; Fraser, H S F

    2010-08-01

    To evaluate the impact of the e-Chasqui laboratory information system in reducing reporting errors compared to the current paper system. Cluster randomized controlled trial in 76 health centers (HCs) between 2004 and 2008. Baseline data were collected every 4 months for 12 months. HCs were then randomly assigned to intervention (e-Chasqui) or control (paper). Further data were collected for the same months the following year. Comparisons were made between intervention and control HCs, and before and after the intervention. Intervention HCs had respectively 82% and 87% fewer errors in reporting results for drug susceptibility tests (2.1% vs. 11.9%, P = 0.001, OR 0.17, 95%CI 0.09-0.31) and cultures (2.0% vs. 15.1%, P < 0.001, OR 0.13, 95%CI 0.07-0.24), than control HCs. Preventing missing results through online viewing accounted for at least 72% of all errors. e-Chasqui users sent on average three electronic error reports per week to the laboratories. e-Chasqui reduced the number of missing laboratory results at point-of-care health centers. Clinical users confirmed viewing electronic results not available on paper. Reporting errors to the laboratory using e-Chasqui promoted continuous quality improvement. The e-Chasqui laboratory information system is an important part of laboratory infrastructure improvements to support multidrug-resistant tuberculosis care in Peru.

  16. CONSTRUCTION PROGRESS PHOTO SHOWING EXCAVATION PIT FOR MAIN PROCESSING BUILDING ...

    Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

    CONSTRUCTION PROGRESS PHOTO SHOWING EXCAVATION PIT FOR MAIN PROCESSING BUILDING (CPP-601) LOOKING NORTHWEST. INL PHOTO NUMBER NRTS-50-885. Unknown Photographer, 10/30/1950 - Idaho National Engineering Laboratory, Idaho Chemical Processing Plant, Fuel Reprocessing Complex, Scoville, Butte County, ID

  17. CONSTRUCTION PROGRESS PHOTO SHOWING EMPLACEMENT STEEL BEAMS FUEL STORAGE BUILDING ...

    Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

    CONSTRUCTION PROGRESS PHOTO SHOWING EMPLACEMENT STEEL BEAMS FUEL STORAGE BUILDING (CPP-603) LOOKING EAST. INL PHOTO NUMBER NRTS-51-1371. Unknown Photographer, 1/31/1951 - Idaho National Engineering Laboratory, Idaho Chemical Processing Plant, Fuel Reprocessing Complex, Scoville, Butte County, ID

  18. Beverly Hayes | Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research

    Cancer.gov

    Employee name: Bev Hayes Directorate: Management Operations Department or lab: Contracts and Acquisitions How many years have you worked at the Frederick National Laboratory? Four months going on one year! Job responsibilities: With the C&A manageme

  19. Astronaut Voss Works in the Destiny Laboratory

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    2001-01-01

    In this photograph, Astronaut James Voss, flight engineer of Expedition Two, performs a task at a work station in the International Space Station (ISS) Destiny Laboratory, or U.S. Laboratory, as Astronaut Scott Horowitz, STS-105 mission commander, floats through the hatchway leading to the Unity node. After spending five months aboard the orbital outpost, the ISS Expedition Two crew was replaced by Expedition Three and returned to Earth aboard the STS-105 Space Shuttle Discovery on August 22, 2001. The Orbiter Discovery was launched from the Kennedy Space Center on August 10, 2001.

  20. Los Alamos National Laboratory Science Education Program. Annual progress report, October 1, 1995--September 30, 1996

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

    Gill, D.H.

    1997-01-01

    The National Teacher Enhancement program (NTEP) is a three-year, multi-laboratory effort funded by the National Science Foundation and the Department of Energy to improve elementary school science programs. The Los Alamos National Laboratory targets teachers in northern New Mexico. FY96, the third year of the program, involved 11 teams of elementary school teachers (grades 4-6) in a three-week summer session, four two-day workshops during the school year and an on-going planning and implementation process. The teams included twenty-one teachers from 11 schools. Participants earned a possible six semester hours of graduate credit for the summer institute and two hours formore » the academic year workshops from the University of New Mexico. The Laboratory expertise in the earth and environmental science provided the tie between the Laboratory initiatives and program content, and allowed for the design of real world problems.« less

  1. 1992 Environmental monitoring report, Sandia National Laboratories, Albuquerque, New Mexico

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

    Culp, T.; Cox, W.; Hwang, H.

    1993-09-01

    This 1992 report contains monitoring data from routine radiological and nonradiological environmental surveillance activities. summaries of significant environmental compliance programs in progress, such as National Environmental Policy Act documentation, environmental permits, envirorunental restoration, and various waste management programs for Sandia National Laboratories in Albuquerque, New Mexico, are included. The maximum offsite dose impact was calculated to be 0.0034 millirem. The total population within a 50-mile radius of Sandia National Laboratories/New Mexico received an estimated collective dose of 0.019 person-rem during 1992 from the laboratories` operations. As in the previous year, the 1992 operations at Sandia National Laboratories/New Mexico had nomore » discernible impact on the general public or on the environment.« less

  2. Vice President Pence Tours Jet Propulsion Laboratory

    NASA Image and Video Library

    2018-04-28

    JPL Director Michael Watkins, left, explains to U.S. Vice President Mike Pence, daughter of Mike Pence, Charlotte Pence, and wife of Mike Pence, Karen Pence the progress for the Mars 2020 mission while inside the Spacecraft Assembly Facility (SAF) during a tour of NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Saturday, April 28, 2018 in Pasadena, California. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

  3. CONSTRUCTION PROGRESS PHOTO OF REMOTE ANALYTICAL FACILITY (CPP627). INL PHOTO ...

    Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

    CONSTRUCTION PROGRESS PHOTO OF REMOTE ANALYTICAL FACILITY (CPP-627). INL PHOTO NUMBER NRTS-54-12124. Unknown Photographer, 9/21/1954 - Idaho National Engineering Laboratory, Idaho Chemical Processing Plant, Fuel Reprocessing Complex, Scoville, Butte County, ID

  4. U.S. Army Aeromedical Research Laboratory Annual Progress Report Fiscal Year 2009

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2010-02-10

    Warfighter. During FY09, the CADB investigated the effects of TBI, sleep deprivation, substance use /misuse (licit and illicit), pre- morbid ...and standard of visual aids and equipment used in these teaching sessions. ALSERP personnel also visited Auburn University as part of a USAARL...dismounted Warfighters. The IBB team uses various standardized and unique methods (e.g., epidemiological research, computer modeling , laboratory

  5. An Alternative to the Physiological Psychology Laboratory: Identification of an Unknown Drug Through Behavioral Testing.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Schumacher, Susan J.

    1982-01-01

    A laboratory project introduced physiological psychology students to research by requiring them to identify an unknown drug given to laboratory animals. Students read material about drugs and animal drug studies, designed behavioral tests, constructed the testing apparatus, conducted the tests, and wrote progress reports. (SR)

  6. Alkaptonuria diagnosed in a 4-month-old baby girl: a case report

    PubMed Central

    Datta, Asok K; Mandal, Syamali; Dasgupta, Anindya; Ghosh, Tarun K

    2008-01-01

    The mother of a four month old female baby attended in the well baby clinic with the complaint of black staining of the diaper after few minutes of urination. The baby was born of a non consanguineous marriage, healthy and breast fed. Mother noticed that stain first at the age of two and half month. The urine when kept in a test tube for two hours turned black. Laboratory examination of urine revealed increased concentration of homogentisic acid. The patient was diagnosed as alkaptonuria. PMID:19014543

  7. Plasma D-dimer as a predictor of the progression of abdominal aortic aneurysm.

    PubMed

    Vele, E; Kurtcehajic, A; Zerem, E; Maskovic, J; Alibegovic, E; Hujdurovic, A

    2016-11-01

    Essentials D-dimer could provide important information about abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) progression. The greatest diameter of the infrarenal aorta and the value of plasma D-dimer were determined. AAA progression is correlated with increasing plasma D-dimer levels. The increasing value of plasma D-dimer could be a predictor of aneurysm progression. Background The natural course of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is mostly asymptomatic and unpredictable. D-dimer could provide potentially important information about subsequent AAA progression. Objectives The aims of this study were to establish the relationship between the progression of an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) and plasma D-dimer concentration over a 12-month period and determine the value of plasma D-dimer in patients with sub-aneurysmal aortic dilatation. Patients/Methods This was a prospective observational study that involved 33 patients with an AAA, 30 patients with sub-aneurysmal aortic dilatation and 30 control subjects. The greatest diameter of the infrarenal aorta, which was assessed by ultrasound, and the value of plasma D-dimer were determined for all subjects at baseline assessment, as well as after 12 months for those with an AAA. Results A positive correlation was found between the diameter of an AAA and plasma D-dimer concentration at the baseline and the control measurement stages. There was a strong positive correlation between AAA progression and increasing plasma D-dimer concentration over a 12-month period. Among patients with sub-aneurysmal aortic dilatation (n = 30), the value of plasma D-dimer was higher compared with matched controls (n = 30). Conclusions There is a strongly positive correlation between AAA progression and increasing plasma D-dimer concentration. The value of plasma D-dimer is higher in patients with sub-aneurysmal aortic dilatation than in control subjects. © 2016 International Society on Thrombosis and Haemostasis.

  8. 40 CFR 262.208 - Removing containers of unwanted material from the laboratory.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-07-01

    ... Laboratories Owned by Eligible Academic Entities § 262.208 Removing containers of unwanted material from the laboratory. (a) Removing containers of unwanted material on a regular schedule. An eligible academic entity... months of each container's accumulation start date. (b) The eligible academic entity must specify in Part...

  9. 40 CFR 262.208 - Removing containers of unwanted material from the laboratory.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-07-01

    ... Laboratories Owned by Eligible Academic Entities § 262.208 Removing containers of unwanted material from the laboratory. (a) Removing containers of unwanted material on a regular schedule. An eligible academic entity... months of each container's accumulation start date. (b) The eligible academic entity must specify in Part...

  10. 40 CFR 262.208 - Removing containers of unwanted material from the laboratory.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-07-01

    ... Laboratories Owned by Eligible Academic Entities § 262.208 Removing containers of unwanted material from the laboratory. (a) Removing containers of unwanted material on a regular schedule. An eligible academic entity... months of each container's accumulation start date. (b) The eligible academic entity must specify in Part...

  11. Computer Graphics Research Laboratory Quarterly Progress Report Number 49, July-September 1993

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1993-11-22

    20 Texture Sampling and Strength Guided Motion: Jeffry S. Nimeroff 23 21 Radiosity : Min-Zhi Shao 24 22 Blended Shape Primitives: Douglas DeCarlo 25 23...placement. "* Extensions of radiosity rendering. "* A discussion of blended shape primitives and the applications in computer vision and computer...user. Radiosity : An improved version of the radiosity renderer is included. This version uses a fast over- relaxation progressive refinement algorithm

  12. Analytical Chemistry Division annual progress report for period ending December 31, 1985

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

    Shultz, W.D.

    1986-05-01

    Progress reports are presented for the four major sections of the division: analytical spectroscopy, radioactive materials laboratories, inorganic chemistry, and organic chemistry. A brief discussion of the division's role in the Laboratory's Environmental Restoration and Facilities Upgrade is given. Information about quality assurance and safety programs is presented, along with a tabulation of analyses rendered. Publications, oral presentations, professional activities, educational programs, and seminars are cited.

  13. 1994 activity report: Stanford Synchrotron Radiation Laboratory

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

    Cantwell, K.; Dunn, L.

    1994-01-01

    The SSRL facility delivered 89% of the scheduled user beam to 25 experimental stations during 6.5 months of user running. Users from private industry were involved in 31% of these experiments. The SPEAR accelerator ran very well with no major component failures and an unscheduled down time of only 2.9%. In addition to this increased reliability, there was a significant improvement in the stability of the beam. The enhancements to the SPEAR orbit as part of a concerted three-year program were particularly noticeable to users. The standard deviation of beam movement (both planes) in the last part of the runmore » was 80 microns, major progress toward the ultimate goal of 50-micron stability. This was a significant improvement from the previous year when the movement was 400 microns in the horizontal and 200 microns in the vertical. A new accelerator Personal Protection System (PPS), built with full redundancy and providing protection from both radiation exposure and electrical hazards, was installed in 1994. It is not possible to describe in this summary all of the scientific experimentation which was performed during the run. However, the flavor of current research projects and the many significant accomplishments can be realized by the following highlights: A multinational collaboration performed several experiments involving x-ray scattering from nuclear resonances; Studies related to nuclear waste remediation by groups from Los Alamos National Laboratory and Pacific Northwest Laboratories continued in 1994; Diffraction data sets for a number of important protein crystals were obtained; During the past two years a collaboration consisting of groups from Hewlett Packard, Intel, Fisons Instruments and SSRL has been exploring the utility of synchrotron radiation for total reflection x-ray fluorescence (TRXRF); and High-resolution angle-resolved photoemission experiments have continued to generate exciting new results from highly correlated and magnetic materials.« less

  14. 1982 Naval Research Laboratory Review,

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1983-01-01

    is a principal concern of NRL manage - small, specialized laboratories. ment. The Review also serves as a resource docu- NIRL’s position is unique in...us an oppor- it was founded-people-programs-progress- tunity to assess and report our contribution to the innovation ; and that this combination will...0 vi WtL 2004020/824 *%2 J M-A b. t L ~~ SE -A COORDINATION AND DUAL Leal RSPONSIILITY MANAGEMENT DCNM NNANPRDC WOCDTNS7RDC NWC NAVSA ASK RAM

  15. [Reducing the use of laboratory animals].

    PubMed

    Claude, Nancy

    2009-11-01

    Since 1959, when Russel and Burch formulated the 3Rs principle (Reduce, Replace, Refine), the scientific community has been attempting to reduce the use of laboratory animals for research purposes. Current regulatory guidelines take this principle into account. Thanks to scientific and technical progress, and advances in bioinformatics, new tools are now available that reduce the need for laboratory animals, albeit without totally replacing them. Implementation of the International Conference on Harmonization recommendations in 1990 represented a major step forward, notably by helping to avoid duplication of studies using laboratory animals. The use of animals for cosmetics testing is now forbidden in the European Union. Although new in vitro and in silico models remain to be validated, they are proving particularly useful during the early stages of product development, by avoiding experimental studies of chemicals that are ineffective or excessively toxic. The success of these measures is reflected in the results of a European study showing a fall, between 1996 and 2005, in the number of laboratory animals used for research and development, despite a large increase in overall research activities. The challenge for the next decade is to amplify this trend.

  16. Aortic elasticity indices by magnetic resonance predict progression of ascending aorta dilation.

    PubMed

    Aquaro, Giovanni Donato; Briatico Vangosa, Alessandra; Toia, Patrizia; Barison, Andrea; Ait-Ali, Lamia; Midiri, Massimo; Cotroneo, Antonio Raffaele; Emdin, Michele; Festa, Pierluigi

    2017-04-01

    Aortic distensibility and pulse-wave velocity (PWV) are under investigation as parameters by which to evaluate the indication for ascending aorta (AA) replacement. The maximum rate of systolic distension (MRSD) was proposed as a new index of aortic elasticity. The aim of this study was to assess the role of aortic elasticity parameters to predict AA growth rates in patients with AA dilation (AAD). Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was performed annually in 65 patients with AA dilation (median follow-up 17 months; 25-75th percentile; range 12-30 months). A significant increase in AA diameter was defined as a ≥2-mm increase. An increase in AA diameter was found in 42 (68 %) patients (AAD+ group) and absent in 20. Median increase was 0.16 (25-75th percentile; range 0.32-0.7) mm/month. The AAD+ group had a lower MRSD (4.6 ± 2.2 vs 7.4 ± 2.0, p < 0.001) but the same PWV and distensibility. MRSD showed 93.7 % specificity and 75.6 % sensitivity for prediction of increase. Patients with MRSD ≤ 6 had lower progression-free survival times (p < 0.002). After a follow-up of 4.1 years, patients who underwent surgical therapy had lower MRSD and distensibility than others. MRSD is an index of aorta elastic properties and is a valuable predictor for progression in AAD. • MRI-derived parameters of aortic wall elasticity predict progression of ascending aorta dilation. • Maximal rate of systolic distension (MRSD) was the best predictor of progression. • Patients with MRSD ≤ 6 had lower progression-free survival (PFS) times. • Patients who underwent surgical therapy had lower MRSD and distensibility. • MRI-derived parameters identify patients with fast progression of Ascending Aorta Dilation.

  17. Coral ontogeny affects early symbiont acquisition in laboratory-reared recruits

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    McIlroy, Shelby E.; Coffroth, Mary Alice

    2017-09-01

    In most coral species, the critical association with a subset of genetically diverse algal endosymbionts, Symbiodinium, is re-established anew each generation in early coral ontogeny. Yet little is known about the window during which these associations are established or the potential for altering symbiont associations through early exposure to non-native, and/or ecologically beneficial (e.g., stress tolerant), symbiont strains. This study examined the ontogenetic window of symbiont uptake in a restoration target species. Orbicella faveolata recruits, maintained aposymbiotic in laboratory tanks for 4 months, showed a significant decrease in symbiont acquisition upon exposure to natural seawater. Recruits initially inoculated with cultured Symbiodinium readily acquired additional strains from environmental symbiont populations upon exposure, but exogenous uptake also decreased in frequency after 4 months of laboratory rearing. Early exposure to Symbiodinium may benefit laboratory-reared recruits (e.g., enhance growth), but the potential for establishing long-term novel symbiotic associations may be limited.

  18. 6. CONSTRUCTION PROGRESS VIEW (EXTERIOR) OF TANK, CABLE CHASE, AND ...

    Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

    6. CONSTRUCTION PROGRESS VIEW (EXTERIOR) OF TANK, CABLE CHASE, AND MOUNDED BUNKER. CONSTRUCTION WAS 99 PERCENT COMPLETE. CAMERA IS FACING WEST. INEL PHOTO NUMBER 65-5435, TAKEN OCTOBER 20, 1965. - Idaho National Engineering Laboratory, Advanced Reentry Vehicle Fusing System, Scoville, Butte County, ID

  19. CONSTRUCTION PROGRESS PHOTO SHOWING MAIN PROCESSING BUILDING (CPP601) LOOKING NORTH. ...

    Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

    CONSTRUCTION PROGRESS PHOTO SHOWING MAIN PROCESSING BUILDING (CPP-601) LOOKING NORTH. INL PHOTO NUMBER NRTS-51-1387. Unknown Photographer, 1/31/1951 - Idaho National Engineering Laboratory, Idaho Chemical Processing Plant, Fuel Reprocessing Complex, Scoville, Butte County, ID

  20. CONSTRUCTION PROGRESS PHOTO SHOWING FUEL STORAGE BUILDING (CPP603) LOOKING NORTHWEST. ...

    Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

    CONSTRUCTION PROGRESS PHOTO SHOWING FUEL STORAGE BUILDING (CPP-603) LOOKING NORTHWEST. INL PHOTO NUMBER NRTS-50-895. Unknown Photographer, 10/30/1950 - Idaho National Engineering Laboratory, Idaho Chemical Processing Plant, Fuel Reprocessing Complex, Scoville, Butte County, ID

  1. CONSTRUCTION PROGRESS PHOTO OF REMOTE ANALYTICAL FACILITY (CPP627). INL PHOTO ...

    Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

    CONSTRUCTION PROGRESS PHOTO OF REMOTE ANALYTICAL FACILITY (CPP-627). INL PHOTO NUMBER NRTS-54-12573. R.G. Larsen, Photographer, 10/20/1954 - Idaho National Engineering Laboratory, Idaho Chemical Processing Plant, Fuel Reprocessing Complex, Scoville, Butte County, ID

  2. Some dissociating factors in the analysis of structural and functional progressive damage in open-angle glaucoma.

    PubMed

    Hudson, C J W; Kim, L S; Hancock, S A; Cunliffe, I A; Wild, J M

    2007-05-01

    To identify the presence, and origin, of any "dissociating factors" inherent to the techniques for evaluating progression that mask the relationship between structural and functional progression in open-angle glaucoma (OAG). 23 patients (14 with OAG and 9 with ocular hypertension (OHT)) who had received serial Heidelberg Retina Tomograph (HRT II) and Humphrey Field Analyser (HFA) examinations for >or=5 years (mean 78.4 months (SD 9.5), range 60-101 months) were identified. Evidence of progressive disease was retrospectively evaluated in one eye of each patient using the Topographic Change Analysis (TCA) and Glaucoma Progression Analysis (GPA) for the HRT II and HFA, respectively. Six patients were stable by both techniques; four exhibited both structural and functional progression; seven exhibited structural progression, only, and six showed functional progression, only. Three types of dissociating factors were identified. TCA failed to identify progressive structural damage in the presence of advanced optic nerve head damage. GPA failed to identify progressive functional damage at stimulus locations, with sensitivities exhibiting test-retest variability beyond the maximum stimulus luminance of the perimeter, and where a perimetric learning effect was apparent. The three dissociating factors accounted for nine of the 13 patients who exhibited a lack of concordance between structural and functional progressive damage.

  3. Tank Closure Progress at the Department of Energy's Idaho National Engineering Laboratory Tank Farm Facility

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

    Quigley, K.D.; Butterworth, St.W.; Lockie, K.A.

    2008-07-01

    Significant progress has been made at the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Idaho National Laboratory (INL) to empty, clean and close radioactive liquid waste storage tanks at the Idaho Nuclear Technology and Engineering Center (INTEC) Tank Farm Facility (TFF). The TFF includes eleven 1,135.6-kL (300,000-gal) underground stainless steel storage tanks and four smaller, 113.5-kL (30,000-gal) stainless steel tanks, along with tank vaults, interconnecting piping, and ancillary equipment. The TFF tanks have historically been used to store a variety of radioactive liquid waste, including wastes associated with past spent nuclear fuel reprocessing. Although four of the large storage tanks remain inmore » use for waste storage, the other seven 1,135.6-kL (300,000-gal) tanks and the four 113.5-kL (30,000-gal) tanks have been emptied of waste, cleaned and filled with grout. A water spray cleaning system was developed and deployed to clean internal tank surfaces and remove remaining tank wastes. The cleaning system was effective in removing all but a very small volume of solid residual waste particles. Recent issuance of an Amended Record of Decision (ROD) in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act, and a Waste Determination complying with Section 3116 of the Ronald W. Reagan National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2005, has allowed commencement of grouting activities on the cleaned tanks. The first three 113.5-kL (30,000-gal) tanks were grouted in the Fall of 2006 and the fourth tank and the seven 1,135.6-kL (300,000-gal) tanks were filled with grout in 2007 to provide long-term stability. It is currently planned that associated tank valve boxes and interconnecting piping, will be stabilized with grout as early as 2008. (authors)« less

  4. Publications of the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, 1980

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    1981-01-01

    This bibliography cites by primary author the externally distributed technical reporting, released during calendar year 1980, that resulted from scientific and engineering work performed, or managed, by the Jet Propulsion Laboratory. Three classes of publications are included: (1) JPL Publications (77-, 78-, 79-series, etc.), in which the information is complete for a specific accomplishment and can e tailored to wide or limited audiences and be presented in an established standard format or special format to meet unique requirements; (2) articles published in the open literature; and (3) articles from the bimonthly Deep Space Network (DSN) Progress Repot (42-series) and its successor, the Telecommunications and Data Acquisition (TDA) Progress Report (also 42-series).

  5. Publications of the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, 1980

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    1981-07-01

    This bibliography cites by primary author the externally distributed technical reporting, released during calendar year 1980, that resulted from scientific and engineering work performed, or managed, by the Jet Propulsion Laboratory. Three classes of publications are included: (1) JPL Publications (77-, 78-, 79-series, etc.), in which the information is complete for a specific accomplishment and can e tailored to wide or limited audiences and be presented in an established standard format or special format to meet unique requirements; (2) articles published in the open literature; and (3) articles from the bimonthly Deep Space Network (DSN) Progress Report (42-series) and its successor, the Telecommunications and Data Acquisition (TDA) Progress Report (also 42-series).

  6. Spontaneous progression of experimentally induced periimplantitis.

    PubMed

    Zitzmann, N U; Berglundh, T; Ericsson, I; Lindhe, J

    2004-10-01

    Periimplantitis represents an inflammatory condition that is associated with the presence of a submarginal biofilm and with advanced breakdown of soft and mineralized tissues surrounding endosseous implants. Animal models have been used to describe mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis and treatment of the soft and hard tissue lesions of periimplantitis. The aim of the present experiment was to study the presence and progression of inflammatory lesions in tissues surrounding implants exposed to "experimental periimplantitis". Five Labrador dogs were used. In each dog, 2 or 3 implants were placed in both the left and right edentulous premolar regions of the mandible. Abutment connection was performed 4 months later and a plaque control regimen was initiated and maintained for 5 months. "Experimental periimplantitis" was subsequently induced by ligature placement and plaque accumulation was allowed to progress until about 40% of the height of the supporting bone had been lost. The ligatures were removed, but plaque formation was allowed to continue for an additional 12 months. Radiographs of all implant sites were obtained before and after active "experimental periimplantitis" as well as at the end of the experiment. Biopsies were harvested from the implant sites in 3 of the dogs. The tissue samples were prepared for light microscopy and the sections were used for histometric and morphometric examinations. One implant was lost during the first 2 months of "experimental periimplantitis" and two implants were lost during the 12 months that followed ligature removal. The radiographic examination indicated that varying amounts of additional bone loss occurred in the majority of the implant sites also following ligature removal. The mucosa of all implant sites harbored inflammatory lesions that extended apically of the pocket epithelium. The lesions were separated from the marginal bone by a zone of apparently normal connective tissue. A remission of the destructive

  7. Selecting automation for the clinical chemistry laboratory.

    PubMed

    Melanson, Stacy E F; Lindeman, Neal I; Jarolim, Petr

    2007-07-01

    Laboratory automation proposes to improve the quality and efficiency of laboratory operations, and may provide a solution to the quality demands and staff shortages faced by today's clinical laboratories. Several vendors offer automation systems in the United States, with both subtle and obvious differences. Arriving at a decision to automate, and the ensuing evaluation of available products, can be time-consuming and challenging. Although considerable discussion concerning the decision to automate has been published, relatively little attention has been paid to the process of evaluating and selecting automation systems. To outline a process for evaluating and selecting automation systems as a reference for laboratories contemplating laboratory automation. Our Clinical Chemistry Laboratory staff recently evaluated all major laboratory automation systems in the United States, with their respective chemistry and immunochemistry analyzers. Our experience is described and organized according to the selection process, the important considerations in clinical chemistry automation, decisions and implementation, and we give conclusions pertaining to this experience. Including the formation of a committee, workflow analysis, submitting a request for proposal, site visits, and making a final decision, the process of selecting chemistry automation took approximately 14 months. We outline important considerations in automation design, preanalytical processing, analyzer selection, postanalytical storage, and data management. Selecting clinical chemistry laboratory automation is a complex, time-consuming process. Laboratories considering laboratory automation may benefit from the concise overview and narrative and tabular suggestions provided.

  8. Progress of MICE RFCC Module

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

    Li, D.; Bowring, D.; DeMello, A.

    2012-05-20

    Recent progress on the design and fabrication of the RFCC (RF and superconducting Coupling Coil) module for the international MICE (Muon Ionization Cooling Experiment) are reported. The MICE ionization cooling channel has two RFCC modules, each having four 201- MHz normal conducting RF cavities surrounded by one superconducting coupling coil (solenoid) magnet. The magnet is designed to be cooled by three cryocoolers. Fabrication of the RF cavities is complete; preparation for the cavity electro-polishing, low power RF measurements, and tuning are in progress at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL). Fabrication of the cold mass of the first coupling coil magnetmore » has been completed in China and the cold mass arrived at LBNL in late 2011. Preparations for testing the cold mass are currently under way at Fermilab. Plans for the RFCC module assembly and integration are being developed and are described.« less

  9. CONSTRUCTION PROGRESS PHOTO OF REMOTE ANALYTICAL FACILITY (CPP627) SHOWING INITIAL ...

    Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

    CONSTRUCTION PROGRESS PHOTO OF REMOTE ANALYTICAL FACILITY (CPP-627) SHOWING INITIAL EXCAVATION. INL PHOTO NUMBER NRTS-54-10703. Unknown Photographer, 5/21/1954 - Idaho National Engineering Laboratory, Idaho Chemical Processing Plant, Fuel Reprocessing Complex, Scoville, Butte County, ID

  10. The role of knee alignment in disease progression and functional decline in knee osteoarthritis.

    PubMed

    Sharma, L; Song, J; Felson, D T; Cahue, S; Shamiyeh, E; Dunlop, D D

    2001-07-11

    Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is a leading cause of disability in older persons. Few risk factors for disease progression or functional decline have been identified. Hip-knee-ankle alignment influences load distribution at the knee; varus and valgus alignment increase medial and lateral load, respectively. To test the hypotheses that (1) varus alignment increases risk of medial knee OA progression during the subsequent 18 months, (2) valgus alignment increases risk of subsequent lateral knee OA progression, (3) greater severity of malalignment is associated with greater subsequent loss of joint space, and (4) greater burden of malalignment is associated with greater subsequent decline in physical function. Prospective longitudinal cohort study conducted March 1997 to March 2000 at an academic medical center in Chicago, Ill. A total of 237 persons recruited from the community with primary knee OA, defined by presence of definite tibiofemoral osteophytes and at least some difficulty with knee-requiring activity; 230 (97%) completed the study. Progression of OA, defined as a 1-grade increase in severity of joint space narrowing on semiflexed, fluoroscopically confirmed knee radiographs; change in narrowest joint space width; and change in physical function between baseline and 18 months, compared by knee alignment at baseline. Varus alignment at baseline was associated with a 4-fold increase in the odds of medial progression, adjusting for age, sex, and body mass index (adjusted odds ratio [OR], 4.09; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.20-7.62). Valgus alignment at baseline was associated with a nearly 5-fold increase in the odds of lateral progression (adjusted OR, 4.89; 95% CI, 2.13-11.20). Severity of varus correlated with greater medial joint space loss during the subsequent 18 months (R = 0.52; 95% CI, 0.40-0.62 in dominant knees), and severity of valgus correlated with greater subsequent lateral joint space loss (R = 0.35; 95% CI, 0.21-0.47 in dominant knees). Having

  11. Publications of the Jet Propulsion Laboratory 1983

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    1984-01-01

    The Jet propulsion Laboratory (JPL) bibliography describes and indexes by primary author the externally distributed technical reporting, released during calendar year 1983, that resulted from scientific and engineering work performed, or managed, by the Jet Propulsion Laboratory. Three classes of publications are included. JPL Publication (81-,82-,83-series, etc.), in which the information is complete for a specific accomplishment, articles published in the open literature, and articles from the quarterly telecommunications and Data Acquisition (TDA) Progress Report (42-series) are included. Each collection of articles in this class of publication presents a periodic survey of current accomplishments by the Deep Space Network as well as other developments in Earth-based radio technology.

  12. Reactor operations informal monthly report, May 1, 1995--May 31, 1995

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

    Hauptman, H.M.; Petro, J.N.; Jacobi, O.

    1995-05-01

    This document is an informal progress report for the operational performance of the Brookhaven Medical Research Reactor, and the Brookhaven High Flux Beam Reactor, for the month of May, 1995. Both machines ran well during this period, with no reportable instrumentation problems, all scheduled maintenance performed, and only one reportable occurance, involving a particle on Vest Button, Personnel Radioactive Contamination.

  13. Los Alamos National Laboratory and Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory Plutonium Sustainment Monthly Program Report September 2012

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

    McLaughlin, Anastasia Dawn; Storey, Bradford G.; Bowidowicz, Martin

    In March of 2012 the Plutonium Sustainment program at LANL completed or addressed the following high-level activities: (1) Delivered Revision 2 of the Plutonium Sustainment Manufacturing Study, which incorporated changes needed due to the release of the FY2013 President's Budget and the delay in the Chemistry and Metallurgy Research Replacement Nuclear Facility (CMRRNF). (2) W87 pit type development activities completed a detailed process capability review for the flowsheet in preparation for the Engineering Development Unit Build. (3) Completed revising the Laser Beam Welding schedule to address scope and resource changes. (4) Completed machining and inspecting the first set of high-fidelitymore » cold parts on Precitech 2 for Gemini. (5) The Power Supply Assembly Area started floor cutting with a concrete saw and continued legacy equipment decommissioning. There are currently no major issues associated with achieving MRT L2 Milestones 4195-4198 or the relevant PBIs associated with Plutonium Sustainment. There are no budget issues associated with FY12 final budget guidance. Table 1 identifies all Baseline Change Requests (BCRs) that were initiated, in process, or completed during the month. The earned value metrics overall for LANL are within acceptable thresholds, so no high-level recovery plan is required. Each of the 5 major LANL WBS elements is discussed in detail.« less

  14. Systems integration of marketable subsystems: A collection of progress reports

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    1978-01-01

    Monthly progress reports are given in the areas of marketable subsystems integration; development, design, and building of site data acquisition subsystems and data processing systems; operation of the solar test facility and a systems analysis.

  15. CONSTRUCTION PROGRESS PHOTO OF REMOTE ANALYTICAL FACILITY (CPP627) SHOWING PLACEMENT ...

    Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

    CONSTRUCTION PROGRESS PHOTO OF REMOTE ANALYTICAL FACILITY (CPP-627) SHOWING PLACEMENT OF PIERS. INL PHOTO NUMBER NRTS-54-11716. Unknown Photographer, 8/20/1954 - Idaho National Engineering Laboratory, Idaho Chemical Processing Plant, Fuel Reprocessing Complex, Scoville, Butte County, ID

  16. Standardization of Laboratory Methods for the PERCH Study

    PubMed Central

    Karron, Ruth A.; Morpeth, Susan C.; Bhat, Niranjan; Levine, Orin S.; Baggett, Henry C.; Brooks, W. Abdullah; Feikin, Daniel R.; Hammitt, Laura L.; Howie, Stephen R. C.; Knoll, Maria Deloria; Kotloff, Karen L.; Madhi, Shabir A.; Scott, J. Anthony G.; Thea, Donald M.; Adrian, Peter V.; Ahmed, Dilruba; Alam, Muntasir; Anderson, Trevor P.; Antonio, Martin; Baillie, Vicky L.; Dione, Michel; Endtz, Hubert P.; Gitahi, Caroline; Karani, Angela; Kwenda, Geoffrey; Maiga, Abdoul Aziz; McClellan, Jessica; Mitchell, Joanne L.; Morailane, Palesa; Mugo, Daisy; Mwaba, John; Mwansa, James; Mwarumba, Salim; Nyongesa, Sammy; Panchalingam, Sandra; Rahman, Mustafizur; Sawatwong, Pongpun; Tamboura, Boubou; Toure, Aliou; Whistler, Toni; O’Brien, Katherine L.; Murdoch, David R.

    2017-01-01

    Abstract The Pneumonia Etiology Research for Child Health study was conducted across 7 diverse research sites and relied on standardized clinical and laboratory methods for the accurate and meaningful interpretation of pneumonia etiology data. Blood, respiratory specimens, and urine were collected from children aged 1–59 months hospitalized with severe or very severe pneumonia and community controls of the same age without severe pneumonia and were tested with an extensive array of laboratory diagnostic tests. A standardized testing algorithm and standard operating procedures were applied across all study sites. Site laboratories received uniform training, equipment, and reagents for core testing methods. Standardization was further assured by routine teleconferences, in-person meetings, site monitoring visits, and internal and external quality assurance testing. Targeted confirmatory testing and testing by specialized assays were done at a central reference laboratory. PMID:28575358

  17. Laboratory directed research and development annual report 2004.

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

    Not Available

    This report summarizes progress from the Laboratory Directed Research and Development (LDRD) program during fiscal year 2004. In addition to a programmatic and financial overview, the report includes progress reports from 352 individual R and D projects in 15 categories. The 15 categories are: (1) Advanced Concepts; (2) Advanced Manufacturing; (3) Biotechnology; (4) Chemical and Earth Sciences; (5) Computational and Information Sciences; (6) Differentiating Technologies; (7) Electronics and Photonics; (8) Emerging Threats; (9) Energy and Critical Infrastructures; (10) Engineering Sciences; (11) Grand Challenges; (12) Materials Science and Technology; (13) Nonproliferation and Materials Control; (14) Pulsed Power and High Energy Densitymore » Sciences; and (15) Corporate Objectives.« less

  18. USAARL Annual Progress Report Fiscal Year 2012

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2013-04-01

    analyzed. A technical report is currently in progress. A research project entitled “Clinical Assessment of the Noise Immune Stethoscope ” evaluated the...noise immune stethoscope (NIS), a dual mode electronic and Doppler device, at Madigan Army Medical Center. Insight from the evaluations, data...Immune Stethoscope aboard a U.S. Navy Carrier. (Report No. 2012-02). Fort Rucker, AL: U.S. Army Aeromedical Research Laboratory. Gordon, E., & Reeves

  19. [Laboratory medicine in the obligatory postgraduate clinical training system--common clinical training program in the department of laboratory medicine in our prefectural medical university hospital].

    PubMed

    Okamoto, Yasuyuki

    2003-04-01

    I propose a postgraduate common clinical training program to be provided by the department of laboratory medicine in our prefectural medical university hospital. The program has three purposes: first, mastering basic laboratory tests; second, developing the skills necessary to accurately interpret laboratory data; third, learning specific techniques in the field of laboratory medicine. For the first purpose, it is important that medical trainees perform testing of their own patients at bedside or in the central clinical laboratory. When testing at the central clinical laboratory, instruction by expert laboratory technicians is helpful. The teaching doctors in the department of laboratory medicine are asked to advise the trainees on the interpretation of data. Consultation will be received via interview or e-mail. In addition, the trainees can participate in various conferences, seminars, and meetings held at the central clinical laboratory. Finally, in order to learn specific techniques in the field of laboratory medicine, several special courses lasting a few months will be prepared. I think this program should be closely linked to the training program in internal medicine.

  20. CONSTRUCTION PROGRESS PHOTO REMOTE ANALYTICAL FACILITY (CPP627) SHOWING EMPLACEMENT OF ...

    Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

    CONSTRUCTION PROGRESS PHOTO REMOTE ANALYTICAL FACILITY (CPP-627) SHOWING EMPLACEMENT OF ROOF SLABS. INL PHOTO NUMBER NRTS-54-13463. R.G. Larsen, Photographer, 12/20/1954 - Idaho National Engineering Laboratory, Idaho Chemical Processing Plant, Fuel Reprocessing Complex, Scoville, Butte County, ID

  1. 4. CONSTRUCTION PROGRESS VIEW OF EQUIPMENT IN FRONT PART OF ...

    Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

    4. CONSTRUCTION PROGRESS VIEW OF EQUIPMENT IN FRONT PART OF CONTROL BUNKER (TRANSFORMER, HYDRAULIC TANK, PUMP, MOTOR). SHOWS UNLINED CORRUGATED METAL WALL. CAMERA FACING EAST. INEL PHOTO NUMBER 65-5433, TAKEN OCTOBER 20, 1965. - Idaho National Engineering Laboratory, Advanced Reentry Vehicle Fusing System, Scoville, Butte County, ID

  2. Nuclear waste management. Semiannual progress report, October 1982-March 1983

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

    Chikalla, T.D.; Powell, J.A.

    1983-06-01

    This document is one of a series of technical progress reports designed to report radioactive waste management programs at the Pacific Northwest Laboratory. Accomplishments in the following programs are reported: waste stabilization; Materials Characterization Center; waste isolation; low-level waste management; remedial action; and supporting studies.

  3. Clinical progression, acute urinary retention, prostate-related surgeries, and costs in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia taking early versus delayed combination 5α-reductase inhibitor therapy and α-blocker therapy: a retrospective analysis.

    PubMed

    Morlock, Robert; Goodwin, Bridgett; Gomez Rey, Gabriel; Eaddy, Michael

    2013-05-01

    Two previous retrospective database analyses compared early combination therapy with an α-blocker (AB) and 5-α reductase inhibitor (5-ARI) to delayed combination therapy and found that patients receiving the delayed combination therapy were more likely to have clinical progression, acute urinary retention (AUR), and surgery. Although these studies indicate the clinical benefits of early treatment, both studies failed to take into account important baseline clinical measures, such as prostate-specific antigen (PSA) values. This study was designed to compare clinical and cost differences in men with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) who initiated early versus delayed combination therapy with a 5-ARI + an AB, factoring in baseline PSA values. This retrospective claims data analysis assessed data from >14 million US men with linked medical data, pharmacy data, laboratory results, and enrollment information from January 1, 2000, to December 31, 2009. Men aged 50 or older and treated for BPH with a 5-ARI + an AB were identified. Patients were required to be eligible for services at least 6 months before and 12 months after the index medication date. Patients were assigned to 1 of 2 treatment groups based on therapy (early or delayed) and 3 cohorts based on availability of PSA laboratory values (patients with a PSA value, patients with a PSA value >1.5 and <10, and all patients). Using a logistic model, the likelihood of clinical progression (defined as the occurrence of AUR or prostate surgery) during the 12 months after the date of first prescription fill was compared between BPH patients receiving early versus delayed combination therapy. BPH-related medical costs (excluding pharmacy costs) were assessed using generalized linear models. Among the 13,551 patients identified for study inclusion, the highest risks for clinical progression, AUR, and prostate-related surgery were consistently demonstrated in patients with a PSA >1.5 and <10. Across all 3 cohorts, the

  4. Laboratory based instruction in Pakistan: Comparative evaluation of three laboratory instruction methods in biological science at higher secondary school level

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Cheema, Tabinda Shahid

    This study of laboratory based instruction at higher secondary school level was an attempt to gain some insight into the effectiveness of three laboratory instruction methods: cooperative group instruction method, individualised instruction method and lecture demonstration method on biology achievement and retention. A Randomised subjects, Pre-test Post-test Comparative Methods Design was applied. Three groups of students from a year 11 class in Pakistan conducted experiments using the different laboratory instruction methods. Pre-tests, achievement tests after the experiments and retention tests one month later were administered. Results showed no significant difference between the groups on total achievement and retention, nor was there any significant difference on knowledge and comprehension test scores or skills performance. Future research investigating a similar problem is suggested.

  5. Health and Development at Age 19-24 Months of 19 Children Who Were Born with Microcephaly and Laboratory Evidence of Congenital Zika Virus Infection During the 2015 Zika Virus Outbreak - Brazil, 2017.

    PubMed

    Satterfield-Nash, Ashley; Kotzky, Kim; Allen, Jacob; Bertolli, Jeanne; Moore, Cynthia A; Pereira, Isabela Ornelas; Pessoa, André; Melo, Flavio; Santelli, Ana Carolina Faria E Silva; Boyle, Coleen A; Peacock, Georgina

    2017-12-15

    In November 2015, the Brazilian Ministry of Health (MOH) declared the Zika virus outbreak a public health emergency after an increase in microcephaly cases was reported in the northeast region of the country (1). During 2015-2016, 15 states in Brazil with laboratory-confirmed Zika virus transmission reported an increase in birth prevalence of microcephaly (2.8 cases per 10,000 live births), significantly exceeding prevalence in four states without confirmed transmission (0.6 per 10,000) (2). Although children with microcephaly and laboratory evidence of Zika virus infection have been described in early infancy (3), their subsequent health and development have not been well characterized, constraining planning for the care and support of these children and their families. The Brazilian MOH, the State Health Secretariat of Paraíba, and CDC collaborated on a follow-up investigation of the health and development of children in northeastern Brazil who were reported to national surveillance with microcephaly at birth. Nineteen children with microcephaly at birth and laboratory evidence of Zika virus infection were assessed through clinical evaluations, caregiver interviews, and review of medical records. At follow-up (ages 19-24 months), most of these children had severe motor impairment, seizure disorders, hearing and vision abnormalities, and sleep difficulties. Children with microcephaly and laboratory evidence of Zika virus infection have severe functional limitations and will require specialized care from clinicians and caregivers as they age.

  6. Exploring the links between quality assurance and laboratory resources. An audit-based study.

    PubMed

    Singh, Navjeevan; Panwar, Aru; Masih, Vipin Fazal; Arora, Vinod K; Bhatia, Arati

    2003-01-01

    To investigate and rectify the problems related to Ziehl-Neelsen (Z-N) staining in a cytology laboratory in the context of quality assurance. An audit based quality assurance study of 1,421 patients with clinical diagnoses of tubercular lymphadenopathy who underwent fine needle aspiration cytology. Data from 8 months were audited (group 1). Laboratory practices related to selection of smears for Z-N staining were studied. A 2-step corrective measure based on results of the audit was introduced for 2 months (group 2). Results were subjected to statistical analysis using the chi 2 test. Of 1,172 patients in group 1,368 had diagnoses other than tuberculosis. Overall acid-fast bacillus (AFB) positivity was 42%. AFB positivity in 249 patients in group 2 was 89% (P < .0001). Several issues in the laboratory are linked to quality assurance. Solving everyday problems can have far-reaching benefits for the performance of laboratory personnel, resources and work flow.

  7. Mass Transportation in Massachusetts : demonstration project progress report no. 4

    DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

    1963-09-01

    This fourth Progress Report presents the results of the first eight months of the program of demonstration experiments which the MTC is conducting in cooperation wit the Office of Transportation of the Housing and Home Finance Agency.

  8. Overview of theory and simulations in the Heavy Ion Fusion Science Virtual National Laboratory

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Friedman, Alex

    2007-07-01

    The Heavy Ion Fusion Science Virtual National Laboratory (HIFS-VNL) is a collaboration of Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, and Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory. These laboratories, in cooperation with researchers at other institutions, are carrying out a coordinated effort to apply intense ion beams as drivers for studies of the physics of matter at extreme conditions, and ultimately for inertial fusion energy. Progress on this endeavor depends upon coordinated application of experiments, theory, and simulations. This paper describes the state of the art, with an emphasis on the coordination of modeling and experiment; developments in the simulation tools, and in the methods that underly them, are also treated.

  9. Project management: importance for diagnostic laboratories.

    PubMed

    Croxatto, A; Greub, G

    2017-07-01

    The need for diagnostic laboratories to improve both quality and productivity alongside personnel shortages incite laboratory managers to constantly optimize laboratory workflows, organization, and technology. These continuous modifications of the laboratories should be conducted using efficient project and change management approaches to maximize the opportunities for successful completion of the project. This review aims at presenting a general overview of project management with an emphasis on selected critical aspects. Conventional project management tools and models, such as HERMES, described in the literature, associated personal experience, and educational courses on management have been used to illustrate this review. This review presents general guidelines of project management and highlights their importance for microbiology diagnostic laboratories. As an example, some critical aspects of project management will be illustrated with a project of automation, as experienced at the laboratories of bacteriology and hygiene of the University Hospital of Lausanne. It is important to define clearly beforehand the objective of a project, its perimeter, its costs, and its time frame including precise duration estimates of each step. Then, a project management plan including explanations and descriptions on how to manage, execute, and control the project is necessary to continuously monitor the progression of a project to achieve its defined goals. Moreover, a thorough risk analysis with contingency and mitigation measures should be performed at each phase of a project to minimize the impact of project failures. The increasing complexities of modern laboratories mean clinical microbiologists must use several management tools including project and change management to improve the outcome of major projects and activities. Copyright © 2017 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.

  10. Clinical laboratory technician to clinical laboratory scientist articulation and distance learning.

    PubMed

    Crowley, J R; Laurich, G A; Mobley, R C; Arnette, A H; Shaikh, A H; Martin, S M

    1999-01-01

    Laboratory workers and educators alike are challenged to support access to education that is current and provides opportunities for career advancement in the work place. The clinical laboratory science (CLS) program at the Medical College of Georgia in Augusta developed a clinical laboratory technician (CLT) to CLS articulation option, expanded it through distance learning, and integrated computer based learning technology into the educational process over a four year period to address technician needs for access to education. Both positive and negative outcomes were realized through these efforts. Twenty-seven students entered the pilot articulation program, graduated, and took a CLS certification examination. Measured in terms of CLS certification, promotions, pay raises, and career advancement, the program described was a success. However, major problems were encountered related to the use of unfamiliar communication technology; administration of the program at distance sites; communication between educational institutions, students, and employers; and competition with CLT programs for internship sites. These problems must be addressed in future efforts to provide a successful distance learning program. Effective methods for meeting educational needs and career ladder expectations of CLTs and their employers are important to the overall quality and appeal of the profession. Educational technology that includes computer-aided instruction, multimedia, and telecommunications can provide powerful tools for education in general and CLT articulation in particular. Careful preparation and vigilant attention to reliable delivery methods as well as students' progress and outcomes is critical for an efficient, economically feasible, and educationally sound program.

  11. The Telecommunications and Data Acquisition Progress Report 42-123

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Yuen, Joseph H. (Editor)

    1995-01-01

    The progress of research programs monitored by the Jet Propulsion Laboratory's Telecommunications and Mission Operations Directorate (TMOD) are presented in this quarterly document. Areas monitored include space communications, radio navigation, radio science, ground-based radio and radar astronomy, information systems, and all other communication and research technology activities for the Deep Space Network (DSN).

  12. Acute retroviral syndrome and high baseline viral load are predictors of rapid HIV progression among untreated Argentinean seroconverters

    PubMed Central

    2011-01-01

    Background Diagnosis of primary HIV infection (PHI) has important clinical and public health implications. HAART initiation at this stage remains controversial. Methods Our objective was to identify predictors of disease progression among Argentinean seroconverters during the first year of infection, within a multicentre registry of PHI-patients diagnosed between 1997 and 2008. Cox regression was used to analyze predictors of progression (LT-CD4 < 350 cells/mm3, B, C events or death) at 12 months among untreated patients. Results Among 134 subjects, 74% presented with acute retroviral syndrome (ARS). Seven opportunistic infections (one death), nine B events, and 10 non-AIDS defining serious events were observed. Among the 92 untreated patients, 24 (26%) progressed at 12 months versus three (7%) in the treated group (p = 0.01). The 12-month progression rate among untreated patients with ARS was 34% (95% CI 22.5-46.3) versus 13% (95% CI 1.1-24.7) in asymptomatic patients (p = 0.04). In univariate analysis, ARS, baseline LT-CD4 < 350 cells/mm3, and baseline and six-month viral load (VL) > 100,000 copies/mL were associated with progression. In multivariate analysis, only ARS and baseline VL > 100,000 copies/mL remained independently associated; HR: 8.44 (95% CI 0.97-73.42) and 9.44 (95% CI 1.38-64.68), respectively. Conclusions In Argentina, PHI is associated with significant morbidity. HAART should be considered in PHI patients with ARS and high baseline VL to prevent disease progression. PMID:21831310

  13. Radiographic progression with nonrising PSA in metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer: post hoc analysis of PREVAIL

    PubMed Central

    Bryce, A H; Alumkal, J J; Armstrong, A; Higano, C S; Iversen, P; Sternberg, C N; Rathkopf, D; Loriot, Y; de Bono, J; Tombal, B; Abhyankar, S; Lin, P; Krivoshik, A; Phung, D; Beer, T M

    2017-01-01

    Background: Advanced prostate cancer is a phenotypically diverse disease that evolves through multiple clinical courses. PSA level is the most widely used parameter for disease monitoring, but it has well-recognized limitations. Unlike in clinical trials, in practice, clinicians may rely on PSA monitoring alone to determine disease status on therapy. This approach has not been adequately tested. Methods: Chemotherapy-naive asymptomatic or mildly symptomatic men (n=872) with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) who were treated with the androgen receptor inhibitor enzalutamide in the PREVAIL study were analyzed post hoc for rising versus nonrising PSA (empirically defined as >1.05 vs ⩽1.05 times the PSA level from 3 months earlier) at the time of radiographic progression. Clinical characteristics and disease outcomes were compared between the rising and nonrising PSA groups. Results: Of 265 PREVAIL patients with radiographic progression and evaluable PSA levels on the enzalutamide arm, nearly one-quarter had a nonrising PSA. Median progression-free survival in this cohort was 8.3 months versus 11.1 months in the rising PSA cohort (hazard ratio 1.68; 95% confidence interval 1.26–2.23); overall survival was similar between the two groups, although less than half of patients in either group were still at risk at 24 months. Baseline clinical characteristics of the two groups were similar. Conclusions: Non-rising PSA at radiographic progression is a common phenomenon in mCRPC patients treated with enzalutamide. As restaging in advanced prostate cancer patients is often guided by increases in PSA levels, our results demonstrate that disease progression on enzalutamide can occur without rising PSA levels. Therefore, a disease monitoring strategy that includes imaging not entirely reliant on serial serum PSA measurement may more accurately identify disease progression. PMID:28117385

  14. Radiographic progression with nonrising PSA in metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer: post hoc analysis of PREVAIL.

    PubMed

    Bryce, A H; Alumkal, J J; Armstrong, A; Higano, C S; Iversen, P; Sternberg, C N; Rathkopf, D; Loriot, Y; de Bono, J; Tombal, B; Abhyankar, S; Lin, P; Krivoshik, A; Phung, D; Beer, T M

    2017-06-01

    Advanced prostate cancer is a phenotypically diverse disease that evolves through multiple clinical courses. PSA level is the most widely used parameter for disease monitoring, but it has well-recognized limitations. Unlike in clinical trials, in practice, clinicians may rely on PSA monitoring alone to determine disease status on therapy. This approach has not been adequately tested. Chemotherapy-naive asymptomatic or mildly symptomatic men (n=872) with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) who were treated with the androgen receptor inhibitor enzalutamide in the PREVAIL study were analyzed post hoc for rising versus nonrising PSA (empirically defined as >1.05 vs ⩽1.05 times the PSA level from 3 months earlier) at the time of radiographic progression. Clinical characteristics and disease outcomes were compared between the rising and nonrising PSA groups. Of 265 PREVAIL patients with radiographic progression and evaluable PSA levels on the enzalutamide arm, nearly one-quarter had a nonrising PSA. Median progression-free survival in this cohort was 8.3 months versus 11.1 months in the rising PSA cohort (hazard ratio 1.68; 95% confidence interval 1.26-2.23); overall survival was similar between the two groups, although less than half of patients in either group were still at risk at 24 months. Baseline clinical characteristics of the two groups were similar. Non-rising PSA at radiographic progression is a common phenomenon in mCRPC patients treated with enzalutamide. As restaging in advanced prostate cancer patients is often guided by increases in PSA levels, our results demonstrate that disease progression on enzalutamide can occur without rising PSA levels. Therefore, a disease monitoring strategy that includes imaging not entirely reliant on serial serum PSA measurement may more accurately identify disease progression.

  15. US Army Aeromedical Research Laboratory Annual Progress Report, FY 1981.

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1981-10-01

    PROGRAM ELEMENT. PROJECT. TASK US Army Aeromedical Research Laboratory AREA 6 WORK UNIT NUMBERS PO Box 577 Fort Rucker, Alabama 36362 Listed on each DD...d J F I’ 0 l I I I I ;11 11 it Ili di fi li I t t o tim!L’ 151 niii tt 11 ,0 lo 1’ I I J rt 1,( K 1 soo m~r mOo I r I) o r t AIi t tO hi1t Lle I’I tu...I I, I ’ 11 t hit f:1iU :IJ . ] i ;)1T11C 1t 11i1 hs boo par kcW ind ulitac~u ho 1,1-i c " t I a It Cs rt I U I o v’! : a rd anId oxo c t cc ha at in

  16. Publications of the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, 1988

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    1989-01-01

    This bibliography describes and indexes by primary author the externally distributed technical reporting, released during calendar year 1988, that resulted from scientific and engineering work performed, or managed, by the Jet Propulsion Laboratory. Three classes of publications are included: JPL publications in which the information is complete for a specific accomplishment; articles from the quarterly Telecommunications and Data Acquisition (TDA) Progress Report; and articles published in the open literature.

  17. Publications of the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, 1985

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    1986-01-01

    This bibliography describes and indexes by primary author the externally distributed technical reporting, released during calender year 1985, that resulted from scientific and engineering work performed, or managed, by the Jet Propulsion Laboratory. Three classes of publications are included: JPL publications in which the information is complete for a specific accomplisment; Articles from the quarterly Telecommunications and Data Acquisition (TDA) Progress Report; and article published in the open literature.

  18. MSU-DOE Plant Research Laboratory

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

    Not Available

    1991-01-01

    This document is the compiled progress reports of research funded through the Michigan State University/Department of Energy Plant Research Laboratory. Fourteen reports are included, covering the molecular basis of plant/microbe symbiosis, cell wall biosynthesis and proteins, gene expression, stress responses, plant hormone biosynthesis, interactions between the nuclear and organelle genomes, sensory transduction and tropisms, intracellular sorting and trafficking, regulation of lipid metabolism, molecular basis of disease resistance and plant pathogenesis, developmental biology of Cyanobacteria, and hormonal involvement in environmental control of plant growth. 320 refs., 26 figs., 3 tabs. (MHB)

  19. Progressive solitary sclerosis: Gradual motor impairment from a single CNS demyelinating lesion.

    PubMed

    Keegan, B Mark; Kaufmann, Timothy J; Weinshenker, Brian G; Kantarci, Orhun H; Schmalstieg, William F; Paz Soldan, M Mateo; Flanagan, Eoin P

    2016-10-18

    To report patients with progressive motor impairment resulting from an isolated CNS demyelinating lesion in cerebral, brainstem, or spinal cord white matter that we call progressive solitary sclerosis. Thirty patients were identified with (1) progressive motor impairment for over 1 year with a single radiologically identified CNS demyelinating lesion along corticospinal tracts, (2) absence of other demyelinating CNS lesions, and (3) no history of relapses affecting other CNS pathways. Twenty-five were followed prospectively in our multiple sclerosis (MS) clinic and 5 were identified retrospectively from our progressive MS database. Patients were excluded if an alternative etiology for progressive motor impairment was found. Multiple brain and spinal cord MRI were reviewed by a neuroradiologist blinded to the clinical details. The patients' median age was 48.5 years (range 23-71) and 15 (50%) were women. The median follow-up from symptom onset was 100 months (range 15-343 months). All had insidiously progressive upper motor neuron weakness attributable to the solitary demyelinating lesion found on MRI. Clinical presentations were hemiparesis/monoparesis (n = 24), quadriparesis (n = 5), and paraparesis (n = 1). Solitary MRI lesions involved cervical spinal cord (n = 18), cervico-medullary/brainstem region (n = 6), thoracic spinal cord (n = 4), and subcortical white matter (n = 2). CSF abnormalities consistent with MS were found in 13 of 26 (50%). Demyelinating disease was confirmed pathologically in 2 (biopsy, 1; autopsy, 1). Progressive solitary sclerosis results from an isolated CNS demyelinating lesion. Future revisions to MS diagnostic criteria could incorporate this presentation of demyelinating disease. © 2016 American Academy of Neurology.

  20. Progressive Fracture of Composite Structures

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Minnetyan, Levon

    2001-01-01

    This report includes the results of a research in which the COmposite Durability STRuctural ANalysis (CODSTRAN) computational simulation capabilities were augmented and applied to various structures for demonstration of the new features and verification. The first chapter of this report provides an introduction to the computational simulation or virtual laboratory approach for the assessment of damage and fracture progression characteristics in composite structures. The second chapter outlines the details of the overall methodology used, including the failure criteria and the incremental/iterative loading procedure with the definitions of damage, fracture, and equilibrium states. The subsequent chapters each contain an augmented feature of the code and/or demonstration examples. All but one of the presented examples contains laminated composite structures with various fiber/matrix constituents. For each structure simulated, damage initiation and progression mechanisms are identified and the structural damage tolerance is quantified at various degradation stages. Many chapters contain the simulation of defective and defect free structures to evaluate the effects of existing defects on structural durability.

  1. Battery testing at Argonne National Laboratory

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Deluca, W. H.; Gillie, K. R.; Kulaga, J. E.; Smaga, J. A.; Tummillo, A. F.; Webster, C. E.

    Advanced battery technology evaluations are performed under simulated electric-vehicle operating conditions at the Analysis & Diagnostic Laboratory (ADL) of Argonne National Laboratory. The ADL results provide insight into those factors that limit battery performance and life. The ADL facilities include a test laboratory to conduct battery experimental evaluations under simulated application conditions and a post-test analysis laboratory to determine, in a protected atmosphere if needed, component compositional changes and failure mechanisms. This paper summarizes the performance characterizations and life evaluations conducted during FY-92 on both single cells and multi-cell modules that encompass six battery technologies (Na/S, Li/FeS, Ni/Metal-Hydride, Ni/Zn, Ni/Cd, Ni/Fe). These evaluations were performed for the Department of Energy, Office of Transportation Technologies, Electric and Hybrid Propulsion Division, and the Electric Power Research Institute. The ADL provides a common basis for battery performance characterization and life evaluations with unbiased application of tests and analyses. The results help identify the most promising R&D approaches for overcoming battery limitations, and provide battery users, developers, and program managers with a measure of the progress being made in battery R&D programs, a comparison of battery technologies, and basic data for modeling.

  2. Crack-cocaine use accelerates HIV disease progression in a cohort of HIV-positive drug users.

    PubMed

    Baum, Marianna K; Rafie, Carlin; Lai, Shenghan; Sales, Sabrina; Page, Bryan; Campa, Adriana

    2009-01-01

    HIV infection is prevalent among substance abusers. The effects of specific illicit drugs on HIV disease progression have not been established. We evaluated the relationship between substances of abuse and HIV disease progression in a cohort of HIV-1-positive active drug users. A prospective, 30-month, longitudinal study was conducted on 222 HIV-1 seropositive drug users in Miami, FL. History of illicit drug, alcohol, and medication use, CD4+ cell count, and viral load were performed every 6 months. Crack-cocaine users were 2.14 times [95% confidence interval (CI): 1.08 to 4.25, P = 0.029] more likely to present a decline of CD4 to months was significantly higher in crack users (beta = 0.315, P = 0.037) independent of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) over time. The only multidrug combination that significantly increased the risk of disease progression was crack cocaine with marijuana (hazard ratio = 2.42; 95% CI: 1.042 to 5.617, P = 0.04). Of those on HAART, a significantly lower proportion of crack-cocaine users versus nonusers had controlled viral load (P < 0.001), suggesting lower medication adherence, whereas crack-cocaine users not on HAART showed a greater risk for HIV disease progression than nonusers (hazard ratio = 3.946; 95% CI: 1.049 to 14.85, P = 0.042). Crack-cocaine use facilitates HIV disease progression by reducing adherence in those on HAART and by accelerating disease progression independently of HAART.

  3. Successful Career Progression: Exploratory Findings from a Study of Selected Occupations.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    O'Shea, Daniel P.; Betsinger, Alicia M.; King, Christopher T.

    A study examined the career progression of individuals in the following occupations: registered nurse; physical therapist; medical laboratory technologist; paramedic; ranked corrections officer; dental hygienist; electronic technician; pipefitter/plumber; social worker; and auto body shop manager. Researchers conducted face-to-face interviews in…

  4. CONSTRUCTION PROGRESS PHOTO OF HOT PILOT PLANT (CPP640) OVERALL VIEW ...

    Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

    CONSTRUCTION PROGRESS PHOTO OF HOT PILOT PLANT (CPP-640) OVERALL VIEW LOOKING SOUTHEAST; CONSTRUCTION 34 PERCENT COMPLETE. INL PHOTO NUMBER NRTS-60-3034. Holmes, Photographer, 6/23/1960 - Idaho National Engineering Laboratory, Idaho Chemical Processing Plant, Fuel Reprocessing Complex, Scoville, Butte County, ID

  5. Laboratory Spectroscopy of Astrophysically-Relevant Materials: Developing Dust as a Diagnostic

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Rinehart, Stephen A.

    2010-01-01

    Over forty years ago, observations in the new field of infrared astronomy showed a broad spectral feature at 10 microns; the feature was quickly associated with the presence of silicate-rich dust. Since that time, improvements in infrared astronomy have led to the discovery of a plethora of additional spectral features attributable to dust. By combining these observations with spectroscopic data acquired in the laboratory, astronomers have a diagnostic tool that can be used to explore underlying astronomical phenomena. As the laboratory data improves, so does our ability to interpret the astronomical observations. Here, we discuss some recent progress in laboratory spectroscopy and attempt to identify future research directions.

  6. Development of mobile laboratory for viral haemorrhagic fever detection in Africa.

    PubMed

    Weidmann, Manfred; Faye, Ousmane; Faye, Oumar; Abd El Wahed, Ahmed; Patel, Pranav; Batejat, Christophe; Manugerra, Jean Claude; Adjami, Aimee; Niedrig, Matthias; Hufert, Frank T; Sall, Amadou A

    2018-06-15

    In order to enable local response to viral haemorrhagic fever outbreaks a mobile laboratory transportable on commercial flights was developed. The development progressed from use of mobile real time RT-PCR to mobile Recombinase Polymerase Amplification (RT-RPA). The various stages of the mobile laboratory development are described. A brief overview of its deployments, which culminated in the first on site detection of Ebola virus disease (EVD) in March 2014 and a successful use in a campaign to roll back EVD cases in Conakry in the West-Africa Ebola virus outbreak are described. The developed mobile laboratory successfully enabled local teams to perform rapid viral haemorrhagic fever disgnostics.

  7. LABORATORY AND FIELD RESULTS LINKING HIGH CONDUCTIVITIES TO THE MICROBIAL DEGRADATION OF PETROLEUM HYDROCARBONS

    EPA Science Inventory

    The results of a l6-month field and l6-month meso-scale laboratory investigation of unconsolidated sandy environments contaminated by petroleum hydrocarbons that are undergoing natural biodegradation is presented. The purpose was to understand the processes responsible for causin...

  8. The pediatric hematology/oncology educational laboratory in-training examination (PHOELIX): A formative evaluation of laboratory skills for Canadian pediatric hematology/oncology trainees.

    PubMed

    Leung, Elaine; Dix, David; Ford, Jason; Barnard, Dorothy; McBride, Eileen

    2015-11-01

    Pediatric hematologists/oncologists need to be skilled clinicians, and must also be adept and knowledgeable in relevant areas of laboratory medicine. Canadian training programs in this subspecialty have a minimum requirement for 6 months of training in acquiring "relevant laboratory diagnostic skills." The Canadian pediatric hematology/oncology (PHO) national specialty society, C17, recognized the need for an assessment method in laboratory skills for fellows graduating from PHO training programs. Canadian pediatric hematologists/oncologists were surveyed regarding what were felt to be the essential laboratory-related knowledge and skills deemed necessary for graduating pediatric hematology/oncology trainees. The PHOELIX (Pediatric hematology/oncology educational laboratory in-training examination) was then developed to provide an annual formative evaluation of laboratory skills in Canadian PHO trainees. The majority of PHO respondents (89%) felt that laboratory skills are important in clinical practice. An annual formative examination including review of glass slides was implemented starting in 2010; this provides feedback regarding knowledge of laboratory medicine to both trainees and program directors (PDs). We have successfully created a formative examination that can be used to evaluate and educate trainees, as well as provide PDs with a tool to gauge the effectiveness of their laboratory training curriculum. Feedback has been positive from both trainees and PDs. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

  9. Quality assurance in the HIV/AIDS laboratory network of China.

    PubMed

    Jiang, Yan; Qiu, Maofeng; Zhang, Guiyun; Xing, Wenge; Xiao, Yao; Pan, Pinliang; Yao, Jun; Ou, Chin-Yih; Su, Xueli

    2010-12-01

    In 2009, there were 8273 local screening laboratories, 254 confirmatory laboratories, 35 provincial confirmatory central laboratories and 1 National AIDS Reference Laboratory (NARL) in China. These laboratories were located in Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) facilities, hospitals, blood donation clinics, maternal and child health (MCH) hospitals and border health quarantine health-care facilities. The NARL and provincial laboratories provide quality assurance through technical, bio-safety and managerial training; periodic proficiency testing; on-site supervisory inspections; and commercial serologic kit evaluations. From 2002 to 2009, more than 220 million HIV antibody tests were performed at screening laboratories, and all reactive and indeterminate samples were confirmed at confirmatory laboratories. The use of highly technically complex tests, including CD4 cell enumeration, viral load, dried blood spot (DBS)-based early infant diagnosis (EID), drug resistance (DR) genotyping, HIV-1 subtyping and incidence assays, have increased in recent years and their performance quality is closely monitored. China has made significant progress in establishing a well-coordinated HIV laboratory network and QA systems. However, the coverage and intensity of HIV testing and quality assurance programmes need to be strengthened so as to ensure that more infected persons are diagnosed and that they receive timely prevention and treatment services.

  10. Evaluation of keratoconus progression.

    PubMed

    Shajari, Mehdi; Steinwender, Gernot; Herrmann, Kim; Kubiak, Kate Barbara; Pavlovic, Ivana; Plawetzki, Elena; Schmack, Ingo; Kohnen, Thomas

    2018-06-01

    To define variables for the evaluation of keratoconus progression and to determine cut-off values. In this retrospective cohort study (2010-2016), 265 eyes of 165 patients diagnosed with keratoconus underwent two Scheimpflug measurements (Pentacam) that took place 1 year apart ±3 months. Variables used for keratoconus detection were evaluated for progression and a correlation analysis was performed. By logistic regression analysis, a keratoconus progression index (KPI) was defined. Receiver-operating characteristic curve (ROC) analysis was performed and Youden Index calculated to determine cut-off values. Variables used for keratoconus detection showed a weak correlation with each other (eg, correlation r=0.245 between RPImin and Kmax, p<0.001). Therefore, we used parameters that took several variables into consideration (eg, D-index, index of surface variance, index for height asymmetry, KPI). KPI was defined by logistic regression and consisted of a Pachymin coefficient of -0.78 (p=0.001), a maximum elevation of back surface coefficient of 0.27 and coefficient of corneal curvature at the zone 3 mm away from the thinnest point on the posterior corneal surface of -12.44 (both p<0.001). The two variables with the highest Youden Index in the ROC analysis were D-index and KPI: D-index had a cut-off of 0.4175 (70.6% sensitivity) and Youden Index of 0.606. Cut-off for KPI was -0.78196 (84.7% sensitivity) and a Youden Index of 0.747; both 90% specificity. Keratoconus progression should be defined by evaluating parameters that consider several corneal changes; we suggest D-index and KPI to detect progression. © Article author(s) (or their employer(s) unless otherwise stated in the text of the article) 2018. All rights reserved. No commercial use is permitted unless otherwise expressly granted.

  11. Laboratory evaluation of a walleye (Sander vitreus) bioenergetics model

    USGS Publications Warehouse

    Madenjian, C.P.; Wang, C.; O'Brien, T. P.; Holuszko, M.J.; Ogilvie, L.M.; Stickel, R.G.

    2010-01-01

    Walleye (Sander vitreus) is an important game fish throughout much of North America. We evaluated the performance of the Wisconsin bioenergetics model for walleye in the laboratory. Walleyes were fed rainbow smelt (Osmerus mordax) in four laboratory tanks during a 126-day experiment. Based on a statistical comparison of bioenergetics model predictions of monthly consumption with the observed monthly consumption, we concluded that the bioenergetics model significantly underestimated food consumption by walleye in the laboratory. The degree of underestimation appeared to depend on the feeding rate. For the tank with the lowest feeding rate (1.4% of walleye body weight per day), the agreement between the bioenergetics model prediction of cumulative consumption over the entire 126-day experiment and the observed cumulative consumption was remarkably close, as the prediction was within 0.1% of the observed cumulative consumption. Feeding rates in the other three tanks ranged from 1.6% to 1.7% of walleye body weight per day, and bioenergetics model predictions of cumulative consumption over the 126-day experiment ranged between 11 and 15% less than the observed cumulative consumption. ?? 2008 Springer Science+Business Media B.V.

  12. Association between Smoking and the Progression of Computed Tomography Findings in Chronic Pancreatitis.

    PubMed

    Lee, Jeong Woo; Kim, Ho Gak; Lee, Dong Wook; Han, Jimin; Kwon, Hyuk Yong; Seo, Chang Jin; Oh, Ji Hye; Lee, Joo Hyoung; Jung, Jin Tae; Kwon, Joong Goo; Kim, Eun Young

    2016-05-23

    Smoking and alcohol intake are two wellknown risk factors for chronic pancreatitis. However, there are few studies examining the association between smoking and changes in computed tomography (CT) findings in chronic pancreatitis. The authors evaluated associations between smoking, drinking and the progression of calcification on CT in chronic pancreatitis. In this retrospective study, 59 patients with chronic pancreatitis who had undergone initial and follow-up CT between January 2002 and September 2010 were included. Progression of calcification among CT findings was compared according to the amount of alcohol intake and smoking. The median duration of followup was 51.6 months (range, 17.1 to 112.7 months). At initial CT findings, there was pancreatic calcification in 35 patients (59.3%). In the follow-up CT, progression of calcification was observed in 37 patients (62.7%). Progression of calcification was more common in smokers according to the multivariate analysis (odds ratio [OR], 9.987; p=0.006). The amount of smoking was a significant predictor for progression of calcification in the multivariate analysis (OR, 6.051 in less than 1 pack per day smokers; OR, 36.562 in more than 1 pack per day smokers; p=0.008). Continued smoking accelerates pancreatic calcification, and the amount of smoking is associated with the progression of calcification in chronic pancreatitis.

  13. Association between Smoking and the Progression of Computed Tomography Findings in Chronic Pancreatitis

    PubMed Central

    Lee, Jeong Woo; Kim, Ho Gak; Lee, Dong Wook; Han, Jimin; Kwon, Hyuk Yong; Seo, Chang Jin; Oh, Ji Hye; Lee, Joo Hyoung; Jung, Jin Tae; Kwon, Joong Goo; Kim, Eun Young

    2016-01-01

    Background/Aims Smoking and alcohol intake are two well-known risk factors for chronic pancreatitis. However, there are few studies examining the association between smoking and changes in computed tomography (CT) findings in chronic pancreatitis. The authors evaluated associations between smoking, drinking and the progression of calcification on CT in chronic pancreatitis. Methods In this retrospective study, 59 patients with chronic pancreatitis who had undergone initial and follow-up CT between January 2002 and September 2010 were included. Progression of calcification among CT findings was compared according to the amount of alcohol intake and smoking. Results The median duration of follow-up was 51.6 months (range, 17.1 to 112.7 months). At initial CT findings, there was pancreatic calcification in 35 patients (59.3%). In the follow-up CT, progression of calcification was observed in 37 patients (62.7%). Progression of calcification was more common in smokers according to the multivariate analysis (odds ratio [OR], 9.987; p=0.006). The amount of smoking was a significant predictor for progression of calcification in the multivariate analysis (OR, 6.051 in less than 1 pack per day smokers; OR, 36.562 in more than 1 pack per day smokers; p=0.008). Conclusions Continued smoking accelerates pancreatic calcification, and the amount of smoking is associated with the progression of calcification in chronic pancreatitis. PMID:26601825

  14. Study IDs Genetic Markers that Speed AIDS Progression | Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research

    Cancer.gov

    A study published in the journal Science sheds new light on how a set of human genes can accelerate progression of AIDS-related illness in people living with HIV who are not on treatment. South African scientists led the international research team,

  15. Space nuclear safety program. Progress report, October-December 1984

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

    George, T.G.

    1986-05-01

    This quarterly report covers studies related to the use of /sup 238/PuO/sub 2/ in radioisotope power systems carried out for the Office of Special Nuclear Projects of the US Department of Energy by Los Alamos National Laboratory. Most of the studies discussed are ongoing; the results and conclusions described may change as the work progresses.

  16. [Laterality of upper extremity movements in infancy: observations at 4 and 9 months of age].

    PubMed

    Shiotani, Yuka; Matsuzawa, Shigeyuki; Ikeda, Hiroko; Sawada, Akiko; Okada, Masako; Kutsuki, Aya; Tomiwa, Kiyotaka

    2010-07-01

    This study investigated the process involved in the lateralization of movements during infancy by observing upper extremity movements in a laboratory setting. Reaching for flying rings, balls, mini toy cars, and small round cookies were observed and recorded by videotape at 4 and 9 months of age. The subjects were 202 infants who participated in Japan Children's Study, a cohort study on the development of sociability. Infants reached for objects significantly more frequently at 9 months (98%) than at 4 months (40%) (p<0.001). Though the lateral preference in reaching for balls at 4 months was ambiguous, reaching for toy cars was performed more frequently with the right hand at 9 months (50%) than with the left one (19%) (p<0.01). Lateralization of the upper extremity movements is thought to appear by 9 months.

  17. Treatment with Sunitinib for Patients with Progressive Metastatic Pheochromocytomas and Sympathetic Paragangliomas

    PubMed Central

    Ayala-Ramirez, Montserrat; Chougnet, Cecile N.; Habra, Mouhammed Amir; Palmer, J. Lynn; Leboulleux, Sophie; Cabanillas, Maria E.; Caramella, Caroline; Anderson, Pete; Al Ghuzlan, Abir; Waguespack, Steven G.; Deandreis, Desirée

    2012-01-01

    Context: Patients with progressive metastatic pheochromocytomas (PHEOs) or sympathetic paragangliomas (SPGLs) face a dismal prognosis. Current systemic therapies are limited. Objectives: The primary end point was progression-free survival determined by RECIST 1.1 criteria or positron emission tomography with [18F]fluorodeoxyglucose/computed tomography ([18F]FDG-PET/CT), in the absence of measurable soft tissue targets. Secondary endpoints were tumor response according to RECIST criteria version 1.1 or FDG uptake, blood pressure control, and safety. Design: We conducted a retrospective review of medical records of patients with metastatic PHEO/SPGL treated with sunitinib from December 2007 through December 2011. An intention-to-treat analysis was performed. Patients and Setting: Seventeen patients with progressive metastatic PHEO/SPGLs treated at the Institut Gustave-Roussy and MD Anderson Cancer Center. Interventions: Patients treated with sunitinib. Results: According to RECIST 1.1, eight patients experienced clinical benefit; three experienced partial response, and five had stable disease, including four with predominant skeletal metastases that showed a 30% or greater reduction in glucose uptake on [18F]FDG-PET/CT. Of 14 patients who had hypertension, six became normotensive and two discontinued antihypertensives. One patient treated with sunitinib and rapamycin experienced a durable benefit beyond 36 months. The median overall survival from the time sunitinib was initiated was 26.7 months with a progression-free survival of 4.1 months (95% confidence interval = 1.4–11.0). Most patients who experienced a clinical benefit were carriers of SDHB mutations. Conclusion: Sunitinib is associated with tumor size reduction, decreased [18F]FDG-PET/CT uptake, disease stabilization, and hypertension improvement in some patients with progressive metastatic PHEO/PGL. Prospective multi-institutional clinical trials are needed to determine the true benefits of sunitinib. PMID

  18. A model to calculate the progression of the centre of pressure under the foot during gait analysis.

    PubMed

    Louey, Melissa Gar Yee; Mudge, Anita; Wojciechowski, Elizabeth; Sangeux, Morgan

    2017-09-01

    Pedobarography and the centre of pressure (COP) progression is useful to understand foot function. Pedobarography is often unavailable in gait laboratories or completed asynchronously to kinematic and kinetic data collection. This paper presents a model that allows calculation of COP progression synchronously using force plate data. The model is an adjunct to Plug-In-Gait and was applied to 49 typically developing children to create reference COP data. COP progressions were noted to spend 8% of stance behind the ankle joint centre, traverse lateral of the longitudinal axis of the foot through the midfoot for 76% of stance and finishing past the second metatarsal head on the medial side for 16% of stance. It is hoped the model will bridge the information gap for gait laboratories lacking pedobarography during foot assessments and will open up the possibility of retrospective research into COP progression based indices on kinematic data. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  19. Mass transportation in Massachusetts : demonstration project progress report no. 3

    DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

    1963-06-25

    The Third Progress Report marks the completion of six months experiments in the program conducted by the Mass Transportation Commission, with the cooperation of the Office of Transportation of the Housing and Home Finance Agency. As of mid-June, expe...

  20. 7. CONSTRUCTION PROGRESS VIEW (INTERIOR) OF CONTROL ROOM PANEL INSIDE ...

    Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

    7. CONSTRUCTION PROGRESS VIEW (INTERIOR) OF CONTROL ROOM PANEL INSIDE BUNKER. SHOWS OPENING TO CABLE CHASE, FOUR PULLEY DEVICES, POWER OUTLET, CONDUIT, AND EAST END WALL OF BUNKER. INEL PHOTO NUMBER 65-5441, TAKEN OCTOBER 20, 1965. - Idaho National Engineering Laboratory, Advanced Reentry Vehicle Fusing System, Scoville, Butte County, ID

  1. Initiatives toward effective decision making and laboratory use.

    PubMed

    Benson, E S

    1980-09-01

    Escalating health care costs constitute a public issue of paramount importance today, Among the leading growth factors in this rise is the cost of hospital services, notably laboratory services. With respect to the clinical laboratory, rising costs appear to be almost entirely attributable to expanding utilization and introduction of new services. The clinical laboratory has gone through a technological revolution in two decades that has changed it from a largely manual to a highly automated system of great speed and capacity. This change had produced a change in the style of providing services, a change that includes the provision of quantities of unsolicited data. A parallel change in the style of use of the laboratory has taken place on the part of patient care physicians from a relatively sparing, problem oriented use pattern to a relatively lavish, data oriented one. These reciprocal changes have transformed medicine, in the United States, at least, into a relatively high laboratory use culture. Abandonment of the new technology and return to a simpler, more primitive laboratory world would be a drastic and most inappropriate response to the new situation. Furthermore, arbitrary measures such as rationing, quotas, and tariffs are, if enacted, almost certain to fail. The most effective long term strategies, though more demanding of time and effort, lie through modification of physician behavior through the pathways of education and research. Education and research initiatives now in progress can in time influence laboratory use patterns of physicians at all career levels, improving the logic of test use and providing more strategic, prudent, and cost effective overall laboratory utilization practices. These approaches will require much improved communication between laboratory and bedside and a new intense involvement of laboratory physicians and scientists in the tasks of helping to improve the use of laboratory tests and laboratory data.

  2. YUCCA Mountain Project - Argonne National Laboratory, Annual Progress Report, FY 1997 for activity WP 1221 unsaturated drip condition testing of spent fuel and unsaturated dissolution tests of glass.

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

    Bates, J. K.; Buck, E. C.; Emery, J. W.

    1998-09-18

    This document reports on the work done by the Nuclear Waste Management Section of the Chemical Technology Division of Argonne National Laboratory in the period of October 1996 through September 1997. Studies have been performed to evaluate the behavior of nuclear waste glass and spent fuel samples under the unsaturated conditions (low-volume water contact) that are likely to exist in the Yucca Mountain environment being considered as a potential site for a high-level waste repository. Tests with actinide-doped waste glasses, in progress for over 11 years, indicate that the transuranic element release is dominated by colloids that continuously form andmore » span from the glass surface. The nature of the colloids that form in the glass and spent fuel testing programs is being investigated by dynamic light scattering to determine the size distribution, by autoradiography to determine the chemistry, and by zeta potential to measure the electrical properties of the colloids. Tests with UO{sub 2} have been ongoing for 12 years. They show that the oxidation of UO{sub 2} occurs rapidly, and the resulting paragenetic sequence of secondary phases forming on the sample surface is similar to that observed for uranium found in natural oxidizing environments. The reaction of spent fuel samples in conditions similar to those used with UO{sub 2} have been in progress for over six years, and the results suggest that spent fuel forms many of the same alteration products as UO{sub 2}. With spent fuel, the bulk of the reaction occurs via a through-grain reaction process, although grain boundary attack is sufficient to have reacted all of the grain boundary regions in the samples. New test methods are under development to evaluate the behavior of spent fuel samples with intact cladding: the rate at which alteration and radionuclide release occurs when water penetrates fuel sections and whether the reaction causes the cladding to split. Alteration phases have been formed on fine

  3. Current practices in laboratory monitoring of HIV infection

    PubMed Central

    Vajpayee, Madhu; Mohan, Teena

    2011-01-01

    After a diagnosis of HIV infection is made, the patient needs to be monitored using both clinical assessment and laboratory markers. HIV/AIDS monitoring is essential in guiding when to recommend initiation of therapy. Clinical monitoring will include staging of the HIV/AIDS disease using either the presence or absence of HIV-related signs and symptoms using the WHO staging system. Various laboratory methods can be used to monitor the disease progression and to guide whether the patient will need antiretroviral therapy or not. Laboratory monitoring for patients who are not on drugs is done to provide information about the stage of illness; to enable the clinician to make decisions on treatment and to give information on prognosis of the patient. Patients on drugs are monitored to assess their response to treatment with antiretroviral drugs and to detect any possible toxicity and improvement associated with the antiretroviral drugs. PMID:22310815

  4. U. S. Naval Forces, Vietnam Monthly Historical Supplement for August 1967

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1967-11-25

    within the perimeter of the base. No personnel injuries occurred during the second attack. On 1 August the NAVSUPPACT detachment previously...Instruction in tae-lcwon-do, the Korean foim of karate . Each month a Vietnamese Navy LSSL (Landing Ship, Support, Large) embarks a group of...held in the language laboratory, and two Korean Amy officers conduct the karate instruc- tion. Assistance in all areas of administration and

  5. Mistakes in a stat laboratory: types and frequency.

    PubMed

    Plebani, M; Carraro, P

    1997-08-01

    Application of Total Quality Management concepts to laboratory testing requires that the total process, including preanalytical and postanalytical phases, be managed so as to reduce or, ideally, eliminate all defects within the process itself. Indeed a "mistake" can be defined as any defect during the entire testing process, from ordering tests to reporting results. We evaluated the frequency and types of mistakes found in the "stat" section of the Department of Laboratory Medicine of the University-Hospital of Padova by monitoring four different departments (internal medicine, nephrology, surgery, and intensive care unit) for 3 months. Among a total of 40490 analyses, we identified 189 laboratory mistakes, a relative frequency of 0.47%. The distribution of mistakes was: preanalytical 68.2%, analytical 13.3%, and postanalytical 18.5%. Most of the laboratory mistakes (74%) did not affect patients' outcome. However, in 37 patients (19%), laboratory mistakes were associated with further inappropriate investigations, thus resulting in an unjustifiable increase in costs. Moreover, in 12 patients (6.4%) laboratory mistakes were associated with inappropriate care or inappropriate modification of therapy. The promotion of quality control and continuous improvement of the total testing process, including pre- and postanalytical phases, seems to be a prerequisite for an effective laboratory service.

  6. A Radiographic Comparison of Progressive and Conventional Loading on Crestal Bone Loss and Density in Single Dental Implants: A Randomized Controlled Trial Study

    PubMed Central

    Ghoveizi, Rahab; Alikhasi, Marzieh; Siadat, Mohammad-Reza; Siadat, Hakimeh; Sorouri, Majid

    2013-01-01

    Objective: Crestal bone loss is a biological complication in implant dentistry. The aim of this study was to compare the effect of progressive and conventional loading on crestal bone height and bone density around single osseointegrated implants in the posterior maxilla by a longitudinal radiographic assessment technique. Materials and Methods: Twenty micro thread implants were placed in 10 patients (two implants per patient). One of the two implants in each patient was assigned to progressive and the other to conventional loading groups. Eight weeks after surgery, conventional implants were restored with a metal ceramic crown and the progressive group underwent a progressive loading protocol. The progressive loading group took different temporary acrylic crowns at 2, 4 and 6 months. After eight months, acrylic crowns were replaced with a metal ceramic crown. Computer radiography of both progressive and conventional implants was taken at 2, 4, 6, and 12 months. Image analysis was performed to measure the height of crestal bone loss and bone density. Results: The mean values of crestal bone loss at month 12 were 0.11 (0.19) mm for progressively and 0.36 (0.36) mm for conventionally loaded implants, with a statistically significant difference (P < 0.05) using Wilcoxon sign rank. Progressively loaded group showed a trend for higher bone density gain compared to the conventionally loaded group, but when tested with repeated measure ANOVA, the differences were not statistically significant (P > 0.05). Conclusion: The progressive group showed less crestal bone loss in single osseointegrated implant than the conventional group. Bone density around progressively loaded implants showed increase in crestal, middle and apical areas. PMID:23724215

  7. Comparison of Glaucoma Progression Detection by Optical Coherence Tomography and Visual Field.

    PubMed

    Zhang, Xinbo; Dastiridou, Anna; Francis, Brian A; Tan, Ou; Varma, Rohit; Greenfield, David S; Schuman, Joel S; Huang, David

    2017-12-01

    To compare longitudinal glaucoma progression detection using optical coherence tomography (OCT) and visual field (VF). Validity assessment. We analyzed subjects with more than 4 semi-annual follow-up visits (every 6 months) in the multicenter Advanced Imaging for Glaucoma Study. Fourier-domain optical coherence tomography (OCT) was used to map the thickness of the peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (NFL) and ganglion cell complex (GCC). OCT-based progression detection was defined as a significant negative trend for either NFL or GCC. VF progression was reached if either the event or trend analysis reached significance. The analysis included 356 glaucoma suspect/preperimetric glaucoma (GS/PPG) eyes and 153 perimetric glaucoma (PG) eyes. Follow-up length was 54.1 ± 16.2 months for GS/PPG eyes and 56.7 ± 16.0 for PG eyes. Progression was detected in 62.1% of PG eyes and 59.8% of GS/PPG eyes by OCT, significantly (P < .001) more than the detection rate of 41.8% and 27.3% by VF. In severity-stratified analysis of PG eyes, OCT had significantly higher detection rate than VF in mild PG (63.1% vs. 38.7%, P < .001), but not in moderate and advanced PG. The rate of NFL thinning slowed dramatically in advanced PG, but GCC thinning rate remained relatively steady and allowed good progression detection even in advanced disease. The Kaplan-Meier time-to-event analyses showed that OCT detected progression earlier than VF in both PG and GS/PPG groups. OCT is more sensitive than VF for the detection of progression in early glaucoma. While the utility of NFL declines in advanced glaucoma, GCC remains a sensitive progression detector from early to advanced stages. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  8. Building and Rebuilding: The National Public Health Laboratory Systems and Services Before and After the Earthquake and Cholera Epidemic, Haiti, 2009-2015.

    PubMed

    Jean Louis, Frantz; Buteau, Josiane; Boncy, Jacques; Anselme, Renette; Stanislas, Magalie; Nagel, Mary C; Juin, Stanley; Charles, Macarthur; Burris, Robert; Antoine, Eva; Yang, Chunfu; Kalou, Mireille; Vertefeuille, John; Marston, Barbara J; Lowrance, David W; Deyde, Varough

    2017-10-01

    Before the 2010 devastating earthquake and cholera outbreak, Haiti's public health laboratory systems were weak and services were limited. There was no national laboratory strategic plan and only minimal coordination across the laboratory network. Laboratory capacity was further weakened by the destruction of over 25 laboratories and testing sites at the departmental and peripheral levels and the loss of life among the laboratory health-care workers. However, since 2010, tremendous progress has been made in building stronger laboratory infrastructure and training a qualified public health laboratory workforce across the country, allowing for decentralization of access to quality-assured services. Major achievements include development and implementation of a national laboratory strategic plan with a formalized and strengthened laboratory network; introduction of automation of testing to ensure better quality of results and diversify the menu of tests to effectively respond to outbreaks; expansion of molecular testing for tuberculosis, human immunodeficiency virus, malaria, diarrheal and respiratory diseases; establishment of laboratory-based surveillance of epidemic-prone diseases; and improvement of the overall quality of testing. Nonetheless, the progress and gains made remain fragile and require the full ownership and continuous investment from the Haitian government to sustain these successes and achievements.

  9. CONSTRUCTION PROGRESS PHOTO OF HOT PILOT PLANT (CPP640) LOOKING NORTHEAST ...

    Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

    CONSTRUCTION PROGRESS PHOTO OF HOT PILOT PLANT (CPP-640) LOOKING NORTHEAST SHOWING OVERALL BLOCK EXTERIOR WALLS; CONSTRUCTION 65 PERCENT COMPLETE. INL PHOTO NUMBER NRTS-60-4976. Holmes, Photographer, 9/26/1960 - Idaho National Engineering Laboratory, Idaho Chemical Processing Plant, Fuel Reprocessing Complex, Scoville, Butte County, ID

  10. CONSTRUCTION PROGRESS PHOTO OF HOT PILOT PLANT (CPP640) LOOKING EAST ...

    Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

    CONSTRUCTION PROGRESS PHOTO OF HOT PILOT PLANT (CPP-640) LOOKING EAST SHOWING EXCAVATION AND FORMING; CONSTRUCTION 6 PERCENT COMPLETE. INL PHOTO NUMBER NRTS-59-4935. J. Anderson, Photographer, 9/21/1959 - Idaho National Engineering Laboratory, Idaho Chemical Processing Plant, Fuel Reprocessing Complex, Scoville, Butte County, ID

  11. Progression of cartilage degeneration and clinical symptoms in obese and overweight individuals is dependent on the amount of weight loss: 48-month data from the Osteoarthritis Initiative.

    PubMed

    Gersing, A S; Solka, M; Joseph, G B; Schwaiger, B J; Heilmeier, U; Feuerriegel, G; Nevitt, M C; McCulloch, C E; Link, T M

    2016-07-01

    To investigate compositional cartilage changes measured with 3T MRI-based T2 values over 48 months in overweight and obese individuals with different degrees of weight loss (WL) and to study whether WL slows knee cartilage degeneration and symptom worsening. We studied participants from the Osteoarthritis Initiative with risk factors or radiographic evidence of mild to moderate knee osteoarthritis with a baseline BMI ≥25 kg/m(2). We selected subjects who over 48 months lost a, moderate (BMI change, 5-10%WL, n = 180) or large amount of weight (≥10%WL, n = 78) and frequency-matched these to individuals with stable weight (<3%, n = 258). Right knee cartilage T2 maps of all compartments and grey-level co-occurrence matrix (GLCM) texture analyses were evaluated and associations with WL and clinical symptoms (WOMAC subscales for pain, stiffness and disability) were assessed using multivariable regression models. The amount of weight change was significantly associated with change in cartilage T2 of the medial tibia (β 0.9 ms, 95% CI 0.4 to 1.1, P = 0.001). Increase of T2 in the medial tibia was significantly associated with increase in WOMAC pain (β 0.5 ms, 95% CI 0.2 to 0.6, P = 0.02) and disability (β 0.03 ms, 95% CI 0.003 to 0.05, P = 0.03). GLCM contrast and variance over all compartments showed significantly less progression in the >10%WL group compared to the stable weight group (both comparisons, P = 0.04). WL over 48 months is associated with slowed knee cartilage degeneration and improved knee symptoms. Copyright © 2016 Osteoarthritis Research Society International. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  12. Progress in utilization of a mobile laboratory for making storm electricity measurements

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Rust, W. David

    1988-01-01

    A mobile atmospheric science laboratory has been used to intercept and track storms on the Great Plains region of the U.S., with the intention of combining the data obtained with those from Doppler and conventional radars, NASA U-2 aircraft overflights, balloon soundings, and fixed-base storm electricity measurements. The mobile lab has proven to be valuable in the gathering of ground truth verifications for the two commercially operated lightning ground-strike locating systems. Data acquisition has recently been expanded by means of mobile ballooning before and during storms.

  13. Instantaneous progression reference frame for calculating pelvis rotations: Reliable and anatomically-meaningful results independent of the direction of movement.

    PubMed

    Kainz, Hans; Lloyd, David G; Walsh, Henry P J; Carty, Christopher P

    2016-05-01

    In motion analysis, pelvis angles are conventionally calculated as the rotations between the pelvis and laboratory reference frame. This approach assumes that the participant's motion is along the anterior-posterior laboratory reference frame axis. When this assumption is violated interpretation of pelvis angels become problematic. In this paper a new approach for calculating pelvis angles based on the rotations between the pelvis and an instantaneous progression reference frame was introduced. At every time-point, the tangent to the trajectory of the midpoint of the pelvis projected into the horizontal plane of the laboratory reference frame was used to define the anterior-posterior axis of the instantaneous progression reference frame. This new approach combined with the rotation-obliquity-tilt rotation sequence was compared to the conventional approach using the rotation-obliquity-tilt and tilt-obliquity-rotation sequences. Four different movement tasks performed by eight healthy adults were analysed. The instantaneous progression reference frame approach was the only approach that showed reliable and anatomically meaningful results for all analysed movement tasks (mean root-mean-square-differences below 5°, differences in pelvis angles at pre-defined gait events below 10°). Both rotation sequences combined with the conventional approach led to unreliable results as soon as the participant's motion was not along the anterior-posterior laboratory axis (mean root-mean-square-differences up to 30°, differences in pelvis angles at pre-defined gait events up to 45°). The instantaneous progression reference frame approach enables the gait analysis community to analysis pelvis angles for movements that do not follow the anterior-posterior axis of the laboratory reference frame. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  14. Comparison of the Output in Weighted Work Units of Installation Dental Laboratories with that of Regional Dental Activities. Part II.

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1980-07-01

    at the study sites and compare it to the total production at each site. Orthodontics was excepted be- cause it is not done at all laboratories, nor is...DENTAC laboratories. It is sometimes tempting to relate productivity in terms of weighted work units to the type of work being done. Orthodontic laboratory...hypotheses. DENTAC Sites 2 and 3 both produce a heavy orthodontic workload, whereas Site 1 did very little in Month 1. In Month 2, when Site 1 reported a

  15. Tank Closure Progress at the Department of Energy's Idaho National Engineering Laboratory Tank Farm Facility

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

    Lockie, K.A.; Suttora, L.C.; Quigley, K.D.

    2007-07-01

    Significant progress has been made at the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Idaho National Laboratory (INL) to clean and close emptied radioactive liquid waste storage tanks at the Idaho Nuclear Technology and Engineering Center (INTEC) Tank Farm Facility (TFF). The TFF includes eleven 1,135.6-kL (300,000-gal) underground stainless steel storage tanks and four smaller, 113.5-kL (30,000-gal) stainless steel tanks, along with tank vaults, interconnecting piping, and ancillary equipment. The TFF tanks have historically been used to store a variety of radioactive liquid waste, including wastes associated with past spent nuclear fuel reprocessing. Although four of the large storage tanks remain inmore » use for waste storage, the other seven 1,135.6-kL (300,000-gal) tanks and the four 113.5-kL (30,000-gal) tanks have been emptied of waste and cleaned in preparation of final closure. A water spray cleaning system was developed and deployed to clean internal tank surfaces and remove remaining tank wastes. The cleaning system was effective in removing all but a very small volume of solid residual waste particles. Recent issuance of an Amended Record of Decision (ROD) in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act, and a Waste Determination complying with Section 3116 of the Ronald W. Reagan National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2005, has allowed commencement of grouting activities on the cleaned tanks. In November 2006, three of the 113.5-kL (30,000-gal) tanks were filled with grout to provide long-term stability. It is currently planned that all seven cleaned 1,135.6-kL (300,000-gal) tanks, as well as the four 113.5-kL (30,000-gal) tanks and all associated tank vaults and interconnecting piping, will be stabilized with grout as early as 2008. (authors)« less

  16. Talk and community: The place of reporting in a life sciences laboratory

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Swieringa, Robert Cecil

    This study investigates the routine situated communicative practice within the weekly meetings of a life sciences laboratory. The key, constitutive discourse of "reporting" is examined as an activity in which participants jointly sustain the work community of the laboratory and manage their own work within this community. This study seeks to contribute to studies of small groups by focusing upon the multifunctionality and situated nature of the meeting interactions within this enduring "bona fide" group as participants undertake multiple goals associated with their own progress and with the overlapping contexts of the setting. It also seeks to contribute to investigations of institutional talk and activity by examining "reporting" as interaction with institutional and community consequences for members of the community. This study takes a practice-oriented perspective to investigate the laboratory as a community of practice, focusing upon the "activity" of interaction as the overall unit of analysis. Ethnographic materials (involving observation, interviews, conversations, and activity logs) and discourse analysis techniques (involving audiotaping and transcriptions of meetings) were used to locate and record data within a university entomology laboratory over a two year period. Through triangulation of data, "reporting" is identified as a key discourse activity within the laboratory. As situated communicative practice within the weekly meetings, reporting is found to be compelled discourse through which interactants interactively manage one's ongoing goals and activity while temporally situating that activity within the broader stream of laboratory work. This study provides an example of how engagement in situated discursive activity provides for the coordination of individual lines of progress within the ongoing work of a community.

  17. Defense Contracting: Key Data Not Routinely Used in Progress Payment Reviews

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1992-01-14

    the amount of pay- By .ments based on the fair value of undelivered work. Contractors may Distibtion ] submit requests for progress payments monthly and...exceed the Federal Acquisition Regulation limitations. These checks are based on contractor data and include the fair value and the loss ratio tests. The... fair value test is intended to ensure that progress payments for work in process do not exceed the value of that work. The loss ratio test is intended

  18. Cle Elum and Supplementation Research Facility : Monthly Progress Report October 2008.

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

    Cle Elum Supplementation and Research Facility

    FISH PRODUCTION: On October 7th the 2008 spawning season was completed. 823 adults were transferred to the facility for the 2008 season. The overall adult mortality was 6.9% (1.3% pre-spawning mortality and 5.6% encountered after sorting). Wild/natural salmon collected included 278 females, 173 males, and 29 jacks for a total 480 fish for the 2008 brood. Supplemented brood stock collected included 149 adults (85 females, 35 males and 29 jacks). Hatchery control brood collected for research included 194 adults (91 females, 68 males and 35 jacks). Eggs will be inventoried in November with an actual summary of eggs numbers tomore » be submitted for the November report. The estimated egg takes (production) for the 2008 season was 1,375,146 eggs with 1,006,063 comprising of W x W crosses and 250,755 eggs of H x H crosses with 118,328 supplement crosses. Total fish on hand for the 2007 brood is 768,751 with an average fish per pound of 30.6 f/lb. FISH CULTURE: The marking and pit-tagging operation started on October 13th. The pit-tagging portion was completed on October 23rd. A total 40,000 juveniles were pit-tagged (2,000 from each of the production ponds and 4,000 each for the hatchery juvenile ponds 9 & 10). Cle Elum staff began shocking, sorting, counting and splitting eggs in incubation. Shocking eggs will separate live eggs from dead eggs. Eggs are treated with formalin three times a week to control fungus. The focus for the culturists during the month of October entail completing the final spawn (egg take) on the 7th, pond cleaning, keeping the marking trailers supplied with fish and end of month sampling. The adult holding ponds were power washed and winterized for the shut down period. Facility crew members Greg Strom and Mike Whitefoot assisted Joe Blodgett and his crew with fish brood collection on the 22nd of October. Fall Chinook and Coho salmon were seined up and put in tanker trucks from Chandler canal and transported to holding ponds for later spawning

  19. Effect of total knee replacement surgery and postoperative 12 month home exercise program on gait parameters.

    PubMed

    Heikkilä, A; Sevander-Kreus, N; Häkkinen, A; Vuorenmaa, M; Salo, Petr; Konsta, P; Ylinen, J

    2017-03-01

    To evaluate the effects of surgery and a postoperative progressive home exercise program on gait parameters among individuals operated with total knee arthroplasty. Single blinded randomized controlled trial. 108 patients (84 females, 24 males, mean age 69 years). Patients were equally randomized into an exercise group (EG) and control group (CG). The 12-months progressive home exercise program starting two months postoperatively was compared to usual care. Gait analysis was performed using the Gaitrite electronic walkway system. In addition, knee extension and flexion strength were measured by a dynamometer preoperatively, and pain on visual analog scale (VAS) at two months and 14 months postoperatively. At the 12-month follow-up, maximal gait velocity (p=0.006), cadence (p=0.003) and stance time (p=0.039) showed a greater increase among EG than CG. All the other gait parameters improved among both groups, but with not statistically discernible difference between groups. Weak correlations were found between changes in maximal gait velocity and the knee extension (r=-0.31, p=0.002), flexion strength (r=0.28, p=0.004) and pain during loading (r=-0.27, p=0.005) values. The intervention produced statistically significant changes in maximal gait velocity, cadence and stance times in the exercise group compared to controls. Although the average change was small it is of importance that biggest changes occurred in those with low performance. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  20. Early and progressive sensorimotor anomalies in mice overexpressing wild-type human alpha-synuclein.

    PubMed

    Fleming, Sheila M; Salcedo, Jonathan; Fernagut, Pierre-Olivier; Rockenstein, Edward; Masliah, Eliezer; Levine, Michael S; Chesselet, Marie-Françoise

    2004-10-20

    Accumulation of alpha-synuclein in brain is a hallmark of synucleinopathies, neurodegenerative diseases that include Parkinson's disease. Mice overexpressing alpha-synuclein under the Thy-1 promoter (ASO) show abnormal accumulation of alpha-synuclein in cortical and subcortical regions of the brain, including the substantia nigra. We examined the motor deficits in ASO mice with a battery of sensorimotor tests that are sensitive to alterations in the nigrostriatal dopaminergic system. Male wild-type and ASO mice were tested every 2 months for 8 months for motor performance and coordination on a challenging beam, inverted grid, and pole, sensorimotor deficits in an adhesive removal test, spontaneous activity in a cylinder, and gait. Fine motor skills were assessed by the ability to grasp cotton from a bin. ASO mice displayed significant impairments in motor performance and coordination and a reduction in spontaneous activity as early as 2 months of age. Motor performance and coordination impairments became progressively worse with age and sensorimotor deficits appeared at 6 months. Fine motor skills were altered at 4 months and worsened at 8 months. These data indicate that overexpression of alpha-synuclein induced an early and progressive behavioral phenotype that can be detected in multiple tests of sensorimotor function. These behavioral deficits provide a useful way to assess novel drug therapy in genetic models of synucleinopathies.

  1. Central corneal thickness and progression of the visual field and optic disc in glaucoma

    PubMed Central

    Chauhan, B C; Hutchison, D M; LeBlanc, R P; Artes, P H; Nicolela, M T

    2005-01-01

    Aims: To determine whether central corneal thickness (CCT) is a significant predictor of visual field and optic disc progression in open angle glaucoma. Methods: Data were obtained from a prospective study of glaucoma patients tested with static automated perimetry and confocal scanning laser tomography every 6 months. Progression was determined using a trend based approach called evidence of change (EOC) analysis in which sectoral ordinal scores based on the significance of regression coefficients of visual field pattern deviation and neuroretinal rim area over time are summed. Visual field progression was also determined using the event based glaucoma change probability (GCP) analysis using both total and pattern deviation. Results: The sample contained 101 eyes of 54 patients (mean (SD) age 56.5 (9.8) years) with a mean follow up of 9.2 (0.7) years and 20.7 (2.3) sets of examinations every 6 months. Lower CCT was associated with worse baseline visual fields and lower mean IOP in the follow up. In the longitudinal analysis CCT was not correlated with the EOC scores for visual field or optic disc change. In the GCP analyses, there was a tendency for groups classified as progressing to have lower CCT compared to non-progressing groups. In a multivariate analyses accounting for IOP, the opposite was found, whereby higher CCT was associated with visual field progression. None of the independent factors were predictive of optic disc progression. Conclusions: In this cohort of patients with established glaucoma, CCT was not a useful index in the risk assessment of visual field and optic disc progression. PMID:16024855

  2. Identification of a prospective early motor progression cluster of Parkinson's disease: Data from the PPMI study.

    PubMed

    Vavougios, George D; Doskas, Triantafyllos; Kormas, Constantinos; Krogfelt, Karen A; Zarogiannis, Sotirios G; Stefanis, Leonidas

    2018-04-15

    The aim of our study is to phenotype PD motor progression, and to detect whether serum, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), neuroimaging biomarkers and neuropsychological measures characterize PD motor progression phenotypes. We defined motor progression as a difference of at least one point in the Hoehn & Yahr (H&Y) scale between the baseline (Visit 0, V0), 12 months (Visit 04, V04) and 36 months (Visit 08, V08) milestones of the Progression Markers Initiative (PPMI) study. H&Y progression events were recorded at each milestone in order to be used as cluster analysis variables, in order to produce progression phenotypes. Subsequently, cross-cluster comparisons prior to and following (pairwise) propensity score matching were performed in order to assess phenotype - defining characteristics. Four progression clusters where identified: SPPD: Secondarily Progressive PD, H&Y progression between V04 and V08; EPPD: Early Progressive PD. H&Y progression between V0 and V04; NPPD: Non Progressive PD, no H&Y progression; MIPD: Minimally Improving PD, i.e. Minimal H&Y improvement H&Y progression between V04 and V08;. Independent Samples Mann Whitney U tests determined CSF aSyn (p = 0.006, adj p-value = 0.036. I) and Semantic Animal fluency T-score (SFT, p = 0.003, adjusted p-value = 0.016.) as statistically significant cross-cluster characteristics. Following Propensity Score Matching, SFT, Hopkins Verbal Learning Test (Retention/Recall), Serum IGF1, CSF aSyn, DaT-SPECT binding ratios (SBRs) and the Benton Judgement of Line Orientation Test (BJLOT) were determined as statistically significant predictors of cluster differentiation (p < 0.05). SFT, Serum IGF1, CSF aSyn and DaT-SPECT-derived, basal ganglia Striatal Binding Ratios warrant further investigation as possible motor progression biomarkers. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  3. 3 CFR 8354 - Proclamation 8354 of April 1, 2009. National Cancer Control Month, 2009

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-01-01

    ... 3 The President 1 2010-01-01 2010-01-01 false Proclamation 8354 of April 1, 2009. National Cancer... 1, 2009 Proc. 8354 National Cancer Control Month, 2009By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation We have achieved remarkable progress in the fight against cancer. Miracles in...

  4. Progress and Potential

    PubMed Central

    Haspel, Richard L.; Olsen, Randall J.; Berry, Anna; Hill, Charles E.; Pfeifer, John D.; Schrijver, Iris; Kaul, Karen L.

    2014-01-01

    Context Genomic medicine is revolutionizing patient care. Physicians in areas as diverse as oncology, obstetrics, and infectious disease have begun using next-generation sequencing assays as standard diagnostic tools. Objective To review the role of pathologists in genomic testing as well as current educational programs and future training needs in genomic pathology. Data Sources Published literature as well as personal experience based on committee membership and genomic pathology curricular design. Conclusion Pathologists, as the directors of the clinical laboratories, must be prepared to integrate genomic testing into their practice. The pathology community has made significant progress in genomics-related education. A continued coordinated and proactive effort will ensure a future vital role for pathologists in the evolving health care system and also the best possible patient care. PMID:24678680

  5. The Effect of Degrees of Direction in the Qualitative Analysis Laboratory on Retention of Learning

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Holcomb, Charlie M.

    1971-01-01

    Students given sufficient information to be able to design chemical separations of cations performed better on a post-test, and on a four-month retention test on chemical knowledge and laboratory procedures, than students given a detailed laboratory guide listing the steps to follow. (AL)

  6. Laboratory activities involving transmissible spongiform encephalopathy causing agents

    PubMed Central

    Leunda, Amaya; Van Vaerenbergh, Bernadette; Baldo, Aline; Roels, Stefan; Herman, Philippe

    2013-01-01

    Since the appearance in 1986 of epidemic of bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE), a new form of neurological disease in cattle which also affected human beings, many diagnostic and research activities have been performed to develop detection and therapeutic tools. A lot of progress was made in better identifying, understanding and controlling the spread of the disease by appropriate monitoring and control programs in European countries. This paper reviews the recent knowledge on pathogenesis, transmission and persistence outside the host of prion, the causative agent of transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSE) in mammals with a particular focus on risk (re)assessment and management of biosafety measures to be implemented in diagnostic and research laboratories in Belgium. Also, in response to the need of an increasing number of European diagnostic laboratories stopping TSE diagnosis due to a decreasing number of TSE cases reported in the last years, decontamination procedures and a protocol for decommissioning TSE diagnostic laboratories is proposed. PMID:24055928

  7. Analysis of STAT laboratory turnaround times before and after conversion of the hospital information system.

    PubMed

    Lowe, Gary R; Griffin, Yolanda; Hart, Michael D

    2014-08-01

    Modern electronic health record systems (EHRS) reportedly offer advantages including improved quality, error prevention, cost reduction, and increased efficiency. This project reviewed the impact on specimen turnaround times (TAT) and percent compliance for specimens processed in a STAT laboratory after implementation of an upgraded EHRS. Before EHRS implementation, laboratory personnel received instruction and training for specimen processing. One laboratory member per shift received additional training. TAT and percent compliance data sampling occurred 4 times monthly for 13 months post-conversion and were compared with the mean of data collected for 3 months pre-conversion. Percent compliance was gauged using a benchmark of reporting 95% of all specimens within 7 min from receipt. Control charts were constructed for TAT and percent compliance with control limits set at 2 SD and applied continuously through the data collection period. TAT recovered to pre-conversion levels by the 6th month post-conversion. Percent compliance consistently returned to pre-conversion levels by the 10th month post-conversion. Statistical analyses revealed the TAT were significantly longer for 3 months post-conversion (P < .001) compared with pre-conversion levels. Statistical significance was not observed for subsequent groups. Percent compliance results were significantly lower for 6 months post-conversion (P < .001). Statistical significance was not observed for subsequent groups. Extensive efforts were made to train and prepare personnel for challenges expected after the EHRS upgrade. Specific causes identified with the upgraded EHRS included multiple issues involving personnel and the EHRS. These data suggest that system and user issues contributed to delays in returning to pre-conversion TAT and percent compliance levels following the upgrade in the EHRS.

  8. Persistent Arthralgia and Related Risks Factors: A Cohort Study at 12 Months from Laboratory-Confirmed Chikungunya Infection.

    PubMed

    Murillo-Zamora, Efrén; Mendoza-Cano, Oliver; Trujillo-Hernández, Benjamín; Guzmán-Esquivel, José; Higareda-Almaraz, Enrique; Higareda-Almaraz, Martha Alicia; Sánchez-Piña, Ramón Alberto; Lugo-Radillo, Agustin

    2018-04-24

    To assess the cumulative incidence and clinical markers associated with persistent arthralgia (PA) at 12 months from acute chikungunya virus (CHIKV) infection. A multicenter retrospective cohort study was conducted in the state of Colima, Mexico, and 217 serologically confirmed cases of CHIKV infection were enrolled. Participants aged 15 years and older were interviewed on 6 months basis from acute illness onset and the main binary outcome was self-reported PA at 12 months. To assess clinical markers associated with PA we used a generalized linear model. The 2-item Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-2) was used to screen for depressive symptoms among PA-positive individuals. The cumulative incidence of PA was 31.8%. In the generalized linear model, individuals ≥40 years of age (risk ratio (RR) = 1.68; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.10-2.55) and those with 8 or more arthralgia sites (RR = 2.91, 95% CI 1.87-4.53) at acute disease had a significantly increased risk of PA at 12 months from CHIKV infection. Self-reported arthralgia (any site) at 3 months post-infection, a sub-chronic clinical marker, was also associated with a significantly increased risk of long-term articular manifestations (RR = 7.06, 95% CI 2.97-16.81). Depressive symptoms (PHQ-2 score ≥3) were reported by 33.3% of PA-positive participants. Our findings suggest that chronic CHKV-related articular manifestations were a frequent event in the study sample and the impact on functional status was potential. These results may be useful in health care settings in the risk-stratification of PA after CHIKV infection. Copyright © 2018 IMSS. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  9. Dental laboratory technology education in China: current situation and challenges.

    PubMed

    Zheng, Liwei; Yue, Li; Zhou, Min; Yu, Haiyang

    2013-03-01

    Modern dentistry and dental education in China were first introduced from abroad by Dr. Lindsay in 1907. However, advancements in the field of dental laboratory technology did not occur to the same degree in specialties such as prosthodontics and orthodontics. Since the 1990s, orders from abroad demanding dental appliances surged as the image of China as the "world's factory" strengthened. The assembly line model, in which technicians work like simple procedure workers, was rapidly applied to denture production, while the traditional education system and apprenticeship systems demonstrated little progress in these years. The lack of advancement in dental laboratory technology education caused insufficient development in China's dental technology industry. In order to alter the situation, a four-year dental laboratory technology undergraduate educational program was established in 2005 by West China School of Stomatology, Sichuan University (WCSS, SCU). This program was based on SCU's undergraduate education and WCSS's junior college education systems. The program introduced scientific methods in relevant subjects into laboratory technicians' training and made many improvements in the availability of trained faculty, textbooks, laboratory facilities, and curriculum.

  10. North Pacific Acoustic Laboratory and Deep Water Acoustics

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2014-09-30

    collaboration with Gerald D’Spain at the Marine Physical Laboratory ( MPL ) has continued. Data from PhilSea10 during the Drift Test have corrected for...Doppler shift, processed and provided to MPL . The collaboration will continue as the analysis progresses. II. Award Number N00014-13-1-0053...Wage (George Mason Univ.), Peter Worcester (Scripps), and others. In addition, we have begun close collaboration with Gerald D’Spain ( MPL

  11. Final Progress Report: Internship at Los Alamos National Laboratory

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

    Dunham, Ryan Q.

    2012-08-10

    Originally I was tasked fluidized bed modeling, however, I changed projects. While still working with ANSYS Fluent, I performed a study of particle tracks in glove boxes. This is useful from a Health-Physics perspective, dealing respirable particles that can be hazardous to the human body. I iteratively tested different amounts of turbulent particles in a steady-state flow. The goal of this testing was to discover how Fluent handles built-in Rosin-Rammler distributions for particle injections. I worked on the health physics flow problems and distribution analysis under the direction of two mentors, Bruce Letellier and Dave Decroix. I set up andmore » ran particle injection calculations using Fluent. I tried different combinations of input parameters to produce sets of 500,000, 1 million, and 1.5 million particles to determine what a good test case would be for future experiments. I performed a variety of tasks in my work as an Undergraduate Student Intern at LANL this summer, and learned how to use a powerful CFD application in addition to expanding my skills in MATLAB. I enjoyed my work at LANL and hope to be able to use the experience here to further my career in the future working in a security-conscious environment. My mentors provided guidance and help with all of my projects and I am grateful for the opportunity to work at Los Alamos National Laboratory.« less

  12. Swollen joint count in psoriatic arthritis is associated with progressive radiological damage in hands and feet.

    PubMed

    Simon, P; Pfoehler, C; Bergner, R; Schreiber, M; Pfreundschuh, M; Assmann, G

    2012-01-01

    Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) may progress to joint damage. Determining clinical predictors of joint damage assessed by radiography is important. The aim of this study was to determine clinical factors as possible predictors for radiological damage in hands and feet of PsA patients with a 12-month follow-up. We conducted a retrospective study on 53 PsA patients who were taking disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) and/or tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha-blockers at a fixed dosage. The patients were observed in 118 follow-up visits (intervals of 12 months ± 3 months), according to a clinical and radiological protocol which included the documentation of the number of swollen and tender joints in hands and feet, the applied therapy, psoriasis, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C-reactive protein (CRP), and global health assessment. Outcome was defined as radiographic damage of hands and feet (Ratingen score). For the statistical analysis the Chi-Square test for 2x2 crosstables (with Fisher's correction, as required) was used. Progressive radiological damage was more frequent among patients with an increasing swollen joint count (8 of 26 visits; 30.8%) than among those with a stable or decreased number of swollen joints (5 of 89 visits; 5.6%; p=0.001). The analysis of the patients stratified into the different treatment modalities resulted in a significant higher rate of radiological progress (20.8%) in patients on DMARD therapy compared with TNF-alpha blocking agents (0%) (p=0.009). During a 12-month follow-up of PsA patients, an increasing number of swollen joints heralds progression of radiological damage. TNF-alpha-blocker therapy appears to be superior to DMARDs in the protection from radiological progress.

  13. A method to detect progression of glaucoma using the multifocal visual evoked potential technique

    PubMed Central

    Wangsupadilok, Boonchai; Kanadani, Fabio N.; Grippo, Tomas M.; Liebmann, Jeffrey M.; Ritch, Robert; Hood, Donald C.

    2010-01-01

    Purpose To describe a method for monitoring progression of glaucoma using the multifocal visual evoked potential (mfVEP) technique. Methods Eighty-seven patients diagnosed with open-angle glaucoma were divided into two groups. Group I, comprised 43 patients who had a repeat mfVEP test within 50 days (mean 0.9 ± 0.5 months), and group II, 44 patients who had a repeat test after at least 6 months (mean 20.7 ± 9.7 months). Monocular mfVEPs were obtained using a 60-sector pattern reversal dartboard display. Monocular and interocular analyses were performed. Data from the two visits were compared. The total number of abnormal test points with P < 5% within the visual field (total scores) and number of abnormal test points within a cluster (cluster size) were calculated. Data for group I provided a measure of test–retest variability independent of disease progression. Data for group II provided a possible measure of progression. Results The difference in the total scores for group II between visit 1 and visit 2 for the interocular and monocular comparison was significant (P < 0.05) as was the difference in cluster size for the interocular comparison (P < 0.05). Group I did not show a significant change in either total score or cluster size. Conclusion The change in the total score and cluster size over time provides a possible method for assessing progression of glaucoma with the mfVEP technique. PMID:18830654

  14. Predicting progress in Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) use by children with autism.

    PubMed

    Pasco, Greg; Tohill, Christina

    2011-01-01

    The Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) is a widely used communication intervention for non-verbal children with autism spectrum disorder. Findings for the benefits of PECS have almost universally been positive, although there is very limited information about the characteristics of PECS users that determine the amount of progress that they are likely to make. To explore the utility of using children's developmental age to predict the subsequent degree of progress using PECS. In a retrospective study, 23 non-verbal 5- and 6-year-old children with autism spectrum disorder attending a special school were assessed to determine their highest level of PECS ability. They were then allocated to one of two groups depending on whether or not they had mastered PECS phase III. All participants had been assessed using the Psycho-Educational Profile-Revised (PEP-R) on entry to the school and before being introduced to PECS. Total developmental age scores were examined to determine whether they accurately predicted membership of the two PECS ability groups. All the 16 children who had mastered PECS phase III had total developmental age scores of 16 months or above, whilst six of the seven children who had not progressed beyond phase III scored below 16 months--the other child had a score of 16 months. The assessment of the developmental level of potential PECS users may provide valuable predictive information for speech-and-language therapists and other professionals in relation to the likely degree of progress and in setting realistic and achievable targets. © 2010 Royal College of Speech & Language Therapists.

  15. 5. CONSTRUCTION PROGRESS VIEW OF ASSEMBLY USED TO RAISE AND ...

    Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

    5. CONSTRUCTION PROGRESS VIEW OF ASSEMBLY USED TO RAISE AND LOWER FUEL ELEMENTS. TAKEN FROM TOP OF SHIELDING TANK WITH CAMERA POINTING TOWARDS BOTTOM OF TANK. SHOWS LADDER, SQUARE LIFTING FRAME, FUEL ELEMENT HOLDERS, AND CABLE CYLINDERS. INEL PHOTO NUMBER 65-5434, TAKEN OCTOBER 20, 1965. - Idaho National Engineering Laboratory, Advanced Reentry Vehicle Fusing System, Scoville, Butte County, ID

  16. Biosafety and Biosecurity in European Containment Level 3 Laboratories: Focus on French Recent Progress and Essential Requirements.

    PubMed

    Pastorino, Boris; de Lamballerie, Xavier; Charrel, Rémi

    2017-01-01

    Even if European Union (EU) Member States are obliged to implement EU Directives 2000/54/EC on the protection of workers from risks related to exposure to biological agents at work , national biosafety regulations and practices varied from country to country. In fact, EU legislation on biological agents and genetically modified microorganisms is often not specific enough to ensure harmonization leading to difficulties in implementation for most laboratories. In the same way, biosecurity is a relatively new concept and a few EU Member States are known to have introduced national laboratory biosecurity legislation. In France, recent regulations have reinforced biosafety/biosecurity in containment level 3 (CL-3) laboratories but they concern a specific list of pathogens with no correlation in other European Members States. The objective of this review was to summarize European biosafety/biosecurity measures concerning CL-3 facilities focusing on French specificities. Essential requirements needed to preserve efficient biosafety measures when manipulating risk group 3 biological agents are highlighted. In addition, International, European and French standards related to containment laboratory planning, operation or biosafety equipment are described to clarify optimal biosafety and biosecurity requirements.

  17. Biosafety and Biosecurity in European Containment Level 3 Laboratories: Focus on French Recent Progress and Essential Requirements

    PubMed Central

    Pastorino, Boris; de Lamballerie, Xavier; Charrel, Rémi

    2017-01-01

    Even if European Union (EU) Member States are obliged to implement EU Directives 2000/54/EC on the protection of workers from risks related to exposure to biological agents at work, national biosafety regulations and practices varied from country to country. In fact, EU legislation on biological agents and genetically modified microorganisms is often not specific enough to ensure harmonization leading to difficulties in implementation for most laboratories. In the same way, biosecurity is a relatively new concept and a few EU Member States are known to have introduced national laboratory biosecurity legislation. In France, recent regulations have reinforced biosafety/biosecurity in containment level 3 (CL-3) laboratories but they concern a specific list of pathogens with no correlation in other European Members States. The objective of this review was to summarize European biosafety/biosecurity measures concerning CL-3 facilities focusing on French specificities. Essential requirements needed to preserve efficient biosafety measures when manipulating risk group 3 biological agents are highlighted. In addition, International, European and French standards related to containment laboratory planning, operation or biosafety equipment are described to clarify optimal biosafety and biosecurity requirements. PMID:28620600

  18. Association of Dietary Factors with Progression of AA in Stroke/TIA Patients.

    PubMed

    Kodumuri, Nishanth; Giamberardino, Lauren; Hinderliter, Alan; Sen, Souvik

    2016-06-01

    To investigate the effect of dietary factors such as calorie intake and dietary fats on the progression of aortic arch atheroma (AA). In stroke/TIA patients, progression of AA is associated with recurrent vascular events. Consecutive patients with measurable (>1 mm) AA atheroma on baseline transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE) evaluation consented to a protocol mandated follow-up TEE at 12 months. Patients that had adequate paired AA images were assessed for progression, defined as Δ ≥ 1 grade worsening (based on plaque thickness over 12 months). Stroke risk factors and fasting lipid profile were assessed at baseline. The patient's nutritional intake was measured at baseline using the Gladys Block Food Frequency Questionnaire. One-hundred-nine patients (70 strokes, 33 TIAs) had sequential TEEs, of whom 27% (N=30) progressed and 73% (N=79) did not. Patients with progression had higher daily calorie (1778 ± 623 vs. 1378 ± 406 Calories, p=0.008), fat (76 ± 33 vs. 52 ± 23 grams, p=0.0002), carbohydrate (208 ± 78 vs. 169 ± 57 grams, p=0.01) and protein (73 ± 26 vs. 57 ± 21 grams, p=0.005) intake. On Further analysis among different fats showed a higher consumption of saturated fats (25 ± 12 vs. 17 ±8 grams, p=0.00051) as well as unsaturated fats (44 ± 20 vs. 30 ± 13 grams, p=0.002). These differences remained significant after we adjusted for the medication use. However the significance of these differences was attenuated after adjusting for the calorie intake. Cholesterol consumption did not differ between the progression and no-progression group (262 ± 125 vs. 213 ± 149 mg, p=0.2). Calorie intake plays a significant role in the progression of AA. Further studies are needed to confirm these findings and determine the specific dietary modifications that may prevent AA progression and associated recurrent vascular events.

  19. Effect of lipid-lowering therapy on the progression of intracranial arterial stenosis.

    PubMed

    Tan, Teng-Yeow; Kuo, Yeh-Lin; Lin, Wei-Che; Chen, Ting-Yao

    2009-02-01

    Intracranial arterial stenosis (IAS) is a severe disease with a high recurrent stroke rate even under the best medical treatment. Statins have been demonstrated to prevent stroke and to slow or halt atherosclerosis progression. This study was performed to observe the effect of atorvastatin on the progression of IAS, explore the factors associated with atherosclerosis regression and the recurrent rate of stroke. A hospital-base observation study enrolled 40 stroke patients with middle cerebral artery (MCA) or/and basilar artery (BA) stenosis. All participants had hyperlipidemia and were given atorvastatin 40 mg per day for at least six months. IAS was assessed by magnetic resonance angiogram (MRA) at the time of enrollment and then at least six months later. The primary outcome was the progression of IAS. All patients were also given antiplatelet agents for stroke prevention. At the end of the study, 23 (58 %), 15 (38 %) and 2 (4 %) patients had regressed, stationary and progressed IAS, respectively. Females were likely to have regressed IAS. The recurrent stroke rate was 18 %. Among the 54 stenotic vessels, 29 (54 %) vessels were assessed as improvement in stenosis. Compared with other studies, more regressed, stationary IAS and less progressed IAS were found in our study. Female gender was likely to have regressed IAS after statin treatment. Further clinical outcome trials are required to assess the effects of such therapy on morbidity and mortality in this particular group of patients.

  20. CONSTRUCTION PROGRESS PHOTO OF HOT PILOT PLANT (CPP640) LOOKING NORTHEAST ...

    Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

    CONSTRUCTION PROGRESS PHOTO OF HOT PILOT PLANT (CPP-640) LOOKING NORTHEAST SHOWING DECK FORMING FOR SOUTH SECTION OF OPERATING CORRIDOR; CONSTRUCTION 44 PERCENT COMPLETE. INL PHOTO NUMBER NRTS-60-3624. Holmes, Photographer, 7/25/1960 - Idaho National Engineering Laboratory, Idaho Chemical Processing Plant, Fuel Reprocessing Complex, Scoville, Butte County, ID

  1. Research on Spoken Language Processing. Progress Report No. 21 (1996-1997).

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Pisoni, David B.

    This 21st annual progress report summarizes research activities on speech perception and spoken language processing carried out in the Speech Research Laboratory, Department of Psychology, Indiana University in Bloomington. As with previous reports, the goal is to summarize accomplishments during 1996 and 1997 and make them readily available. Some…

  2. Implementing a resource management program for accreditation process at the medical laboratory.

    PubMed

    Yenice, Sedef

    2009-03-01

    To plan for and provide adequate resources to meet the mission and goals of a medical laboratory in compliance with the requirements for laboratory accreditation by Joint Commission International. The related policies and procedures were developed based on standard requirements for resource management. Competency assessment provided continuing education and performance feedback to laboratory employees. Laboratory areas were designed for the efficient and safe performance of laboratory work. A physical environment was built up where hazards were controlled and personnel activities were managed to reduce the risk of injuries. An Employees Occupational Safety and Health Program (EOSHP) was developed to address all types of hazardous materials and wastes. Guidelines were defined to verify that the methods would produce accurate and reliable results. An active resource management program will be an effective way of assuring that systems are in control and continuous improvement is in progress.

  3. Use of fundus autofluorescence images to predict geographic atrophy progression.

    PubMed

    Bearelly, Srilaxmi; Khanifar, Aziz A; Lederer, David E; Lee, Jane J; Ghodasra, Jason H; Stinnett, Sandra S; Cousins, Scott W

    2011-01-01

    Fundus autofluorescence imaging has been shown to be helpful in predicting progression of geographic atrophy (GA) secondary to age-related macular degeneration. We assess the ability of fundus autofluorescence imaging to predict rate of GA progression using a simple categorical scheme. Subjects with GA secondary to age-related macular degeneration with fundus autofluorescence imaging acquired at least 12 months apart were included. Rim area focal hyperautofluorescence was defined as percentage of the 500-μm-wide margin bordering the GA that contained increased autofluorescence. Rim area focal hyperautofluorescence on baseline fundus autofluorescence images was assessed and categorized depending on the extent of rim area focal hyperautofluorescence (Category 1: ≤33%; Category 2: between 33 and 67%; Category 3: ≥67%). Total GA areas at baseline and follow-up were measured to calculate change in GA progression. Forty-five eyes of 45 subjects were included; average duration of follow-up was 18.5 months. Median growth rates differed among categories of baseline rim area focal hyperautofluorescence (P = 0.01 among Categories 1, 2, and 3; P = 0.008 for Category 1 compared with Category 3, Jonckheere-Terpstra test). A simple categorical scheme that stratifies the amount of increased autofluorescence in the 500-μm margin bordering GA may be used to differentiate faster and slower progressors.

  4. HalX: an open-source LIMS (Laboratory Information Management System) for small- to large-scale laboratories.

    PubMed

    Prilusky, Jaime; Oueillet, Eric; Ulryck, Nathalie; Pajon, Anne; Bernauer, Julie; Krimm, Isabelle; Quevillon-Cheruel, Sophie; Leulliot, Nicolas; Graille, Marc; Liger, Dominique; Trésaugues, Lionel; Sussman, Joel L; Janin, Joël; van Tilbeurgh, Herman; Poupon, Anne

    2005-06-01

    Structural genomics aims at the establishment of a universal protein-fold dictionary through systematic structure determination either by NMR or X-ray crystallography. In order to catch up with the explosive amount of protein sequence data, the structural biology laboratories are spurred to increase the speed of the structure-determination process. To achieve this goal, high-throughput robotic approaches are increasingly used in all the steps leading from cloning to data collection and even structure interpretation is becoming more and more automatic. The progress made in these areas has begun to have a significant impact on the more 'classical' structural biology laboratories, dramatically increasing the number of individual experiments. This automation creates the need for efficient data management. Here, a new piece of software, HalX, designed as an 'electronic lab book' that aims at (i) storage and (ii) easy access and use of all experimental data is presented. This should lead to much improved management and tracking of structural genomics experimental data.

  5. Monitoring Indicators of Scholarly Language: A Progress-Monitoring Instrument for Measuring Narrative Discourse Skills

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Gillam, Sandra Laing; Gillam, Ronald B.; Fargo, Jamison D.; Olszewski, Abbie; Segura, Hugo

    2017-01-01

    The purpose of this study was to assess the basic psychometric properties of a progress-monitoring tool designed to measure narrative discourse skills in school-age children with language impairments (LI). A sample of 109 children with LI between the ages of 5 years 7 months and 9 years 9 months completed the "Test of Narrative Language"…

  6. HER2-Specific Chimeric Antigen Receptor-Modified Virus-Specific T Cells for Progressive Glioblastoma: A Phase 1 Dose-Escalation Trial.

    PubMed

    Ahmed, Nabil; Brawley, Vita; Hegde, Meenakshi; Bielamowicz, Kevin; Kalra, Mamta; Landi, Daniel; Robertson, Catherine; Gray, Tara L; Diouf, Oumar; Wakefield, Amanda; Ghazi, Alexia; Gerken, Claudia; Yi, Zhongzhen; Ashoori, Aidin; Wu, Meng-Fen; Liu, Hao; Rooney, Cliona; Dotti, Gianpietro; Gee, Adrian; Su, Jack; Kew, Yvonne; Baskin, David; Zhang, Yi Jonathan; New, Pamela; Grilley, Bambi; Stojakovic, Milica; Hicks, John; Powell, Suzanne Z; Brenner, Malcolm K; Heslop, Helen E; Grossman, Robert; Wels, Winfried S; Gottschalk, Stephen

    2017-08-01

    Glioblastoma is an incurable tumor, and the therapeutic options for patients are limited. To determine whether the systemic administration of HER2-specific chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-modified virus-specific T cells (VSTs) is safe and whether these cells have antiglioblastoma activity. In this open-label phase 1 dose-escalation study conducted at Baylor College of Medicine, Houston Methodist Hospital, and Texas Children's Hospital, patients with progressive HER2-positive glioblastoma were enrolled between July 25, 2011, and April 21, 2014. The duration of follow-up was 10 weeks to 29 months (median, 8 months). Monotherapy with autologous VSTs specific for cytomegalovirus, Epstein-Barr virus, or adenovirus and genetically modified to express HER2-CARs with a CD28.ζ-signaling endodomain (HER2-CAR VSTs). Primary end points were feasibility and safety. The key secondary end points were T-cell persistence and their antiglioblastoma activity. A total of 17 patients (8 females and 9 males; 10 patients ≥18 years [median age, 60 years; range, 30-69 years] and 7 patients <18 years [median age, 14 years; range, 10-17 years]) with progressive HER2-positive glioblastoma received 1 or more infusions of autologous HER2-CAR VSTs (1 × 106/m2 to 1 × 108/m2) without prior lymphodepletion. Infusions were well tolerated, with no dose-limiting toxic effects. HER2-CAR VSTs were detected in the peripheral blood for up to 12 months after the infusion by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Of 16 evaluable patients (9 adults and 7 children), 1 had a partial response for more than 9 months, 7 had stable disease for 8 weeks to 29 months, and 8 progressed after T-cell infusion. Three patients with stable disease are alive without any evidence of progression during 24 to 29 months of follow-up. For the entire study cohort, median overall survival was 11.1 months (95% CI, 4.1-27.2 months) from the first T-cell infusion and 24.5 months (95% CI, 17.2-34.6 months) from

  7. Response to belimumab among patients with systemic lupus erythematosus in clinical practice settings: 24-month results from the OBSErve study in the USA

    PubMed Central

    Collins, C E; Dall'Era, M; Kan, H; Macahilig, C; Molta, C; Koscielny, V; Chang, D J

    2016-01-01

    Objective To examine disease activity and clinical outcomes, and describe overall patterns of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) care in patients who received belimumab in a real-world clinical setting. Methods This observational cohort study was conducted in US clinical practices. Rheumatologists (n=92) identified adults with SLE who had received ≥8 infusions of belimumab plus standard of care (SoC). Physicians assessed disease outcomes at 6-month intervals using patient medical charts, for up to 24 months. The primary outcome was physician-assessed change in SLE disease. Other outcomes included change in steroid use, laboratory tests and healthcare resource utilisation (HCRU). Results Of 501 patients (intent-to-treat population (ITT)), 446 were female, mean age was 43.3 years and 98% had moderate/severe disease activity at baseline (first dose of belimumab). Data for 277 patients who completed 24 months of belimumab treatment were available. Among the ITT, a ≥50% improvement in overall clinical response between baseline and month 6 was reported for 48.7% of patients; continued improvement was seen at all subsequent 6-month intervals relative to the previous timepoint. The percentage of patients with moderate/severe disease also decreased at each timepoint. At baseline, 77.0% of patients received steroids at a mean (SD) prednisone equivalent dose of 19.9 (14.39) mg/day, which decreased to 8.4 (7.35) mg/day at month 6 and 6.1 (9.31) mg/day at month 24. Abnormal laboratory values typically associated with SLE also demonstrated improvements at month 6, which continued through 24 months. HCRU decreased over the duration of the study. Conclusions Patients with SLE who received belimumab plus SoC for up to 24 months demonstrated improvements in disease severity and laboratory values and a reduction in steroid use and HCRU as early as month 6. Improvements continued through 24 months, providing evidence of reduced disease activity among patients taking

  8. Progressive necrotic encephalopathy following tacrolimus therapy for liver transplantation.

    PubMed

    Aridon, Paolo; Ragonese, Paolo; Di Benedetto, Norma; Grasso, Giovanni; Conaldi, Pier Giulio; D'Amelio, Marco; Savettieri, Giovanni

    2009-12-01

    Previously described neurologic damage induced by immunosuppressive treatments includes transient or reversible central nervous system involvement. We describe a 57-year-old man who underwent liver transplantation and was started on immunosuppressive therapy with tacrolimus (FK506). Six months later, he started complaining of a progressive motor and sensory impairment of the left side, together with cognitive impairment. Brain MRI showed an enlarging lesion of the white matter with peripheral contrast enhancement. PET study indicated severe hypometabolism in the right hemisphere and spectroscopic MRI showed a peak of choline and relative reduction of other metabolites. Findings of CSF examinations and cultures, serology, and molecular techniques were normal. Tacrolimus treatment was stopped. A cerebral biopsy of the lesion showed a sub acute necrotizing process. In the following months, cognitive status of the patient tended to improve although he remained hemiplegic, while serial MRI confirmed the tendency to the recovery of the lesion that was still present 1 year after. The present observation describes a progressive encephalopathy associated with immune suppression with an unusual feature and permanent brain damage.

  9. Myelopathy in systemic lupus erythematosus: clinical, laboratory, radiological and progression findings in a cohort of 1,193 patients.

    PubMed

    Costallat, Beatriz Lavras; Ferreira, Daniel Miranda; Costallat, Lilian Tereza Lavras; Appenzeller, Simone

    2016-01-01

    To describe clinical, laboratory, radiological and progression characteristics of myelopathy in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). A retrospective analysis was performed on a cohort of 1193 patients with SLE (ACR criteria) in order to identify patients with myelopathy (neuropsychiatric ACR). Disease activity was assessed by the SLE activity index (SLEDAI) on the date of the event and functional capacity was assessed by the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) at the last visit. We identified 14 (1.2%) patients with myelopathy. All were women with a mean age of 30±11.5 years. Myelopathy occurred at the diagnosis of SLE in four (28%) patients; and nine (64%) patients had another type of neuropsychiatric manifestation associated. Neurological recurrence was observed in one (7%) patient. Disease activity was observed in 2 (14%) patients. Cerebrospinal fluid presented pleocytosis on 7 (53%) patients; antiphospholipid antibodies were positive in 5 (45%). Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed T2 hyperintensity with a predominance of longitudinal involvement in 6 (86%) patients. Most were treated with intravenous corticosteroids and cyclophosphamide. No patient had full recovery and four (36%) had high EDSS scores. Three (21%) patients died from sepsis early in the course of their myelopathy, during or after immunosuppressive therapy. Myelopathy occurred in 14 (1.2%) of the patients in our cohort and this may be the first manifestation of the disease occurring independently of systemic disease activity. Although rare, myelopathy shows great morbidity and mortality, can be recurrent and MRI is critical for diagnosis. Copyright © 2016. Published by Elsevier Editora Ltda.

  10. The Pathology Laboratory Act 2007 explained.

    PubMed

    Looi, Lai-Meng

    2008-06-01

    The past century has seen tremendous changes in the scope and practice of pathology laboratories in tandem with the development of the medical services in Malaysia. Major progress was made in the areas of training and specialization of pathologists and laboratory technical staff. Today the pathology laboratory services have entered the International arena, and are propelled along the wave of globalization. Many new challenges have emerged as have new players in the field. Landmark developments over the past decade include the establishment of national quality assurance programmes, the mushrooming of private pathology laboratories, the establishment of a National Accreditation Standard for medical testing laboratories based on ISO 15189, and the passing of the Pathology Laboratory Act in Parliament in mid-2007. The Pathology Laboratory Act 2007 seeks to ensure that the pathology laboratory is accountable to the public, meets required standards of practice, participates in Quality Assurance programmes, is run by qualified staff, complies with safety requirements and is subject to continuous audit. The Act is applicable to all private laboratories (stand alone or hospital) and laboratories in statutory bodies (Universities, foundations). It is not applicable to public laboratories (established and operated by the government) and side-room laboratories established in clinics of registered medical or dental practitioners for their own patients (tests as in the First and Second Schedules respectively). Tests of the Third Schedule (home test blood glucose, urine glucose, urine pregnancy test) are also exempted. The Act has 13 Parts and provides for control of the pathology laboratory through approval (to establish and maintain) and licensing (to operate or provide). The approval or license may only be issued to a sole proprietor, partnership or body corporate, and then only if the entity includes a registered medical practitioner. Details of personnel qualifications and

  11. CONSTRUCTION PROGRESS PHOTO OF HOT PILOT PLANT (CPP640) LOOKING NORTHWEST, ...

    Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

    CONSTRUCTION PROGRESS PHOTO OF HOT PILOT PLANT (CPP-640) LOOKING NORTHWEST, SHOWING FORMING FOR NORTH WALLS OF CELLS 1, 4 AND 5; CONSTRUCTION 21 PERCENT COMPLETE. INL PHOTO NUMBER NRTS-60-1874. Holmes, Photographer, 4/21/1960 - Idaho National Engineering Laboratory, Idaho Chemical Processing Plant, Fuel Reprocessing Complex, Scoville, Butte County, ID

  12. Rapidly Progressive Dementia

    PubMed Central

    Geschwind, Michael D.

    2016-01-01

    Purpose of Review: This article presents a practical and informative approach to the evaluation of a patient with a rapidly progressive dementia (RPD). Recent Findings: Prion diseases are the prototypical causes of RPD, but reversible causes of RPD might mimic prion disease and should always be considered in a differential diagnosis. Aside from prion diseases, the most common causes of RPD are atypical presentations of other neurodegenerative disorders, curable disorders including autoimmune encephalopathies, as well as some infections, and neoplasms. Numerous recent case reports suggest dural arterial venous fistulas sometimes cause RPDs. Summary: RPDs, in which patients typically develop dementia over weeks to months, require an alternative differential than the slowly progressive dementias that occur over a few years. Because of their rapid decline, patients with RPDs necessitate urgent evaluation and often require an extensive workup, typically with multiple tests being sent or performed concurrently. Jakob-Creutzfeldt disease, perhaps the prototypical RPD, is often the first diagnosis many neurologists consider when treating a patient with rapid cognitive decline. Many conditions other than prion disease, however, including numerous reversible or curable conditions, can present as an RPD. This chapter discusses some of the major etiologies for RPDs and offers an algorithm for diagnosis. PMID:27042906

  13. Progress Towards an Open Data Ecosystem for Australian Geochemistry and Geochronology Data

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    McInnes, B.; Rawling, T.; Brown, W.; Liffers, M.; Wyborn, L. A.; Brown, A.; Cox, S. J. D.

    2016-12-01

    Technological improvements in laboratory automation and microanalytical methods are producing an unprecedented volume of high-value geochemical data for use by geoscientists in understanding geological and planetary processes. In contrast, the research infrastructure necessary to systematically manage, deliver and archive analytical data has not progressed much beyond the minimum effort necessary to produce a peer-reviewed publication. Anecdotal evidence indicates that the majority of publically funded data is underreported, and what is published is relatively undiscoverable to experienced researchers let alone the general public. Government-funded "open data" initiatives have a role to play in the development of networks of data management and delivery ecosystems and practices allowing access to publically funded data. This paper reports on progress in Australia towards creation of an open data ecosystem involving multiple academic and government research institutions cooperating to create an open data architecture linking researchers, physical samples, sample metadata, laboratory metadata, analytical data and consumers.

  14. Nasolabial cyst: 18.5 year experience in a pathology laboratory.

    PubMed

    Lopes-Rocha, R; Dornela Verli, F; Lages Lima, N; Rocha Dos Santos, C R; Aparecida Marinho, S

    2011-01-01

    This paper offers a survey of nasolabial cysts diagnosed at the Pathology Laboratory of the Universidade Federal dos Vales do Jequitinhonha e Mucuri (Brazil) over a period of 18.5 years, and a case report. A retrospective study was carried out on biopsies performed at the Pathology Laboratory of the UFVJM School of Dentistry between January 1992 and July 2010. Among a total of 2730 histopathological exams of biopsies performed at the UFVJM Pathology Laboratory, 288 (10.54%) were different types of cysts, The prevalence of NLC was 0.29% (8 cases) in relation to the overall sample and 2.43% among all cysts. NLC only occurred in the female gender in the age group spanning from 25 to 62 years (mean: 40.00 years; standard deviation (SD): 13.48 years). The duration of evolution ranged from six to 18 months (mean: 12 months; SD: 3.79 months). The cysts were asymptomatic in 62.5% of cases. Cyst size ranged from 10 to 30 mm (mean: 16.86; SD: 8.00 mm). In six cases (75%), the radiographic exams were consistent with the final diagnosis, whereas there were no records of radiographic images in two cases (25%). Surgical excision was the treatment of choice for all cases. The characteristics of NLC, such as location, elevation of the nasal wing, disappearance of the nasolabial sulcus, nasal obstruction, floatation of the cyst and the presence of cystic liquid in the interior, are enough to suggest the diagnosis of this cyst. However, the confirmation of the diagnosis is performed through biopsy and histopathological analysis.

  15. Lightweight Portable Plasma Medical Device - Plasma Engineering Research Laboratory

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2013-10-01

    Engineering Research Laboratory has made a momentous advancement on meeting the proposed milestones. The project has two objectives, in which the ...pressure plasma jet based on a dielectric barrier discharge configuration. The plasma and biological testing and characterization are in progress...1(b). Direct exposure of plasma involves, exposure of plasma directly on to a target treatment surface whereas the indirect plasma exposure involves

  16. University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Materials Research Laboratory progress report for FY 1992

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

    Not Available

    1992-07-01

    This interdisciplinary laboratory in the College of Engineering support research in areas of condensed matter physics, solid state chemistry, and materials science. These research programs are developed with the assistance of faculty, students, and research associates in the departments of Physics, Materials Science and Engineering, chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, and Nuclear Engineering.

  17. Split-course, high-dose palliative pelvic radiotherapy for locally progressive hormone-refractory prostate cancer.

    PubMed

    Gogna, Nirdosh Kumar; Baxi, Siddhartha; Hickey, Brigid; Baumann, Kathryn; Burmeister, Elizabeth; Holt, Tanya

    2012-06-01

    Local progression, in patients with hormone-refractory prostate cancer, often causes significant morbidity. Pelvic radiotherapy (RT) provides effective palliation in this setting, with most published studies supporting the use of high-dose regimens. The aim of the present study was to examine the role of split-course hypofractionated RT used at our institution in treating this group of patients. A total of 34 men with locoregionally progressive hormone-refractory prostate cancer, treated with a split course of pelvic RT (45-60 Gy in 18-24 fractions) between 2000 and 2008 were analyzed. The primary endpoints were the response rate and actuarial locoregional progression-free survival. Secondary endpoints included overall survival, compliance, and acute and late toxicity. The median age was 71 years (range, 53-88). Treatment resulted in an overall initial response rate of 91%, a median locoregional progression-free survival of 43 months, and median overall survival of 28 months. Compliance was excellent and no significant late toxicity was reported. The split course pelvic RT described has an acceptable toxicity profile, is effective, and compares well with other high-dose palliative regimens that have been previously reported. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  18. The Progressive BSSG Rat Model of Parkinson's: Recapitulating Multiple Key Features of the Human Disease

    PubMed Central

    Van Kampen, Jackalina M.; Baranowski, David C.; Robertson, Harold A.; Shaw, Christopher A.; Kay, Denis G.

    2015-01-01

    The development of effective neuroprotective therapies for Parkinson's disease (PD) has been severely hindered by the notable lack of an appropriate animal model for preclinical screening. Indeed, most models currently available are either acute in nature or fail to recapitulate all characteristic features of the disease. Here, we present a novel progressive model of PD, with behavioural and cellular features that closely approximate those observed in patients. Chronic exposure to dietary phytosterol glucosides has been found to be neurotoxic. When fed to rats, β-sitosterol β-d-glucoside (BSSG) triggers the progressive development of parkinsonism, with clinical signs and histopathology beginning to appear following cessation of exposure to the neurotoxic insult and continuing to develop over several months. Here, we characterize the progressive nature of this model, its non-motor features, the anatomical spread of synucleinopathy, and response to levodopa administration. In Sprague Dawley rats, chronic BSSG feeding for 4 months triggered the progressive development of a parkinsonian phenotype and pathological events that evolved slowly over time, with neuronal loss beginning only after toxin exposure was terminated. At approximately 3 months following initiation of BSSG exposure, animals displayed the early emergence of an olfactory deficit, in the absence of significant dopaminergic nigral cell loss or locomotor deficits. Locomotor deficits developed gradually over time, initially appearing as locomotor asymmetry and developing into akinesia/bradykinesia, which was reversed by levodopa treatment. Late-stage cognitive impairment was observed in the form of spatial working memory deficits, as assessed by the radial arm maze. In addition to the progressive loss of TH+ cells in the substantia nigra, the appearance of proteinase K-resistant intracellular α-synuclein aggregates was also observed to develop progressively, appearing first in the olfactory bulb, then

  19. Rapidly progressive internal root resorption: a case report.

    PubMed

    Keinan, David; Heling, Ilana; Stabholtz, Adam; Moshonov, Joshua

    2008-10-01

    The etiology of internal root resorption is not fully understandable, trauma and chronic pulpitis are considered the main risk factors. Usually the process is asymptomatic and diagnosed upon routine radiographic examination. This case report presents a rapid progression of internal resorption related directly to traumatic injury. A 16-year-old female arrived at the emergency room after a mild extrusion of the mandibular incisors. The initial treatment included repositioning and splinting of the teeth. Radiographs performed at repositioning and splinting demonstrated normal configuration of the incisor's roots. Ten months later progressive internal resorption of the left mandibular first incisor was diagnosed. While treating this tooth similar process was detected in the right mandibular second incisor and in the mandibular left second incisor. The lower right first incisor reacted inconsistently to vitality test. As a result of the severe and rapidly progressive nature of the process, root canal treatments were performed in all lower incisors. The follow-up radiographs demonstrate arrest of the internal resorption process.

  20. Idaho National Laboratory Quarterly Occurrence Analysis

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

    Mitchell, Lisbeth Ann

    This report is published quarterly by the Idaho National Laboratory (INL) Quality and Performance Management Organization. The Department of Energy (DOE) Occurrence Reporting and Processing System (ORPS), as prescribed in DOE Order 232.2, “Occurrence Reporting and Processing of Operations Information,” requires a quarterly analysis of events, both reportable and not reportable, for the previous 12 months. This report is the analysis of 85 reportable events (18 from the 4th Qtr FY-15 and 67 from the prior three reporting quarters), as well as 25 other issue reports (including events found to be not reportable and Significant Category A and B conditions)more » identified at INL during the past 12 months (8 from this quarter and 17 from the prior three quarters).« less

  1. Progress on the occulter experiment at Princeton

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Cady, Eric; Balasubramanian, Kunjithapatham; Carr, Michael; Dickie, Matthew; Echternach, Pierre; Groff, Tyler; Kasdin, Jeremy; Laftchiev, Christian; McElwain, Michael; Sirbu, Dan; Vanderbei, Robert; White, Victor

    2009-08-01

    An occulter is used in conjunction with a separate telescope to suppress the light of a distant star. To demonstrate the performance of this system, we are building an occulter experiment in the laboratory at Princeton. This experiment will use an etched silicon mask as the occulter, with some modifications to try to improve the performance. The occulter is illuminated by a diverging laser beam to reduce the aberrations from the optics before the occulter. We present the progress of this experiment and expectations for future work.

  2. Risk prediction for chronic kidney disease progression using heterogeneous electronic health record data and time series analysis.

    PubMed

    Perotte, Adler; Ranganath, Rajesh; Hirsch, Jamie S; Blei, David; Elhadad, Noémie

    2015-07-01

    As adoption of electronic health records continues to increase, there is an opportunity to incorporate clinical documentation as well as laboratory values and demographics into risk prediction modeling. The authors develop a risk prediction model for chronic kidney disease (CKD) progression from stage III to stage IV that includes longitudinal data and features drawn from clinical documentation. The study cohort consisted of 2908 primary-care clinic patients who had at least three visits prior to January 1, 2013 and developed CKD stage III during their documented history. Development and validation cohorts were randomly selected from this cohort and the study datasets included longitudinal inpatient and outpatient data from these populations. Time series analysis (Kalman filter) and survival analysis (Cox proportional hazards) were combined to produce a range of risk models. These models were evaluated using concordance, a discriminatory statistic. A risk model incorporating longitudinal data on clinical documentation and laboratory test results (concordance 0.849) predicts progression from state III CKD to stage IV CKD more accurately when compared to a similar model without laboratory test results (concordance 0.733, P<.001), a model that only considers the most recent laboratory test results (concordance 0.819, P < .031) and a model based on estimated glomerular filtration rate (concordance 0.779, P < .001). A risk prediction model that takes longitudinal laboratory test results and clinical documentation into consideration can predict CKD progression from stage III to stage IV more accurately than three models that do not take all of these variables into consideration. © The Author 2015. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the American Medical Informatics Association.

  3. Glenohumeral arthritis after Latarjet procedure: Progression and it's clinical significance.

    PubMed

    Kee, Young Moon; Kim, Hwan Jin; Kim, Jung Youn; Rhee, Yong Girl

    2017-09-01

    The risk factors of glenohumeral arthritis after the Latarjet procedure remain relatively unexplored. The purposes of this study are to evaluate the clinical significance of glenohumeral arthritis after the Latarjet procedure, and to investigate risk factors associated with arthritis progression. We evaluated 110 patients (110 shoulders) who underwent the Latarjet procedure for recurrent anterior shoulder instability. Patients had a mean age of 23.8 years (range, 14-52 years) at the time of the operation, and the mean duration of follow-up was 31 months (range, 24-111 months). At the last follow-up, the mean Visual Analog Scale (VAS), Rowe and University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA) scores significantly improved from 3.1, 36.5 and 23.6 points preoperatively to 1.6, 87.6 and 32.6 points (all P < 0.05, respectively). The postoperative rate of recurrence was 5.4%. Among the 14 shoulders with preoperative arthritis, 8 (57.1%) showed progression of arthritis at the last follow up. New occurrence or progression of arthritis after the Latarjet procedure was in 20 shoulders (18.2%). At the final, overall prevalence of arthritis was 23.6% (26 shoulders). The non-arthritis group showed significantly better functional outcomes (VAS score: 0.9, Rowe Score: 89.3, UCLA score: 33.5) than the arthritis group (2.1, 84.9, 29.2; all P < 0.05, respectively). Preoperative generalized laxity and lateral overhang were associated with glenohumeral arthritis progression after surgery. (all P < 0.05, retrospectively). The Latarjet procedure yielded satisfactory functional outcomes with low recurrent rate at mid-term follow-up. Development or progression of arthritis was observed in 18.2% of patients, postoperatively. Glenohumeral arthritis after the Latarjet procedure had an adverse effect on clinical outcome. Generalized laxity and lateral overhang should be considered as risk factors of progression to glenohumeral arthritis after the Latarjet procedure. Copyright © 2017 The

  4. National Home Start Evaluation Interim Report VI. Twelve-Month Program Issues, Outcomes and Costs.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Goodrich, Nancy; And Others

    This report assesses the progress of the six summative Home Start projects as evaluation families completed their first twelve months of enrollment. Home Start, a federally-funded 3-year (1972-1975) home-based demonstration program for low-income families with 3- to 5-year-old children was designed to enhance a mother's skills in dealing with her…

  5. Research on Speech Perception. Progress Report No. 9, January 1983-December 1983.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Pisoni, David B.; And Others

    Summarizing research activities from January 1983 to December 1983, this is the ninth annual report of research on speech perception, analysis and synthesis conducted in the Speech Research Laboratory of the Department of Psychology at Indiana University. The report includes extended manuscripts, short reports, and progress reports. The report…

  6. Research on Speech Perception. Progress Report No. 8, January 1982-December 1982.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Pisoni, David B.; And Others

    Summarizing research activities from January 1982 to December 1982, this is the eighth annual report of research on speech perception, analysis and synthesis conducted in the Speech Research Laboratory of the Department of Psychology at Indiana University. The report includes extended manuscripts, short reports, progress reports, and information…

  7. Savannah River Ecology Laboratory annual technical progress report of ecological research for the year ending July 31, 1995

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

    Smith, M.H.

    1995-07-01

    The Savannah River Ecology Laboratory (SREL) is a research unit of the University of Georgia (UGA). The overall mission of the Laboratory is to acquire and communicate knowledge of ecological processes and principles. SREL conducts basic and applied ecological research, as well as education and outreach programs, under a contract with the US Department of Energy (DOE) at the Savannah River Site near Aiken, South Carolina. Significant accomplishments were made during the past year in the areas of research, education and service. Major additions to SREL Facilities were completed that will enhance the Laboratory`s work in the future. Following severalmore » years of planning, opening ceremonies were held for the 5000 ft{sup 2} multi-purpose conference center that was funded by the University of Georgia Research Foundation (UGARF). The center is located on 68 acres of land that was provided by the US Department of Energy. This joint effort between DOE and UGARF supports DOE`s new initiative to develop partnerships with the private sector and universities. The facility is being used for scientific meetings and environmental education programs for students, teachers and the general public. A 6000 ft{sup 2} office and library addition to S@s main building officially opened this year, and construction plans are underway on a new animal care facility, laboratory addition, and receiving building.« less

  8. Progressive Functional Impairments of Hippocampal Neurons in a Tauopathy Mouse Model

    PubMed Central

    Ciupek, Sarah M.; Cheng, Jingheng; Ali, Yousuf O.; Lu, Hui-Chen

    2015-01-01

    The age-dependent progression of tau pathology is a major characteristic of tauopathies, including Alzheimer's disease (AD), and plays an important role in the behavioral phenotypes of AD, including memory deficits. Despite extensive molecular and cellular studies on tau pathology, it remains to be determined how it alters the neural circuit functions underlying learning and memory in vivo. In rTg4510 mice, a Tau-P301L tauopathy model, hippocampal place fields that support spatial memories are abnormal at old age (7–9 months) when tau tangles and neurodegeneration are extensive. However, it is unclear how the abnormality in the hippocampal circuit function arises and progresses with the age-dependent progression of tau pathology. Here we show that in young (2–4 months of age) rTg4510 mice, place fields of hippocampal CA1 cells are largely normal, with only subtle differences from those of age-matched wild-type control mice. Second, high-frequency ripple oscillations of local field potentials in the hippocampal CA1 area are significantly reduced in young rTg4510 mice, and even further deteriorated in old rTg4510 mice. The ripple reduction is associated with less bursty firing and altered synchrony of CA1 cells. Together, the data indicate that deficits in ripples and neuronal synchronization occur before overt deficits in place fields in these mice. The results reveal a tau-pathology-induced progression of hippocampal functional changes in vivo. PMID:26019329

  9. Building and Rebuilding: The National Public Health Laboratory Systems and Services Before and After the Earthquake and Cholera Epidemic, Haiti, 2009–2015

    PubMed Central

    Jean Louis, Frantz; Buteau, Josiane; Boncy, Jacques; Anselme, Renette; Stanislas, Magalie; Nagel, Mary C.; Juin, Stanley; Charles, Macarthur; Burris, Robert; Antoine, Eva; Yang, Chunfu; Kalou, Mireille; Vertefeuille, John; Marston, Barbara J.; Lowrance, David W.; Deyde, Varough

    2017-01-01

    Abstract. Before the 2010 devastating earthquake and cholera outbreak, Haiti’s public health laboratory systems were weak and services were limited. There was no national laboratory strategic plan and only minimal coordination across the laboratory network. Laboratory capacity was further weakened by the destruction of over 25 laboratories and testing sites at the departmental and peripheral levels and the loss of life among the laboratory health-care workers. However, since 2010, tremendous progress has been made in building stronger laboratory infrastructure and training a qualified public health laboratory workforce across the country, allowing for decentralization of access to quality-assured services. Major achievements include development and implementation of a national laboratory strategic plan with a formalized and strengthened laboratory network; introduction of automation of testing to ensure better quality of results and diversify the menu of tests to effectively respond to outbreaks; expansion of molecular testing for tuberculosis, human immunodeficiency virus, malaria, diarrheal and respiratory diseases; establishment of laboratory-based surveillance of epidemic-prone diseases; and improvement of the overall quality of testing. Nonetheless, the progress and gains made remain fragile and require the full ownership and continuous investment from the Haitian government to sustain these successes and achievements. PMID:29064354

  10. Savannah River Ecology Laboratory. Annual technical progress report of ecological research, period ending July 31, 1994

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

    Not Available

    1994-07-31

    The Savannah River Ecology Laboratory (SREL) is a research unit of the University of Georgia (UGA) that is managed in conjunction with the University`s Institute of Ecology. The laboratory`s overall mission is to acquire and communicate knowledge of ecological processes and principles. SREL conducts basic and applied ecological research, as well as education and outreach programs, under an M&O contract with the US Department of Energy at the Savannah River Site. Significant accomplishments were made during the year ending July 31, 1994 in the areas of research, education and service. Reviewed in this document are research projects in the followingmore » areas: Environmental Operations Support (impacted wetlands, streams, trace organics, radioecology, database synthesis, wild life studies, zooplankton, safety and quality assurance); wood stork foraging and breeding ecology; defence waste processing facility; environmental risk assessment (endangered species, fish, ash basin studies); ecosystem alteration by chemical pollutants; wetlands systems; biodiversity on the SRS; Environmental toxicology; environmental outreach and education; Par Pond drawdown studies in wildlife and fish and metals; theoretical ecology; DOE-SR National Environmental Research Park; wildlife studies. Summaries of educational programs and publications are also give.« less

  11. Oral anatomy laboratory examinations in a physical therapy program.

    PubMed

    Fabrizio, Philip A

    2013-01-01

    The process of creating and administering traditional tagged anatomy laboratory examinations is time consuming for instructors and limits laboratory access for students. Depending on class size and the number of class, sections, creating, administering, and breaking down a tagged laboratory examination may involve one to two eight-hour days. During the time that a tagged examination is being created, student productivity may be reduced as the anatomy laboratory is inaccessible to students. Further, the type of questions that can be asked in a tagged laboratory examination may limit student assessment to lower level cognitive abilities and may limit the instructors' ability to assess the students' understanding of anatomical and clinical concepts. Anatomy is a foundational science in the Physical Therapy curriculum and a thorough understanding of anatomy is necessary to progress through the subsequent clinical courses. Physical therapy curricula have evolved to reflect the changing role of physical therapists to primary caregivers by introducing a greater scope of clinical courses earlier in the curriculum. Physical therapy students must have a thorough understanding of clinical anatomy early in the education process. However, traditional anatomy examination methods may not be reflective of the clinical thought processes required of physical therapy students. Traditional laboratory examination methods also reduce student productivity by limiting access during examination set-up and breakdown. To provide a greater complexity of questions and reduced overall laboratory time required for examinations, the Physical Therapy Program at Mercer University has introduced oral laboratory examinations for the gross anatomy course series. © 2012 American Association of Anatomists.

  12. Subacute sclerosing panencephalitis presenting as rapidly progressive young-onset dementia.

    PubMed

    Chakor, Rahul Tryambak; Santosh, Nandanavana Subbareddy

    2013-07-01

    Onset of dementia before 65 years of age is termed as young-onset dementia (YOD). Very little literature exists regarding the clinical features and diagnoses of dementia in younger individuals. We present a case series of four patients of age 10 to 23 years with severe dementia within 18 months of clinical onset (rapidly progressive dementia). Three patients had generalised periodic complexes typical of subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE) on electroencephalogram (EEG). All patients had elevated cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) IgG measles antibodies. Our case series highlights that SSPE is an important cause of rapidly progressive YOD in developing countries like India.

  13. Continual planning and scheduling for managing patient tests in hospital laboratories.

    PubMed

    Marinagi, C C; Spyropoulos, C D; Papatheodorou, C; Kokkotos, S

    2000-10-01

    Hospital laboratories perform examination tests upon patients, in order to assist medical diagnosis or therapy progress. Planning and scheduling patient requests for examination tests is a complicated problem because it concerns both minimization of patient stay in hospital and maximization of laboratory resources utilization. In the present paper, we propose an integrated patient-wise planning and scheduling system which supports the dynamic and continual nature of the problem. The proposed combination of multiagent and blackboard architecture allows the dynamic creation of agents that share a set of knowledge sources and a knowledge base to service patient test requests.

  14. Evaluating laboratory key performance using quality indicators in Alexandria University Hospital Clinical Chemistry Laboratories.

    PubMed

    Rizk, Mostafa M; Zaki, Adel; Hossam, Nermine; Aboul-Ela, Yasmin

    2014-12-01

    The performance of clinical laboratories plays a fundamental role in the quality and effectiveness of healthcare. To evaluate the laboratory performance in Alexandria University Hospital Clinical Laboratories using key quality indicators and to compare the performance before and after an improvement plan based on ISO 15189 standards. The study was carried out on inpatient samples for a period of 7 months that was divided into three phases: phase I included data collection for evaluation of the existing process before improvement (March-May 2012); an intermediate phase, which included corrective, preventive action, quality initiative and steps for improvement (June 2012); and phase II, which included data collection for evaluation of the process after improvement (July 2012-September 2012). In terms of the preanalytical indicators, incomplete request forms in phase I showed that the total number of received requests were 31 944, with a percentage of defected request of 33.66%; whereas in phase II, there was a significant reduction in all defected request items (P<0.001) with a percentage of defected requests of 9.64%. As for the analytical indicators, the proficiency testing accuracy score in phase I showed poor performance of 10 analytes in which total error (TE) exceeded total error allowable (TEa), with a corresponding sigma value of less than 3, which indicates test problems and an unreliable method. The remaining analytes showed an acceptable performance in which TE did not exceed the TEa, with a sigma value of more than 6. Following an intervention of 3 months, the performance showed marked improvement. Error tracking in phase I showed a TE of (5.11%), whereas in phase II it was reduced to 2.48% (P<0.001).For the postanalytical indicators, our results in phase I showed that the percentage of nonreported critical results was 26.07%. In phase II, there was a significant improvement (P<0.001). The percentage of nonreported results was 11.37%, the reasons were

  15. Progressive Occlusion of Small Saccular Aneurysms Incompletely Occluded After Stent-Assisted Coil Embolization : Analysis of Related Factors and Long-Term Outcomes.

    PubMed

    Lim, Jeong Wook; Lee, Jeongjun; Cho, Young Dae

    2017-08-08

    Incompletely occluded aneurysms after coil embolization are subject to recanalization but occasionally progress to a totally occluded state. Deployed stents may actually promote thrombosis of coiled aneurysms. We evaluated outcomes of small aneurysms (<10 mm) wherein saccular filling with contrast medium was evident after stent-assisted coiling, assessing factors implicated in subsequent progressive occlusion. Between September 2012 and June 2016, a total of 463 intracranial aneurysms were treated by stent-assisted coil embolization. Of these, 132 small saccular aneurysms displayed saccular filling with contrast medium in the immediate aftermath of coiling. Progressive thrombosis was defined as complete aneurysmal occlusion at the 6‑month follow-up point. Rates of progressive occlusion and factors predisposing to this were analyzed via binary logistic regression. In 101 (76.5%) of the 132 intracranial aneurysms, complete occlusion was observed in follow-up imaging studies at 6 months. Binary logistic regression analysis indicated that progressive occlusion was linked to smaller neck diameter (odds ratio [OR] = 1.533; p = 0.003), hyperlipidemia (OR = 3.329; p = 0.036) and stent type (p = 0.031). The LVIS stent is especially susceptible to progressive thrombosis, more so than Neuroform (OR = 0.098; p = 0.008) or Enterprise (OR = 0.317; p = 0.098) stents. In 57 instances of progressive thrombosis, followed for ≥12 months (mean 25.0 ± 10.7 months), 56 (98.2%) were stable, with minor recanalization noted once (1.8%) and no major recanalization. Aneurysms associated with smaller diameter necks, hyperlipidemic states and LVIS stent deployment may be inclined to possible thrombosis, if occlusion immediately after stent-assisted coil embolization is incomplete. In such instances, excellent long-term durability is anticipated.

  16. Cle Elum Supplementation and Research Facility : Monthly Progress Report : December 1, 2008 - December 31, 2008.

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

    Cle Elum Supplementation and Research Facility

    2009-01-12

    FISH PRODUCTION: Brood year 2008 production and experimental hatchery & supplemental crossed eggs continue to be incubated and chilled water at 380 Fahrenheit for the month. Temperature units are {approx}960 TU's at the end of the month. Hatching was observed at {approx}900 temperature units (TU's). The 2007 Brood year (BY) has approximately 773,477 juveniles on hand at the end of December, averaging 30.6 fish per pound. Fish tagging operations wrapped up on the 5th. Transportation of fish to acclimation sites is tentatively scheduled to begin January 12th. FISH CULTURE: Production pond cleaning continues on a weekly basis, and feeding continuesmore » to be performed two days per week due to the colder river water temperatures. Eggs in the incubation continue to be tempered in 38 degree water and temperature units recorded daily. On the 20th the river became too inclement for normal operations as the intake screens were covered with ice, at that time we shutdown two river pumps and turned on wells four and six to get 6,825 gallons of water. This was the operation at the facility for twenty-four hours at which point we were able to get back to normal operations. WATER PRODUCTION: The current combined well and river water supply to the complex is 14,756 gallons/min. The river pumps are supplying 13,571 gallons per minute. Well pumps No.2 and No.4 are operating and supplying 1,185 gallons/min. More on well pumps in the well field maintenance section of this report. ACCLIMATION SITES: Preparation of acclimation sites for fish transfer was the main focus for the month of December. Each week thermographs that record water temperature have the data disc changed at the acclimations sites. Ford Excavation with assistance from YKFP maintenance has started clearing snow out of the Easton acclimation site. VEHICLE MAINTENANCE: The snowmobiles were taken in to have annual maintenance performed. The full-size John Deere tractor needed and was taken to Barnet Implement in

  17. Experiences and prospects of nuclear astrophysics in underground laboratories

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

    Junker, M.

    Impressive progress has been made in the course the last decades in understanding astrophysical objects. Increasing precision of nuclear physics data has contributed significantly to this success, but now a better understanding of several important findings is frequently limited by uncertainties related to the available nuclear physics data. Consequently it is desirable to improve significantly the quality of these data. An important step towards higher precision is an excellent signal to background ratio of the data. Placing an accelerator facility inside an underground laboratory reducing the cosmic ray induced background by six orders of magnitude is a powerful method tomore » reach this goal, even though careful reduction of environmental and beam induced background must still be considered. Experience in the field of underground nuclear astrophysics has been gained since 20 years due to the pioneering work of the LUNA Collaboration (Laboratory for Underground Nuclear Astrophysics) operating inside the underground laboratories of the Laboratori Nazionali del Gran Sasso (LNGS) in Italy. Based on the success of this work presently also several other projects for underground laboratories dedicated to nuclear astrophysics are being pursued worldwide. This contribution will give a survey of the past experience in underground nuclear astrophysics as well as an outlook on future developments.« less

  18. Impact of accelerated progression to AIDS on public health monitoring of late HIV diagnosis.

    PubMed

    Sabharwal, Charulata J; Sepkowitz, Kent; Mehta, Reshma; Shepard, Colin; Bodach, Sara; Torian, Lucia; Begier, Elizabeth M

    2011-03-01

    Some patients develop AIDS within a year of HIV infection ("accelerated progression"). Classifying such cases as late HIV diagnosis may lead to inaccurate evaluation of HIV testing efforts. We sought to determine this group's contribution to overall late diagnosis rates. To identify cases of accelerated progression (development of AIDS within 12 months of a negative HIV test), we reviewed published HIV seroconverter cohort studies and used New York City's (NYC) HIV/AIDS surveillance registry. From the literature review, three seroconverter cohort studies revealed that 1.0-3.6% of participants had accelerated progression to AIDS. Applying this frequency estimate to the number of new infections in NYC (4762) for 2006 calculated by the Centers for Diseases Control and Prevention's incidence formula, we estimated that 3.6-13.0% of 1317 NYC HIV cases who are diagnosed with AIDS within 12 months of HIV diagnosis are accelerated progressors, not persons HIV infected for many years who did not test and present with AIDS (i.e., delayed diagnosis). In addition, our analysis of the 2006 NYC surveillance registry confirmed the occurrence of accelerated progression in a population-based setting; 67 accelerated progressors were reported and 9 (13%) could be confirmed through follow-up medical record review. With increased HIV testing initiatives, the irreducible proportion of AIDS cases with accelerated progression must be considered when interpreting late diagnosis data.

  19. Progression of osteoarthritis following TPLO surgery: a prospective radiographic study of 40 dogs.

    PubMed

    Rayward, R M; Thomson, D G; Davies, J V; Innes, J F; Whitelock, R G

    2004-02-01

    The aim of this prospective study was to assess the progression of osteoarthritis following tibial plateau levelling osteotomy (TPLO) surgery. Osteoarthritis was monitored radiographically by means of an osteophyte scale on entry to the study, and at six weeks and six months following surgical intervention. Forty dogs were recruited to the study. At each visit, animals were assessed clinically, radiographically, by force platform analysis and by synovial fluid sampling. The radiographic data is the subject of this report. A significant increase in mean osteophyte score was noted between the entry and six-month examination time point. This increase in the mean osteophyte score was due to the increased score recorded in 16 dogs. However, in the majority of dogs, there was no progression of osteophytosis during the course of this study.

  20. Laboratory Sequence in Computational Methods for Introductory Chemistry

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Cody, Jason A.; Wiser, Dawn C.

    2003-07-01

    A four-exercise laboratory sequence for introductory chemistry integrating hands-on, student-centered experience with computer modeling has been designed and implemented. The progression builds from exploration of molecular shapes to intermolecular forces and the impact of those forces on chemical separations made with gas chromatography and distillation. The sequence ends with an exploration of molecular orbitals. The students use the computers as a tool; they build the molecules, submit the calculations, and interpret the results. Because of the construction of the sequence and its placement spanning the semester break, good laboratory notebook practices are reinforced and the continuity of course content and methods between semesters is emphasized. The inclusion of these techniques in the first year of chemistry has had a positive impact on student perceptions and student learning.

  1. Optic neuritis and rapidly progressive necrotizing retinitis as the initial signs of subacute sclerosing panencephalitis: a case report with clinical and histopathologic findings.

    PubMed

    Oray, Merih; Tuncer, Samuray; Kir, Nur; Karacorlu, Murat; Tugal-Tutkun, Ilknur

    2014-08-01

    We report a case of subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE) presenting first with optic neuritis and rapidly progressive necrotizing retinitis at the posterior pole. We reviewed the clinical, laboratory, photographic, angiographic, and histopathologic records of a patient with SSPE. A 15-year-old girl was referred after rapid loss of vision due to optic neuritis and macular necrosis in the right eye. She had a history of cardiac valve surgery, but had no systemic symptoms and extensive work-up was unrewarding. Contralateral involvement with rapidly progressive optic neuritis and macular necrotizing retinitis prompted retinochoroidal biopsy of the right eye, which revealed necrosis of inner retinal layers and perivascular lymphoplasmocytic infiltration with intact choroid and outer retina without any findings of inclusion bodies, microorganisms, or atypical cells. The diagnosis was based on histopathologic findings consistent with SSPE, and detection of elevated measles antibody titers in cerebrospinal fluid and serum. It was further confirmed by development of typical electroencephalography pattern at 6 months and neurological symptoms at 4-year follow-up. Clinicians need to be aware that optic neuritis and necrotizing retinitis at the posterior pole may be the presenting features of SSPE.

  2. Morphological study on dental caries induced in WBN/KobSlc rats (Rattus norvegicus) fed a standard laboratory diet.

    PubMed

    Fukuzato, Yoko; Matsuura, Tetsuro; Ozaki, Kiyokazu; Matsuura, Masahiro; Sano, Tomoya; Nakahara, Yutaka; Kodama, Yasushi; Nakagawa, Akihito; Okamura, Sumie; Suido, Hirohisa; Torii, Kayo; Makino, Taketoshi; Narama, Isao

    2009-10-01

    In our previous studies, WBN/KobSlc was characterized as a rat strain in which only males began to develop pancreatitis, and then presented with diabetic symptoms. In the course of studying their pancreatic inflammation, we detected molar caries in prediabetic males feeding on a standard diet (CRF-1) widely used for experimental animals. The purpose of this study is to confirm whether the WBN/KobSlc strain is caries-susceptible to the diet reported to be non-cariogenic, and to examine the effect of a prediabetic condition on their dental caries. For a morphological study, 25 male WBN/KobSlc rats aged 3.2-7.8 months and 24 females of the same strain aged 3.3-6.6 months were used, along with 10 males and 10 females of 8.2-month-old F344 rats. Marked dental caries were detected in the mandibular molars of male and female WBN/KobSlc rats regardless of pancreatitis, although no similar changes were observed in any teeth of the F344 strain fed the same diet. Soft X-ray examination revealed that the caries began in the crown and progressed horizontally and vertically, and that a severe radiolucent lesion extensively expanded to the entire crown, corresponding to a macroscopically deleted molar. The caries had gradually developed mainly in the second mandibular molar from more than 3.5 months of age, while none were seen in any rats before that time. The WBN/KobSlc rats were caries-susceptible even to the standard laboratory diet, and pancreatitis was not directly associated with the onset of dental caries in this strain.

  3. Risk of Visual Field Progression in Glaucoma Patients with Progressive Retinal Nerve Fiber Layer Thinning: A 5-Year Prospective Study.

    PubMed

    Yu, Marco; Lin, Chen; Weinreb, Robert N; Lai, Gilda; Chiu, Vivian; Leung, Christopher Kai-Shun

    2016-06-01

    To investigate whether progressive retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thinning is predictive of progressive visual field (VF) loss in glaucoma. Prospective study. A total of 139 primary open-angle glaucoma patients (240 eyes) followed up for ≥5 years. Retinal nerve fiber layer imaging and VF testing were performed at ∼4-month intervals. Progressive RNFL thinning was determined by event analysis (Guided Progression Analysis [GPA]) and trend analysis (Trend-based Progression Analysis [TPA]) of serial registered RNFL thickness maps. VF progression was detected according to the Early Manifest Glaucoma Trial (EMGT) ("likely progression") and pointwise linear regression (PLR) criteria (≥3 contiguous locations with sensitivity change <0 decibels [dB]/year at P < 0.01). Hazard ratios (HRs) for predicting VF progression were calculated by Cox proportional hazard modeling with progressive RNFL thinning as a time-dependent covariate. The specificity of GPA/TPA for detection of RNFL changes was determined by the proportion of eyes with significant RNFL thinning/thickening in 25 normal subjects followed weekly for 8 consecutive weeks and the proportion with significant RNFL thickening in the glaucoma group. The HRs of VF progression. A total of 65 (27.1%) and 117 eyes (48.8%) had progressive RNFL thinning based on GPA and TPA, respectively, and 30 (12.5%) and 39 eyes (16.3%) had VF progression per the EMGT and PLR criteria, respectively, during follow-up. Eyes with progressive RNFL thinning had lower VF survival estimates and a faster decline of visual field index than eyes without. Progressive RNFL thinning predicted the development of VF progression with HRs of 8.44 (95% confidence interval, 3.30-21.61) (EMGT criteria) and 5.11 (2.51-10.42) (PLR criteria) for TPA and 3.95 (1.74-8.93) (EMGT criteria) and 3.81 (1.83-7.92) (PLR criteria) for GPA after controlling for baseline covariates. The specificities of GPA and TPA were 100% (83.4%-100.0%) in the normal group and 81

  4. 71. ARAII. Construction progress at SL1 site near end of ...

    Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

    71. ARA-II. Construction progress at SL-1 site near end of 1957. Buildings from right to left are guard house, support building, reactor building, water tank and pump house. Construction was 23 percent complete. December 20, 1957. Ineel photo no. 57-6224. Photographer: Jack L. Anderson. - Idaho National Engineering Laboratory, Army Reactors Experimental Area, Scoville, Butte County, ID

  5. Guillain-Barre syndrome in a 7-month-old boy successfully applied plasma exchange.

    PubMed

    Akarcan, Sanem Eren; İşgüder, Rana; Yılmaz, Ünsal; Ayhan, Yüce; Ceylan, Gökhan; Ağın, Hasan

    2016-02-01

    Despite being the most common cause of acute flaccid paralysis in children Guillain-Barré syndrome has a low incidence under 18 years old, and is even rarer under the age of 2. Established treatment regimens include intravenous immunoglobulin and plasma exchange in older children and adults. However very limited data are available for the efficacy and safety of plasma exchange in infants younger than 12 month-old. This article presents the experience of plasma exchange in the case of 7-month-old boy diagnosed with Guillain-Barré syndrome. A 7-month-old boy was referred to the pediatric intensive care unit with a 10-day history of progressive weakness, feeding difficulty and constipation. He was diagnosed with axonal Guillain-Barré syndrome on the basis of clinical and electromyographical findings. The patient recovered fully with intravenous immunoglobulin and plasma exchange. Plasma exchange may be a safe option in the treatment in infants with Guillain-Barré syndrome as young as 7-month-age. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  6. Sunitinib-induced hypothyroidism predicts progression-free survival in metastatic renal cell carcinoma patients.

    PubMed

    Buda-Nowak, Anna; Kucharz, Jakub; Dumnicka, Paulina; Kuzniewski, Marek; Herman, Roman Maria; Zygulska, Aneta L; Kusnierz-Cabala, Beata

    2017-04-01

    Sunitinib is a tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) used in treatment of metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC), gastrointestinal stromal tumors and pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors. One of the most common side effects related to sunitinib is hypothyroidism. Recent trials suggest correlation between the incidence of hypothyroidism and treatment outcome in patients treated with TKI. This study evaluates whether development of hypothyroidism is a predictive marker of progression-free survival (PFS) in patients with mRCC treated with sunitinib. Twenty-seven patients diagnosed with clear cell mRCC, after nephrectomy and in 'good' or 'intermediate' MSKCC risk prognostic group, were included in the study. All patients received sunitinib as a first-line treatment on a standard schedule (initial dose 50 mg/day, 4 weeks on, 2 weeks off). The thyroid-stimulating hormone serum levels were obtained at the baseline and every 12 weeks of treatment. In statistic analyses, we used Kaplan-Meier method for assessment of progression-free survival; for comparison of survival, we used log-rank test. In our study, the incidence of hypothyroidism was 44%. The patients who had developed hypothyroidism had better median PFS to patients with normal thyroid function 28,3 months [95% (CI) 20.4-36.2 months] versus 9.8 months (6.4-13.1 months). In survival analysis, we perceive that thyroid dysfunction is a predictive factor of a progression-free survival (PFS). In the unified group of patients, the development of hypothyroidism during treatment with sunitinib is a positive marker for PFS. During that treatment, thyroid function should be evaluated regularly.

  7. Impact of nonintrusive clinical decision support systems on laboratory test utilization in a large academic centre.

    PubMed

    Eaton, Kevin P; Chida, Natasha; Apfel, Ariella; Feldman, Leonard; Greenbaum, Adena; Tuddenham, Susan; Kendall, Emily A; Pahwa, Amit

    2018-06-01

    The near-universal prevalence of electronic health records (EHRs) has made the utilization of clinical decision support systems (CDSS) an integral strategy for improving the value of laboratory ordering. Few studies have examined the effectiveness of nonintrusive CDSS on inpatient laboratory utilization in large academic centres. Red blood cell folate, hepatitis C virus viral loads and genotypes, and type and screens were selected for study. We incorporated the appropriate indications for these labs into text that accompanied the laboratory orders in our hospital's EHR. Providers could proceed with the order without additional clicks. An interrupted time-series analysis was performed, and the primary outcome was the rate of tests ordered on all inpatient medicine floors. The rate of folate tests ordered per monthly admissions showed no significant level change at the time of the intervention with only a slight decrease in rate of 0.0109 (P = .07). There was a 43% decrease in the rate of hepatitis C virus tests per monthly admissions immediately after the intervention with a decrease of 0.0135 tests per monthly admissions (P = .02). The rate of type and screens orders per patient days each month had a significant downward trend by 0.114 before the intervention (P = .04) but no significant level change at the time of the intervention or significant change in rate after the intervention. Our study suggests that nonintrusive CDSS should be evaluated for individual laboratory tests to ensure only effective alerts continue to be used so as to avoid increasing EHR fatigue. © 2018 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

  8. Global progress and backsliding on gasoline taxes and subsidies

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Ross, Michael L.; Hazlett, Chad; Mahdavi, Paasha

    2017-01-01

    To reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the coming decades, many governments will have to reform their energy policies. These policies are difficult to measure with any precision. As a result, it is unclear whether progress has been made towards important energy policy reforms, such as reducing fossil fuel subsidies. We use new data to measure net taxes and subsidies for gasoline in almost all countries at the monthly level and find evidence of both progress and backsliding. From 2003 to 2015, gasoline taxes rose in 83 states but fell in 46 states. During the same period, the global mean gasoline tax fell by 13.3% due to faster consumption growth in countries with lower taxes. Our results suggest that global progress towards fossil fuel price reform has been mixed, and that many governments are failing to exploit one of the most cost-effective policy tools for limiting greenhouse gas emissions.

  9. Frequency doubling technology perimetry for detection of visual field progression in glaucoma: a pointwise linear regression analysis.

    PubMed

    Liu, Shu; Yu, Marco; Weinreb, Robert N; Lai, Gilda; Lam, Dennis Shun-Chiu; Leung, Christopher Kai-Shun

    2014-05-02

    We compared the detection of visual field progression and its rate of change between standard automated perimetry (SAP) and Matrix frequency doubling technology perimetry (FDTP) in glaucoma. We followed prospectively 217 eyes (179 glaucoma and 38 normal eyes) for SAP and FDTP testing at 4-month intervals for ≥36 months. Pointwise linear regression analysis was performed. A test location was considered progressing when the rate of change of visual sensitivity was ≤-1 dB/y for nonedge and ≤-2 dB/y for edge locations. Three criteria were used to define progression in an eye: ≥3 adjacent nonedge test locations (conservative), any three locations (moderate), and any two locations (liberal) progressed. The rate of change of visual sensitivity was calculated with linear mixed models. Of the 217 eyes, 6.1% and 3.9% progressed with the conservative criteria, 14.5% and 5.6% of eyes progressed with the moderate criteria, and 20.1% and 11.7% of eyes progressed with the liberal criteria by FDTP and SAP, respectively. Taking all test locations into consideration (total, 54 × 179 locations), FDTP detected more progressing locations (176) than SAP (103, P < 0.001). The rate of change of visual field mean deviation (MD) was significantly faster for FDTP (all with P < 0.001). No eyes showed progression in the normal group using the conservative and the moderate criteria. With a faster rate of change of visual sensitivity, FDTP detected more progressing eyes than SAP at a comparable level of specificity. Frequency doubling technology perimetry can provide a useful alternative to monitor glaucoma progression.

  10. Monitoring of 30 marker candidates in early Parkinson disease as progression markers

    PubMed Central

    Zimmermann, Johannes; Sixel-Döring, Friederike; Focke, Niels K.; Wicke, Tamara; Ebentheuer, Jens; Schaumburg, Martina; Lang, Elisabeth; Trautmann, Ellen; Zetterberg, Henrik; Taylor, Peggy; Friede, Tim; Trenkwalder, Claudia

    2016-01-01

    Objective: This was a longitudinal single-center cohort study to comprehensively explore multimodal progression markers for Parkinson disease (PD) in patients with recently diagnosed PD (n = 123) and age-matched, neurologically healthy controls (HC; n = 106). Methods: Thirty tests at baseline and after 24 months covered nonmotor symptoms (NMS), cognitive function, and REM sleep behavior disorder (RBD) by polysomnography (PSG), voxel-based morphometry (VBM) of the brain by MRI, and CSF markers. Linear mixed-effect models were used to estimate differences of rates of change and to provide standardized effect sizes (d) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). Results: A composite panel of 10 informative markers was identified. Significant relative worsening (PD vs HC) was seen with the following markers: the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale I (d 0.39; CI 0.09–0.70), the Autonomic Scale for Outcomes in Parkinson's Disease (d 0.25; CI 0.06–0.46), the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (d 0.47; CI 0.24–0.71), the RBD Screening Questionnaire (d 0.44; CI 0.25–0.64), and RBD by PSG (d 0.37; CI 0.19–0.55) as well as VBM units of cortical gray matter (d −0.2; CI −0.3 to −0.09) and hippocampus (d −0.15; CI −0.27 to −0.03). Markers with a relative improvement included the Nonmotor Symptom (Severity) Scale (d −0.19; CI −0.36 to −0.02) and 2 depression scales (Beck Depression Inventory d −0.18; CI −0.36 to 0; Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale d −0.26; CI −0.47 to −0.04). Unexpectedly, cognitive measures and select laboratory markers were not significantly changed in PD vs HC participants. Conclusions: Current CSF biomarkers and cognitive scales do not represent useful progression markers. However, sleep and imaging measures, and to some extent NMS, assessed using adequate scales, may be more informative markers to quantify progression. PMID:27164658

  11. Monitoring of 30 marker candidates in early Parkinson disease as progression markers.

    PubMed

    Mollenhauer, Brit; Zimmermann, Johannes; Sixel-Döring, Friederike; Focke, Niels K; Wicke, Tamara; Ebentheuer, Jens; Schaumburg, Martina; Lang, Elisabeth; Trautmann, Ellen; Zetterberg, Henrik; Taylor, Peggy; Friede, Tim; Trenkwalder, Claudia

    2016-07-12

    This was a longitudinal single-center cohort study to comprehensively explore multimodal progression markers for Parkinson disease (PD) in patients with recently diagnosed PD (n = 123) and age-matched, neurologically healthy controls (HC; n = 106). Thirty tests at baseline and after 24 months covered nonmotor symptoms (NMS), cognitive function, and REM sleep behavior disorder (RBD) by polysomnography (PSG), voxel-based morphometry (VBM) of the brain by MRI, and CSF markers. Linear mixed-effect models were used to estimate differences of rates of change and to provide standardized effect sizes (d) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). A composite panel of 10 informative markers was identified. Significant relative worsening (PD vs HC) was seen with the following markers: the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale I (d 0.39; CI 0.09-0.70), the Autonomic Scale for Outcomes in Parkinson's Disease (d 0.25; CI 0.06-0.46), the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (d 0.47; CI 0.24-0.71), the RBD Screening Questionnaire (d 0.44; CI 0.25-0.64), and RBD by PSG (d 0.37; CI 0.19-0.55) as well as VBM units of cortical gray matter (d -0.2; CI -0.3 to -0.09) and hippocampus (d -0.15; CI -0.27 to -0.03). Markers with a relative improvement included the Nonmotor Symptom (Severity) Scale (d -0.19; CI -0.36 to -0.02) and 2 depression scales (Beck Depression Inventory d -0.18; CI -0.36 to 0; Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale d -0.26; CI -0.47 to -0.04). Unexpectedly, cognitive measures and select laboratory markers were not significantly changed in PD vs HC participants. Current CSF biomarkers and cognitive scales do not represent useful progression markers. However, sleep and imaging measures, and to some extent NMS, assessed using adequate scales, may be more informative markers to quantify progression. © 2016 American Academy of Neurology.

  12. GM2 gangliosidosis in a UK study of children with progressive neurodegeneration: 73 cases reviewed.

    PubMed

    Smith, Nicholas J; Winstone, Anne Marie; Stellitano, Lesley; Cox, Timothy M; Verity, Christopher M

    2012-02-01

    To report the demographic, phenotypic, and time-to-diagnosis characteristics of children with GM2 gangliosidosis referred to the UK study of Progressive Intellectual and Neurological Deterioration. Case notification is made via monthly surveillance card, administered by the British Paediatric Surveillance Unit to all UK-based paediatricians; children with GM2 gangliosidosis were identified from cases satisfying inclusion in the UK study of Progressive Intellectual and Neurological Deterioration and analysed according to phenotypic and biochemical categories. Between May 1997 and January 2010, 73 individuals with GM2 gangliosidoses were reported: 40 with Tay-Sachs disease, 31 with Sandhoff disease, and two with GM2 activator protein deficiency. Together they account for 6% (73/1164) of all diagnosed cases of progressive intellectual and neurological deterioration. The majority (62/73) were sporadic index cases with no family history. Children of Pakistani ancestry were overrepresented in all subtypes, particularly juvenile Sandhoff disease, accounting for 10 of 11 notified cases. Infantile-onset variants predominated (55/73); the mean age at onset of symptoms was 6.2 and 4.7 months for infantile-onset Tay-Sachs and Sandhoff disease respectively, and 26.2 and 34.7 months for the corresponding juvenile-onset variants. Time to diagnosis averaged 7.4 months and 28.0 months in infantile- and juvenile-onset disease respectively. GM2 gangliosidosis is a significant cause of childhood neurodegenerative disease; timely diagnosis relies upon improved clinical recognition, which may be increasingly important as specific therapies become available. There is a potential benefit from the introduction of screening programmes for high-risk ethnic groups. © The Authors. Developmental Medicine & Child Neurology © 2011 Mac Keith Press.

  13. Laboratory simulation of field-aligned currents

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Wessel, Frank J.; Rostoker, Norman

    1993-01-01

    A summary of progress during the period Apr. 1992 to Mar. 1993 is provided. Objectives of the research are (1) to simulate, via laboratory experiments, the three terms of the field-aligned current equation; (2) to simulate auroral-arc formation processes by configuring the boundary conditions of the experimental chamber and plasma parameters to produce highly localized return currents at the end of a field-aligned current system; and (3) to extrapolate these results, using theoretical and computational techniques, to the problem of magnetospheric-ionospheric coupling and to compare them with published literature signatures of auroral-arc phenomena.

  14. Quantitative analysis of seizure frequency 1 week and 6, 12, and 24 months after surgery of epilepsy.

    PubMed

    Lüders, H; Murphy, D; Awad, I; Wyllie, E; Dinner, D S; Morris, H H; Rothner, A D

    1994-01-01

    We made quantitative analysis of seizure frequency 1 week and 6, 12, and 24 months after seizure surgery. Seizure recurrence was significantly higher when seizures occurred in the first postoperative week. Seizure recurrence increased progressively with longer follow-ups, but the 6 month postoperative follow-up period was an excellent index of long-term outcome. In operative follow-up studies, seizure frequency should be reported at fixed follow-up periods, e.g., at 6 months and 1, 2, 5, and 10 years. Meaningful comparison of outcomes between different studies is possible only when reports include outcome at fixed postoperative follow-up periods (as opposed to ranges of follow-up periods).

  15. Postgraduate education in laboratory medicine and certification/re-certification of clinical pathologists in Taiwan.

    PubMed

    Sun, Chien-Feng

    2004-04-01

    The Taiwan Society of Clinical Pathologists (TSCP) plays a central role in postgraduate education of laboratory medicine and the certification/re-certification of clinical pathologists in Taiwan. For the certification of clinical pathologists, TSCP establishes "Guidelines and Scope of Resident Training" and "Standards for Training Hospitals in Clinical Pathology(CP)", administers board examinations, and issues board certifications/re-certifications. There are two types of CP resident training programs, including a straight CP program with 3 years of CP training for a CP certificate and a combined program with 3 years of Anatomic Pathology training and 2 years of CP training for both the CP and AP certificates. The core curriculum for CP training includes: (1) Clinical Chemistry (at least 4 months), (2) Clinical Microscope with Parasitology (at least 3 months), (3) Clinical Hematology (at least 4 months), and (4) Clinical Microbiology with Clinical Virology (at least 4 months), (5) Immunohematology and Blood Banking (Transfusion Medicine) (at least 3 months), (6) Clinical Serology and Immunology(at least 4 months), and (7) Laboratory Management (at least 2 months). The curriculum for third-year training is not specified and may be in any field. In recent years, the board examination has emphasized the topics of Molecular Biology and Laboratory Informatics. The TSCP has also established an accreditation and inspection program for the CP resident raining hospitals. Each accredited CP training hospital is required to have a detailed teaching protocol of CP training. Quotas are assigned according to the available CPs of the accredited hospitals. The accreditation period is 3 years. Through sponsoring scientific and educational programs, the TSCP offers credit hours of education in laboratory medicine, which are required for re-certification of CPs in Taiwan. The members of the TSCP meet at least twice a year for scientific presentations and seminars. In addition, two to

  16. Variability in monthly serum bicarbonate measures in hemodialysis patients: a cohort study.

    PubMed

    Patel, Ravi; Paredes, William; Hall, Charles B; Nader, Mark A; Sapkota, Deepak; Folkert, Vaughn W; Abramowitz, Matthew K

    2015-12-21

    Some nephrologists have advocated an individualized approach to the prescription of bicarbonate hemodialysis. However, the utility of monthly serum bicarbonate levels for guiding and evaluating such treatment decisions has not been evaluated. We sought to define the variability of these measurements and to determine factors that are associated with month-to-month variability in pre-dialysis serum bicarbonate. We examined the monthly variability in serum bicarbonate measurements among 181 hemodialysis patients admitted to a free-standing dialysis unit in the Bronx, NY from 1/1/2008-6/30/2012. All patients were treated with a uniform bicarbonate dialysis prescription (bicarbonate 35 mEq/L, acetate 8 mEq/L). Pre-dialysis serum bicarbonate values were obtained from monthly laboratory reports. Month-to-month variability was defined using a rolling measurement for each time point. Only 34 % of high serum bicarbonate values (>26 mEq/L) remained high in the subsequent month, whereas 60 % converted to normal (22-26 mEq/L). Of all low values (<22 mEq/L), 41 % were normal the following month, while 58 % remained low. Using the mean 3-month bicarbonate, only 29 % of high values remained high in the next 3-month period. In multivariable-adjusted longitudinal models, both low and high serum bicarbonate values were associated with greater variability than were normal values (β = 0.12 (95 % CI 0.09-0.15) and 0.24 (0.18 to 0.29) respectively). Variability decreased with time, and was significantly associated with age, phosphate binder use, serum creatinine, potassium, and normalized protein catabolic rate. Monthly pre-dialysis serum bicarbonate levels are highly variable. Even if a clinician takes no action, approximately 50 % of bicarbonate values outside a normal range of 22-26 mEq/L will return to normal in the subsequent month. The decision to change the bicarbonate dialysis prescription should not be based on a single bicarbonate value, and even a 3-month

  17. Initiation and progression of physical activity after laparoscopic and open gastric bypass surgery.

    PubMed

    Evans, Ronald K; Bond, Dale S; Demaria, Eric J; Wolfe, Luke G; Meador, Jill G; Kellum, John M

    2004-12-01

    This study compared postoperative physical activity participation among patients who underwent laparoscopic (LGBS) or open gastric bypass surgery (OGBS). Postoperative physical activity participation is considered important for achieving optimal weight loss and maintenance after gastric bypass surgery. However, no study has examined the relationship between surgery type and postoperative physical activity. Minimal invasiveness and reduced recovery time associated with LGBS compared with OGBS may permit earlier initiation and faster progression of postsurgical physical activity and potentially contribute to greater long-term adherence rates. Self-reported physical activity participation and aerobic physical activity hours per week at 2-weeks, 3-months, and 6-months postsurgery were assessed among LGBS and OGBS patients (presurgical body mass index of 35 to 70 kg/m(2)) at a university hospital from 1988-2002. Of the 2,235 patients, 531 (24%) and 1704 (76%) underwent LGBS and OGBS, respectively. A greater proportion of LGBS patients reported physical activity participation at each time point compared with OGBS patients (2 week, 76% vs 62%; 3 months, 84% vs 74%; 6 months, 85% vs 76%). Furthermore, LGBS patients reported a significantly greater physical activity duration at 2-weeks postsurgery compared with OGBS patients. A nonsignificant trend toward greater physical activity duration was observed in the LGBS patients at 3 months, whereas 6-month physical activity duration was similar between groups. LGBS, compared with OGBS, may promote earlier onset, progression, and maintenance of physical activity until 6 months postsurgery. Future studies need to prospectively determine whether LGBS, via facilitation of greater engagement in postsurgical physical activity, contributes to more successful weight loss and weight maintenance compared with OGBS.

  18. Tofacitinib (CP-690,550) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis receiving methotrexate: twelve-month data from a twenty-four-month phase III randomized radiographic study.

    PubMed

    van der Heijde, Désirée; Tanaka, Yoshiya; Fleischmann, Roy; Keystone, Edward; Kremer, Joel; Zerbini, Cristiano; Cardiel, Mario H; Cohen, Stanley; Nash, Peter; Song, Yeong-Wook; Tegzová, Dana; Wyman, Bradley T; Gruben, David; Benda, Birgitta; Wallenstein, Gene; Krishnaswami, Sriram; Zwillich, Samuel H; Bradley, John D; Connell, Carol A

    2013-03-01

    The purpose of this 24-month phase III study was to examine structural preservation with tofacitinib in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) with an inadequate response to methotrexate (MTX). Data from a planned 12-month interim analysis are reported. In this double-blind, parallel-group, placebo-controlled study, patients receiving background MTX were randomized 4:4:1:1 to tofacitinib at 5 mg twice daily, tofacitinib at 10 mg twice daily, placebo to tofacitinib at 5 mg twice daily, and placebo to tofacitinib at 10 mg twice daily. At month 3, nonresponder placebo-treated patients were advanced in a blinded manner to receive tofacitinib as indicated above; remaining placebo-treated patients were advanced at 6 months. Four primary efficacy end points were all analyzed in a step-down procedure. At month 6, response rates according to the American College of Rheumatology 20% improvement criteria for tofacitinib at 5 mg and 10 mg twice daily were higher than those for placebo (51.5% and 61.8%, respectively, versus 25.3%; both P < 0.0001). At month 6, least squares mean (LSM) changes in total modified Sharp/van der Heijde score for tofacitinib at 5 mg and 10 mg twice daily were 0.12 and 0.06, respectively, versus 0.47 for placebo (P = 0.0792 and P ≤ 0.05, respectively). At month 3, LSM changes in the Health Assessment Questionnaire disability index score for tofacitinib at 5 mg and 10 mg twice daily were -0.40 (significance not declared due to step-down procedure) and -0.54 (P < 0.0001), respectively, versus -0.15 for placebo. At month 6, rates of remission (defined as a value <2.6 for the 4-variable Disease Activity Score in 28 joints using the erythrocyte sedimentation rate) for tofacitinib at 5 mg and 10 mg twice daily were 7.2% (significance not declared due to step-down procedure) and 16.0% (P < 0.0001), respectively, versus 1.6% for placebo. The safety profile was consistent with findings in previous studies. Data from this 12-month interim analysis

  19. [The 1, 2, 3 of laboratory animal experimentation].

    PubMed

    Romero-Fernandez, Wilber; Batista-Castro, Zenia; De Lucca, Marisel; Ruano, Ana; García-Barceló, María; Rivera-Cervantes, Marta; García-Rodríguez, Julio; Sánchez-Mateos, Soledad

    2016-06-01

    The slow scientific development in Latin America in recent decades has delayed the incorporation of laboratory animal experimentation; however, this situation has started to change. Today, extraordinary scientific progress is evident, which has promoted the introduction and increased use of laboratory animals as an important tool for the advancement of biomedical sciences. In the aftermath of this boom, the need to provide the scientific community with training and guidance in all aspects related to animal experimentation has arisen. It is the responsibility of each country to regulate this practice, for both bioethical and legal reasons, to ensure consideration of the animals' rights and welfare. The following manuscript is the result of papers presented at the International Workshop on Laboratory Animal Testing held at the Technical University of Ambato, Ecuador; it contains information regarding the current state of affairs in laboratory animal testing and emphasizes critical aspects such as main species used, ethical and legal principles, and experimental and alternative designs for animal use. These works aim to ensure good practices that should define scientific work. This document will be relevant to both researchers who aim to newly incorporate animal testing into their research and those who seek to update their knowledge.

  20. The latest progress in sugarcane molecular genetics research at the USDA-ARS, Sugarcane Research Laboratory

    USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

    In 2005, two sugar molecular genetics tools were developed in the USDA-ARS, Southeast Area, Sugarcane Research Laboratory at Houma, LA. One is the high throughput fluorescence- and capillary electrophoregrams (CE)-based SSR genotyping tool and the other is single pollen collection and SSR genotyping...